Centre seeks report from Andhra Pradesh government on killing of 20 people

NEW DELHI: In the midst of a raging controversy over the killing of 20 alleged red sanders smugglers in the state, the Centre today sought a report from Andhra Pradesh government about the incident which created an uproar in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

In a communication, the Home Ministry told the state government to give a detailed report about the incident and send it as early as possible, official sources said.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has briefed Home Minister Rajnath Singh about the incident and the action taken by the state government in this regard.

During their telephonic conversation last night, Naidu explained to the Home Minister the circumstances leading to the killing of the 20 red sanders "smugglers" by Andhra Pradesh Police, official sources said today.

The incident sparked protests in Tamil Nadu from where bus services to Andhra Pradesh were disrupted due to stone-pelting incidents.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O P Panneerselvam has already shot off a strongly-worded letter to Naidu demanding a "credible and speedy" inquiry into the episode and fixing of responsibility for possible human rights violations.

20 people were gunned down in Andhra Pradesh's Chittoor district in a police operation said to be against red sanders smugglers, that came under severe attack from the government and political parties in Tamil Nadu which claimed 12 of the victims were labourers from their state.

Taking suo motu note of the incident, National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to Andhra Praderh government after one of its members observed that it involved "serious violation" of human rights of the individuals and the firing cannot be justified on the ground of self defence.