Open defecation drive recoils

The ham handed handling of the ‘Open Defecation Free’ drive by the ‘Good Morning Squad’ is inviting much ridicule from political activists, especially the garlanding of two women who were returning after defecating in the open.

It is claimed that the photographs of the duo, taken by a top functionary of the Solapur Zilla Parishad, were circulated in the social media and went viral. However, Rajendra Bharud, the chief executive officer of the civic body, has denied the allegations. He was touring Chikamahud village in Solapur district to spread awareness about open defecation and building of toilets when the incident allegedly occurred.

In another incident, government officials in Washim district humiliated a pregnant women in a similar manner: she too was returning after defecating in an open place.

Congress legislator Praniti Shinde and Shiv Sena spokesperson Dr Nilam Gorhe condemned the incidents and demanded immediate action against the ZP CEO.

They have also demanded a probe. Shinde, a local legislator, said, “This kind of demeaning conduct amounts to harassment of women.” She demanded that the CEO should also be booked under the provisions of the Information and Technology Act for allegedly allowing such pictures to be circulated.

Dr Gorhe, too, demanded a thorough inquiry into the incident. “Whatever the intention, such use of force will not serve any purpose. There have been other instances, too, when the ‘Good Morning Squads’ went overboard. The matter should be thoroughly probed,” Gorhe demanded.

Bharud said, “We did not felicitate the women or shame them. Local women from self-help groups did that. I am against any such

photo sessions. I had even said that the pictures should not go viral.”

In another incident, in Medshi village in Washim, Lakshmi Ghuge and Sharada Sanaf, both pregnant, were detained by the ‘Good Morning Squad’ and taken to the local police station for allegedly defecating in the open.

Interestingly, Sanaf has a house in the village that has all facilities, including toilet. “As I am pregnant, I was taking my morning stroll; without asking me, the block development officer detained me and brought me to the police station. I was released after three hours,” said Sharada Sanaf. Meanwhile, on a cross complaint of Sanaf, a case of assault has been registered against the BDO and the women official.