Ex-Punjab DGP denies role in son's death, says SIT probe to reveal truth
Saharanpur (UP) (PTI): Former Punjab Police chief Mohammad Mustafa has dismissed as "completely false" all allegations levelled against him and his family in connection with the death of his son.
Addressing the media here on Tuesday, the former director general of police (DGP) said he welcomed the police case registered against him and his wife, former Punjab minister Razia Sultana, as the investigation would "reveal the truth".
Mustafa, a retired 1985-batch IPS officer, and Sultana have been booked in connection with the death of their 35-year-old son, Aqil Akhter, at his residence in Haryana's Panchkula on October 16. Akhter's wife and sister have also been booked.
The family initially claimed that he died due to drug overdose. They later buried his body in their ancestral village, Harda Kheri, here.
Responding to a purported video of his son in which Akhter made some serious allegations against Mustafa and other family members, the former DGP said his son was suffering from a psychotic disorder for nearly 18 years and also struggled with substance abuse.
"He often became violent due to his illness," Mustafa told reporters, adding that his family endured this mental suffering for years.
"His condition had worsened to the point where he didn't understand what he was saying or doing," he added.
Akhter once broke his mother's hip in 2008, but the family covered it up by saying she had fallen. On another occasion, Akhter tried to attack his wife, Mustafa claimed.
"We are public figures, so we tried to hide these matters, but now the truth must come out," he said.
On Akhter's video, he further said that his son posted it on social media on August 27 and deleted it two hours later. But some people downloaded it and were now "misusing it to malign the family".
Mustafa said he fully supported the formation of a special investigation team (SIT) to investigate the case and would cooperate fully "so that the truth is brought to light".
Mustafa also rejected the allegations levelled by Shamshuddin, a resident of Punjab's Malerkotla on whose complaint the FIR in the case has been registered, terming them "completely false".
He alleged that certain individuals were trying to damage his political reputation.
The former DGP said his son's post-mortem was conducted at his request, but the report has not yet been released.
In the purported video, Akhter, while referring to the matters pertaining to the family, said that he had been going through a lot of stress.
"I feel they will frame me in a false case... Their plan is to have me falsely imprisoned or even killed, but they are unable to have their way," he said in the video.
He also alleged that his family members often told him that he was delusional and was hallucinating. "They are trying to establish a false narrative," he alleged.
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Delhi CM inaugurates Atal Canteens, offering Rs 5 meals
New Delhi (PTI): The Atal Canteens, inaugurated on Thursday to mark the 101st birth anniversary of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, will offer nutritious meals for just Rs 5.
The initiative aims to provide affordable and nutritious meals to workers, the poor, and other needy residents of the national capital. The government has allocated Rs 104.24 crore for the operation and management of this ambitious scheme.
Each Atal Canteen will serve approximately 1,000 meals per day, benefiting over 1,00,000 people daily across Delhi, said an official statement.
Union Minister for Power and Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar, along with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, inaugurated an Atal Canteen near 'Apna Bazaar' in Nehru Nagar, Lajpat Nagar.
Gupta, along with ministers and dignitaries, also partook of a meal at the Atal Canteen and directed officials to ensure the highest standards of food quality and hygiene.
Speaking on the occasion, Khattar said the Atal Canteens launched across Delhi on the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee represent a historic initiative inspired by the ideals of service, good governance, and human sensitivity.
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He said that the scheme is not merely a welfare programme, but a strong commitment to extending dignified support to citizens at the last mile.
By providing nutritious meals for Rs 5, the spirit of public service is being strengthened.
He added that, in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi centred on service, good governance, and welfare of the poor, the initiative will ensure that no one in Delhi goes hungry.
Gupta also described the scheme as a significant step towards ensuring a life of respect and self-reliance for poor and hardworking citizens.
Recalling the legacy of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, she said his leadership and commitment to good governance continue to inspire public service initiatives across the country.
She said that 100 Atal Canteens are being established across Delhi. Of these, 45 canteens were virtually inaugurated on Thursday, while the remaining 55 will become operational within the next 15 to 20 days.
The chief minister said a symbolic contribution of Rs 5 has been fixed to preserve the self-respect of beneficiaries, encourage responsible consumption, and prevent food wastage.
Each beneficiary is provided freshly cooked meals at a nominal cost of Rs 5 per plate, while the Delhi government bears Rs 25 per meal.
Under this scheme, 100 Atal Canteens are being set up across Delhi. Each canteen will serve meals twice a day.
A standardised menu has been prepared for all canteens, including nutritious items such as dal-rice, roti, and vegetables. Facilities include modern kitchens, LPG-based cooking systems, and industrial RO water plants.
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To ensure transparency and smooth operations, digital token systems, CCTV surveillance, and regular audits have been put in place. In addition, the quality of food and raw materials will be regularly tested by FSSAI and NABL-accredited laboratories to ensure safe and high-quality meals for citizens.
Each meal weighs approximately 600 grams, providing an average of 700-800 calories and 20-25 grams of protein, in line with balanced and nutritious dietary norms.
The lunch timings are from 11:30 am to 2 pm, and dinner is from 6:30 pm to 9 pm.
Approximately 700 people will gain employment under this scheme.
For the operation of Atal Canteens, 11 experienced agencies have been selected by DUSIB through a transparent tendering process.
