INTERVIEW | I want PMK in DMK alliance to strengthen Dalit-OBC unity: TNCC chief Selvaperunthagai
BJP is trying to divide people through the Murugan conference in Madurai and similar moves; it’s dangerous but will fail, said the TNCC president. In an interview with TNIE’s S Kumaresan and Pon Vasanth B A, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K Selvaperunthagai says that while VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan, who is opposed to PMK joining the DMK-led alliance, can decide what is good for his party, the DMK president and leader of the alliance Chief Minister MK Stalin can decide who can be welcomed into the alliance. He also spoke about the AIADMK-BJP alliance and the long-term measures he is implementing to strengthen the TNCC at the grassroots level. Your recent meeting with PMK founder Dr S Ramadoss raised eyebrows. Later, you said you would welcome PMK joining the DMK-led alliance for the 2026 Assembly elections. As I said earlier, my meeting with Dr Ramadoss was purely a courtesy call. But if you ask how there could be no politics, then yes, both of us are politicians and I am a leader of a party. We would have discussed everything. However, only DMK president and Chief Minister MK Stalin, the leader of our alliance in Tamil Nadu, is in a position to decide on the alliance. The DMK president has said many times that the present alliance is not merely an electoral formation, but an ideological alliance with a united voice on key issues like federalism and secularism. Would the inclusion of PMK, which sided with the BJP even in 2024 Lok Sabha elections, be organic? Has PMK not been part of the DMK alliance in 2006 and 2011? When it comes to politics, we can never say things are permanent. Parties are contesting from different platforms at different times. VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan has been vocal about their reluctance and has even said the VCK would leave if PMK entered the alliance. Would your suggestion not put your existing long-standing ally in a difficult spot? Thirumavalavan has every right to decide for his party, whether to be in the alliance or not and how to face the election. At the same time, the DMK president has the right to decide on who can be included or not. We should acknowledge that VCK, PMK and Congress were part of the DMK alliance in the 2011 Assembly elections. But the chasm between the VCK and PMK widened only after that, with the riots in Dharmapuri (2012) and Marakkanam (2013) and PMK accusing Scheduled Caste youths of enacting “nadaga kathal” (fake love) and even forming a coalition of caste organisations against inter-caste marriages… In their (VCK) perspective, it is right. But from a broader perspective, even if you look at global politics, Japan is an ally of the US even though the latter dropped two nuclear bombs in Japan (during World War II). Importantly, Babasaheb Dr Ambedkar, who both VCK and I consider as our leader, advocated for Dalits and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) to unite to capture political power even way back in 1936 when he launched the Independent Labour Party (ILP). He was against the sharpening of contradictions between the two. He reiterated the same on April 25, 1948 at a conference in the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh). Leave the two parties (VCK and PMK) aside. The Adi Dravidars (SC) and OBCs should be united is my perspective and desire. Besides this long-term goal, do you think PMK is needed in the DMK-led alliance for it to win the 2026 elections? The CM will decide whether they are needed or not. I am not in a position to say that. Today, we have VCK and PMK. What about 25, 50 or 100 years down the line? I am talking for the future generations of the two communities. At the same time, I want to emphasise that the present INDI alliance remains strong and intact. How do you see the BJP’s political mobilisation in Tamil Nadu? They are trying to divide people through the Murugan conference (held last month in Madurai) and such initiatives. It is dangerous, but will not succeed. Will the AIADMK-BJP alliance be able to put up a tough fight? I have been saying that their alliance is full of contradictions. How did the AIADMK join the alliance after saying that they would never ally with the BJP, citing criticisms levelled against their late leaders J Jayalalithaa and MGR. The party cadre won’t accept it. Former AIADMK ministers were sitting idle when Periyar (Periyar EV Ramasamy) and Anna (CN Annadurai) were insulted at the recent Murugan conference. They are also differing about the idea of coalition government. As the state president of a national party, what is your take on the demand for coalition governments in Tamil Nadu? As state president, I cannot decide on such policy matters. Only the All India Congress Committee can decide (on power sharing, seat sharing). They will discuss with the DMK and decide during elections. Though the AIADMK-BJP alliance has contradictions in your view, they are trying to rally around allegations of corruption and deteriorating law and order against the DMK government. Won’t it resonate with the people? It will not. Look at the statistics and compare the present situation with the number of murders, custodial deaths, and riots that happened during the previous AIADMK regime. They have definitely come down. However, such incidents should be completely avoided in my view. Law and order situation should be improved further. Custodial deaths should never happen. The government cannot become complacent because the numbers have come down. There is a perception that Congress is not strongly taking up protests on issues of public importance, unlike your other allies, like the CPM, in Tamil Nadu’s context… We are continuously protesting on important issues. Which issue have we ignored? In the recent custodial death (in Sivaganga), we have issued a strong statement. We supported the workers of Samsung India in their protest and urged the state government to find a solution. You can
CB given two weeks to probe dalit worker’s harrassment
T’puram: Pathanamthitta crime branch DSP has been given two weeks to investigate allegations of police harassment against a dalit domestic worker. The case involves claims that the worker endured 20 hours of mental harassment by police over accusations of gold chain theft. During a hearing led by SHRC chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas, the DSP appeared in person. The case will be reviewed again on Aug 4 at the commission office. Justice Thomas earlier ordered that an officer from outside Thiruvananthapuram district was appointed to investigate. The commission instructed that the district police chief should consult with the South Zone IG to appoint an investigating officer. SHRC has specifically requested that the victim’s statement be recorded in the presence of a female lawyer. It was suggested that the secretary of the district legal services society appoint the female lawyer. TNN Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Dalit girl on way to school abducted, raped by cop
Agra: A 15-year-old Dalit girl on way to school was allegedly abducted by a UP police constable and raped even as his aide pointed a gun at the Class 11 student in Farrukhabad on Wednesday. The accused was caught by the survivor’s family some hours later and was handed over to police. In his police complaint, the girl’s father said the 35-year-old constable arrived in a car and dragged his daughter into the vehicle, took her to an undisclosed place and raped her. When she did not return home by afternoon, the family began searching for her. After nearly five hours, the accused pushed the survivor out of the same car near her house. When neighbours saw the accused, they raised an alarm. Family members chased the car on a motorcycle for about 200 m and managed to stop it by blocking the road. “The driver fled, but we caught the accused and handed him over to the police in the evening”, said the girl’s father. An FIR under relevant sections of rape, kidnapping and the Pocso Act and SC/ST Act was registered. Additional SP Sanjay Kumar said, “The accused constable was arrested, and he was suspended on Thursday. The girl was sent for a medical examination. A DSP-level officer is leading the investigation.” The statement of the girl is yet to be recorded, said police. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Dalit sanitation workers allege caste abuse by Melpathi panchayat president in TN
The four workers – Muniyammal, K Athilakshmi, S Nagaraj, and P Govindaraj – collect household waste in the village. VILLUPURAM: The Tamil Nadu government has directed the Villupuram SP to inquire into allegations of caste-based discrimination against four Dalit sanitation workers in Melpathi village. The directive from the deputy secretary (Home Department) follows a petition submitted to the chief minister’s special cell. G Muniyammal (47), one of the workers, alleged that she and three others were forced to clean human faeces with bare hands and subjected to repeated caste-based abuse by Melpathi panchayat president R Manivel and a few Caste Hindu members. They also accused local police officers of coercing the workers into withdrawing the complaint. The four workers – Muniyammal, K Athilakshmi, S Nagaraj, and P Govindaraj – collect household waste in the village. Following the attack on a Dalit family by the caste Hindus allegedly for entering the Shri Dharmaraja Draupathi Amman Temple on April 7, 2023, the workers said they are being humiliated publicly and unfairly blamed for the temple dispute. The workers stated that the discrimination, verbal abuse, and physical intimidation from the panchayat president has become unbearable over the past two years. “We were mocked, threatened, and assigned demeaning tasks. We were told not to enter certain streets and they made us feel like we didn’t belong here. We were even forced to clean human faeces with bare hands,” Muniyammal told TNIE. “They even forced us to sign blank papers that were later fabricated to claim that we have withdrawn the complaint.” Despite repeated appeals to panchayat officials, including vice president Selvam, and sanitation supervisor Kavitha, no action has been taken, the workers said in the complaint. On May 25, they lodged a complaint against Manivel at the Valavanur police station. The next day, a fact-finding team of revenue officials visited the village. But official sources confirmed that the sanitation workers were subsequently reassigned to Dalit localities, barring them from working in Caste Hindu areas. “They told us we wouldn’t face trouble if we stopped working there,” said Athilakshmi. “Four officers in plain clothes came to my house shortly after we filed the complaint (in May) and asked me to sign some papers. I refused initially, but they insisted it was just a formality to change my work location. So, I signed. Only later did I realise that my complaint had been withdrawn,” said Muniyammal. Furthermore, the workers alleged that they were coerced into signing a statement indicating they no longer wished to pursue a case against Manivel, who allegedly tried to assault Adhilakshmi while on duty. In an appeal to the chief minister, the collector and the SP, the workers have demanded action against Manivel under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and departmental action against police personnel who allegedly sided with the panchayat president. Acting on it, the deputy secretary (Home Department) issued a directive to the Villupuram SP to take appropriate action. However, Villupuram SP P Saravanan told TNIE that the workers had withdrawn the complaint with the knowledge of the Koliyanur Block Development Officer. “Since the complaint was withdrawn, no further action was initiated,” he said. Courtesy : Krithika Srinivasan, TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
### Operation Smile: Workshop Organized on Protection of Transgender Rights
Udaipur,Under the directives of Additional Director General of Police, Civil Rights & Anti Human Trafficking (AHT), Rajasthan, Jaipur, and in compliance with the state-wide Operation Smile initiative, a range-level workshop for the transgender community was organized on Thursday at Vidya Bhawan Auditorium, Fatehpura, Udaipur. The event was held under the guidance of Inspector General of Police Rajesh Meena, Udaipur Range, and jointly hosted by the Udaipur Range Police and UNICEF Rajasthan. The objective of the workshop was to sensitize designated police officers at the station level regarding grievance redressal for transgender individuals and to educate the community about their legal rights. While presiding over the session, Additional Superintendent of Police Harsh Ratnu emphasized that integrating the transgender community into mainstream society is the responsibility of every citizen. He addressed the nodal officers of designated police stations and representatives of the transgender community from the division, sharing the efforts made by the police department to safeguard their rights. ASP Ratnu also instructed the police nodal officers to thoroughly study the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act and ensure its proper implementation at the police station level. He underlined the importance of sensitivity and non-discrimination while dealing with any marginalized group. Insights from Experts and Officials Pushpa Mai, Director of Nai Bhaur Sansthan and lead trainer for the session, provided detailed insights into the rules and conduct expected of police officials under the 2019 Transgender Rights Act. She elaborated on state government initiatives for the upliftment of the transgender community, emphasizing efforts to provide equal facilities, recognition, health care, and safe environments. ASP Mukesh Sankhla from Chittorgarh elaborated on provisions under the POCSO Act and urged police personnel working with the transgender community to act in accordance with the law. He also encouraged community members to approach nearby police stations or officials without hesitation, ensuring their cases would be prioritized. A Call for Human-Centric Policing DySP Chetna Bhathi described the transgender community as a representation of “Ardhanarishwar” and called for human-centric and compassionate policing. She said the community holds a unique place in society and that working sensitively towards their protection earns divine blessings. Amit Bhatt, Advisor with the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, explained the online registration process for transgender individuals and highlighted several schemes for them including pensions, scholarships, the Smile Scheme, Garima Greh, the Transgender Welfare Board, and psychological support services. Mental Health and Support Services Dr. Jitendra Jeengar, Psychiatrist at Geetanjali Medical College, emphasized mental health as a fundamental need across all genders and communities. He spoke about increasing cases of depression and shared strategies for managing mental health through proper nutrition and lifestyle. He also introduced helpline number 14416 for mental health support. UNICEF Divisional Advisor Sindhu Binujeet highlighted the objectives of the workshop, urging police officials to handle all genders with empathy at the Women Help Desks and police stations. She noted that such programs are regularly organized to bridge the gap between the police and the transgender community. Active Participation and Discussions The event included the screening of gender equality videos and presentations. An open discussion was held where participants shared challenges they face related to transgender issues. Attendees included Additional SP Banwari Lal (Salumber), Additional SP Balveer Singh (Pratapgarh), nodal officers from across the range, members of the transgender community, representatives from Childline, and officers from the office of IG Police. Over 200 participants were present. The program was effectively anchored by Kuldeep Verma, while representatives from the Policing for Care initiative including Dilip Salvi and Sunil Vyas also participated actively. This workshop marked a progressive step in promoting inclusive policing and ensuring the rights and dignity of the transgender community are protected and respected. Courtesy : Pressnote Note: This news is originally published on https:/pressnote.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
India’s first transgender clinic reopens in Hyderabad with aid from Tata Trusts
Mitra Clinic, now Sabrang, was not only a dedicated healthcare facility for transgender people, but also as the first in India to be entirely staffed and managed by members of trans community India’s first transgender clinic in Hyderabad, which had shut down in January following a USAID funding freeze, reopened under a new name, Sabrang, in Hyderabad. India’s first transgender clinic in Hyderabad, which had shut down in January following a USAID funding freeze, reopened under a new name, Sabrang, in Hyderabad. | Photo Credit: SIDDHANT THAKUR Months after India’s first transgender-led health clinic — Mitr Clinic — was shut down following a funding freeze by USAID, the landmark facility has made a comeback with a new name and renewed financial backing. Now reopened as Sabrang Clinic, the community-run healthcare centre resumed services in May 2025 with support from the Tata Trusts, project lead Subash Ghosh said. “Once the USAID issue happened in January, we had to shut down operations. But we reached out to several philanthropic organisations and individuals. And now, Tata Trusts is supporting us,” Mr. Ghosh told The Hindu in an exclusive conversation. How will freeze on USAID affect the world? Launched in 2021 in Hyderabad’s Narayanguda, Mitr Clinic broke new ground not only as a dedicated healthcare facility for transgender people, but also as the first in India to be entirely staffed and managed by members of the trans community. “From doctors to clinic managers, everyone is from the community. Over 3,000 patients have been served since the clinic started,” he said. Services offered General health services Counselling and clinical consultation on Hormone Replacement Therapy, Breast Augmentation, Gender Affirmation Procedures and Mental Health Treatment for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Psychological support The staff at the clinic includes one medical officer, one nurse, one counsellor, and two outreach workers. The clinic runs from Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A lifeline after USAID The shutdown in January 2025 left many transgender people and members of LGBTQIA+ community without access to trusted, stigma-free healthcare. During the interim, the clinic team continued providing online consultations and medicine delivery support until new funding could be secured. That lifeline arrived in April, when the Tata Trusts committed to supporting the clinic for three years. “We got the confirmation in April, and operations resumed from May. They have committed ₹1,500 per person per year,” said Mr. Ghosh. Under the earlier USAID programme, funding stood at ₹1,900 per person per year. While the Tata Trusts now fully funds the clinic’s core clinical team, senior staff positions are jointly supported by Tata and YRG Care, an NGO that was also associated with Mitr Clinic. “We had to phase out some roles due to financial constraints, but we are actively reaching out to other donors to help us scale up again,” Mr. Ghosh added. A government-inspired model took shape before closure While Mitr Clinic was still operational, the Telangana government launched its own trans-inclusive health facilities in all the 33 districts. The Maitri Clinic drew on learnings from the Mitr model. “We were already working with the Social Welfare Department and the Health Department. They took our approach forward,” said Mr. Ghosh. Both clinics coexisted briefly, each serving as a critical lifeline for the transgender and other members of LGBTQIA+ community. Although the Sabrang team considered State support, they chose to independently restart operations to avoid further delays. “Our clinic had more than just a physical space. We had online support systems, strong community outreach, and a trust network built over years. It was important to get that back quickly,” he said. Why ‘Sabrang’? The name Sabrang, meaning ‘all colours’, signals a more expansive vision for inclusive healthcare. “Earlier, we focused solely on transgender communities. But now we recognise that others, especially people from different marginalised groups, including queer and gender-diverse individuals, face similar barriers to healthcare,” said Mr. Ghosh. As India’s first transgender-led clinic returns in a renewed form, its commitment remains unchanged: healthcare that is dignified, accessible, and community-driven. “We have come back stronger, more inclusive, and more determined. It is still a space created by the community, only now, we are reaching more people who need it,” Mr. Ghosh said. Courtesy : Siddharth Kumar Singh, The Hindu Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehindu.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
ED arguments over in Herald case, it’s Gandhis’ turn now
NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) claimed before a Delhi court on Thursday that the National Herald case is a “classic case of money laundering”. Young Indian Pvt Ltd, in which ex-Congress presidents Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi held a 76% stake, was allegedly created to launder Rs 2,000 crore from Associated Journals Ltd, the company that published ‘National Herald’ newspaper. “This is a classic case where the offence of money laundering is made against all the accused,” submitted additional solicitor general SV Raju, appearing for the ED before the court of special judge Vishal Gogne. He asked the court to take cognisance of the chargesheet. The court was hearing arguments on the point of cognisance of the chargesheet filed against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the money laundering case. The agency concluded its arguments in the case on Thursday. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi will make submissions before the court on Friday, appearing for Sonia Gandhi.The ED, through the ASG, submitted that Sonia and Rahul Gandhi were beneficial owners and in ultimate control of Young Indian, and that after the deaths of other shareholders they had 100% control. “These two persons controlled the All India Congress Committee. They saw that AICC released a Rs 90 crore loan to Associated Journals Limited, or AJL, a Rs 2,000 crore company, the publisher of National Herald newspaper. The purpose was to have Rs 2,000 crore,” Raju told the court. Raju claimed Sonia and Rahul Gandhi were responsible for the conduct of business of Young Indian and the fraudulent takeover of properties valued at over Rs 2,000 crore of AJL was with their connivance and consent. The ASG alleged that the shareholding in the venture was just in name and that all the other accused were puppets of the Gandhi family. He added that Sonia and Rahul Gandhi control Congress and wanted to get hold of Rs 2,000 crore instead of the said Rs 92 crore. As per the ED, Congress provided an interest-free loan of Rs 90 crore to AJL, which had assets worth Rs 2,000 crore, for a consideration of just Rs 50 lakh. This debt was allegedly converted into equity in YI’s favour. “They deprived AJL’s shareholders of their right. YI invested just Rs 50 lakh and got Rs 2,000 crore. YI gained wrongfully and shareholders suffered,” he said. The court asked Raju if the shareholders are also witnesses in this case. Calling the matter a little peculiar, the judge asked whether they should not also be made witnesses. “The ED has not investigated the 1,000 shareholders. So will this trial go on without them being witnesses,” the court asked. The ASG replied, “The record speaks for itself. This is a classic case of money laundering. The real culprits are these seven persons (including Sonia and Rahul), once you pierce the veil. Today, Sonia and Rahul Gandhi hold almost all shares. They’re the beneficial owners of the company.” Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Can’t compel Rahul Gandhi to produce book he cited in speech against Savarkar: Court
Pune: A special magisterial court on Thursday rejected the plea filed by the great-grandnephew of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Satyaki, seeking a direction to the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, to supply a copy of the book he cited during his alleged defamatory speech in London in 2023 against the Hindutva ideologue. Satyaki is the complainant in the defamation case he filed against Gandhi under the provisions of IPC section 500. Judicial Magistrate First Class Amol Shinde, in his three-page order, observed that Gandhi couldn’t be compelled to disclose his evidence before the trial commencement. The court noted, “The accused cannot be compelled to produce the document/book sought by the complainant. As per Article 20 (3) of the Constitution of India, no person accused of any offence shall be compelled to be a witness against himself. Therefore, this court is of the opinion that an order cannot be passed directing the accused to file incriminating documents.” Satyaki’s lawyer, Sangram Kolhatkar, filed a plea under the provisions of section 94 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita seeking a copy of the book cited by Gandhi in his speech in London on March 5, 2023. Opposing the plea, Gandhi’s lawyer, Milind Pawar, submitted that the trial in the case has not yet commenced and his client couldn’t be compelled to disclose or divulge or submit any part of the documents relied upon before the trial could commence. Pawar argued Satyaki was required to prove his case beyond reasonable doubt and the burden of proof was entirely on him. “My client is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty. If the complainant’s plea is allowed, it would cause serious prejudice to Gandhi’s right to a fair trial,” he said, adding that forcing the defence to prematurely disclose the defence was not permitted under the Criminal Procedure Code and Constitution. The court order read, “No person accused of any offence shall be compelled to be a witness against himself and nor can he be compelled to produce incriminating documents material against him. The plea filed by Savarkar is liable to be rejected.” Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Farmers sink deeper into debt but govt indifferent, says Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP-led governments at the Centreand in Maharashtra of “watching indifferently” while farmers were sinking deeper into debt. Gandhi targeted the government over the reported suicides of 767 farmers in Maharashtra during the past three months, an issue that was raised by the Congress and other Opposition parties in the assembly on Wednesday and staged a walkout. “Think about it…In just three months, 767 farmers committed suicide in Maharashtra. Is this just a statistic? No. These are 767 destroyed homes. 767 families that will never be able to recover. And the government? It is silent. It is watching indifferently. Farmers are sinking deeper into debt every day – seeds are expensive, fertilisers are expensive, diesel is expensive…but there is no guarantee of MSP. When they demand a loan waiver, they are ignored. But those who have crores? The Modi government easily waives their loans,” Gandhi said in a social media post in Hindi. He said though PM Modi had said that he will double the income of farmers, “this system is killing farmers silently, but continuously, and Modi ji is watching the spectacle of his own PR.” Courtewsy : TET Note: This news is originally published on https:/theeconomictimes.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Serious allegations of corruption on Jal Jeevan Mission in MP, claim of 1 thousand crore bribe against tribal PHE minister!
The serious allegations leveled by the former MLA have brought the Jal Jeevan Mission under question. Bhopal. Allegations of a big scam in the name of Jal Jeevan Mission have surfaced in Madhya Pradesh. Former MLA Kishore Samarite has written a letter to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) claiming that there has been a huge irregularity of about Rs 30 thousand crore in this scheme. The special thing is that the order to investigate this scam was issued by Sanjay Andhavan, Engineer-in-Chief (ENC) of Public Health Engineering Department (PHE), in which direct allegations were made against the departmental minister Sampatiya Uikey himself. Controversy arose from the complaint sent to the PMO The whole matter started on April 12, when former MLA Kishore Samarite sent a complaint to the PMO about the corruption taking place in the Jal Jeevan Mission. According to the complaint, huge bribes were being taken in the tender process and the minister himself was involved in it. After this, on 24 April, this complaint was sent to the state government, and under the departmental process, on 21 June, this file reached Engineer-in-Chief Sanjay Andhavan. Minister’s name in the investigation order, instructions for property investigation The names of Minister Sampatiya Uike, Mandla’s Executive Engineer Manoj Bhaskar and former ENC BK Sonagariya were included in the investigation order issued on 21 June. It was clearly written in the order that, investigate the funding of Jal Jeevan Mission, the role of the minister, the property of the executive engineer and submit the report in seven days. The responsibility of investigation was handed over to the Project Director and Area Chief Engineer of Jal Nigam. However, this order went viral on social media on Monday, causing a stir. Big allegation of former MLA Former MLA Samrite has written in the letter that, a commission of Rs 1 thousand crore was taken by Minister Sampatiya Uike. This amount was collected through Mandla’s Executive Engineer Manoj Bhaskar and former ENC BK Sonagaria collected Rs 2000 crore through his accountant Mahendra Khare. Bribes of Rs 1000 crore each were also taken in PIU and Jal Nigam. He has demanded a CBI inquiry from the central government and alleged that an engineer in Betul withdrew Rs 150 crore without doing any work. Similar fake payments were made in Chhindwara and Balaghat. CE Mechanical passed tenders worth Rs 2200 crore and grabbed the amount without doing any work. After the investigation order went viral on social media, ENC Sanjay Andhavan clarified that the complaint was investigated, but no concrete documents were found in it. Referring to the report of the Chief Engineer of Balaghat, he said, “The complaint is factless and fabricated. There was no original document in the complaint, only departmental letters obtained through RTI were made the basis.” He also said that the implementation and payment of Jal Jeevan Mission is done at the local level, so the ENC and the minister are not directly responsible. Now the questions Will there be a high-level inquiry against the minister and officials? Was the departmental order withdrawn or suppressed? What stand will the government take on the authenticity of the viral order on social media? The serious allegations leveled by the former MLA have brought the Jal Jeevan Mission under question. If the investigation is fair and transparent, it can reveal layers of corruption in the administrative structure of Madhya Pradesh. What is Jal Jeevan Mission? Jal Jeevan Mission is an ambitious scheme of the Central Government, which aims to provide drinking water through pipes to every household in the country. Crores of rupees are allocated to the states under this scheme. Courtesy : Ankit Pachauri, Hindi News