NHRC to record statements of 2 witnesses in Chittoor firing

NHRC Chairman K G Balakrishnan Monday directed recording of statements of two people who claim to be part of a group of woodcutters of which 20 were killed in alleged police firing in Andhra Pradesh recently.

“I have directed to record their statements and we will take action based on their statements,” Balakrishnan told reporters after meeting the two.

NHRC officials said the two had appeared before the human rights watchdog on their own and were not called.

Asked whether the two have sought protection, Balakrishanan said a decision to give them security will be taken after recording their statements.

While the NHRC had issued a suo moto notice to the Andhra Pradesh government on alleged police action, the panel has received three other complaints demanding action.

Twenty people from Tamil Nadu were gunned down in a police operation in Seshachalam hill ranges of Chittoor district on April 7 even as the family members and relatives of the deceased alleged that the incident was a “planned murder” by AP Police.

Several political parties have questioned the police action, saying labourers and not red sanders smugglers were killed by the Andra Pradesh STF.

Source:: Indian Express