Maharashtra approves Rs 5 lakh compensation for families of those who die in police custody
The state Cabinet cleared a policy under which close relatives get Rs 5 lakh if a custodial death is proved to have resulted from assault, torture or pressure by police.
The Maharashtra government has taken a significant decision on deaths in police custody. The state Cabinet met in Mumbai on Tuesday under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and approved a policy on the matter.
Under the decision, if a person was in police custody and it is proved that the death was caused by assault, torture or pressure applied by a police officer or personnel, the closest relatives will be paid compensation of Rs 5 lakh. The nearest relatives of the deceased will be entitled to the amount.
Compensation will be paid only if it is proved that the death resulted from assault, torture or pressure by a police officer or personnel. A death in custody alone will not be enough. This condition is part of the policy, and meeting it is stated to be necessary to receive the compensation.
The decision opens the way for the families of the deceased to receive financial help from the government in such cases. The compensation has been fixed at Rs 5 lakh.
A statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office announced the decision. According to the statement, the government has approved a separate policy for this, which provides financial support to families in serious cases of death in police custody.
