Police have powers to record statements, investigate and pros- ecute offenders.
The concentration of powers allow the police to take short-cuts by torture in custody, says Mr Ramanathan. Human rights agencies say prolonged detention also leads to ill-treatment. Seven had been earlier re- leased, arrested again and held for over two years. Following a fast protest by detainees in June, the De- fence Ministry promised to solve the issue within three months. Prisoners bitterly complain that the Ministry has failed to take any action.