Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (JN)
 
Mangalore, Nov 5: Roshan Lobo, a social worker an RTI activist is said to be threatened for raising voice against the malpractices of Paduperar gram panchayat, alleged P B D’Sa at a press conference here on Friday November 4.
 
"Over the years Roshan has filed more than 100 applications demanding for information from the panchayat and from other offices as corruption is at its peak. In some cases information has been received; in most, false information has been given, while in some others information has been altogether denied," he said, and urged the government to pass the Whistleblower Protection Act.

Roshan who was present at the press meet said that recently a panchayat member had lodged a false complaint at the Bajpe police station against him.
 
"In the complaint it was stated that he assaulted one Peter Lobo, a panchayat member causing injuries. This is a false and baseless complaint, Roshan said and added that police wanted to arrest him in this case. However, after representation was made to the higher police officials by PUCL, enquiries were conducted and further action was suspended," he said.

Roshan also alleged that there was pressure on him to withdraw the applications submitted seeking information under RTI Act.
 
Roshan also complained about Raphael D'Souza, the president of Paduperar panchyat for not being accountable during the village council meeting about the expenditure of the works undertaken by the council. The gram panchayat committee blames Gayatri, the bill collector and escapes from all the wrong doing, he alleged.
 
Suresh Bhat, Augustin Rodrigues, members of district committee were present at the press meet.

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