India -- Maoist call for Mar 15 Rayagada bandh over Dangamatia encounter case in Odisha

Odisha Sun Times Bureau Rayagada, Mar 7: A Nayamgiri based Maoist group has called for a bandh in five blocks of Rayagada district in Odisha on March 15 to protest the alleged fake encounter of Dongria Khond youth Monda Kadrika in Dangamatia by the security forces on February 27. Niyamgiri Area Commitee, secretary Sukhdev said, on Sunday, that February 27 was the last day of the adivasi ghati festival in the Niyamgiri jungles. Police had killed Monda to create fear and panic among the tribals, he has alleged. He added that on March 15 the Maoists have called for a strike in five blocks, namely, Rayagada, Kalyansingpur, Bishamcuttack, Muniguda, and Lanjigarh in Kahahandi district to protest the killing .

They are demanding Rs 50 lakh compensation to the aggrieved family. The security forces on February 27 had claimed that a suspected Maoist, Monda Kadrika (20), was killed in an encounter in the Dangamatia forests. Notably, Monda Kadrika, brother had filed a murder complaint against the security forces in the Kalyansinghpur police station in Odisha’s Rayagarh district on March 5. Meanwhile, the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) acting Chairman Justice BK Mishra, on March 4, has directed the Southern Division RDC and the South-West Range DIG to inquire and report separately to it on the allegations of fake encounter of Monda within four weeks. The commission has adjourned the matter to April 26.