Cong demands CBI probe into killing of 2 boys in encounter in

Opposition Congress today sought a CBI probe into the alleged killing of "innocent" boys in the "fake" encounter between security forces and suspected Naxals in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh recently.
"It is very unfortunate that innocent tribals are being targeted in Bastar in a conspiracy of the ruling BJP to kick them out of the region. Tribals are being killed in the name of Maoists by police," Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee chief Bhupesh Baghel said in a press conference here this evening.
According to police, on September 24 early morning, a joint team of DRG, CAF and local police had gunned down two unidentified ultras in Sanguel village forest under Burgum police station area of Bastar.

The operation was conducted based on the input that a group of rebels was heading towards Bastanar valley after crossing Indravati river to receive a top Maoist leader, police had said.
However, relatives of the deceased had later alleged that their sons were killed in a fake encounter and demanded a high-level probe into it.
The two youths, who had been killed, were identified as Sonaku Ram (16), son of Payaku Kashyap, and Bijlu (19-20 yrs) son of Naugu, both residents of village Gauda under Barsoor police station, Baghel said.

Fathers and other relatives of both the youths were also present during the press conference held at the Congress office.

"A fact-finding team of Congress legislators from Bastar, including Dantewada MLA Devti Karma, had yesterday visited the region to take stock of the incident," he said.
Briefing about the details of the report of the team, Baghel claimed, both the young boys, who were from the same extended family, had gone to Sanguel village under Burgum police station on September 23, to inform their aunt, Mase, about the demise of a six-year-old child in their family.
"They decided to spend the night at Sanguel itself. While they were sleeping in the wee hours, security forces entered the house and dragged out the two boys, in full view of their families. After some time, their relatives heard the gunshot and later the dead bodies of the two were found," Baghel said.

"Why the police had to shoot the two innocent unarmed
boys? Who had ordered them to do so? All these questions can only be answered after a CBI probe into the matter," Baghel said, seeking a CBI probe into the incident and stern action against those found guilty.
He also demanded Rs 20 lakh compensation for the kin of the boys killed in the encounter.
"Congress party wants to set Bastar free from the menace of Naxalism but not at the cost of innocent tribals," he added.
Baghel also demanded termination of Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) SRP Kalluri for the "series" of alleged fake encounter in Bastar.

Notably, a magisterial enquiry has been ordered into the incident by the local administration as is the norm in encounter cases.