'10 innocents were killed, falsely dubbed as Maoists', say tribals who want probe into Bijapur killings
Correspondent
NewsBits.in
RAIPUR/JAGDALPUR: Around 2,000 people took part in an agitation, demanding a probe into the killing of 10 persons in Abujhmad in Chhattisgarh recently.
They alleged that 10 persons who were killed in an extra-judicial killing in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh last month, were innocents who had no link with Maoism.
The locals said that on the particular day there was no operation by security personnel in the region. Still, the tribals were later found murdered and it was claimed that they were Maoists who were killed in the cross-firing in Tadballa forests of Abujhmad.
The kin of the victims and the local residents took out the rally in Bhairamgarh, demanding a probe. Activist Soni Sori led the march. Speaking on the occasion, local tribal leaders said that there was no operation on February 7, yet, the tribals were gunned down and termed Maoists.
They demanded that the victim's kin should be allowed to record their statements without fear. Also, there were accusations of sexual misbehaviour against certain security personnel. Later, memorandum was handed to the officials. The legislator Vikram Mandavi promised that there would be justice and a probe would be conducted.
Mandavi said that he would speak to the chief minister and top officials in order to ensure that the victim's kin get justice. He assured tribal leaders that if there was an extra-judicial killing, then those involved would not be spared and will face harsh punishment. Photo courtesy--Patrika.
