SrinagarInmates tripped off naked and then subjected to torture in Central Jail Kot Bhalwal Jammu akin to infamous Abu Gharib prison of United States has evoked strong disapproval by State Human Rights Commission which has underscored need for dealing such glaring human rights violation with heavy hands.
Prima-facie, I am satisfied that this act of the jail authorities is glaring violation of human rights and is required to be dealt with heavy hands, hence cognizance is necessitated, said a member of the SHRC, Jang Bahadur Singh Jamwal, while taking cognizance of a report in Jammu-based newspaper under headline Kot Balwal jail turns Abu Gharib prison. The report highlighted that one under-trial prisoner was stripped off naked and subjected to physical torture in Central Jail Kot Bhalwal Jammu .
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, the commission said.
The news reported also highlights that such like incidents were common with inmates in the central jail and they are subjected to torture, abuses to create a fear amongst them.
The Commission 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.
Before proceeding in the case and before visiting the jail in-person anytime, the SHRC member said it will be 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 were 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.
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