AHRC issues notice, seeks probe report

PENGEREE INCIDENT

By Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, April 17: The Assam Human Rights Commission (AHRC) today issued a notice to the State’s Chief Secretary, seeking an inclusive inquiry into the death of 12 persons during mob violence near Pengeree police station of Tinsukia district on April 11 last.

A division bench of the commission’s chairperson Justice Dr Aftab Hussain Saikia and member Tarun Phookan took suo moto cognizance of media reports on the incident.

Twelve people were killed and 20 others injured in the incident after a mob went on rampage at Pengeree police station, demanding handover of persons arrested on twin murder charges.

To control the mob, the police resorted to baton charge and fired in the air. A bullet hit an overhead high-tension electric wire, causing it to fall on the mob. Ten people died on the spot, two died later while 20 others were injured.

The AHRC directed the chief secretary to ensure that the inquiry committee fixes responsibility, if any, on guilty civil and police officials and suggest relief and rehabilitation measures required to be taken on the part of the State government, including adequate monetary compensation to the next of kin of the dead as well as the injured persons.

The commission has sought the inquiry report within 30 days.