Firing on Odisha anti-liquor activists: NHRC orders action

The NHRC has ordered action against Odisha Police officials responsible for firing on villagers protesting against a liquor shop in Kendrapada district in March this year.

Acting on the complaint of human rights activist Akhand, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has ordered the Kendrapada Superintendent of Police (SP) to take appropriate action within 8 weeks and inform the complainant about it.

On International Women Day on March 8, the police had opened fire and resorted to baton charge on some women, who were demanding closure of a wine shop in Namatara village under Kendrapada, said Akhand.

Several villagers including women were injured in the police action. After the incident, the Odisha government had ordered a probe by the revenue divisional commissioner into the incident.

The opposition Congress and the BJP had also stalled the assembly proceedings demanding a probe into the incident by a house panel.