Gujarat Government today handed over Rs 4 lakh as compensation on "humanitarian grounds" to parents of a 32-year-old Patidar man who had allegedly died in police custody last year during the Patel quota agitation.
"A cheque of Rs 4 lakh was given to parents of deceased Swetang Patel, Nareshbhai and Prabhaben, at their house in Bapunagar area by the Minister of State for Transport and local BJP MLA Vallabh Kakadiya," Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel said.
The compensation was given from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.
"During the Patel quota agitation, Swetang was arrested from Thakkarbapanagar area of city (on the night of August 25, 2015). He died in police custody due to his ill health. Thus, we have decided to give his parents Rs 4 lakh as compensation from CM's Relief Fund. The cheque has been handed over by Kakadiya today," Patel said.
He said the relief was granted by Chief Minister Vijay Rupani following a representation by Swetang's mother stating that their financial condition was very weak.
"Thus, we have granted a relief of Rs 4 lakh on humanitarian grounds," Patel added.
Swetang allegedly died in the custody of Bapunagar police during the intervening night of August 25 and August 26.
In her plea filed before the Gujarat High Court, his mother Prabhaben had alleged that Swetang was forcibly taken away by police personnel on August 25 during the quota stir violence and was beaten up by police at Bapunagar police station, following which he succumbed to his injuries.
Acting on her plea, the High Court directed the administration to file an FIR in Swetang's custodial death and ordered a CID probe in the case.
On August 29 last year, an FIR was filed against nine policemen, including two police inspectors and a sub-inspector.
The agitation by Patel community seeking reservation under OBC status had turned violent after detention of their leader Hardik Patel after a mega rally on August 25, 2015.
At present, CID (Crime) is investigating the case.
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