Call for action against Bhagalpur DM for 'harassing' Executive Engineer

The Indian Engineers' Federation (INDEF), a pan-India registered platform of graduate engineering associations, has demanded a high-level inquiry into the alleged misconduct of Bhagalpur district magistrate (DM) Nawal Kishor Choudhary towards Executive Engineer Brajnandan Kumar of the Road Construction Department.

- Subhash Pathak

PATNA:

The controversy revolves around the delayed land acquisition process for the construction of National Highway-113E.

In a letter to the Chief Minister, INDEF chairman S Ananth, vice-chairman Abinash Roul, and general secretary KMI Sayyad on Friday alleged that the executive engineer was subjected to harsh treatment by the DM during a video conference chaired by the Chief Secretary to review the delay in land acquisition for the highway project.

"The executive engineer was unnecessarily pulled up and treated rudely by the DM, even though he had minimal involvement in the land acquisition process. As per the law, land acquisition is the responsibility of revenue department officials (DCLRs). The role of the executive engineer is limited to furnishing the site plan for development work. The mother department has very little say in the administrative and financial aspects of land acquisition," the letter stated.

The federation also alleged that the DM unjustifiably reprimanded and verbally abused the engineer. Further, the DM reportedly forwarded him to the local police station, from where he was released only after five hours in custody.

INDEF said the incident has caused widespread resentment among engineers across the state, leaving many feeling intimidated and helpless.