Bhubaneswar, April 20: BJD Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Sasmit Patra has urged the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) to take immediate action in the aftermath of alleged police misconduct and violations of constitutional safeguards in the Sijimali region of Odisha. This follows a petition Dr. Patra filed over the alleged abuse of power by law enforcement and the forcible land acquisition attempts for a proposed bauxite mining project in the tribal-dominated area.
On Monday, Dr. Patra met NCST Chairperson Shri Antar Singh Arya at the Commission’s headquarters in New Delhi. During the meeting, Dr. Patra handed over a follow-up letter reinforcing his original petition dated April 12, 2026. In response, the NCST assured the MP that a formal case had been registered, notices would be issued, and a senior-level fact-finding team would soon be deployed to Sijimali. Chairperson Arya also expressed his intention to personally hear the case, with Dr. Patra being kept informed as the petitioner.
The controversy stems from the proposed mining project in Sijimali, which involves infrastructure development such as road construction. Tribal communities in the region have voiced strong opposition, alleging forced land acquisition without obtaining proper consent. According to Dr. Patra’s petition, police action against protesting tribal men and women has resulted in injuries, raising concerns over the disproportionate use of force.
In his letter, Dr. Patra highlighted several violations of law, including:
Non-compliance with the Forest Rights Act, 2006: The petition questions whether individual and community forest rights were appropriately recognized before the initiation of project activities.
Bypassing of PESA, 1996: It is alleged that the Gram Sabhas were not properly consulted, nor was their free, prior, and informed consent obtained.
Violation of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989: The petition raises concerns that the use of force by the police against tribal communities could amount to offences under this act.
Failure in policing: The letter also criticizes the use of disproportionate force, with a failure to follow the principles of proportionality and due process in policing.
Describing the situation as urgent, Dr. Patra called for an independent enquiry by the NCST and urged the Commission to invoke its powers under Article 338A(8) of the Constitution to summon records and officials. He also urged a review of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) and PESA compliance, as well as recommendations for immediate interim protections for the affected tribal families.
“The injuries sustained by tribal individuals, including women, point to a pattern of excessive force that demands an independent investigation. Delays could lead to further erosion of trust and may escalate tensions on the ground,” Dr. Patra emphasized.
The NCST’s prompt response, accepting the petition on the day of the meeting, marks a significant and decisive intervention. A senior fact-finding team is expected to visit Sijimali soon to assess the situation, question officials, and verify the legality of the mining-related activities.
Political observers in Odisha are closely monitoring the developments, as the Sijimali issue has become a flashpoint for tensions between tribal communities asserting their rights and the state’s push for industrialization. Dr. Patra’s intervention reaffirms the Biju Janata Dal’s position as a vocal advocate for tribal rights in Odisha.
The NCST is now expected to seek detailed responses from the Odisha government and police authorities, with further updates pending as the Commission’s fact-finding team prepares to travel to the region.
