NHRC Directs Odisha DGP To Probe Custodial Torture

Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed Odisha’s Director General of Police (DGP) to investigate alleged illegal detention and torture of a man hailing from Raikia area in Kandhamal district.

The commission asked the DGP to probe the matter for fixing the responsibility and departmental action of an accused police officer for illegal detention and torture of one Suman Sahu of Raikia.

The NHRC also sought an action taken report within six weeks along with updated investigation report of Raikia police station, according to sources.

The rights panel issued the direction after hearing a petition filed by activist Rabindra Kumar Mishra alleging that staff of Gopalpur police station in Ganjam district had tortured Suman Sahu of Raikia in police custody in November, last year.

Sahu reportedly sustained injuries due to allegedly custodial torture and was admitted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur.

The commission also issued show cause notice issued to the Odisha government as to why it should not recommend a compensation of Rs 50,000 each to Suman and his wife.

Sources said a police team from Gopalpur had gone to Raikia in a private vehicle and forcibly whisked away one Sahu from his house. He was taken to Gopalpur police station and allegedly tortured there.