Assam Government pays Rs. 1.00 lakh each to kin of victims of firing
New Delhi, 18 August 2005
The kin of three persons who died in a firing incident on 3 November 2002 in front of Langkashi Police out post of Tinsukia district, Assam have received interim relief of Rs. 1.00 lakh each from the State Government on the recommendations of the NHRC.
The NHRC had looked in to the matter after receiving a complaint and found that the magisterial inquiry report had pointed that the entire incident took place because of lack of command and control and an irresponsible behaviour of the Sub Inspector, who was In-charge of Langkhasi Police Station to tackle a simple law and order situation.
Based on the findings of the magisterial inquiry, the Commission considered it a fit case for award of interim relief. On 14 October 2003, it issued notice to the Director General of Police and the Home Secretary, Assam to show-cause why compensation of rupees one lakh each be not paid to the next of kin of the three deceased. Monetary relief, if any, paid by the State Government to the next of kin, ex-gratia, can be adjusted against the 'relief' recommended by the Commission, it observed.
The Commission also directed that it be informed about the outcome of the departmental proceedings against the SI.
While a letter dated 28 October 2003 from the Inspector General of Police (HR Cell) informed the Commission the status of the departmental proceedings against the SI concerned, the show cause notice of the NHRC elicited no response from the State authorities despite several reminders.
Therefore on 22 September 2004 the Commission observed the State has no logically acceptable or legally tenable cause to show against the recommendation of interim relief. It then directed that the recommendation made by the Commission on 14 October 2003 for payment of interim relief to the next of kin be complied with and compliance be reported to the Commission within six weeks.
At the same time, the Commission warned that failure to comply with the recommendations would necessitate it to call upon the Home Secretary and the Director General of Police, Assam to appear personally before the Commission on 22 November 2004 to offer personal explanation. In response a communication dated April 2005.SP, Tinsukia, Assam, was received informing the Commission about the receipt of Rs. 3.00 lakh in the Office of the SP for making necessary payment of Rs. 1.00 lakh each to the next of kin of the three deceased persons. It was stated that the amount would be disbursed to them after the next of kin produced the legal documents.
Subsequently, a communication was received from IGP (OSD) vide letter dated 23 June 205 stating that payment of Rs. 1.00 lakh each to the next of kin of three deceased has been made. Proof of payment was also sent to the Commission. The Commission was also informed that departmental action has been taken against the Sub Inspector.
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The kin of three persons who died in a firing incident on 3 November 2002 in front of Langkashi Police out post of Tinsukia district, Assam have received interim relief of Rs. 1.00 lakh each from the State Government on the recommendations of the NHRC.
The NHRC had looked in to the matter after receiving a complaint and found that the magisterial inquiry report had pointed that the entire incident took place because of lack of command and control and an irresponsible behaviour of the Sub Inspector, who was In-charge of Langkhasi Police Station to tackle a simple law and order situation.
Based on the findings of the magisterial inquiry, the Commission considered it a fit case for award of interim relief. On 14 October 2003, it issued notice to the Director General of Police and the Home Secretary, Assam to show-cause why compensation of rupees one lakh each be not paid to the next of kin of the three deceased. Monetary relief, if any, paid by the State Government to the next of kin, ex-gratia, can be adjusted against the 'relief' recommended by the Commission, it observed.
The Commission also directed that it be informed about the outcome of the departmental proceedings against the SI.
While a letter dated 28 October 2003 from the Inspector General of Police (HR Cell) informed the Commission the status of the departmental proceedings against the SI concerned, the show cause notice of the NHRC elicited no response from the State authorities despite several reminders.
Therefore on 22 September 2004 the Commission observed the State has no logically acceptable or legally tenable cause to show against the recommendation of interim relief. It then directed that the recommendation made by the Commission on 14 October 2003 for payment of interim relief to the next of kin be complied with and compliance be reported to the Commission within six weeks.
At the same time, the Commission warned that failure to comply with the recommendations would necessitate it to call upon the Home Secretary and the Director General of Police, Assam to appear personally before the Commission on 22 November 2004 to offer personal explanation. In response a communication dated April 2005.SP, Tinsukia, Assam, was received informing the Commission about the receipt of Rs. 3.00 lakh in the Office of the SP for making necessary payment of Rs. 1.00 lakh each to the next of kin of the three deceased persons. It was stated that the amount would be disbursed to them after the next of kin produced the legal documents.
Subsequently, a communication was received from IGP (OSD) vide letter dated 23 June 205 stating that payment of Rs. 1.00 lakh each to the next of kin of three deceased has been made. Proof of payment was also sent to the Commission. The Commission was also informed that departmental action has been taken against the Sub Inspector.
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