Chandigarh DM to probe allegations of torture in police custody

Chandigarh: A local court has directed the District Magistrate (DM) Chandigarh to conduct an independent inquiry in connection with the allegations of custodial torture made by Amar Singh, a resident of Kishangarh Village, Chandigarh. The court passed this order while granting his bail plea. The accused was arrested on June 18 on the basis of an FIR lodged at IT Park, Chandigarh Police Station under Sections 323, 341 and 506 of the IPC and Sections 25, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act. The court said in the bail order that except the offence under Sections 25, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act, all are bailable offences and recovery has already been made from the accused under the Arms Act. But when the accused was produced in the court, he alleged torture during police custody.

The court said that it is pertinent to mention here that injury marks were visible on the body of the accused and he also had a fracture in his right leg. In the matter of custodial torture, the Court has directed the concerned SMO to conduct a thorough medical examination of the accused and directed the District Magistrate to conduct an independent inquiry into the allegations of custodial torture. The Court said that the accused has visible injury marks on his body and he also has a fracture in one leg for which he needs better medical treatment. The Court further said that there is no purpose in keeping the accused behind bars as long time should be taken in filing the challan and conclusion of the trial, as his guilt is yet to be proved. In view of this, the present bail application of the accused is accepted subject to a bail bond of Rs. 50,000 and one surety of the same amount. The Court said that the accused has visible injury marks on his body and he has a fracture in his right leg. In the matter of custodial torture, the Court has directed the concerned SMO to conduct a thorough medical examination of the accused.