Custodial death victims’ kin should be given ₹1-cr. compensation, says Selvaperunthagai
by The Hindu Bureau · The Hindu
“When police personnel die in duty, their families get ₹1 crore as compensation. Similarly, families of those killed in police custody should also get ₹1-crore compensation,” said Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K. Selvaperunthagai.
Accompanied by party functionaries, he visited the family of custodial death victim B. Ajith Kumar at their house at Madapuram near Tiruppuvanam in Sivaganga district on Friday. Speaking to the media, he said Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, without hesitating, accepted the mistake on the part of the police and ordered for a CBI investigation.
But, the AIADMK defended the police personnel after the Sattankulam custodial deaths of a trader and his son and postponed action against them, he said, adding that the action of a few police personnel cast a black mark on the entire government now.
“As B. Naveen Kumar, the brother of the victim, feels going to Karaikudi for the job provided by the government was unsafe and dangerous to him, his request to shift his job location to Madurai should be accepted,” Mr. Selvaperunthagai said.
Later BJP State president Nainar Nagendran visited the family and handed over ₹5-lakh assistance to them. While speaking to the media, he criticised the deteriorating law and order in the State.
As it was reported that the death of Ajith Kumar was the 24th custodial death in the State after the DMK government took charge, what explanation would Mr. Stalin give for this, he asked.
He further asked, “When the police could act so horrifically for an oral complaint without filing a First Information Report, how could the public believe in the institution which boasts of protecting the people?”
He appealed to Mr. Stalin to release the name of the IAS officer who ordered the police officers to take strict action against the suspect.
At Singampunari, a couple who sent their seven-year boy to school in the morning saw him dead in the evening, he added.
“Such incidents show how poor is the law and order situation in the State. At least now the CM should promptly act to ensure peace for people and safety for women,” Mr. Nagendran said.