Two cops were suspended and an SHO attached to district police lines after a person died in police custody under mysterious circumstances in Jammu, according to the J&K police. The custodial death occurred on Jan 31 at Gandhi Nagar police station. The deceased, Sahil Saini of Kathua, had been arrested on Jan 30 and was on a four-day police remand as per the order of the 3 additional munsif court, Jammu, police said.
Police stated, As per standard protocol, the body has been shifted to Govt Medical College in Jammu. A request has been made for the constitution of a board of doctors to conduct the autopsy in the presence of an executive magistrate first class to determine the cause of death.
In order to ensure accountability and transparency in law enforcement operations, police have made a request for a magisterial enquiry.
The suspension of the two cops and the attachment of the SHO to district police lines highlight the seriousness with which the incident is being taken by the J&K police department.
Custodial deaths have been a matter of concern in the Indian criminal justice system. The police are expected to uphold the law and protect the citizens, and cases of custodial deaths raise questions about the misuse of power and violation of human rights.
The involvement of the additional munsif court adds another layer to the case. The court order granting the four-day police remand raises questions about the justification for such a prolonged custody and the extent of oversight exercised by the court.
The circumstances surrounding Sahil Saini’s death remain unclear, and the board of doctors conducting the autopsy will play a crucial role in determining the cause of death. This will be crucial in establishing accountability and ensuring justice for the deceased and his family.
The magisterial enquiry aims to investigate the actions of the police and ensure that proper procedures were followed during the custody of Sahil Saini. The investigation will shed light on any potential negligence, misconduct, or abuse of power by the police officers involved.
Custodial deaths not only erode public trust in law enforcement agencies but also undermine the credibility of the justice system. It is imperative that such incidents are thoroughly and impartially investigated, and those responsible are held accountable.
The J&K police’s swift action in suspending the two cops responsible and attaching the SHO to district police lines sends a message that custodial deaths will not be tolerated and that the department is committed to upholding justice and maintaining the public’s confidence.
As the investigation continues, all eyes will be on the autopsy report and the findings of the magisterial enquiry. The outcome of these processes will determine the course of action and the steps needed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Custodial deaths are a harsh reminder of the challenges faced by the criminal justice system in balancing the need for law enforcement with the protection of individual rights. The tragic death of Sahil Saini serves as a call for rigorous measures to ensure the safety and well-being of those in police custody.
The investigation into the Jammu custodial death will hopefully provide answers and pave the way for necessary reforms in the criminal justice system. The incident serves as a reminder that the protection of human rights should remain a fundamental pillar of law enforcement, and that those entrusted with upholding the law should be held to the highest standards of accountability and integrity.
