Torture of Adivasis in Chhattisgarh

The authorities should order a prompt, impartial and independent investigation into reports of torture and ill-treatment, including rape and other sexual violence, against adivasis illegally detained in Chhattisgarh.

Adivasis from Pachangi and Aloor villages in Kanker district told Amnesty International that Border Security Force (BSF) personnel and the Chhattisgarh state police rounded up 40 adivasi men from their villages on 5 and 6 September, stripped them and beat them with sticks. Five men – Narsingh Kumra, Sukram Netam, Premsingh Potayi, Raju Ram and Bidde Potayi – were reportedly raped with sticks and are still being treated at the Kanker government hospital. These violations followed the 29 August ambush of a BSF-police patrol by members of the Communist Party of India (Maoist) in which three BSF personnel and two policemen were killed.