B AMMU Vs. STATE OF TAMIL NADU

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS Writ Petition has been preferred by a widow of an accused claiming compensation from the Government of tamil Nadu for the death of her husband in police custody on 14-11-1998.

(2.) FACTUAL matrix necessary for disposal of this Writ Petition are as under :-Petitioner's version :-

(3.) IN the counter affidavit filed by the deputy Commissioner of Police it was their contention that Balu @ Balan was arrested on 13-11-1998 at 15. 00 hours at thalankuppam Village in connection with cr. No. 1499/1998 under Sections 457 and 380ipc of Korattur Police Station as he was involved in theft of silver and gold orna-ments. The accused was brought to Korattur police Station at about 6. 30 hours on 14-11-1998 along with two other co-accused and were kept in lock up. Subsequently, balu @ Balan had made an attempt to commit suicide at 8. 00 hours by using his lungi around his neck and the bars of the window in the lavatory of Korattur Police Station. He was taken to Kilpauk Medical College hospital, where he was declared dead. Since the death was while in police custody, the revenue Divisional Officer, Ponneri conducted enquiry.