Death of Fake Currency Racket accused

SHRC takes cognizance, issues notices to DG, DC, CO 166 TA
Srinagar: The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) on Friday took suo moto cognizance of death in custody of fake currency racket accused Muneer Manhas  asking the DGP, DC Srinagar, CO 166 territorial Army to submit their reports in the matter.
Rafiq Fida, the acting chairman of the Commission has also issued notice to SHO police station Ram Munshi Bagh, Srinagar for his report by or before the next date of hearing which has been fixed for May 6.
The notices have been issued after the Commission took cognizance of news reports about death of a soldier of 166 Territorial Army (TA) Muneer Ahmad Manhas, (30) son of Nazir Ahmad Manhas resident of Saraibala, Bandi, Kamalkote, Uri of District Baramulla in Police Station Ram Munshi Bagh, Srinagar on April 3.
 “Manhas had dinner on Wednesday as routine and went to bed in the lockup and entered the bathroom inside the lockup during night and hanged himself to death by using a pair of socks to hang himself by tying them with one another,” the Commission’s order reads further. The Commission has said: “They (family) further alleged that Muneer and his brother-in-law Tariq Ahmad received a phone call on Wednesday morning from a local Police Inspector identified as Javed Ahmad stationed in Kupwara who took them to Ram Munshi Bagh Police Station and on Thursday Police informed them that Muneer has been found dead in the Police Station.”
 The family of Manhas has strongly negated the version of Police that the deceased was involved in fake currency racket and said that he was working in Territorial Army and if there were any charges against him the Police could have easily approached the concerned Battalion for his arrest, the commission has said. Fida has observed that the news items prima facie make out a case of human rights violations. “Therefore, taking Suo Moto cognizance in the matter, Office is directed to register this note and the news reports…. which shall form part of this order, as a complaint and in the first instance issue notices to Director General of Police, J&K, Dy. Commissioner Srinagar/Baramulla, Commanding Officer 166 Territorial Army C/O 56 APO and SHO P/S R. M. Bagh, Srinagar for their respective detailed factual reports in the matter. A copy of today’s order and press clippings be also sent to them,” the Commission has ordered. Manhas’s family has also been directed to appear on the next date of hearing and file correct statement of facts regarding the incident. (KNS)

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