NHRC issues notice to UP government on custodial death

New Delhi: Taking suo motu cognisance of media reports on the mysterious death of a rape victim's father in police custody in Unnao, the NHRC on Tuesday asked the Uttar Pradesh government to file a detailed report.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has said the allegations, if true, raise serious issue of violation of human rights of the victim's family.

The Commission has issued notice to the state's Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, calling for a detailed report in the matter, including action taken against the delinquent police officials, who refused to register an FIR.

It also expects from the DGP, an explanation for not communicating the custodial death to the Commission within 24 hours.

"All the reports, including health screening report of the deceased at the time of his admission in the jail and medical treatment provided by the jail authorities, are to be sent. They have been given four weeks to respond," the NHRC said.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Uttar Pradesh Police set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into a girl's accusations that she had been gang-raped by BJP legislator Kuldeep Singh Sengar and others and the subsequent death of her father in police custody.

The girl's father was being forced to withdraw the case against Sengar. Upon his refusal, he was picked up by police late on Sunday and was allegedly roughed up by Atul Singh and his aides while in custody.

Taken to the hospital with 18 wounds and gashes, abdominal pain and vomiting, he died soon after.

The incident triggered a political storm and public outrage in the state.