RTI activist ‘attacked’ for seeking fund info

Tribune News Service

BHIWANI, JULY 31

RTI activist Rakesh Chandwas, who sought five-year development fund details from the Badhra village sarpanch, had to be hospitalised after he was attacked by the village head at the Block Development Officer’s (BDO) office here on July 27.

Rakesh (29) had sought information in 2014 from Badhra village sarpanch Bijender Singh but he was provided incomplete information. He moved an appeal to the BDO, who also failed to get him the details.

The matter reached the State Information Commission, who ordered the BDPO, Badhra, to get the RTI activist all the information by July 27. When Rakesh went to collect information, the village sarpanch and several others attacked him, injuring him. He was rushed to the Civil Hospital with multiple injuries.

On the victim’s complaint, the police have registered a case.

Meanwhile, State Information Commissioner Hemant Atri directed the BDPO, Badhra, to give all related information to Rakesh Chandwas within two weeks and fined the village head Rs 25,000 for not providing information on time.

Atri also asked the Deputy Commissioner to probe the attack on the victim for seeking information and the village sarpanch’s reluctance in providing information despite orders.

Rakesh Chandwas alleged that the village sarpanch had siphoned off government money in the name of development.