Govt rejects Oppn demand for CBI probe on killing of 20 in AP

Home Minister Rajnath Singh today rejected an opposition demand in Rajya Sabha for a CBI or judicial probe into the alleged killing of 20 wood-cutters in a forest by Andhra Pradesh police, saying there was no such demand from the state government.
He also said the killing of the wood-cutters cannot be termed as 'fake encounters' till the final judgement on the matter, adding that the human rights bodies have taken cognizance of the matter with regard to paying compensation to the next of kin of the victims.
The Minister made the statement after CPI leader D Raja raised the issue when the Upper House re-assembled after the lunch break.

Asserting that the Home Minister has given the version of the AP government, members especially Raja, T K Rangarajan (CPI-M) and EMS Natchiappan (Cong) demanded a CBI probe, while D Bandyopadhyay (TMC) sought a judicial enquiry by a Supreme Court or High Court judge.
Addressing the concerns of some members, Singh said: "I want to make clear that the police and public order is a state subject. The statement we gave was as per information received by the Andhra Pradesh government, we have not made any addition or substraction."
"But some members have demanded CBI enquiry. I would like to inform that this can be done when there is a request from the state government. We have not got any request. Therefore, this cannot be considered," he said.

No recommendation has been made by the state government as far as transferring of the case to CBI, he added.

On some members' demand for setting up of a judicial panel to probe the incident, Singh said: "If court gives permission, we will certainly do it."
On the issue of compensation to victims, the Minister said, "National and State Human Rights Commission have taken cognizance of the matter. After the judicial outcome, the Andhra Pradesh government will follow the order."
The incident had occured early on April 7 and the case was filed at 12.30 pm on the same day, he said, adding that the killings cannot be called "fake encounter" till he gets judgement.