Balveer Singh, the Ambasamudram Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) who has been accused of breaking detainees’ teeth, was placed under suspension on Wednesday, March 29. The decision was announced by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin during the Assembly session on Wednesday. This move comes after a special call attention motion was brought by opposition parties on the horrific custodial torture that took place at Ambasamudram police station.
Responding to the call attention motion moved by opposition parties, MK Stalin said, “As far as Ambasamudram ASP’s issue is concerned, after allegations were levelled against the officer that he was involved in ‘damaging’ the teeth of a few suspects, a probe was initiated against him by the Sub Collector of Cheranmahadevi. The ASP was transferred and moved to the vacancy reserve. I have already said that this government will not tolerate issues of human rights violations in police stations. Hence, I have ordered the suspension of Ambasamudram ASP who was involved in the unpleasant incident. Further action will be taken against him after the probe is concluded,” the Chief Minister informed the Assembly.
The issue came to light when a video emerged of three men from Ambasamudram who spoke about experiencing custodial torture at the hands of Balveer Singh at the Ambai police station and it began doing the rounds on social media. One of the men in the video, Chellappa, said that nine people were taken to the police station and their teeth were removed by Balveer Singh. He also said that they were made to take their clothes off and beaten with lathis. One of Chellappa’s brothers was kicked in the chest and was sexually assaulted by the uniformed officers. After the issue came to light, Balveer Singh was transferred and placed on a compulsory waiting list.
On March 28, the Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) initiated suo motu proceedings to investigate the allegations of custodial torture. A notice issued by the SHRC said that the Inspector General of Police or the director of investigation must submit a detailed report on the investigation within six weeks.