Continuing of Arbitrary and Inhuman Behavior of Police

Kathmandu 08/014 Bhadra

Abhishek Jha

Terai Justice Center

A group of civil dressed police led by DSP Ashok Singh, from Mid-Western Region, yesterday took a cycle mechanic in their custody alleging him a smuggler of Brown Sugar. Mechanic Hariram Bahun of Ganaapur V.D.C, Ward No.7 was arrested taken under the police’s custody. He was brought to the police station and was misbehaved. He was bitten to pulp.

Victim reported that he was also deprived of the medical aid. In the absence of the aid, Bahun went unconscious. It has been reported that he is having difficulties in his movements. Because of the high physical torture, back of his body has swollen and has gone dark. 

Local police alleging him as the smuggler of brown sugar, have registered the case in the District Court. But still the victim argues that he is innocent and the police don’t have any evidence against him.

He was continuously tortured for a half an hour. Despite going through a hard torture, victim still stands on the statement that his profession is only a cycle repairer. He insists that his not ever involved in the illegal activities. Locals allege that the police, for the sake of their fake name and fame, has been illegally arresting and arbitrarily behaving the peoples.

A man with hard duty of repairing cycle form the early morning to late night, Bahun has been the only bread earning person for the six membered family. The incident not only have tormented the family, but also have made the circumstances so fearful for the locals.

The regional coordinator of Terai Human Rights Defenders Alliance (THRDA), Alam Khan visited the spot and documented the facts. In his different interviews with the victim, locals and the police, found the police to have behaved so cruelly and arbitrarily. He condemned the act of police and issued his statement to pressure the government to act immediately on the incident.

The Compensation Act of Nepal 2053 Section 3 sub-section 1 prohibits the police officials to act arbitrarily with any alleges who are under the police custody. The Section 4 of the same Act also insure the compensation for the victims who are misbehaved in the custody. Activist Alam khan reported that his organization is working on to insure compensation for the victim. The act of police have also violated the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, 1984.

The districts of Terai have been witnessing several similar cases. Documented reports of THRD Alliance shows the vulnerability of the incidents. Police officials of the residing districts of Terai are alleged of using their excessive power to the peoples. THRD Alliance has been scrutinizing the security related flaws and has been reporting the cases for a long. Several statements are also issued from the organization. Recommendations are also forwarded to the government by the organization, but those recommendations falls useless on the deaf grounds of the gov. The government should take this issue under its serious concern and should also forward its step to prosecute the officials involved in the cases.