The suspension of ASP Balveer Singh IPS, who was accused of custodial torture, has been revoked by the Tamil Nadu government. Balveer Singh, an IPS officer of the 2020 batch with a BE degree from IIT-Bombay, assumed the role of ASP in Ambasamudram on 15 October 2022.
In March 2023, several individuals from the Ambasamudram police division alleged that ASP Balveer Singh IPS had subjected them to torture, including forcibly extracting teeth with cutting pliers and allegedly crushing the testicles of two detainees. These allegations triggered widespread public outrage.
Following the circulation of videos related to the case, Chief Minister Stalin announced in the Tamil Nadu Assembly in March 2023 that he had ordered suspension and a inquiry. A preliminary inquiry was conducted by the Cheranmahadevi sub-divisional magistrate.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) expressed grave concern over the lack of response from the Tamil Nadu Director-General of Police (DGP) to its directives and has summoned him to appear in Delhi on 1 March 2024, with the necessary records and reports.
The NHRC took notice of a complaint filed by Ashish Goel, a human rights activist, highlighting the alleged severe torture of Chellappa and his brother in custody at the Ambasamudram police station by Singh. The commission had issued a notice on 27 April 2023, to the DGP, instructing him to submit an action taken report within four weeks.
Despite repeated directions from the Commission on 27 April 2023, 3 August 2023, and a final reminder on 9 October 2023, the required report is yet to be received from the DGP, Tamil Nadu, according to the NHRC. As a result, the NHRC has instructed the Registry to issue summons to the DGP under Section 13 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, to appear in person before the Commission on 1 March 2024, in Delhi. However, if the report is received on or before 23 February 2024, his personal appearance will not be required.
A senior police officer explained that the suspension of Singh underwent a review by a committee comprising the Home Secretary, DGP, and others. This is in accordance with the All India Service rules, which mandate periodic reviews of suspensions. Balveer Singh, who was suspended nine months ago, had allegations investigated, charges framed, and trial initiated in the designated court. The process of conducting a departmental inquiry against him has also commenced, leading to the revocation of his suspension. Following due process, the officer will be assigned a non-sensitive posting.
I met four #CustodialTorture victims today. One of them is Vetha Narayanan (49), an auto driver. He alleged ASP, Ambasamudram removed his tooth &damaged his ear with cutting plier in husband and wife issue in Vikramasingapuram police station. 👇@India_NHRC@tnpoliceoffl… https://t.co/kdfQZW35hC pic.twitter.com/eY9gZ49qdE
— Thinakaran Rajamani (@thinak_) March 27, 2023
(with inputs from The Hindu)
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