The Punjab State and Chandigarh (UT) Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of the suspicious death of a local resident at the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Lopoke earlier this year. The Commission has directed the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Amritsar (Rural), and the Civil Surgeon, Amritsar, to submit detailed status reports on the matter.
Complaint Filed by Brother Alleges Lack of Impartial Investigation
The Commission acted on a complaint filed by Parveen Kumar, the elder brother of the deceased, Vinod Kumar, who died under suspicious circumstances at the CHC on January 13, 2025. Parveen Kumar alleged that despite approaching various authorities, no independent or impartial investigation had been conducted into the circumstances surrounding his brother's death.
Observing that the allegations prima facie involved issues related to possible human rights violations, the Commission directed the SSP, Amritsar (Rural), to submit a comprehensive report at least one week before the next hearing scheduled for July 13, 2025, according to Parveen Kumar.
Commission Orders Re-investigation After Dissatisfaction with Initial Inquiry
The Commission also sought a fresh status report from the Civil Surgeon, Amritsar, after the complainant expressed dissatisfaction with the findings of an earlier inquiry. The Commission noted that an inquiry report had been submitted on May 19, 2025, and communicated to the complainant. However, fresh concerns raised by the family prompted the initiation of a re-investigation into the matter.
The Civil Surgeon has been directed to submit a detailed status report on the progress of the re-investigation at least one week before the next hearing, scheduled for August 31, 2025.
Human Rights Violations Alleged in Medical Custody Death
The case highlights ongoing concerns about accountability in public healthcare facilities in Punjab. The Human Rights Commission's intervention underscores the seriousness of alleged lapses in medical care and subsequent investigation. The family has been demanding justice, claiming that the initial probe was biased and failed to uncover the truth behind Vinod Kumar's death. The next hearings will determine further action based on the reports submitted by the police and health authorities.
