CHAPTER 4 the police concealed the real reason for the explosion and that the injured were entitled to compensation. 4.117 On consideration of material on record including complainant’s comments, the Commission directed the Government of Uttar Pradesh to pay Rs. 25,000/- as interim relief to each of the four injured. 18. Suomotu Cognizance of a News ReportPublished in “Beyond Headlines” about Suicide ofRTI Activist in Pune (Case No. 816/13/23/2014) 4.118 The Commission came across a news report published in “Beyond Headlines” under the caption “Pune RTI Activist Committed Suicide”. As per news report, an RTI activist named Vilas Dattatrey Baravakar, committed suicide by hanging himself and the suicide note left by him blamed several prominent politicians of the State of Maharashtra along with top serving and retired IPS officers. The report also revealed that the deceased activist was harassed in the past on several occasions. The Commission took cognizance of the matter vide its proceedings dated 7.4.2014 and directed to issue notice to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Maharashtra calling for a report in the matter. 4.119 In response to the notices issued to the Chief Secretary and the DGP, Maharashtra the Commission received a report from the Additional Superintendent of Police, Pune Rural stating that the matter was under investigation. During the course of investigation, statements of the relatives of the deceased, associates, neighbours and some of the persons mentioned in the suicide note, were recorded. The report revealed that the deceased mentioned the names of the said persons only out of grudge since they refused to cooperate with him. A dispute was also going on between the deceased and his brother for which a relative was trying for an amicable settlement. The wife of the deceased was not able to comment on the contents of the suicide note and categorically stated that she does not have any complaint against the police authorities as well as the persons whose names have been mentioned in the suicide note by her deceased husband. It also came out that the deceased had started making complaints against the police and other authorities with the help of Right to Information Act. 4.120 The Commission considered this response vide its proceedings dated 30.3.2015. No report from the Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra was received. The Commission directed the Chief Secretary to send a report in the matter and directed to remind the Director General of Police, Maharashtra to submit a fresh status report in the matter. (e) Police Encounter or Firing National Human Right Commission Annual Report - 2014-2015 53

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