MP: Patwari in Panna accused of taking bribe and abusing in exchange for granting forest rights lease, Jais gheraoed collectorate
Jais organization workers said that government officials are openly demanding bribes from the tribals and when they talk about their rights, abusive language is used against them.
Published on: 18 Feb 2025, 1:40 pm
Bhopal. People of the tribal community in Itwakhas Panchayat of Panna district of Madhya Pradesh demonstrated at the Collectorate office on Monday, alleging eviction of their land and administrative negligence. Under the leadership of Jai Adivasi Yuva Shakti (JAYS) organization, the tribals submitted a memorandum and accused Patwari Raghunath Bagri of abusing them, demanding bribe and not giving land lease under the Forest Rights Act.
Tribals made serious allegations
The tribals of Itwakhas Panchayat say that they have been occupying this forest land between 1980 and 1992 and till now, but the administration has not yet issued them forest rights patta. The tribals said that when they met Congress leader Umang Singhar to demand rights to their land, this news spread. After this, Halka Patwari Raghunath Bagri abused the tribal community with casteist words in the WhatsApp group, a copy of which he has also submitted to the administration.
Tribal Mukesh Gond told The Mooknayak, “We have been living here for generations but we have not yet received land rights. When we spoke to officials, we were asked for bribes and when we complained to the Leader of the Opposition, we are now being abused.”
Jayas demanded strict action
Jais organization workers said that government officials are openly demanding bribes from the tribals and when they talk about their rights, abusive language is used against them.
Jais submitted a memorandum and demanded:
- Patwari Raghunath Bagri should be suspended immediately and a case should be filed against him under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
- Forest rights lease should be immediately provided to the tribals of Itwakhas Panchayat.
- Other officials involved in corruption and bribery should also be investigated.
They have submitted a memorandum demanding action. DSP Rajendra Mohan Dubey said that people from the tribal community had come to the SP office to lodge a complaint. In their complaint, it has been alleged that a Patwari has misbehaved with the people from the tribal community. The police have received the complaint letter and after investigation, action will be taken as per rules.
What does the law say?
Under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, there is a provision to give rights to tribals on their traditional forest land. If they are living and earning livelihood on any forest land before the year 2005, then they are entitled to lease under this Act.
SC-ST Atrocities Prevention Act, 1989
The main objective of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 is to provide protection to the people of these communities and to prevent atrocities against them. This Act also prescribes stringent punishments for atrocities committed by government officials.
If any government official insults a person belonging to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe community or violates his rights, then there is a provision of imprisonment of 6 months to 5 years and fine.
Talking to The Muknayak, Bhopal-based advocate Mayank Singh said that if any government official or employee insults a person belonging to the Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe community, violates his constitutional or legal rights or discriminates against him, then this crime will be considered a cognizable offence under the SC-ST Atrocities Prevention Act, 1989.
Under section 3(1) of the Act:
He further said, if any government official or employee treats a person belonging to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe in a derogatory manner, harasses him or violates his statutory rights, then he or she can be punished with imprisonment of 6 months to 5 years and fine under the sections of SC-ST Atrocities Prevention Act, 1989.
