TNI Bureau: The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has informed BJD Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Sasmit Patra that his petitions regarding alleged police excesses and violations of tribal rights in the Sijimali region are currently under active consideration by the Commission.

In an official communication, the NCST stated that it has received and examined responses from the Odisha Steel and Mines Department, the Odisha Police Human Rights Protection Cell, and the district administrations of Kalahandi and Rayagada. Copies of these responses have been forwarded to Dr. Patra for his review.

The Commission has requested the BJD MP to submit his comments and observations on the reports received from the concerned authorities. The feedback will be taken into account before the Commission decides on further action in the matter.

Sasmit had earlier approached the NCST seeking intervention over allegations of police excesses and the violation of the rights of tribal communities in the Sijimali area. The Commission’s latest communication indicates that the matter remains under investigation and is being actively pursued.

The development is being seen as a significant step in the ongoing examination of concerns related to tribal rights and administrative actions in the Sijimali region, with the NCST continuing its inquiry based on inputs from all stakeholders.