Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The encounter of a Baiga tribal in Mandla left the government in dock in the assembly on Tuesday. The opposition said that police gunned down an innocent tribal by showing him as a Naxalite.

It also questioned the government help of Rs 10 lakh given to the deceased family by trying to know that whether the financial aid was given to an innocent tribal or to a Naxalite. Congress MLA Vikrant Bhuria had raised the issue through call attention motion.

CM provided financial aid of Rs10 Lakh to the deceased's family

In his reply, Minister of State for Home Narendra Shivaji Patel said that after probe if it was established that the deceased had no connection with Naxals, then Rs 1 crore will be given to his family. Apart from this, government job will be given to one of his family members. He added that the CM had shown concern towards the deceased family and gave Rs 10 lakh financial assistance to it. He said that Naxals have opened fire first and police fired in defence.
Earlier, Vikrant Bhuria questioned the police encounter. He said that on the day of the incident, the victim tribal went inside the jungle along with an axe and water bottle. But police states that he was in possession of 315 bore rifle and this is wrong.

Police shot him dead only to complete its target. He argued that it is the need of the hour to wipe out Naxals but innocent tribals are being sacrificed in this regard. The IG claimed that the deceased was a Naxalite and later police said that he was a Naxal supporter. ‘Why there is difference in statements,’ he fumed.

He demanded probe by a retired judge.  Leader of Opposition (LoP) Umang Singhar also raised fingers on the encounter of the tribal. Unsatisfied by government’s reply over the issue, the opposition trooped inside the well and raised slogans. Later it staged a walkout.