§ MR. O'DONNELLasked the Secretary of State for India, Whether his attention has been called to the alleged treatment of the remains of Chendria, the leader of the late Insurrection in the Rumpa District of the Madras Presidency; whether it is the fact that, in order to obtain proofs of the identity of the slain insurgent, Chendria's head was severed from his dead body, preserved in carbolic acid, and presented by the authorities to the dead man's relatives for identification; whether the widow of the dead man was forced in this manner to identify her husband's head for the satisfaction of the authorities; whether he is aware that widespread horror was caused among the Native community by these acts; and, whether he will inquire if the remains of the slain insurgent were restored to his family for burial according to Native rites?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONVarious matters connected with the insurrection in Rumpa have from time to time been before the Council and myself; but my attention has not been specially called to the circumstances attending the death of the outlaw Chendria, who was one of the chief leaders of the insurgents. It appears, however, from records in the India Office that on February 12, 1880, Chendria was killed by one Jumpa Pandiah, who had been 368 his partizan and lieutenant; that his head—which seems to have been cut off by his own people—was brought to Rajahmundry, to Colonel Buck, who was in command of the operations against the rebels, and that it was recognized by Chendria's brother, his mother, and a gaol warder who had had charge of him for six months. It also appears that the Madras Government telegraphed orders to Colonel Buck to keep the head as long as practicable for identification. On the other points referred to in the Question of the hon. Member I have no information. Chendria's death occurred nearly three years ago, at a time when the Madras Government were contending with a very serious insurrection; and I do not consider it necessary to institute any inquiries into the matter at this date.
§ MR. O'DONNELLasked, Whether the noble Marquess would inquire whether the remains of Chendria had yet been interred? It would seem not, as instructions had been given to preserve the head as long as possible for identification. He gave Notice that he would ask a further Question on the subject next Session.