FIVE OF the seven Crime Branch officials suspended in the custodial death case of 28-year-old Jogi, were arrested and sent to 14 days judicial custody to Ambala yesterday after being produced in the court today. Jogi’s family, a resident of Shahabad Markanda in Kurukshetra had alleged that Jogi was tortured to death on December 17 by the officials in their office in Panchkula.

 

The five arrested in this case were Sub Inspector Hari Pal Walia, and head constables Bhagwan Das, Raghu Pal, Sham Singh and Chandar Pal. “Though five of the Crime Branch officials involved in the custodial death have been arrested and sent to judicial custody, the other two, head constables Pawan Kumar and Joginder Singh too would be soon arrested,” said the SHO, Chandimandir, Pawan Kumar.

 

Talking to mediapersons, Sandeep Khirwar, SP, Panchkula said, “The investigations are on and all the seven of the Crime Branch officials have been booked under Section 304 of the IPC. ”

 

The National Human Rights Commission has earlier issued notice to the SP, Panchkula, Haryana on an intimation regarding the death of Jogi Ram, a resident of Shahabad, district Kurukshetra in police custody. The Commission’s move comes after it received the intimation from the SP, Panchkula in this regard. As per the information Jogi Ram died while being taken to Civil Hospital at Sector 18, Panchkula on 17 December.

 

Jogi Ram was declared brought dead by the medical staff of Civil Hospital around 6.15 pm. The intimation also said that considering it to be a case of death in police custody, the District and Sessions Judge, Panchkula was requested to depute a Judicial Magistrate to conduct an enquiry u/s 176 CrPC. It further said that seven police officials had been placed under suspension with immediate effect and further enquiries were being carried out.

 

The Commission while issuing notice has also asked SP, Panchkula to submit a detailed report along with copy of post-mortem, magisterial enquiry and investigation report as per the guidelines issued by NHRC within two weeks.