Kochi, Oct 28: Kerala High Court today issued urgent notices to the CBI, state government and state and National Human Rights Commissions on a PIL seeking CBI probe into alleged atrocities committed against tribals in police custody earlier this year. When the PIL came up before a Division Bench Comprising Justice Cyriac Joseph and Justice K K Denesan, it was admitted and the court ordered notices to be issued to the respondents. The petitioner, Binoy Vishwam, MLA, also sought a direction to grant compensation to the tribal victims who had been allegedly tortured in police custody. The petitioner contended that Inspector General of Police Jacob Punnose, who had enquired into the incident, following a a direction from the State Human Rights Commission, had found that atrocities had been committed by the state police. This report should also be brought before the court, he submitted. Earlier, tribal activist C K Janu had moved a petition seeking CBI enquiry and compensation to the victims of the incident. This petition is pending consideration before the court.

The case relates to the alleged illegal occupation of land in Muthunga wild life sanctuary by some tribals who were removed by police later.


Bureau Report