The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has taken suo motu cognizance on May 18 of the death of a Bangladeshi undertrial prisoner, who passed away while undergoing treatment at the ABV Regional Cancer Centre in Agartala on May 17. 

The Commission has directed the Inspector General of Prisons, Tripura, to submit a comprehensive report on the circumstances leading to the prisoner's death by June 18.

According to the THRC, the Commission received a communication dated May 17 from the Superintendent of Kendriya Sansodhanagar, Bishalgarh, Sepahijala District. 

The communication, addressed to the Assistant Registrar (Law), National Human Rights Commission, New Delhi, and the Secretary, THRC, Agartala, reported the death of undertrial prisoner Aradhan Sarkar (42), a resident of Habiganj in Sylhet District, Bangladesh.

Sarkar had been in custody for illegal entry into India and was initially lodged at the Khowai Sub-jail. On April 17, he was shifted to Kendriya Sansodhanagar, Bishalgarh, following a judicial order recommending improved medical care at Agartala Government Medical College & GB Pant Hospital.

As per the report, the prisoner was taken to AGMC & GBP Hospital on April 19 at around 9:40 AM and admitted to the Male Medicine Ward by 11:10 AM the same day. He was later referred to the ABV Regional Cancer Centre for further treatment. Sarkar died during the course of treatment on May 17 at approximately 6:30 AM.

The jail authorities have informed the Officer-in-Charge of Champahaur Police Station in Khowai District to notify Sarkar’s family members and request them to collect the body after completing formalities.

Highlighting that Sarkar died while in judicial custody, the THRC emphasized the importance of determining the exact cause and circumstances of the death. The Commission has instructed the Inspector General of Prisons to submit a detailed report including initial health screening records during custody, complete medical treatment history, including indoor care, inquest and post-mortem examination reports, Videography of the post-mortem, chemical analysis of viscera, final scientific cause of death, detailed magisterial inquiry report.

All relevant documents must be submitted within four weeks. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on June 18.

A copy of the order has also been sent to the National Human Rights Commission, New Delhi, informing it that the THRC has taken cognizance of the case.