Delhi govt pays Rs 1L for suicide in Tihar after NHRC order

“At the time of admission to the jail,she was found sick with low blood pressure and high fever. It was also found that she had given birth to a baby 27 days back. Therefore,she was referred directly to the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital,” the National Human Rights Commission said.

Thereafter,her treatment continued through the jail dispensary under the observation of DDU hospital. On October 23,2007,she attempted to commit suicide. She was brought by her co-inmates to the dispensary and was referred to DDU hospital,where she was declared brought dead.

“On consideration of various reports,the commission differed from the observation of the inquiry magistrate in the matter to the extent that the detaining authority had not taken adequate precaution to prevent the prisoner from doing any harm to herself,” the NHRC said.

It said that for breach of its duty to take care of a prisoner,the government of Delhi must bear the liability.

The rights panel had on January 28 recommended Rs one lakh as compensation to the next of kin of the deceased. The Commission had also sought a compliance report along with proof of payment from Delhi Chief Secretary.