HC Deb 11 July 1911 vol 28 cc182-3
Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

asked what is the result of the appeal by the sub-inspector against the sentence imposed upon him in connection with the case of alleged police torture at Shahdara?

Mr. MONTAGU

The Chief Court allowed the appeal and acquitted the sub-inspector of the charge of torture brought against him. Medical evidence was given to show that the marks on the deceased's body were probably bed-sores.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

Does that apply to the other convicted person?

Mr. MONTAGU

The person referred to in the question is the sub-inspector; but I think it does so apply. If the hon. Gentleman will put a question down I will answer it.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

May I ask the hon. Gentleman—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member has been invited to put down a further question. We must get on with the questions; it is already very late, and there are altogether seventy-one questions on the Paper. I call upon the next question in the name of Mr. Morrell.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

May I appeal to you, Sir—

Mr. SPEAKER

I called upon the hon. Member for Burnley.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

I wish to ask you, Sir—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must not interrupt. If he has any further point to raise he must raise it at the end of Question time, and allow other Members to ask their questions first.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

On a point of Order—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must raise his Question of Order at the end of Question time.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

This is a question of life and death to Indian British subjects.

Mr. MORRELL

asked whether, in the case in which three policemen were tried at Birbhum for the torture of an Indian called Bhola, it was stated by the prosecution that the man was tied up to a tamarind tree and then submitted to such severe torture that when untied he was on the point of death; that he was afterwards strangled by the police, who asserted that he had committed suicide; whether he can state on what grounds the police were acquitted on the charge of murder; and whether he has received from the Government of India a full report of the case?

Mr. MONTAGU

A full report has not yet been received, but the Secretary of State understands that the Sessions Judge found that the evidence adduced to support the charge of strangulation was insufficient and inconclusive. Disagreeing with the assessors who were in favour of acquittal on all counts, he convicted the police of voluntarily causing hurt to extort confession.

Mr. MORRELL

Will the full report be sent to the Government, and will it be published and laid upon the Table of the House?

Mr. MONTAGU

I cannot promise to lay papers on the Table without consulting my Noble Friend, the Secretary of State.