Tura, May 20: An accused in connection with the 12 women torture case died today at Tura civil hospital. He was on a 14 day judicial custody, along with four other men, who were arrested on May 13.
He has been identified as Balsan Marak, aged 20 years. He was admitted to the hospital yesterday evening for body ache, fever, pain in the elbow and right ear infection.
With allegations cropping up that the accused was tortured in police custody, which led to his death. The district police chief was quick to respond ruling out any torture being meted out to him in police station.
They were arrested allegedly for influencing one of the victims, who is six-month pregnant.
Five activists were arrested on May 9 for illegal confinement, kidnapping and torture of twelve women, who were held captive for eight days at the rented residence of Jaynie Ningring N. Sangma at Danakgre, in the outskirt of Tura town.
The five activists are — Jaynie Ningring N. Sangma (37), Babiana M. Sangma (42), Merryln D. Shira (52), Konica S. Sangma (37) and Lonavi R. Sangma (34).
In connection with the case, five other men were arrested on May 13 on charges of abetment, criminal intimidation and influencing the victim. They are on a 14 day judicial custody since May 14. One among them is a minor, son of activist Jaynie. His case is being dealt in accordance with juvenile Act.
Mother of Balsan, Mina S. Marak has sensed wrongdoing.
“My son was killed because of police torture. He was innocent. He was arrested, as he was found with Jaynie’s son. He has no role, whatsoever in the case. He had returned on May 13 from Nongalbibra and was not aware of the case, and since he was requested by Jaynie’s son, he accompanied him”, said Mina.
West Garo Hills SP, Mukesh Singh has denied allegation of police torture. He said, “Balsan was arrested as we received an FIR from one of the victim on May 13. The allegation of torture is absolute false. He had a week old injuries on his left forearm and the medical report clearly stated that he was not able to move his arm”.
He also showed medical reports to visiting media persons at his chamber. The copies of the report were certified by chief judicial magistrate.
Balsan was kept in the police custody over night and produced before the session court on May 14, along with four others.
“Balsan has confessed on the case. We have recorded his statement. If there is a need, we are willing to show the videograph as well”, said Singh.
The accused was referred to civil hospital on two occasions – first on May 17 and second on May 19 by the jail Medical officer Dr. B.C Paul for high fever and ear problem.
“During screening of the accused on May 14, we found that Balsan was having ear problem, he had injuries on his left elbow and forearm”, said district jail superintendent J J Sangma.
“On May 17, I had referred Balsan to civil hospital as he had fever, ear problem and orthopedic complication. He was not admitted but was given medical aid and medicine for his problem. We don’t have lab facilities, so we have to depend on civil hospital”, said Dr. Paul.
Yesterday he was once again referred to the hospital for fever. “He was ill looking and could not take food and was vomiting as well. We administered I.V fluid. His fever was recorded 101 degree fahrenheit, blood pressure 100/60”, said Dr. Paul.
Superintendent of Tura Civil Hospital, Dr. Menakshi A. Sangma said, “He was stable yesterday. His blood pressure was 100/70 and body temperature 99 degree fahrenheit. As per record, he vomited today morning. Attendants informed that he took bath early morning and later was found very critical. He was taken for observation at 7:25 am and declared death at 8:20 am. Post-mortem is being conducted”.(SP News)
