2011 SARFU CUSTODIAL DEATH: NHRC asks Jammu DM, SSP for detailed report

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the District Magistrate, Jammu and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Jammu, to submit a comprehensive report in connection with a custodial death case dating back to 2011.
The Commission has sought detailed information and relevant documents to further examine the circumstances surrounding the death of Sarfu Ram, a resident of Khour Camp in Jammu district.
According to reply on an online RTI application filed by Mohd Sadiq, a resident of C-3, Village Enclave, East Extn I/C, Jammu, the Commission has asked the authorities to submit their response by April 17, 2026. The case was originally pending before the now-defunct Jammu and Kashmir State Human Rights Commission and was later transferred to the NHRC following directions issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2023. The incident pertains to the death of Sarfu Ram, son of Om Parkash, resident of Akhnoor, Jammu on August 18, 2011, while he was reportedly in custody at the Joint Interrogation Centre, Miran Sahib, Jammu, under the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
According to records, the matter was initially reported by the Superintendent of Police, CID CI, Jammu. In addition, a complaint was filed by the deceased’s widow, Preeto Devi, who alleged that her son Sanjay Kumar had been detained and subjected to severe physical assault by police officials in July 2011. When Sarfu Ram approached authorities to inquire about his son’s detention, he was allegedly taken into custody. The family claimed that they were not allowed to meet or communicate with him during his detention.
The NHRC, while reviewing the case on March 17, 2026, noted that certain crucial reports and documents were still pending. Acting on recommendations from its Investigation Division, the Commission has now sought a detailed report covering all aspects of the case, including the reasons and circumstances of the arrest, copies of FIR No. 47/2011 registered at Police Station Khour, arrest and seizure memos, medical fitness certificates, general diary entries, post-mortem report, forensic examination details, and video recording of the post-mortem. Earlier developments in the case include an inquiry conducted under the supervision of the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, through an Executive Magistrate. The report of this inquiry was submitted in February 2024 and later forwarded to the NHRC’s Investigation Division in August 2024 for further examination and analysis. However, the Commission observed that additional clarification and documentation were necessary before proceeding further. The Commission has also sought an action taken report on the findings of the Magisterial Inquiry and the current status of any departmental proceedings initiated against police personnel involved in the case. Authorities have been instructed to submit all documents through the HRCNet portal, while any physical evidence such as audio or video recordings must be sent via Speed Post or authorized channels. The NHRC has clarified that submissions made via email will not be accepted.
The renewed attention to this case underscores the NHRC’s commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency in custodial death cases, even those that are over a decade old. The Commission is expected to take further action after reviewing the reports to be submitted by the concerned authorities.