Odisha RTI Activist Faces Villagers' Fury Over Querying Welfare Projects

In Odisha's Jajpur district, an RTI activist and his family were attacked by villagers after inquiring about gram panchayat welfare projects. Local BJD supporters, led by the sarpanch's husband, allegedly instigated the attack. Police arrested two individuals, and investigations into the conflict continue.

In Odisha's Jajpur district, an RTI activist and his family encountered violent opposition from villagers after they inquired about various government welfare projects under the RTI Act, according to local police reports on Saturday.

Ashok Kumar Pati, the RTI activist, claimed that several Rahasoi village residents, notably BJD supporters directed by the local sarpanch's husband, reacted aggressively against him and his wife for uncovering irregularities in the gram panchayat's schemes.

The confrontation escalated on Friday when villagers, led by local leaders, reportedly abused Lalita and physically attacked her and her mother-in-law. Police intervened, arresting two individuals and launching an investigation into the incident.

(With inputs from agencies.)