Circular issued by special IGP cites two recent cases in Thane and Mumbai, specifies guidelines for cops.
The state police headquarters have issued a circular to all police stations in the state with instructions to take steps to prevent all kinds of custodial deaths, as they malign the image of the police force.
The circular, issued by special inspector general of police (law and order) GD Pol, has cited two recent incidents in Thane and Mumbai. On January 11 this year, an accused had died at the Manikpur police station in Thane. On January 15, two chain snatchers in custody of the LT Marg police consumed poison and died. Police negligence was held responsible in both cases.
Custodial deaths have consistently been on the rise over the past five years, according to police records. In 2010, there were 26 such cases, up from 24 in 2009. The figure stood at 15 in 2006 and 16 in 2007.
“The special circular has issued 20-point guidelines to all police stations. Most of them are the same as those suggested by the Supreme Court in the DK Basu case. The police stations have been asked to implement the guidelines stringently,” said Pol.
The special circular was issued on February 8. An official arresting a person has been asked to ensure that the right person is being apprehended. The official should also be in uniform and have his service weapon.
Superintendents, deputy superintendents, assistant commissioners and deputy commissioners of police have further been asked to check lock-ups during their visits to police stations. They have also been instructed to make sure there are armed guards posted outside lock-ups and that no illegal materials are kept inside. The guards should visit the lock-ups every two hours to frisk the accused and ensure he has no weapon.
The police have also been told to make an entry in the station diary whenever a person is called for questioning. His close relatives are to be informed too, states the circular.
The guidelines further state that policemen should not allow anyone to meet the accused while taking him to the lock-up or to the court. The police should also keep a close watch on people who come to meet the accused and ensure that no weapon or illegal material is passed on to him.
Female accused should strictly be kept in separate lock-ups meant for women under the observation of female police officials.
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