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Under fire, Fadnavis promises probe into tigress killing
Mumbai, Nov 5 (IANS) Under fire from various quarters including Union Minister Maneka Gandhi, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday announced a probe to ascertain if there were any procedural lapses in the killing of an alleged man-eater tigress, Avni, last Saturday.
“She (Gandhi) has used harsh words, but her sentiments are understandable. All animal lovers’ sentiments are harsh on this incident. It was a very difficult decision, but whether the procedure was correct or not will be inquired into,” Fadnavis told mediapersons.
Fadnavis’ reactions came a day after Gandhi lashed out at Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar for Avni’s killing, while ruling ally Shiv Sena has termed it as an “encounter killing”, Mumbai Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam called it a “barbaric murder’ and Aam Aadmi Party condemned the tigress’ elimination in the Yavatmal forests.
As per a preliminary report of the forest department, Avni was shot dead by a professional shooter, Nawab Asghar Ali Khan, around midnight after she allegedly turned back and attacked the staff attempting to sedate her.
“There is no joy over the killing. The forest department had to take the decision since she had killed at least 13 humans. There are doubts over whether she was first shot and then the tranquiliser injected. This would be probed,” Fadnavis said.
Speaking to the media this evening, Mungantiwar dismissed the uproar over Avni’s killing as arising out of “inadequate information” and said Maharashtra had made maximum efforts towards protecting forests and tiger conservation.
“The same shooter (Khan) had killed a man-eater tiger in Pilibhit of Uttar Pradesh in 2009. The criticism is surprising and demoralizing for the forest staff, and might prove counter-productive for the ongoing efforts,” the minister said, defending himself against Gandhi’s sharp barbs on Sunday.
He said the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) guidelines were followed.
Besides, Mungantiwar said orders were challenged both in the Bombay High Court and Supreme Court and were upheld and the decision was taken only after the terror-struck people of the region stopped going out to fields fearing attacks by the tigress.
On Gandhi’s questions over the selection of the controversial shooter Khan, Mungantiwar pointed out that he was on the panel of several states and had killed a man-eater tiger in her (Maneka Gandhi’s) Pilibhit constituency nine years ago.
Gandhi had virtually demanded the sack for Mungantiwar in a series of tweets yesterday: “It is nothing but a straight case of crime. Despite requests from his own forest department and people, Sudhir Mugantiwar gave orders for the killing. This is the third tiger being killed on his directions.”
“I am shocked that such a person is continuing to hold a ministerial position. Every time he has used the Hyderabad shooter, Shafat Ali Khan and this time his son has also appeared on the scene illegally to kill the tigress. His son was not authorised to kill. This is patently illegal.”
Mungantiwar also countered this by saying that instead of complaining to the CM, the Union Minister (Gandhi) could order a high-level probe by a Supreme Court judge or a committee of sitting apex court judges to investigate the matter.
In an edit in the party mouthpieces ‘Saamana’ and ‘Dopahar Ka Saamana’ today, the ruling ally Shiv Sena slammed the state government and begged for Avni’s “forgiveness”.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.
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