The husband of a Ward Member was compelled to move around a village in Angul district beating a gong for not obliging the villagers on casting his vote in favour of a candidate for Naib Sarpanch.
He was identified as Dushmanta Sahu, husband of Mallika Sahu, elected Ward Member of Badakera panchayat of Angul Block.
The village leaders in a meeting at Ragudiapada, fined him with Rs 50,000 for defying the decision of the entire village on Naib Sarapanch decision. As he could not give that amount, as per the decision of the villagers, Dusmanta beat gong across the panchayat.
“The punishment of the village leaders defies democratic spirit and is illegal,” told Bidyadhar Prusty, an intellectual here.
Getting information, the Bantala police rescued Dushmanta and told not to obey the village leaders order in this matter. No FIR had been lodged in this matter.
However, village president Hemanta Sahu said, “The drunken son of the Ward Member had threatened the villagers with a weapon. He was caught by villagers and later, the peace committee had fined his father. As he didn't pay the fine, he preferred to beat a gong to admit his mistake. This has nothing to do with the Panchayat poll.”