The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) on Monday issued notice to the State Government asking it to take action against the security personnel involved in the killing of five civilians in an alleged crossfire between security forces and Maoists in Kandhamal district on July 8.
NCSC Chairman Pl Punia who had visited to Gumudumaha village for an on the spot inspection said the Special Operation Group (SOG) personnel responsible for the incident must be brought to book.
Sources said of the total five deceased persons two belonged to the SC category.
“Notice has been sent to Odisha Chief Secretary, Home secretary, Director (SOG Operations) and Director (Intelligence) asking for action against the security personnel involved. Cases must be filed against the cops who were part of the anti-insurgency operation in the area on that day. Besides, a case must be registered under the Act which safeguards rights of the STs and SCs,” Punia stated.
He also demanded that the ex-gratia amount given to the kin of the victims be hiked.
“The kin of the victim must avail Government assistance under SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act separately. Other facilities like education for their children, houses and financial assistance should be given to them at the earliest. I have instructed them to follow all these and submit an action taken report. After getting the report, next date will be fixed for further discussion,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Human Rights Protection Cell (HRPC) formed to investigate the matter has started probe.