BJP MP accuses Punjab Police of custodial torture of Sikh youth
BJP’s Rajya Sabha MP Tarun Chugh on Friday urged the National Human Rights Commission to take suo motu cognisance of the alleged custodial torture of a Sikh youth, who waved a black flag at a programme of the Punjab chief minister.
Chugh requested the human rights body to send an independent fact-finding team to the village where the incident took place and the police station concerned, and direct registration of an FIR against the officers involved, including the deputy superintendent of police.
He also sought high-level security and medical assistance for the victim and his family, alleging that they face serious threats from the State machinery.
In a letter to National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) member Priyank Kanoongo, Chugh, who is also the BJP national headquarters in-charge, alleged that a local youth, Mohanjeet Singh, was arrested and subjected to brutal custodial torture after he waved a black flag at Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s programme in Sheron village on September 2 to protest against the AAP Government’s handling of drug menace.
Singh was subjected to brutality “reminiscent of medieval-era torture”, Chugh said, adding that he was stripped naked and beaten in custody.
The youth’s thighs were cut with a blade, salt was rubbed onto his bleeding wounds, and he was subjected to repeated electric shocks, the MP claimed.
“I am writing to urgently and immediately draw your attention to a deeply disturbing and horrific incident of alleged State-sponsored custodial torture in Punjab, which has completely shaken the conscience of our democratic society,” Chugh wrote.
“The brutal treatment allegedly meted out to a young citizen by Punjab Police not only violates fundamental human rights but also represents a dark day for democracy and the rule of law in the state,” he added.
Quoting the youth’s revelation to the media, Chugh said that when the youngster was being stripped and assaulted, police officials made a video call.
“The officials allegedly showed the youth’s naked, bloodied, and agonised condition to the caller. If true, this would indicate the direct involvement and sadistic complicity of the highest executive office of the State machinery,” he said.
The BJP leader also alleged that police officials forcibly opened the youth’s “joora” (hair knot) and pulled his beard and hair, describing it as an attack on his Sikh identity and religious sentiments.
In addition to this, a DSP-rank officer tortured and humiliated the youth’s elderly mother and sister, the BJP leader said.
“We cannot allow our State to become a police State, where young people are subjected to torture and humiliation for raising their voice against drugs,” he said, demanding action.
