Bhopal, Oct 12 (SocialNews.XYZ) The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has issued notices to senior Madhya Pradesh officials, seeking a report within three days on a media report alleging that houses of tribal families were looted in Kosmi village of Sehore district.
The Commission took suo motu cognisance of a media report published on October 11 regarding the alleged incident in the village, located in the Budhni Assembly constituency, around 35 km from Bhopal.
In its notice dated October 12, the Commission said it had received information from the newspaper and decided to examine the matter under Article 338A of the Constitution.
“The Commission has taken suo motu cognisance of the matter,” the notice issued by NCST Director Purnendu Kant said.
The notices have been sent to the Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary of the Forest Department, Director General of Police, Sehore Collector, Superintendent of Police, Divisional Forest Officer and Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh State Forest Development Corporation.
The Commission has asked the officials to submit the facts of the case, details of action taken on complaints received in connection with the incident and relevant documents within three days of receiving the notice.
“The Commission has desired that the facts of the case along with action taken on the complaints filed/information received may be submitted within three days of receipt of this notice,” it said.
The notice warned that failure to respond within the stipulated period could lead to the Commission exercising its powers as a civil court under Article 338A, including summoning the concerned officials for personal appearance or through a representative.
The development comes a day after Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed strong displeasure over the demolition of houses belonging to poor families in Kosmi village.
Chouhan, who hails from Budhni and represented the constituency for several terms, visited the village on Sunday and met the affected families.
He also telephoned Chief Secretary Ashok Varnwal from the spot to convey his objections and informed BJP state president Hemant Khandelwal about the incident.
Chouhan alleged that the action by some officials was damaging the image of the BJP and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, claiming that the affected families had voted for the party in elections.
He also expressed concern over the destruction of maize and pigeon pea crops and the filling of a well used for drinking water and irrigation.
The Union minister assured the affected families that new houses would be built for those whose homes had been demolished and that temporary arrangements for food and accommodation would be made until permanent housing was provided.
The district administration and police are yet to submit their response to the Commission.
Further details about the alleged incident and the role of forest officials are awaited.
Source: IANS
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