A 19-year-old youth was allegedly tortured in police custody at Sohra resulting in serious injuries.
The mother of the victim, Mildred Jyrwa, has filed a complaint with the Meghalaya State Human Rights Commission (MHRC).
According to the FIR, Mildred stated that her son, Getwin, was asked to report to the Sohra police station after he was involved in a drunken brawl with another person on June 28.
On July 3, she said she dropped off her son at the police station at around 9 am. However, when she returned to pick him up in the afternoon, she found him seriously injured.
Getwin was subsequently taken to Sohra Community Health Centre and later referred to Shillong Civil Hospital, where he was treated for his injuries.
The victim alleged that after he was dropped off by his mother, the police took him for a medical checkup and when he was brought back to the police station they started hitting him with batons.
In the complaint to the MHRC, the mother of the victim stated, “If my son has committed a heinous crime that warrants punishment due process of law must have been followed by the police personnel.”
She has urged the MHRC to take appropriate action against the officers responsible for the alleged human rights violations.
Mildred said a first degree punishment inside the police station was punitive and unlawful, resulting in both physical and mental trauma.
Meanwhile, a complaint has also been lodged with the East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police, Vivek Syiem.
The SP said once facts are fully ascertained, all necessary and appropriate action will be taken against those found guilty.
Meanwhile, the police department has instituted an inquiry.
Director General of Police Idashisha Nongrang said SDPO Pynursla B Wanswet has been appointed as the inquiry officer.
