The Commission has appreciated the sensitivity and promptness shown by the State Government of Haryana in awarding compensation, repairing/reconstructing of the houses for the victims whose houses were torched by a mob in Balmiki Colony in Gohana, Sonepat during September 2005. The Haryana Government had also initiated a CBI inquiry and departmental proceeding against errant officers in connection with this incident.
The incident was widely reported in the media based on which the Commission had taken suo-motu cognizance. It was reported in the media that a mob belonging to upper castes most of them Jats, burnt several houses of the Dalits situated in Balmiki Colony, near Baroda Chowk in a violent backlash to murder of Gharwal village youth Baljeet Siwach which had taken place a few days ago.
Following the directions of the Commission, reply was received from the Chief Secretary to the Government of Haryana which while giving details about the incident also mentioned that cash compensation to the tune of Rs. 1.00 lakh has been paid to each of the 54 affected families. Investigation in respect of the cases registered in relation to the unfortunate incident has been handed over to CBI on 11 September 2005. The 54 damaged/burnt houses have been reconstructed by the Government at the cost of Rs. 49 lakh. Affected families have also been given compensation for the damage to their household articles. Besides, cash assistance of Rs. 5,000/- was also provided to 54 families immediately after the incident and a sum of more than Rs. 2.00 lakh has been spent for providing free food, medicine, text books, TA/DA etc. to the victims. Regarding the status of disciplinary proceedings, it was submitted that the then DSP, Gohana and the then SHO, Police Station Sadar Gohana, have been placed under suspension and departmental action is being taken against them.
The Commission observed that from the above report, it transpires that the affected families have not only been paid monetary compensation but the Government has got their damaged houses repaired/reconstructed. CBI investigation into the cases registered in relation to the incident has also started besides the delinquent police officials have been suspended and departmental action against them is being initiated.
With the observation that no action on the part is called for, the NHRC has closed the file. The Commission also stated that it is expected that the State authorities will expeditiously complete the departmental proceedings and take appropriate action against the delinquent officials on the basis of the outcome of departmental enquiry. It hoped that other State Governments also would act promptly and with all sensitivity as regards the violation of human rights wherever required.