India's poor feel abandoned by politicians - 18 Apr 09

Justice is not denied even though being delayed

http://www.mynews.in/fullstory.aspx?storyid=17908#


Justice is not denied even though being delayed

Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi 22/4/2009 2:22:28 PM(IST)


I am Ashish, 30 years old, a resident of Ranchi, Jharkhan. I am the only son of my parents. My traumatic story occurred on 17th September, 2004, when I went to Hindpiri Police Station Ranchi, only to meet my friend Suraj, who was arrested on false charge and being locked up in the police station. When I reached the police station, the Officer-in-Charge (O.C.), despite of giving permission to meet my friend, pressured me to put my signature upon a sheet of paper as a witness of Suraj’s arrest. I argued that I could not be a witness because I wasn’t present at the moment when his arrest took place and refused to sign on the paper. Then the O.C. became furious and started assaulting me by kicking and slapping. The physical assault upon me continued around 10 minutes before the eyes of the SP of the district, I felt so humiliated and insulted.



Thereafter, they put me inside the lock up and then to interrogation cell, where I was subjected to third degree method of torture, while interrogating me intensely to reveal whereabouts of some goons. Since I know nothing about the goons they couldn’t extract any clue from me. Then the O.C. and his men made me sit on a chair with my hands in upwards position and kept me beating continuously. It was followed by blows on head. Again they laid me flat on the floor and bashed me up over my both soles with sticks. I felt blood oozing out inside my left side ear. The brutal interrogation continued mercilessly until I dropped myself unconscious.



I came to know only latter, that police admitted me at Sadar Hospital, and from there rushed to RMC hospital Ranchi. I was almost dead in the eyes of everyone, as I remained unconscious completely for 21 days. On 22nd day of my treatment at RMC hospital I regained my memory but I could not recall what actually had happened to me. Latter, I was referred to Valore Hospital, where I underwent treatment for another 20 days. Doctors said I sustained brain hemorrhage following a heavy blow on head. The damage left my left side body literally paralyzed and I could not walk normally for the next six months. I could not speak out even simple words as I often got stammered. Besides, I was emotionally disturbed.


Meanwhile newsmen sensed the smell of the incident and my story hit the front pages of many newspapers, while I was struggling for my life at hospital. To neutralize the impact of the news police threatened my father and warned not to file any case against them. They even asked my father “ Which would be more precious to you - your son’s life or our suspension from service”. Police fabricated a false case about my injury. They admitted me at hospital as a victim of road accident. They destroyed records relating to my confinement and torture in their custody. I could not fight for justice in the court as my father became a cancer patient soon after his retirement, besides my younger sister was about to tie her wedding knot. I didn’t want my sister’s marriage got jeopardized due to adverse social effect of my prosecution. I felt so desperate and hapless. The O.C. involved in my torture wasn’t ever prosecuted nor given any befitting punishment baring a mere transfer.

Remembering the traumatic incident I went through, even today I feel extremely anguished, dehumanized and a burning urge for revenge arises inside me. My left hand is still not fully cured and unable to use in a skillful manner. I am now suffering from chronic anxiety and getting often angry even on petty matter that eventually leads to unwanted quarrels with my wife. I am despaired that owing to my unwarranted behaves my wife left me recently and she is still at her parental home. Sometimes, the agony of the brutal incident makes me so restless and depressed that I bound to take sleeping pills. I am giving this testimony at my will with a high hope that justice is not denied even though being delayed. My testimony is allowed to be delivered in a public ceremony yet I would like my name be kept anonymous for obvious security reasons.


(Note: The name, place and date referred in the testimony are changed ones though the story itself is kept same as the genuine one and is meant for public use. However, another testimony without changing the facts is filed for private use. Victim suggested doing so.)



Group : Montu & Pradip, Ranchi 23 March, 2009