Major General (Retd.) Suresh Sallay has commenced a “fast unto death” while in the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), according to an urgent complaint submitted to the Inspector General of Police by his wife, Manori Sallay. The complaint calls for an immediate independent criminal investigation into alleged torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, denial of medical care, and abuse of authority during his detention.
According to the complaint, Sallay informed family members during a visit on 6 June that he could no longer endure what he described as continuous mental torture, degrading treatment, and systemic unfairness while in custody. He reportedly stated that he remains confident that ongoing legal proceedings will ultimately establish his innocence and instructed his lawyers to continue legal action even in the event of his death.
The complaint alleges that Sallay has been denied medication prescribed by the Judicial Medical Officer (JMO) and has not been provided with recommended dietary requirements. It further claims that he is being held in a small cell under harsh conditions, including continuous lighting, inadequate food, and restricted access to washroom facilities after 10.00 p.m.
Manori Sallay also alleges that her husband was subjected to a humiliating strip search in the presence of other detainees and claims that CCTV footage from the detention facility could provide evidence regarding the alleged treatment. She has requested that authorities immediately secure and preserve all relevant surveillance recordings.
The complaint states that Sallay has been held in CID custody for more than 100 days and has reportedly been questioned only on a limited number of occasions, raising concerns about the necessity of his continued detention. Family members who visited him on 6 June reportedly observed signs of physical deterioration, including parched lips, sunken eyes, visible weakness, and emotional distress.
The complaint further alleges that CID representatives failed to attend a Human Rights Commission inquiry connected to a complaint lodged by Sallay’s wife. Manori Sallay has urged authorities to immediately launch an independent investigation, review detention and medical records, ensure access to medical treatment, and take steps to safeguard her husband’s health and safety while investigations are ongoing.
