Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: BJP state spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo has accused the Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government of suppressing serious corruption charges raised under the Whistleblower Act by a senior IPS officer of the state cadre. He claimed that large-scale irregularities were reported in the purchase of security equipment, which were allegedly procured at four to five times the market price, yet the government attempted to bury the matter instead of investigating it.
Probe Mishandled, Says BJP
Shahdeo alleged that for months the government ignored the whistleblower’s complaint. When public pressure grew, the administration assigned the probe to a junior officer, IG Narendra Kumar, despite the charges being against a senior official. “It is absurd and unethical for a junior to investigate his superior,” Shahdeo said.
Delay and Neglect Undermine Inquiry
Following protests, the government appointed ADG T. Kandaswamy as the new head of the inquiry committee, but he went on extended leave, and the committee has not held even one meeting to date. Shahdeo argued that this shows the government’s intention to shield those involved rather than conduct a serious investigation.
Whistleblower Act Violated
According to the BJP spokesperson, the essence of the Whistleblower Act is to protect those who expose corruption and keep their identities safe. In Jharkhand, however, Shahdeo said the government not only failed to protect the whistleblower but also acted to protect the accused, undermining the very purpose of the law.
