Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 21 October 2023
A troubling incident unfolded approximately a week ago in Campbell Bay when a Military Engineering Services (MES) vehicle, driven by Mr. Jitendra Kumar, a Junior Engineer posted at the location, collided with an STS (State Transport Service) bus, causing damage to both vehicles. The aftermath of the accident revealed a disconcerting narrative of potential corruption within the ranks of the involved parties.
In the wake of the collision, Mr. Jitendra Kumar, accompanied by several MES employees, visited the STS Unit at Campbell Bay. There, they met the Junior Engineer who was assigned to the STS Unit as part of duty-cum-tour obligations. Shockingly, it was within these discussions that a questionable deal was brokered.
The STS Junior Engineer reportedly agreed not to file an official complaint with the police or STS authorities regarding the accident, in exchange for Mr. Jitendra Kumar’s commitment to have the damages to the bus repaired through a contractor. Sources with knowledge of the situation have alleged the involvement of a bribe as part of this arrangement, indicating a deliberate attempt to conceal the incident.
Remarkably, more than a week has passed since the incident occurred, yet no official complaint has been registered by the STS Unit’s employees. This conspicuous silence on their part raises serious questions about transparency and accountability.
Nicobar Times reached out to the In-Charge of the STS Unit in Campbell Bay a few days after the accident, seeking information on the incident. Additionally, on the 21st of October, NT met with the Junior Engineer from the STS Unit to inquire about the ongoing matter. In response, the Junior Engineer brushed off the collision, deeming the damage as minor. When questioned about his responsibility to report any accidents, regardless of their scale, he remained tight-lipped.
Even more disconcerting is the fact that the MES Junior Engineer, Mr. Jitendra Kumar, was reportedly observed driving recklessly on Campbell Bay’s roads in an MES official vehicle just yesterday, suggesting a potential disregard for safety protocols and regulations.
The prevalence of such localised corruption in Great Nicobar is a cause for concern, and it is imperative for authorities to take action to ensure the integrity and ethical conduct of their junior employees.
Furthermore, questions have arisen about whether Mr. Jitendra Kumar is authorised to operate an official MES vehicle on the roads of Campbell Bay, calling for a comprehensive review of existing regulations.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and adherence to established procedures within government organisations. The residents of Campbell Bay and the larger community in Great Nicobar are watching closely as these issues come to light.