Tribal leaders from Jawhar seek transfer of project officer

Thane: Tribal leaders and activists from Jawhar in Thane district are up in arms against alleged "ill treatment" meted out to an activist by an official of Tribal Development Department.

The general secretary of Jawhar taluka `Adivasi Sangharsh Samiti` and local NCP leader Balwant Gavit has said that Project Officer, Sushil Khodwekar, also the SDO, Jawhar, abused tribal activist and former Sarpanch of Sakur village, Sampat Pawar on Friday when the latter sought assistance regarding Ashram schools in Zap and Sakur villages. When the tribal activists tried to meet the officer on Saturday, he reportedly evaded a direct reply and took a shelter in a toilet fearing a backlash. However, the officer apologised later in presence of additional district collector and DySP, Gavit said. He said that the activists will intensify their stir unless Khodwekar is transferred.