Beltola probe panel submits report By Our Correspondent GUWAHATI, Feb 25 – Justice (retd) RK Manisana Singh heading the probe into the November 24 Beltola violence today submitted the commission’s report to the Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi at his official residence at around 6 this evening. The State Government while entrusting Justice Singh with the job of conducting a probe had also asked the latter to ascertain the circumstances leading to the violence, identify the persons responsible for it, determine lapses, if any, on the part of the authority, fix responsibility and suggest measures to prevent such incidents on or before February 28.
The over 70-page report prepared by the one-man commission, according to sources, apart from indicating the entire incident as a ‘well-planned conspiracy’ with an extremist link, has also reportedly pointed out a series of lapses on the part of the district administration in handling the situation.
“The crucial points of the entire probe came while examining the two Adivasi girls along with some local residents and accordingly the responsibility has been fixed,” the sources in the commission divulged. The commission has taken special note of the fact that a sum of Rs 20,000 was given to the leaders of All Adivasi Students’ Association of Assam before the rally was carried out.
Talking to The Assam Tribune, Justice Manisana confirmed that he had submitted the report to the Chief Minister and is hopeful of a fruitful outcome.
“As the head of the commission, I cannot ‘directly’ held anyone responsible for the violence or give anyone clean chit either. I have just indicated things, due to which the incident might have taken place or the person concerned could be responsible,” Singh said, while adding, “The commission during the course of its probe examined around 70 people, which included around 10 witnesses belonging to the Adivasi community barring a host of senior police officials and the district administration officials.”
The Adivasi girl who was stripped off by a section of local youths also deposed before the commission along with a host of other crucial witnesses.
The first hearing took place on December 7 but not a single person turned up on that day.
“I have done my duty to the best of my ability and the ball is in the State Government’s court,” he pointed out.
The November 24 Beltola clash, it may be mentioned, of Beltola leaving 1 one dead while more than people sustained injuries.
“The report would now be placed in the ensuing Assembly session by the Chief Minister and accordingly steps would be taken by the State Government,” he added.
