Cuttack: The Orissa High Court Friday directed the State Election Commission (SEC) to take immediate action against Bhawanipatna block development officer (BDO) during hearing of a petition seeking transfer of the official.
Bhawanipatna block chairman Prem Ranjan Panigrahi, Gandabhajorla samiti member Radhamohan Bag, Duarsuni panchayat samiti member Puspa Sabar and Deshraj Juad of Kendupati panchayat had filed the petition seeking transfer of the BDO. Taking up the petition, Justice Biswanath Rath directed the SEC to take legal action against the BDO within seven days. The bench also directed the petitioners to submit a copy of the court’s order to the SEC.
The petitioners had informed the court that the BDO had allegedly molested several tribal women in the area. He was booked under Sections 341, 354 and Section 3 of SC&ST Atrocity Act. Besides, another case was filed against him with Town police in Bhawanipatna in which he was charged under Sections 294, 323, 354, 506 and Section 3 of the Act.
Although the charges levelled against the BDO are serious in nature, he is engaged in election duty. His posting has triggered law and order situation in the area.
Since the panchayat election process has already set in, the BDO should be transferred immediately, the petitioners urged the court.
Although the petitioners had written to the SEC in this regard, no action was taken against the official.
As the accused has been interfering in the electioneering process, there are doubts over the free and fair conduct of elections in the area, the petitioners alleged.
The petitiones also sought intervention of the High Court seeking immediate action against the BDO.
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