The CPI(ML) expresses concern over the killing of 39 people in Malkangiri (reportedly 28 Maoists and 11 adivasi villagers) on October 24. There are many disquieting questions about this alleged encounter. A Greyhound commando who lost his life in this episode reportedly died of drowning, and another is injured, but there are no other major casualties on the side of the paramilitary forces. This raises questions about the genuineness of the encounter.
The Supreme Court has issued detailed guidelines on encounter killings, mandating mandatory registration of FIRs and investigation by an independent agency in every case of encounter death. FIR must be registered in the Malkangiri killings and there must be a time-bound Court-monitored judicial probe.
The Court has ordered that missing Maoist leaders including Akkiraju Haragopal (RK) be presumed to be in illegal police custody and produced in Court without delay. These orders must be carried out immediately.
