Are the Maoists using RTI Act to garner resources for the training of ultras?
20 Feb, 2014As the security forces consisting of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Special Task Force (STF) and Commando Battalion for Resolute Action conducted a joint raid of a Maoists’ training camp in the Jamui district of Bihar recently, they were shocked to see their ‘catch’. Apart from cash, they found many around 15 RTI applications seeking information related to annual turnover, financial status and work order of Central or state-sponsored welfare projects. The projects included the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna, Rajiv Gandhi Rural Electrification Scheme or construction of bridges and state highways etc.
It has been suspected that the Maoists are using the right to information act to garner information about the finances involved in a project and use the data during negotiations for the quantum of protection money to be taken. The Maoists are said to be using this data to increase their funding which is used, apart from others, for training programme for their Guerrilla Army.
It is one of the rare instances where a law like the Right to Information (RTI) Act has been used by anti-national elements against the very state which has promulgated the law for the citizens.