Amritsar, February 7
Two farmers who were subjected to ‘third degree’ torture during their ‘illegal custody’ at Tarn Taran, CIA staff, were got released by a warrant officer appointed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Narrating their tale of woe, here today, both farmers — Mr Arsal Singh and Mr Sukhdev Singh — both ‘arhtiyas’ (commission agents) loyal to the Communist Party of India, said that they were picked up by SHO Khemkaran, Hardip Singh, from Valtoha though it was not his jurisdiction on the night of February 3 on the pretext that they were wanted in an opium case. They were got released on February 5 by the warrant officer.
Both victims alleged that they were given electric shocks and heavy iron rods were rolled on their thighs in their custody. They alleged that they were tortured at the behest of some senior Congress leaders who wanted to settle political scores with CPI leaders especially in Valtoha constituency. They alleged that during the torture they would become unconscious but no medicine was given to them. They further alleged that there were more persons in the “illegal custody” and they were witness to the inhuman torture meted out to them too.
In a joint written statement issued by Mr Balwinder Singh Dodhala acting secretary district CPI unit and Mr Kulwinder Singh Valtoha, assistant secretary of the party alleged that the Capt Amarinder Singh government had given “free hand” to the police for indulging in gross violation of human rights. They said the SHO should be taken to task and criminal case registered against him.
The victims showed official letter of the Assistant Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Patti, addressed last year for the cancellation of a case which was inadvertently registered against one of the victims, but in vain.
The CPI leaders said that the high court had summoned the Home Secretary Punjab, district police chief Tarn Taran and SHO Khemkaran to appear on March 21 in connection with the illegal custody and inhuman torture meted out to the two farmers.
Mr Narinder Bhargav, SSP Tarn Taran said that both farmers had been got released he, however, did not comment on the issue.
