Cong MLA’s ‘baby rattle’ present to SDM ends in FIR

Jind: Kaithal police have booked Congress MLA from Guhla, Devender Hans, and three of his associates in connection with a January protest during which he allegedly tried to hand over a baby rattle to the local SDM, Capt Parmesh Singh (retd), over the latter's "failure" to act against illegal constructions.Charges against the four include assault on and obstruction of a public servant, criminal intimidation, intentional insult and wrongful restraint under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).During the protest, Hans had accused the SDM of inaction against illegal constructions and alleged collusion with contractors. Angered over what he termed as changing statements by the SDM, the MLA attempted to hand him a baby rattle — or ‘jhunjhuna' in local parlance, often used to denote something inconsequential — and said, "You are incapable of doing anything, just keep playing this."The SDM refused to accept the rattle and termed the act insulting. He later filed a police complaint, following which a case was registered. Several retired Army personnel had also extended support to the SDM after the incident.The other accused have been identified as Hardeep, Deepak Sharma and Harsh Garg.