Custodial Torture of An Elected Representative Is a Serious Crime: HC on IPS Officer Sunil Kumar's Bail Plea

The Andhra Pradesh High Court opined that anticipatory bail should not become protective to an IPS officer facing serious allegations of custodial torture of an MP. The court made this statement during the hearing of IPS officer
M. Sunil Kumar Naik's petition seeking anticipatory bail on Thursday. It would be better if the IPS officer can take a decision whether to seek an anticipatory bail or surrender to the police. After taking a decision in the matter, he can attend the court.

During the hearing, the court made some serious comments and asked when would he surrender. The court also made it clear that in a democratic system, custodial torture of an elected representative is a serious offence.

The High Court said there was not much difference between those who attacked the Parliament and one who tortured an elected representative in custody. A senior IPS officer has the responsibility to restrain himself from such offences. IPS officer Sunil Kumar Naik knew that he was about to torture an MP beforehand. It is clearly evident that Naik played a prominent role in the case either directly or indirectly, the court pointed out and suggested that it would be good if he could surrender himself before the police.

Naik's counsel replied that he would inform his petitioner's decision to the court and also present their arguments after considering all the issues in the case.

In the wake of the above discussion, the court did not take any decision on the bail but posted the case for further hearing to Friday.