Telangana HC directs Hyderabad CP to probe Malakpet police custodial torture allegations

The Telangana High Court has directed the Hyderabad Commissioner of Police to inquire into allegations of illegal detention and custodial torture against Malakpet police personnel. The Court ordered examination of CCTV footage and medical evidence submitted by the petitioner.

Our Legal Correspondent

Hyderabad: Justice J. Madhavi Devi of the Telangana High Court on Thursday directed the Hyderabad Commissioner of Police to inquire into allegations of illegal detention and custodial torture against police personnel attached to the Malakpet Police Station by examining CCTV footage and medical evidence.The direction came while hearing a writ petition alleging that the petitioner was illegally picked up by the police around 7 p.m. on July 17 without being informed of the grounds of arrest.

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The petitioner contended that he was subjected to custodial violence, coerced into confessing to an offence and pressured to withdraw a pending writ petition. It was further alleged that he was produced before the Magistrate only on July 18, beyond the statutory 24-hour period. The petitioner sought departmental action against the Station House Officer, Sub-Inspector and other police personnel concerned, besides compensation. It was submitted that a detailed representation had already been sent to the Director General of Police and the Hyderabad Commissioner of Police on July 21.

The Assistant Government Pleader for Home submitted that the representation would be examined and appropriate action taken in accordance with law. After hearing both sides, Justice Madhavi Devi observed that the representation had been received by the police authorities and directed the Commissioner of Police to consider it after examining the CCTV footage of the Malakpet Police Station from 6.30 p.m. on July 17 to 6.30 p.m. on July 18. The Court also directed the Commissioner to take into account the medical reports and photographs of the petitioner’s alleged injuries annexed to the writ petition.