JUDGMENT

Lokeshwar Singh Panta, J. - Petitioner namely Smt. Dev Kala (widow), Kumari Dodi, Kumari Kolti (Minor daughters), Smt. Uttami k. Usha (mother), Shri Duni Chand and Shri Jeet Ram (brothers), of deceased Bhinder Singh have filed this writ petition claiming a sum of Rs. 2 lakhs as compensation on account of death of said Bhinder Singh in police custody by merciless beating by the police.

2. The relevant facts giving rise to the present writ petition are as follows:

On 2-6-1993 there was a robbery in village Mashara Thawa Kothi Naggar. District Kullu and Manali Police registered case FIR No. 110 of 1993 dated 46-1993 under Sections 457/380. IPC. Chhaju Ram (respondent No.4) was the Station House Officer and A.S.I. Sohan Lal (respondent No.5) was the Additional Station House Officer attached to Manali Police Station. Both these police officials summoned. Bhinder Singh amongst others in connection with the investigation of the said FIR. He was arrested on 5-6-1993. Petitioners have alleged that Bhinder Singh was given merciless beatings at the police station on the intervening night of 5th and 6th June, 1993 and it appeared that he was beaten to death and body thrown in Beas riv