Srinagar: The State Human Rights Commission on Friday ordered investigation by Crime Branch to be headed by an officer of SSP rank or higher into the death of a 10th standard student from Kralteng Sopore in “police custody” in 2011.
A member of the SHRC Jang Bahadhur Singh Jamwal also ordered Rs 5 lakh compensation in favour of the next of kin of the student— Junaid Ahmad Khuroo.
The SHRC member announced judgment on a plea by student’s father Abdul Qayoom Khuroo Kral Tang Sopore and ordered registration of the case.
“Investigation should be conducted by a person of the rank of SSP or higher of Crime Branch,” the SHRC said, adding, “It has also been proved that the deceased namely Junaid Ahmad Khuroo has died in the police custody and has been killed by the police.”
The SHRC observed that his NoKs are required to be compensated. “Therefore, compensation to the tune of Rs 5 lakhs and benefit under SRO-43 be extended to the NOKs of the deceased.”
The SHRC also ordered dissuading of Inspector Gazanfar Syeed and Sub Inspector Nissar Ahmad from their regular police duty “so that they should not have a chance to intervene or interfere or hamper any kind of investigation.”
“If such kinds of acts are put to the task a peaceful life may be extended to the society at large by small efforts of this Commission,” the SHRC said and ordered the judgment be transmitted to Chief Secretary with the direction to implement it in letter and spirit. “Copy be also sent to Principal Secretary Home Department and. Director General of Police for similar necessary action,” the SHRC said.