The Madras High Court has raised concerns over a recurring pattern of injuries among detainees, questioning why such incidents predominantly involve those in police custody. This scrutiny emerged during a hearing concerning a detainee, Zakir Hussain from Kanchipuram, who sustained fractures while in Puzhal prison. His father, Ibrahim, petitioned the court for medical treatment for his son.During the proceedings, the state governmentâs counsel informed the benchâcomprising Justices G.R. Swaminathan and Lakshminarayananâthat Hussain had slipped in the prison restroom, leading to his injuries, and that he was receiving appropriate medical care.
However, the judges expressed skepticism over this explanation, questioning why such slip-and-fall incidents seem to afflict only detainees. They inquired whether police officers also use the same restrooms and, if so, why they do not experience similar accidents. The bench emphasized the need to end any practices that might suggest detainees are being mistreated under the guise of accidents.
Highlighting the seriousness of the issue, the court warned that such incidents could lead to disciplinary actions against the responsible police personnel. Consequently, the court directed that Zakir Hussain be transferred to Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital for further treatment and concluded the hearing.