Srinagar: The CBI on Wednesday arrested six police personnel, including at least two senior officers, following last month’s Supreme Court directive in connection with the alleged custodial torture of a police constable, officials said.
Among those taken into custody were a Deputy Superintendent of Police and an Inspector, the officials added. Two civilians have also been arrested. Further details are awaited.
On July 21, the Supreme Court instructed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to register an FIR regarding the “brutal and inhuman custodial torture” of a constable in Jammu and Kashmir. The court also directed the Union Territory administration to provide the officer with Rs 50 lakh in compensation.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta highlighted the severity of the injuries inflicted during the illegal detention, noting the “complete mutilation of his genitalia, use of pepper/chilly powder, and electric shocks on his genitalia” as particularly shocking examples of inhuman treatment.
“The cumulative effect of all these facts is deeply shocking to the conscience of this court,” the bench observed. It further added, “The violation of Article 21 is not only evident but egregious.”
