Probe ordered in ‘custodial torture’ case

Taking strong note of a case alleging torture in custody by the Punjab Police,the Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered an inquiry. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Augustine George Masih has directed the District and Sessions Judge (DSJ),Amritsar to conduct necessary inquiry and submit a report within eight weeks.

The directions were passed on a PIL filed by Lawyers for Human Right International through its Chairman,Advocate Navkiran Singh.

The petitioner alleged that one Kulwant Singh,under trial presently lodged in Amritsar Central Jail,was tortured by the Punjab Police in custody. Appearing on behalf of the victim,Advocate Navkiran Singh had demanded a judicial inquiry into the case.