National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in its interium orders ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe into the entire episode. It also ordered the governments to pay Rs.5 lakh as ex-gratia to the kin of those killed in the encounter.
The Commission after registering it as a sumo moto and considering all the facts opined that the killing of 20 persons in Seshachalam forest area by the Andhra Pradesh police comes under violation of human rights. It opined that all those killed are poor labourers.
The orders and recommendations of NHRC are:
1. Payment of Rs.5 lakh ex-gratia as interim relief and submit a report to it within eight weeks.
2. The Commission ordered the Chitoor district Collector to take steps to extend financial assistance to 13 Girijans under SC/ST Act rule 12(4) and submit a compliance report within 8 weeks.
3. Ordered the Andhra Pradesh and Central Government to order a CBI probe into the entire incident and confirm of the same within four weeks.
4. The police officer who investigate the case has to submit his affidavit before an authorized magistrate in Tamil Nadu.
5. Orders Tamil Nadu DGP to provide security to direct witnesses Sekhar, A Balachandran, M Ilango and their families, Panchayat presidents.
6. Orders to Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary, DGP to appear before it on June 9 at 11am with full information.
It may be recalled that 20 woodcutters were killed in an encounter by the police on April 7, 2015 in Seshachalam forest area on the charges of red sanders smuggling.
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