Cuttack: The Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC), Central, will submit its report on Namtara firing incident to the State government by October end.
Informing this to media RDC, (Central Division) Akhila Bihari Ota said the statement recording of eyewitnesses is complete and the drafting of report would be done soon.
“We have recorded statements of around 50 eyewitnesses on Namtara incident. Today former SP of Kendrapara Satish Gajbhiye deposed here to keep his side. We hope to submit the final report to Odisha government by end of next month,” Ota stated.
The official said as many as 16 eyewitnesses appeared before him to record their statements.
Official sources said statements of Gajbhiye’s personal security officer (PSO) and driver have also been recorded. Ota said during the probe the then district Collector, one liquor shop owner and doctors have kept their side.
After the State Government’s order on March 12, the RDC is probing into the alleged police excesses on anti-liquor campaigners, particularly women, at Namatara village under Rajkanika block in the district in March last year.
Earlier, Ota had visited the village and interacted with the victims. Notably, nine persons, including women and children, had sustained serious injuries as the police allegedly resorted to firing on the campaigners. The incident had triggered public outcry in the State.
Sources said 17 victims are currently undergoing treatment at the SCB Medical College and Hospital under the direction of the RDC.