Suspicious death of Dalit laborer in BSF custody: A call for justice

By Kirity Roy* 

The tragic and suspicious death of Mr. Babai Barui, a Dalit daily wage laborer from North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, has raised serious concerns regarding custodial violence and the violation of fundamental rights. Mr. Barui, son of Sukharanjan Barui, resided in Pallishree Sangsad, Bongaon, and was arrested by the Border Security Force (BSF) on November 9, 2024, near the Angrail border on allegations of smuggling. The very next day, he was found dead under mysterious circumstances, with visible injuries that point toward possible custodial violence.

This incident is a glaring violation of the constitutional rights guaranteed under Article 21 (Right to Life) and Article 22 (Protection against arbitrary detention) of the Indian Constitution. Furthermore, it contravenes the guidelines laid down in the landmark Supreme Court judgment in D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal, which mandates the protection of individuals in custody.

Key Concerns

1. Allegations of Custodial Violence: Mr. Barui’s family alleges that he suffered severe injuries while in BSF custody, which ultimately led to his death. This raises grave questions about the treatment meted out to him during detention.

2. Lack of Transparency: The absence of clear information about the circumstances leading to his death and the apparent negligence in providing medical care warrant urgent investigation.

3. Failure to Adhere to Protocols: The BSF's failure to immediately inform local police about Mr. Barui’s arrest violates standard operating procedures. Moreover, the inquest, which should have been conducted by a Judicial Magistrate in cases of custodial deaths, was carried out by an Executive Magistrate, raising concerns about procedural irregularities.

To ensure justice and prevent further incidents of this nature, the following steps must be undertaken promptly:

1. Judicial Investigation: A thorough inquiry by a Judicial Magistrate into the events surrounding Mr. Barui’s arrest, detention, injuries, and subsequent death.

2. Accountability of BSF Personnel:

A detailed examination of the actions of all BSF officers involved, including their adherence to custodial protocols.

3. Forensic and Medical Examination: An analysis of the post-mortem report and associated video recordings to establish the exact cause of death, following the Istanbul Protocol and Minnesota Protocol guidelines for investigating cases involving torture.

4. Registration of a Formal Case: Immediate filing of a criminal case and initiation of legal proceedings against those found culpable, ensuring a transparent trial in an open court of law.

5. Communication with the Victim’s Family: The findings of the investigation must be shared with Mr. Barui’s family to maintain transparency and uphold their right to information and justice.

The death of Mr. Babai Barui is not just an isolated incident but a stark reminder of the vulnerability of marginalized communities in the face of custodial violence. The enforcement of proper safeguards, accountability of law enforcement agencies, and adherence to established legal protocols are essential to preventing such tragedies.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and all relevant authorities must act decisively to ensure justice for Mr. Barui and his grieving family. A fair and impartial inquiry is not only a necessity but also a moral obligation to uphold the principles of democracy and human rights in India.

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*Secretary, Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM)