The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) on Friday recommended the Tamil Nadu government to pay a compensation of ₹3 lakh to the legal heirs of a convict prisoner, who died in judicial custody in Central prison in Madurai in 2007. The complaint was filed by the victim’s father Vellaiyan. During the pendency of the case, the complainant died following which the victim’s sister pursued it with the SHRC.
Vellaiyan of Usilampatti in Madurai district alleged his son Pandi alias Pulipandi had been lodged in the Central Prison in Madurai in August 2007. He alleged his son was brutally assaulted by authorities and admitted him to a hospital “for chest pain” where he later died.
While visiting his son, he noticed assault injuries, contusions and bleeding and preferred a complaint with the SHRC. Following the complainant’s death in October 2012, the SHRC continued to hear the matter acting on a request by his daughter Ramuthai in 2013.
