RTI activist shot dead in broad daylight in Vidisha, (MP)

The deceased man has been identified as Ranjeet Soni, in his late thirties. He works as a contractor of the Public Works Department. The police are yet to ascertain the killer or motive behind the murder.  Soni was shot in his head from behind, at close range, around 4 pm on Thursday while going to the Public Works Department office, Vidisha Additional Superintendent of Police Sameer Yadav told media. Soni died on the spot.

Soni used to file Right To Information applications to get information about work being done by the department, Yadav told media persons in his office.  The police found Soni’s bag on his motorcycle, which contained documents related to his applications.

“Screen grabs of the CCTVs installed in the Public Works Department office and nearby spots are being scanned to track and nab the accused,” the police officer added. Soni’s body has been sent for post mortem for further investigation.

The Right to Information Act came into existence in 2005, as a move to bring transparency to public offices in India. Government offices are mandated to respond to applications seeking information about their activities within 30 days.