Pune Land Scam: Bombay HC Seeks State’s Reply On Alleged Selective Probe In 40-Acre Government Land Case

The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) has requested the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) in connection with allegations of custodial torture, illegal detention, and public parading of children in conflict with the law by the Pune Police. The situation was brought to the Commission's attention after videos surfaced on social media, allegedly showing children being paraded through Pune, including some tied to the bonnet of a police vehicle.

The MSHRC's Full Bench, consisting of Chairperson Justice A.M. Badar, Justice Swapna Joshi, and member Sanjay Kumar, found that these actions constituted cognizable offences. The Commission directed that the investigation be entrusted to an officer of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) rank or higher, with the Director General of Police (DGP) having discretion in selecting the investigating officer.

The Commission expressed dissatisfaction with the Pune Police Commissionerate, citing several complaints of atrocities and human rights violations by the Pune Police, and noted the delicate balance between law enforcement and the protection of human rights was not maintained in this case. The matter is scheduled to be heard by the Commission on October 26 at 11 am.