RTI activists’ group condemns ‘attack’ on colleague

The RTI Activists Federation of Punjab today held a press conference to condemn the alleged attack on H S Rathi,an RTI activist,outside the office of the District Food Supply Officer on April 30.

The incident allegedly took place when Rathi had gone to the office to inspect certain records with regard to the Public Distribution Scheme (PDS). He was cornered by around 20 men,who allegedly assaulted him. H C Arora,President of the federation,alleged that various depot holders were involved in the assault on Rathi. He also alleged connivance between PDS depot holders,the District Food Supply Officer of Panchkula and Assistant Food Supply Officer of Karnal.

He said depot holders filed false FIRs of theft soon after RTI applications were filed in order to avoid scrutiny. He appealed to police officials to investigate the case of assault impartially.

Rajesh Bansal,Assistant Food Supply Officer,denied all the accusations and said that it was a malicious campaign to malign his image.