Chhapra, Aug. 22: He may not match Anna Hazare’s stature in terms of recognition, but he too has been fighting against corruption for the past 30 years.

Umeshwar Singh (54), alias Muniji, is well known in the district for his untiring fight against graft and development work. The crusade against irregularities has landed Muniji in jail 34 times.

For the past seven days, he has been sitting on a fast-unto-death, supporting Anna’s cause. His health is declining and doctors have advised him to get hospitalised, but Muniji has refused.

He has formed an organisation called Bharatiya Jan Vikas Samiti under which he has been fighting against corrupt practices prevalent in Indira Awaas Yojana and other schemes.

About a dozen cases have been slapped against him. The police have chargesheeted him in three cases. The charges don’t bother Muniji who dismisses them as a “conspiracy” to indict him and threaten him to leave the path of truth and honesty. “I don’t fear death if it is for a cause. I will continue my fight till my last breath,” he said.

Muniji complained there is no security for the people who are observing a fast-unto-death at Rajendra Chowk against corruption. According to Muniji, criminal elements disturb them during the night. “They demand khaini and cigarettes,” the activist says.

Four persons, including Muniji, are sitting on the fast at present.