Kandhamal deaths: SIT in Gumudumaha

Phulbani: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the death of five innocent villagers killed during an alleged anti-Maoist operation in Malapanga forest near Kurtamgarh in Kandhamal district on July 8 reached Gumudumaha today.

According to sources, the SIT is holding discussions with the kin of the deceased and injured in the incident.

Earlier, the SIT led by ADG Mahendra Pratap had visited Baliguda, talked to local police officers and collected details of the investigation so far. Moreover, The team also held questioned the SOG commandant and Kandhamal SP Pinak Mishra on the incident at the PWD inspection bungalow.

Five villagers, including two women and a child, were killed during an anti-Maoists operation by Special Operation Group (SOG) jawans and Maoists at Malapanga forest in Kandhamal district on July 8.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik directed a Special Investigation Team of the State Human Rights Protection Cell (HRPC) to probe the incident.