A year on, a mother awaits justice

Karan Pandey was killed in police action against stunt bikers

July 28, 2014 10:54 am | Updated December 04, 2021 11:20 pm IST - NEW DELHI:

Manju Pandey with a photo of her son Karan Pandey. File photo: Monica Tiwari

Manju Pandey with a photo of her son Karan Pandey. File photo: Monica Tiwari

A year after 19-year-old Karan Pandey was killed during an “unprovoked firing” on the streets near India Gate, no action has been taken against the policeman found guilty after a magisterial inquiry.

His mother Manju Pandey, who has been running from pillar to post for the last one year, still awaits justice for her son. “I have written letters to everyone from the Prime Minister to the Chief Minister of Delhi but I still await justice,” Ms. Pandey told The Hindu .

Recently, the National Human Rights Commission ordered the Delhi Government to pay a compensation of Rs.5 lakh to Karan’s mother. The letter received from the NHRC read: “Considering all the facts and circumstances of the case, it is recommended to the Government of NCT of Delhi to pay a sum of Rs.5 lakh as monetary relief to the mother of the deceased. Chief Secretary, Government of NCT of Delhi, is required to submit compliance report along with proof of payment within six weeks.”

The letter also mentioned that departmental action be taken against the delinquent police officials. “A reminder be also sent to the Chief Secretary, Government of NCT of Delhi, for an action taken report within six weeks on the departmental proceedings initiated against the delinquent police officials,” the report read.

“The NHRC also asked the government to take action against the guilty police officer but no action has been taken against him. For how long will I have to wait?” asked Ms. Pandey.

According to the magisterial report on Karan’s case, he was killed when one of the police personnel on patrol duty opened fire at a group of bikers in the early hours of July 27 in 2013.

Following public outcry, the police claimed that they resorted to firing in defence as the riotous bikers pelted stones at them. However, the inquiry found no evidence of stone pelting by these bikers. “The entire incident of heavy stone pelting is highly doubtful in the light of CCTV camera footage,” said the report.

The inquiry had concluded, “there was unnecessary use of force by opening fire which was disproportionate to the amount of threat to the PCR personnel’s life.”

The report attributed the firing to negligence and error of judgement on the part of the officer – Inspector Rajneesh Parmar.

Based on the findings, Karan’s family has been demanding action against the “guilty” inspector.

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