GUWAHATI: The Civil Society Women’s Organisation (CSWO) has expressed deep concern over the recent incidents of torture in custody by police often leading to deaths and other similar incidents of human rights violations in Garo Hills districts of Meghalaya.
In a communiqué sent to Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), the CSWO alleged that South Garo Hills Police tortured a youth named Tochang Sangma who was arrested on May 24 last and remanded in 10 days police custody at Chokpot, South Garo Hills.
He was then taken to Baghmara police station the following day. The CSWO claimed to have received information that the accused was beaten up mercilessly and was hospitalized as he sustained internal injuries. The accused suspected of having links with the militant group, United A’chik Liberation Army (UALA) was vomiting and urinating blood, the CSWO said.
Parents of Tochang have said that he is losing his memory due to torture by police and is unable to breathe properly.
Tochang, who is hospitalized in the Tura Civil hospital is still handcuffed and tied to his bed, CSWO said.
“This inhuman act of torture by police is continuing and the government is condoning torture which is a gross human rights violation and is highly condemned,” the CSWO said while demanding immediate action to restore the right to life and liberty of Tochang.
The CSWO also expressed concern at the frequent incidents of arrests on suspicion allegedly leading to torture, maiming and death of people who are “unlawfully detained” or picked up in the state.
The CSWO stated that it would file appeals to Meghalaya High Court requesting suo moto cognizance of human rights violations by the men in uniform and to call for a time bound CBI inquiry, so that the police force is made accountable.