Protesting the police encounter in Karapat forest resulting in the death three civilians on Sunday, Maoists have called a bandh in three blocks in Kalahandi district onNovember 23.
In an audio tape released to media, CPI(Maoist) Bansadhara-Ghumusura-Nagabali Committee secretary Umakant has given the bandh call.
He claimed that there was no exchange of fire from the rebels in the encounter in Karlapat forest as claimed by the security forces.
He said police had fired at villagers to create panic among the public. The Maoist leader has demanded `10 lakh as assistance to next of kin of the deceased villagers.
On Sunday three villagers, including a ward member, were killed and two minors were seriously injured when police and SOG jawans opened fire on them suspecting them to be Maoists, during a combing operation in the Karlapat forest area in Kalahandi district.
The critically injured minors are now undergoing treatment at the VIMSAR, Burla.
Meanwhile, the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has directed the DIG (South-Western) to
inquire into the incident and file a detailed report within four weeks.