Fake encounter allegations by families of 2 men killed in Sukma, police say they were Maoists

When contacted, Sukma collector Haris S told The Indian Express, “A magisterial inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the facts of the case. A sub-divisional officer is inquiring into the entire incident and appropriate action shall be taken.”

Police have claimed the men were killed in a gunfight on September 5, while the families allege the two were picked up around noon on September 4 and murdered later that night.

Sodi Joga, a cousin of Sodi Kosa, alleged, “The two left in the morning of September 4 to meet someone. They were returning home on that person’s motorcycle when police picked them up. We want an impartial inquiry.”

Muchaki Deva, a relative of Rava Deva, said, “He had a small shop while Sodi Kosa owned a tractor. Police knew who they were. If they were Naxals, why not arrest them earlier?”

The families also claimed police tried to burn the bodies of the two men. Superintendent of Sukma, Kiran Chawan, however told The Indian Express, “It is a lie that police burnt the bodies of the two men. We have ample evidence to prove the bodies were handed over to the families and they completed the last rites.”

Communist Party of India leader Manish Kunjam, a two-time former MLA from Konta constituency that includes Tadmetla, meanwhile wrote a letter to Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel seeking a high-level inquiry against the police. Kunjam along with villagers will be organising a protest on Wednesday.