Assam panel orders probe into Tinsukia shootout

Guwahati, April 27 (IANS) The Assam Human Rights Commission has issued notice to the state police on the April 19 shootout between ULFA cadres and security forces in which four people were killed in Tinsukia district, an official said Saturday.

The commission has sought a report within 45 days of an incident, in which two anti-talk faction United Liberation Front of Assam cadres, one civilian and a policeman were killed.

Chairperson Justice A.H. Saikia and member Tarun Phookan has taken suo-motu cognizance of the case based on media reports and asked the director general of police (DGP) to carryout the inquiry by an officer of the rank of additional director general of police, the official said.

The people alleged it to be a "staged" and "managed" shootout. The locals also protested the death of a civilian into the incident, and alleged that security forces burned the houses. An irate mob later torched a vehicle of the security forces.

Meanwhile, the same bench of the commission has also issued notice to the commissioner and secretary, health and family welfare department, Assam to probe the death of three infants and a woman in Sivasagar Civil Hospital April 19.

The medical staff has been charged for negligence. The commission has sought a report within 30 days.

--Indo-Asian News service

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