Chennai: The State Human Rights Commission directed an inspector and SI in Villupuram district to pay compensation of Rs 50,000 to a village panchayat president on charges of remanding him in prison after foisting a case against him three years ago. The commission also recommended that government initiate disciplinary proceeding against the policemen.
In his petition, V. Ramamoorthi submitted that he was president of Theevanur village panchayat in Villupuram district. On November 5, 2015, Senthilkumar, Inspector, Roshanai police station, Villupuram district directed him to appear before the station. When he asked the reasons for summoning him, Sathish, SI, abused him. He dragged him to the police station, pulling his shirt. On reaching the police station, Senthilkumar abused him and demanded that he pay '3 lakh as bribe. He also demanded that he hand over documents of a property. The policemen made him sit without a shirt in the police station and kicked him with boots.
Based on a complaint from Porchilai, a case was registered against Ramamoorthi and he was arrested on November 19, 2015. Later, he was remanded in judicial custody. He was released on bail only after handing over the sale deed to the policemen. Subsequently, he lodged a complaint with the DSP. As there was no response, he filed the present petition before the Commission, seeking suitable action against Senthilkumar and Sathish.
In their reply, Senthilkumar and Sathish denied the charges. They submitted that a case was registered against him and others based on a complaint from Porchilai in connection with a land dispute. Ramamoorthi and others were arrested after proper investigation.
SHRC judge D. Jayachandran said that the complainant had proved that Senthilkumar and Sathish had violated his human rights. Ramamoorthi was entitled to receive compensation of '50,000 from the policemen. The Commission also recommended that government initiate disciplinary action against the duo as per the rules.
