New Delhi, June 20 (IANS): The National Human Rights Commission has directed Chhattisgarh to pay Rs.5 lakh as compensation to the family of a man who died following alleged torture in police custody in 2012, officials said Friday.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked the Chhattisgarh's chief secretary to submit a report along with proof of payment within eight weeks.
According to the NHRC, Pudiyami Mada, a suspected Maoist, died due to torture by police while being held in illegal custody Jan 9-13, 2012.
The commission took suo motu cognizance of the issue Jan 19, 2012, on the basis of a media report that Mada committed suicide at the Sukma police station, Dantewada, Jan 13, 2012.
Police put the blame on the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel and accused them of torturing Mada.
In response to the NHRC's notice, the state government provided the magisterial enquiry report to the commission.
"The commission has observed that enquiry report had pointed negligence on the part of the state officials and, therefore, the state is liable to pay monetary relief to the next of kin of the deceased," the NHRC said.