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National Human Rights Commission recommends CBI inquiry into woodcutters massacre

NHRC cites Andhra Pradesh government’s incapability to provide necessary documents

Chennai: Justice D. Murugesan, Member, National Human Rights Commission, said here on Friday that the Commission is recommending a CBI inquiry into the massacre of 20 woodcutters in Andhra Pradesh forest by AP police and forest squad in April this year. “We are recommending a CBI inquiry into the Chittoor encounter case. The reason for our decision would be the incapability of the Andhra Pradesh government to provide us necessary documents and evidence pertaining to the incident,” the NHRC member told reporters at the airport.

He also said the Chief Secretary and DGP of Andhra Pradesh were summoned to appear before the body on June 9 to furnish all the details. “Andhra government is saying the case is in court and citing it as a reason for delay in furnishing details. This is hindering our investigation. We also recommended an interim relief of Rs 5 lakh by the Andhra government to the victims’ families,” he added.

A NHRC press release on Friday also said the reluctance of AP government in sharing even basic information and testimony of three witnesses indicated that there is serious violation of rights in the incident.“The victims are very poor and their families are suffering under deprivation. The families cannot be allowed to starve and die waiting for the final outcome of the enquiry by NHRC or investigation by an unbiased investigating agency” said the statement pressing the need for the Andhra Pradesh government to pay the compensation immediately.

District Magistrate, Chittoor shall promptly take steps to disburse financial assistance to the dependents of 13 victims who belonged to Scheduled Tribe and submit action taken report to the Commission within eight weeks, the NHRC said. The Central and Andhra Pradesh Governments should have the case investigated by CBI after completion of necessary formalities and shall submit an action taken report to the Commission within four weeks.

The present investigating officer of the case shall get the statements of witnesses recorded u/s 164 CrPC. before a competent Magistrate in Tamil Nadu at the earliest.

( Source : dc correspondent )
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