'CCTV Shows Assault By Police, Harsh Steps Must Be Taken': Calcutta HC Orally Remarks In Plea By Students Who Were Allegedly Beaten In Custody

In a matter concerning the brutal assault meted out to protesting female students from a university in North Bengal at a Women's Police Station, the Calcutta High Court has expressed its concerns regarding the way the police station had been functioning.

While addressing the Advocate General, Justice Tirthankar Ghosh orally remarked, "I am expressing my mind...that police station is not well. You ask the DG to take steps. I may have to pass harsh orders. There are materials [on custodial torture]. I don't want to pronounce in open court, but issues of assault have surfaced in the CCTV. That's why I am telling you...this I can't allow. Irrespective of whether they are political opponents or students."

"This happiness of thrashing persons arrested must be controlled...usually we don't get a case like this...candlestick was also there...holding the tuft of the hair. Full CCTV coverage was not given. Out of 17 hours detention, only 13 hours was given," he added.

According to the petitioners, they were protesting outside their university premises when they were picked up by the police and detained without explanation. They alleged that they were brutally assaulted in custody using candlewax, shoes, and belts and that they had been kept in extremely unsanitary conditions, only to be released in the middle of the night without any explanation.

Advocate General requested the court for an opportunity to get the report circulated to him in order to be able to make his case and defend his police officers. Court however questioned whether the same could be given at the present stage.

Accordingly, the matter was directed to be listed at a later date.