Chennai: The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) slapped a fine of '5 lakh on a former inspector in Karur district for arresting an innocent farm-owner and trying to extort money from him, nearly 10 years ago.
In the complaint G.Gopal of Anusonai village, Denkanikottai taluk, Krishnagiri District - he runs an emu chick farm - submitted that on May 9, 2009, Subramanian, had lodged a complaint before Velayuthampalayam police alleging theft of chicks from his farm.
On July 17, Karunakaran, the then inspector at Velayuthampalayam police station, arrested Gopal and seized his vehicle. Next day the police arrested his relatives and seized another vehicle. Colluding with the then DSP, Baskaran, Karunakaran demanded Rs 10 lakh to discharge him from the case.
On July 20, the inspector put a pistol to Gopal’s forehead and threatened to shoot if he didn’t pay. He said that he would make it look like an encounter.
The cops also phoned Gopal’s brother telling him to bring the amount. They were illegally detained for five days. Only after the intervention of the Karur SP, did the inspector record the arrest based on fake confession statement. Gopal demanded that the commission take action against the inspector.
In his reply Karunakaran denied the allegations and stated that Gopal and others had admitted to the offence and given confession statements before witnesses.
He never demanded bribe, Karunakaran said. Judge D.Jayachandran, said that the arrest of Gopal on the basis of confessional statement is illegal and so the arrest is invalid.
There is no legal evidence connecting Gopal with the crime. He directed Karunakaran to pay a compensation of Rs 5 lakh.
