New Delhi, Jan 15 (IANS) Over two years after the killing of elusive forest brigand Veerappan, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Monday recommended that "interim relief" be provided to 89 families, mostly tribals of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, whose relatives were victimised by the Joint Special Task Force (JSTF) set up to nab the bandit.
As per five complaints received on the atrocities meted out to these people, the NHRC had constituted a special panel and heard to 243 people, including 43 police officials.
"As per the findings of our panel and a subsequent analysis of it, the commission has recommended the interim relief of Rs.28 million for these people. And both the state governments have expressed their eagerness to comply with it," NHRC chief Justice Shivraj V. Patil told reporters here.
Veerappan was shot dead by the JSTF in the jungles of Dharmapuri district in Tamil Nadu, bordering Karnataka, on Oct 18, 2004.
Of the 89 cases, the commission found that 36 had been killed in illegal encounters and their families would receive Rs.500,000 each.
Justice Patil said the STF personnel had repeatedly raped one woman and have directed that her family be given Rs.500,000.
Three cases of illegal detention, assault, and physical torture have surfaced and the states would pay Rs.200,000 to each of their families. Besides, 18 families facing victimisation on the same grounds but with less gravity would be given between Rs.100,000 and Rs.150,000.
Three cases of permanent disability have also surfaced and they would receive between Rs.200,000 and Rs.250,000 each.
Fifteen people were illegally put behind bars but were later exonerated by a court. They would be given Rs.200,000 each.
"One case of disappearance has been reported, and if it is established that the person is dead, then a relief of Rs.500,000 would be given, else his family would receive Rs.350,000," Justice Patil clarified.
He said both the state governments have earmarked Rs.50 million each towards the relief and rehabilitation of the people. The commission recommended that after the state governments paid monetary relief, the rest could be spent on building roads, schools, hospitals and other necessary infrastructure in the villages.
Patil however, confessed that the panel had failed to pinpoint the guilty police officers. "This can be called our limitation, but we are working on it to recommend punishment for those behind the such atrocities."