Bhubaneswar: The State Election Commission (SEC) has sought a report from the Balangir district collector into allegations that the sarpanch post in Bileisarda village under Puintala block of the district has been “auctioned”.
The SEC order came following reports alleging that one Sushant Kumar Chhatria had “won the post for Rs 44,000 in an auction”.
“I have got information in this regard and an inquiry is being conducted. A report will be sent to the SEC by Tuesday,” Balangir district collector Chanchal Rana was quoted by PTI.
The alleged “auction” took place at a gram sabha meeting on Friday.
Chhatria told a local news channel that he has agreed to pay Rs 44,000 for the development of the Jagannath temple. “I have agreed to pay under one condition that no one will contest against me,” reports quoted Chhatria as saying.