OHRC seeks report on atrocity against tribals

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Bhubaneswar: Taking a strong note on the alleged illegal arrest of some tribal families in Ganjam district, Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) here Thursday directed the authorities concerned to submit a report within four weeks.
The commission has asked the Collector, the superintendent of police (SP) and the divisional forest officer (DFO) of Bhanjanagar to investigate the matter and submit the report.
The commission further asked the authorities if any alternative arrangements were made for the families before the eviction drive.
It also directed the authorities to probe whether a Gram Sabha meeting was called for determining the interest and extent of the forest rights the victim tribal families have on said land.
The tribals have reportedly applied to the district authorities for permanent rights over the land as per the Forest Rights Act, 2006. The commission has directed the DFO of Bhanjanagar to personally visit the area and enquire into the problems of tribal families.
Earlier, around 12 tribal families of Kumundi village in Ganjam had registered a compliant with the OHRC seeking immediate action against the officials who had allegedly demolished and burnt their houses April 21.
The families claimed that they had been staying on forest land near the village for generations. They have now taken shelter in makeshift homes constructed allegedly after the demolition.
According to the complaint, some forest officials led by the Ranger of Sorada block, the forester and other officers came and threw away the families’ household articles. Later, they set the houses of 12 tribal families on fire and asked them to leave the place immediately; threatening them of dire consequences. They further alleged that around 40 forest staffers reached the place and assaulted them with bamboo sticks April 24. Many tribals suffered serious injuries.
The officers also allegedly beat up the guests of the tribal families present there. They filed false cases against the families with the Sorada police. The police have not registered a case even though a complaint was filed by the aggrieved families.