Maha Govt concedes CBI probe into Khairlanji killings after firing

Mumbai/Nagpur, Nov 14 (UNI) Maharashtra government today ordered CBI investigation into the killings of four members of a Dalit family at Khairlanji in Vidharbha region of the state on September 30 in the aftermath of a series of protests which today culminated in mob violence and police firing at Amaravati.

At least one person was wounded when police opened fire to disperse the violent mob which torched vehicles, ransacked homes and offices in the vicinity of District Collector's office at Amarvati.

Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil, while announcing that the Central Bureau of Investigation has accepted the state government's request for the probe, today said two policemen have been made co-accused in the case, four cops suspended and a public prosecutor's explanation sought for tendering a wrong advice to the police in this case.

Four members of a Dalit family comprising a woman and her two sons and a daughter were killed by a mob at Khairlanji on September 30.

Public Prosecutor Lata Ghajbhaye has been asked to explain asto why she gave a wrong advice to the police that there was no need to book the accused under the Atrocities against the Dalit Act.

Mr Patil, who holds the Home portfolio, said assistant sub-inspector Sidheshwar Bharne and havildar Baban Meshram have been made co-accused in the case. He, however, did not name the four policemen suspended by the government for dereliction of their duties.

The minister said the action against the accused cops and Ms Ghajbhaye's explanation has been sought on the basis of the recommendations made by Maharashtra SC/ST Commission.

He said the government has also decided to set up a committee under a retired judge of Bombay High Court to suggest measures for effective implementation of the atrocities act.

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