SC seeks particulars of 183 encounters from UP govt, expresses concern over rise in instances
4 min readExpress News Service
NEW DELHI: India’s prime courtroom on Friday directed the Uttar Pradesh authorities to submit an affidavit detailing the trial and investigation statuses associated to the 183 encounters which have occurred within the state since 2017. The courtroom, listening to pleas in search of the structure of a fee chaired by a retired SC decide to inquire into the police custody deaths of gangster Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf on April 15, 2023, mentioned the scope of the matter prolonged past the case.
Expressing issues over the rising cases of police encounters and custodial deaths, not solely in Uttar Pradesh but additionally in different states, a bench led by Justice SR Bhat emphasised the need of building a useful mechanism to watch the progress of investigations.
“We require information about the accused, trial stage, and adherence to NHRC guidelines. Why these incidents occur within prison walls is a question. There appears to be a connection. We must sever this link. What is the investigation status? What charges are being pursued? This trend extends beyond one state. Clarify NHRC guidelines. Describe the state’s position and its application in other trials,” requested Justice Bhat.
“We have commissions and Special Investigation Teams (SIT). PUCL guidelines are also at our disposal. Numerous cases have risen. Is there an established procedure? How is the prosecution progressing? We want this as a reference point. Similar incidents have occurred in other states. How have they been dealt with?” he requested.
Justice Aravind Kumar, additionally part of the bench, requested, “How was the information obtained? This is crucial. Can a group of 5-10 guards be easily overpowered for a shooting? Is this plausible? There is likely complicity. It is not solely the leader’s fault.”
Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the UP authorities, apprised the courtroom in regards to the formation of SITs and inquiry commissions, highlighting the state’s immediate response.
Senior Advocate Siddhartha Dave, representing Atiq’s sister, mentioned, “Two commissions were established, one led by Justice Bhonsale and the other by Rajiv Lochan. These separate inquiry commissions might yield varying conclusions. Uttar Pradesh might need to clarify its alignment with NHRC guidelines.”
READ MORE:
NEW DELHI: India’s prime courtroom on Friday directed the Uttar Pradesh authorities to submit an affidavit detailing the trial and investigation statuses associated to the 183 encounters which have occurred within the state since 2017. The courtroom, listening to pleas in search of the structure of a fee chaired by a retired SC decide to inquire into the police custody deaths of gangster Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf on April 15, 2023, mentioned the scope of the matter prolonged past the case.
Expressing issues over the rising cases of police encounters and custodial deaths, not solely in Uttar Pradesh but additionally in different states, a bench led by Justice SR Bhat emphasised the need of building a useful mechanism to watch the progress of investigations.
“We require information about the accused, trial stage, and adherence to NHRC guidelines. Why these incidents occur within prison walls is a question. There appears to be a connection. We must sever this link. What is the investigation status? What charges are being pursued? This trend extends beyond one state. Clarify NHRC guidelines. Describe the state’s position and its application in other trials,” requested Justice Bhat.googletag.cmd.push(operate() googletag.show(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); );
“We have commissions and Special Investigation Teams (SIT). PUCL guidelines are also at our disposal. Numerous cases have risen. Is there an established procedure? How is the prosecution progressing? We want this as a reference point. Similar incidents have occurred in other states. How have they been dealt with?” he requested.
Justice Aravind Kumar, additionally part of the bench, requested, “How was the information obtained? This is crucial. Can a group of 5-10 guards be easily overpowered for a shooting? Is this plausible? There is likely complicity. It is not solely the leader’s fault.”
Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the UP authorities, apprised the courtroom in regards to the formation of SITs and inquiry commissions, highlighting the state’s immediate response.
Senior Advocate Siddhartha Dave, representing Atiq’s sister, mentioned, “Two commissions were established, one led by Justice Bhonsale and the other by Rajiv Lochan. These separate inquiry commissions might yield varying conclusions. Uttar Pradesh might need to clarify its alignment with NHRC guidelines.”
READ MORE:
2009 Imphal ‘encounter’: 9 cops acquitted for lack of proof
Gujarat HC acquits final cop accused in 2003 Sadiq Jamal encounter case
Gujarat noticed 81 custodial deaths in final 5 years, highest in India
