Chittoor killings: Family of deceased demand jobs, better compensation

Chennai: Family members of 20 persons gunned down during a police operation on April 7 today demanded jobs and compensation from the Andhra Pradesh government.

"We want Government to give us jobs. My husband was a painter and was the only breadwinner in our family," Loganayaki, wife of one of the victims and a mother of two, told reporters here.

The woman, who spoke on behalf of eight persons present, alleged that her husband and the others were "tortured" before being killed in the firing and demanded that the Andhra Pradesh government give all of them suitable compensation.

Read: Seshachalam is first murder case on AP policemen

Chennai based advocate K Balu, who led the kin of those killed to Chandragiri police station in Andhra Pradesh, demanded a CBI probe into the incident.

"Those involved in the incident include senior police and forest department officials. Hence there has to be a CBI probe in the matter", he told reporters here.

Balu demanded that the Andhra Pradesh government pay a compensation of Rs one crore each to victims' families.

Read: 20 dead in encounter with alleged red sanders smugglers in Chittoor forests, Andhra Pradesh

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 neighbouring Tamil Nadu, which claimed 12 victims were labourers from their state.