STEPPED ON DIGNITY OF DISABLED : SLAPPED WITH PENALTY OF 50K

By Anshika Khera
The Haryana Human Rights Commission has allowed to recover the penalty of 50 thousand from two errant police officers after they disrobe a disabled CA and make his semi nude pictures and videos go viral on social media. The Commission imposed the penalty on the State Home Department after the police officers disrobe a disabled chartered accountant in their custody and allow his brother in law to take his semi nude pictures and videos and post on social media.

This act was declared unacceptable by the full bench of the Commission. They said as quoted : “Such cruel and disregarding treatment, particularly of a person with disability, is utterly unacceptable in a civilised society”.

The order was declared on July 16 and released on Wednesday by the commission headed by Justice Lalit Batra. The Commission that also comprises of Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia , has allowed to recover the penalty from the police officers, identified as Assistant sub inspector Jagwati and Constable Rakesh Kumar.

The complainant Anil Thakur , reportedly from Faridabad, reacting to the order , said that though the justice was delayed but it has been served and the violation of his dignity has been acknowledged.

Anil Thakur was arrested on May 24 2021 , in connection with a criminal case . In his complaint he said that while in police station , he was stripped , photographed and filmed in a semi naked condition which caused him a mental trauma. The Faridabad police , for last four years, defended its officers but then the Commission carried out the investigation.

The Commission observed that such incidents trigger mental trauma and challenges the spirit of constitutional values.

Dr Puneet Arora , Protocol, Information and Public relations Office , HHRC , said that the compensation reflects the state’s recognition of its responsibility, upholding dignity of every citizen and that police custody must not be the site of torture and shame. The order sends a message that system will not tolerate custodial abuse.