Mumbai Police fined Rs 25,000 for harassing man at police station

Ill-treating a person at the police station could cost the Mumbai Police Rs 25,000. The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) in a recent or der asked the Maharashtra Home Department to pay Rs 25,000 compensation to a man who was allegedly insulted and misbehaved by a senior police inspector in 2014.

In its order the Commission stated that the incident took place in 2014, when Bharat Gaikwad, assistant commissioner of police, Crime Branch in Mumbai was posted as a senior police inspector at Sewri police station.

Manoj Hate, a resident of Daurkhana, Reay Road had moved the Commission stating that the Sewri Police had taken a preventive action under the Bombay Police Act. He complained that Gaikwad had called him to his cabin and had humiliated him.

Later, Hate had even approached superior officers against Gaikwad's uncouth behaviour. The department had found substance in Hate's grievance, the order stated, citing a report submitted by the then Deputy Commissioner of Police, Port Zone, in the matter.

A departmental enquiry conducted by the department against Gaikwad found him responsible for misconduct and misbehaviour. A minor penalty of "displeasure" was imposed on him. "In his explanation to the Commission, it emerges that a futile attempt was made by Gaikwad to put the blame on the complainant. He asserted that because of the preventive action, initiated against him under Bombay Police Act, out of vengeance, the present complaint (Hate) came to be moved, but what is pertinent to note is the fact that not a single word was whispered or sought to be explained in respect of the adverse findings. There cannot be any dispute that the circumstances clearly reflect breach of violation of human right of the complainant," the MSHRC order stated.

The Commission directed Additional Chief Secretary (Home) to pay a compensation of Rs 25,000 to the complainant for violation of his human rights, within six weeks from date of receipt of copy of the order. 

In the event of default, the amount would increase with an interest of 12 per cent per annum, the order stated.

CASE HISTORY

• Manoj Hate, a resident of Reay Road had moved the state human rights commission after he was insulted and humiliated by a police inspector at Sewri Police station. 
   
• The Commission directed Additional Chief Secretary (Home) to pay Rs 25,000 compensation to Hate for violation of human rights within six weeks.