TN: HC asks CBCID to probe custodial death

Chennai, Sep 29: Ordering the transfer of a custodial death case to the Crime Branch-CID, (CBCID), the Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu Government to pay Rs three lakh as compensation to the victim's family, including Rs one lakh ordered in March 2006.

Delivering the order on a writ petition, Justice K N Basha said there was overwhelming prima facie material to show that the victim suffered custodial torture.

The judge stayed further proceedings before the Additional Sessions Judge, Fast Track Court, Ramanathapuram, pending investigation.

Mr Henri Tiphagne, Executive Director, People's Watch, Tamil Nadu, moved the High Court alleging Karupee, a domestic help of Prema of Kattu Paramakudi, was taken into custody on a complaint lodged by Prema with the police that jewellery and money were missing from her house. The woman was tortured and forced to confess. She died later.

Counsel for petitioner Sudha Ramalingam, submitted that there was enough material to establish that Karupee had died of police torture. The petitioner prayed to the court to direct the authorities to transfer the case to the CBI.

Additional Public Prosecutor M Babu Muthu Meeran submitted the woman was taken to the police station on November 30, 2002 for interrogation.

The next day, she was found hanging from a wireless tower behind the station.

The RDO, Paramakudi, filed a criminal complaint against the then Inspector and Sub-Inspector of Police before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Ramanathapuram. The case was transferred to the Additional Sessions Judge, FTC.

UNI