On 7 December 2023, the NHRC issued further directions to Assam Government to pay compensation of Rs 25,000 to Mr Biswa Kalyan Purkayastha who was assaulted by Home Guards at Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) in Cachar district of Assam in the night of 12.11.2022 without any provocation. It was reported that the journalist claimed that he was beaten up with sticks by the home guards when he went to deliver food for his sister-in-law who was admitted in the SMCH.
The Convenor of the IFEI filed a complaint with the NHRC which registered the complaint. A criminal case was registered against the police while medical examination confirmed the assault. The Commission held that “The State is not only obliged to prosecute those who violate fundamental rights of the victim, it also has a duty to pay monetary compensation to repair the wrong done by its agents for violating people’s human rights”.
The Commission recommended a compensation of Rs.25,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand Only)”. The State of Assam requested the NHRC to reconsider i.e. it was not willing to pay compensation. The NHRC rejected it. Vide proceedings today, the NHRC directed to provide the proof of payment of the compensation. It may still not be paid and we still have to pursue till the proof of payment is submitted.
