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Maharashtra tigress killing: Appeal to PM for probe, plea in SC soon
Mumbai, Nov 8 (IANS) Environmentalists have knocked the doors of Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi seeking an NIA probe into the killing of alleged man-eater tigress Avni (T1) in Maharashtra six days ago, with plans to file a PIL in the Supreme Court soon, activists said.
Simultaneously, Mumbai Congress President Sanjay Nirupam alleged that in the past one year or so, 21 tigers may have died in Chandrapur and Vidarbha region of Maharashtra for which he pointed an accusing finger at Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar.
“In his (Mungantiwar’s) regime, tigers are being killed/poached regularly in big number. Last year, 21 tigers were killed. Is he part of poacher mafia? Must be investigated,” tweeted Nirupam.
A wildlife-focussed site, natureconnect.com, has written to Modi demanding a probe by the NIA and the NGO, Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW) has sought a CBI probe into the tigress’ killing on Nov. 3.
Natureconnect’s founder B.N. Kumar said the Prime Minister is the chairman of National Board for Wildlife and an impartial, unbiased probe by NIA would unearth facts about Avni’s killing since in her case, the guidelines of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) were allegedly flouted.
Satpuda Foundation’s Kishor Rithe said the investigations must probe in depth the man-animal conflicts in the Yavatmal forests since 13 human lives were lost in the region.
Karnataka-based veterinarian Prayag H.S. said Avni’s two orphaned 11-month cubs must be secured immediately and said after the revelations in the tigress’ autopsy report, he would move the Supreme Court.
On the other hand, the Vasantrao Naik Sheti Swavalamban Mission (VNSSM) has blamed Union Minister Maneka Gandhi for adopting an “elitist, anit-tribal and anti-farmer stance” vis-A-vis Avni.
VNSSM Chairman Kishore Tiwari said that “the deaths of 13 tribals-farmers and the fears of around 100,000 terrified people living in the vicinity just cannot be ignored”.
His statement came amid demands made by Gandhi for the ouster of Mungantiwar from Maharashtra cabinet even as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis promised a probe into possible ‘procedural lapses’ in gunning down the tigress.
Claiming that the NTCA guidelines were adhered to, Tiwari said rampant breeding of tigers in the forests has led to territorial wars since the Pandharkavda Division is too small to support 10 tigers, hence they are spilling out of the forests into human settlements.
–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.