Magisterial probe ordered into CRPF firing in Bastar

Jagdalpur, May 23 (UNI) A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the circumstances led to the killing of a woman and a child by Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel at a 'Salwa Judum' relief camp in tribal Bijapur district in Bastar region of Chhattisgarh.

''A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the incident. A case has been registered and an investigation is being carried out,'' Bijapur Superintendent of police Ankit Garg said.

Referring to the incident, he said the CRPF personnel had reached Cherpal following a tip off that naxalites had entered the relief camp. As the security personnel were trying to physically verify whether any naxalites had entered the camp, some of them tried to ran away, forcing one of the constables to open fire.

He said a woman and child were killed in the firing while three others sustained injuries. The injured were admitted to the district hospital.

However, those leading the Salwa Judum -- the ongoing anti-naxalite movement against Naxals --have a different story.

Mr Ghasidas, who heads the movement in Bijapur district, had alleged that the security personnel had forced their entry into the relief camp at around 0345 hours and asked the residents to move out to attend a meeting.

Salwa Judum leaders had also alleged that the incident was outcome of the tribals protest against sexual harassment by the jawans.

More than 50,000 people, mostly impoverished tribals, are staying in relief camps in south Bastar region for last three years as they had to desert their native village following spurt in naxalite violence ever since 'Salwa Judum' movement began in June 2005.

UNI XC-JJ PS 1610