Black Flag Protest Case: NHRC Orders Probe Into Alleged Police Torture in Punjab

New Delhi, September 7 : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognizance of a complaint alleging custodial assault and torture by Punjab Police personnel against a youth and members of his family. The complaint was filed by Rajya Sabha MP Tarun Chugh and concerns an incident involving a protest during Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s programme in Sangrur district.

 

According to the complaint, the youth, identified as Mohanjit Singh of Sheron village, was protesting against the drug problem in Punjab during the Chief Minister’s “Lok Milni” programme on September 2. He allegedly displayed a black flag from a rooftop as a mark of protest and was subsequently taken into police custody.

 

Mohanjit later alleged that he was tortured while in custody. His allegations include physical assault and the use of electric shocks. He has also alleged that police personnel disrespected his religious symbols. His family members have also reportedly levelled allegations against the police.

 

 

The allegations have led to a political controversy in Punjab, with opposition parties and Sikh religious leaders demanding action against the police personnel allegedly involved.

 

The NHRC Bench, headed by Member Priyank Kanoongo, has now directed senior Punjab officials to conduct an immediate inquiry into the allegations. The Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Sangrur Superintendent of Police and Sangrur District Magistrate have been asked to submit a point-wise Action Taken Report within two weeks.

 

The Commission has also ordered an immediate medico-legal examination of Mohanjit. It has directed authorities to preserve the complete and unedited CCTV footage from the police premises concerned and submit an authenticated copy in a pen drive.

 

 

 

Officials have further been asked to provide the FIR, custody records and details of all police personnel involved in the detention and interrogation of the youth. A separate report has also been sought on the allegations concerning his family members.

 

Punjab Police, however, have denied the allegations of custodial torture. Police officials said Mohanjit was detained as a preventive security measure after his actions were considered a possible security threat during the Chief Minister’s visit.

 

Sangrur Rural DSP Dalbir Singh said preventive action was taken under Sections 126 and 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Police also claimed that several criminal cases, including cases under Sections 307 and 395 and provisions of the Arms Act, were registered against Mohanjit.

 

 

Police said Mohanjit also tested positive for drugs during preventive detention. The allegations of torture will now be examined through an inquiry by a senior police officer from another Sangrur subdivision.

 

The controversy has also drawn criticism from Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal. Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira visited Mohanjit in hospital, while SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal and Punjab Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa approached the NHRC seeking an investigation.