: National Human Rights Commission has directed Chairman of Railway Board to pay compensation of Rs. 4 lakh to Benudhar Bhoi, who was thrown out of a running train by a train ticket examiner (TTE) for not having a valid ticket in Odisha.
Although NHRC had recommended the award of compensation more than two years ago, the Indian Railways was delaying the payment of compensation on different pretexts.
In its latest direction, the Commission asked the Chairman, Railway Board, New Delhi to submit the compliance report along with proof of payment of compensation within six weeks.
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It was alleged that Mr. Bhoi sustained serious injuries after being pushed by on-duty TEE from train at Jajpur-Keonjhar Road under Khurda Road Division on May 11, 2009. The Government Railway Police that conducted the investigation found that there was prima facie evidence suggesting that the victim was indeed thrown out of the train. Mr. Bhoi, an unemployed youth, had lost one leg due to the injury.
Indian Railways, however, said the victim met with the accident while getting down hastily from the train. He was travelling without any ticket. The Indian Railways had submitted that there was delay in payment of compensation since a local court was adjudicating the matter.
NHRC observed that there is a prima facie case of human rights violation; and the results of the criminal case in the local court as well as the claims case before the Railway Claim Tribunal had nothing to do with the compensation recommended to the victim. The commission has ordered immediate payment of compensation.
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