Meghalaya Human Rights Commission Launches Inquiry into Death in Police Custody

Prompted by a recent death in police custody, the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has commenced an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident. Rudra Rabha, who was apprehended by Ri-Bhoi police on April 24 and subsequently remanded for five days, was discovered deceased at Khanapara police station on April 26, merely three hours after returning from assisting police in locating a concealed firearm in the Ranibari jungle.

In a press release issued on May 1, the MHRC announced its demand for a detailed report from the Director General of Police, to be submitted by May 17, shedding light on the events leading up to Rudra’s demise.

According to statements from the Superintendent of Police in Ri Bhoi, Rudra, identified as the purported leader of a gang, was arrested and granted five days of police custody by the court. During interrogation, Rudra purportedly confessed to concealing a firearm in the jungle and voluntarily offered to guide the police to its location for retrieval. Upon completion of the task, Rudra was returned to Khanapara Police Station for safekeeping. However, tragically, he was discovered deceased by apparent suicide through hanging in the early hours of April 26.

The MHRC’s inquiry seeks to ascertain the circumstances surrounding Rudra’s death and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to address any potential violations of human rights or procedural lapses.