Probe ordered into BSF troopers’ assault on villagers

RAIPUR - The Chhattisgarh government has ordered an inquiry after five tribal civilians of a village in Kanker district of restive Bastar region were hospitalised with serious injuries after allegedly being beaten up by Border Security Force (BSF) troopers, an official said Friday.

“A magisterial inquiry has been ordered after tribal civilians complained in writing that they were assaulted by the BSF personnel early this week while the troopers were on an anti-Maoist drive in village Pachangi in Pakhanjoor area,” District Collector Nirmal Kumar Khakha told IANS over phone from Kanker, some 140 km south of capital Raipur.

He informed that sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Pakhanjoor, Arvind Ekka, has been asked to conduct the inquiry and submit his report within a month.

“The SDM would inquire in details about circumstances under which the civilians sustained injuries while allegedly being questioned by the BSF personnel besides finding out who were responsible for the civilians assault,” he said.

BSF officials were not available for their version on the charges.