§ 41. Mr. KIRKWOOD (for Mr. BU CHANAN)asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that Anil Kumar Das, a political prisoner under trial, died in the central gaol at Dacca on 17th June, and that a public inquiry to ascertain the cause of the death was refused by the Government of Bengal; Whether he will state the cause of death; whether he is aware that the deceased alleged that he had been maltreated by the police in the Lalbag Police Station before being transferred 1138 to the gaol; and will he consider the question of granting compensation to the widowed mother of the deceased?
§ Sir S. HOAREI have seen a copy of a full statement on this case issued by the District Magistrate of Dacca. I shall send the hon. Member a copy of this statement from which it appears that death was due to natural causes and that the allegations of ill-treatment were unfounded. I am unaware of any reason why a public inquiry should have been held or the payment of compensation considered.