Shillong: A 19-year-old youth has alleged severe custodial abuse at the Sohra Police Station in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district, including claims that he was beaten and forced to drink water from a toilet.
The incident, which reportedly took place on July 3, has triggered outrage and prompted an official police inquiry.
According to a complaint filed by the victim’s mother, Mildred Jyrwa, her son Getwin sustained serious injuries while in police custody.
She told authorities that she had accompanied him to the station after officers came to their home in connection with a recent brawl involving her son and another youth.
“In just a few hours, he emerged from the police station with visible injuries,” Jyrwa stated in her FIR submitted to Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem.
She immediately took her son to the Sohra Community Health Centre, from where he was referred to Shillong Civil Hospital, where he remains under medical care.
Jyrwa has accused police of violating her son’s human rights and said that he was subjected to “third-degree torture” instead of being processed through lawful means.
Speaking from the hospital, Getwin recounted his ordeal, alleging that officers assaulted him after taking him into custody.
“I was thrown into the lock-up and denied water. When I asked, they forced me to drink from the toilet,” he said.
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The Meghalaya Police have taken note of the allegations and initiated an investigation. Director General of Police Idashisha Nongrang confirmed that Pynursla SDPO B. Wanswet has been appointed to lead the inquiry.
“Once all facts are thoroughly verified, appropriate action will be taken against anyone found responsible,” SP Vivek Syiem said.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organisations and civil society groups, who are demanding transparency and accountability in the investigation.
They have called for immediate action to uphold the rights and dignity of individuals in police custody.
