Talathi assaulted in Latur's Chakur over crop survey; revenue staff threaten to stop work

A talathi was assaulted at Zari (Bu.) in Chakur taluka of Latur district on Tuesday afternoon (September 29). According to the complaint, the village revenue officer was abused and kicked and punched by a person who asked why the crop survey had not been done. The incident has caused anger among employees of the revenue department.

Talathi Mukind Pandurang Sudke has filed a complaint with the police. Based on it, police have registered a case against one person for obstructing a government servant in the discharge of duty. Further investigation into the case is under way.

According to the information available, a person concerned had an argument with Sudke over the crop survey. The complaint states that he was first abused, asking why the crop survey had not been done, and then kicked and punched. Police action shows that the incident obstructed government work.

The Maharashtra State Talathi Association has condemned the incident. The association has turned aggressive because a talathi was assaulted while performing government duty. It has demanded that the guilty person be arrested immediately, and has submitted a memorandum to the tahsildar.

The association has taken a stand for agitation, demanding immediate arrest of the accused. The memorandum given to the tahsildar on behalf of the association warns of a work stoppage if no action is taken against the person. This has raised the possibility that revenue department work will be affected by the agitation.

The crop survey is an important process in the revenue department. It is recorded in the kharif and rabi seasons. Under revenue rules, entries are expected to be made after a physical inspection while the crops are standing in the fields.

Police have registered a case and further investigation is on. Revenue department employees are now watching what happens next on the association's demand for an arrest and its warning of a work stoppage to the tahsildar.