NHRC recommends Rs 2 lakh compensation for kin of torture victim

New Delhi, July 3 (UNI) The National Human Rights Commission has recommended Rs 2 lakh compensation to the family of a custodial torture victim in Maharashtra and sought a compliance report from the state government with proof of payment.

Chandra Kant alias Kant Rao Bhagwan died in police custody on October 10, 2002 and after investigations murder charges were framed against three officials, including two sub inspectors.

NHRC recommended the compensation after the Maharasthra Home Department failed to respond to the Commission's show cause notice as to why interim had not been paid till date.

''The Commission had issued the notice to the Maharashtra Chief Secretary, as to why the provisions of Protection of Human Rights Act 1993, not be invoked and an interim relief to the next of the kin of the deceased not be recommended,'' a spokesperson said.

On September 2, 2006, the Joint Secretary, Home, had communicated that the matter of payment of interim relief was under consideration of the State government.

''In these circumstances, the Commission considered it appropriate to recommend two lakhs rupees to the next of kin of the deceased,'' the spokesperson said.

The Commission took cognizance of the matter on November 11, 2002 and directed its Investigation Division to collect requisite reports from the authorities concerned.

According to the reports received by the Investigation Division, Chandra Kant was picked up by police on October 7, 2002 in a case under police station Kaij, in Beed district of the State. He remained in police custody for interrogation.

During investigations, sub-inspector Sanjay Dattatray Sanap took the deceased from the lock-up. Chandra Kant suddenly fell ill and was taken to hospital where he was declared dead on October 10, 2002.

Inquest and Post Mortem revealed the evidence of custodial torture.

Sub-Inspector Sanap and Sub-Inspector G S Kanade besides Dr S K Goli, Professor and Head of Department, Forensic Medicine were chargesheeted in the case.

The prosecution sanctioned against Dr Goli was awaited from the Department of Medical Education and Research, Maharahastra Government.

UNI