The Supreme Court on Friday fixed September 15 for hearing a petition alleging brutal custodial torture and sexual assault of a 17-year-old boy by Gujarat Police.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran took note of the matter after it was urgently mentioned by advocate Rohin Bhatt, who sought immediate intervention of the court.
The plea, filed by the sister of the alleged victim, claimed that the boy was picked up by police in Botad town on August 19 on suspicion of involvement in a theft case. He was allegedly kept in illegal custody till August 28, without being produced before the Juvenile Justice Board or a magistrate within 24 hours, as mandated by law.
It further alleged that during this period, the minor was brutally beaten and sexually assaulted, with sticks inserted into his anus, and no medical examination was conducted.
The petitioner has sought constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the supervision of the Supreme Court, explicitly excluding Gujarat cadre police officers. Alternatively, it has requested a court-monitored probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The plea also prayed for:
- An FIR under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Juvenile Justice Act, and other applicable laws.
- Preservation of all CCTV footage of Botad Town Police Station for August and September.
- Production of the boy’s medical records by state authorities.
- Constitution of a medical board by AIIMS, New Delhi, to examine and report on the nature of injuries.
- Financial assistance for medical treatment, counselling, and compensation.
Advocate Bhatt stressed the urgency of the case, citing grave violations of the boy’s rights. However, the bench observed, “Will list it for hearing on Monday,” scheduling the matter for September 15.
