SHRC slaps Rs 50000 fine on ex-SI

Chennai: The State Human Rights Commission has slapped a fine of '50,000 on a former SI in Villupuram district on charge of harassing a school teacher and his seven-year old daughter and registering a false complaint against the teacher ten years ago.

This was a gruesome act committed by the police personnel and is the worst example of cruelty and lawlessness amounting to violation of right to life of the victim, said judge D. Jayachandran.

In his petition, K. Mohankumar submitted that he was working as a teacher in Thumbur-Thangal Panchayat Union Elementary School in Villupuram district.  He was holding post as president of Elementary School Teachers’ of Association of Vikravandi taluk.

He said his father Kannan leased out a shop on Thiru.Vi.Ka. street at Villupuram to Mahesh Manickam, who was running Sharmi Motors in the place. On July 27, 2008 at 11.30 am, Mohankumar and his daughter were sitting in the shop.  A constable from Villupuram town police station came to the shop and informed them that he was looking for Elavarasan, who was working in the shop as he drove a two-wheeler without licence.

 Later, the police asked them to pay a fine of '650 on behalf of Elavarasan. When Mohankumar declined to pay the amount, the police demanded him to come to police station. When he refused, the police alerted SI, B. Kumar, who rushed to the place and forced him to walk to the police station. 

On reaching the police station, Kumar slapped Mohankumar and harassed him in the station. After obtaining his signature on blank while papers, he was let off. The petitioner contended that SI had harassed him and his minor daughter. He sought suitable action against the SI and other constables.

Denying the allegations, Kumar said a case was registered against Elavarasan under the Motor Vehicles Act.  When enquired about Elavarasan, Mohankumar abused the police. Hence, a case was registered against Mohankumar. In order to escape criminal proceedings, Mohankumar filed the complaint before SHRC. 
 On completion of trial, the judge Jayachandran said Mohankumar is an innocent man. SI registered a false criminal case against him.

This is harassment and abuse of power, the judge said and directed him to pay a compensation of Rs 50,000 to Mohankumar.