SHLLONG: Altogether 12 persons have died in police custody in the state in the last five years, Home Minister Roshan Warjri informed the state Assembly on Thursday.
“Out of the 12 cases, seven people died in police custody by committing suicide,” Warjri said during Question Hour.
Giving the break up, she informed that three cases took place in 2009, one in 2010, five in 2013 and three in 2014 (so far).
The minister also revealed the names of the people who died in police custody. They are Yeangthin R Marak (suicide), Sngewlemmi Kharsati ( death sue to shock), Tony Peter Kharbithai (suicide), Dilip Dohkrud, Roy Symbli (suicide), Tapo A Marak, Naresh Koch (suicide), Kitbok Kassar (suicide) Dapahlan Salanki Rupon (suicide), Yonder Mawleiñ, Nalchand Ali (suicide) and Withson M Sangma ( post-mortem report yet to be received).
The Home Minister informed that the Government had instituted magisterial inquiry into all the 12 cases of suspected deaths.
While admitting that the high rate of suicide in police custody was a matter of concern, she assured that the Home (Police) department would try to go deep into the matter to find out the actual reasons which prompted people to commit suicide.
Earlier, James Sangma (NPP) questioned the reference of the Home Minister that some persons committed suicide by using pyjamas.
“How can the persons under custody use their pyjamas and commit suicide”, James asked
In reply, the Home Minister said that Government will inquire into the nature of deaths in police custody.
