Jogi demands impartial probe into encounters

Raipur, May 10 (UNI) Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Ajit Jogi and CPI leader Manish Kunjam today demanded an impartial probe into the encounter deaths that took place in the state in the past three years.

They alleged that innocent tribals were victimised on the pretext of anti-Naxal campaign 'Salwa Judum'.

Their demand comes in the wake of the alleged killing of seven tribals by police personnel in the Naxal-affected Bijapur district of the state on March 30.

Following a hue and cry over the fake encounter deaths, the bodies were dug-out two days ago and postmortem examination conducted. Doctors said the bodies bore gunshot marks and injuries caused by sharp edged weapons.

The opposition Congress and CPI questioned the propriety of the inquiry ordered by Director General of Police O P Rathore into the encounter deaths, claiming that the tribals, who had gone to the forest to collect 'Mahua' flowers, were detained by the police on the suspicion of being Naxalite supporters. Their bodies were found near the village next day.

Mr Kunjam, who is also President of the Adivasi Mahasabha, preferred an Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry, alleging that the police were attempting to shield their colleagues involved in the fake encounter that took place at Pejor village.

UNI