Probe sought into couple’s killing during anti-Maoist operation

Several parties have demanded an inquiry into the killing of a couple by bullets of security forces during an anti-Maoist operation in Kotagarh area of Kandhamal district on July 26 as well as compensation for their families.

Through a statement, the Odisha unit of the BJP has demanded judicial inquiry into the encounter. According to party leaders, there was possibility of public revolt and disturbance in law and order situation if proper inquiry is not done and the family of the deceased are not compensated.

The Campaign Against Fabricated Cases (CAFC), Odisha, has condemned the killing terming it a fake encounter. Its state convenor Narendra Mohanty demanded CBI inquiry into the encounter. It also demanded Rs 20 lakh compensation for the family of the deceased.

A fact-finding team of the CADC will visit the spot of encounter.

Speaking to The Hindu , Kandhamal Superintendent of Police (SP) Kunwar Vishal Singh said police and administration have taken the issue seriously and police have suo motu registered an FIR in the case.

“As it is a sensitive issue, the police inquiry would be done by police officials not related to the area where the encounter occurred. The Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Phulbani Sadar will lead the inquiry,” he said.

Kandhamal district administration has also promised payment of compensation as per government norms if investigation hinted that they were innocents.

The deceased couple have been identified as Dhubeswar Nayak (45) and his wife Dubudi (41) of Pangalpadar village.

Although initially the police claimed that they were Maoists, local people claimed them to be innocent. They said the couple had gone to a hill-top to use their mobile phone due to problem of connectivity in the area.

It is alleged that they fell prey to exchange of fire between security forces and Maoists in the area.

People of Kotagarh area had resorted to road blockade and demonstration to protest against killing of the couple.

They ended their protest demonstration on Tuesday evening following promise of proper enquiry into the encounter and compensation for their family members.