Mugdha Das

Meghalaya: 5 cops suspended in Sohra custodial torture case

Digital Desk: In a big update in the Sohra custodial torture case, a sub-inspector and four unarmed branch police personnel of the Sohra police station in Meghalaya have been suspended following allegations of custodial abuse involving a 19-year-old youth, Getwin Jyrwa.

The suspension comes after a departmental enquiry confirmed misconduct during the youth's detention. According to a statement issued by East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem, the incident was taken seriously from the outset.

The five police personnel—one sub-inspector and four UB constables—were placed under suspension based on the finding by the enquiry conducted by Py-nur-sla SDPO B Wans-wett.

A criminal case has also been registered against the suspended personnel under relevant sections of BNS. The investigation is being handled by an inspector from another police station to ensure impartiality and transparency.

The youth, Getwin Jyrwa, a resident of Maw-ki-syiem, was arrested on July 3 in connection with a complaint filed by the Maw-ki-syiem Dorbar Shnong. On July 3, around 11:00 AM, Jyrwa’s mother, Mildred Jyrwa, took him to Sohra police station voluntarily, after which he was taken for a medical check-up and returned to custody.

He was later released on bail the same evening at around 8:15 PM. Four days later, on July 7, Mildred filed a formal complaint with the East Khasi Hills SP and the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission, alleging that her son had sustained injuries during his time in custody.

She suspects the injuries were inflicted by police personnel while in custody.

SP Vivek Syiem said that the Meghalaya police will not tolerate any misuse of authority and that strict action will be taken against any officer found guilty of misconduct.