Published Jul 08, 2026 | 8:30 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 08, 2026 | 8:30 PM
Kerala police. (Supplied)
Synopsis: The Commission had, in its March 15 order, directed the government to pay the compensation within two months and recover the amount from the salary of the concerned sub-inspector.
The Kerala government has sanctioned ₹50,000 as compensation to a man whose human rights were found to have been violated after a sub-inspector allegedly sprayed a pepper spray-like liquid into his eyes at the Chirayinkeezhu police station in 2023.
The compensation follows an order issued by the Kerala State Human Rights Commission, chaired by Justice Alexander Thomas.
The Home Secretary has informed the Commission’s Registrar that the government has approved the payment.
The Commission had, in its March 15 order, directed the government to pay the compensation within two months and recover the amount from the salary of the concerned sub-inspector.
It also stipulated that if the payment was delayed beyond the deadline, the complainant would be entitled to interest at the rate of 8 per cent for the period of delay.
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The case stems from an incident at the Chirayinkeezhu police station on 9 October, 2023.
The complainant, Sreenath, a native of Kurakkada in Chirayinkeezhu, alleged that he had been summoned to the station over accusations that he had been sending messages to his wife while their divorce proceedings were pending before a family court.
According to reports placed before the Commission, the sub-inspector became agitated during a conversation with Sreenath and sprayed a liquid on his face, causing severe irritation and watering of his eyes.
While the inquiry found no evidence of physical assault, it concluded that the officer’s conduct amounted to a violation of the complainant’s human rights.
A report submitted by the District Police Chief (Thiruvananthapuram Rural) confirmed the incident, while a separate probe by the Human Rights Commission’s Investigation Division, headed by an Inspector General-rank officer, also examined the allegations.
The inquiry further noted serious lapses on the part of the officer.
Departmental disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against the sub-inspector, and a detailed inquiry has also been ordered through the Deputy Superintendent of Police’s office.
Justice Alexander Thomas, in his order, held that the complainant’s human rights had been infringed, paving the way for the compensation awarded by the state government.
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(With inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
