Kendrapara, Feb10: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Wednesday sought for Action Taken Report (ATR) within four weeks from the Odisha Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and the Commissioner of Police, Cuttack over the death of an innocent villager by the Forest Officials
Seeking intervention of the Apex Human Rights Panel of India, Human Rights Activist Radhakanta Tripathy, contended that one 59-years-old Dhaneswar Behera, a resident of Satgachia village, was picked up by forest department officials of Athagarh area on last Sunday on charge of poaching a tusker and removing its tusks.
However, Dhaneswar was found dead, while in the custody of forest department officials.
Dhaneswar’s wife Tulasi alleged that her husband was hacked to death by forest officials. Local villagers said Dhaneswar was picked up by forest officials, while he was returning from his daughter’s house.
The Forest officials on January 31 had recovered a carcass of an elephant with tusks missing in Hipinda Reserve forest under Badamba range. Dhaneswar was picked up on suspicion of being a poacher, forest officials said.
He was however found dead in the custody of the forest personnel, Tripathy alleged and sought direction of the NHRC to seek details from the DGP to submit the detailed report, covering all the aspect leading to death (including time, place and reason for arrest/detention) ,
The petitioner also requested the NHRC to consider Inquest Report, Post Mortem Report (typed
copy of PMR especially description of injuries must be provided), Video Cassette/ CD of post
mortem examination.
The Action Taken Report on the Magisterial Enquiry Report, Final Outcome/Status of Departmental action or Criminal Proceedings, if any. And CB/CID Inquiry Report, (if any) are also required to be considered.
This highhanded action of the Forest officials pose serious question of human rights, he said demanded compensation to the deceased family members .
He requested the Commission to investigate the case independently and impartially, take legal
action against the errant officials and ensure payment of heavy compensation to the next kin
of the deceased with a Job.
