CPI(ML) organized a protest march at Bengabad, Giridih district of Jharkhand, against the jailing of a poor worker Mahendra Yadav after a false case was slapped on him at the behest of the Bengabad BDO. Mahendra Yadav had earlier refused when he was asked to give a bribe in return for having Aadhar cards made for his daughters; an argument resulted as a result, after which the BDO caused the false case to be registered against Mahendra Yadav. The protest march was held from the Forest Range Office to the Block HQ where a dharna was organised. The incident underlines corruption in the administration. The Aadhaar requirement for rations and other welfare schemes means that poor working class people can go hungry for lack of Aadhaar cards: as a result, they are vulnerable to exploitation by corrupt officials who demand bribes for Aadhaar cards.
During the protest meeting, an ultimatum was given that unless Mahendra Yadav is released and action is taken against the guilty Block personnel within the next ten days and the rampant bribery in Bengabad Block is ended, the CPIML will intensify its protest.
