Bombay HC closes 2018 custodial death petition after mother gets Rs 5 lakh compensation
The Bombay High Court has disposed of a petition filed by the mother of a 17-year-old boy who died in police custody in 2018, after noting that she received Rs 5 lakh as compensation under the state's victim compensation scheme. The court also stated that other grievances raised in the petition were resolved.
On April 3, 2018, the boy was apprehended by the Kurla Railway Protection Force (RPF) on suspicion of stealing a mobile phone. He was handed over to the Wadala Government Railway Police for investigation and later sent to the Dongri Observation Home for minors. He died in custody.
The mother filed a petition seeking action against the policemen involved. The bench of Justice Sarang Kotwal and Justice Ashish Chavan, hearing the case, observed that the compensation had been paid and other issues addressed. The petition was disposed of on July 1.
The case highlights the legal process following custodial deaths, where compensation and grievance redressal are key aspects. The court did not comment on the conduct of the police or the circumstances of the death, as the petition was closed based on the resolution of the mother's demands.
