The National Human Rights Commission today issued a notice to Andhra Pradesh government seeking a report on the killing of 20 alleged red sanders smugglers by police in the state, observing that the incident "involved a serious violation" of human rights of individuals.

NHRC Member Justice D Murugesan observed the opening of firing cannot be justified on the ground of "self defence" since it resulted in the loss of lives of 20 persons. According to an NHRC statement, notices have been issued to the Chief Secretary and the DGP of Andhra Pradesh calling for report explaining the act of police and forest officials within two weeks.

The matter will be taken up for hearing in the camp sitting of the Commission to be held at Hyderabad on April 23. The notices were issued after the Commission took suo motu cognizance of media reports that 20 alleged red sanders smugglers were killed in firing by a joint team of special police and forest personnel in the Seshachalam forests of Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, in the early hours today.