The recent anti-Naxal operation in Madhya Pradesh’s Mandla district has sparked a significant controversy, with allegations that an innocent tribal man was mistakenly killed. Hiran Singh Partha, a 38-year-old member of the Baiga community, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), was fatally shot during the operation.
Officials have now acknowledged that Partha was not a Maoist, contradicting initial assumptions. This admission has fueled widespread outrage and demands for a thorough investigation. The opposition Congress party has been particularly vocal, asserting that Partha was an innocent civilian caught in the crossfire. They are calling for a high-level probe and a judicial inquiry to determine the circumstances surrounding his death.
“How come he was with the Maoists? This is a matter of investigation. Often, Naxalites move with tribals. We can speak about his association (with Naxalites) only after investigation,” Kumar said. “We don’t have any records that he was a Maoist. For now, he is a resident of Lasara Tola village,” the senior police official said.
After the encounter, two men having links with Maoists were arrested, he said. Meanwhile, Congress MLA Narayan Singh Patta, who represents Bichhiya constituency in the tribal-dominated Mandla district, said he visited Partha’s village on Saturday and met his children and other residents.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the conduct of security forces during anti-Naxal operations, particularly in relation to the protection of tribal communities. The Baiga community, being a PVTG, requires special attention and protection under Indian law. The loss of a member of this vulnerable group has amplified the sense of injustice and calls for accountability.
The demands for a judicial inquiry highlight the need for an independent and impartial investigation to uncover the truth and ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future. The situation underscores the complex dynamics of anti-Naxal operations and the critical importance of distinguishing between armed insurgents and innocent civilians, especially within tribal populations. The incident has also raised questions about the standard procedures used in these operations, and if they are effectively protecting the local populations.
Join our whatsapp group for Latest updates
Click Here for Chhattisgarh News
Click Here for Entertainment News