This is not done: Bipin Gopal Krishna, IGP, SHRC, questioned cops for detaining and torturing minors, after receiving complaints from the boys' parents Pic/Satish Badiger

State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) officials have caught the Hanumanth Nagar police red-handed for detaining and torturing 18 minor boys on charges of theft.

The raid was conducted based on a complaint made to the SHRC by the parents of the boys who alleged that the police have not followed procedure during the arrest.

Taking strong exception to the issue, Bipin Gopal Krishna, inspector general of police, SHRC sought an explanation from senior police officers. The team will submit a report on details of the violation, seeking strong action against the erring officers.

However K Ravi, deputy commissioner of police, (south), clarified that the minors were picked up to investigate a theft.

Protest

Several residents gathered in front of the police station alleging police atrocity, yesterday. They alleged that the police sent a few parents away when they enquired about their children.

Krishna said preliminary investigations revealed that the boys were innocent. He asked they be released.

No explanation

Venkatesh (15) was picked up by the Hanumanth Nagar police on Monday on charges of attacking police officers. He was allegedly beaten by police and kept in custody the entire night. When Venkatesh's parents demanded an explanation for his detention, the police sent them away with a stern warning.

Venkatesh's parents said that he was standing outside his house after dinner when he was picked up by the police. "We tried asking the cops the reason for his being detained. But they threatened us and just took him away," they said.

Bipin Gopal Krishna has sought a detailed report from DCP Ravi and ACP Ismail Shariff regarding why Venkatesh was detained despite his being a minor.