NHRC notice to the Government of Uttar Pradesh over reported death of a Dalit man in police custody at Dhanora Mandi police station in Amroha (28.12.2018)

New Delhi, 28th December, 2018

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports that a 30 year old Dalit man died in police custody at Dhanora Mandi Police Station in Amroha district of Uttar Pradesh on the 26th December, 2018. He was arrested by the police in connection with a case of theft on the 23rd December, 2018. Reportedly, the family members have reportedly alleged that police personnel had asked for a bribe of Rs. 5 lakh to let him off which they could not give and after that the victim was brutally tortured.

The Commission has observed that the contents of media reports, if true, amount to gross violation of human rights of the victim. Accordingly, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director-General of Police, Government of Uttar Pradesh to submit a detailed report in the matter within four weeks along with explanation as to why intimation with regard to this death in police custody has not been given to the NHRC in pursuance of its guidelines on the subject. The report should also indicate whether any monetary and other relief has been provided to the family in accordance with the SC/ST (POA) Act and Rules.

According to the media reports,carried on the 27th December, 2018, the family members of the victim have alleged that he was picked up while they were returning home from a wedding. He was kept in the lock-up without any complaint and atrocities were allegedly committed on him. 11 police personnel, including the SHO of the Police Station concerned, have been placed under suspension.

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