MSHRC Orders FIR Against Pune Police Over Custodial Torture

The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) has ordered the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against senior Pune police officials for alleged custodial torture, illegal detention, and parading minors tied to a vehicle.

The MSHRC's full bench, comprising Chairman Justice A M Badar and members Sanjay Kumar and Swapna Joshi, directed the Maharashtra Director General of Police (DGP) to treat its fact-finding inquiry report as an FIR.

The preliminary fact-finding inquiry was conducted by a three-member committee, which uncovered details of horrific police brutality and systematic psychological torture. On July 21, personnel from the Bharti Vidyapeeth police station tied three minors detained in a murder case to the bonnet of a police vehicle using ropes fastened to the side mirrors.

These minors were publicly paraded from Ambegaon Pathar outpost to the police station while senior police inspector Mansingh Patil announced over a loudspeaker that they were suspects in a murder case. The parade exposed the terrified minors to mob violence, with relatives of the deceased attempting to assault them.

The inquiry further established that minors were subjected to severe custodial violence, including beatings with fibre batons and bamboo sticks. They were unlawfully detained in police lockups beyond the statutory limits between July 20 and July 24, before being presented to the Juvenile Justice Board.

The MSHRC noted that Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar was aware of the viral videos on the day of the incident but failed to take action. The commission recommended that the investigation be entrusted to an officer of the rank of Additional Director General of Police or above.

The incident has raised concerns about the violation of human rights and the rule of law in the state. The MSHRC's order is a significant step towards ensuring accountability and justice for the victims of custodial torture.

The Maharashtra government has been criticized for its handling of human rights cases, and this incident has sparked outrage and demands for action against the responsible police officials.

In recent years, there have been several cases of custodial torture and police brutality in the state, highlighting the need for greater accountability and reforms within the police department.

The MSHRC's order is a welcome step towards addressing these concerns and ensuring that those responsible for human rights violations are held accountable.

The incident has also raised questions about the safety and well-being of minors in conflict with the law, and the need for greater protection and support for them.

The Maharashtra government must take immediate action to address these concerns and ensure that the police department is held accountable for its actions.

The MSHRC's order is a significant step towards ensuring justice and accountability for the victims of custodial torture, and it is hoped that it will lead to greater reforms and changes within the police department.

The incident is a reminder of the need for greater vigilance and oversight to prevent human rights violations and ensure that the police department upholds the law and protects the rights of all citizens.