Crossfire victims should be compensated

The National State Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recommended a compensation of Rs 50,000 to two victims who were shot at as they were caught in a crossfire in Punjab. The apex Rights body has directed the Chief Secretary to disburse the amount within six weeks.

The NHRC recommended compensation on the heels of an FIR after which the Punjab police took disciplinary action against six errant officials. Advocate Radhakanth Tripathy who monitored the case alleged that in 2015 Punjab police officials fired at Sunil Kaushal, 30, and his younger brother Satinder Sharma, 25, who were in a moving car after they were mistaken as gangsters.

According to a report filed with the commission, individuals fired at the police from a car as they were stopped for checking at a blockade. One constable was hurt and the two brothers were thus injured in the crossfire.

According to a November 2016 report, SSP Sangrur stated that departmental action initiated against the erring police personnel were concluded and disciplinary authority imposed an appropriate punishment on the erring police personnel.