BJP MLA claims 40 children have died in UP's Firozabad due to dengue, state govt says no such report
Firozabad, Aug 29: BJP MLA from Uttar Pradesh's Firozabad Manish Asija on Sunday claimed that over 40 children have succumbed to dengue in the district over the past week and blamed the state health department and the local civic body for the "tragedy".
However, Health Minister Jai Pratap Singh termed Asija's claims "wrong" and said no such reports have been received.
"More than 40 children have died in Firozabad due to dengue since August 22-23. This morning, I received the sad news of (the death of) six children," Asija told PTI.
"Most of these children were in the 4-15 age group," he claimed.
In a video, the MLA is heard blaming the municipal corporation for not acting in time to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes.
"Wherever dengue made children its prey, their houses were surrounded by garbage and there was waterlogging... mosquitoes could breed anywhere," he said.
"I want to say this in front of the camera with full responsibility that under the leadership of Yogi ji, 50 vehicles were given to the municipal corporation for cleanliness work," he said.
The vehicles came in April but they remained stationed in one place for four months before they were used for the first time on Saturday, he claimed.
"The municipal corporation and the health department are to be blamed for this tragedy," Asija said.
"The situation is very bad and I am feeling very sad," he added.
When contacted by PTI, Health Minister Singh dismissed Asija's claims about the deaths of children due to dengue.
"The news is wrong and there is no such report," he said.
Meanwhile, one more person succumbed to fever in Mathura's Koh village, taking the total number of deaths to nine, according to village head Harendra.
Munni Devi, 65, succumbed to fever in the district hospital. With this, nine people, including eight children, have died in the past 10 days in the village, he said.
Dr. Parul Mittal, medical superintendent, Community Health Centre, Farah confirmed the death. However, she said the cause of the death is yet to be ascertained.
Six people from the village have also been hospitalised, the medical superintendent said.
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Karnataka: SP’s gunman among two arrested for extorting money from rice smuggler
Ballari (Karnataka) (PTI): An armed police constable serving as the district superintendent of police’s personal gunman, along with his accomplice, was arrested for allegedly extorting money from a rice smuggler, police said on Friday.
Devaraj, who had been serving as the SP’s gunman for the past four and a half years, was identified as the mastermind behind the incident.
Following an investigation, Devaraj and his accomplice Sairam were arrested on May 6, while efforts are underway to nab a third accused, Gadilinga, a practising advocate in Ballari, who is absconding, police said.
The matter came to light after a complaint was filed by Sharabappa, a habitual offender allegedly involved in illegal rice transport, they added.
According to police, the incident occurred on the intervening night of April 27 and 28, when a group of masked men intercepted Sharabappa’s rice-laden vehicles near the Moka forest area.
The accused allegedly introduced themselves as members of an “SP squad”, threatened to seize the vehicles and file criminal cases, and demanded money to avoid legal action.
Police said the accused initially demanded Rs 5 lakh and later extorted around Rs 3 lakh from the complainant.
Investigation revealed that Devaraj was the main person involved in demanding and collecting the money, while Sairam and Gadilinga were also involved in the offence. Sairam was allegedly involved in similar activities earlier as well.
Devaraj and Sairam were arrested under Sections 308(2) (extortion) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police also seized the extorted cash, the four-wheeler, and mobile phones allegedly used in the crime. Efforts are underway to trace Gadilinga.
Addressing a press conference, Ballari Superintendent of Police Suman D Pennekar described the incident as a serious offence that has tarnished the image of the police department.
"There is no official ‘SP squad’ or ‘DSP squad’ operating in the district. Such labels are often misused by impostors or corrupt individuals to commit extortion," the SP clarified.
She said no involvement of other police officers has been found so far.
Departmental proceedings have been initiated against Devaraj, and suspension proceedings are underway. The SP added that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in such offences.
Police said Sharabappa, the complainant, is a known habitual offender involved in illegal rice smuggling, and several cases have already been registered against him in the Moka and Peddihalli areas. A separate case has also been registered against him in connection with rice smuggling on the night of the incident.
Authorities are also exploring the possibility of initiating externment proceedings against him under applicable legal provisions.
The SP urged the public to report any extortion attempts by persons claiming to be part of an “SP squad”, assuring that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.
