West Bengal rights group raises alarm over alleged custodial abuse and illegal detention by Delhi police

By A Representative 

Human rights organization Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM) has submitted an urgent appeal to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), flagging what it calls a "grave violation of human rights" involving the illegal detention and custodial torture of Bangla-speaking Muslim migrant workers by Delhi Police personnel from Shalimar Bagh Police Station.

In a letter dated 29 June 2025, MASUM Secretary and noted rights defender Kirity Roy stated that on 25 June, around 4:00 PM, a team led by the Station House Officer (SHO) of Shalimar Bagh Police Station allegedly apprehended seven individuals—including women and minor children—from the Bikash Brick Kiln in village Majhra, Bahadurgarh, District Jhajjar, Haryana. All those detained are reported to be Bangla-speaking Muslim migrant workers who were previously repatriated from the erstwhile Indian enclaves in Bangladesh following the 2015 India-Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement.

The detainees include Mr. Samsul Haque (48), Mr. Rezaul Haque (43), Mr. Rabiul Haque, Ms. Rashida Begum (26), Master Rezaul Haque (15), Master Roman Haque (11), Ms. Romana Parvin (6), and Mr. Jahirul Mia, who was picked up alongside them from another location. All were taken in police vehicles to Shalimar Bagh Police Station in Delhi.

According to MASUM, Mr. Jahirul Mia was subjected to brutal custodial torture, including beatings on his palms and soles, and was released two days later in a destitute state—without any of his personal belongings. The remaining seven detainees are reportedly still in police custody, without access to proper food, medical treatment, or legal aid. Their mobile phones and money have also allegedly been seized and not returned.

“These individuals were legally repatriated as Indian citizens under a Constitutional mandate and bilateral agreement. Their arbitrary arrest and the inhumane treatment they’ve faced is not only illegal but a direct attack on the dignity and rights of citizens,” said Kirity Roy. “What happened on June 25 is more horrifying than what occurred on the same day 50 years ago. We fear they may even be handed over to the Border Security Force for unlawful deportation.”

The letter also highlights the plight of Ms. Sarmin Khatun, daughter of Samsul Haque, who has been running from pillar to post in Dinhata, Cooch Behar, trying to register a complaint about the incident. Despite her repeated attempts, including contacting the local police station and emailing the district administration, no action has been taken so far.

Roy questioned how Delhi Police could detain individuals who had been granted citizenship through a Parliament-backed agreement, and why Bangla-speaking Muslims were being subjected to such discriminatory treatment in violation of constitutional and legal protections.

MASUM has demanded immediate and unconditional release of the detainees, criminal proceedings against the police personnel involved, and urgent medical care, safety, and adequate compensation for the victims.

The appeal ends with a call for immediate intervention by the NHRC to prevent further abuse and uphold the rule of law.