Symbolic Protest: Man Dresses as Python of Corruption, Demands Action from Neemuch Authorities
After submitting thousands of applications and evidence demanding an investigation into corruption but receiving no action, a resident of Neemuch district decided to take matters into his own hands.
In Madhya Pradesh, despite numerous claims and efforts to combat corruption, people continue to be frustrated by its persistence. On Tuesday, during a public hearing at the Neemuch Collector's office, a complainant adopted a unique method of protest. After submitting thousands of applications and evidence demanding an investigation into corruption but receiving no action, a resident of Neemuch district decided to take matters into his own hands.
The individual, Mukesh Prajapati, from Kankariya Talai village, wrapped himself in a long chain of applications and documents, resembling a python, and crawled into the Collector's office. This dramatic act was intended to symbolize the pervasive corruption he believed was choking the system. Mukesh has been alleging massive corruption, amounting to crores, in construction and development works under the previous village head and her husband. Despite his complaints to various authorities, including the Lokayukta and the Chief Minister, no action has been taken by either the Neemuch administration or the state government.
Mukesh also accused the former District Panchayat CEO, Guruprasad, of being involved in the corruption and demanded an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). His protest attracted a large crowd at the Collectorate, where even his clothes were torn due to his unusual mode of protest. The newly appointed Collector, Himanshu Chandra, was informed of the situation and ordered a fresh investigation into the matter.
Mukesh's protest served as a symbolic warning to the government machinery, highlighting that if timely action is not taken, corruption could engulf the entire system. This protest mirrors a similar incident in the neighboring district of Mandsaur, where a distressed farmer, after failing to receive a hearing for his grievances, lay down on the ground during a public hearing, which ultimately led to the Collector's dismissal.
This act underscores the deep frustration and desperation felt by citizens when their voices go unheard and corruption continues unchecked.