The Kui Samaj Samanwaya Samity, an organisation of Kui tribals in south Odisha, has alleged police atrocities on a group of tribal families in Ganjam district’s Kasakendupalli village under the Bhanajangar police station limits.
“Police personnel are trying to implicate poor tribals in illicit liquor-related cases to help liquor traders,” alleged KSSS president Lambodar Kanhar. Around a dozen Kui tribal families live in Kasakendupalli.
Farmers’ support
Peasants’ organisation Rushikulya Rayat Sabha has also come out in support of the tribals.
At a joint press meet organised by the KSSS and the RRS in Berhampur on Sunday, one of the victims, Pramila Mallik of Kasakendupalli, said: “On June 13, a police team from Bhanajanagar police station raided our houses accusing us of manufacturing and trading in illicit liquor. But no liquor or liquor manufacturing goods were found. When we protested, four of us were beaten up by the police and cases lodged against us.”
KSSS Ganjam district president Pandab Mallik alleged that there were no women police personnel in the raiding team. “Later the police tried to implicate tribals in seizure of illicit liquor,” he added.
“We brought this to the notice of the Ganjam District Collector and the Superintendent of Police on June 29, who promised action,” said Mr. Kanhar.
He alleged that some police personnel wanted to promote sales of liquor traders in the area. “If tribals stop preparing their own liquor for special occasions, it will lead to increased sales for liquor traders,” he added.
According to him, to save themselves, police personnel of Bhanjanagar station then tried to frame the tribals in seizure of illicit liquor at Kasakendupalli on July 3.
Ms. Mallik of Kasakendupalli accepted that Kui tribals prepare traditional liquor in small amount only before festivals for personal consumption, but never for trading. According to RRS secretary Simanchal Nahak, tribals are allowed to prepare and keep small amount of traditional liquor.
KSSS and RRS have demanded strict action against the police personnel.
