‘Protect wife of man killed in custodial violence’

Observing it does not want to see any more bloodshed or rioting, the Delhi High Court on Friday directed the city police to ensure that adequate protection is provided to the wife and father-in-law of a man who was killed in <g data-gr-id="36">an suspected</g> incident of custodial violence.

Justice Siddharth Mridul directed the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (1) North-east to “personally supervise safety, security and <g data-gr-id="26">well being</g> of the petitioners (victim’s wife and her father) and to ensure adequate police protection to them”.

“We don’t want any more bloodshed. We don’t want any more rioting. Put an end to it,” the court said. The judge told the senior officer to inform Commissioner of Police that the death of 34-year-old Shahnawaz Chaudhary, allegedly due to custodial violence, warranted “prompt attention” and so the onus was on them (police). 

It also asked the Additional DCP as to what was the requirement under the law for constituting a Special Investigating Team (SIT), as sought by the petitioners, and said if there was a provision for it then the police should set it up and not wait for the court to pass orders.

The Additional DCP told the court that an FIR under section 302 (murder) has been registered with the Crime Branch.

Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing for the wife, told the court that as per a probe carried out by the District Magistrate of Shahdara, the incident was found to be one of custodial violence.

Advocate Prabhsahay Kaur, appearing for Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), said it supports the plea and urged the court that “immediate steps are warranted” to protect the woman.

She also said the accused cops have not yet been suspended and their colleagues had gone to the victim’s home today morning demanding to know whether any complaint has been against them.

She further said the victim’s wife was on two occasions illegally detained overnight at the police station concerned.

“In view of foregoing, it is considered just, necessary and expedient to ensure safety, security and <g data-gr-id="29">well being</g> of the petitioners,” the court said while issuing <g data-gr-id="34">notice</g> to the Delhi government, city police and SHO of the area seeking their replies before the next date of hearing on October 20.