E/CN.4/2000/9 page 28 and interrogations. The alleged torture reportedly includes threats, beatings and the occasional use of electric shocks. Allegedly, the Government rarely prosecutes or punishes those responsible for the torture and a climate of impunity allows such police abuses to continue. By way of example, it was reported that following the arrest of several Dhaka policemen for allegedly beating a college student to death (see para. 119 below), the Deputy Commissioner of the Dhaka police detective branch defended the use of physical coercion against suspects, stating that the practice was necessary to obtain information. 117. Prison conditions are reportedly extremely poor and life-threatening. Official figures reportedly indicated that 123 persons died in prison in 1998 and that poor prison conditions were a contributing factor. Most prisons are reported to be grossly overcrowded. The reported prison population of 50,000 is said to be more than twice the official prison capacity. A May 1998 judicial report indicated that the Dhaka central jail, with an official capacity to hold 2,190 prisoners, was in fact holding nearly 6,000 prisoners. 118. The Special Rapporteur received information on the following individual cases summarized below. 119. Shanim Reza Rubel was reportedly arrested on 23 July 1998 by the police on a charge involving weapons. He was reportedly released five hours later on the same day and admitted to the Dhaka Medical College hospital, where he died from injuries allegedly sustained while in custody. Six policemen were reportedly arrested in connection with his death. The Government reportedly appointed a judge to investigate the incident and to recommend measures to prevent a recurrence. 120. Arun Chakroboty is reported to have died on 23 January 1998 when he fell from the roof of a five-story building. Police reportedly claimed that he fell while trying to escape. It is alleged, however, that Chakroborty suffered some injuries consistent with having been tortured. 121. Harun Sheikh was reportedly arrested on 4 February 1998 in Khulna. Police, including senior officers, at the Rupsha police station allegedly beat him severely. On 6 February a court reportedly ordered that he be released and given medical treatment. He is reported to have died that evening. His family reportedly filed a petition at the magistrate's court alleging that he was murdered by the Officer-in-Charge and Assistant Sub-inspector, but no investigation is known to have been carried out. 122. By the same letter, the Special Rapporteur reminded the Government of a number of cases which were transmitted in 1994, 1995 and 1996, to which no replies were received. Follow-up to previously transmitted communications 123. By letter dated 31 May 1999, the Government responded to individual cases sent by the Special Rapporteur on 23 September 1998 (see E/CN.4/1999/61, paras. 80-82). 124. Concerning Sajal Chakma, Bimal Jyoti Chakma, Atul Chakma and Sama Ranjan Chakma, the Government indicated that the allegations were unfounded. It stated that the individuals had been involved in obstructing the free movement of the