CHENNAI: The State Human Rights Commission has recommended that the Tamil Nadu Government pay Rs.5, 000 to three persons for rights violation committed by a constable.

A Bench of A.R. Selvakumar and S. Paramasivan, Members of the Commission, said the Government should pay the money and recover it from the policeman. A copy of the order should be attached to his service register/personal file.

In her petition, Vijaya Ammal of Velapadi in Vellore said her son Anandan, a life convict lodged in the Vellore Central Jail, was brought, along with other prisoners, to the Government Medical College Hospital in the town for treatment on July 31, 2004. Along with her daughter-in-law and her two children, she went to the hospital to meet him.

Bribe sought

After treatment, the prisoner was handed over to Armed Reserve constable Mohan (PC 2182). At Anandan's request, his mother sought permission from Mohan to give Anandan drinking water. The constable demanded Rs. 300. She refused. When Anandan questioned the policeman, the latter kicked and abused him and his family members.

On a complaint, the Commission sought a report from the Superintendent of police. The officer said no further action was necessary, as there was no substance in the allegation. Not convinced, the rights body conducted an inquiry.

The constable submitted that as per the rules, police personnel should not allow prisoners to receive eatables from outsiders. When the family members gave a food packet and a bottle of water to Anandan, he asked the prisoner to return the articles. Anandan returned them.

The Bench, in its order, said the policeman was duty-bound to ensure the safety of prisoners by not allowing them to talk to their relatives and outsiders and receive eatables from outside. But, he transgressed his limits and demanded a bribe, assaulted the prisoner and used abusive language. Evidence produced by the petitioner appeared sufficient to conclude that the constable committed human rights violation, the Bench said. It recommended that Rs.3,000 be paid to Anandan and Rs.1,000 each to his wife, Menaka and Vijaya Ammal.

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