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measures by 150 by 110 mhg. He opined that the medical reports do not indicate any
physical injury on the body of the deceased. According to him, the deceased was brought
back to the Police Station and again kept in the lock up after medical check-up at around
6.15 PM and his close relatives i.e. wife, brother and brother-in-law met him in the lockup.
He was again interrogated for 15-20 minutes by Shri A.K. Marak, OIC, Chokpot, SI Robio
Nongrum, SI Lucious A. Sangma, SI T.S. Mawdoh and again put back in the lockup. The
enquiry report indicated that the on duty sentry checked up at 9 PM and found him alive.
But sometimes later on, when he again checked him at 11.30 p.m., the deceased did not
respond. After which, the said sentry informed all his seniors about the condition of the
patient. Subsequently, the doctor was called in to check up the condition of the deceased but
he declared him dead at 12.20 a.m. The Enquiring Magistrate concluded that the deceased
Witson M. Sangma was found bruises on his lower back, buttocks, lateral aspect of upper
thigh, left arm, dorsal aspect of right middle finger and ventral aspect of right index finger.
The Enquiry Magistrate after perusing the relevant records had concluded that the deceased
got these injuries after his first medical examination while he was interrogated by the above
mentioned police officials. According to him, the bruises seen on the medial aspect of the
left arm is also suggestive of injuries made when his hands were tied and raised upwards.
The Judicial Magistrate finally concluded that the bodily injuries caused to Witson M.
Sangma must have been precipitated is already hypertensive condition and that is why he
died while in the lockup.
4.73 The Commission further considered the matter on 02.01.2015 when it observed and
directed as under:“Undeniably the deceased was in the police custody and it is established that the
injuries sustained by the deceased on his person was because of police torture that
ultimately led him to death. This is a case of gross violation of human rights of the
deceased. The State is strictly liable for the loss of his life. The Chief Secretary,
Government of Meghalaya is directed to show cause u/s 18(1) of the PHR Act, 1993
as to why a monetary compensation of Rs. 5 lakhs should not be recommended to be
paid to the next of the kin of the deceased within six weeks. The report should indicate
what legal action both criminal and departmental have been taken against the erring
police officials involved in the incident. Report within six weeks.”
4.74 In response, the State Government has submitted that during their enquiry, five police
personnel have been found blameworthy and departmental enquiry has been initiated against
them. The Commission upon consideration of the matter has directed the State Government
to submit the compliance report together with proof of payment.
National Human Right Commission Annual Report - 2014-2015
43