Phulbani: Hundreds of members of Kui Kula Samiti, a local tribal group, locked up the Mahasinghi panchayat office here demanding ouster of a woman sarpanch for acquiring the post by means of a false caste certificate.
As per the report, the tribal group which was demanding removal of the sarpanch namely, Nilima Mallick since long intensified their stir and reached the panchayat office in a rally. While the sarpanch was not present at the office at that time, the angry protesters locked up the door and held a sit-in protest.
“The incumbent sarpanch Nilima Mallick had been elected to the sarpanch post with the help of a false caste certificate during last election. We have conveyed it to the tehsildar, RDC and even the State Election Commission and the matter has been investigated,” said Bipra Charan Pradhan, Kui leader.
“Now, we protest the inordinate delay in the removal of the sarpanch and would continue the stir till our demand is met,” he added.
On the other hand, the accused sarpanch Nilima Mallick has claimed that she has not submitted any false caste certificate and ready for any action.
“I have committed no crime and submitted all valid documents. I am ready for any action. Kui leader Bipra Charan Pradhan is running a propaganda against me for vested interest,” said Mallick in her reaction.
Ms Kalinga