AB Sharma
Early Times Report
Katra, July 7: A former sarpanch, enjoying patronage of some BJP leaders, has been blackmailing Anganwari workers and helpers in Sunderbani.
In a latest case of blackmailing, Mohan Lal approached the workers and helpers of Anganwari centre in ward number 8 of Nohoti and demanded Rs 5000.
"When we refused, he got infuriated and started threatening us that if we did not give him money, he would raise the issue in media," an Anganwari worker said.
In the past, some locals said, Lal used to visit various offices to demand money on one pretext or other.
"He has ordered all the Anganwari helpers and workers to pay Rs 500 every month to him and also send food items to his residence. And if any worker refuses to oblige, he uses his party influence to harass us," they said.
Backed by Member Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma, MLA Sunderbani Ravinder Raina and other senior leaders of BJP, Lal is also harassing employees of various departments for the last many months.
Earlier during his tenure as sarpanch, Lal had allegedly embezzled the funds, said the locals.
"Lal is getting a certain amount from employees of different departments including school, health and Anganwari," said the locals, demanding a high level probe against him.
"Right from the day BJP came into power, he has started collecting money," the locals said, adding that he has promised the villagers to get them government jobs and has duped many innocent people.
SDM, Harbans Lal Sharma said that he has not received a single complaint in the past 10 years from the anganwari centre. "It is the first complaint that we are receiving from the ex-sarpanch Mohan Lal regarding pilferage of nutrition items in the centre", he added. |
