NCST Notice To Odisha Govt, RPF DG On Migrant Worker Losing Hands

Bhubaneswar: The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has issued a notice to Odisha DGP, chief secretary andDG of Railway Protection Force (RPF) over chopping off both the hands of a migrant worker in Maharashtra.

Taking cognizance of the barbaric and ghastly act narrated in the petition filed by human rights activists Radhakanta Tripathy, the panel has sought a response from the three authorities within 15 days. “In case, the commission does not receive a reply from you (the officials) within the stipulated time, it may exercise the powers of civil courts and issue summons for your appearance in person or by a representative before the commission,” the NCST stated in its July 4 notice.

Hands of Angad Mallick (29) from Baliguda town were chopped off by miscreants at Kalyan railway station (in Maharashtra) while he was on the way to Gujarat in search of work. He was found by his family members at a rescue centre, undergoing treatment after losing his palms, in Gujarat. A police team from Baliguda went to Mumbai on July 3 to inquire into the matter.

Citing similar inhumane incidents from Odisha and other states, the petitioner said the migrant workers continue to suffer as poverty alleviation schemes has failed to benefit them. He also blamed the Odisha government for gross negligence and prolonged inaction. “The sequence of events is barbaric and ghastly in nature and continues unabated due lack of adequate and timely government intervention,” he claimed.

While suggesting some certain short term and long term measures to eradicate distress migration, Tripathy requested the NCST for legal action against the culprits and artificial limb for the victims along with compensation and rehabilitation.