Youth attempted self-immolation against corruption, police arrested

Gangaram Yadav, a resident of Behil village under Munderwa police station area of ​​Basti district, tried to commit self-immolation at the collectorate gate. He was about to light a match by pouring kerosene on his clothes when the police caught him. The police arrested him and took him to the police station and later challaned him on suspicion of disturbing the peace. During this the collectorate or any other high official was not present.

Gangaram had complained to the District Magistrate and other high officials about irregularities in the development works done in his village. He also warned of self-immolation 15 days ago. After this, apart from the Ombudsman of MNREGA, DPRO also reached the spot to investigate the cases, but the investigation remained inconclusive. The DPRO investigated the complaint regarding withdrawal of money in the name of hand pump rebar and repair.

According to Gangaram, the villagers told that the handpump has neither been repaired nor rebored. Even after this no action was taken. The CDO had directed the District Khadi Village Industries Officer to investigate the matter of MNREGA and handpumps. He was asked for an inquiry report by 30 November. The investigation report was not received by the CDO even after the expiry of the deadline. Gangaram says that the District Khadi Village Industries Officer had received an inquiry into the corruption in Khadanja construction two years ago, till date his investigation has not been completed. It is alleged that similarly other officers have saved the accused by covering up the investigation.