1 week ago
Former Sarpanch Alleges Threats Over Illegal Stone Extraction
Arati Devi is a former village leader who says she tried to stop stone quarrying in her area.
She says the quarrying and explosions damaged water sources, wildlife habitats and irrigation facilities.
She also says people threatened and assaulted her after she protested.
Her complaint says a firearm was pointed at her and that her gold chain was taken.
Police have registered a case and are investigating.
Villagers say quarrying has started again after being closed for almost a year.
Arati says a reservoir and canal she helped build served about 500 farming families.
The allegations are still being examined, so the police investigation will determine what happened.
Former Dhunkapada Sarpanch Arati Devi alleged that she was threatened, assaulted and robbed after opposing stone extraction near Dahimundia Hill.
Polasara police registered a case under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Arms Act and other laws.
Villagers and Arati alleged that quarrying and blasting resumed after a suspension lasting nearly a year.
She said quarrying has damaged water sources, wildlife habitat, caves, an ancient Shiva temple and local irrigation infrastructure.
Police have assigned SI S K Sethy to investigate the allegations, which have not yet been established.
- Who
- Former Dhunkapada Sarpanch Arati Devi, villagers, and people she identified as associates of Prabhakar Panda are involved in the allegations; Polasara police are investigating.
- What
- Arati Devi alleged threats, assault, attempted intimidation and theft after she opposed alleged illegal stone extraction and blasting.
- Where
- The reported incident involved Dahimundia Hill and the area near Arati Devi’s house in the Dhunkapada panchayat; the case was registered at Polasara police station.
- When
- The alleged incident occurred on August 15; the article does not specify the year. She also said quarrying resumed after nearly a year of suspension.
- Why
- Arati said she was opposing alleged unauthorized quarrying because of its claimed effects on water resources, wildlife, heritage sites and irrigation.
Key facts
- Complainant
- Arati Devi, former Dhunkapada Sarpanch
- Police station
- Polasara police station
- Investigating officer
- SI S K Sethy
- Reported allegations
- Threats, assault, firearm intimidation and theft of a gold chain and locket
- Environmental concerns
- Damage to water sources, wildlife habitat, caves and an ancient Shiva temple
- Water project
- Arati said she built a Rs 25 lakh reservoir and a connecting canal benefiting around 500 farming families
- Legal action
- A case was registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Arms Act and other laws
Quotes
Arati Devi
Former Dhunkapada Sarpanch and complainant opposing alleged illegal quarrying
“One SC woman of a different panchayat, used by Prabhakar, has lodged a false atrocity case against me.”
thehansindia.com
