Probe sought into Bastar's fake encounter

Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, May 9 (UNI) The Communist Party of India and Adivasi Mahasabha have sought an independent inquiry into the death of six tribals in fake encounters near village Santoshpur in naxalite-affected Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district more than a month ago.

In a statement here today, CPI's former legislator Manish Kunjam, who is also President of Adivasi Mahasabha, alleged that an attempt was being made to protect the police personnel involved in fake encounters. About one and a half dozen people were killed in similar fake encounters in April, he said.

Six tribals who went to the forest to collect 'Mahua' fruit on March 31 were taken away by the police suspecting them to be naxalite sympathisers. A hue and cry was raised about the killing of five people in fake encounters and missing of another and the government ordered an inquiry.

Bodies of 4 tribals were dug out from the forest between Santoshpur and Pojer villages two days ago and two others yesterday, police said, adding the identity was yet to be established.

UNI