SHRC directive to AP Govt on 'custodial' death victim's kids

Hyderabad, May 27 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh State Human Rights Commission (APSHRC) today directed the state government to take total responsibility of the orphaned children of Bujji, who died while in the custody of Excise Police.

Bujji, a widow with a son and two daughters, was making a living as a daily wager in Nalgonda district. She was caught by the Excise Police in January last on the charges of selling hooch.

Two days after taking her into custody, the Excise Police announced she had committed suicide.

Following newspaper reports and uproar by human rights activists, the district administration announced an ex-gratia of Rs 20,000 to the children of the destitute. Another ex-gratia of Rs 25,000 was announced from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. However, the assistance had so far not reached the children.

Responding to newspaper reports, the APSHRC directed the government to assume the responsibility for maintenance of the children.

Mr Justice Subhashan Reddy directed the Mandal Revenue Officer of the area to admit the boy to a residential school. He also instructed the administration to deposit the promised amount in the name of the orphaned children.

The MRO told the Commission the children would be provided a free dwelling soon.

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