Separate probes into 'torture' of boys by RPF

Railway police and Cuttack district administration launched separate probes into the alleged custodial torture of two minor boys in Railway Protection Force (RPF) lockup in Cuttack.
The railway probe began after the Inspector-General and Chief Security Commissioner of RPF of East Coast Railway asked Senior Commandant of Khurda Road Division RPF to submit a detailed report after thorough enquiry, a senior ECoR official said here.
Human Rights activist and advocate Gadadhar Sahu, who with the help of District Child Protection Cell (DCPC) had rescued the boys yesterday, filed the application before the Human Rights Protection Cell (HRPC), a specialised wing of the state police headquarters, seeking stringent action against the erring RPF officers.

Similarly, Cuttack district administration has begun probing the case by an ADM-rank officer.
"I am also going to move the National Human Rights Commission and file a writ petition in Orissa High Court on Thursday," Sahu said.
For an alleged cell phone theft case, the RPF personnel had picked up two local boys and tortured them for over a week confining them in the lockup. The boys were put in custody since December 31.
RPF officials had also allegedly attacked media persons who had gathered at the spot to cover the incident on Wednesday. Media persons had also alleged that an RPF inspector damaged their cameras and Press identity cards.

Meanwhile, a three-member RPF team led by Khurda Road divisional security commissioner arrived here and began investigation by questioning local RPF personnel. The team has been asked to submit its report within five days.