Junagadh ‘flogging’: Gujarat HC issues notice in petition alleging custodial violence

In their plea, two civil society organisations – Lok Adhikar Sangh and Minority Coordination Committee – have highlighted the alleged public flogging of several men on June 16 in Junagadh after violence broke out following demolition notices issued by the local civic body to five Islamic religious places.

The plea also highlights that four juveniles complained of custodial violence and torture in writing when they were produced before the magistrate court but these were withdrawn upon applications made by their parents after the police allegedly pressured them. Similarly, it has been alleged that six other adults arrested in connection with the FIR had also complained in writing before the magistrate court of “custodial violence, torture, beatings and failure to provide them with medical treatment” after being “seriously injured” on account of “police brutality”, but had subsequently withdrawn them, allegedly owing to police pressure.

Advocate Yagnik on Wednesday requested an earlier date of hearing, indicating the alleged police tactics of pressuring the accused to withdraw their complaints of custodial violence. Yagnik also added that he is not being provided with certified copies of the written complaints that were filed by the accused and were subsequently withdrawn, by Junagadh courts.

The Gujarat High Court bench, however, refused to pass any order to this effect and kept the matter for hearing on July 17.