A shocking case of custodial torture and extra-judicial killing has emerged from Gitaldaha Border Outpost, Cooch Behar, West Bengal. The victim, Mr. Jahanur Haque, a 24-year-old agrarian worker from Bhoram Payasti village, was allegedly apprehended and brutally killed by Border Security Force (BSF) personnel on 3 April 2025.
According to reports, Mr. Haque was intercepted by BSF personnel while heading to his agricultural field near Border Pillar No. 929. He was allegedly forced to strip to verify his religion, and upon confirmation of his Muslim identity, was shot twice—once in the chest and then fatally in the forehead. The BSF later justified the killing by accusing Mr. Haque of smuggling.
The victim's mother, Mrs. Rina Bibi, filed a complaint with Dinhata Police Station, but the FIR registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has yet to lead to any investigation or action against the accused personnel. The body remained at the site for hours before being sent for post-mortem, raising questions about procedural lapses.
Kirity Roy, Secretary of Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM), stated, "This incident is a glaring example of custodial torture and extra-judicial killing, reflecting a complete disregard for the rule of law and human rights. The victim's family has been left in trauma without any institutional support or assurance of justice. We demand immediate action against the perpetrators and systemic reforms to prevent such heinous acts."
MASUM, a human rights organization based in West Bengal, has called for urgent intervention by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), demanding monetary compensation for the victim's family, criminal action against the perpetrators, and adherence to constitutional and international human rights standards.
This case underscores the urgent need for accountability and justice in custodial violence cases, as well as the protection of marginalized communities residing in border regions.
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