CPM calls for action in custodial torture case

 

The CPM women's wing, the All India Democratic Women's Federation (AIDWA), passed a resolution seeking a fair inquiry into the custodial torture. They asked the government to provide care and protection to the family of Chitra (name changed) and support speedy disposal of the case in the Madras high court.

 

Their statement comes in response to a recent petition filed by Chitra's daughter Rajakumari with the high court about violence in custody. In his statement, CPM state secretary G. Ramakrishnan said the physical and sexual abuse meted out to Chitra by the Udumalpet police was highly condemnable. 

 

"Rajakumari complained that policemen hung her mother upside down naked and beat her severely to make her accept the murder charge. They inserted pins into her nails and forced a lathi into her private parts.

 

The Supreme Court has laid down guidelines on conducting inquiries and handling suspects. All seven policemen of Udumalpet station have violated all these guidelines and their inquiry was a sheer violation against human rights," Mr Ramakrishnan said.

 

According to AIDWA state general secretary P. Suganthi, the intervention of the state human rights commission (SHRC) and the state women's commission (SWC) was necessary in Chitra's case. 

 

"Rajakumari has said Chitra was assaulted in the police station day and night for three days. Justice Ramasubramanian, who heard the petition and conducted in camera proceedings with Chitra, referred her for medical assistance. It is high time the SHRC and SWC took up the issue and worked for Chitra's welfare," she said.