Barwani (Madhya Pradesh): Lokayukta team from Indore apprehended an additional programme officer (APO) red-handed for taking ₹ 5,000 bribe on Tuesday.
As per reports, Mangal Singh Dawar, posted at Pati Janpad Panchayat, demanded ₹ 5,000 bribe for the approval of an animal shed construction application.
A local, Sarpiya Dawar, had submitted a request for the construction of an animal shed under a government scheme. When application reached Janpad Panchayat, Dawar demanded the bribe for its approval.
He then approached Lokayukta office in Indore and demanded action against Dawar. The Lokayukta team confirmed the allegations and conducted a sting operation, leading to the arrest of APO Mangal Singh Dawar while he was accepting the bribe.
The accused is now facing legal action under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, said Pratibha Tomar, in-charge DSP.
Boatmen continue to protest over Narmada bridge construction
The protest by the Nawik Kewat community in Barwani entered its seventh day, as members continue to oppose the construction of a bridge over the Narmada River.
Under the banner of the Nawik Kewat Samaj Mahasangh, men, women and children gathered at Chhota Barda village in Anjad police station area. Later, a large group marched to the collector’s office and submitted a memorandum addressed to the collector.
Protesters said the bridge would make their traditional boat services obsolete. Mahendra Kewat stated that unless the government provides alternative permanent employment, the protest will not end.
Despite efforts by the administration to resolve the issue, the community remains firm in its demands and has warned of launching a Jal Satyagrah.
Radha Kewat highlighted that generations of families have depended on boating for survival. The community is demanding land for the uneducated and jobs for educated youth as was done during Rajghat bridge rehabilitation to secure their future.
