RTI activist beaten into coma by village head

 RTI activist Poonam Solanki, 38, who is also convenor of the BJP human rights cell of Daskroi taluka, was brutally attacked by Popat Solanki, sarpach of Bakrol village and chairman of the local Sewa Sahkari co-operative on Friday.

Solanki, who suffered multiple fractures and head injury, went into coma after the attack and was shifted to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital for treatment. Later, he gained consciousness. A police complaint has been filed against Popat Solanki in Kanbha police station.

Poonam alleged that Popat attacked him after he sought information through the RTI from the co-operative which did not go down well with the chairman. Poonam and Popat have been at loggerheads for quite some time.

"My father was a member of the co-operative. After his death, I had given an application to enter my name as member in the co-operative. But Popat has been stalling my application due to personal enmity," said Poonam who gained consciousness while in the hospital.

Poonam said that Popat was sarpanch of Bakrol village and had not taken his decision to contest the forthcoming sarpach elections well. "Ever since I decided to contest the forthcoming sarpanch elections, Popat has been threatening me. On Friday, his men badly beat me up with sticks, hockeys and other weapons," said Poonam.

Poonam has been badly injured and will need extensive medical treatment, doctors said.