Police in Chhattisgarh, have filed an FIR against unnamed security personnel for allegedly abusing tribal women during an anti-Maoists operation in the remote villages of Bijapur district.
Civil rights activists visited Peddagaloor village in Bijapur in tribal Bastar region, and complained that security personnel had allegedly molested women, including a minor girl, and ransacked their houses between October 19 and October 24. Similar complaints also surfaced from Chinnagelur and Pegdapalli villages in Basaguda region. Police have registered cases and recorded statements of four women who also underwent medical examination at Bijapur district hospital.
Bijapur district superintendent of police K L Dhurw said the security personnel had ventured into the area where road construction activities was to be taken up. He said Maoists have been opposing road construction activities and he felt that such allegations were aimed at demoralizing the security forces to prevent development activities in the region.
Tribal activist and Aam Aadmi Party leader Soni Sori and other womens’ groups have claimed that security forces have molested and sexually abused at least 40 tribal women. Opposition Congress has set up a fact finding committee of its leaders who will visit these villages in Basaguda region. Meanwhile, State Home Minister Ram Sewak Paikra said that stern action would be taken against those found guilty.