Raipur, February 19 Senior Congress leader Charandas Mahant has written to the National Human Rights Commission seeking an independent inquiry into the death of a tribal villager in Balrampur district, Chhattisgarh.
On February 15, Ram alias Ramnaresh (62) died, and two others, identified as Ajit Ram (60) and Akash Agariya (20), were injured after they were attacked for allegedly engaging in illegal bauxite mining in Hanspur village, under the Korandha police station.
In his letter dated February 18 to NHRC Chairperson Justice V Ramasubramanian, Mahant, also the Leader of Opposition in the Chhattisgarh assembly, claimed that the death resulted from administrative action involving excessive use of force.
The incident has caused distress among local communities and civil society, raising serious concerns about accountability and the protection of fundamental rights, he said in the letter.
Such actions, if verified, would constitute a grave violation of human rights, Mahant said while seeking a comprehensive and impartial high-level investigation to establish the facts and ensure justice.
"The Commission must identify the officials or individuals responsible and recommend appropriate legal and administrative action. There must be compensation and support for the victim's family, along with medical care and rehabilitation for those injured," he said.
Four people, including sub-divisional magistrate Karun Dahariya, have been arrested in the case, according to police.