Seeking justice massacres of tribals in Chhattisgarh, Activist Himanshu Kumar won’t pay fine imposed by Supreme Court

The alleged massacres had taken place on September 17 and October 1, 2009, at Gachhanpalli, Gompad and Belpocha villages

Activist Himanshu Kumar on Tuesday said he will not pay the fine of Rs 5 lakh imposed by the Supreme Court on him for filing a petition seeking probe into alleged massacres of tribals in Chhattisgarh.

On July 14, the apex court dismissed a petition filed by Kumar and others seeking a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the incidents which had taken place in the then Dantewada district.

It also imposed an “exemplary” cost of Rs 5 lakh.

“According to the Supreme Court, I have filed this case to help the Maoists. But if the SC gives justice to the victims, how will it benefit the Maoists?”Himanshu KumarVanvasi Chetna Ashram activist

The alleged massacres had taken place on September 17 and October 1, 2009, at Gachhanpalli, Gompad and Belpocha villages.

The cost shall be paid by Kumar who was the petitioner number one, the SC said.

Talking to PTI over phone from Delhi, the activist said, “Whatever issues I have raised regarding the atrocities on tribals by the police and security forces have never been proven false. Seeking justice is not a crime in this country. I will not pay the fine as I have not done anything wrong.