Chennai: The State Human Rights Commission directed the then SI of Old Washermenpet Police Station to pay a compensation of Rs 2 lakh to a share auto driver on charges of foisting a criminal case against him and assaulting him in police custody seven years ago. The share auto driver lost his hearing ability due to the assault.
In his petition, share auto driver S. Arjunan of Moolakothalam, submitted he was living with his wife and three children and his wife had quarrel with his elder brother’s wife over disposal of garbage on February 3, 2011. His brother’s family members damaged household articles at midnight. Arjunan’s wife Ruby lodged a complaint with Old Washermenpet Police Station.
Late in the night, a head constable took him to the police station. While abusing Arjunan, the SI Anandan, told him that he was a noted rowdy and several cases were pending against him. However, the auto driver denied the charges. Anandan and other policemen beat him
severely. Arjunan sustained injuries and was admitted at Stanley Government Medical College Hospital. He suffered hearing impairment on the left ear.
The petitioner stated that being a share auto driver, his earning ability drastically shattered due to the disability. Hence, he sought action against the SI.
In the reply, Anandan vehemently denied the allegations and stated that cops had not beaten Arjunan. He had a quarrel with his brother’s wife and son. Arjunan also threatened them with dire consequences and caused nuisance in public. In order to maintain public peace, law and order the Arjunan was brought to the police station and case was registered against him at 1 am on February 4, 2011 and 30 minutes later he was released. Arjunan has filed the complaint with malafide intentions and with ulterior motive. Hence, complaint is liable to be dismissed, the policeman said.
The judge D Jayachandran said without receiving any specific complaints from the public, Anandan, SI, Old Washermenpet Police station arrested Arjunan and took him to the police station. Subsequently, he had beaten him. Arjunan faced hearing loss following the assault of the SI.
The Judge directed Anandan to pay a compensation of '2 lakh to Arjunan. The judge also recommended that the government initiate disciplinary action against him.
