5 in Orissa dead in crossfire

At least five villagers, including two women and an 18-month-old child, were killed and seven others injured when security personnel engaged in anti-Maoist operations “mistakenly” opened fire on them late Friday evening at Malapanga, in Orissa’s Kandhamal district, the police said on Saturday.

According to reports, the villagers were returning home in an auto-rickshaw when they got caught in the crossfire between security personnel and Maoists.

“The local police had intelligence inputs that some Maoists would pass on the route late in the evening. The auto-rickshaw came in the firing line during the exchange of fire,” Kandhamal superintendent of police said, adding, “We have ordered a probe into the incident.”

Following the incident, locals blocked the road and demanded adequate compensation for families of the deceased. Orissa CM Naveen Patnaik announced ex gratia payments of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of each of the deceased and a job for at least one family member of each of the deceased.

The CM also announced a judicial probe into the incident. They also demanded withdrawal of the CRPF from Kandhamal district. The police had a difficult time convincing the villagers to allow them to send the bodies for post-mortem examinations.

The deceased were identified as Kaluka Digal, Midiali Mallick, Bimbuli Mallick, Kumari Mallick and 18-month-old Jihej Digal. Those injured are Sahalu Mallick, Kadanti Mallick, Sunita Digal, Litu Digal, Banamali Digal, Gadasi Digal and Tempo Mallick.

We also welcome any other probe decided by the state government. The deceased were identified as Kaluka Digal, Midiali Mallick, Bimbuli Mallick, Kumari Mallick and 18-month-old Jihej Digal.