5 sarpanchs get notices for their involvement in criminal activities

The notices have been served under the provision of Panchayat Act,Rule 57 (1). Clarifications have been sought ‘on why they should not be removed from their respective post’.

Sources added that Borvav Sarpanch Labhu Shingala and Deputy Sarpanch Devshi Shingala,who are husband and wife,have been accused of forging documents of land owned by the government. The couple allegedly allotted the land to a private company for erecting cellphone tower.

Besides,Devshi’s name also surfaced in a physical assault case registered with the Talala police station.

Sasan (Gir) and Pipalawa village’s sarpanch,Jan Mohamed Makarani and Ukabhai Ahir respectively,were accused of assaulting forest officials at Sasan forest headquarters. Vadala Sarpanch Kalu Khandani was allegedly involved in an attempt to murder case and was sent in judicial custody for 18 days.

Ratidhar sarpanch Ramesh Raja was removed from his post after his fifth child was born.

Talala taluka development officer issued an order to remove him from the post and had asked Deputy Sarpanch Bhura Ganda to take charge. However,both R and Ganda violated the order by ignoring it.

According to officials,clarifications have been sought from five Sarapanchs and two deputy Sarapanchs to explain their stand and furnish answers in this regard within specific timeframe.