The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has ordered a high-level inquiry into allegations of illegal detention, custodial torture, extortion, criminal intimidation, and abuse of official authority by Government Railway Police (GRP) officials in Ambala Cantonment. The Commission, chaired by Justice Lalit Batra, deemed the allegations as extremely serious and directed the Director General of Police (DGP) of Haryana to ensure an impartial investigation by an officer not below the rank of Inspector General of Police (IGP).
Complaint Details
The complaint was filed by Tarun Chhabra, a trader in silver articles who frequently travels between Delhi and Punjab. According to the complaint, on June 20, GRP officials summoned Chhabra for questioning in connection with a theft of gold reported from another coach of the train he was traveling on. He alleged that despite the absence of any First Information Report (FIR), complaint, or incriminating evidence against him, he was illegally detained.
Chhabra further alleged that he was subjected to third-degree torture, physically assaulted, stripped naked, and videographed. The officials reportedly threatened to falsely implicate him unless he paid Rs 10 lakh. The Commission observed that if the allegations are proven true, they would constitute a serious case of custodial violence, illegal detention, abuse of police powers, extortion, and violation of an individual's dignity.
Commission's Directives
In his order, Justice Lalit Batra directed the DGP, Haryana, to conduct the inquiry through an officer not below the rank of IGP. The probe will examine all allegations, including illegal detention, custodial torture, threats, and coercion. Additionally, the Commission ordered the preservation and verification of CCTV footage from the GRP police station for June 20.
HHRC Assistant Registrar Dr. Puneet Arora stated that the Commission has also directed the Superintendent of Police, Railways, and the Station House Officer (SHO) of GRP Ambala Cantonment to preserve the CCTV footage and produce it before the Commission. The matter is scheduled to come up before the Full Commission on August 27.
Context and Implications
The case highlights concerns over police accountability and human rights protections in Haryana. The Commission's swift action underscores the seriousness of custodial violence allegations. The outcome of the inquiry will be closely watched as it may set a precedent for handling similar complaints against law enforcement agencies.
