Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, July 17:

The six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Human Rights Protection Cell (HRPC) today left for Odisha’s Kandhamal to probe into the alleged killing of five villagers of Gumudumaha during an anti-Maoist operation on July 8 in Kurtamgarh forest.

Kandhamal encounter

According to reports, the team headed by HRPC ADG Mahendra Pratap will interrogate the police officials, SOG personnel and also meet the victims as part of the investigation.

On Wednesday, DGP KB Singh had announced the team comprising Gurudas Kundu, SP of the Human Rights Protection Cell (HRPC) as the Investigating Officer (IO) and Ramachandra Gouda, Sadananda Guha, A Patnaik, Nirupama Sethy and Bijay Bal as other members of the team.

On the other hand, a four-member team of secretaries of four departments of the state government is on a two-day visit to Kandhamal. Works, Rural Development, Energy, and Health department secretaries would hold discussions with the district administration officials and review the progress of various welfare schemes implemented by the state government in the district.

Former Chief Minister and BJP leader Giridhar Gamang today visited Gumudumaha and met the kin of the deceased killed in the encounter.

“I will submit a memorandum to Governor SC Jamir after my visit and also draw the attention of the Union government,” Giridhar Gamang said.