PANAJI: Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC), on Monday, has directed the Ponda police to expedite investigation into the incident of atrocities against monkey hunter tribe (Wanarmare community) that took place last year in October at Nirankhal, Ponda, and submit the report within 3 months.
The Commission chaired by former district judge A D Salkar, and member J A Keny has ordered the Director General of Police (DGP) and Chief Secretary to submit action taken report (ATR) within 90 days in terms of section 18(e) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
The petitioner, Advocate Satish Sonak, appearing for the hearing, submitted that neither any basic necessity of toilet facility was provided nor adequate compensation was paid to the victims and further brought to the Commission’s attention that police have not filed charge-sheet against the offenders.
Upon being satisfied with the submission of the petitioner, the Commission asked the South Goa Collector to provide toilet facility and seek government funds to pay adequate compensation to the victims.
DySP Sunita Sawant stated that the investigation of this case is in progress and the police shall be able to file charge-sheet and file report under section 173 of CrPC within 3 months.
The Commission in November had ordered an interim relief to the monkey hunter tribe (Wanarmare community) and directed South Goa District Collector to provide drinking water, food, solar panels and other basic amenities.
Following directions of the Commission, the South Goa administration took steps in respect of some of the grievances including rehabilitation of the tribals.
The Commission has observed that the matter relates to a serious issue of violation of human rights of the tribal community and felt that this is an appropriate case where interim relief should be given in the larger interest of justice.
No investigation could be conducted for three days after the incident took place because the police were busy in providing security during the BRICS summit held in South Goa. The incident had occurred on October 16 evening and investigation started on October 19.