CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Delhi: Jagriti emotional over cowshed demolition; Swati Maliwal announces Rs 15 lakh in assistance
New Delhi. The demolition of the boundary wall of animal welfare activist Jagriti Mishra’s under-construction animal shelter in Delhi has become a matter of discussion. During a meeting with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Jagriti became emotional and, crying, leaned on her shoulder. The Chief Minister then assured financial assistance and an inquiry into the matter. Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal has also announced assistance of up to Rs 15 lakh to help Jagriti.
What is the full matter?
Jagriti Mishra looks after injured, destitute and abandoned animals through an organisation named Street World Trust. She was preparing a shelter and hospital for animals in Delhi’s Nizampur area. According to reports, around Rs 70 lakh had already been spent on the project. Jagriti has alleged that the boundary wall of the under-construction shelter was demolished without prior notice. She also alleged that a bribe had been demanded from her before the incident and that the demolition was carried out after she refused. These allegations are yet to be independently verified.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta orders inquiry
After the matter came to light, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta met Jagriti Mishra. She assured financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. She also directed the officials concerned to investigate the matter, take action against those responsible and support the establishment of the animal shelter. The Delhi Municipal Corporation suspended junior engineer Vikas Kumar Gupta on 26 October in connection with the case. However, the suspension in itself is not proof that any allegation has been established.
Swati Maliwal also announced help
After the meeting with the Chief Minister, Swati Maliwal also assured assistance to Jagriti Mishra. According to reports, she said she would provide assistance of up to Rs 15 lakh from her MP fund for the construction of the animal shelter and hospital. She also assured that Jagriti could contact her personally if needed.
What happens next?
The findings of the inquiry will now be important in this case. The allegations made by Jagriti regarding bribery and demolition without notice will be confirmed on the basis of relevant evidence and the investigation. At the same time, financial assistance and administrative support could open the way for construction of the shelter for destitute animals to begin again. The matter also raises questions about animal welfare work, construction-related rules and the accountability of government officials.
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