Dehradun: Days after unearthing a multi-crore scam in the relief work done after 2013 Uttarakhand floods, the state information commissioner Anil Kumar Sharma has claimed threats to his life. He has sought security from the Centre.
Sharma said he had earlier been given security for unearthing two other scams, but the security was withdrawn. It was not reinstated despite repeated threats.
He now claims he has spotted what he calls some 'dubious people' close to his residence.
"I had got security because of vulnerability of my office and my role in blowing the lid off NRHM and Kumbh scams earlier but it was withdrawn. I have lodged four FIRs following death threats since then but I am yet to receive security," Sharma said.
The Bharatiya Janata Party said the threat to Sharma must be taken seriously. "It's appalling to know that officer seeking investigation is facing threat. The government should ensure that the concerned people are punished," said BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra.
Through the RTI replies, several glaring examples of forged and inflated bills had come to the light which showed officials billed the exchequer Rs 194 for half a litre milk, enjoyed stay in hotels which were over Rs 7,000 per day, relished mutton, chicken, cottage cheese and gulab jamuns.
The officials allegedly distributed relief funds twice to same persons, purchased 1,800 rain coats from same shop for three consecutive days, submitted fuel bills indicating that diesel was purchased for scooter and motorcycles which were camouflaged as four wheelers.
In a 12-page order, passed after hearing complainant Bhupendra Kumar of National Action Forum for Social Justice, Sharma has taken note of bills provided by various districts in response to RTI queries seeking details of funds spent on relief work in the aftermath of the tragedy that claimed 3,000 lives, with many still missing.
(With additional information from PTI)
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