Daijiworld Media Network – Chaibasa

Chaibasa, Nov 14: An 18-year-old engineering student from Chaibasa, arrested last month during a protest in Jharkhand, was allegedly brought to his college in handcuffs by police to fill his examination form, despite the family claiming that a magistrate had orally instructed officers not to handcuff him.

The youth was among several tribal protestors arrested on October 27 for demanding enforcement of a “no-entry” rule for mining and heavy vehicles on a stretch locals say is prone to accidents.

Speaking to The Indian Express, the student’s elder sister said the family had appealed to the magistrate to ensure he was not handcuffed during the college visit. “The magistrate told the police not to handcuff him, and they agreed. But they still brought him in handcuffs. It has deeply affected him. He feels like a criminal and fears being judged by his friends,” she said, adding that he has since refused medical care in custody.

Photos from inside the college showed the student being escorted by uniformed personnel while in handcuffs.

Sub-Divisional Police Officer Bahman Tuti defended the action, saying standard procedure was followed. “If someone in judicial custody is taken outside, handcuffs may be used if there is a possibility of escape. Without a written court order, we cannot take risks,” he said.

West Singhbhum SP Amit Renu echoed this, stating the police had adhered to due process. He added that the student was booked for alleged stone-pelting that injured police personnel. “If anything unlawful is found, action will be taken,” he said.
The student’s family has demanded accountability from the district police and jail administration for what they describe as “public humiliation”.

A senior official at Chaibasa Engineering College said the institution was unaware the student would be brought that day. “Usually, we receive a written court order when students in custody are allowed to register or write exams. This time, there was no communication,” the official said.

He added that in past cases, students in custody were not handcuffed inside examination halls. “Personally, I feel he should not have been brought in handcuffs. But without a court order, the college cannot issue directions to police,” he said.