Srinagar: The State Human Rights Commission has taken suo-moto cognizance of a news report on stripping off naked of an under trial prisoner in Central Jail Kot Bhalwal Jammu akin to infamous Abu Gharib prison in United Nations and has asked government for a factual report within 30 days.
A member of the SHRC, Jang Bahadur Singh Jamwal, said that Supreme Court of India and the High Courts of the country in numerous judgements have held that the inmates of the jail have the same rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India as to the common man.
The newspaper reported under headline ‘Kot Balwal jail turns Abu Gharib prison’ that one under trial prisoner in Central Jail Kot Bhalwal Jammu was stripped off naked and subjected to physical torture.
It is further reported that such like incidents were common with inmates where they are subjected to torture, abuses to create a fear amongst the inmates. “
While taking “Suo-Moto” cognizance, the SHRC member observed that he was prima-facie satisfied that the act of the jail authorities was glaring violation of human rights and required to be dealt with heavy hands.
“Unfortunately despite the embargo laid down by various judicial pronouncements, the authorities ignore as they are unaware of it. They have to protect the honour and dignity of all the inmates of the jail.”
Jang Bahadur Singh Jamwal said that before proceeding in the case and before visiting the jail in-person “anytime”, it will be most appropriate that DGP J&K, DG Prisons J&K, and Superintendent Central Jail Kot Bhalwal Jammu was afforded an opportunity to submit the detailed report.
Accordingly a notice was issue to all of them and they have been asked to submit the factual picture of the incident. “Notice also be sent to Medical Officer of the Central Jail Kot Bhalwal Jammu to report whether he/she has examined and provided medical aid to the victim inmate of the jail,” the SHRC said and directed that the reports be submitted to within 30 days.
ADVERTISEMENT
