The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) today ordered a CBI inquiry into the Chittoor encounter in which 20 red sandalwood smugglers were killed.
The NHRC has also announced Rs 8 lakh compensation for the kin of those killed in the encounter.
“We had sent two teams to Andhra Pradesh to record statements; reports have been called from the Andhra government,” said D Murugesan of the NHRC.
“Yesterday we recommended CBI inquiry to Centre and the Andhra Pradesh government. Have ordered Andhra government to give Rs 8 lakh to the family of deceased,” Murugesan added.
“AP government is still to send the reports. Also, we have asked extension for protection of witnesses.”
Earlier, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) had called for a CBI probe into the gunning down of 20 red sanders in Andhra Pradesh.
The STF had claimed that the April 7 operation in the Seshachalam hill ranges in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh was undertaken as part of a crackdown on the smuggling of red sanders.