In yet another slap on the face of Delhi Police, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has pulled up its personnel for their inhuman and merciless act of dragging a road accident victim, whose leg was in a cast, in a court complex instead of taking her on a stretcher or wheelchair.
The Commission reminded the Delhi Chief Secretary to pay Rs.25,000 to the victim, Shabnam, the order for which was passed by it in February. The Commission pointed out that it had ordered the compliance report to be sent to it by the Chief Secretary within six weeks, the deadline for which is already over. The incident occurred on March 12 last year at the Karkardooma court complex.
According to reports, Shabnam was injured in the accident in the Khajoori Khas police station limits on March 11, 2011. She was taken to GTB Hospital by the Police Control Room van and discharged the same day.
Since there was no one to look after her at Delhi, she was brought to the police station and kept under the supervision of lady constable Manju because the local police decided to send her to a nari niketan.
The next day, Assistant Sub-Inspector Baldev Raj, along with constables Nisha, Sudha and Pradeep Kumar, went to the GTB Hospital for the victim's medical examination. At around 2.30 p.m., they took her to the Karkardooma Courts.
The Investigating Officer tried to arrange for a wheelchair or a stretcher from the court dispensary, but the same was not available. However, the vigilance report of Delhi Police sent to the NHRC found the claim was incorrect.
The report said a show cause notice for “censure” was issued by Delhi Police to Mr. Raj for his misconduct and poor handling of the victim.
The NHRC later observed: “…By doing so, the police personnel have betrayed their insensitivity and scant respect towards the victim and by their inhuman act they have violated her human right to dignity. Consequently, the State is liable to compensate the victim”
Later the Commission ordered payment of compensation — Rs.25,000 — to the victim. The NHRC felt: “…Upholding the dignity and rights of women in today's society is of prime importance and the State functionaries have to lead by example in this endeavour. Such acts, if any, should be condemned. Women rights and their dignity should not be compromised under any circumstances…”
