Ajay Sharma
Early Times Report
Sunderbani, Feb 14: In a strange act of audacity, a Village Level Worker (VLW) in block Sunderbani, undergoing suspension for alleged fraud in payment of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), has reportedly approached the whistleblower and threatened him to sign an affidavit in his favour. According to sources, Village Level Worker flanked by couple of supporters visited Suraj Prakash and threatened him to sign an affidavit, claiming that he uploaded video exposing corruption under the influence of liquor.
"They also told the Suraj Prakash to maintain that he had worked under MGNREGA programme and uploaded video by mistake, as he was inebriated," claimed sources, adding that they were also offering freebies to the whistleblower for favouring them.
Sources said that Suraj Prakash refused to concede their demand and did succumb to their threats and pressure.
"Suraj Prakash blatantly told VLW that he had uploaded the video exposing corruption in MGNREGA payment in his full senses," said sources, adding that despite being guilty of fraud in payment, the VLW has the audacity to push the whistleblower.
Sources said that due to soft approach of the higher officials, the VLW dared to approach the whistleblower to change his stand.
"Despite bringing matter into the notice of the concerned authorities, no substantial action has been taken, thus providing window to corrupt elements to threaten whistleblower," said sources, adding that the block Sunderbani is plagued with such officers.
It is pertinent to mention here in that after expose by the Early Times, two officials including a Village Level Worker were suspended and attached. But, despite all this the VLW has dared to force the whistleblower to change his mind.
Locals in the area requested the Lieutenant Governor to look into the matter and fix such corrupt elements. |
