Investigation on Subasri's death completed, Chennai police informs HC
The Madras High Court which was hearing simultaneous petitions on digital banners clarified that it had not granted any permission for the installation of banners during the Modi-Xi informal summit at Mamallapuram and that the media had “misreported” it.
While hearing the case related to the death of 23-year-old techie R Subhasri, the Madras
HC on Wednesday (October 23) inquired on the status report by Chennai police, to which they replied that the investigation has been completed regarding the death of the techie.
The chargsheet against former councillor S Jayagopal and his brother-in-law Meghanathan would be filed soon.
Following this the Madras HC told the counsel of the techie’s father that the court can only award an initial compensation in “death-related” cases and that the petitioner has to move the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal to demand a higher compensation amount.
ALSO READ: Subhasri’s father moves Madras HC seeking compensation of ₹1 crore
The family of the deceased techie had received a compensation of ₹5 lakh on September 29 following a Madras High Court order to the state government in this regard.
Subhasri’s father R Ravi had recently filed a petition, seeking ₹1 crore compensation from the state government and had requested a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to be formed to probe his daughter’s death. Subhasri was crushed to death by a lorry which was behind her scooter, after a banner erected by a former councillor of AIADMK fell on her. Ravi had also sought for special legislation banning illegal banners in the state.
Replying to Ravi’s petition, Justice Sathyanarayana said, “In death-related cases, the court can only award initial compensation. Further compensation can be sought through the motor accidents claims tribunal or related forums.” The court ordered a notice to the state government on the compensation request by Subhasri’s father by November 22.
Justice Sathyanarayana also asked Ravi’s counsel why the case needs the constitution of an SIT. To this the counsel replied, “Subhasri might not get justice as the case is under the jurisdiction of both St. Thomas Mount and Pallikaranai police stations. Also, two FIRs have been filed in the case under the two stations. While an FIR has been filed in St. Thomas Mount road police station against the lorry driver Manoj, another has been filed against Jayagopal in the Pallikaranai police station. Subhasri’s family might get justice if an SIT team is formed.”
ALSO READ: Subhasri death case: Cops finally arrest ex-AIADMK councillor Jayagopal
Additional Advocate General C Emilias representing the state government, submitted the status report on the case to the court on Wednesday, while the final report is yet to be filed. Chennai police arrested former AIADMK councillor S Jayagopal, the prime accused in the case on September 27, two days after the court asked the department why no action was taken even 14 days after the techie’s death.
The Madras High Court which was hearing simultaneous petitions on digital banners clarified that it had not granted any permission for the installation of banners during the Modi-Xi informal summit at Mamallapuram and that the media had “misreported” it.
“We did not grant any permission to erect banners, the court mandated the government to follow the rules and not cause any hindrance to the public while erecting the banners for the summit,” said Justice Seshasayee.
“The court believes in dealing with sensitive cases, and not sensationalising any matter,” he added.
