NHRC orders investigation into ‘harassment’ of SIMI members

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has ordered a probe into the alleged harassment of suspected members of the banned outfit — Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) — lodged in Bhopal Central jail.

The rights’ panel directed its deputy inspector general (DIG) to probe into the charges levelled by the kin of 21 inmates before the commission a few days ago.

“The matter has been considered by the commission and it is of the view that true facts need to be ascertained. The DIG (I) of the commission is requested to constitute a team, headed by a senior superintendent of police (SSP) to conduct an on-the-spot investigation and submit their report at the earliest,” said directions issued by the commission on Friday.

The families had complained to the commission on Wednesday that the inmates were being “humiliated, physically assaulted and denied medical treatment” – charges which the jail authorities rubbished. Out of a total of 29 suspected SIMI men lodged in Bhopal jail since 2013, eight were killed in October 2016, allegedly in an encounter after escaping from the prison. The encounter is now under a probe.

The kin of four of them— Mohammad Irfan, Mohammad Javed, Mohammad Adil and Mohammad Zubair — all from Ujjain district of Madhya Pradesh, claimed that the harassment for these prisoners started after the encounter.

“As stated, on April 26, 2017, one of the under trial prisoner, Mohd Iqrar during video conferencing stated before the Sessions Court that he is being beaten up by the jail officials, daily after the incident of jail break occurred. He is forced to shout anti-religion slogans and his beard has also been forcefully, trimmed by the jail officers,” the directive explained. “He expressed apprehension that the jail officials may kill him inside the jail,” it said.

In December 2016, the families submitted affidavits to the judicial magistrate, alleging that jail staff denied them basic requirements such as clothes and water.

“I am not aware of any complaint to NHRC or any inquiry instituted by it. They (inmates) want to spend more time outside their barracks, meet their relatives and want food from outside. The jail administration is allowing them to avail of facilities which are permissible as per the jail manual. Unreasonable demands cannot be met,” said Dinesh Nargawe, superintendent, Bhopal central jail.