Accuse dies, mother alleged police torture

TURA, MAY 20: Twenty years old Balsan Marak, who was arrested along with four other men in the case of keeping twelve women captive and torturing them died on Tuesday at Tura civil hospital. He was on a 14 day judicial custody along with the four men arrested on May 13.

Marak was admitted in the hospital on Monday evening for fever, body ache, pain in the elbow and right ear infection.

Marak’s mother Mina S.Marak however sense foul play and alleged that her son died because of police torture. She said, “He was innocent and was arrested because he was found with another accused Jaynie’s son.”

Mina claimed that her son had no role in the case of holding the twelve girls captive and had returned on May 13 from Nongalbibra and was not aware of the case.  She said as he was requested by Jaynie’s son he accompanied him.

However the West Garo hills SP Mukesh Singh debunked the allegation and said he was not torture in the police station.

Singh said Balsan was arrested as the police we received an FIR from one of the victim on May 13. He asserted that the allegation of torture is absolute false.  As  prove he showed medical reports to visiting reporters in his chamber. The copies of the report were certified by chief judicial magistrate.

Singh informed that Balsan was kept in the police custody for a night after his arrest and produced before the session court on May 14, along with four others. He said, “Balsan has confessed of the crime and we have recorded his statement. If there is a need, we are willing to show the videograph as well.”

Balsan was referred to Civil hospital on May 17 and May 19 by the jail’s medical officer Dr. B.C Paul for high fever and ear problem.

Tura district jail superintendent JJ Sangma informed,  “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.”

Dr Paul said that on May 17 he had referred Balsan to Tura 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. He said, “We don’t have lab facilities, so we have to depend on Civil hospital.”

On Monday Balsan was once again referred to the hospital for fever. Dr Paul said, “He was ill looking and could not take food and was vomiting as well. We administered I.V fluid. His fever was 101 degree fahrenheit, blood pressure 100/60.”

Tura Civil Hospital superintendent Dr. Menakshi A. Sangma said informed that Balsan was stable yesterday. His blood pressure was 100/70 and body temperature 99 degree fahrenheit. She, however, added that as per record, he vomited Tuesday morning and the attendants informed that he had taken bath early morning and later was found very critical.

Dr. Sangma informed that he was taken for observation at 7:25 am and declared death at 8:20 am. She said, “Post-mortem is being conducted.”- By Our Reporter