The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has acknowledged a complaint registered by Rajya Sabha MP Tarun Chugh concerning allegations of custodial assault and human rights violations involving anti-drug activist Mohanjit Singh and his family. According to the complaint, the Punjab Police allegedly subjected Singh, a resident of Village Sheron in Sunam, Punjab, to violent treatment after he protested against drug abuse during Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s “Lok Milni” programme.

Singh reportedly displayed a black flag to highlight the drug-related issues in the state, after which he was allegedly taken into police custody. The seriousness of the allegations prompted the NHRC to take swift action to protect the rights of the individual involved.

Investigation Initiated by NHRC

An NHRC Bench, led by Member Priyank Kanoongo, has mandated multiple officials to carry out an immediate inquiry into the incident. Directives were issued to the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police (DGP) of Punjab, the Superintendent of Police (SP) in Sangrur, as well as the District Magistrate (DM) of Sangrur.

These officials have been instructed to submit a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) within a two-week timeframe. The commission’s order also includes ensuring a prompt medico-legal examination of Mohanjit Singh to assess his condition following the alleged assault.

The NHRC has further required the preservation of all unedited Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footage from the police facilities involved, and an authenticated copy of this footage must be provided on a pen drive as part of the inquiry process.

Call for Judicial Review and Potential Legal Action

In a separate but related development, Adv Vasu Ranjan, Chairman of the Council of Lawyers, has reached out to the Chief Justice of the Punjab & Haryana High Court, requesting immediate judicial cognisance of the alleged custodial torture inflicted on Mohanjit Singh. The appeal includes claims of brutal treatment, electric shocks, and humiliation that Singh reportedly endured.

Adv Ranjan emphasised the urgency of the situation, warning that if judicial action or an independent investigation is not initiated within 48 hours, the Council would approach the High Court directly with a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). His communication outlined the intent to seek available legal remedies if the authorities fail to act swiftly.

This situation highlights the ongoing concerns regarding human rights practices within law enforcement in Punjab, particularly in relation to individuals advocating against the pervasive issue of drug abuse in the region. The NHRC’s involvement underscores the gravity of the allegations and the need for a thorough examination of the events surrounding Mohanjit Singh’s arrest.

Preservation of Evidence and Future Steps

Alongside the immediate inquiry, the NHRC has required that all pertinent medical records, CCTV footage, police documentation, electronic data, and any other evidence relating to the incident be secured without delay. This measure is intended to safeguard the integrity of the inquiry into the alleged police misconduct.

The response from the NHRC and the actions demanded by legal representatives indicate a concerted effort to ensure accountability and transparency in addressing the allegations made by Mohanjit Singh. Observers will be closely monitoring the actions taken by Punjabi authorities in the upcoming days.

This developing story raises broader questions about the treatment of activists and the general public by police forces, especially in politically charged environments. The outcome of these inquiries could have significant implications for how such cases are managed in the future.

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