Terror-accused seeks 5 Crore in damages after acquittal by SC

Mufti Abdul Qayyum Mansuri, who was acquitted by the Supreme Court in the 2002 Akshardham Temple terrorist attack case along with five others, has approached the city civil court seeking compensation of more than Rs 5 crore from the Gujarat government and four police officers, including retired DIG D G Vanzara. In his civil suit filed earlier this month, the accused sought compensation from IPS officer GL Singhal, retired DSP VD Vanar and police inspector RI Patel, apart from Vanzara and the government, for fraudulently implicating him in the terrorism case. Mansuri's advocate said compensation has been demanded for his 11-year detained life under the continuous fear of being executed, and hardships experienced by his family due to his absence as well as the financial losses due to the expenses he incurred while struggling for this long legal battle without earning a salary. Mansuri approached the civil court after the Supreme Court redirected the acquitted persons to the proper forum when they sought compensation and registration of a criminal case against the four police officers. `Eleven Years Behind Bars' is a book written by Mansuri after his release, which talks about his experiences during his alleged illegal custody in the city crime branch, police remand and jail term.This did not go down well with Vanzara, who sued Mansuri for Rs 101 crore for defamation.

Damages are a form of compensation which a person can claim if he is wrongfully convicted. The pain and the mental torture suffered by the person cannot be equated with any amount or sum of money. But financially, it does provide some level of satisfaction to the victim. Courts must exercise proper care and diligence while dealing with cases claiming damages worth crores and see that justice is served.