IPS Officers' Group Backs Tamil Nadu Cop Balveer Singh Accused Of Custodial Torture

Tamil Nadu IPS Officers' Association said that biased and pre-judged reporting can adversely affect the investigation. 

Former Ambasamudram ASP Balveer Singh

Tamil Nadu IPS Officers' Association extended support to IPS officer Balveer Singh who was accused of inflicting custodial torture in Tirunelveli's Ambasamudram and expressed opposition against the "media trial". 

In a letter, IPS Officers' Association, as per The News Minute said that the media was covering the issue in a "Selective manner" and there are "vested interests are being propagated on social media to influence evidence, witnesses, investigating agencies and the public".

They said that biased and pre-judged reporting can adversely affect the investigation. 

ASP Balveer Singh came under the scanner after Ambasamudram people who were picked up by the police released a video alleging custodial torture by the accused IPS officer. The nabbed accused said that the IPS officer broke their teeth by making them chew gravel. He also crushed the testicles of a newly-married man. 

In another case, they said the ASP removed the teeth of the suspect using a plier.

Earlier, The Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission (TNSHRC) said that it has taken up a suo moto case against IPS officer Balveer Singh accused of torturing those in custody.

TNSHRC Chairman K. Bhaskaran directed the IG, SHRC to investigate the matter and submit a report within six weeks. He said that he had taken up the complaint suo moto based on media reports.

Tirunelveli district collector, K.P. Karthikeyan has also ordered an inquiry by the sub-divisional magistrate after allegations emerged against Singh.

Advocate Maharajan of political outfit Netaji Subhash Sena told IANS that he had personally met those who were tortured by the police officer while in custody. He alleged that the officer used other cops to restrain the victims and personally plucked out their tooth. 

The 2020 batch IPS officer, a product of IIT-Bombay, was removed as ASP, Ambasamudram by the state Director General of Police on Monday.