SI to pay Rs 50K as relief to man

Chennai: State Human Rights Commission has directed a sub-inspector of police in Salem to pay Rs 50,000 as compensation to a person for torturing him in custody after arresting him without valid reason, four years ago.

In the petition, K. Mani of Koochankadu, Salem, submitted that his mother Minichi was ill on January 23, 2014. He was going to hospital with his father and his mother and wife were waiting for a bus at Salavadai Medu bus stop, by 1 pm.

Sanjeevi Kumar, then SI, and Kathavarayan, then constable of Jalakandapuram police station, questioned Mani. They alleged that they were tipped about some persons involved in gambling and wanted to know where it was taking place.

When Mani replied that he was not aware of it, SI Sanjeevi Kumar pulled his shirt and slapped him repeatedly. He then took him to the station on his two-wheeler, and again assaulted him there.

Mani sustained injuries and spent Rs 15,000 towards medical treatment in various hospitals. As a result of the assault, he was not able work. The action of the cops amounted to violation of human rights, and he sought suitable action against them.

In their reply, Sanjeevi Kumar and Kathavarayan submitted that Mani was making baseless allegations. Mani was causing nuisance to public peace and hindering traffic, and so, SI Sanjeevi Kumar had cautioned him. Even after that, he was disturbing peace in the area. Hence, Sanjeevi Kumar arrested him and took him to the police station.

Later, he was advised to appear before the magistrate, Mettur, for enquiry. Stating that they never assaulted the complainant, the cops sought dismissal of the petition. SHRC judge D. Jayachandran said that SI Sanjeevi Kumar had not produced memo regarding the arrest of Mani. He had not followed the guidelines of the SC while arresting Mani. He had violated his right to life, liberty and human dignity guaranteed under Article 21.

As far as Kathavarayan is concerned, the allegations against him are not proved. and hence the complaint against Kathavarayan is dismissed, the judge said.

Hence, SI Sanjeevi Kumar is liable to pay Rs 50,000 to Mani for torturing him in police custody, the judge said.