Inconvenience

A blind man in Banteay Srei district, Siem Reap province, yesterday accused Apsara Authority officials of beating him during an investigation of his toilet.

Villager Hok Vet admits he had replaced his wooden toilet with a concrete one without permission, but claims he was beaten during a subsequent raid by Apsara officials. He also claims substantial damage to his home was caused and that US$2,500 was stolen.

“If they only destroyed the toilet, I could accept that. But how can they justify ravaging my home and taking my money,” he said.

His neighbour Ouk Chan Dara, claims Apsara employees hit the blind man several times during the raid despite his disabilities, saying: “I saw them hit him like an animal.”

Yeang Savoeun, a spokesman for Apsara Authority who participated in the raid, called Hok Vet’s allegations “fiction” and said no illegal actions took place. “He didn’t get approval from Apsara to build the toilet. It was erected in an area where you cannot construct without Apsara’s permission.”