Accused officials being protected by govt, alleges dead RTI activist's family

Kulsum Yusuf, TNN, Feb 24, 2011,

RAJKOT: Even three days after the death of an RTI activist, Jabbardan Gadhvi, the police are yet to arrest the government officials who were witness to his self-immolation and are charged with abetment of suicide. Gadhvi, 45, of Rapar in Kutch district ended his life when he failed to get information he demanded under the RTI Act.

He ended his life at the mamlatdar's office on Monday and the family members of Gadhvi feel that his life could have been saved had the government officials reacted in time. They have also accused the officials of instigating Gadhvi to commit suicide.

Following the unfortunate incident, five cops and the talati have been put under suspension and deputy collector was transferred with immediate effect.

The family members allege that the accused are being given protection by the police and are not being arrested. A case has been lodged with the Rapar police against PSI R G Parmar, mamlatdar A Zala, and talati of Dhavdi village Pravina Jadhav under Section 306 of the IPC.

Gandhidham SP Chirag Koradiya said that the information sought by Gadhvi was related to a land revenue case. "We have to check records from 1958 and collect proofs which is a very lengthy process," he said. He said the accused have been suspended and departmental inquiry is on.

According to police they have to collect the land records of the disputed case but surprisingly talati Pravina Jadhav, who is in possession of all the records, is missing. A case has been registered against her under Section 409 of the IPC.

Gadhvi's family is not happy with the progress in the case. "It's the third day since Gadhvi died and the accused are yet to be put behind bars," said Devdatt Payak, a cousin of Gadhvi. "We have already provided 102 pages of documents to the special investigation group formed to investigate into the case," he added.

The Gadhvi community is planning a rally to oppose the injustice done to Jabbardan Gadhvi. RTI activists are also expected to take part in the rally in Bhuj in the coming days .