A group of contractors tried to restrain an officer attached to zilla panchayat when the latter went to probe alleged irregularities in the works taken up under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
Assistant planning officer Chandrahas of Mandya ZP had gone to Sanaba village in the taluk recently, following the order of chief executive officer P C Jayanna. The CEO had entrusted the officer with the task of probing into the irregularities to the tune of Rs 25 lakh.
The contractors led by Shivanna of the village interfered when the officer was inspecting the quality of works. The contractor defended that all was fine and hence the probe was unwarranted. This ensued a wordy duel between the organising secretary of Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) B T Manjunath and Shivanna. Manjunath argued that probe is essential even if there are no irregularities in the works. Puzzled, Shivanna warned Manjunath against interfering in the issue. He also said that nothing can go awry till C S Puttaraju is MLA. Manjunath shot back saying ‘raitha sangha will not allow any irregularities and will protest till justice prevails’.
Chandrahas said he has been instructed by his higher officer to examine the works and hence there was no need for others to scratch their head over it and continued with his inspection.
It is alleged that though a borewell near Bheemeshwara Temple went defunct 15 years ago, dry pit has been constructed at a cost of Rs 20,000. Strangely, Bettaiah son of Kariaiah died 10 years ago, yet he himself has received the cheque for levelling his agricultural fields, according to the records available. The bills have been issued without desilting nine canals.
Chandrahas said he will submit the report within four days to the CEO.
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