The Haryana Human Rights Commission has taken cognisance of a complaint filed by businessman Tarun Chhabra, who alleges serious human rights violations by officials of the Government Railway Police (GRP) in Ambala Cantonment. The commission has recommended a high-level inquiry into the allegations of illegal detention, custodial torture, extortion, criminal intimidation, and abuse of official authority.
Allegations of Illegal Detention and Torture
According to the complaint submitted to the commission, Tarun Chhabra is engaged in the marketing and supply of silver articles and frequently travels between Delhi and Punjab. On June 20, he was summoned by GRP officials for an inquiry related to a theft of gold that occurred in another coach of the train he was travelling on. Despite the absence of any FIR, complaint, or incriminating evidence against him, Chhabra claims he was illegally detained.
The complainant further alleges that during his detention, he was subjected to third-degree torture, physically assaulted, stripped naked, and videotaped. He was threatened with false implication unless he paid an illegal amount of Rs 10 lakh. His mother was not permitted to meet him, and his mobile phone was retained by the police without lawful authority. Chhabra stated that he had to undergo medical treatment at Government Hospital, Bathinda, for the injuries sustained during the incident.
Commission's Directive for High-Level Inquiry
In his order, the Chairperson of the Haryana Human Rights Commission, Justice Lalit Batra, noted that if the allegations are proven true, the matter constitutes a serious case of custodial violence, illegal detention, abuse of police powers, extortion, and violation of an individual's dignity. The Commission emphasized that such allegations require a prompt, impartial, and effective inquiry.
The Commission has directed the Director General of Police, Haryana, to ensure that the inquiry is conducted by an officer not below the rank of Inspector General of Police. The inquiry must specifically examine the allegations of illegal detention, custodial torture, threats, and coercion, and must verify and preserve the CCTV footage of the Police Station from June 20.
Action Taken Report and Next Hearing
If the allegations are found to be true, the Commission directed that responsibility be fixed on the concerned police officials. An Action Taken Report, along with the findings of the inquiry, must be submitted at least one week prior to the next date of hearing before the Commission. The HHRC's Assistant Registrar, Dr. Puneet Arora, stated that the Commission has also directed the SP Railways and the SHO of GRP Ambala Cantonment to preserve the CCTV footage and produce it before the Commission prior to the next hearing. The matter is scheduled to be taken up by the commission on August 27.
