Keonjhar: Candidates in the fray for the upcoming panchayat elections in the state are apparently leaving no stone unturned in their quest for victory, and are even willing to break the law if it ensures a win for them.
In one such instance, some leaders in Keonjhar district are allegedly trying to lure voters to their side by distributing forged pension cards in Panchugochhia panchayat under Hatadihi block.
With the three-tier elections just over a week away, several outfits are demanding that the allegations be seriously looked into as it is a gross violation of the model code of conduct.
Several beneficiaries have alleged that in a bid to ensure the votes of poor people in the panchayat, many candidates are providing them fake pension cards.
Earlier, there were allegations of large-scale irregularities in the selection of pension beneficiaries.
People have demanded an impartial probe either by the Vigilance department or the Crime Branch into the allegations so that people behind the illegal practice will be brought to book.
Those who have got such cards do not come out in the open to reveal their names for fear of trouble.
The old-age pension cards bear forged signatures of block officials, it is learnt.
Another allegation was that scores of ration cards which have been taken back from ineligible beneficiaries in July 2016 have been used for lifting PDS items by some officials.
However, the consumer welfare and civil supplies department has not yet investigated the matter.
Political parties and local outfits have decried such incidents as a violation of the election code of conduct and have demanded immediate steps for launching an inquiry.
When contacted, Hatadihi BDO Ananda Sethi said he has ordered an investigation to see if the distributed cards are forged or not.
He said though he was busy in election work, he will consider action only after the inquiry. PNN
