Expressing concern over custodial deaths in the lock-ups and prisons, Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission (MPHRC) has recommended the State Government to change the design of jails and lockup rooms so that the under-trails can not use grill or hooks for committing suicide.
The MPHRC has directed the State Government to take action in the matter within two months.
The Commission in the recommendations pointed out that such grills should be installed in the lockups in which knots cannot be tied without cutting the grills and such grill metal should be purposely chosen which makes loud sound on being cut so that the policemen can hear the sound and prevent the prisoners from attempting suicide.
Meena Shakya, a resident of Sehore had complained to the MPHRC that police forcefully took her husband Hukumchand, used to run a shop at the railway station, to the police station from Sehore station. One hour later, she was informed that her husband has died. According to Meena, when Hukumchand’s body was handed over to her many signs of beating were present on his body. She had complained to the Sehore Collector, but didn’t get any help.
The Commission sought reply from the Sehore Superintendent of Police (SP) on which Sehore SP informed that arrest warrant was issued by the court against Hukumchand. He was formally arrested and was put in lockup. After around 90 minutes of duty change, the guards found Hukumchand hanging from lockup’s window grill. Hukumchand used the blanket as rope for hanging himself.
MPHRC took cognizance and recommended State Government to bring a change in the design of lockup rooms to avoid custodial deaths.