New Delhi: The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has served notice to the Odisha government over Kandhamal firing in which five innocent lives were lost to police bullets during an anti-Maoist operation in Kurtamgarh forest on the night of July 8.

The NCSC has served notices to the state Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, Director Intelligence and Director (Operation) Special Operations Group (SOG) and has sought action taken report (ATR) on the incident, informed NCSC Chairman P L Punia in New Delhi on July 18.

Punia said in the notices the state government has been asked to submit a report against the guilty police officers and apply provisions of the Prevention of Atrocities against S C & ST Act against them.

The Commission has further said that the monetary compensation offered to the kin of the victims was less.

“The police had killed five Dalits and Adivasis. I have submitted my report. Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, Director (Operations) of the SOG and Director Intelligence has been served with notices by the Commission. I have asked them to take action. The special points in the notice are that complaints for criminal offences be lodged against the erring police officials. SC & ST Act should apply against them. The monetary compensation provided was very less. They should be also provided with compensation separately under the SC & ST Act. They should be provided with financial assistance, education and houses. I have issued directions on these aspects and have sought an action taken report (ATR) from the government. After I receive the reply, I will fix the next date and take the next step as required,” said Punia.

Notably, a day after a team of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes led by its Chairman Rameshwar Oraon visited Baliguda block in Kandhamal district to conduct an on-spot inquiry into the police firing during an anti-Maoist operation on July 8 that led to the death of five innocent persons and seven injured, Punia on July 14 visited Baliguda to conduct an on-spot inquiry of the incident.

Punia had said after his visit that it was not a case of cross firing as claimed by police but an instance of unilateral opening of fire by the police when there was no provocation.

It may be recalled here that three of the deceased in the police firing belonged to the scheduled caste communities.

Source: Odisha Sun Times