Panchayat Pradhan in the Dock for Allegedly Demanding Bribe, Audio Goes Viral

A viral audio clip reportedly of Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Bhambla in Sarkaghat subdivision in which the Pradhan demanded Rs. 5,000 in bribe from a street vendor in return for No Objection Certificate (NOC) surfaced today. The incident has ignited a firestorm of controversy and outrage.

Megh Raj, the complainant and a street vendor, was quoted in a video statement as saying that he had sought a No-Objection-Certificate (NOC) from the Gram Panchayat to establish his business in the Bhambla area. Megh Raj alleged that the Panchayat Pradhan took a bribe of Rs. 5,000 for giving the NOC. He denied the demand and filed a complaint with the Sarkaghat Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), requesting action in connection to the alleged corruption.

A resident of Uttar Pradesh, Megh Raj further alleged that the Pradhan was discriminating against him, and had also claimed that the NOCs were not issued to outsiders by the Panchayat. He complained about the unfair demand and explained that he should not be discriminated against because he is an Indian citizen.

The Panchayat Pradhan vehemently denied the allegations when contacted and said the audio clip was not of her. She alleged that the person in question fabricated the recording and vowed to take legal action against whoever is responsible. She also said an investigation was under way, and that the truth would soon be revealed.

On complaint, SDM Sarkaghat has issued directions to the BDO of Gopalpur and Police Station Incharge Baldwara to investigate the matter in detail. Once the facts are verified, it remains the authorities’ duty to properly act on such facts.