Police burst toxic (outdated) shells against christians: PUCL chief

03-10-2008

The tear gas shells burst by police are said to have caused health problems to people

MANGALORE:(Karnataka) Tear gas shells, which should have been disposed off in December 2002, had been used by the police to quell the restive Christian agitators, who were protesting against the attacks on churches on September 14 and 15, claims the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL).

The People’s Tribunal Enquiry, a body formed by the People’s Union for Civil Liberties, and headed by retired High Court judge M.F. Saldanha, has contended that the gas in the shells burst by the police turned toxic because they were used long after the due date when the gas would turn toxic owing to chemical reactions.

Consultation

The group is said to have spoken to 400 people, allegedly attacked by the police, at three different places. Mr. Saldanha said that the gas had caused serious health problems to the victims and necessitated a prolonged treatment.

In a press release issued by the organisation, it is said that one of victims, whose name has been withheld by PUCL, was still recuperating as he had developed serious respiratory and gastric problems. Based on some videographic evidence, the team has concluded that the shells were thrown into a school in Kulashekar while the children were inside. The children were made to run out in panic. Almost all of them suffered acute eye problems and vomiting, the report said.

Mr. Saldanha said: “The metal shells, which are themselves lethal weapons, were aimed at persons and have caused injuries to over 30 people.”

Blaming the Superintendent of Police N. Sateesh Kumar for the alleged atrocities committed by the police Mr. Saldanha said that the use of toxic gas itself was unjustified.

http://www.persecution.in/node/3277