Chhattisgarh: In connection with Burkapal Maoist attack, 121 tribals got arrested by the state police in July 2017. After 5 years of jail tenure, a special court in Chhattisgarh has acquitted all 121 tribals accused on Sunday.
Burkapal Incident
121 tribals were booked under UAPA in July 2017, suspecting the tribals of assisting the Maoists. 25 CRPF personnel including an SI died in the 2017 Burkapal Maoist case.
However, a NIA court in Chhattisgarh acquitted 121 tribals were booked under the Unlawful Activities(Prevention) Act. The acquittal order was given on Friday, after which the young tribals were released on Saturday.
Young man’s words
A young man said, “I got married, I didn’t meet my wife and I am released after 5 years in jail. The other said, I was sleeping in my house, when the incident happened but still I was arrested. Each one has a woe of their own.
Police arrested Irresponsibly
Meanwhile, some young men said they did not even know the reason for their arrest. Many of them were picked up from their houses and brought forcibly. The police did not think good or bad but just picked them from their houses.
Each young man has a story to tell. They did not have any expression on their face even after being released. All the men arrested are in the age group of 20-30.
Most of them feel that the precious time in their life is gone. Their families lost almost everything. They do not know what they are going to do after they return to their houses.
The other said, “I was arrested as I hid myself on hearing the gunshots. Police came searching and arrested me”
Who will compensate?
The lawyer and the social workers who fought for the tribals claimed that the police department were irresponsible towards their duties. They even questioned the state government, if they would compensate for all the pain the tribals went through during these 5 years.
In fact most of them were bread winners of the family. The families were devastated. They almost sold everything to bring these young men out.
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