Odisha panel seeks probe into torture by Maoists

The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has directed the Malkangiri district authorities to conduct a probe into allegations of torture of people at Andrapalli and Panasput panchayat areas by Maoists, reports said on Thursday.

The OHRC’s direction to the district collector and the superintendent of police (SP) came on Wednesday after the National Human Rights Commission transferred a petition filed by Sangita Swain, secretary of activist group Human Rights Watch.

The petitioner said 115 tribals at villages in Andrapalli and Panasput panchayat left their homes due to torture by Maoists.

“The rebels are threatening the villagers of dire consequences if they raise voice against them,” Ms Swain said.

“The ultras even are setting the houses of the poor tribals on fire suspecting them to be police informers. The act of the Maoists amounts to violation of human rights and needs urgent attention of the state authorities,” Ms Swain added.

The OHRC has directed the two top district officials to comply with the order within six weeks. The next hearing is on November 25.

Ms Swain also sought compensation of Rs 20 lakh to the kin of those killed and Rs 5 lakh to other victims.

The OHRC order said the collector and the SP be provided a copy of the petition filed by Ms Swain.