Consumers' protection forum activist receives threats, files FIR

Special Correspondent

SILCHAR, July 2: Consumers’ protection activist Biplob Kumar Goswami, also the general secretary of Grahak Suraksha Samiti, Cachar, who has been championing the cause of consumers and carrying on campaign against rampant corruptions in public distribution system (PDS) across the district by holding meetings and rallies, has been threatened with dire consequences from an unknown mobile number 91-9864374535 on June 29 at around 10.33 pm. Next day, he filed an FIR with the officer-in-charge of Silchar police station, demanding proper inquiry and necessary action.

 Biplob Kumar Goswami submitted a representation to the Deputy Commissioner of Cachar on Wednesday, apprising him of the development and giving him the background against which such threat has been sent to him. In fact, Grahak Suraksha Samiti without mincing any words has been the only platform for the lakhs of consumers who are being deprived of and even denied their legitimate quantum of essential commodities distributed through fair price shops under PDS.

 In respect of PDS, the role of cooperative societies has been of prime importance. While transparency from such societies is unexpected, some of them often cross the limit in indulging in corruptions. Binkandieghat Cooperative Society of Lakhipur sub-division has been often in the news for all the anomalies and irregularities in the distribution of essential commodities like rice, flour, sugar and kerosene under PDS.

 Biplob Kumar Goswami said as the general secretary of a registered organization under the title of Grahak Suraksha Samiti has been active to protect the rights and privileges of consumers. When any allegation of corruption or exploitation is brought before the Samiti, the priority, added to say Goswami, is to mobilize the consumers against individuals or agencies concerned. All these are then brought before the higher authorities for investigation and action for justice to the poor and underprivileged.

 His exposure of and agitation against Binkandieghat Cooperative Society irked those running the corruption show behind. Besides organizing massive rally on January 29 last before the office of the SDO (civil) of Lakhipur sub-division, he also gave a graphic account of how the corrupt circles were depriving the bofide consumers. According to him, for long 10 years, APL rice has not reached 90% people. During this period, 2 crore quintals of APL rice have been looted. 54% of consumers have not been systematically receiving their BPL and AAY.

 Continuing his allegations, Goswami said even if APL and BPL rice is distributed, there is shortage of weight which is overlooked by the poor and ignorant consumers. 30% of the kerosene meant for open market sale is distributed for 3 to 4 months only under PDS. Rest of the allotted kerosene is looted. He made the statement after the rally organized on January 29 that all these corruptions committed in collusion with the district food and civil supply department would be brought to the notice of the higher authorities for proper investigation.

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