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News India Live, Digital Desk: With the sound of three-tier Panchayat elections in Uttar Pradesh, political temperature has started rising in rural areas. These days, ‘complaint weapon’ is more in discussion than development works in the villages of Bareilly district. Electoral rivalry has led to a flood of allegations of corruption and financial irregularities to surround the current village heads. However, after a detailed investigation by the district administration, these complaints appear to be unfounded. After the investigation so far, the District Panchayat Raj Department has given a big relief to 35 village heads and given them a clean chit from the charges of corruption.
Election rivalry and the game of ‘complaint weapon’
As the election time is approaching, opposition camps have become active in the villages. There is a flood of complaints in the District Panchayat Raj Officer (DPRO) office from various development blocks of Bareilly. The opponents are mainly making serious allegations like use of substandard material in the construction of drains, rigging in the allocation of community toilets and manipulation of the MNREGA budget. Officials believe that most of these complaints are being made with the intention of tarnishing the image of the opponent in the upcoming elections rather than out of concern for development.
35 Pradhans came out clean in the investigation, conspiracy to implicate them in rivalry failed
Considering the seriousness of these complaints, the Panchayati Raj Department had formed special teams and started investigation. The investigating officers not only visited the villages and did physical verification, but also checked the quality of the construction works along with the technical team. Along with this, financial documents like bank statements, vouchers and MB (Measurement Book) were matched. According to the report of the DPRO office, the complaints lodged against 35 present Pradhans and one former Pradhan were found to be completely baseless and motivated only by personal hatred, after which they have been officially given clean chit.
Eyes are still on 9 cases: investigation ongoing
While the administration is rejecting false complaints, the noose of investigation is still tight in some serious cases. The department is currently conducting an in-depth investigation into allegations of financial impropriety against eight current and one former sheriffs. These include the heads of Sukatiya, Madhungala, Sundari, Matkapur, Bhaua Bazar, Swale Mujahidpur, Hareli Alipur, Mastipur and Dandiya Nawajis Ali. The records of development works in these villages are being scrutinized and strict action is being taken if found guilty.
Strict warning from the administration: Those who make fake complaints will be punished
The district administration has made it clear that the policy of zero tolerance against corruption will continue, but those who waste the time of the government machinery for electoral gains will not be spared. According to departmental officials, if it is proved that someone had filed a false complaint only to harass or gain political advantage, then legal action will also be taken against such complainants. At present, 35 Pradhans have heaved a sigh of relief after getting the clean chit, but the electoral chessboard and factionalism in the villages is expected to intensify further.