Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji
Panaji, Jun 11: The Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of the death of Mapusa youth Samuel Braganza and directed senior state officials and police authorities to submit detailed reports amid allegations of custodial assault prior to his death.
The Commission acted on a media report highlighting public protests in Mapusa and growing demands for justice and an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Samuel's death.
GHRC has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Secretary (Home), Superintendent of Police (North Goa) and the Police Inspector of Mapusa Police Station, directing them to appear before the Commission and submit reports on June 17.
In its order, the Commission referred to allegations that Samuel sustained injuries while in police custody before suffering a fatal gunshot wound. Reports cited by the Commission stated that the post-mortem examination recorded death due to a close-range gunshot wound to the head and also noted a serious injury to the eye.
The Commission observed that the reported injuries to Samuel's eye and face were allegedly ante-mortem in nature and may have been sustained while he was detained at the Mapusa Police Station for several hours prior to the shooting.
Describing the allegations as a matter of grave concern, the GHRC said that if the injuries were inflicted during police custody, it would amount to a serious violation of human rights.
"The allegation is of serious concern and found to be violating human rights as the suspect needs to be treated humanely while conducting inquiry and more particularly in the police station," the Commission noted in its order.
Meanwhile, social organisation Bailancho Ekvott (BE) has also approached the Commission seeking an independent inquiry into the case. The organisation cited reports that the post-mortem examination revealed a grievous blunt-force injury near the eye along with an orbital fracture.
BE president Auda, in a representation submitted to the Commission, said the reported injuries raise important questions about the events leading up to Samuel's death and whether all circumstances surrounding the case have been adequately explained.
The organisation has sought clarification on how the blunt-force injury and orbital fracture were sustained and whether they occurred before, during or after the firearm incident.
Stating that an independent and transparent investigation was essential, BE said such a probe would help ensure justice for Samuel's family and maintain public confidence in the investigative process.
With the GHRC now formally examining the matter and notices issued to top administrative and police officials, the case has assumed significant human rights importance, with focus turning to the unexplained injuries recorded in the post-mortem report and the circumstances of Samuel's detention before his death.