Judicial Probe Ordered Into Kandhamal Encounter Case

BHUBANESWAR: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday ordered a judicial probe into the Kandhamal encounter incident in which five persons including one child got killed.

The Chief Minister also declared to provide Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia each to the family of the five deceased.

Notably, at least five villagers have been killed during an exchange of fire between security personnel and Maoists on Friday night in Kandhamal district.

The incident took place at Kurtumgarh village under Tumudibandh police station limits.

Kandhamal district Superintendent of Police Pinak Mishra said five villagers including two women, two men and one -13-year old boy were killed during the crossfire with the Maoists.

During the exchange of bullets, an auto-rickshaw carrying passenger was passing through the road and got caught in the crossfire resulting in the casualties, he added.

“There was no scope to prevent the incident due to the hilly forest areas. However, we are ready to face any probe. Besides, the district administration would also conduct an inquiry by visiting the spot,” said the Kandhamal SP.