‘Corrupt’ N’pada man killed by Maoists

The body of Hira Singh Majhi, who was shot dead by Maoists in Patdarha plateau of Nuapada district on Monday was shifted to Boden on Tuesday for post-mortem examination after an FIR was filed by his wife at the Boden police station. "He was shot dead by Maoists at Salepada Chhak near Sahajpani village while returning from the plateau," said Hira's wife.

Hira Singh had shifted his residence to Boden a few years ago after he was abducted and tortured by Maoists. It is alleged that Hira Singh as the Sarpanch during 2007-2012 had embezzled about Rs 13 lakh from MGNREGS without doing any work. The villagers had drawn attention of the district administration, the State Panchayati Raj Department and even the Union Ministry of Rural Development in this regard.

In the meantime, fearing inquiry, Hira Singh had burnt all the files of the panchayat and spread a message that that Maoists had torched the panchayat office.

It was learnt that the Maoists had abducted Hira Singh and tortured him for spreading lies about Maoist involvement.

Later, on the basis of an FIR lodged by the block administration, Hira was arrested and forwarded to jail. He was on bail and facing trial in the panchayat office burning case. However, no action was taken against him for embezzlement of fund in spite of repeated requests by the people of the panchayat.

"Had the Government taken legal action against Hira Singh, he would not have been punished by the Maoists," opined people of Bhainsadani.