BJD Rajya Sabha MP Dr Sasmit Patra has petitioned the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), seeking an urgent enquiry into alleged police excesses and violations of tribal rights in Sijimali, Odisha.
In his letter, Dr Patra invoked the constitutional mandate of the NCST under Article 338A. He highlighted confrontations between police forces and tribal communities in the context of a proposed bauxite mining project and associated road construction. Reports indicated injuries to both tribal men and women, as well as police personnel.
Dr Patra raised serious constitutional and legal concerns. He pointed to non-compliance with the Forest Rights Act (2006), breaches of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (1996) regarding Gram Sabha consent, and violations of protections under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act (1989).
He urged the NCST to institute an immediate enquiry, depute a high-level fact-finding team to Sijimali, and exercise its powers under Article 338A(8) to summon records and ensure accountability. He also requested an assessment of compliance with FRA and PESA, particularly the validity of Gram Sabha processes. Additionally, he sought interim safeguards, including restraint on coercive police action and protection of affected tribal communities.
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