OFFICIAL EXPLANATION


The missing word in blank 1 explains the situations confronted by 'whistle blowers'. The second and third sentences of the text refer to the real-life situations which whistle blowers confront i.e., strained or severed relationships with the accused co-workers. Thus 'stark reality' best fits in blank 1 . The words 'penalized by law enforcers' in the last sentence provides the clue that 'face severe reprisals' is apt in blank 2. The word 'if' in last line of the text suggests a condition i.e., facing 'severe reprisals' or 'being penalized' would happen in case of lack of evidence for the accusation. Thus, 'remain unsubstantiated' best fits in blank 3. Thus, the answer is $$\mathrm{C}, \mathrm{E}, \mathrm{I}$$.