Tension prevailed at the Amarpur RD Block office of Gomati district on Tuesday after several Panchayat Pradhans allegedly stormed the chamber of the Block Development Officer (BDO), demanding explanations over the alleged halt in developmental activities across the block.
According to the Panchayat representatives, development work in the Amarpur block has come to a standstill since the transfer of former BDO Utpal Das. They alleged that the current BDO, Sanjib Debnath, has failed to initiate developmental projects and has kept pending bills and payments related to various Panchayats on hold.
To seek clarification on the matter, ten Panchayat Pradhans reportedly visited the BDO office and raised several issues concerning their respective Panchayats. During the interaction, tempers flared, and the situation reportedly turned chaotic. Video footage from the scene showed elected representatives engaging in a heated exchange with the BDO inside his chamber.
However, the administration has presented a contrasting version of the incident. In a complaint submitted to the District Magistrate (DM) and Collector of Gomati district, employees of the Amarpur RD Block alleged that a public representative physically intimidated the BDO during the meeting. The complaint states that the individual repeatedly struck the officer’s desk, allegedly threw the Ashoka Stambha (National Emblem) from the table, and hurled a glass and tea cups towards the BDO while he was seated in his chamber. The staff described the incident as a serious assault on a public servant and an act of disrespect towards a national symbol.
Expressing concern over workplace safety, the employees stated that the incident had created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity within the office. They demanded immediate legal and administrative action against those responsible and announced a protest demonstration in front of the Amarpur RD Block office from 9:30 AM on June 3.
Meanwhile, BDO Sanjib Debnath claimed that many of the Panchayat representatives were not fully aware of the procedural and administrative aspects related to the developmental works in question.
The incident has triggered a fresh debate over the functioning of local governance and the relationship between elected representatives and administrative officials in the Amarpur subdivision. Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the allegations and counter-allegations.