On Wednesday, the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) directed the state government to provide a compensation of Rs 1 lakh to the family of an individual who died by suicide in a police lock-up in 2021.
This decision aligns with a Government Resolution (GR) established by the Maharashtra government the previous year, which stipulates that families of inmates who take their own lives in prison should receive Rs 1 lakh. In cases where an inmate is killed or dies due to an accident while incarcerated, the compensation increases to Rs 5 lakh.
The order was issued by MSHRC Chairperson Justice AM Badar and Member Sanjay Kumar, stating, “The state is advised to remit a compensation of Rs 1 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased… within 8 weeks from the date of receipt of this order. Should there be a delay, the state will incur an interest charge on the compensation amount at a simple rate of 8% per annum until it is fully paid.”
The case in question occurred in Amravati district on August 19, 2021, involving 24-year-old Sagar Thakare, who took his own life at the Rajapeth police station after being arrested on rape charges. Thakare was found hanging from the lock-up’s iron gate. A post-mortem examination found no signs of foul play, and investigations suggested that he was distressed about facing a lengthy incarceration, a sentiment he had shared with a friend with whom he had previously eloped.
At the time of the incident, five police officers were responsible for overseeing the lock-up security, with two of them on duty during the suicide, resulting in disciplinary action against them in the form of a salary increment stoppage.
The Commission concluded, “Considering the circumstances, it is evident that the police officers assigned to ensure the safety of the accused did not fulfill their duty to protect Thakare. This negligence constituted a violation of Thakare’s right to life as guaranteed by the Constitution of India.” Citing the aforementioned government GR, the Commission reiterated its recommendation for the state to provide Rs 1 lakh in compensation to Thakare’s family.
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