NHRC orders relief for illegal detention

It said the complaint was filed by a Raipur advocate alleging that the petitioner, Mangloo Ram and eight members of his family were allegedly harassed and beaten up by the local police who were demanding Rs one lakh as bribe.

According to a report from the Raipur SSP, the petitioner’s sister was murdered and her husband and nephew charged with killing her.

While the two accused were sent to judicial custody, the investigating officers also kept the petitioner and his family in custody for 14 days.

"They tortured the family and demanded Rs one lakh which was later scaled down to Rs 50,000 for not involving themin the murder case," an NHRC release said.

The commission recommended to the MP director general of police to direct registration of a criminal case against officers accused of torturing and harassing the petitioner and order a full-fledged inquiry by the the State Criminal Investigation Department.

Investigations have since been completed and charges established against the three errant police officials, the release said, adding the State Government had been moved for permission for their arrest and prosecution.

The commission was of the view that the victims were entitled to immediate interim relief and recommended to the MP chief secretary to pay Rs 10,000 to each of the nine victims, without prejudice to their other rights.