By Md. Ali, TwoCircles.net,
New Delhi: The Jamia Teachers’ Solidarity Association (JTSA) has demanded that the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) take suo motu cognizance of the claims made in the court by Delhi blasts accused Salman that he was brutally attacked in Tihar jail.
Talking to TwoCircles.net Manisha Sethi, president JTSA, pointed out that, “We have demanded immediate intervention of the NHRC in this case and also punishment for the jail authorities, who willfully or through deliberate negligence allowed the attack to be carried out. Salman’s security must be ensured.”
JTSA is a non-profit voluntary organisation working for the defense of human rights, democratic values and as safeguard against authoritarianism and stands opposed to all
kinds of terrorism.
Authorities’ denial
On the other hand, the jail officials denied any serious attack of this sort on Salman. Talking to this correspondent, Sunil Gupta, the Law Officer Tihar jail underplayed the whole incident.
“It was just a small fight between the inmates of the jail, not a big physical assault on Salman as he had claimed. As per the instruction, we will file the status report in the Court by September 6,” he said.
22 stitches on Salman’s face
Reportedly Salman was brought to court with his entire head bandaged on August 31 and when asked what had happened, he told the Court that he was brutally attacked with a blade by Deepak alias Jhugiwala, a fellow inmate on August 27, 2010. This led to 22 stitches on his face. He also claimed complete medical negligence by the authorities towards the serious injuries which he had sustained.
Claimed threat to life
According to the press statement issued by JTSA, Salman also claimed threat to his life by the jail authorities and the fellow inmates. The Court accepted his request to be transferred out of Jail no 5 and directed the jail authorities to submit a status report.
Md Salman was arrested by Uttar Pradesh ATS on 6th March 2010 for his alleged involvement in Delhi Blasts. He has been in judicial custody in Tihar Jail since then.