NHRC orders probe into forcible land acquisition in Orissa

New Delhi, Jun 20 (UNI) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has ordered an investigation into the illegal uprooting of over 10000 poor villagers living in over 50 villages in Bhadrak district of Orissa who are on the verge of starvation.

Justice Bhaskar Rao, member NHRC, has deputed Mr Damodar Sarangi as special rapporteur and has directed him to submit his report within three weeks.

According to the complainant Radhakant Tripathy, an advocate, the state government has forcibly taken away the land and has demolished their homes without paying any compensation to them for completing Salandi Nalia River Sanskar project.

Mr Tripathy, who is facing threat to his life, has also alleged that most of the victims are living below poverty line and land is their only source of livelihood.

The Orissa government has not issued any notice under the Land Acquisition Act before demolishing their homes and forcibly acquiring agriculture land.

UNI SC AM VC1702