CUTTACK: In a significant order, the Orissa High Court has rejected the writ petition filed by Kendruka Sonai and another person. They were claiming compensation and seeking directions for inquiry into the death of their husbands and Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangha (CMAS) activists __ Kendruka Singana and Nachika Andru __ in police firing at Narayanpatna Police Station on November 20, 2009.A Division Bench of Chief Justice V Gopalagowda and Justice BN Mohapatra held that material evidence showed the police in order to save themselves from the rampaging mob had opened fire. The mob, comprising CMAS activists and members, had stormed the police station with deadly weapons, injuring several policemen, including the IIC GC Sahu. The police had then resorted to firing in self-defence.The HC took into consideration inquiry report of the Collector, Rayagada, and joint inquiry report of Revenue Divisional Commissioner, Southern Division, Berhampur, and DIG of Police, South Western Range, Koraput, on the incident.As per case records, the wives of the two killed activists stated that the members of the CMAS had gone to the police station to protest the alleged atrocities and illegal activities of the police. But the police opened fire on them without any provocation. As a result two persons __ Singana and Andru __ sustained bullet injuries and died.On the basis of the inquiry reports, the State counsel submitted that on November 20, 2009, a large group of people, belonging to CMAS, under the leadership of Nachika Linga surrounded Narayanpatna Police Station and attacked the policemen with deadly weapons. They also fired gunshots injuring several policemen while snatching away weapons from the police station. The police in order to save their lives retaliated and two persons died. Therefore, the petitioners were not entitled to any compensation.
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