The family members of the SIMI undertrials, who are in Bhopal Central Jail, complained that the undertrials are being tortured and treated inhumanely in the jail. They expressed their pain and anguish in New Delhi on 24 May when they had come to file complains about the matter with NHRC.
Human rights activist Madhuri, who accompanied with the families, said that ever since the encounter of eight alleged SIMI activists happened in Bhopal, it is being reported that the rest 21 alleged SIMI undertrials are being treated inhumanely. They are being tortured by the police. Recently one of the undertrials, Mohammed Iqbal, told the court in a hearing through video conferencing that he was being tortured and beaten. His beard was shaved. They are forced to shout anti-Islam slogans. And they are asked why they don’t commit suicide. They are kept in solitary confinement round the clock.
On 5 May, he told a person who had gone to meet his relative there that ever since he complained about the torture, he is being beaten badly. On 11 May, when Abu Faizal was presented in the court, he also told the court that these things also happened with him. They all are saying that what is happening with them is also happening with others. They all are being tortured. Families are not allowed to meet them appropriately. Even the advocates are not allowed to meet their clients. “The thing we got to know about the situation is a matter of grave concern. There is something more that we are not aware of,” said Madhuri.
Family members wrote about this torture to the President of India, Prime Minister of India and National Human Rights Commission. Recently they visited the National Capital to file a complaint with NHRC and demanded enquiry into the matter. NHRC expressed grave concern and promised to look into the matter.
Mohammed Arif, younger brother of Mohammed Adil, said that according to the rule, there are 20 minutes for meeting with the undertrials but they are given only 5 minutes to meet with them. Only one bottle water is given to them for drinking, taking a bath, bathroom and ablution. “They are not let to share their pain with us. The police who remain present there intimidate them. We are also troubled by the police,” he added.
Najma Bi, wife of Mohammed Zaheer, said that her husband was troubled a lot in Bhopal jail. He is behaved in a manner worse than animal. In night, he is awakened every two hours and beaten up. He is not let to read the Qur’ān and perform salah. “He is told that if he changed his religion, they would not do anything. If he did not, he would be killed by torturing,” she alleged.
Amreen, wife of Irfan, and Shama Parveen, wife of Mohammed Javed also complained the same about their kin. They are concerned that the rest undertrials too will be killed one day.