Bihar RTI activists seek security cover

Citing threats to life, a panel RTI activists in Bihar on Friday demanded security cover and the arrest of those involved in the killing of four of their associates in the last six months.

Nagrik Adhikar Manch submitted a memorandum to Bihar Police chief K.S. Dwivedi here and said they were living under constant fear.

"Since the RTI Act came into force in 2005, 14 activists, including four in the last six months, have been killed in Bihar. It is a matter of serious concern and the government should take note of it," said RTI activist Shiv Prakash Rai.

Rai said they had demanded the arrest of all those behind the murder of the 14 RTI activists. "Not a single accused has been arrested so far. It has left us disappointed... and has boosted the confidence of corrupt government officials," he said.

Another activist Mahender Yadav said: "It is a bad phase for RTI activists in Bihar as anything can happen to them. They may be eliminated, thanks to powerful nexus of mafia engaged in development schemes and construction works with politicians, government officers and criminals."

Activist Valmiki Yadav and his friend Karu Yadav were shot dead on June 30 by unidentified assailants in Jamui district. Yadav is said to have exposed several rackets and financial irregularities in the public welfare schemes and developmental works in the district.

Another RTI activist Rajender Kumar Singh was shot dead in East Champaran district last month where as Jayant Kumar met with a similar fate in Vaishali district in April. Early this year, Rahul Jha was shot dead in Saharsa district.

--IANS

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