The Hansi police administration in Haryana has taken strict disciplinary action against five police personnel following the suicide of a drug case suspect while in their custody in Odisha. Superintendent of Police (SP) Vinod Kumar ordered the immediate suspension of the CIA-1 team members on grounds of severe negligence in securing the detainee.
Background of the Odisha Operation
The incident stems from an investigation into a commercial-quantity narcotics trafficking case. During probe efforts, investigators identified the primary drug supplier as a resident of Odisha. To apprehend the suspect, a five-member CIA-1 team led by PSI Kapil traveled to Odisha. The team, which also comprised SI Sammat, PHC Jogendra, PHC Altaf, and Constable Mukesh, arrived in Odisha by road, completed all required legal formalities, and successfully secured a transit remand from the local authorities to bring the suspect back to Haryana.
Lapse in Security at Temporary Accommodation
After obtaining the transit remand, the police team faced logistics issues due to late hours and the considerable distance to the nearest police station. Instead of lodging the suspect inside a local police station facility, the team chose to stay at a temporary accommodation venue. Taking advantage of the situation, the accused asked to use the bathroom, went inside, and hanged himself. The unexpected death exposed serious monitoring oversights by the escorting team.
Violation of NHRC Guidelines
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, SP Vinod Kumar detailed the findings and reasons behind the suspension. He emphasized that under the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) guidelines, ensuring the absolute safety and round-the-clock surveillance of a custody prisoner is a mandatory duty of the police officers. Even if an accused is kept at an alternate location during transit, rigorous monitoring standards must be maintained. Finding the five officers guilty of failing to adhere to these protocol requirements, the department placed all of them under suspension.
