Punjab Police Order Probe Into Alleged Custodial Torture of Youth Who Displayed Black Flag at CM Mann’s Event
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Sangrur, September 5: Punjab Police have ordered an inquiry into allegations of custodial torture levelled by a youth who was detained after allegedly displaying a black flag from a rooftop during Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s programme in Sheron village of Sunam, Sangrur, on September 2.
Mohanjit Singh, a resident of Sheron village, allegedly displayed the black flag to protest against the state's drug menace. He later alleged that he was subjected to torture while in police custody, including electric shocks and physical assault. He also accused police personnel of disrespecting his religious symbols.
The allegations have triggered a political controversy in Punjab, with opposition parties and Sikh religious leadership demanding action against the police personnel allegedly involved.
Punjab Police have denied Mohanjit's allegations, claiming that he was detained as a preventive security measure because he attempted to disrupt an official programme.
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Sangrur (Rural) DSP Dalbir Singh said Mohanjit was detained because his actions posed a potential security threat during the Chief Minister's visit. Police also claimed that he has several criminal cases registered against him, including cases under Sections 307 and 395 and provisions of the Arms Act.
According to the police, preventive action was taken against him under Sections 126 and 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Police further stated that Mohanjit tested positive for drugs while in preventive detention.
SSP Ravjot Kaur and Sunam DSP Harwinder Singh Khaira could not be reached for their comments despite repeated attempts.
DSP Dalbir Singh said the allegations would be investigated by a senior police officer from another Sangrur subdivision to ensure an inquiry into the matter.
“I was being tortured. I was subjected to electric shocks. Hair was plucked from my beard. I suffered cuts from blades on my thighs, and salt was rubbed into the wounds.”
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Shocking details by a young man who says he was detained after protesting against AAP Punjab CM Bhagwant…
“Based on the report and statements, strict legal action will be initiated against whoever is found guilty,” he said.
The inquiry is expected to examine Mohanjit's allegations as well as the circumstances surrounding his detention and treatment in custody.
The incident has sparked a political confrontation, with the Shiromani Akali Dal and Congress accusing the Aam Aadmi Party government of suppressing dissent.
Akal Takht acting Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj also criticised the alleged treatment of Mohanjit. Addressing the Miri-Piri Khalsa March at Gurdwara Sri Bhattha Sahib in Ropar on Friday, he said displaying a black flag was a legitimate democratic right.
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Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira visited Mohanjit in hospital and demanded action against those allegedly responsible for the custodial assault. He also appealed to political parties and members of the public to organise a protest march from the location where the black flag was reportedly displayed.
Punjab Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa and Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal have approached the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), seeking an inquiry into the alleged custodial torture.