1 week ago
Maharashtra Sarpanch’s Viral Video Alleges Bribe Rate Card
A video from a village meeting in Maharashtra has spread widely online.
In it, the village leader allegedly talks about money being demanded for government benefits.
He says a well approval could require Rs 20,000.
He also mentions Rs 7,000 for a cattle shed.
Other payments were allegedly linked to housing and other schemes.
The local development officer has asked the village leader to explain the claims.
The officer also wants evidence within three days.
If the allegations are proven, action may be taken.
People were told to report any bribe demands instead of paying.
A video purportedly recorded at an Atola village assembly in Latur district on August 17 has gone viral.
The sarpanch allegedly said officials demanded Rs 20,000 to approve wells and Rs 7,000 for cattle sheds.
The video also mentions alleged fixed payments for housing and other government schemes.
Chakur’s Block Development Officer requested a written explanation and evidence from the sarpanch within three days.
Authorities urged citizens not to pay bribes and to report demands to the officer or Anti-Corruption Bureau.
- Who
- The Atola sarpanch, Panchayat Samiti officials alleged by him, and Chakur Block Development Officer Santaji Mane.
- What
- A viral gram sabha video allegedly discusses a rate card for bribes tied to government scheme approvals.
- Where
- Atola village in Chakur tehsil, Latur district, Maharashtra.
- When
- The video was purportedly recorded on August 17; authorities requested evidence within three days of their notice.
- Why
- The alleged payments were said to be demanded to approve wells, cattle sheds, housing, and other government benefits.
Sarpanch’s Allegations
Authorities’ Response
Existence of a bribe system
Sarpanch’s Allegations
The sarpanch allegedly claimed that Panchayat Samiti members and officials demanded fixed amounts to approve government schemes.
Authorities’ Response
Authorities have not confirmed the allegations; they requested a written explanation and evidence before considering action.
Public disclosure
Sarpanch’s Allegations
The sarpanch was heard calling for the gram sabha proceedings to be recorded and made public to expose the alleged corruption.
Authorities’ Response
The Block Development Officer said action would be taken against those responsible if the allegations are found to be true.
Payments by villagers
Sarpanch’s Allegations
The video allegedly describes payments connected to wells, cattle sheds, housing, and other benefits.
Authorities’ Response
The authorities appealed to citizens not to pay money and to report any demands directly to officials or the Anti-Corruption Bureau.
Key facts
- Location
- Atola village, Chakur tehsil, Latur district, Maharashtra
- Video setting
- A gram sabha, or village assembly
- Alleged well approval payment
- Rs 20,000 at the Panchayat Samiti level
- Alleged cattle shed payment
- Rs 7,000
- Reported housing adjustment
- Rs 5,000 could allegedly be adjusted against house and water tax dues, leaving Rs 15,000 to be paid to Panchayat Samiti employees
- Official response
- Block Development Officer Santaji Mane sought a written explanation and evidence within three days
- Reporting channels
- The Block Development Officer or the Anti-Corruption Bureau
Quotes
Santaji Mane
Block Development Officer of Chakur Panchayat Samiti
“I have sought a written explanation from the sarpanch and asked him to submit evidence within three days or explain whom they paid money and when, "If the allegations are found to be true, action will be taken against those responsible. I have also appealed to citizens not to pay money for any work at the Panchayat Samiti. If anyone demands money, they should directly complain to me or the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB)," he said.”
rediff.com
Sources
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