The office of the Superintendent Engineer of Prachi Division witnessed a unique protest when some Congress members arrived there to demand the completion of an under-construction road to Khandeita village under Cuttack Sadar Police limits.
Alleging that Superintendent Engineer, Pratap Chandra Choudhury was demanding bribe, one of the protesters, Brajakishore Sahoo offered his pant, shirt and the vegetable he was carrying home as bribe in place of cash.
The protest was led by Cuttack district Congress president, Manas Choudhury.
Manas, who arrived at the office with a nameplate hanging from his neck that read, I am Manas Choudhury, said, “I had called the Superintendent Engineer many times requesting him to complete the road in the Panchayat. But he never paid heed to my requests and sent me to other officers only to delay the work. He even said that he does not know me. That is why I have come here with a nameplate.”
“Finally, when I put more pressure on him, he even sought bribe in return for completing the road. Finding no other way, a poor man of the village offered his pant, shirt, and the vegetable he was taking home to cook as bribe,” he alleged.
Protestor Brajakishore Sahoo said, “I had come here eight times to urge the officer to complete the road. But when he asked for bribe, I offered vegetables and my clothes as I do not have any money to offer as bribe.”
Asked about the allegations, Choudhury said, “The department has not sanctioned enough money to complete the road. We are laying the road gradually as and when the money comes. As far as seeking bribe is concerned, I have never demanded anything from anybody.”
However, after all the allegations and agitation, Choudhury finally assured to complete the road within seven days.