Sangrur police order probe into youth’s custodial torture allegations

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Say custody was preventive; medical records, statements to be examined

Sangrur, September 5

The Sangrur police have ordered an inquiry into allegations of torture during the detention of Mohanjit Singh, who was taken into custody after allegedly displaying a black flag and raising slogans during Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s ‘Lok Milni’ programme in Sheron village.

Addressing a press conference, police officials said Singh’s detention was a precautionary measure to prevent any possible confrontation in the village. They added that around eight cases under serious sections of law had previously been registered against him.

Responding to the allegations of torture during custody, officials said Singh was taken for a medical examination before being produced before the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), and no fresh injury marks were found on his body at that stage.

According to the police, Singh underwent two dope tests, both of which returned positive. He was later handed over to his family from the SDM court on the responsibility of the village panchayat.

Singh was subsequently admitted to a civil hospital, where injuries were recorded in the medico-legal report (MLR). Police officials claimed that discrepancies had emerged between the timing of the injuries mentioned in the MLR and the statements recorded in the matter.

The police further said the X-ray and CT scan reports were normal and no scratch marks were detected on Singh’s head or face.

Meanwhile, Sangrur SSP Ravjot Grewal said the responsibility for conducting an impartial and detailed inquiry had been assigned to the SP (Headquarters). The police said the medical records and statements would be examined and appropriate action would be taken if any negligence or wrongdoing by an officer was established.