Use scientific ways for interrogation

Following the death of a 26-year-old-youth in police custody last month in Sangli district, the Maharashtra Director General of Police (DGP) office has issued a circular recently advising police officers to use scientific and forensic methods for interrogation and has urged the force to shun the use of third-degree torture in police custody. So far 12 cases of custodial deaths have been reported in the state this year.

On November 8, Aniket Ashok Kothale, who was arrested on charges of robbery by Sangli district police, was allegedly beaten to death while in custody by five policemen including a police sub-inspector (PSI). Reports suggest that his body was burnt in Amboli Ghat to destroy evidence in Amboli Ghat.

The cops, however, claimed that the youth had fled from custody. After much hue and cry the five cops were suspended, and the state government transferred the senior cops out of Sangli district to avoid further flak. Five policemen were booked and arrested later on charges of murder and the case is being probed by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). We have clearly told all the Police Station In-charge officers to shun use of third-degree on accused,” said a senior police officer.