Kotpad PRI Members File Complaint Against AE’s Arbitrary Behavior with MLA and Collector
Kotpad:21st July 2025: Kotpad Block Chairperson Kamala Bhatra, Vice Chairperson Tapan Panigrahi, Zilla Parishad members, Panchayat Samiti members, and Ward Members have collectively submitted a written complaint against the Assistant Engineer (AE) of Kotpad block, Santosh Bagh, alleging arbitrary behavior and misconduct.
According to the complaint, the AE has been executing works according to his own will without consulting elected representatives and has been disrespectful and uncooperative in his interactions. Due to these issues, all PRI (Panchayati Raj Institution) members first submitted a memorandum to Kotpad MLA Rupu Bhatra, requesting his immediate transfer. They also approached Koraput Collector K.V. Kirthi Vasan, informing him in detail about the difficulties and irregularities in Kotpad block due to the AE’s actions and urged for urgent administrative action.
Notably, Collector K.V. Kirthi Vasan has been recognized for implementing developmental initiatives across all departments in Koraput and has received state and national recognition, earning praise from various quarters.
Despite being officially transferred on deputation to Borigumma, the AE Santosh Bagh is allegedly still working in Kotpad, ignoring higher authority orders. Because of this, all PRI members are demanding that he be relocated to another block without delay.
During the submission of the memorandum, present were:
Kotpad Block Chairperson Kamala Bhatra
Vice Chairperson Tapan Panigrahi
Zilla Parishad Zone-1 Member Tripati Chalan
Zone-2 Member Geeta Majhi,
Along with all Panchayat Samiti and Ward Members
They also warned that if the AE is not transferred within 15 days, they will launch a hunger strike in front of Kotpad Block Office.