GUWAHATI: The mystery surrounding the alleged suicide of a Meghalaya woman, while in police custody here, has deepened further after the post-mortem report suggested an ante mortem injury on the scalp, caused by a blunt object.
Taking cognisance of the post-mortem report, Meghalaya-based Civil Society Women Organisation (CSWO) said, “The post-mortem report suggests that she had also sustained an ante mortem injury on the scalp which was caused by a blunt object. So, who caused the injury? Why are the police not making public the CCTV footage?”
“No photographs were taken of how she was found and when we met the police at Dispur and enquired why the two police officers were suspended, we were told that it was just a formality,” said CSWO president Agnes Kharshiing.
The action against the two officers followed an inquiry conducted by the Joint Commissioner of Police. Currently, an Additional Deputy Commissioner is conducting another probe which was ordered by the Assam Human Rights Commission. Victoria’s mother had earlier sought the CCTV footage and details of her call data records(CDR) but it was turned down.
“…An investigation into the case is at a crucial stage and as such, in the interest of it, we are not in a legal position to provide any evidence, either documentary or ocular, to any person other than those who are entitled by the law to peruse and go through the same,” the DCP (Crime) had written to Victoria’s mother.
Influential Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti, which had earlier alleged that the woman was murdered in police custody, said the post-mortem report was suggestive of “what we alleged”.
“Information as regards human rights violation cannot be denied according to RTI…The CSWO will assist in ensuring justice to Victoria,” Kharshiing told Express. Victoria Dayoun (39) was found loitering restlessly in the International Hospital here and brought to the police station following a complaint by the hospital authorities.