Minorities Commission Summons Punjab DGP Over Alleged Custodial Torture in Sangrurਘੱਟ ਗਿਣਤੀ ਕਮਿਸ਼ਨ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਸੰਗਰੂਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਕਥਿਤ ਹਿਰਾਸਤੀ ਤਸ਼ੱਦਦ ਮਾਮਲੇ 'ਚ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦਾ ਡੀਜੀਪੀ ਤਲਬ

The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) has summoned Punjab's director general of police to appear in person in New Delhi on October 14 over the alleged custodial torture of Mohanjit Singh, a villager from Sheron in Sangrur who was detained while protesting at Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's programme on September 2.

What does the NCM letter say?

According to a letter dated October 8, which Hindustan Times said it had seen, the commission decided to summon the DGP after the petitioner expressed dissatisfaction with the police report. The hearing is set for noon on October 14 under Section 9(4)(a) and (c) of the NCM Act, 1992. The DGP has been told to bring all files and documents supporting the department's case. Parties may be represented by an authorised person, but advocates will not be allowed to argue.

What does Mohanjit Singh allege?

The petitioner says he was protesting peacefully from a distance, waving a black flag, during the chief minister's "Lok Milni" programme in Sheron when police dragged him away. He alleges prolonged physical and mental torture in custody and says his religious identity as a baptised Sikh was violated.

What does Punjab Police say?

In its report to the commission, the police said Mohanjit Singh tested positive for morphine in his medical examination, was produced before the executive magistrate in Sunam on September 3 and released on a personal bond. NDTV reported that he rejected the report and sought a hearing. The allegations have not been proved.

What action has already been taken?

Punjabi Tribune reported that after the allegations, the state transferred the then Sangrur DSP and sent three other policemen to the police lines. The matter is also before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, where police said a fact-finding committee is examining the claims. The BJP's Sangrur leader Daaman Thind Bajwa welcomed the NCM hearing.

What happens next?

The DGP, or an authorised representative, must present the police case on October 14. The commission can then decide whether to seek further reports or recommend action.

When is the NCM hearing in the Mohanjit Singh case?

It is scheduled for noon on October 14 in New Delhi.

Who has the commission summoned?

The Punjab director general of police, who has been asked to appear in person with all records.

What do police say about the petitioner?

Police told the commission he tested positive for morphine and was released on a personal bond on September 3; he disputes the report.