Shwetha Kiran / ಶ್ವೇತಾ ಕಿರಣ್

A woman employee was filmed attacking and throwing ink at the General Manager of a Maruti Suzuki showroom in Chhattisgarh. The woman reportedly accused GM Ankit Anand of harassment, including obscene messages and inappropriate remarks. According to a Dainik Bhaskar report, the incident occurred on May 22 at Chauhan Automobiles in Bhilai, Durg district. It unfolded after a policeman arrived at the Maruti Suzuki showroom following the woman employee’s complaint. Footage that is being widely shared online shows a cop entering the Maruti showroom, followed closely by the General Manager, Ankit Anand. As the two entered the showroom, the aggrieved woman threw ink at the GM’s face. The video shows the policeman trying to intervene, but the woman continued attacking and slapping the GM. Satyaprakash Tiwari, CSP of Bhilai Nagar, said that the woman employee, Amrita Singh, had filed a written complaint against Ankit Anand, CEO of Chauhan Automobiles. The complaint alleged that he had repeatedly sent obscene messages and harassed her, according to a report. After the woman’s complaint gained wider attention, three to four other employees also came forward to accuse the GM. An investigation has been launched based on the woman’s complaint. Given the gravity of the situation, the case is being investigated by CSP-level officers.

Tensions have emerged in Hassan ahead of Eid-ul-Adha (Bakrid) as livestock trade reportedly came to a standstill after buyers did not turn up at local markets, leaving farmers distressed over unsold cattle. The annual cattle market, which typically sees heavy activity during the festival season, remained largely deserted. Farmers said they were facing significant financial losses as animals remained unsold just days before the festival. Protesting farmers gathered at the market and raised slogans, demanding intervention from the district administration. They warned of further agitation, including a possible sit-in protest outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office with their livestock, if the issue is not resolved. Some farmers alleged that the situation has severely affected their livelihoods, especially as they depend heavily on seasonal demand during Bakrid. Local police and administrative officials are monitoring the situation. However, there has been no official statement from the district administration so far. The situation remains tense ahead of the festival, with efforts reportedly underway to address the deadlock.

A non-resident Gujarati woman from Mehsana district was shot dead in the United States in an incident that preliminary reports suggest may have been linked to a robbery attempt. The victim has been identified as Meghna Patel, a native of Jantral village in Vijapur taluka. She had reportedly been living in the US with her family. According to initial information, an unidentified man allegedly entered a store and opened fire on Meghna Patel, leaving her critically injured. She later succumbed to her injuries. CCTV footage of the incident has also surfaced. The video reportedly shows a man entering the store posing as a customer. He was seen wearing a tracksuit, jacket, gloves, a face mask and a hat. The footage further suggests that the suspect briefly interacted with Meghna Patel before allegedly opening fire within seconds. He was later seen taking an item from a table before fleeing the scene. Preliminary findings indicate that the shooting may have been carried out with the intent to commit robbery. Authorities have launched an investigation, and further details are awaited. The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of Gujaratis living and working abroad, particularly in the United States. A large number of Gujaratis are engaged in businesses such as gas stations, convenience stores and motels, many of which operate late into the night and are often considered vulnerable to robbery-related crimes. Over the past five years, several incidents involving shootings and violent attacks targeting Gujaratis, including store owners, motel operators and young professionals, have been reported from states such as Texas, New York, New Jersey, Illinois and Georgia, intensifying concerns within the community.