CID-CB to probe Rajasthan RTI activist attack case

The Rajasthan government on Saturday ordered a probe by the CID-CB into the brutal attack on an RTI activist in Barmer district earlier this week and announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for him.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and urged him to frame the rules under the Whistle Blowers Protection Act to ensure protection for RTI and social activists.

Amra Ram (30), a resident of Pareyu village of Barmer, was kidnapped, beaten up and his legs pierced with nails by a group of attackers on Tuesday.

He had complained against illegal liquor trade sometime back. Acting on his complaint, police had seized illegal liquor.

Police have arrested four people in connection with the attack. A police constable was suspended and a station house officer sent to the Police Lines in the wake of the incident. In a tweet, Gehlot said orders have been issued for transferring the case to the CID-CB.

The government will provide financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh from the Chief Ministers Relief Fund to Ram, he said.

He also said the Jodhpur collector had visited the MDM Hospital, where Ram is undergoing treatment, and enquired about the activists condition. Rams family members expressed satisfaction over his treatment.

Further, Gehlot said he has written to the prime minister urging him to frame rules under the Whistle Blowers Protection Act so that RTI and social activists, whistleblowers and civil society members can be protected and strict action taken against culprits.

The bill was passed by Rajya Sabha on February 21, 2014, and got the Presidents assent on May 9, 2014. But even after seven years, the Centre has not framed the rules, the chief minister alleged.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Federal staff and is auto-published from a syndicated feed.)