Question : CUSTODIAL DEATH

(a) whether the attention of the Government has been drawn to the newsitem captioned `46 years old man dies in police custody` appearing in the Hindustan Times, dated April 2, 2000;

(b) if so, the facts of the matter reported;

(c) the total number of custodial deaths reported during the last three years, till-date;

(d) whether any enquiry/magesterial enquiry has been conducted/ordered in this regard;

(e) if so, the details in this regard;

(f) the action taken or propose to be taken by the Government against the guilty officials; (g) whether compensation had been paid to the nearest kin of the victims; and (h) if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

(SHRI VIDYASAGAR RAO)

(a)and (b) : Yes, Sir. A person arrested on the charge of robbery on 31st March, 2000 died early next morning while in police lock-up.

(c) There were 12 persons who died while in police custody during the last three years and till date. This includes the aforesaid case.


(d) to (f): The inquest proceedings in the latest case of custodial death are being conducted by the SDM concerned. In the meantime, 2 police officials have been placed under suspension and a criminal case has been registered against them.

(g) & (h): Out of 12 cases of custodial death reported during the last three years and till date, one case has been cancelled and one case is pending trial in the Court. Out of the remaining 10 cases pending investigation, in one case interim compensation of Rs. 5 lakhs was paid to the legal heirs of the deceased as per the directions of National Human Rights Commission.