New Delhi, April 1: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Tuesday directed the Bihar government to pay Rs.700,000 to a person injured in the indiscriminate firing by the police 11 years ago.
"In view of the nature of injury, magnitude of suffering and expenses on the treatment, it is recommended that the Bihar government pay Rs.700,000 as monetary relief to Kamleshwar Prasad Jaiswal (the victim)," the NHRC panel said.
Jaiswal had received a bullet injury on his face during an indiscriminate firing by the police in the Motihari city, Bihar. The injury destroyed his jaw and the face was disfigured completely.
Jaiswal underwent 22 surgeries. However, his condition did not return to normal. He requires 10 more surgeries for restoration of normal health.
Though an FIR was registered against the police personnel posted at the police station, no monetary relief was given to the victim and the culprits have not been brought to the book so far.
The victim, with no help coming from the government, moved an application with the NHRC last year.
Refusing to pay heed to various reminders, the Bihar government did not reply to the NHRC as to why financial relief should not be given to the complainant.
"Despite the final reminder, the Bihar government has not come forward with any response, even though the victim had to pass through untold physical and mental suffering in consequence of an act of indiscretion on the part of police," the panel observed.
Convinced that the state must redress Jaiswal's suffering, NHRC said: "Denial of monetary relief at this stage will be a negation of the very concept of human rights and it will defeat the purpose of the Protection of Human Rights Act."
The NHRC has directed the chief secretary of Bihar to submit a compliance report along with proof of payment within eight weeks.
(IANS)