RESIDENTS WARY AS NHAI PLANS TOLL ROAD
Published Date: 1/5/2009 - (NIE)
G Saravanan
Chennai, January 4: THE proposal to develop the Chennai-Tiruvallur High Road under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) scheme has not only annoyed the residents and regular road users, but also sparked a debate on the NHAI’s hidden intent in doing so.
While people agree that toll roads would help faster movement of traffic and improve road maintenance, they want the toll plazas located on the outskirts of the city and not near any residential area. “Else, using the road would burn a hole in the pockets of the residents,” says Ganesan, a resident of Ambattur OT and a frequent visitor to European countries.
“For the first few years, the toll tax would be low. But after 10-odd years, people may have to cough up huge sums to cross even a small stretch of, say 15-20 km, since the charges could shoot,” he warns. Kandan, a college student from Avadi, says: “While planning toll roads, one must address the question of social responsibility.
The government should provide a free parallel road that will ensure social equity as the poor can still have access to the road network. Unfortunately, there is no alternative stretch along the CTH Road. So, why make it a toll road?” he wonders. According to Ganesan, “it is only in India that we find toll roads well inside residential and busy commercial areas. The recently inaugurated Rajiv Gandhi Salai (Old Mahabalipuram Road) in South Chennai is a classic example.
The whole stretch has many colleges, commercial offices and residential pockets, yet the government has introduced toll tax and people are paying it.” “If road users succumb to the government’s new ploy to mint money, in a few years time, Chennai’s lifelines like Mount Road and Poonamalle High Road could well become toll roads, under the pretext of fund crunch and better maintenance,” Ganesan cautioned. Point taken.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Collectorate turns a blind eye to RTI plea
Collectorate turns a blind eye to RTI plea
Published Date: 12/26/2008 - (NIE)
G Saravanan
Chennai, December 25: Six months have passed since an RTI application was filed with the Chennai Collectorate, seeking details of the implementation of the Prime Minister’s scholarship for tsunami-affected children in Chennai district. But the office is still collecting the ‘details,’ as in their own words, “the chief education officer (CEO) did not provide it.” It is a clear case of passing the buck, K Bharathi, who sought the details through RTI, told Express. The answer given by the Collectorate showed they were not willing to part with the information (list of benefited children) to anyone, said the petitioner, also president of South Indian Fishermen Welfare Association (SIFWA).
The scholarship scheme was launched for the benefit of children, whose families were affected by the tsunami either in the form of loss of lives or livelihood. According to the scheme, such children were to get Rs 300 a month to pay school expenses. The assistance was provided directly, through their parents or guardians. For this, individual bank account in the name of each beneficiary was opened by the State Government. Bharathi strongly suspected that the scholarship for tsunami-affected children was diverted to ineligible students and hence the Collectorate was not ready to part with the information.
In his first RTI application on May 5 this year, Bharathi sought several details such as the number of applications received in Chennai for the scholarship, list of government and private schools which received it and the total amount disbursed towards scholarship till now.
In reply, the office sent a vague letter to Bharathi on June 4. “It can’t be called a reply. The letter was just sent to confuse us,” he said. For a clear question on the number of applicants, the Collectorate replied that the CEO of Chennai district did not provide it. The reply also assured of details, once the CEO sent it to the office. “Before disbursing scholarship amounts to the tsunamiaffected students, the department might have gathered the list of beneficiaries from the district CEO. Only then, they could have conducted a detailed verification of the claims. And the amounts could have been allocated, only on the basis of these details,” Bharathi said.
In its reply, the Collectorate had admitted that 6,200 students from 79 schools received the scholarship through the CEO in 2006-07 academic year. It also revealed that scholarship fund worth nearly Rs 13 lakh have been returned to the office during the same academic year. But it conveniently left out the details on the number of applications received in Chennai, the number of rejections and the grounds on which they were rejected.
Subsequently, Bharathi filed an appeal with the Tamil Nadu State Information Commission to direct the Collectorate to give a detailed reply in a time-bound order. But six months have passed, without a word, added Bharathi.
Published Date: 12/26/2008 - (NIE)
G Saravanan
Chennai, December 25: Six months have passed since an RTI application was filed with the Chennai Collectorate, seeking details of the implementation of the Prime Minister’s scholarship for tsunami-affected children in Chennai district. But the office is still collecting the ‘details,’ as in their own words, “the chief education officer (CEO) did not provide it.” It is a clear case of passing the buck, K Bharathi, who sought the details through RTI, told Express. The answer given by the Collectorate showed they were not willing to part with the information (list of benefited children) to anyone, said the petitioner, also president of South Indian Fishermen Welfare Association (SIFWA).
The scholarship scheme was launched for the benefit of children, whose families were affected by the tsunami either in the form of loss of lives or livelihood. According to the scheme, such children were to get Rs 300 a month to pay school expenses. The assistance was provided directly, through their parents or guardians. For this, individual bank account in the name of each beneficiary was opened by the State Government. Bharathi strongly suspected that the scholarship for tsunami-affected children was diverted to ineligible students and hence the Collectorate was not ready to part with the information.
In his first RTI application on May 5 this year, Bharathi sought several details such as the number of applications received in Chennai for the scholarship, list of government and private schools which received it and the total amount disbursed towards scholarship till now.
In reply, the office sent a vague letter to Bharathi on June 4. “It can’t be called a reply. The letter was just sent to confuse us,” he said. For a clear question on the number of applicants, the Collectorate replied that the CEO of Chennai district did not provide it. The reply also assured of details, once the CEO sent it to the office. “Before disbursing scholarship amounts to the tsunamiaffected students, the department might have gathered the list of beneficiaries from the district CEO. Only then, they could have conducted a detailed verification of the claims. And the amounts could have been allocated, only on the basis of these details,” Bharathi said.
In its reply, the Collectorate had admitted that 6,200 students from 79 schools received the scholarship through the CEO in 2006-07 academic year. It also revealed that scholarship fund worth nearly Rs 13 lakh have been returned to the office during the same academic year. But it conveniently left out the details on the number of applications received in Chennai, the number of rejections and the grounds on which they were rejected.
Subsequently, Bharathi filed an appeal with the Tamil Nadu State Information Commission to direct the Collectorate to give a detailed reply in a time-bound order. But six months have passed, without a word, added Bharathi.
Councillors’ cartel gets tender jolt
Councillors’ cartel gets tender jolt
Published Date: 12/6/2008 - (NIE)
G Saravanan
Chennai, December 5: The DMK and Congress councillors on Friday prevented more than 20 ‘rebel’ contractors, who bagged projects worth Rs 1 crore a week ago without their “assent” and “knowledge,” from entering the Thiruvottiyur municipality premises. They threatened not to participate in another tender process for works valued around Rs 98 lakh.
Municipality sources said all councillors - both ruling and opposition - had a “syndicate of understanding” for allocating contracts. Developmental works, including construction of drains and roads in their wards, were awarded only to those contractors having allegiance towards them. A handsome commission to the councillor for each project awarded was an ‘unwritten law’ for all registered contractors.
But the sudden developments during last week’s tender process at the municipality is said to have “demoralised” the councillors. On November 27, the last day for filing tenders for various works, a group of five contractors reportedly sneaked in and dropped their completed tender documents into the box minutes before the official deadline. According to a contractor, who wished anonymity, the five contractors downloaded forms through the Net and completed all formalities through e-tender.
With no single form sold from the office till the deadline, councillors thought that the tender process would be postponed.Irate over the ‘slip,’ DMK councillors on Friday sat around the tender box ‘guarding’ it, while another group of the party councillors waited at the entrance to ‘deal’ with the contractors.
Confirming that no one had participated in the latest tender round on Friday, Thiruvottiyur Municipality Commissioner S Ethiraj told Express that the local body had provided good security at the premises, but not a single contractor responded to the tenders.
Asked about the ‘guarding’ of tender boxes by a group of councillors, he said: “I was busy with work inside my cabin and do not know what had happened outside.” The councillors reportedly threatened both the Commissioner and Chairman of the municipality to not to give work orders to contractors who had bidded successfully last week.
But sources in the municipality told Express that the orders could not be stopped since the contractors participated in the process legally. People in the municipality would have to live with pot-holed roads and broken or poorly maintained drains for a few more months since the re-tendering process would be initiated only after considerable time.
Published Date: 12/6/2008 - (NIE)
G Saravanan
Chennai, December 5: The DMK and Congress councillors on Friday prevented more than 20 ‘rebel’ contractors, who bagged projects worth Rs 1 crore a week ago without their “assent” and “knowledge,” from entering the Thiruvottiyur municipality premises. They threatened not to participate in another tender process for works valued around Rs 98 lakh.
Municipality sources said all councillors - both ruling and opposition - had a “syndicate of understanding” for allocating contracts. Developmental works, including construction of drains and roads in their wards, were awarded only to those contractors having allegiance towards them. A handsome commission to the councillor for each project awarded was an ‘unwritten law’ for all registered contractors.
But the sudden developments during last week’s tender process at the municipality is said to have “demoralised” the councillors. On November 27, the last day for filing tenders for various works, a group of five contractors reportedly sneaked in and dropped their completed tender documents into the box minutes before the official deadline. According to a contractor, who wished anonymity, the five contractors downloaded forms through the Net and completed all formalities through e-tender.
With no single form sold from the office till the deadline, councillors thought that the tender process would be postponed.Irate over the ‘slip,’ DMK councillors on Friday sat around the tender box ‘guarding’ it, while another group of the party councillors waited at the entrance to ‘deal’ with the contractors.
Confirming that no one had participated in the latest tender round on Friday, Thiruvottiyur Municipality Commissioner S Ethiraj told Express that the local body had provided good security at the premises, but not a single contractor responded to the tenders.
Asked about the ‘guarding’ of tender boxes by a group of councillors, he said: “I was busy with work inside my cabin and do not know what had happened outside.” The councillors reportedly threatened both the Commissioner and Chairman of the municipality to not to give work orders to contractors who had bidded successfully last week.
But sources in the municipality told Express that the orders could not be stopped since the contractors participated in the process legally. People in the municipality would have to live with pot-holed roads and broken or poorly maintained drains for a few more months since the re-tendering process would be initiated only after considerable time.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
New lease of life for 6 TN fishermen
Repro from New Indian Express
Published Date: 10/29/2008.
G Saravanan
Chennai, October 28: THOUGH Chennaiites and others elsewhere in Tamil Nadu celebrated Deepavali with customary pomp and fanfare on Monday, the families of six Kasimedu fishermen, who have returned from Colombo after spending six restless weeks, observed the festival of lights only on Tuesday.
The fishermen, Vinod (25), Gopal (50), Desingh (49), Pon Boss (60), Kumar (30) and Arumugam (28), had ventured into the sea from Kasimedu Fishing Harbour on a mechanised boat owned by Balu on September 18. They were scheduled to return after three days.
But things had gone awry on the third day as their boat developed technical snag and started drifting in mid-sea. Panicstricken boat owner and the family members of the fishermen had lodged a complaint with the Kasimedu police and remained in prayer.
Meanwhile, Sri Lankan fishermen rescued the missing Indian fishermen from their boat after 17 restless days on October 6 and landed them at Trincomalee. After hectic diplomatic efforts by the Indian High Commission in Colombo, all the six fishermen were set free and brought to the Indian soil after a 40- day ordeal.
It was double delight for Rajeshwari, wife of returned fisherman Desingh. “For us, Deepawali celebration was on Tuesday only, as my husband and my son-in-law Kumar (another crew on the same boat) returned home.”
“As days gone by, relatives have lost their hope on my husband, but my daughter Sujatha and me had faith on the Goddess that both of them ( husband and son-inlaw would come back soon,” she told Express.
Emotion gripped Desingh’s home in Kasimedu when his grandchildren Vinodhini (5) and Danush (1) hugged their grandfather and father and asked them: “ Where have you been all these days,? Little did they know their 40-day ordeal on sea and land.
Besides Desingh and Kumar, other fishermen also have innumerable tales to tell their children and family members.Though the festival of lights passed by on Monday, families of these fishermen lit their homes with traditional lamps on Tuesday symbolising the return of the breadwinners.
Published Date: 10/29/2008.
G Saravanan
Chennai, October 28: THOUGH Chennaiites and others elsewhere in Tamil Nadu celebrated Deepavali with customary pomp and fanfare on Monday, the families of six Kasimedu fishermen, who have returned from Colombo after spending six restless weeks, observed the festival of lights only on Tuesday.
The fishermen, Vinod (25), Gopal (50), Desingh (49), Pon Boss (60), Kumar (30) and Arumugam (28), had ventured into the sea from Kasimedu Fishing Harbour on a mechanised boat owned by Balu on September 18. They were scheduled to return after three days.
But things had gone awry on the third day as their boat developed technical snag and started drifting in mid-sea. Panicstricken boat owner and the family members of the fishermen had lodged a complaint with the Kasimedu police and remained in prayer.
Meanwhile, Sri Lankan fishermen rescued the missing Indian fishermen from their boat after 17 restless days on October 6 and landed them at Trincomalee. After hectic diplomatic efforts by the Indian High Commission in Colombo, all the six fishermen were set free and brought to the Indian soil after a 40- day ordeal.
It was double delight for Rajeshwari, wife of returned fisherman Desingh. “For us, Deepawali celebration was on Tuesday only, as my husband and my son-in-law Kumar (another crew on the same boat) returned home.”
“As days gone by, relatives have lost their hope on my husband, but my daughter Sujatha and me had faith on the Goddess that both of them ( husband and son-inlaw would come back soon,” she told Express.
Emotion gripped Desingh’s home in Kasimedu when his grandchildren Vinodhini (5) and Danush (1) hugged their grandfather and father and asked them: “ Where have you been all these days,? Little did they know their 40-day ordeal on sea and land.
Besides Desingh and Kumar, other fishermen also have innumerable tales to tell their children and family members.Though the festival of lights passed by on Monday, families of these fishermen lit their homes with traditional lamps on Tuesday symbolising the return of the breadwinners.
Only tears of starvation for fishermen
Repro from New Indian Express
Only tears of starvation for fishermen
Published Date: 10/23/2008
G Saravanan
Chennai, October 22: ROCKET launches from Sriharikota may help Indians land on the moon, but for thousands of fishermen in 17 hamlets along a stretch near Tamil Nadu- Andhra Pradesh border, it means going to bed without food for several days. Today, Wednesday, October 22 is no exception when India has joined the select six nation space club with the successful launch of a rocket.
More than 25,000 fishermen living on the Palaverkadu (Pulicat lake) stretch near the border have been making the sacrifice of “forced holidays without earning” for the last four deca des whenever the ISRO launched a rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Centre. Citing security reasons, these fishermen were ordered by the local authorities not to venture into the sea surrounding the launch centre and Pulicat lake for at least 10 to 20 days at a stretch during rocket launches.
While disallowing the fishermen to catch fish during the ban period, neither the State government nor the ISRO management ever thought of giving any compensation for the loss of livelihood. The traditional fishermen, who solely depend on daily fishing for their livelihood using catamaran and small fibre boats, have been paying a heavy heavy price for living very close to the all important space centre.
“While over a billion hearts congratulate the Indian scientists for their extraordinary stride in space science on every rocket launch attempt, a few thousand hearts burn and suffer in agony,”, said K Bharathi, president of South Indian Fishermen Welfare Association.” The fishermen are also happy about our achievements, but they cannot understand how they were left in the lurch by the authorities.” he added.
The association has held an ‘attention- seeking demonstration’ on the issue at Ponneri on Wednesday and more than 500 fishermen participated in it. “We struggle hard to make both ends meet during these ban periods,” Sithan, a fisherman told Express. The association has also sent memorandum to the State Government and the ISRO.
Only tears of starvation for fishermen
Published Date: 10/23/2008
G Saravanan
Chennai, October 22: ROCKET launches from Sriharikota may help Indians land on the moon, but for thousands of fishermen in 17 hamlets along a stretch near Tamil Nadu- Andhra Pradesh border, it means going to bed without food for several days. Today, Wednesday, October 22 is no exception when India has joined the select six nation space club with the successful launch of a rocket.
More than 25,000 fishermen living on the Palaverkadu (Pulicat lake) stretch near the border have been making the sacrifice of “forced holidays without earning” for the last four deca des whenever the ISRO launched a rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Centre. Citing security reasons, these fishermen were ordered by the local authorities not to venture into the sea surrounding the launch centre and Pulicat lake for at least 10 to 20 days at a stretch during rocket launches.
While disallowing the fishermen to catch fish during the ban period, neither the State government nor the ISRO management ever thought of giving any compensation for the loss of livelihood. The traditional fishermen, who solely depend on daily fishing for their livelihood using catamaran and small fibre boats, have been paying a heavy heavy price for living very close to the all important space centre.
“While over a billion hearts congratulate the Indian scientists for their extraordinary stride in space science on every rocket launch attempt, a few thousand hearts burn and suffer in agony,”, said K Bharathi, president of South Indian Fishermen Welfare Association.” The fishermen are also happy about our achievements, but they cannot understand how they were left in the lurch by the authorities.” he added.
The association has held an ‘attention- seeking demonstration’ on the issue at Ponneri on Wednesday and more than 500 fishermen participated in it. “We struggle hard to make both ends meet during these ban periods,” Sithan, a fisherman told Express. The association has also sent memorandum to the State Government and the ISRO.
Monday, October 13, 2008
6 Indian fishermen found in Sri Lanka
G Saravanan
First Published : 12 Oct 2008 01:52:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 12 Oct 2008 08:24:38 AM IST
CHENNAI: Six Indian fishermen, reported missing since September 18 with their fishing trawler off the Chennai coastline, have reached Trincomalee in northern Sri Lanka after a group of Sinhalese fishermen rescued them.
The fishermen left Kasimedu Fishing Harbour in a mechanised fishing trawler (registration number TN- 02 MFB-218) for a three-day fishing trip. They lost contact with the shore when it was about 40 nautical miles off the Chennai coast. The trawler developed mechanical problems and drifted mid-sea.
Confirming the rescue of the six fishermen by their Lankan counterparts six days ago, an official in the Sri Lankan High Commission said they reached Trincomalee harbour on Saturday afternoon. They were doing well and accommodated in rooms provided by the Trincomalee Fishermen Association.
On hearing the news, R Adhimulam, president of Chennai Chengai Singaravelar Mechanised Owner’s Association, spoke to boat driver Vinoth (one of the youngest crew members) over phone and enquired about the condition of other fishermen.
“We cannot forget the Sinhalese fishermen. It was divine providence. They came when our trawler was drifting after it developed a technical snag,” Adhimulam, speaking to this website's newspaper, quoted Vinoth as saying.
After developing a technical snag the trawler drifted in mid-sea for about 17 days. On October 6, the Sinhalese fishing trawler found them, shifted them to their boat and gave food. The Indian trawler was abandoned.
First Published : 12 Oct 2008 01:52:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 12 Oct 2008 08:24:38 AM IST
CHENNAI: Six Indian fishermen, reported missing since September 18 with their fishing trawler off the Chennai coastline, have reached Trincomalee in northern Sri Lanka after a group of Sinhalese fishermen rescued them.
The fishermen left Kasimedu Fishing Harbour in a mechanised fishing trawler (registration number TN- 02 MFB-218) for a three-day fishing trip. They lost contact with the shore when it was about 40 nautical miles off the Chennai coast. The trawler developed mechanical problems and drifted mid-sea.
Confirming the rescue of the six fishermen by their Lankan counterparts six days ago, an official in the Sri Lankan High Commission said they reached Trincomalee harbour on Saturday afternoon. They were doing well and accommodated in rooms provided by the Trincomalee Fishermen Association.
On hearing the news, R Adhimulam, president of Chennai Chengai Singaravelar Mechanised Owner’s Association, spoke to boat driver Vinoth (one of the youngest crew members) over phone and enquired about the condition of other fishermen.
“We cannot forget the Sinhalese fishermen. It was divine providence. They came when our trawler was drifting after it developed a technical snag,” Adhimulam, speaking to this website's newspaper, quoted Vinoth as saying.
After developing a technical snag the trawler drifted in mid-sea for about 17 days. On October 6, the Sinhalese fishing trawler found them, shifted them to their boat and gave food. The Indian trawler was abandoned.
Executive Secretary AAJVS Govind Ram Held In `Molestation' Case?
ITS A REPRODUCTION....
Andaman Chronicle
9th October 2008
Executive Secretary AAJVS Govind Ram Held In `Molestation' Case?
Whether the aborigines of A&N Islands remain safe under such
characterless govt.official remains a major question
Port Blair, Oct. 8: In an incident that has put theentire A&N
Administration to shame, on 7th October 2008 GovindRam, Executive
Secretary of Andaman Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti (AAJVS) was bookedin a
case of `molestation' after he forcefully entered the house of a
lone ladyat Srinagar, Minnie Bay, Port Blair. Govind Ram finding the
lady (a policyagent of ICICI and Birla Plus) alone in the house tried to
rape her but waslater arrested by the police.
The incident took place at about2.00 pm whenGovind Ram who was supposed
to be on duty took his official vehicle to thelady's house at Minnie
Bay. Theofficer who was totally under the influence of alcohol entered
the house of thelady in the name of getting policies for her. Finding
her alone, Govind Ramclosed the door from inside and attempted the
disgraceful act.
According to the lady'sstatement recorded in the FIR no. 835/08
dated 7.10.2008 at 1600 hrs, GovindRam has been behind the lady with
such dirty intention since 12th September 2008. In hisfirst meeting
Govind Ram insisted that the lady should meet him only in theevening
hours after 6.00 pm. He thencalled the lady on 18th September 2008 at
4.15 pm and madeher to wait till 7.00 pm. Sinceit was raining heavily,
the officer offered the lady a drop in his vehicle andby 7.30 pm
hedropped the lady in her house.
After this Govind Ram regularlystarted calling the lady over phone and
later started vulgar messages on hermobile phone. By this the lady
judged the intentions of the officer and startedignoring him.
On 7th October 2008 at about2.00 pm in theafternoon, Govind Ram reached
the house of the lady and gave a reason that hewas passing by and on the
way just wanted to meet her. Since Govind Ram was asenior govt. officer,
the lady not knowing his intentions invited him insideher house. He then
enquired whether there was anyone else in the house and finallyfinding
the lady alone in the house closed the entrance gate from inside
andremoved his shirt. He then forcibly held the lady and started
sexually harassingher and insisted to have sexual intercourse with him.
The lady started crying for helpand somehow managed to come out of his
clutches and opened the door. Sheshouted for help. Hearing her cry, the
lady's driver and few neighbours rushedto her. Govind Ram analyzing
the situation wanted to run away but was caught onthe spot.
The lady also tried to call theNaval Police but could not succeed and
later called the Police Control Room forhelp. The local police turned up
at about 2.45 pm arrestedthe govt. officer.
According to the SHO, PSAberdeen, a case under section IPC 342 and IPC
354 has been charged againstGovind Ram and he has been released on bail
on the same day. The sections imposed on the characterlessoffice r means
`Assaults or criminalforce to any women, with intent to outrage her
modesty. And `Punishment forwrongful confinement' .
It is surprising to note thatthat the A&N Police could not find any
matter of `Attempt to Rape' in thecase where a lady by luck
could manage to save herself. Or may be thepreoccupied A&N Police did
not get time to go through the lady'sstatement/ written complaint
thoroughly to impose the correct sections of Lawagainst the officer.
Moreover it is shocking to notethat this officer has not been suspended
yet even after he was arrested forsuch dreadful act while he was
supposed to be on duty. He still remains the inchargeof the welfare of
aboriginal tribe of these islands; most of them who stillremain unaware
of the so-called civilized society of ours.
Commenting on the issue, ShriSamir Acharya of Society for Andaman &
Nicobar Ecology told this paper, "Inthe past also many of the AAJVS
and Tribal Welfare officers have been guilty ofnot only raping but
sometimes forcing females for extended periods of time withno action
taken by the higher ups. I strongly feel that the senior officers ofthe
A&N Administration should take note of this and act sternly".
Smti. Uma Bharathi, StatePresident Nationalist Congress Party, who met
the Editor at PS Aberdeen whilethe investigation process was on said,
"This is a dastardly act by an officerholding such a responsible
post. I demand that justice be done to the lady whobecame a prey of the
wrong intentions of the officer".
Andaman Chronicle
9th October 2008
Executive Secretary AAJVS Govind Ram Held In `Molestation' Case?
Whether the aborigines of A&N Islands remain safe under such
characterless govt.official remains a major question
Port Blair, Oct. 8: In an incident that has put theentire A&N
Administration to shame, on 7th October 2008 GovindRam, Executive
Secretary of Andaman Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti (AAJVS) was bookedin a
case of `molestation' after he forcefully entered the house of a
lone ladyat Srinagar, Minnie Bay, Port Blair. Govind Ram finding the
lady (a policyagent of ICICI and Birla Plus) alone in the house tried to
rape her but waslater arrested by the police.
The incident took place at about2.00 pm whenGovind Ram who was supposed
to be on duty took his official vehicle to thelady's house at Minnie
Bay. Theofficer who was totally under the influence of alcohol entered
the house of thelady in the name of getting policies for her. Finding
her alone, Govind Ramclosed the door from inside and attempted the
disgraceful act.
According to the lady'sstatement recorded in the FIR no. 835/08
dated 7.10.2008 at 1600 hrs, GovindRam has been behind the lady with
such dirty intention since 12th September 2008. In hisfirst meeting
Govind Ram insisted that the lady should meet him only in theevening
hours after 6.00 pm. He thencalled the lady on 18th September 2008 at
4.15 pm and madeher to wait till 7.00 pm. Sinceit was raining heavily,
the officer offered the lady a drop in his vehicle andby 7.30 pm
hedropped the lady in her house.
After this Govind Ram regularlystarted calling the lady over phone and
later started vulgar messages on hermobile phone. By this the lady
judged the intentions of the officer and startedignoring him.
On 7th October 2008 at about2.00 pm in theafternoon, Govind Ram reached
the house of the lady and gave a reason that hewas passing by and on the
way just wanted to meet her. Since Govind Ram was asenior govt. officer,
the lady not knowing his intentions invited him insideher house. He then
enquired whether there was anyone else in the house and finallyfinding
the lady alone in the house closed the entrance gate from inside
andremoved his shirt. He then forcibly held the lady and started
sexually harassingher and insisted to have sexual intercourse with him.
The lady started crying for helpand somehow managed to come out of his
clutches and opened the door. Sheshouted for help. Hearing her cry, the
lady's driver and few neighbours rushedto her. Govind Ram analyzing
the situation wanted to run away but was caught onthe spot.
The lady also tried to call theNaval Police but could not succeed and
later called the Police Control Room forhelp. The local police turned up
at about 2.45 pm arrestedthe govt. officer.
According to the SHO, PSAberdeen, a case under section IPC 342 and IPC
354 has been charged againstGovind Ram and he has been released on bail
on the same day. The sections imposed on the characterlessoffice r means
`Assaults or criminalforce to any women, with intent to outrage her
modesty. And `Punishment forwrongful confinement' .
It is surprising to note thatthat the A&N Police could not find any
matter of `Attempt to Rape' in thecase where a lady by luck
could manage to save herself. Or may be thepreoccupied A&N Police did
not get time to go through the lady'sstatement/ written complaint
thoroughly to impose the correct sections of Lawagainst the officer.
Moreover it is shocking to notethat this officer has not been suspended
yet even after he was arrested forsuch dreadful act while he was
supposed to be on duty. He still remains the inchargeof the welfare of
aboriginal tribe of these islands; most of them who stillremain unaware
of the so-called civilized society of ours.
Commenting on the issue, ShriSamir Acharya of Society for Andaman &
Nicobar Ecology told this paper, "Inthe past also many of the AAJVS
and Tribal Welfare officers have been guilty ofnot only raping but
sometimes forcing females for extended periods of time withno action
taken by the higher ups. I strongly feel that the senior officers ofthe
A&N Administration should take note of this and act sternly".
Smti. Uma Bharathi, StatePresident Nationalist Congress Party, who met
the Editor at PS Aberdeen whilethe investigation process was on said,
"This is a dastardly act by an officerholding such a responsible
post. I demand that justice be done to the lady whobecame a prey of the
wrong intentions of the officer".
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Source: http://onlineuthayan.com/english-news/uthayannews/x284z263h1h1r2p2 Early morning incident – printing machine scorched, ...