Andhra woodcutters killing case: NHRC recommends CBI probe

The National Human Rights Commission today recommended a CBI probe into the killing of 20 woodcutters allegedly in police firing in Andhra Pradesh last month, observing that there was "good ground" to think that there was "serious violation" of human rights.

It also recommended a compensation of Rs five lakh each to the dependents in this case.The rights panel's recommendation came "considering the background of the victims, the delay in registration of FIR, improvements made by the officers of the state government, the nature of weapons allegedly seized from the spot, the testimony of Sekhar, A Balachandran, M Illango and the reluctance of the state government to share even basic information with the Commission".

These are "good grounds to think that there was serious violation of human rights of the 20 persons who were killed by STF personnel on April 7 in Sheshachalam forest of Chittoor District," an NHRC statement said.

NHRC also observed that the victims were very poor and their families suffering under deprivation.

"The families cannot be allowed to starve and die waiting for the final outcome of the enquiry by NHRC or investigation by an unbiased investigating agency."

The panel also said that the district magistrate of Chittoor shall take steps to disburse financial assistance to the dependents of 13 victims who belonged to Scheduled Tribe under the rule 12(4) r/w Annexure I of the SC/ST (PoA) Rules and submit action taken report to the Commission within eight weeks.

The Commission further directed the investigating officer to get the statements of the witnesses recorded under section 164 CrPC before a competent magistrate in Tamil Nadu at the earliest.

"DGP, Tamil Nadu shall continue to provide adequate protection to the witnesses namely Sekhar, A Balachandran and M Illango, their families and the presidents of the panchayats where they are living," the statement said.

NHRC also asked the Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh and the DGP to appear in person before the Commission on June 9 to furnish the information and produce the record as directed by the Commission in its proceedings on April 13 and 23.