‘In most cases, the top brass knew what was going on'
With the cold-blooded murder of Right to Information (RTI) activist Amit Jethwa near the Gujarat High Court in Ahmedabad last Tuesday, the number of whistleblowers killed this year alone has gone up to eight. The Congress-ruled Maharashtra tops the list with four killings, followed by the BJP-ruled Gujarat with two.
The murdered RTI activists were: Datta Patil of Kolhapur (Maharashtra), killed on May 31; Vitthal Gite of Beed district, Maharashtra, on April 21; Sola Ranga Rao of Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, on April 11; Arun Sawant of Badlapur, Maharashtra, on February 26; Shashidhar Mishra of Begusarai, Bihar, on February 14; Vishram Laxman Dodiya of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on February 11; and Satish Shetty of Pune, Maharashtra, killed on January 13.
Eyewash
RTI activist Krishnaraja Rao said that after every murder the respective State Government gave a standard reply: “Matter is under investigation. We will find the culprits.” He alleged that this is nothing but eyewash. In most cases, the top brass knew exactly what was going on.
“By not penalising slippery public information officers and not compelling evasive public authorities to provide information, the State Information Commissioners too blunt the RTI activist's sword and prolong his battle for years, until somebody gets him in the end,” he complained.
Meanwhile, Various NGOs and human rights organisations are planning to undertake a rally from ITO in New Delhi this Monday at 6 p.m. to condemn the brutal killing of Amit Jethwa.
Keywords: RTI activists, killed, Gujarat high Court
Comments:
Thanks for highlighting the plight of RTI activists. We need to have a whistleblower protection act in India for the protection of RTI activists and Whistle blowers
This is unfortunate. But I think the activists should be encouraged with a message to the antisocial and corrupted people that time will come and all the people will have access to this law against the corruption.
I am associated with this act in Koraput. The level of corruption has risen so high in these few years.
Here I'm offered plenty of money not to submit RTI. 70% people are ignorant about this Act. And administration is not so eager to spread this act here.
I am the only person applying for RTI here. But after receiving all data I am unable to take action regarding this corruption.
Making law has never helped in India as no law is perfectly implemented so far. What is needed is implementation of the existing laws sincerely.The murderers of the whistleblowers were surely criminals for their deeds which were surfaced by such whistleblowers. Again their murders is altogather another crime. Do we need to have one more law when they are already criminals under the existing laws. Protecting the life of every citizens is the duty of the state and needs no more law. Let us have vow to implement existing laws rather than eye-wash to show our willigness to protect certain class of people. State needs to protect all and that has to be accepted by all the politicians from all the parties in real spirit not in the meetings only.
I wonder what will it take for the people in our country to wake up from their indifference. News like this really deflates any optimism one faces for our country. Will we ever get to a stage where we can be confident to face up to corruption without fear of retribution? The rule of law is pathetic. We do not believe in our leaders, judiciary or the forces that are employed to protect us.
Recently my experience at a Mumbai police station was akin to the one I had as a child at the playground with the school bully.
With these issues, where is India shining? In 5 star hotels?
Implimentaion and making awareness of R T I Act is like another freedom fight against corruption and many more will die due to the corruption and the neglijence of the present government.It is a death of honour but be prepare for self protection. when the government fails to protect us it is our duty and right to protect ourself.Mahiti Seva Samiti, Maharashtra selute all the R T I Activists who were killed while fighting against corruption
Hai,
thank you RTI persons to give me a chance to know about the RTI. I really salute you and ur strength. Because Indian people were sleep now and if they wake up then no one can stop them to acces to RTI.
Is there an option, where the whistleblower's name is not disclosed & the person directly talks to Judiciary for escalations ? May be if I am naive to this, can someone brief me over how RTI is used by the people & if that can be reviewd ?
Please Email the Editor