High Court Orders SIT for Investigation into Baruipur Correctional Home Custodial Death

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In a significant judicial directive, the Calcutta High Court has ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the alleged custodial death at Baruipur Correctional Home. This case, taken up by Lawgeto & Co on behalf of the petitioner's family, has highlighted serious concerns about human rights violations within correctional facilities.

Case Overview

The tragic incident involved the suspicious death of a detainee at the Baruipur Correctional Home. Reports indicate that the deceased had sustained severe injuries, with the post-mortem report pointing to physical trauma, including injuries on the scalp and other parts of the body. Disturbingly, it was also noted in official health screening documents that the detainee had been "assaulted by police," with injuries to the right elbow and both knees. Despite this evidence, no First Information Report (FIR) was initially filed, which raised serious concerns about accountability.

High Court’s Intervention

Responding to the petition filed by Lawgeto & Co on behalf of the deceased's family, Justice Tirthankar Ghosh of the Calcutta High Court expressed dismay over the apparent neglect and attempts to downplay the cause and nature of the injuries in the post-mortem report. Recognizing the need for an impartial investigation, the court mandated the creation of an SIT comprising senior officials, including Dr. Pranav Kumar (IGP), Mr. Rahul Goswami (SP of Diamond Harbour Police District), and Mr. Bireswar Chatterjee (AC, Homicide, Detective Department, Kolkata).

This team is tasked with filing a case under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) to treat the incident as a homicide and conduct a thorough investigation. The SIT is empowered to request additional support from the State Government to ensure an unbiased and effective inquiry.

Implications for Justice and Human Rights

The directive from the High Court sends a powerful message regarding the need for accountability in custodial settings. This decision not only upholds the right to justice for the deceased’s family but also reinforces the judiciary's stance on protecting human rights within correctional facilities. The SIT has been instructed to conduct a detailed investigation and report back to the court, with a progress update scheduled for December 9, 2024.

Lawgeto & Co’s Commitment

As the representing law firm, Lawgeto & Co is committed to advocating for the rights of individuals affected by custodial violence. This case underscores our dedication to justice, transparency, and the defense of human dignity in the legal system. We are honored to support the family in their pursuit of truth and are hopeful that the SIT’s findings will lead to accountability for any wrongdoings uncovered.

We will continue to monitor this case closely and remain steadfast in our commitment to upholding justice. This investigation marks a crucial step in addressing custodial deaths and ensuring that the responsible parties are held accountable.