The Hindu : New Delhi News : Demand for CBI inquiry into killings of tribal leaders

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Demand for CBI inquiry into killings of tribal leaders

Panaji: Tribal leaders in Goa on Friday set a deadline of 24 hours for the State Government to hand over the case of killing of two tribal leaders to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Members of the United Tribals' Alliance Association (UTAA) said that they would continue with a hunger strike at Azad Maidan in Panaji to press their demands including a CBI inquiry into the burning of their leaders.

Ironically, police have filed a case against seven UTAA leaders who had participated in the agitation on Wednesday in Balli village. The Crime Branch is investigating a case against them for alleged unlawful assembly, rioting, damaging public property, attempt to murder and criminal conspiracy. UTAA president Prakash Velip said Chief Secretary Sanjay Srivastava gave a cold response to their demand for a judicial probe.

“The deadline for judicial probe got over on Friday and now we are asking for a CBI inquiry,” he said.

“The Chief Minister is not bothered about anything. He wants to shelter the criminals,” Mr. Velip alleged, adding that the killings took place right in front of the police.

He alleged that the police were busy trying to destroy evidence and wanted to haphazardly conduct post-mortem on the bodies terming them “unclaimed”.

“We will not accept the bodies till those involved in killing them, are booked and police officials suspended,” Mr. Velip said addressing a press conference at Azad Maidan.

The situation in the State remained tense as tribal leaders went on a hunger strike in Panaji waiting for the government's communication on their demand to initiate judicial inquiry into the killing of Manguesh Gaonkar and Dilip Velip. - PTI

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