Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 9 Jun: Nishith Saklani, Media Advisor to Uttarakhand’s Tourism, Public Works, Irrigation, Rural Construction, Religious Affairs and Culture Minister and Chaubattakhal MLA, Satpal Maharaj, has stated that certain individuals are maliciously attempting to mislead the public by posting AI-generated and misleading content on social media. These posts seek to sensationalise recent wildlife attacks in the Chaubattakhal Assembly constituency and a recent assault incident involving a tourist from Haryana, with the apparent intention of tarnishing the image of Cabinet Minister Satpal Maharaj.
Saklani said that legal action will soon be initiated against the social media platforms and individuals responsible for spreading such misleading and defamatory content.
He further stated that attempting to damage the reputation of Minister Satpal Maharaj, ‘who is known for his honesty and clean public image’, is an unforgivable act. He emphasised that Maharaj, widely respected as a spiritual leader and public representative, enjoys a distinguished position at the national level and has consistently focused on the development of both Uttarakhand and his constituency.
According to Saklani, Maharaj has played a key role in expanding road connectivity, facilitating drinking water projects worth crores of rupees, advancing the construction of the multipurpose Satpuli Lake project, and making significant efforts to bring the Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Railway Line project to fruition.
Regarding wildlife attacks in the region, he said that Maharaj has promptly taken cognisance of every incident and ensured necessary action. Prioritising public safety, he facilitated the installation of cages and trap cages in sensitive areas, oversaw efforts to capture man-eating leopards, and arranged for the deployment of authorised shooters when required.
Saklani also highlighted that Maharaj personally visited AIIMS Rishikesh to ensure proper medical care for Kanchan Devi (36), a resident of Devaradi village in Pokhra block, who was seriously injured in a leopard attack. He added that Maharaj has extended all possible assistance to the families of those killed or injured in wildlife attacks and has consistently stood by the people during both difficult and happy times.
He said that these actions demonstrate Maharaj’s deep concern for public safety, wildlife management, and the welfare of local residents. As a public servant, Maharaj understands how government resources should be effectively utilised during emergencies.
Saklani further stated that people who are prejudicially targeting Maharaj and attempting to harm his reputation through social media campaigns related to wildlife attacks will not be forgiven by the public. Referring to Maharaj’s views, he said that if any individual, regardless of which state they come from, creates disturbances or disorder at religious places, the police have full authority to take strict action in accordance with the law.
Concluding the statement, Saklani said that those responsible for attempting to damage the image of spiritual leader and Cabinet Minister Satpal Maharaj will not be spared under any circumstances, and legal proceedings against them will be initiated shortly.
