Tripura rights panel asks cop to pay Rs 25,000 for ‘misconduct’, ‘misuse of position’

Agartala: Taking cognizance of the alleged misconduct of a police officer, the Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) Monday asked asked him to pay a compensation of Rs 25,000 to the victim.
THRC has also recommended DGP Amitabh Ranjan to take departmental action against the officer, Prasun Kanti Tripura, after a proper inquiry. He is the SDPO of Amtali police station in West Tripura.
The case pertains to an incident that took place on Jan 25 this year.
Kaushik Debnath had come out of his home in West Tripura's Jagatpur to meet a Swiggy delivery agent as the latter was held up in traffic at a nearby tri-junction. To track the location of the delivery boy, Kaushik proceeded towards him using his mobile phone. This was misinterpreted by the police officer's daughter present there, who felt that Kaushik was recording her. She allegedly snatched his mobile phone, which was later returned by the police officers present there. Subsequently, Tripura, accompanied by 15-20 of his associates, arrived at the scene.
The THRC report revealed that at his daughter's behest, the officer and his associates assaulted Kaushik, causing grievous injuries. They chased Kaushik till Abhoynagar outpost, attempting further harm, which was prevented by the police on duty there.
Following the incident, Kaushik's father, Binoy Debnath, lodged a complaint against the police officer, his daughter and others for allegedly torturing his son.
THRC found that the police officer misused his official position. As a senior police officer, he left his jurisdiction without authorisation and participated in an unlawful assembly to commit violence, it stated.