Koraput, Nov 22 : Women members of the “Masih” Self-Help Group (SHG) of Tunapara village under Laxmipur block in Koraput district have lodged a serious complaint against a newspaper journalist named Gupta Kuldeep.
According to the complaint, the SHG had long been entrusted with preparing mid-day meals for the students of Tunapara Upper Primary Seva Ashram School. About two months ago, the SHG women had purchased eggs from Gupta Kuldeep. When the eggs supplied by him turned out to be rotten, the SHG members stopped buying eggs from him thereafter.
The women alleged that on Monday, Gupta Kuldeep entered the school premises and questioned them about the delay in serving food. He allegedly behaved as if he were a government official and issued various threats. They also accused him of misbehaving with and verbally abusing the women members of the SHG.
Later, he reportedly demanded money from the group. The women stated, “We only delayed the meal slightly due to managing many children. Why should we pay him any money?” They further alleged that because they stopped purchasing eggs from him, he started spreading false news against the SHG, claiming that they were not serving proper mid-day meals. The women also stated that he touched them inappropriately and published misleading reports against them.
Yesterday, when he came to distribute uniforms, he allegedly threatened the SHG members again. According to their complaint, the youth visits the school almost every Monday to check the food.
The SHG women wrote that if anything happens to the mid-day meal in future, only Gupta Kuldeep would be responsible. They expressed that because of his behavior, they have become fearful and their willingness to continue cooking for the school is diminishing.
Before approaching the police, the women informed the Block Administrative Officer and the Block Education Officer about the issue. They warned that if no action is taken immediately, the Masih SHG group will be compelled to launch a protest. They also mentioned that they will not be held responsible for any disruption in providing meals to the students.
They added that if action is not taken, they will approach the District Collector and also file a written complaint at the police station.
During the submission of the petition, SHG members Rajani Kandapan, Subala Kandapan, Manju Kandapan, Manisha Kandapan, Bajanti Kandapan, Anita Turuk, and Manasa Turuk were present.
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