Corruption Exposed: Female Guard Takes Bribe from Deceased Kenduleaf Pluckers’ Families in Kudumulgumma
By Addanki Iswar R.
Malkangiri Odisha 11 March : In a shocking case of corruption, a female guard in Kudumulgumma beat under Malkangiri has been suspended after allegedly taking a bribe of 40 thousand rupees from each beneficiary of the 2 lakh compensation given to the families of kendu leaf pluckers who died while on duty. The incident came to light when one of the deceased family members informed social worker Sarat Buruda, who then informed the department officials.
According to the complaint, the female forest guard Padmini Patnaik had forced each beneficiary to pay the bribe, claiming that the money was to be given to higher officers. The matter was then investigated, and after the facts were revealed, the guard was suspended by Jeypore Forest Range authorities.Subsequently in this connection Balimela Kenduleaf Range Officer Durga Prasad Nayak also suspended.
Sarat Buruda demanded that the guard should return the cash she had taken from the beneficiaries. The authorities have assured the public that they will take all necessary steps to ensure that justice is served, and that such incidents do not happen again in the future.
Kendu leaf plucking is an important source of income for many families in the region, and it is essential that they are not exploited by officials who are supposed to protect their rights. This incident serves as a reminder that corruption still exists and is a major impediment to the welfare of the people.
The authorities have called on the public to report any similar incidents in the future, and have assured them that they will take prompt action to address them. It is hoped that the authorities will take this matter seriously and ensure that justice is served for the victims of this heinous act.
It is imperative that officials who are entrusted with the welfare of the people act with honesty and integrity, and do not exploit their positions for personal gain. The authorities should ensure that those responsible for this act are punished severely, and steps should be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
