Samastipur/Patna: A shocking case of alleged custodial torture has emerged from Bihar’s Samastipur district, where a shop worker, Manish Kumar, is battling for his life after being brutally assaulted, allegedly first by his employer and later inside a police station. The victim is currently undergoing treatment at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), and his condition remains critical.
According to medical findings, Manish has injury marks at 23 places on both legs up to the thighs, reportedly caused by rods and sticks. Doctors have also found serious injuries to his private parts, including blackened patches and wounds, allegedly due to petrol being poured on him. His injuries indicate severe physical abuse.
Manish, who worked at a gold and silver jewellery shop located at Neem Chowk under Tajpur police station, was accused of stealing 26 kg of silver and some gold ornaments. The victim has alleged that he was beaten by police personnel between December 31 and January 4 while in custody.
Allegations of Assault by Shop Owner and Police
Manish told mediapersons that he had joined Soni Fancy Jewellers barely a month ago. On December 28, the shop owner asked him to fix a gate on the terrace. The next morning, he was called to the shop and informed that silver and gold jewellery weighing nearly 26 kg had gone missing. Police were already present when he arrived, and he was taken to the police station for questioning before being released later that night.
On December 31, a day before New Year, Manish alleged that the shop owner, Mohammad Zaki, took him to the terrace and assaulted him with iron rods and pipes along with two associates. He was threatened with being thrown off the building. Shortly after, police were informed and he was taken to the police station.
Family Alleges Custodial Torture
The victim alleged that his father Sanjay Poddar and wife were also brought to the police station, and their house was searched, but no stolen jewellery was recovered. Despite repeatedly claiming innocence, Manish alleged that he was beaten through chowkidars at the police station on the instructions of officers.
He further alleged that family members were told to take him away and publicly claim that he was fine.
Doctors Term It Inhuman Treatment
Manish was initially admitted to Sadar Hospital, where doctors, speaking off camera, said he had been subjected to inhuman treatment. Due to his deteriorating condition, he was referred to PMCH Patna for advanced medical care.
Due to the family’s poor financial condition, local residents reportedly collected donations to arrange his transfer to Patna.
Another Worker Levels Similar Allegations
On Wednesday, Kundan Kumar, another worker from the same jewellery shop, reached Sadar Hospital and alleged that he too was assaulted during police interrogation. He claimed he was detained for three days and released only after an illegal payment was made through an intermediary. He alleged that money was paid to the police station driver for his release.
Police Order Inquiry, Family to Approach Human Rights Commission
Samastipur SP Arvind Pratap Singh said that considering the seriousness of the allegations, a probe team led by ASP Sanjay Pandey has been formed. “Action will be taken against any police officer found guilty once the inquiry report is submitted,” he said.
Meanwhile, the accused shop owner is reportedly absconding. The victim’s family has said they are preparing to approach the Human Rights Commission seeking justice.
Political Delegation Meets Family
A CPI(ML) delegation, including block secretary Surendra Prasad Singh, met the victim’s family on Wednesday and demanded a fair investigation. The party alleged that Manish, along with his father and wife, was subjected to physical abuse inside the police station and called the incident a grave violation of human rights.
