Telangana HRC recommends ₹5 lakh compensation
HYDERABAD: The Telangana Human Rights Commission (THRC), led by Justice Shameem Akhtar, has recommended ₹5,00,000 compensation to the family of Makkala Hanumanthu alias Nani, who died in custody on September 8, 2017.
Reports confirm suicide using prison wire, negligence found
In its order dated February 25, 2026, in HRC No. 3514/2017, the commission said the deceased died by suicide using a wire available in jail. It termed the incident a clear case of negligence by prison authorities after examining the magisterial inquiry report, forensic reports and records.
State held vicariously liable under Article 21 provisions
The commission stated that the responsibility to protect the lives of prisoners in custody rests entirely with the state. It noted that the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution applies equally to prisoners and undertrial inmates.
Holding the state vicariously liable for the negligence, the commission recommended that compensation be paid through the chief secretary of the Telangana government. The case was subsequently closed.
