Punjab cops in spot over ‘illegal’ custody
Arun Sharma
Tribune News Service
Ropar, December 29
The functioning of the district police has come under the scanner in an alleged case of illegal detention.
A warrant officer of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, during a raid at the CIA office on December 27, found that Rajbir Singh, husband of Pirthipur village sarpanch Ranjit Kaur, was detained “illegally”.
Recuperating at the Civil Hospital here, the victim alleged that he was detained for two days and subjected to third-degree torture by the CIA staff. He alleged that he was thrashed and given electric shocks.
High Court issues notice
- A warrant officer, during a raid at CIA office, found that Rajbir Singh was detained illegally
- The victim claimed he was thrashed by the police and given electric shocks
- The HC has issued a notice of motion for January 8 to the state and the Ropar SSP
Refuting the charge, SSP Akhil Chaudhary said: “Rajbir was called for questioning with regard to the death of his friend Surinder Bhalla whose body was found in Bhakra canal on October 1. Rajbir is our prime suspect.”
He claimed that there was a gap of more than two hours when he left the police station and took the medical test, which raised doubts over his claims. Besides, the injury marks did not suggest third degree torture, he added.
Ajinder Singh, SP, claimed after questioning, Rajbir was sent home and was told to appear again on December 27. Meanwhile, on a plea filed by Rajbir’s wife, the High Court has issued a notice of motion for January 8 to the state government and the Ropar SSP.
