Anti-govt: Samosas for Himachal Chief Minister served to his security staff, CID probe on
Shimla, Nov 7(PTI): Samosas and cakes meant for Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu were served to his security staff instead, the goof-up snowballing into controversy and necessitating a CID probe that termed it an "anti-government" act.
Those responsible acted according to their own agenda, a highly placed official in the CID said in his note on the October 21 incident when the chief minister was visiting the CID headquarters.
Attacking the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh, the opposition BJP said the Sukhu dispensation is not concerned about the development of the state but its only concern seems to be the "Chief Minister's Samosa".
The brouhaha started when three boxes of the refreshments were brought from Hotel Radisson Blue in Lakkar Bazaar to be served to the chief minister who had gone to the CID headquarters to attend a function. However, the eatables were served to the CM security staff, according to the enquiry report conducted by a deputy SP rank officer.
The report stated that an officer of IG rank had asked a sub-inspector (SI) of police to get some eatables from the hotel for the CM's visit. The SI in turn directed an assistant SI (ASI) and a head constable to bring the refreshments.
The ASI and the head constable fetched the refreshments from the hotel in three sealed boxes and informed the SI.
The police officers in their statement said when they asked the tourism department staff on duty whether the snacks in the three boxes were to be served to the chief minister, they said they were not included in the menu.
The enquiry report said only the said SI, who deputed the ASI and the head constable with the task of getting the snacks from the hotel, was aware of the fact that the three boxes were for Sukhu.
The lady inspector, to whom the food items were handed over, did not ask any senior officer and sent the refreshments to the mechanical transport (MT) section which deals with refreshments.
The three boxes of refreshments exchanged several hands in the process.
Interestingly, a highly placed official in the CID department wrote in his noting that all persons named in the enquiry report have acted in anti-CID and anti-government manner due to which the items could not be served to the VVIPs.
They acted according to their own agenda, the note added.
The controversy has given the BJP an opportunity to slam the Sukhu government.
"The state government is not concerned about the development of the state and its only concern seems to be the 'Chief Minister's Samosa'," said BJP chief spokesperson Randhir Sharma in a statement issued here on Thursday.
He said the recent incident related to the samosas brought for Sukhu has given rise to a controversy. In the investigation, the mistake was termed as an "anti-government" act which is a big word, he said.
"This incident has become a topic of discussion in the political circles of Himachal Pradesh. In fact, the government machinery is embarrassed due to such coordination problems in a programme related to a VVIP like the chief minister," Sharma said.
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Journalist Rana Ayyub faces targeted harassment after right-wing handle shares her number online
Mumbai: Renowned journalist and author Rana Ayyub faced a disturbing wave of targeted harassment after a Twitter account, known as ‘The Hindutva Knight,’ allegedly shared her personal phone number online, urging its followers to contact her. Ayyub, known for her investigative journalism and outspoken critiques of right-wing politics, reported receiving a relentless stream of calls, video calls, and obscene messages throughout the night, leaving her and her family in distress and without rest.
Around 1:15 am, Ayyub’s phone began ringing incessantly, as people sent abusive messages and calls, with some even attempting to video-call her in the early hours. She took to social media to express her anguish, describing the night as a "nightmare," as she endured targeted harassment by supporters of the right-wing handle.
In a tweet tagging Mumbai Police, the National Commission for Women (NCW), and Mumbai's cybercrime unit, Ayyub wrote, “I have lived a nightmare. This right-wing handle posted my number on Twitter… My phone did not stop ringing through the night… Is this how you plan to protect women, is this how women must feel safe in the country?”
Ayyub is an award-winning journalist, whose work has brought to light critical issues within the Indian political landscape. She is best known for her investigative reporting on sensitive topics, including her extensive investigation into alleged misconduct in Gujarat during 2002, published in her bestselling book Gujarat Files: Anatomy of a Cover-Up. Ayyub’s courage in challenging powerful figures and exposing controversial matters has earned her respect internationally, while also making her a frequent target of right-wing trolls and critics, who often attempt to silence or intimidate her through online abuse.
In her social media statement, Ayyub highlighted the growing issue of targeted online harassment of women in India, noting that her experience reflects a broader culture of intimidation that aims to silence female voices, especially those that question the status quo. She questioned the effectiveness of authorities, pointing out that despite numerous complaints to the Mumbai Police in the past, similar attacks persist. "If this can happen to me, a woman with a public profile," she stated, "I shudder to think what happens to women who might not have my privilege or platform."
Ayyub’s experience brings to light the challenges faced by women journalists in India, especially those who address politically sensitive issues. Many women in media, particularly those who critique right-wing ideologies, report receiving abuse, threats, and other forms of harassment as part of a disturbing pattern of online attacks that often go unchecked.
I have lived a nightmare. At around 1 am tonight, this right wing handle posted my number on twitter, asked his followers to text me. My phone did not stop ringing through the night. Video calls, obscene Whats app msgs. Hello @MumbaiPolice @NCWIndia, this was targeted harassment pic.twitter.com/3LOc1BaO1Z
— Rana Ayyub (@RanaAyyub) November 8, 2024
