There have been serious allegations of intimidation and harassment reported from Nemala Maligaon in the Nischintakoili block of Cuttack district. The family members of a mentally challenged and differently-abled girl have filed a complaint against a local political worker who forced them to give money and said that they would cease to get any government help if the money was not provided to them.
This matter became known after a laborer, Ganeswar Prusti, residing in the village reported the matter by lodging a written complaint at the Nemala police station. As per the complaint, his mentally challenged and differently-abled sister Babita Rani Prusti was allotted a house in a government housing scheme after repeatedly asking the authorities.
However, Tapan Mallick, a local man, asked Rs 15,000 to clear the house bill. As Ganeswar Prusti did not pay him, they were threatened that their house bill would not be cleared and other government assistance such as ration cards would also cease.
The family of Babita lives in a dilapidated thatched hut and ekes out a living through daily wage labor. Ganeswar apparently earns for his whole family along with caring for his disabled sister.
These issues have raised concerns regarding the implementation of various schemes targeted towards poor and vulnerable sections of the community.
Strict measures and a thorough investigation into this matter have been demanded by the locals.
The case has been lodged by the police.
