Chennai: The State Human Rights Commission directed two cops in Thoothukudi district to pay compensation of Rs 1 lakh to a woman teacher on a charge of sexually abusing her in the police station nine years ago.
She went to the police station to lodge a complaint against her neighbours for sexually harassing her.
In the petition, Anthoniammal of Arumuganery, Thoothukudi District submitted that she was working as a teacher in a Government High School. She was living alone after separating from her husband.
Lazarus and Balasingh, who were residing opposite her house, misbehaved with her and constantly used derogatory words against her.
She filed a complaint with Arumuganeri police station. Only after intervention of higher officials was an FIR registered. Meanwhile, the duo threatened to kill her if she fails to withdraw the case.
She said Perumal, SI, also threatened her to withdraw the case. When Parthiban, Inspector called her for an inquiry at the police station and he also misbehaved with her and asked her to sign some papers as if the inquiry was conducted in a proper way. However, she declined. Again on March 31, 2010 Lazarus and others entered into the house and assaulted her daughters. The cops registered a false case against her and husband. Even though her husband was living separately, the cops foisted a case against him.
In the reply, Perumal and Parthiban denied the allegations and stated that she used to pick up quarrels with neighbours. They had performed their duty in accordance with law without any lapses, the cops said.
The SHRC Judge, D Jayachandran said, considering the oral and documentary evidences, the Commission finds Perumal and Parthiban had abused her and violated her human rights and Anthoniammal is entitled to receive compensation of Rs 1 lakh from the duo.
