Hours after Meghalaya sought NIA, CBI probe into Mukroh firing, Assam says will hand over investigation to central agency | North East India News,The Indian Express
Officials have said that six people, including an Assam Forest Guard, were killed and several others injured during a clash between Assam Police and a mob early Tuesday over an alleged timber-smuggling attempt near a village in Meghalaya.
Officials have said that six people, including an Assam Forest Guard, were killed and several others injured during a clash between Assam Police and a mob early Tuesday over an alleged timber-smuggling attempt near a village in Meghalaya. The firing occurred around 3 am in an area bordering West Karbi Anglong district of Assam and Mukroh village in Meghalaya’s West Jaintia Hills.
In a statement issued late Tuesday, the Assam Government said it has decided to hand over the investigation into the incident to a central or neutral investigation agency. “Following today’s incident of firing in West Karbi Anglong District, the Government of Assam has already instituted a Judicial Inquiry under a retired Judge of High Court to ascertain the facts, circumstances, and the exact reasons for the incident,” the statement said.
The statement added West Karbi Anglong Superintendent of Police Imdad Ali was “transferred”, Jirikinding police station officer-in-charge Kajal Nath, and Forest Protection Officer at Kheroni Forest Range Shikari Enghi have been placed under suspension. Additionally, all personnel of the police and forest departments in Assam involved in the incident were sent to their respective reserves.
The suspensions and transfer orders came shortly after Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma condemned the Assam Police action at Mukroh village and said his government would take all necessary steps to ensure those responsible will face action.
The Assam Government has also announced it will provide Rs 5 lakh each to the next of kin of all six who died in the firing, including those from Meghalaya. The Meghalaya Government had previously announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of those killed.
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