Kozhikode: Fauzia Hassan, one of the two Maldivian women who spent nearly three years in jails in Kerala in connection with the fake ISRO espionage case, has demanded compensation for being falsely arrested and tortured by the Kerala Police over two decades ago.

“What motivated me to seek justice for myself was the legal victory secured by scientist Nambi Narayanan. Just like him, I too have a right for compensation,” Fauzia, who is in the city to attend the Kerala Literature Festival organised by the DC Kizhakkemuri Foundation, said.

She was referring to the Supreme Court order awarding Rs 50 lakh compensation to Nambi Narayanan, the prime accused in the case, for his arrest and harassment on trumped up charges of espionage.

“I had no connection with Nambi Narayanan whatsoever. The first time I met him was when I was in CBI’s custody. The case turned my life upside down. While in jail, I was tortured in all possible ways by the investigating officers. The education and future of my daughter was spoiled. I should be compensated for all the physical torture and mental agony I suffered for no fault of mine. Since Nambi Narayanan was compensated, I’m planning to move a court seeking compensation from the state for the mental and physical cruelty I was subjected to,” she said and added that senior lawyer Prasad Gandhi will move the petition on behalf of her.

DC Books has published 'Oru (Chara)Vanithayude Velipeduthalukal' (Revelations of a lady ‘spy’), a searing account of the fake espionage case from her perspective.

Responding to Fauzia’s demand for compensation, Nambi Narayanan told Manorma News: “She had spent more years in jail than any of the other accused. It’s a sin to deny her justice. The general public and the state administration should help her in the fight for justice. Though the case was proved to be a fake one, the possible conspiracy behind the episode still remains unknown.”