Pankaj Nath, Guwahati: The case of corruption of brokers and mandals in Kamalpur circle office in Kamrup district has again come into the hot spotlight. Manowar Hussain, a resident of Baregaon in Kamrup district, has alleged to the media that Subrata Pal, a senior Lat Mandal of Kamalpur Circle , demanded a bribe of Rs 20,000 on the pretext of getting permanent possession of the land in the name of partition. When there was no money, the victim had to pay only Rs 6,000. Despite this, the lease of the land was not given and later Subrata Pal said that the land was in the name of one Sanjay Medhi, who, according to the information of the victim, was working as a broker.
The victim, Manowar Hussain and others , says that the collusion of the mandal and brokers in the office continues; Files only proceed when a bribe is received. The allegation comes at a time when Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has taken a tough stand against corruption. Despite this, the story of corruption and indecency in the Kamalpur circle office seems to be going on as it is. The complaints also state that Subrata Pal not only refused to do the ground work but also behaved indecently with the victim in front of the circle officer . It is alleged that when the journalists went to the office to get news of the matter, they also faced humiliating behavior by Subrata Pal. This has led to disgust and apprehension among the local people that some people within the administrative machinery are openly doing wrong by getting protection.
Locals say that allegations of corruption have been raised against Subrata Pal many times in the past, but for some unknown reason, the concerned department has not taken any concrete action so far. This is the reason why questions are being raised in the public whether corruption persists due to departmental negligence or patronage. The conscious circle has demanded a speedy investigation and accountability against the culprits. The locals, demanding a speedy investigation and transparent action into the matter, have called upon the District Magistrate and the concerned department to conduct an independent inquiry and take strict action against the allegations if found to be true. It has also been urged to activate the system of graded grievance redressal and strengthen the online and transparent processes to prevent infiltration of touts. The government and administration are expected to take swift action in such cases as per the anti-corruption resolve of the Chief Minister and take concrete steps to provide justice to the general public. Local citizens and victims are counting on fair and prompt administrative steps of the case.
