Daijiworld Media Network - Koppal (SP)

Koppal, Feb 9: A beneficiary under the Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, whose bill towards digging a pond was pending with the gram panchayat, handed over a letter to the panchayat development officer (PDO) threatening of suicide if his bill amount is not released. It is said that Veeresh, the village accountant in question, acknowledged receipt of the letter by stamping, signing and returning a copy of the said letter.

Manjunath Kumbar from Mangaluru gram panchayat in Kukanur tlauk in the district had dug a pond under the rural employment guarantee scheme in the year 2020-21. The bill for the pond was Rs 65,000, reimbursement of which the beneficiary had sought from the panchayat. Addressing a press meet on Tuesday February 8, Kumbar claimed that when he approached the PDO seeking payment of the bill, Veeresh demanded bribe of Rs 15,000 to pass the bill. When he refused to pay the bribe, the PDO reportedly asked Kumbar to do what he wanted to do, and refused to disburse the bill amount. He told the applicant that he does not care what the latter does and whether he gives up his life for bill non-payment.

Frustrated, Manjunath Kumbar had addressed a letter to the PDO, telling him that if the money is not released, he would end his life. The PDO simply gave back a copy of the letter with his stamp and seal, it is gathered.