NHRC orders CBI probe into Chittoor encounter, announces Rs 8 lakh compensation

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has ordered a CBI inquiry into the Chittoor encounter in which 20 red sandalwood smugglers were killed.

NHRC orders CBI probe into Chittoor encounter, announces Rs 8 lakh compensation

Hyderabad: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has ordered a CBI inquiry into the Chittoor encounter in which 20 red sandalwood smugglers were killed.

Besides ordering a CBI inquiry, the NHRC has also announced Rs 8 lakh compensation for the kin of those killed in the encounter.

“We had sent two teams to Andhra Pradesh to record statements; reports have been called from the Andhra government,” said D Murugesan of the NHRC.

“Yesterday we recommended CBI inquiry to Centre and the Andhra Pradesh government. Have a;sp ordered Andhra government to give Rs 8 lakh to the family of deceased,” Murugesan added.

“AP government is still to send the reports. Also, we have asked extension for protection of witnesses.”

Earlier, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) had called for a CBI probe into the gunning down of 20 red sanders in Andhra Pradesh.

NCST had also slammed the Special Task Force which carried out the operation last month as it alleged that they had failed to follow the proper protocol.

In its report, the team headed by NCST vice chairperson Ravi Thakur had observed that the crime committed by those who were killed by Andhra Pradesh police was that of theft of timber.

"It is not necessary to take the extreme step of murdering these people for the crime they have committed. The stolen wood could have been retrieved from them rather than killing them as life is more precious than sandalwood," the report said while recommending a CBI probe into the matter.

The STF had claimed that the April 7 operation in the Seshachalam hill ranges in Chittoor district of AP was undertaken as part of a crackdown on the smuggling of red sanders.

(With Agency inputs)

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