Q. Sunil is a young civil servant and has a reputation for his competence, integrity, dedication and relentless pursuit of difficult and onerous jobs. Considering his profile, he was picked up by his bosses to handle a very challenging and sensitive assignment. He was posted in a tribal dominated district notorious for illegal sand mining. Excavating sand from the river belt and transporting it through trucks and selling them in black market was rampant. This illegal sand mining mafia was operating with the support of local functionaries and tribal musclemen who in turn were bribing selected poor tribals and had kept the tribals under fear and intimidation. Sunil being a sharp and energetic officer immediately grasped the ground realities and the modus operandi followed by the mafia through their devious and dubious mechanism. On making inquiries, he gathered that some of their own office employees are hand in glove with them and have developed a close unholy nexus. Sunil initiated stringent action against them and started conducting raids on their illegal operations of movement of trucks filled with sand. The mafia got rattled as not many officers in the past had taken such strong steps against the mafia. Some of the office employees who were allegedly close to the mafia informed them that the officer is determined to clean up the mafia’s illegal sand mining operations in that district and may cause them irreparable damage. The mafia turned hostile and launched a counter-offensive. The tribal musclemen and mafia started threatening him with dire consequences. His family (wife and old mother) were stalked and were under virtual surveillance and thus causing mental torture, agony and stress to all of them. The matter assumed serious proportions when a muscle man came to his office and threatened him to stop raids, etc., otherwise, his fate will not be different from some of his predecessors (ten years back one officer was killed by the mafia). (a)  Identify the different options available to Sunil in attending to this situation. (b)  Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you. (c) Which of the above, do you think, would be the most appropriate for Sunil to adopt and why?

Answer:

Approach:

Introduction

  • Contextual Introduction

Body

  • Different options available to Sunil in attending to this situation
  • Evaluation of options
  • The most appropriate option

Conclusion

  • Prospective way forward

Introduction:

In this case study, Sunil, a young civil servant, is assigned the task of combating illegal sand mining in a tribal-dominated district. He discovers the deep-rooted nexus between the mafia, local functionaries, and tribal musclemen. Sunil takes decisive action, conducting raids and targeting the mafia’s operations. However, this leads to threats, harassment, and surveillance of his family.

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Body:

(a) The different options available to Sunil in attending to this situation are:

  • Continuing his efforts: Sunil can choose to continue his raids and crackdown on the illegal sand mining operations despite the threats and challenges. This option demonstrates his determination to uphold the law and combat corruption.
  • Seeking external support: Sunil can reach out to higher authorities, such as senior officials, police, or anti-corruption agencies, for assistance and protection. This option can provide him with additional resources and security.
  • Relocating or requesting a transfer: Sunil can consider requesting a transfer to another location or department where his safety and that of his family can be ensured. This option prioritizes personal safety and well-being.

(b) Evaluation of options:

  • Continuing his efforts:
    • Positive: Upholding the law, fighting corruption, and maintaining his reputation for competence and integrity.
    • Negative: Increased risk to his personal safety and the safety of his family due to threats from the mafia.
  • Seeking external support:
    • Positive: Access to additional resources, expertise, and security provided by higher authorities or specialized agencies.
    • Negative: Potential backlash from corrupt officials or lack of immediate assistance due to bureaucratic procedures.
  • Relocating or requesting a transfer:
    • Positive: Ensuring the safety of himself and his family by moving away from the immediate threat.
    • Negative: Potential disruption to his career and the loss of an opportunity to combat corruption in the current district.

(c) The most appropriate option for Sunil would be to seek external support while continuing his efforts.

Conclusion:

By reaching out to higher authorities and anti-corruption agencies, he can gain additional resources, protection, and expertise to effectively tackle the illegal sand mining mafia. This option allows him to uphold his principles and integrity while mitigating the risks to his personal safety and that of his family. It also ensures that his efforts are not undermined by internal corruption and intimidation.

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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