Human rights panel slaps fine on CI

KOCHI: The state human rights commission (SHRC) has ordered K A Abdul Salam, Paravoor circle inspector, to pay compensation of Rs 10,000 to a 60-year-old man who was arrested in an alleged idol theft case.
The order came on a complaint filed by M B Venu, a resident of Paravoor. SHRC chairman Justice J B Koshy ordered Salam to pay the compensation in a month and submit a report at the commission's sitting at Aluva Guest House on May 12.SHRC will decide on whether to take a department-level action against the CI.
The incident took place on December 17, 2012. As per the complaint, a team of police personnel led by Paravoor CI barged into the house of the complainant and slapped and dragged Venu to the police vehicle, alleging that he had stolen an idol.
Venu's son Vivek was also manhandled by the officials when he questioned the police action. Further, they used abusive language to the complainant's wife, daughter and daughter-in-law.
Venu was later asked to show the idol when he reached the station. When he claimed innocence, the CI challenged that he would retrieve the idol from Venu's house. The police released Venu after n his neighbours gathered in front of the station in protest.
Though the CI and other police personnel raided Venu's house they did not found anything, said Venu in his complaint.