Pic: Abhijith N Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Sep 17: Following allegations of demanding bribe against taluk panchayat executive official Sadanand, zilla panchayat CEO Dr M R Ravi has issued a notice to the EO to submit a written explanation within 24 hours.
On September 15, taluk panchayat executive official Sadanand had admitted demanding bribe from some panchayat development officers (PDO) to clear some files.
The incident was brought to the notice of Mangaluru North MLA Dr Bharath Shetty who had visited the taluk panchayat office and took the official to task. Sadanand said that he was compelled to accept bribe as he has to pay to the finance department to get the work done. He said that finance department demands money to release the budget funds.
Speaking to daijiworld, zilla panchayat CEO Dr M R Ravi said, “After looking at the media reports, I have issued a notice to taluk panchayat executive official
Sadanand, seeking his written explanation over receiving bribe from some panchayat development officers (PDO). Based upon his explanation, action will be taken against the official as per law,” he said.
“Agriculture joint director Anthony has been appointed to investigate the case and he will be submitting the report in three days and will recommend to the government to take action against the official,” he added.
He further said, “I am stunned that till today none of the PDOs have brought the harassment done by the officials to my notice. If they would have brought the issue to my notice, then I would have taken action against them. We don’t have such systems of giving money to finance department. Being an official it’s not right to give such irresponsible statement. PDO and public should not hesitate to bring such issues to my notice.”