What Happened When a Woman Challenged Bribery in the Panchayat Secretary-MLA Saga?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Pinky Devi seeks justice in the face of alleged corruption.
- The importance of death certificates in legal and educational contexts.
- Local governance issues highlighted through personal struggles.
- Allegations of misconduct between public officials.
- The impact of bureaucracy on grieving families.
Patna, July 30 (NationPress) The escalating dispute between RJD MLA Bhai Virendra and Panchayat Secretary Sandeep Kumar has taken a shocking twist. Pinky Devi, a woman who previously accused Kumar of bribery, has now approached the Danapur sub-divisional court in pursuit of justice and her deceased husband's death certificate.
Pinky, grieving the loss of her husband, appeared in court and implored the judge for assistance, highlighting her urgent need for the death certificate to enroll her child in school.
She claimed that despite numerous pleas, the Panchayat Secretary demanded a bribe to issue the certificate. “Initially, he asked for Rs 1,500, and I managed to give Rs 500. However, upon my return, he requested additional funds and insisted that the application period had lapsed. He bluntly remarked that I had to pay off those in higher positions, stating I could go wherever I wished,” Pinky recounted to the media outside the court.
When she expressed her dire financial situation, she alleges that she was met with hostility and disrespect.
“I require the death certificate for numerous reasons now—primarily to admit my child to school. If the Panchayat cannot assist, I place my faith in the court,” she added with palpable emotion.
After being rebuffed by the Panchayat Secretary, Pinky sought help from local MLA Bhai Virendra. A phone call he made to Kumar resulted in a heated exchange between the two.
The situation intensified when Bhai Virendra used harsh language towards Kumar, accusing him of failing to adhere to proper conduct while communicating with an area MLA.
Pinky expressed her frustration about being entangled in the dispute between the two officials.
“I approached the MLA solely because the Panchayat Secretary refused to assist me. I am already shattered by my husband's passing. I never intended to become embroiled in this controversy,” she stated.
The issue escalated when Sandeep Kumar filed a complaint at the SC/ST police station in Patna, alleging that MLA Bhai Virendra threatened him during a phone conversation.
The MLA vigorously denies these claims.