Agartala: The Tripura Human Rights Commission on Friday took a suo moto complaint following the death of a 33-year-old man allegedly due to torture in police custody in South Tripura district on October 17.
The Commission directed the director general of police (DGP) to conduct an inquiry and submit a preliminary report within two weeks.
Five cops, including one sub-inspector, one constable and three special police officers (SPOs), have been suspended following his death.
“The allegation as appeared in the news items attract the violation of human rights, prima facie, and, therefore, provisional cognizance has been taken in the matter and the Commission is satisfied to direct the DGP, Tripura to inquire into the matter immediately and to submit an interim inquiry report within 15 ( fifteen) days pending detailed inquiry and detailed report”, said a letter by Tripura Human Rights Commission’s chairperson, Justice SC Das, and members BK Ray and U. Choudhuri on Friday.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said a magisterial probe has been ordered into the case.
“Saddened by the death of Badal Tripura (33) from Kaladepa under Manubazar PS. Following a complaint of wrongdoing by certain officials, the sub-inspector concerned, and the constable of Manubazar PS have been suspended. Further, instructions have been given for the magisterial enquiry. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family”, he said in a social media post.
Badal Tripura, a resident of Kaladepa in South Tripura district, passed away on Thursday following allegations of police brutality. He and Chiranjit Tripura, 35, were taken into custody on October 13 for allegedly causing disturbances in an intoxicated condition but were released the following day.
Upon release, Badal’s health deteriorated, and he was taken to Manubazar Primary Health Center. He was subsequently transferred to Santirbazar Hospital on October 14 and then to Govind Ballabh Pant (GBP) Hospital in Agartala the following day. Unfortunately, he passed away at his home after being discharged from the hospital.
Enraged by Badal’s death, his family members carried his body to Manubazar police station and staged a protest, demanding the arrest of the police officers they accused of torturing him during his detention.
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A senior police official from Police Headquarters said that a case had been registered at Manubazar police station and that the five cops, who had arrested them that day, had been detained after a complaint from the deceased’s family.
