Anger is simmering in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh after a government official was accused of assaulting villagers, including a student and a farmer, during a troubled fertilizer distribution drive. The incident in Para village has sparked fresh outrage, coming just days after a woman died while waiting in a queue for her fertilizer quota in Bhopal.
Allegations of Violence and Discrimination
The controversy erupted on Wednesday when Naib Tehsildar Ritu Singhai was overseeing the distribution of fertilizer at a cooperative society in Para village. According to complaints filed by villagers, the situation turned violent when Singhai allegedly slapped a student, Gudiya Patel, who had been persistently trying to get fertilizer for two months.
Gudiya Patel stated that when she requested a token, the official told her that tokens were only for men, not women. "When I asked again, she slapped me," the student alleged. Witnesses further claim that the Naib Tehsildar also grabbed a farmer by his collar in an attempt to control the restless crowd that had gathered for the distribution.
Villagers have also accused Ritu Singhai of assaulting a woman who dared to question the token system being followed for the distribution. These allegations paint a picture of high-handedness and physical aggression by a government officer tasked with facilitating a crucial agricultural input.
Chaotic Distribution and Token Confusion
The root cause of the confrontation appears to be the mismanagement and confusion surrounding the token system. Officials had announced that tokens for purchasing fertilizer would be issued starting at 9 am. However, due to an overwhelming rush of farmers, the token distribution was abruptly stopped around 11 am.
This left many farmers, who had been waiting for hours or even months like Gudiya Patel, empty-handed and frustrated. Singhai reportedly informed the agitated villagers that the token window had closed for the day. Authorities have now stated that token issuance will resume from December 6, but this has done little to calm tempers.
Demand for Action and Official Probe
The incident has ignited significant anger among the local community in Para village. Villagers are now united in their demand for strict disciplinary action against Naib Tehsildar Ritu Singhai for her alleged misconduct and use of physical force.
Taking note of the serious allegations, both police and revenue department officials have initiated an investigation into the matter. They are looking into the sequence of events and the complaints of assault and manhandling leveled against the officer.
This episode highlights the ongoing struggles and tensions surrounding the distribution of essential fertilizers in Madhya Pradesh. It underscores the urgent need for transparent, orderly, and humane systems to ensure that farmers, who are the backbone of the economy, can access inputs without facing harassment or violence.
