CHANDIGARH: the public interest litigation involving the alleged torture of Pawan Kumar a Shop-Keeper of Chhota Shimla by the Manimajra police In Marchi took a new tum with the appearance of the victim before the division bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court comprising Justice J.B. Gupta and Justice H.S. Brar here last week Pawan also filed an affidavit before the court furnishing additional information and Supporting the petition which was filed by Rakesh Gupta on the basis of an Indian Express news report Pawan who limped his way into the courtroom stated in his affidavit that he was allegedly tenured at Manimajra police station on March 14 after being picked up from Shimla by a police party of Manimajra the previous day He was allegedly administered electric shocks on cars and private parts and also seriously injured in one of his togs. The police had picked him for interrogation in connections ‘With the alleged theft and sale of a television and a VCR.
Navkiran Singh counsel for the petitioner reiterated that a CBT inquiry be conducted into the whole ‘Affair and the police officials concerned be suspended pending the enquiry. He stated before the court that the Victim was being pressured and even being offered money to change the statement in which he had alleged that he was tortured by the police.
Ashok Aggarwal who on behalf of the U.T. Administration and S.H .C. Of Manimajra slice Station informed the court that regular inquiry was being conducted by S.C. Abrol D.S.P. of path Police and a detailed reply would be filed after it has been completed. Atul Lakhanpal Who appeared on behalf of the victim argued that Pawan Kumar be admitted to the PGI Chandigarh and interim Compensation be allowed to him as his log injuries were worsening and he was not According to the treatment he was undergoing at Shimla The case has been adjourned forJune2 by court.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 17, 1994
