MHA probe done, action likely on complainant Rai

The one-member panel, set up by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to probe a complaint by then Inspector General of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Rajnish Rai about an alleged fake encounter in Assam, is likely to submit its preliminary findings before the home ministry this week.

The enquiry conducted on CRPF’s standard operating procedure (SOP) is learnt to have examined multiple witnesses and CRPF officials involved in the encounter that took place on March 30, 2017 in which two militants of National Democratic Front of Boroland (Songbijit faction) were killed, ET has learnt.

MHA, in 2017, announced setting up a panel headed by former Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Prasad to probe Rai’s allegations. The panel was to probe if the conduct of the officer was within the parameters of the rules, whether he conducted a “discreet” inquiry on his own and whether or not he exceeded his jurisdiction by preparing the report, which was then shared with higher ups here, officials confirmed.


Prasad, officials said, visited Amguri where the alleged incident took place on multiple occasions and learnt to have concluded that both the units of CRPF battalions followed the SOPs. His report, however, may not comment on whether the encounter was staged or not, sources said adding that MHA may seek a fresh probe if it finds merit in Prasad’s recommendations.

The panel may further recommend disciplinary proceedings against Rai for lapses on his part while conducting the probe. The IPS officer after conducting a “discreet” enquiry into the encounter had sent a report to the paramilitary force’s headquarters and others claiming that two men had been killed in the alleged staged encounter. A magisterial enquiry was also ordered into the incident by the Assam government.