SHRC orders 50k compensation

T'puram: State human rights commission (SHRC) directed state govt to pay compensation of Rs 50,000 to a man who alleged that a sub-inspector sprayed a substance resembling pepper spray into his eyes inside a police station in Thiruvananthapuram.The order was issued by commission chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas in connection with a complaint filed by Sreenath, a native of Chirayinkeezhu. The incident allegedly took place at Chirayinkeezhu police station on Oct 9, 2023.According to the complaint, Sreenath was summoned to police station after he allegedly sent messages to his wife's mobile phone while a divorce case between the couple was pending before a family court. During questioning, the SI allegedly became agitated and sprayed an unidentified liquid into Sreenath's face, causing severe irritation to his eyes.The commission directed the govt to disburse the compensation within two months and stated that the amount could subsequently be recovered from the concerned SI through legal procedures. The order further said that if the compensation is not paid within the stipulated period, the govt would have to pay an additional interest of 8% for the delayed period.SHRC also instructed the additional chief secretary of the home department and the state police chief to submit a report on the action taken within two months.As part of the proceedings, the commission obtained an inquiry report from the rural district police chief. The report stated that the SI appeared to have sprayed some liquid into the complainant's face during a heated exchange, resulting in irritation in his eyes. However, the report noted that there was no evidence of physical assault.The accused SI denied the allegations. The inquiry report further stated that serious lapses had occurred on the part of the officer and that departmental disciplinary proceedings had been initiated against him. It also noted that the Irinjalakuda DSP had been directed to conduct a preliminary inquiry into the incident.