Chopped palms of five tribals killed found scattered in Odisha club
The palms were chopped supposedly to obtain the fingerprints of the five as their faces had been disfigured after being fired from a close distance indiscriminately in 2006. The police had fired on the tribals opposing their displacement for a Tata steel plant after a constable was killed in an arrow attack.
Preserved palms of five of the 13 tribals killed in police firing in Odisha’s Kalinga Nagar in January 2006 were found scattered near a memorial pillar on Sunday. The palms were preserved inside a club near the pillar.
Preserved palms of five of the 13 tribals killed in police firing in Odisha’s Kalinga Nagar in January 2006 were found scattered near a memorial pillar on Sunday. (HT File Photo/Representational Image)
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
“We believe it to be the handiwork of a deranged person who was moving around the club a few days ago. The chopped palms were most likely taken out by breaking the locks of the club last night,’’ said Kalinga Nagar police station inspector-incharge Rajendra Patnaik.
{{^usCountry}}{{/usCountry}}
The palms were chopped supposedly to obtain the fingerprints of the five as their faces had been disfigured after being fired from a close distance indiscriminately in 2006. The police had fired on the tribals opposing their displacement for a Tata steel plant after a constable was killed in an arrow attack. A 14-year-old boy was among the 13 killed while 37 were injured. Four policemen were also injured. Three doctors, who had chopped the palms during postmortem, were later dismissed after the state Human Rights Commission found it was unnecessary and violation of norms.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
{{^usCountry}}
Rabindra Jarika, the secretary of a local tribal body, alleged the palms were thrown to disrespect their sentiments ahead of the anniversary of the massacre. He said authorities had preserved the palms and promised their DNA tests. “We have never accepted these palms to be belonging to our people and demanded their DNA tests. It is yet to be done.”
{{/usCountry}}
{{#usCountry}}
Rabindra Jarika, the secretary of a local tribal body, alleged the palms were thrown to disrespect their sentiments ahead of the anniversary of the massacre. He said authorities had preserved the palms and promised their DNA tests. “We have never accepted these palms to be belonging to our people and demanded their DNA tests. It is yet to be done.”
{{/usCountry}}
Last year, the justice PK Mohanty Commission, which probed into the firing, did not find anyone guilty for the firing.
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.
Get Latest News, breaking headlines, and top India News, and today real-time updates from across the nation. Stay informed on politics, government policies, crime, Today Weather, and major developments on Hindustan Times
Get Latest News, breaking headlines, and top India News, and today real-time updates from across the nation. Stay informed on politics, government policies, crime, Today Weather, and major developments on Hindustan Times
