Statesman News Service
KALIMPONG, Apri. 1. — The SDO, Dr AK Yadav, has been accused of transforming the functional body of the Kalimpong Red Cross Society into a virtually defunct one.
A delegation comprising of senior Red Cross members, non-government organisations and political activists today met the district magistrate with regard to this matter. The group has requested the DM for the immediate removal or transfer of Dr Yadav, who is also the ex-officio chairman of the Red Cross (Kalimpong) by virtue of his being the SDO.
The rage erupted when the Dr Yadav reportedly took possession of the Red Cross Society ambulance on 28 February. The vehicle was bought for the Red Cross (Kalimpong) in January this year from the funds of the MPLADS.
“It’s sad that the SDO is using the vehicle for his personal use when actually it’s a gift for the citizens of Kalimpong for use in times of emergency,” a senior member of the Red Cross said.
However, elections to the Red Cross here have not been held for the past six years now. When asked about it, a Red Cross official said that the SDO should check whether the annual general meeting of the organization is conducted or not. “What’s the use of him being the ex-officio if he cannot take charge of such an association. Since the day he has taken charge of it, not even a single a social effort has been organised,” the official said.
Significantly, Dr Yadav has been in Kalimpong as the SDO for almost two years now.
When contacted, Dr Yadav was reluctant and didn’t say much except, that, “the vehicle has been parked. It will continue with its services once the resolution is passed next month”.
It was learnt that the DM has assured of an immediate probe into the matter.
The AGM of the Red Cross is scheduled to be held on 10 April.
Incidentally, the SDO was at the centre of controversy last November when two advocates alleging indecent behaviour, had threatened to file a defamation case against him.