Date:01/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/01/stories/2008070161500400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Pay up for harassing teacher, says human rights panel

Staff Reporter

The police went to a woman teacher’s house to arrest the landlord at midnight

BANGALORE: The Karnataka State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has found city policemen guilty of harassing a teacher who is staying with her two daughters.

The commission has directed the State Government to pay a compensation of Rs. 20,000 to the family.

Ganthimath, a teacher working in Parijatha English School in Venkateshpuram, was staying with her daughters in a house owned by Raju K. Mathew.

Mr. Mathew is staying with his family in the U.S.

In a complaint, Ms. Ganthimath said that on the midnight of December 5, 2007, a few policemen came in a Hoysala patrolling vehicle to the house.

Midnight knock

They knocked on the door, looking to arrest Mr. Mathew, against whom a warrant had been issued by a U.S. court. She told them that Mr. Mathew was in the U.S. and asked them not to disturb her.

The police threatened to break open the door. Ms. Ganthimath opened the door. Immediately, two policemen ransacked all the rooms.

The commission directed the Police Commissioner to submit a report. Perusing the report, the commission found the action of the policemen objectionable, high-handed, illegal and a violation of human rights.

The commission said the policemen should be made accountable and responsible and Ms. Ganthimath should be paid compensation for this.

SHRC Chairman S.R. Nayak on Saturday directed the Chief Secretary to pay the compensation amount within one month.