HC Deb 04 June 1912 vol 39 cc8-9
5. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to a case of torture by the police in the province of Sind, in which a sub-inspector of police, a jemadar, and two constables were charged with and convicted of causing hurt to a woman in order to extort a confession; what were the facts upon which the charge was based; and what were the sentences imposed by the additional sessions judge of Hyderabad, Sind?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Herbert Lewis)

The Secretary of State has seen a newspaper report of the case, but has not yet received official information. The sentences are said to have been as follows: For the sub-inspector, six months' rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rupees 100; for the other three, twelve months' rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rupees 50, twelve months' rigorous imprisonment, and one month's rigorous imprisonment respectively.

Sir WILLIAM BYLES

Will the India Office consider whether they can give us full details of these new torture cases, the number of persons tortured, and who is the superior officer over these four head constables?

Mr. LEWIS

I think that does not arise out of this particular question, but I shall be glad to communicate the request of my hon. Friend to the Under-Secretary.

Sir J. D. REES

Has the Secretary of State any reason to suppose that this is other than an isolated and exceptional case?

Mr. LEWIS

I have no information on that subject.