DGP Jitender addressed the controversial Maoist encounter in Mulugu district, refuting allegations that poison was used to kill the suspects. He dismissed the claims made by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) regarding the firing of shots after the victims lost consciousness, calling them baseless propaganda. Jitender explained that the police were compelled to act due to a series of violent killings carried out by the Maoists.
ALSO READ: Telangana Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy Announces 3,500 Indiramma Houses for Sankranti
In a press statement on Monday, the DGP clarified that the Maoists initiated the gunfire during a police patrol, prompting the officers to return fire, which resulted in casualties. He noted that the Maoists were armed with advanced weaponry. Regarding the deaths of two Adivasis, Ramesh and Arjun, allegedly killed by Maoists using knives under the influence of informers, Jitender emphasized that such patrols were conducted to safeguard the public from further violence.
The encounter, which took place early Sunday morning, led to the deaths of seven Maoists. The post-mortem of the bodies was conducted in compliance with directives from the High Court and NHRC. The DGP confirmed that a different district DSP has been appointed to oversee the investigation, which is currently ongoing.
ALSO READ: PV Sindhu’s Wedding Confirmed