Dehradun: Uttarakhand Information Commissioner Anil Kumar Sharma, who recently unearthed irregularities in government spending of relief money for 2013 floods, today claimed he was receiving death threats and sought security cover from the Centre.
"I have written to the Union Home Secretary seeking security for myself as there is a clear threat to my life," Sharma, who recently recommended a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in the spending of relief funds for the 2013 flashfloods in the hill state, told PTI.
Asked why did he not demand security from the state government, the Information Commissioner said he had made a request in the past but the authorities did not pay attention for over a year, prompting him to write to the Centre.
Sharma had got security earlier but it was taken back during the previous Bahuguna government.
"I had got security because of the vulnerability of my office and my role in blowing the lid from NRHM and Kumbh scams earlier, but it was withdrawn during Vijay Bahuguna's tenure," the Commissioner informed.
"I have lodged four FIRs following the death threats I received through anonymous letters and phone calls since then, but I am yet to receive security," he further said.
Sharma added: "Even the state level committee consisting of senior police and intelligence officials, which makes its recommendation for security in such?circumstances, has given a favourable report in this regard (recommending security for me) but the state government does not seem to be bothered."
"In today's times who is bothered about the security of an officer out to unveil the truth," he lamented.
He said he had sighted dubious people trying to trace his movements close to his residence. However, he said denial of security to him had only "strengthened" his resolve to bust illegal activities of all sorts.
"Security or no security, I will continue to stick to my official duty as someone who helps in unveiling the truth no matter who is involved," he said.
