Deity’s pic on b’day cake of DM’s son sparks row; VHP, Bajrang Dal stage protest

The pictures of the cake in question -- which was cut during the birthday celebration on April 1 -- have gone viral on social media platforms over the last two days.

Updated on: Apr 5, 2023, 22:08:39 IST

By Haidar Naqvi

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KANPUR The picture of a Hindu deity and a trident on the birthday cake of the son of Kanpur Dehat’s district magistrate Neha Jain has stirred a fresh controversy. The pictures of the cake in question -- which was cut during the birthday celebration on April 1 -- have gone viral on social media platforms over the last two days, with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bajrang Dal staging a protest for ‘hurting religious sentiments’.

DM Neha Jain has issued a statement saying that the image on the cake was of a super hero who embodies the victory of good over evil. (Sourced)

In the wake of the row, DM Neha Jain has issued a statement saying that the image on the cake was of a super hero who embodies the victory of good over evil. “Its use was not intended to hurt anyone’s sentiment but if someone felt that way, I extend an apology,” the DM added. However, the statement didn’t have the desired impact as the controversy continues to gather steam.

In fact, VHP Gauraksha chief Aditya Shukla and state government employees’ joint council’s district convener Amit Pandey have alleged that the DM called them to her residence on Tuesday and then their mobiles phones were forcibly taken away. The two leaders added that they were made to sit for seven hours. “The mobile phones were returned only on Wednesday,” they further said.

Reacting to the episode, VHP Gauraksha chief said that it was an insult to our culture and heritage (sanskriti). Meanwhile, Amit Pandey said that he has submitted a complaint to SP Kanpur Dehat about the incident. On the other hand, the DM has said that sharing photos of her personal life is a breach of privacy. “I have written to the Kanpur Dehat SP requesting an investigation into how the pictures were leaked. A probe should reveal who were the people behind it,” said DM Jain.

When queried about the matter, Kanpur Dehat SP BBTGS Murthy said that the police are looking into both the complaints.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Haidar Naqvi
Haidar Naqvi is an Assistant Editor with the Hindustan Times in Kanpur and has been with the newspaper since May 1997, after beginning his journalism career with The Times of India. Over more than three decades, he has reported on terrorism, internal security, politics, governance and public affairs, with a particular focus on the changing nature of extremist movements in India.From 2008 to 2011, Haidar was part of the Hindustan Times National Reporting Team, contributing to coverage of some of the country's most significant security stories. He was among the reporters who covered the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks as they unfolded and continued reporting on the investigation that exposed the conspiracy behind them.His reporting has followed the rise and evolution of the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), the Indian Mujahideen and India's counter-terrorism response, alongside extensive coverage of organised crime and the underworld. He has also reported on Indian Mujahideen serial blasts, the Maoist insurgency, communal riots, parliamentary and assembly elections, and major political developments. Over the years, he has interviewed political leaders, senior police officers, intelligence officials and policymakers, while reporting from communities affected by violence, conflict and public policy.Beyond national security, Haidar has covered politics, minority affairs, governance, wildlife and human-interest stories across Central Uttar Pradesh and Bundelkhand. A recipient of the coveted Hindustan Times' Star Award, he brings historical perspective, field experience and institutional knowledge to reporting on the intersection of security, governance and society.Read More