On 21 June 2018, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) directed the State Government of Mizoram through its Chief Secretary to pay Rs. 3 lakhs to next of kin (NoK) of deceased Shebaram Reang who was tortured to death in the custody of Mizoram police and India Reserve Police at Kanhmun police station in Mamit district on 20 April 2013. The NHRC directed the Chief Secretary of Mizoram to submit compliance report along with proof of payment within six weeks from the date of order.
The direction by the NHRC came after the Commission rejected a request dated 26.03.2018 of the State Government of Mizoram to reconsider the Show Cause Notice dated 14.12.2018 issued by the Commission for payment of compensation of Rs 3 lakhs to the NoK of the deceased.
The NHRC acted following filing of the complaint by the ACHR on 22 April 2013 (NHRC Case No. 10/16/7/2013-AD). The case pertains to the death of a 23-year-old youth, Shebaram Reang, son of Sotrogun Reang of Gungajoy Para village under Damcherra police station in North Tripurat district of Tripura in the custody of Mizoram police and India Reserve Police on 20 April 2013. The deceased Shebaram Reang was arrested by Mizoram Police and IRP personnel headed by Officer-in-Charge of Kanhmum police station in Mamit district of Mizoram on 9 April 2013 in connection with a false robbery case involving Rs. 1,000/- that occurred on 6 April 2013 at Moroicherra village, Zawlnuam police station, Mamit district, Mizoram.
A team of Tripura police headed by 2nd Officer-in-Charge of Damcherra police station Shirsendu Chakrabarty visited Kanhmun police station, Mizoram and requested to release the deceased as he was innocent. But, Mizoram police did not oblige. On 20 April 2013, the dead body of the deceased was found hanging in the forest inside Tripura. The hands of deceased were found cuffed with a handcuff of police.
Following the directions of the NHRC, both the state governments of Mizoram and Tripura submitted detailed reports. On consideration of the reports, the NHRC said, “Considering the various reports particularly the Magisterial Enquiry Report holding the responsibility of the death of a deceased by Mizoram Police the Commission vide its proceedings dated 14.12.17 had issued Show Cause Notice to the Govt. of Mizoram through its Chief Secretary for a sum of Rs. Three Lakhs as monetary compensation recommended to be paid to the NoK of the deceased, Shebaram Reang. In response to the Show Cause Notice the Dy. Secretary to the Govt. of Mizoram, Home Department vide his communication dated 26.03.18 has submitted a detailed reply and had requested for re-consideration of the Show Cause Notice. The Commission has considered the above report in detail. The reasons adduced by the Commission in its proceedings dated 14.12.17 were based on a detailed analysis of various reports by the Investigation Division of this Commission, particularly placing heavy reliance on the MER. Therefore, the Commission is not inclined to accept the reasons given in the report and accordingly confirms its show cause notice and recommend to the Chief Secretary, Government of Mizoram to pay a sum of Rs. Three Lakhs as monetary compensation to next of kin of the deceased Shebaram Reang. The Chief Secretary, Govt. of Mizoram shall submit compliance report along with proof of payment within six weeks. Put up thereafter.”
