§ MR. CAINEI beg to ask the Secretary of State for India if the full Report of the Palladiun murder case as tried before the Sessions Judge, Mr. John Clark, at Silchar, 29th September, 1893, and the full Report of the appeal against the verdict, heard before Justices Prinsep and Amir Ali, who delivered judgment 11th November, 1893, has now been received by the 1095 India Office; and, if so, will be lay them upon the Table; whether Mr. Clark is still in the service of the Government of India; and, if so, in what capacity; and, if so, will be order his suspension, pending a searching public inquiry into the grave charges against him? At the same time, I will ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is aware that it was stated, during the hearing of the appeal against the conviction and sentence of certain prisoners to death and penal servitude by Mr. John Clark, Sessions Judge of Cachar, 11th November, 1893, in the High Court at Calcutta, that Police Inspector Joy Chunder was sent down from Sylhet by the Assam Government to obtain evidence, with a promised reward of Rs.2,500 if he obtained A conviction; and that, on arrival at Balladhun, the place where the murder was committed, Inspector Joy Chunder arrested a largo number of people indiscriminately, regardless of sex, and by prolonged imprisonment, torture, and threats, worked up a case based upon tutored approvers' evidence; if it is true that the village of Balladhun, and others in the neighbourhood, were placed under punitive police supervision; is Inspector Joy Chunder still in the employ of the Government of India; and has any action been taken to bring him to trial for the outrages charged against him?
§ * MR. H. H. FOWLERI am aware that allegations have been made with respect to the proceedings in connection with the Balladhun murder case which require the fullest investigation. The Viceroy has instructed the Chief Commissioner of Assam to inquire into all the circumstances. I understand that the Chief Commissioner of Assam will shortly make his Report, and I believe that the Papers on the subject should reach me about the middle of next month. At present no official Papers relating to the case have been received in the India Office, and I am unable to give any further answer with respect to the details of this case.
§ MR. CAINEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I put this question two and a-half months ago, and that I was then promised that an inquiry should be made? Is it the case that nothing official has yet been done?
§ MR. H. H. FOWLERMy hon. Friend did, no doubt, put the question, and the result was that the Viceroy was communicated with, and he directed an inquiry. Until that has been completed no Papers can be given.