Pune: Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar on Friday directed all police stations, branches and senior officers in the city to strictly refrain from publicly parading or humiliating accused persons during police action.
The directive comes after an incident at the Bharati Vidyapeeth Police Station, where minor accused were allegedly paraded and subjected to humiliating treatment. Videos of the incident went viral on social media, prompting widespread concern.
The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) has taken cognisance of the matter and initiated an inquiry into the conduct of the police personnel concerned.
In a detailed circular issued by the Pune Police Commissionerate, reference has been made to directions issued by the Supreme Court, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Maharashtra Director General of Police.
The circular clearly states that no accused person should be publicly paraded or subjected to any act that causes public humiliation.
Police personnel have also been prohibited from making accused persons perform sit-ups, stand or sit on police vehicles for public display, tying them with ropes or chains, or subjecting them to any other form of degrading treatment.
The Commissioner has directed that the entire procedure, from the arrest of an accused until their production before a court, must strictly comply with the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the Maharashtra Police Manual and judicial directions.
Police officers have also been instructed to follow the safeguards laid down by the Supreme Court in its landmark judgment in DK Basu vs State of West Bengal, which deals with procedures and safeguards relating to arrest and detention.
The circular warns that any violation of these directions will invite departmental disciplinary action as well as other legal action against the concerned officer or personnel.
Demand to cancel Bharati Vidyapeeth PI's transfer
A section of residents, traders, social organisations and representatives of various political parties from the Katraj, Dhankawadi and Ambegaon areas staged a protest demanding the cancellation of the transfer of Bharati Vidyapeeth Police Station Senior Police Inspector Mansingh Patil.
An appeal circulating among residents describes Patil as a "dutiful officer" and alleges that his sudden transfer is unjustified. The organisers claim that he worked proactively to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of citizens in the area.
The appeal calls upon citizens, public representatives, social organisations and traders to participate in the protest and demand that the transfer be revoked.
