T’puram: State govt sanctioned Rs 50,000 as compensation to a man who alleged that a police sub-inspector sprayed an irritant, believed to be pepper spray, into his eyes after summoning him to a police station over messages he had sent to his wife while their divorce case was pending before a family court.The compensation has been awarded in compliance with an order issued by the state human rights commission (SHRC), headed by Justice Alexander Thomas.Justice Thomas directed the govt to pay Rs 50,000 to Sreenath of Chirayinkeezhu, on March 15 this year. SHRC also instructed the govt to recover the compensation amount from the salary of the SI.The incident occurred on Oct 9, 2023, at Chirayinkeezhu police station.According to findings submitted to SHRC by Thiruvananthapuram rural district police chief, the SI became provoked during a conversation with the complainant and sprayed an unidentified liquid onto his face, causing severe irritation to his eyes.SHRC also ordered an independent inquiry by its investigation wing. The findings of the inquiry formed the basis for the panel’s direction to award compensation and recover the amount from the officer concerned.
