The Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has delivered a significant verdict, ordering a compensation of ₹2 lakh to be paid to a woman from Kovilpatti who was allegedly abused and physically assaulted by police personnel in 2021.
The Incident and Police Harassment
The case revolves around a complaint filed by V Santhi, a single mother supporting two daughters, one of whom lives with an intellectual disability. The distressing episode occurred on the night of October 21, 2021. According to the complaint, a sub-inspector and two constables attached to the Kovilpatti West police station entered her residence around 11 pm without the mandatory presence of a woman police officer.
The police claimed they were searching for Santhi's relative, Arun, who was wanted in a criminal case. However, Santhi alleged that the officers grossly overstepped their authority. She accused them of verbally abusing and assaulting both her and her daughters, behaving indecently, snatching ₹15,000 in cash and two mobile phones, and causing damage to property inside her home during the so-called inquiry.
Police Denial and SHRC's Investigation
The implicated policemen—then Sub-Inspector S Harikannan and Constables R Saravanakumar and S Pandiyaraj—denied all allegations. They maintained that they were merely investigating the case against Arun, who was arrested on October 23, 2021, and submitted that they never visited the complainant's house at all.
After a thorough examination of oral and documentary evidence, the SHRC, with member V Kannadasan, found the police version lacking in credibility. The commission observed that Santhi's testimony was consistent and credible. It critically noted that the police failed to examine independent witnesses like the house owner or neighbours to back their statements. The SHRC firmly held that the police action of visiting a woman's house at night without a female officer and harassing the inhabitants during the search was a clear violation of proper procedure and human rights.
Compensation Order and Disciplinary Action
In its ruling, the SHRC not only directed the state government to pay ₹2 lakh as compensation to V Santhi but also made crucial recommendations for accountability. Commission member V Kannadasan recommended that the government recover ₹1 lakh from former Sub-Inspector S Harikannan, and ₹50,000 each from constables R Saravanakumar and S Pandiyaraj. Furthermore, the commission recommended initiating appropriate disciplinary action against the three erring police personnel.
This order underscores the commission's role in upholding citizens' rights against misconduct and ensuring that public servants are held responsible for their actions. The case highlights the ongoing challenges related to police accountability and the protection of vulnerable citizens in India.
