Chandigarh, Oct 28 (IANS): The National Commission for Scheduled Castes Monday ordered the Haryana government to pay a compensation of Rs.20 lakh and provide a government job to the next of kin of a Dalit youth who died in police custody earlier this month.
Raj Kumar Verka, commission vice chairman summoned the Haryana director general of police and chief secretary to appear before him here Monday, and sought an action taken report from them within 15 days.
The Dalit youth, Ram Kumar, 23, was detained by police in Ambala along with another youth Oct 14 on charges of theft. Kumar's body was later found on the railway tracks with handcuffs still on.
The second youth, Vikram, said later that Ram Kumar was pushed before a running train by policemen. He alleged that the policemen had kept them in custody illegally and instigated them to escape.
The death of the youth led to protests by his family and others. Three police officials were booked on murder charges following the protests.