
Video: Dead worm found in food served at high-end Gurugram restaurant
Furious, the IAS officer initially lodged a complaint with the restaurant management. However, after receiving an unsatisfactory response, he escalated the matter to the food and supply department.Officials, soon after, conducted a swift inspection of the restaurant. Samples of paneer, cashew nuts, peanuts, and green chutney were collected and sent to a laboratory in Karnal for testing.The restaurant is now under scrutiny not only for hygiene lapses but also for missing documentation.Officials said that the restaurant failed to produce crucial food safety documents during the inspection, including pest control records and FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India)/FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) training certificates.Food safety authorities insisted that they are taking the matter seriously and appropriate action will follow based on the test reports.(With inputs from Neeraj Vashitha) advertisement

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The Print
5 hours ago
- The Print
Retd IAS write to Haryana CM on engaging stalking accused Vikas Barala—‘betrayal of Beti bachao'
In a letter to Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, posted on X by veteran journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, 45 former IAS officers of the 1986 batch, including R.R. Jowel and Rajni Sekhri Sibal of the Haryana cadre, voiced their outrage: 'We are a group of retired IAS officers, who served in various capacities for over three decades at the Centre and States. We are surprised to hear that a stalking case accused, son of BJP ex-state chief, one Mr Vikas Barala has been appointed Assistant Advocate General by your government. We fail to understand the reasoning behind such an appointment of (someone) accused of stalking a woman as Asst AG. He will serve as the state legal officer, when he himself stands on the wrong side of the law in such a grave issue.' Barala, accused in the 2017 stalking and attempted abduction case involving Varnika Kundu, daughter of retired IAS officer V.S. Kundu, is currently on bail, with his trial pending in a Chandigarh court. The decision to engage Barala, in a list of 95 law officers notified on 18 July 2025, has been slammed as a betrayal of Haryana's 'asmita' (pride) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Beti Bachao' campaign, by the ex-IAS officers, with calls for its immediate revocation. Gurugram: The appointment of Vikas Barala, stalking accused and son of BJP Rajya Sabha member and former BJP Haryana chief Subhash Barala, as Assistant Advocate General (AAG) in the office of Advocate General for Haryana in Delhi has stirred a massive controversy, with 45 retired IAS officers expressing outrage over what they describe as a serious lapse of ethics. The letter, referring to the 2011 Supreme Court judgment that invalidated P.J. Thomas's appointment as Central Vigilance Commissioner because there was a criminal case pending against him, contends that Barala's appointment is as indefensible. To The Chief Minister, Haryana, Chandigarh. Sir, We are a group of retired IAS Officers, who served in various capacities for over three decades at Centre and the States. We are shocked to learn that a stalking case accused, son of BJP Ex-State Chief, one Mr. Vikas Barala has… — ParanjoyGuhaThakurta (@paranjoygt) July 25, 2025 'It appears that your government did not take into account the fact that there is a serious criminal case against Mr Barala, or else he would not have been appointed, being ineligible for holding such a sensitive position,' the officers said. They added, 'This appointment is against the 'asmita' of Haryana. By appointing this accused as Asst AG, you have opposed the slogan of Hon PM's Beti Bachao. We ask you to cancel his appointment immediately, as his continued stay in the position is bound to influence the determination of the case in which he stands accused. We also request you to approach the judiciary to expedite the trial of the case, as already over seven years have elapsed.' The letter was signed by prominent retirees such as P.D. Vaghela, G.V. Venugopala Sarma and Ravi Capoor, among others. All these ex-IAS officers are from Varnika Kundu's father VS Kundu's 1986 batch. Also read: Anil Vij calls gang rape charge against Haryana BJP chief Badoli 'very serious', says party will act Political and public backlash The appointment has invited tough responses from political circles and civil society. Actor and ex-MP Divya Spandana, also popularly known as Ramya, was amongst the first from the world of cinema to express her indignation on X: 'The BJP Govt in Haryana has appointed the accused Vikas Barala in the Varnika Kundu stalking case as Assistant Advocate General of the very state that is prosecuting him!! @PMOIndia @AmitShah @arjunrammeghwal @NayabSainiBJP How did the screening committee approve this?' The BJP Govt in Haryana has appointed the accused Vikas Barala in the Varnika Kundu stalking case as Assistant Advocate General of the very state that is prosecuting him!! @PMOIndia @AmitShah @arjunrammeghwal @NayabSainiBJP How did the screening committee approve this? — Ramya/Divya Spandana (@divyaspandana) July 23, 2025 Her post amplified the scepticism over the screening process which led to Barala's selection despite the severity of Barala's outstanding charges. The Congress party also criticised the appointment and has asked for his removal from the post. पिछले कुछ साल में महिला अपराध के कई मामले सामने आए हैं, जिसमें BJP द्वारा अपराधियों का संरक्षण किया जा रहा है। ताजा कड़ी में मामला हरियाणा का है, जहां विकास बराला नाम के व्यक्ति को लॉ ऑफिसर के तौर पर नियुक्त किया गया है। विकास बराला, BJP राज्य सभा सांसद सुभाष बराला का बेटा… — Congress (@INCIndia) July 25, 2025 Aditya Devilal, the INLD MLA from Dabwali, said in a message on X that those who claimed to be against dynastic politics have today appointed the son of a former Haryana BJP president as Advocate General—and that too, someone who was himself an under-trial. 'Is this the new justice of the Nayab government?' he asked. Haryana PWD Minister Ranbir Gangwa, however, defended Barala's selection and said that the Opposition has nothing better to do, so was making a hue and cry over all issues. 'The selection has been made by a committee constituted for this purpose. The committee has checked all documents before making appointments,' Gangwa told media persons at Chandigarh on Friday. Varnika Kundu, whose 2017 experience ignited countrywide discussions about women's security, issued a tempered but evocative message on social media after media started calling her for comments: 'Appointing someone to a public position of power is not just a political decision, it's a reflection of values and standards. So, perhaps, the questions should be directed at the authorities whose ethics and standards allowed this decision to be made.' 'Our politicians govern the nation; the rest of us are merely hoping that they recall that they work for the Indian citizen.' Frustrated with the slow pace of the trial, she said, 'Despite months of national media attention, (the trial) has dragged on for this long with little progress.' 'Though we are no nearer to a verdict than we were five years ago, I remain confident in the judiciary up until the time of the judgment—but won't deny that confidence has been shaken,' she added in her statement. Kundu expressed gratitude to the media and public for standing by her side, observing, 'It made all the difference—gave me great courage and still moves me to tears.' A high-profile case The issue arose out of an incident on the night of 4 August 2017, when Varnika Kundu, who was a disc jockey at the time, was returning home from Chandigarh's Sector-8 market at 12:15 AM. She spotted a Tata Safari following her. In her complaint, she explained how Vikas Barala and his friend Ashish Kumar followed her, tried to stop her, and tried to force themselves into her car. 'I attempted to take a different route closer to Sector-7, but they compelled me towards Sector-26. One of the accused alighted and reached my car, trying to open the door. It was saved only due to the central lock,' she said. Kundu made a call to the emergency helpline (100), alerted her father, and called Chandigarh Police, which nabbed the duo. An FIR was lodged under IPC Sections 354D (stalking), 341 (wrongful restraint), 365 (attempt to abduct), 511 (attempt to commit an offense), and charges of drunk driving. The case, which was registered in Sector 26 police station in Chandigarh, gained national attention as Subhash Barala was the Haryana BJP chief at that time. Vikas Barala was detained on 9 August 2017, following public backlash, and remained in Burail jail for five months until he got bail from the Punjab and Haryana High Court in January 2018. Charges were framed in October 2017, and the trial is ongoing, with the next hearing scheduled for 2 August 2025, for recording defence evidence. Appointment process Barala's appointment was one of more than 95 law officers, such as AAGs, Deputy Advocates-General, and others, in a notification dated 18 July 2025. The process, regulated by the Haryana Law Officers (Engagement) Act, 2016, is one where the screening committee analyses the legal experience of the applicants. Section 8(c) of the 2016 Act disqualifies a person 'convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude' unless overturned or pardoned. A top Haryana government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, justified the appointment, saying, 'According to law, there is no irregularity. Barala is eligible and does not fall under any disqualification.' Vikas Barala and Subhash Barala have not responded to requests on Whatsapp for comment. This report will be updated if they make a statement. (Edited by Viny Mishra) Also read: Why UPSC has returned Haryana govt's proposal for promotion of 27 of its officers to IAS


Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
HC grants bail to suspended IAS officer in bribery case
Cuttack: Orissa high court has granted bail to suspended IAS officer Dhiman Chakma, who was arrested on June 9 by the state vigilance for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 10 lakh from a businessman in Kalahandi district. During a subsequent search at the official residence of Chakma, who was posted as sub-collector of Dharamgarh, officials recovered Rs 47 lakh in cash. A case was registered against the 2021-batch IAS officer under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018. The court directed that Chakma be released on bail upon furnishing a personal bond of Rs 5 lakh and one solvent surety of the same amount, subject to conditions including surrender of passport and not leaving the country without trial court permission. Advocate Devashis Panda represented Chakma. Granting bail, Justice Gourishankar Satapathy observed that Chakma had roots in society and posed no flight risk. "No material has been brought on record to evidence that the petitioner poses flight risk. Even if such apprehension arises, it can be addressed by imposing conditions like surrendering the passport," the court noted in its order uploaded on Friday. The special vigilance court in Bhawanipatna had earlier rejected his bail plea. State govt suspended him on June 10. The court further said that with the complainant and witnesses' statements recorded under Section 183 of BNSS, and Chakma's voice sample already sent for forensic examination, the investigation had substantially progressed. "There appears only formality of submission of chargesheet... there is no justification for further detention," the order stated. The HC clarified that the bail order does not amount to a view on the merits of the case.


India Today
a day ago
- India Today
Vendetta, not proof, behind Andhra liquor case arrests: Jagan Reddy's party leader
Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSRCP has condemned the arrests of its leaders in connection with a liquor scam case as illegal, arbitrary, and politically motivated. The party alleged that the arrests of MP PV Midhun Reddy, former MLA Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy, retired IAS officer K Dhanunjaya Reddy, Officer on Special Duty Krishna Mohan Reddy, and others under a 2024 FIR were part of a targeted crackdown by the TDP-led government in Andhra arrests are not rooted in facts or evidence but are clearly part of a vindictive political agenda orchestrated by the TDP-led government to intimidate the opposition and dismantle our party's grassroots strength,' said YSRCP MP YV Subba Reddy, speaking to India HAD NO ROLE IN EXCISE MATTERS, SAYS YSRCPDismissing any link between the arrested individuals and the state's liquor policy, Subba Reddy questioned, 'What role did these leaders play in liquor policy or Excise? None. Yet they are being hounded as part of a calculated conspiracy. This is political vendetta, pure and simple.' The YSRCP further claimed that the liquor scam case was fabricated and constructed around coerced statements, with no material evidence such as documents or financial trails linking their leaders to any wrongdoing. A former IT advisor, Kesireddy Rajasekhar Reddy, was allegedly made to sign an unsigned statement under duress, which he later retracted before a magistrate. 'This isn't an investigation; it's a screenplay — written by the TDP and executed through abuse of power. This is vendetta politics,' Subba Reddy DEFENDS LIQUOR POLICY RECORDDefending its record from 2019 to 2024, the YSRCP highlighted what it termed a responsible and transparent liquor policy. According to the party, the number of liquor outlets was reduced from 4,380 to 2,934, while 43,000 illegal belt shops and 4,380 permit rooms were shut down. Reforms such as mandatory electronic payments and tax streamlining were introduced to curb cash-based corruption. No new distilleries were licensed during the period, the party said, and state revenues reportedly increased from Rs 16,912 crore in 2018–19 to Rs 24,760 crore in 2023–24. The Competition Commission of India had also affirmed that the policy aligned with fair market practices, the party noted.'Our government broke the liquor syndicate's backbone and brought transparency. That's what Naidu is trying to undo — by jailing those who implemented reforms,' Subba Reddy REGIME ACCUSED OF COLLUDING WITH LIQUOR MAFIAThe YSRCP contrasted its record with the alleged practices during the previous TDP government's term from 2014 to 2019. The party accused the TDP of colluding with the liquor mafia, citing instances such as the waiver of Rs 1,300 crore in privilege fees annually without cabinet approval, leading to an estimated Rs 5,000 crore in losses. It also accused a firm linked to a TDP-affiliated Member of Parliament of cornering 68 per cent of the liquor supply through manipulated lotteries. 'Naidu's regime was a free-for-all for liquor barons. The only people who gained were his cronies,' Subba Reddy said. 'Now that we stopped the loot, they want revenge.'advertisementThe YSRCP alleged that since the TDP's return to power in 2024, key reforms were being reversed. Private liquor shops have resurfaced through what the party called manipulated lottery systems, vendor profit margins have been raised from 9 per cent to 14 per cent, and illegal belt shops and permit rooms are proliferating. 'Every reform we put in place is being dismantled. The liquor mafia is back — and so is corruption,' warned Subba ACCUSED OF POLITICAL PERSECUTIONThe party also levelled serious allegations against the functioning of the Special Investigation Team (SIT), claiming it had become an instrument of political persecution. The directors of Sharvani Alco Brew Private Limited were reportedly forced to sign blank documents, prompting the High Court to intervene in Writ Petition No. 8586 of 2025. A retired police officer was said to have been detained illegally, and Head Constable N Madan Reddy was allegedly physically assaulted to extract a confession. The High Court has now ordered court-supervised investigations. 'The SIT has become a political weapon. This isn't justice, it's persecution,' said Subba Reddy. 'Even the courts are stepping in to stop this abuse.'advertisementNAIDU OUT ON BAIL, OPPOSITION TARGETED: YSRCPAccording to the YSRCP, this case is not about accountability but a calculated move to silence the Opposition. It claimed that leaders with no role in liquor regulation are being arrested, while Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu himself is out on bail in a liquor-related case from his previous tenure, registered as Crime No. 18 of 2023. 'It's ironic — the man accused of running the liquor scam is now targeting the people who cleaned it up,' said Subba that it will not be cowed by 'authoritarian tactics', the YSRCP reaffirmed its commitment to the people of Andhra Pradesh. The party demanded a judicial inquiry into what it described as a fabricated case, the immediate release of arrested leaders, and action against SIT officials accused of misusing their powers.'This is a test of democracy. But we have faith — in the people, in the courts, and in the truth,' said Subba Reddy. 'Come the next election, Andhra Pradesh will respond to this injustice with a resounding verdict,' he concluded. - Ends advertisementIN THIS STORY#Andhra Pradesh