Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 29 Jul: A case of alleged assault and misconduct with officials and employees of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana has been registered over a clash in Maldevta after heavy rainfall had yesterday blocked the Maldevta–Serki–Silla–Bhaiswada motor road. Acting on departmental instructions, a team with JCB machines was clearing debris to restore traffic when the incident occurred. According to the complaint lodged by the department at Raipur police station, Gram Pradhan of Serki‑Baudha Shyam Singh Payal along with Suresh of Jabadi, persons linked to Ratan Hardware in Maldevta and other villagers reached the site and allegedly misbehaved with the staff, and obstructed the government work.
The complaint alleges that the accused assaulted the employees and threatened to kill them and even attempted to push them into a gorge. Driver Ritik has been reportedly seriously injured, with one finger fractured, while Nitin Chauhan (QS) and Amit Jadodia (KAE) have also sustained injuries. The injured driver has undergone a medical examination. The incident was immediately reported to the District Disaster Operation Centre and the SDM Dehradun, following which the department demanded legal action and lodged a formal complaint at Raipur police station.
The Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) including 115(2), 121(1), 132, 351(2) and 352 against Gram Pradhan Shyam Singh Payal, Suresh Jabadi, persons associated with Ratan Hardware and other villagers. The investigation has been assigned to Sub‑Inspector Deepak Singh Panwar. Meanwhile, a video of the altercation between villagers and employees has surfaced on social media and is currently viral.
On the other hand, the villagers have alleged that the department was informed about the road blockage well in advance but the officials and the staff reached the spot unduly late, which led to their anger. The Police have begun investigation and further legal action will be taken on the basis of findings.
