Zero Tolerance Towards Corruption: Strict Action Taken Against Three Offenders During Good Governance Festival – FIR Filed, Dismissed from Service

Raipur
During the third phase of the Good Governance Festival (Sushasan Tihar), the Chhattisgarh government has once again made it clear that its policy towards corruption is one of zero tolerance. Following confirmation that three contractual workers associated with the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) in Bemetara district were demanding bribes and extorting money from beneficiaries through intimidation, swift and strict action was taken under the directions of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.

The incident came to light through a viral audio clip in which Awas Mitra (Housing Assistant) Neera Sahu of Gram Panchayat Airamshahi was clearly heard demanding a bribe of Rs 25,000 in exchange for releasing a housing installment. During a probe conducted by the Tehsildar, Neera Sahu admitted that the voice in the audio was hers.

In the same case, Narayan Sahu, serving as a Rozgar Sahayak (Employment Assistant) in Gram Panchayat Tenduwa, was found demanding Rs 10,000 from beneficiaries under threats. His wife, Ishwari Sahu, who held the same position in Gram Panchayat Airamshahi, was also accused by villagers of coercing beneficiaries into paying money.

Based on a written report submitted by the Chief Executive Officer of Janpad Panchayat Nawagarh and an FIR lodged at Nandghat police station, all three accused—Neera Sahu, Narayan Sahu, and Ishwari Sahu—have been dismissed from service with immediate effect. The order was issued with the approval of the Bemetara Collector.

A formal investigation has been initiated with an FIR registered at Nandghat police station under Sections 308(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai described the action as a testament to the core objectives of the Good Governance Festival. He emphasized that transparency, accountability, and integrity are of utmost importance in the effective implementation of welfare schemes. “Corruption at any level will not be tolerated,” he stated.

The Chief Minister further asserted that the state government is committed to ensuring that no officer or employee misuses their authority to exploit the public. If anyone does so, they will face immediate and lawful punitive action. “This is not just an action against corruption,” he said, “but a reaffirmation of our commitment to good governance.”