Justice is served

The National Human Rights Commission has directed the Delhi government to pay a compensation of Rs five lakh each to the next of kin of two people killed in a fake encounter by the Delhi Police in Jharodakalan village in October 2002

The National Human Rights Commission has directed the Delhi government to pay a compensation of Rs five lakh each to the next of kin of two people killed in a fake encounter by the Delhi Police in Jharodakalan village in October 2002.

Mandeep Singh and Vicky alias Vivek were picked up by eight police officials in mufti on October 16, 2002 from Vivekanand Vihar in Bahadurgarh. The Delhi High Court had directed the CBI to probe into the allegations that the two were killed in a fake encounter by the Delhi Police.

The CBI DIG, who investigated the case, told the Commission that Delhi Police claims that Mandeep and Vivek were wanted criminals and killed in an exchange of fire were found to be false.

The Delhi Police had told the rights panel that Mandeep and Vivek first opened fire on the police team that went to arrest them and they were killed during the return firing by the cops.
The CBI had also proposed prosecution of the accused police officers under different sections of the IPC, including 302 (murder).

The Commission in its order on March 12, 2010 observed, "We find no merit in the plea (of the Delhi Police). Proceedings of the Commission are independent of any other proceedings which may be pending at any other forum. Moreover, the issue to be decided in the criminal trial may not necessarily be the same as that before the Commission. While the question before us is whether Mandeep Singh and Vicky alias Vivek were deprived of life otherwise than in accordance with the procedure established by law, the criminal trial will determine the culpable liability of the accused. The recommendation for monetary relief need not wait till the conclusion of criminal trial."

The Commission has also asked for a compliance report with proof of payment within eight weeks from the date of receipt of its recommendations.

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