The Hindu : NHRC notice to A.P. Chief Secretary

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Mar 10, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Andhra Pradesh

NHRC notice to A.P. Chief Secretary

By J. Venkatesan

NEW DELHI March 9 . The National Human Rights Commission has issued notice to the Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh on a complaint from a social activist and economist seeking compensation to the family of a farmer who died at the hands of forest officers.

The Commission has asked the State Government to respond within four weeks to the complaint from the president, Forum on Social and Human Rights, P. Pulla Rao, who sought a direction to the Government to pay compensation to the victim's wife and provide other relief.

According to the complainant, on January 29, Nageswara Rao was summoned by the local forest officers at a nursery in Veersettigudem panchayat, Kamavarapukota Mandal, West Godavari district.

He reached the forest around 4 p.m. and within two hours he was dead.

When the villagers came to know about Rao's death, they resorted to an agitation. Senior revenue officials assured that the culprits would be apprehended and action taken against them.

The victim's wife was also assured suitable compensation and rehabilitation measures for her two children.

Dr. Pullarao complained that no action was taken against the culprits and no relief was provided to the family.

He urged the Commission to direct the Government to honour its public commitment — promise of land with financial compensation and education and welfare of the two children.

Further, he wanted the Commission to lay down guidelines on summoning of villagers by the Forest department staff and to fix responsibility on the delinquent officials for any violation thereof.

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NHRC notice to A.P. Chief Secretary