- 7/2/2025
This episode of News Today covers two major stories - the Telangana factory fire tragedy that claimed 40 lives and allegations of assault on a National Highways Authority of India official by a Himachal Pradesh Minister.
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00:00Good evening, hello and welcome. You're with the news today. This is your primetime destination
00:06that brings you news, newsmakers, talking points, news without the noise. Our big talking point,
00:12the Telangana factory fire. Is it simply another man-made tragedy? Also, our continuing focus on
00:21abuse of power. More details emerging on the National Highway Authority of India official
00:26assaulted in Himachal Pradesh, Netagiri or Gundagiri. Among my guests will be the Himachal Pradesh
00:32Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu. And a story that concerns us all, COVID vaccine and heart attacks.
00:40What is the truth about that? We'll as always bring you the news without the noise. That's the only
00:46commitment that we make every night. In a time when television's credibility is at stake, all we want
00:52to do is bring you the news that really matters. First, let's look at the nine headlines.
01:01Dead toll in the Telangana factory blast has now risen to 40. Shocking lapses in safety emerged.
01:09The factory operated without a fire NOC.
01:12Fragile truce in the Karnataka Congress. D.K. Shubhkumar says no option but to follow party decision
01:21as Chief Minister Siddharamaya warns Cabinet against any rumblings over his leadership.
01:30Kolkata rape accused Monojeet Mishra indulges in sickening victim shaming, alleges that the survivor
01:38participated in the act called scratch marks on his body, love bites.
01:45Prime Minister Modi kicks off a five-nation tour, arrives in Ghana. First visit to the nation
01:51by an Indian Prime Minister in three decades. Talks on investment, energy and security are
01:56slated in Ghana.
01:57Rupees 60 lakh renovation at Chief Minister of Delhi, Rekha Gupta's residence sparks a political
02:06showdown. AAP now fires a Maya Mahal jibe, calls it extravagant spending. BJP says it's
02:14non-luxury spending on residence, tells AAP to look in the mirror.
02:18Controversy ahead of the Kaur Yatra. BJP ruled states pass diktat on displaying vendor name
02:27outside eateries. Opposition calls it an unholy segregation in the name of a holy practice.
02:36Dalai Lama blanks out China in mission succession. Appoints body to name the next leader. China sees
02:43red, rejects the succession plan. Donald Trump vows to save New York City from Zoran Mamdani,
02:52calls him a communist lunatic. Mamdani accuses Trump of abusing presidential power, says he will
02:58not be intimidated. Mega GST bonanza likely for middle class and poor. GST rate cut to help middle
03:07class. Government ways relief on pulses, tea, ghee and other goods as opposition questions some of the
03:15numbers.
03:16But the story that we are breaking at this moment, more concerns about flying in the air because a
03:32photo of a broken window on a spice jet flight has gone viral a short while ago. The spice jet is now
03:41responding saying it was only a non-structural part of the window that came loose and there was no
03:47impact on passenger safety. Vice jet has also claimed that the cabin pressure remained normal
03:52during the flight that was from Goa to Pune. Vice jet saying the window frame was fixed soon after
03:59landing. But again, the backdrop of all that has been happening in recent months, again, a scare
04:04that has come in the air. Amit Bhardwaj, who tracks the civil aviation ministry for us, joins us.
04:11Amit, on the backdrop of what happened with an Indigo flight to Srinagar in the month of May when the
04:17nose of the flight came out as the flight hit a hailstorm. Then what we, of course, the tragedy of
04:23AI-171. This, of course, nowhere compares to any of that. But clearly, there is growing concern over
04:29whether standards are being maintained by some airlines. Certainly right, Razif. You know, in the
04:36past, as you mentioned, whether it be the Indigo, Srinagar flight, the nose being damaged, AI-171 crash,
04:45and even after that, during the several of the inspections that have been carried out by the
04:49DGCA and the concerned authorities, several of compliance violations have been noted by the
04:56agencies with several other airlines. And every time the name of the operator changes, but the
05:02compliance violations do come out in the light or instance of this sort, which creates video scare
05:07for the passengers. So, this was Razif. Goa, Pune flight that had taken off from Goa. And it was
05:13right in the middle of the flight that passengers noticed this particular window frame dropped out.
05:21However, the SpiceJet is clarifying that this was cosmetic frame meant to bring shade on the plane.
05:28And the Q400 aircraft model, which this particular flight was, it has several layers of window pane
05:36with an external window pane, which is, you know, there to ensure that despite several malfunctions
05:44within, the pressure does not enter the trough and the passenger safety is not compromised.
05:50So, SpiceJet is clarifying it was cosmetic part window frame that has popped out and was quickly fixed
05:57upon landing. Back to you.
06:00Okay. Amit Bhardwa joining us there, in a way settling any scares and alarm that that viral video
06:06has set off there with those images of the window being seen, the structures being seen to come out.
06:13Thank you very much. Okay, let me turn from another story that's been building up over the last few days
06:17because with every day, the dead toll in Telangana's explosion in a chemical factory is going up.
06:24At almost 40 people are now dead, the fire in Sangareddi has exposed a chilling web of legal loopholes
06:33and official apathy. A factory with no fire clearance was functioning for years.
06:38Forty lives were lost to this shocking negligence. Several more are grievously injured.
06:44In a moment, I'll be joined by the minister in charge. But first, take a look at this report.
06:49In what can be called a man-made tragedy, 40 lives were wiped out in a fire at the Sigarchi Pharma Chemical Factory in Telangana, Sangareddi.
07:12A tragedy not born of fate, but of apathy, loopholes.
07:20The whole concrete structure and the industrial equipment, everything is smashed into pieces.
07:27And this debris that you see is completely burnt for hours.
07:30And now the whole debris is being removed and people are being identified.
07:35Several of them whose body parts are missing, their DNA samples are being taken.
07:39And also the family members' DNA samples are collected and matched so that the missing persons are identified.
07:51The factory ran without a fire NOC, without a safety audit and without accountability.
07:59And the excuse, a legal blind spot.
08:02Fire DG Nagi ready, chillingly admitted, no clearance was needed, so none was taken.
08:10We have not taken any NOC, so this building does not come under the purview of Section 13 of the Fire Act, where NOC is required.
08:23Okay.
08:24So that is why many such buildings do not take permission from the fire department.
08:30Basically, they have to keep the fire safety systems as per the requirement of that industry.
08:40A factory built in 1989, with patchy extinguishers and no fire safety record, became a death trap for workers who never stood a chance.
08:55Today, 40 families are grieving and demanding justice, whereas many still remain missing.
09:01We are here, and we have to keep the fire protected.
09:20Twenty years ago.
09:20If no permission was needed and none was taken,
09:41who will take responsibility for these 40 lives?
09:46With Abdul Bashir and Sangha Reddy, Bureau Report, India Today.
09:50And that's precisely the question I want to ask my next guest.
09:58G. Vivek Venkataswamy is Minister of Labour, Employment, Training, Factories, Mines, Geology.
10:02Telangana, appreciate your joining us, sir, on the show.
10:05I'm asking you that straight question, Mr. Venkataswamy.
10:08Who will be accountable for the loss of 40 lives?
10:11A factory like this, without having the necessary safety procedures in place,
10:16without having a fire, no objection certificate,
10:19is allowed to function, there is an explosion, 40 people die.
10:23Who is accountable, sir?
10:25Actually, hi Rajdeep, Vivek here.
10:28I did visit the plant yesterday, and again, the chief minister also visited,
10:32because the death tolls were increasing,
10:35and right now, officially, there are about 38 deaths in the explosion.
10:40Now, when I went to the factory, the first thing I asked was,
10:44was there an inspector's inspection that had taken place, which is a regular norm?
10:51So, in December 2024, the factory inspector had visited the factory,
10:58and issued some guidelines on how to maintain safety in the factory.
11:03But, Rajdeep, please try to understand that this is a chemical factory,
11:09this microcrystalline cellulose, which is combustible dust.
11:15And I think there were some issues in the spray dryers, where the pressure built up,
11:22and being a combustible product, a static electric charge or something would have created this explosion.
11:30So, here, from the factories' point of view, or an inspector of factories' point of view,
11:35Sir, he went…
11:37Yeah, he just checked…
11:39Sir, sir, you are claiming that there were checks done last year,
11:43but what we have found out, that Sigachi Industries Private Limited,
11:47has been found to have multiple compliance violations, neglecting safety protocols, exceeding working hour limits,
11:54lack of protective gear for the workers, factory operated without a fire department, NOC,
12:00the safety department, essentials were not there, there were warnings from workers,
12:05about aging machinery, potential hazards.
12:08I mean, all the more, because of what you say, that this factory was dealing with extremely hazardous chemicals,
12:14all the more, that they should have even greater safety protocols in place.
12:19You see, that's the question, if this was happening in the heart of Hyderabad,
12:23there would be far greater outrage, because it's not in the heart of the city,
12:27the fact is, that people seem to get away.
12:2940 people have died, Sir.
12:31I agree with you, that's why, the department did raise these issues,
12:36they brought it to the notice of the promoters, and the occupier of the factory building,
12:41and this is a big lesson for the government also, because I feel, when I went there onto the spot yesterday,
12:49I realized that engaging daily rated workers in this red category industries on the machine is definitely not allowed.
13:01And I've just told our Secretary Labour, that a new law needs to be introduced, where only trained company officials can deal with such...
13:14Sir, but is it about law, you know very well, is it about law implementation?
13:18The fact is, that, you know, we have laws, some of them are archaic, Factories Act 1948, for example, you need new laws given...
13:27But when you don't observe basic safety for workers, then it's not about the law not being there, it is about not ensuring adequate implementation.
13:40Workers get exploited, Sir.
13:42That's the charge that many workers are making there.
13:46Yeah, Rajdeep, I agree with what you're saying, but please, I'll try to understand.
13:50In the recent past, generally, the government has taken measures to see that the labor department's interference in the working of factories is minimized.
14:03If you see, these are the central laws which are very introduced, to see that business becomes more robust and more employment is created.
14:11So, here, from the factory inspector's point of view, from the State Department, I think whatever measures were needed to take in and caution the industry, they have done it.
14:23It's actually, basically, the responsibility of the management, which I didn't mention...
14:28So, what will you do? So, what happens to the management?
14:31If you're right, it is the responsibility of the management.
14:34Now, they've been found wanting, what will you do?
14:3640 people have lost their lives, what will the government of Telangana do?
14:41See, we have instituted a committee now, a five-member committee of eminent scientists to find out what was the reason for this blast.
14:52So, one way, one committee is taking care of the legal aspect on how this kind of an accident has happened and how future safeguards need to be taken in the pharma industry.
15:05So, this is one part of the...
15:07What about the culpability of the management, sir?
15:09Culpability of the management, will this, once the media scrutiny dies down, will the management get away yet again, if they are seen to have violated safety codes?
15:18Yes, sure. The government will take necessary action if they are found guilty.
15:25So, we are in the process. Yesterday, the chief minister, when he visited, he formed a four-man committee of senior IS officers to investigate and give a report on what further action needed to be taken against the management.
15:41So, both the enquiries are going side by side and I am sure as soon as we get adequate information from the reports...
15:48So, if there is criminal negligence as prima facie there appears to be, will the factory owners be acted against?
15:56Yeah, I think the factory occupiers' responsibility is that. So, definitely, government will initiate action if they are found guilty.
16:08Okay, I am going to leave it there, Mr. Vivek Venkataswamy, Minister of Labour and Employment. Clearly, this is a wake-up call, not just for what happened there in Telangana, but there are chemical factories across this country dealing with hazardous substances and you do need workers to have full protection.
16:25Thank you very much for joining me here on the news today. Appreciate it.
16:29Thank you, Raj.
16:30Let's turn from what has happened in Telangana, that tragedy there, to what is going to be a continuing focus at 9pm.
16:38Wherever there is abuse of power, we will raise the questions.
16:42We did it with Odisha two days ago, where, remember, an additional municipal commissioner was dragged out of his office and beaten up by the goons of the local BJP cooperator and supported by a BJP leader in Bhubaneshwar.
16:56Now we are turning our attention to Himachal Pradesh, where, remember, that serious allegation of assault of a National Highways Authority of India officer has rocked the state's politics.
17:08An NHAI officer claims he was beaten by the Panchayati Raj Minister, Anirudh Singh, at a building collapse site in Shimla.
17:15The minister is denying the charges, instead has chosen to blame the officials for negligence and using foul language.
17:22Take a look at this report.
17:27A shocking case of power abuse by a neta in Himachal Pradesh. An official of the National Highways Authority of India has accused the state Panchayati Raj Minister, Anirudh Singh, of assaulting him and a colleague.
17:43According to the FIR filed at Dhali police station, based on the complaint by NHAI officer Achal Jindal, he was called by the Shimla Rural SDM to a site where a house had collapsed.
17:55The house was near the highway where four-lane work was going on.
17:59Jindal claims he assured the locals compensation as prescribed by the state government will be given.
18:05He adds that the occupants of the house were shifted to safety the previous day.
18:10Jindal claims Minister Anirudh Singh took him and another NHAI official Yogesh Verma to a room.
18:17There the minister and his supporters allegedly assaulted them.
18:20Jindal alleges the minister had hit a earthen pot on his head which led to bleeding.
18:26Yogesh, who tried to intervene, was also allegedly beaten up.
18:30Union roads and highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, in a message posted on X, called for action against the guilty.
18:37Minister Anirudh Singh broke his silence on Wednesday, accusing NHAI officials of nexus with contractors.
18:44Minister Anirudh Singh, a local resident, Nihal Thakur has now filed an FIRE against the NHAI officials alleging assault by them.
19:05The resident claims that the officers used foul language.
19:18He blames the NHAI for the building collapse and claims the villagers' complaints were ignored by the officials.
19:25The incident has sparked a political row.
19:27While two FIRs have been filed, the police have made no arrests so far in the case.
19:52Bureau Report, India Today.
19:57Okay, let's go to one of my other newsmakers tonight.
20:00Anirudh Singh is that minister in the eye of the storm.
20:03Minister of Rural Development, Panchayati Raj Himachal Pradesh.
20:06Appreciate your joining us, Anirudh Singh Ji.
20:08I have read through the FIR, it clearly says, you sir, assaulted a National Highways Authority of India official Achal Jindal, another official Yogesh.
20:19You took them into a room, you closed the door, you assaulted them, you threw a water pitcher and they suffered injuries.
20:25How do you respond?
20:26As a minister, these are very, very serious allegations against you, sir.
20:31Sir, in this incident, I would like to say that I will deny all the charges made against me by the said officials.
20:43But what the thing is, you have to go in background also.
20:46All the SDM, all the revenue officials were present out there.
20:50All the forest officials were present out there.
20:55And all the local people who are affected around eight buildings, which are about to fall, they were also present.
21:05So, no such incident happened.
21:08No, no such incident happened?
21:10I am just playing the visuals, Mr. Minister, of the official who is in a hospital bed.
21:16You are saying to me today on the show that no incident happened, no assault took place.
21:21Please see some of the images, the injuries that the person has suffered and in hospital.
21:26And you are telling me on the show that there was no assault or you did not assault him, that all of this is faked?
21:31No, in front of him, there was no assault.
21:36No assault?
21:38Sir, you know, how can you say there was no assault?
21:41Why would a person fake this entire thing and blame you?
21:45I mean, all these bandages and the hospital scenes that we are playing out, is this all part of some conspiracy against you?
21:52Yes, now we will come to that point also.
21:56As I got the copy of his complaint through WhatsApp, many of the local people, they had sent me on my WhatsApp.
22:07I received the complaint that some allegations made about you.
22:12While inquiring this whole thing, I found out and I would appreciate if you also make an investigation in the same.
22:21They were not even admitted to the hospital. They had given a return to the SHO who was present in the hospital that they had not been assaulted by anyone.
22:32And after one hour, the SHO was called back to the hospital. I don't know, I don't know after full details why the SHO was called back after one hour to the hospital.
22:42And then again the complaint was written. You can inquire about that, sir.
22:47Sir, we are inquiring, but I find it prima facie a bit strange to say this entire story is being cooked up by an NHAI official.
22:54That there was no assault. That you have nothing to do with the injuries that this person has suffered.
22:59That the complaint also is a fake complaint. All of this seems a bit strange.
23:03I mean, is this what you are claiming that this is all very complete fake story?
23:08Yes, sir. I am. And the second thing is, while thinking why are they doing that?
23:15I think so because liability should be fixed on, sir. It is not a question of one building, sir.
23:24It is a question about from Pravannu to Shimla. The four limbs, the work which has been in progress, I would come to that also.
23:34It is all illegal cutting. They have exceeded beyond their limits, the acquired limits.
23:41They have unscientific cuttings have been done. All the reddening walls are falling.
23:49So, you have seen in your news only, in your channels only, how people are suffering.
23:56The tourism department, the tourism has finished off in the whole Himachal Pradesh because of the NHAI, not even in district Shimla, but the whole state.
24:04Maybe from Kiratpur to Manali, Yogindanagar road, Dharamshala, Kangara road.
24:10And I must, one more thing, sir, I have to say, with due respect, that the slope protection has not been done.
24:19They have unscientifically cut down the, on 90 degree slope, they have cut the slopes on 90 degree.
24:28Anirudh Singh, if there are illegalities in the way in which these highways are being constructed in Himachal Pradesh, that's another matter.
24:43But for you to claim that this, that this entire assault has been faked only to hide the illegality seems a bit strange because somebody has gone to the hospital.
24:53There are doctors who have checked this person and you are today coming on the show and saying that this is all fake injuries only to hide this illegality.
25:01People are not going to believe you, Mr. Anirudh Singh, that someone is faking an injury in a government hospital, in a hospital only to embarrass you and hide their illegalities.
25:12Sir, I deny all the charges and I must say, the detailed inquiry should be done in this as a official is saying, sir.
25:21Tell me though, sir, do you have eyewitnesses? You are claiming this assault never happened. Do you have eyewitnesses who will show that either you were not present at the site or that no assault took place?
25:32I mean that you were not involved. Can you, can you throw even one such eyewitness to us?
25:36Sir, this is not my work, sir. This is the agency's work to provide the witnesses and the agency. The agency who, who, whosoever agency will conduct the inquiry of the FIR or the complaint made against me, they will conduct it.
25:55Why should I go and ask people that you say in favour of me?
26:01Sir, let me ask you, if it is proven, if it is proven today that you are involved and you are assaulted him, will you step down as minister?
26:10Even Nitin Gadkari, the surface transport minister has taken notice and has sent a letter to your chief minister asking for action.
26:17Will you, if it is proven, will you, if it is proven that you assaulted an NHAI official, step down as minister Anirudh Singh?
26:24That's obviously I have to do it. But, but I must say when I'm not involved and he believes in justice. So, I request, I have requested the chief minister also to conduct an inquiry, detailed inquiry by the agency they want and find out the details and put it to public.
26:47So, are you open therefore, am I clear that any agency, particularly a central agency can do this report because many believe if it is a state agency, you will be protected.
26:59Are you telling me you are ready for any inquiry by any central agency, surface transport union ministry for, to prove whether you are guilty or not?
27:08I, I have no objection, sir. In any, in any agency.
27:15Okay. You are open for an inquiry because the worry is the new FIR is actually blaming the officer, saying the officer acted in an abusive manner.
27:22It almost seems as if the entire system is now trying to blame the official and give you a clean chit, sir.
27:29We should not look at one side of the coincine. What, what the official has done or misbehaved with anyone, they have filed the complaint. So, that inquiry should also be held. That's it.
27:44My final question, Anirudh Singh Ji, as I said, even Union Minister Ghatkari has intervened, asked for a full inquiry.
27:51You will concede that many believe this is a clear abuse of power if this incident has happened.
27:56Are you going to tell me today that Nitin Ghatkari also jumped the gun while suggesting that you are the, involved in the action?
28:03Are you, as I said, ready for an open inquiry, come what may?
28:10I have, I have already done a press conference at around 12.30 and told that I will apprise the Honourable Transport Minister about the same,
28:20because what he is being briefed is by the, only the NHI officials.
28:26So, my, my final question, Anirudh Singh Ji, you know, this is a campaign we are going to launch against abuse of power by politicians.
28:33Politicians, sir, like it or not, have acquired, especially ministers, lal-bakti ministers,
28:38ki unke paas sab taakat hai, wo kuch bhi kar sakte hai, kisi official ko bhi mar sakte hai, nothing will happen.
28:45Aap bade neta hai, aap kisi official ke saath kuch bhi kar sakte hai, you are saying that this is not the case, there is no abuse of power,
28:53you did not assault a person, you are continuously emphasizing that, am I correct?
28:58You are not willing to accept responsibility.
29:00Anirudh Singh Ji, I would, with due respect, I would like to correct you.
29:06Just see my track record, I am in electoral politics since 20 years and no such incidents, incident has ever happened.
29:14Not, you can even talk to me, I am sure you have friends in the government also, you can ask anyone.
29:21I have a 20 years electoral politics record.
29:25Nobody can say.
29:26We have even mistreated with anyone, any public person, government servant, anyone.
29:33So, you know, what I am going to do is use this interview, because this we have got on camera now.
29:39At a possible future date, I will get you back on the show once the inquiry is complete.
29:44And if it is proven that you have assaulted anyone and that what you told me about this being entirely fake is proven wrong,
29:50I hope that you will take responsibility in whatever way that a politician should.
29:56Today, you are telling me once again this is complete fake news and you are ready for any inquiry, am I correct?
30:02Yes, sir.
30:09Okay, thank you very much Anirudh Singh for joining me there from Himachal Pradesh.
30:14You are claiming this is fake news.
30:16We will wait and see what the inquiry reveals.
30:19Well, what is fake, certainly not at the moment, is Himachal Pradesh's climatic conditions.
30:25Year after year, the state is now witnessing increasingly, increasing flash floods.
30:32Mandi in particular is reeling this year.
30:34Cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides tearing through the region.
30:38It's left once again destruction, despair and dozens of people are missing.
30:43Aman Bhardwaj with tonight's ground report.
30:46Monday is in mourning.
30:49Over the last 72 hours, torrential rain and cloudbursts have left Himachal Pradesh reeling.
30:51But it is Mandi district, especially the Saraj region, that has seen the most devastating
30:57events in the world.
30:58The last 72 hours, torrential rain and cloudbursts have left Himachal Pradesh reeling.
31:00But it is Mandi district, especially the Saraj region, that has seen the most devastating impact.
31:09Multiple cloudbursts have been reported from Mandi alone, triggering flash floods, landslides, and washing away entire stretches of life and livelihood.
31:16In Siraj's Tunag area, contact is completely cut off.
31:23Over 30 people are still missing.
31:24Ten bodies have been recovered and early estimates say more than 400 homes and shops may have been damaged.
31:30The Kuklak Panchayat Bridge, gone.
31:31The Kuklak Panchayat Bridge, gone.
31:33The Buckley Wooden Bridge, damaged.
31:34The Buckley Wooden Bridge, damaged.
31:35The Kuklak Panchayat Bridge, gone.
31:40Even the Thalaut Tunnel entrance, caved in under a landslide, bringing traffic on Mandi
31:57Patanpur to the village, even the Thalaut Tunnel entrance, caved in under a landslide, bringing traffic on the Mandi
32:09the Mandi-Pathankot Highway to a standstill.
32:14The Pandoh Dam in Mandi recorded its highest discharge of the year at 1.57 lakh USX, raising
32:21alarm downstream.
32:23We are at Oath Tunnel in a way to Kullu and you see how big machines have been placed
32:30to clear the landslide, debris and also the big rocks that came down when it was raining
32:38here and also you see the long queues up to 10 km from here to Kullu side, they are waiting
32:44for their turn as the road gets clear so they can move towards Mandi side.
32:50So this is what the situation is on the ground.
32:53The damage is caused by my two stores, both of them were closed at the same time.
33:08Schools and colleges have been shut in affected zones, while IF choppers have been deployed
33:13to airdrop relief material in areas that have been cut off.
33:21Rescue teams are on the ground.
33:23But former Chief Minister and local MLA Jairam Thakur says the scale is unprecedented, calling
33:29this the biggest natural disaster Saraj has ever faced and urging the state government to
33:34press in helicopters and more NDRF support.
33:39There was a number of 16 megawatt particular project that has been left for the name of
33:44NDRF, where there was a pool to connect the whole valley.
33:46There was a pool to connect the whole valley.
33:48There was a pool to collect the pool and the pool to go and burn it.
33:51There were eight places in front of the area and there were six places in this direction.
33:56There was no name of NDRF, but it was just so important that people have been evacuated here,
34:02in the period of time.
34:09Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhub has promised rapid restoration of roads, power and water.
34:15But time and patience is running out for those in the eye of nature's fury.
34:21As Himachal deals with the havoc caused by the monsoon, the human cost continues to unfold.
34:27One landslide, one missing person at a time.
34:30With Aman Bhardwaj in Mundi, Bureau Report, India Today.
34:34Okay, let me turn from there to our special focus today.
34:41The worrying spike in deaths due to heart attacks in Karnataka's Hassan district has now triggered a major controversy.
34:49The Congress, led by Chief Minister Sidharamaya, claims the complications could be an after effect of the COVID-19 vaccines.
34:56Today, the centre and medical bodies stepped in and dismissed this claim.
35:00But the feud and that controversy over any link between heart attacks and the COVID vaccine continues to simmer,
35:08particularly on social media.
35:10What's the truth?
35:11In a moment, I'll be joined by two top doctors.
35:14But first, take a look at this report.
35:19Twenty deaths in a month.
35:21At least four in just one day alone.
35:24The horror of heart attack deaths in Hassan continues to make waves.
35:28But now, the issue has transcended health concerns and turned political as well.
35:34It began with Chief Minister Sidharamaya hinting at complications caused by the COVID vaccine being a possible cause,
35:42thus laying the blame at the central government's vaccine policy, especially the vaccine's rapid approval and rollout.
35:49Health experts and leading research bodies have now emphatically refuted this claim.
35:55The Health Ministry has cited a study by the Indian Council of Medical Research, which shows no link between COVID-19 vaccines and the sudden surge in heart-related deaths.
36:07It has blamed genetics, sedentary lifestyle and pre-existing conditions for the cardiovascular complications.
36:14Despite the Health Ministry's rebuttal, the Congress sticks to its guns, claiming issues with vaccines have been seen across the globe.
36:23Throughout the world and India, today if you see any professionals, if you meet any of the medical specialists, they would say there is a reason because of these COVID vaccines.
36:34ICMR, they have to substitute, they have to tell what is the reason then.
36:38Then what is the reason for?
36:40In one district, so many people are facing this heart attack.
36:43Throughout India and throughout Karnataka, so many people are facing, especially middle-aged and young people.
36:48Then what is the reason for them? They have to come up with, no?
36:50Countering the charges, the BJP has claimed that the deaths are a reflection of poor health facilities in the state.
36:57Sidrama is not a medical expert. Link the death of the people in Asana to COVID.
37:07His only aim is to divert the whole issue, which always does that, divert the whole issue.
37:14It is incumbent duty. The health system in Karnataka has collapsed.
37:18There are no medicines, timely medicines for critical illness.
37:22Whether they are caused by stress, lifestyle, post-COVID complications or something more systematic,
37:29the heart-related deaths in Hassan stand as a wake-up call for Karnataka.
37:34Bureau Report, India Today.
37:37Joining me now on that big subject, Dr. Kunal Sarkar, Senior Vice Chairman, Director and Head of Cardiac Surgery at Medica Super Specialty Hospital in Kolkata, one of the country's leading cardiologists.
37:49And Dr. Subramanyam Swaminathan, Director of Infectious Diseases and Infectious Control, Neneagles Hospital in Chennai.
37:55I appreciate both of you joining me here on the show tonight.
37:58I just want to, before I come to both of you, play this graphic out about heart attacks before and after COVID, because that really might shed more light just purely in terms of data.
38:09Now before COVID, in 2017, 23,246 deaths of heart attacks. 2018, 25,764. 2019, 28,005. These are all reported deaths.
38:22After COVID, 2020 went up to 28,579. 2021, 28,413. 2022, 32,457. Source being the NCRB here.
38:35Dr. Sarkar, when you look at those numbers, do you see any connection that post-COVID, post-COVID vaccine, people are more vulnerable to heart attacks or is that simply myth-making?
38:48Rajdeep, thank you for having us.
38:52Just two points to make. You see, India with a population of about 140 crores, what's happening at this point of time is basically that, you see, we have a daily mortality rate in this country of more than 40,000.
39:07So that is India's average mortality rate per day, of which 30,000 to 40,000 of our deaths per day is due to cardiac problems.
39:18Now, I'm just giving you a point in example that, you see, some of this alert was sparked off recently from a few districts in Carnatic and all that.
39:28But, you know, it has been a worry. It has been a worry in the public domain for a country which has a high incidence of heart problems.
39:37We have our sort of an unequal access to health care.
39:43So all these problems put together with a high incidence, yes, our fatality rate from heart problems is comparatively higher.
39:52We have to accept it. Honestly speaking, the table of numbers doesn't make much sense because our annual case fatality rate from heart problems would be much higher, much higher.
40:04Because much higher than that. Now, what has happened basically is COVID in itself definitely caused higher death rate from cardiac problems, especially during the second wave when we had the Delta variant.
40:19There is no authenticated data to support the fact that COVID vaccination, which has to be set aside from COVID itself, that COVID vaccination by itself caused more heart attacks.
40:34Now, that has been a fear. Why has that been a fear? Because certain vaccines like the mRNA vaccines, which we did not have, caused an inflammation called carditis, myocarditis.
40:49And the vaccine that we had in plenty called Covishield. Covishield caused in very few cases a clotting disorder in the brain, which was called cerebral venous thrombosis, etc.
41:04But hardly less than 10 cases were recorded worldwide. So to cut a long story short, India as it is, has a punishing incidence of cardiac problem with a higher rate of cardiac mortality.
41:18During COVID, the numbers were even worse because COVID, especially the second wave per se, caused more cardiac problems. But did COVID vaccination, did it at all cause, or is it still causing silently, seepishly, is it causing higher cardiac death rates?
41:42We would have to keep our radar up, our eyes open, but very little data to support that.
41:50Okay. So I think, you know, at the very outset, here is India's, one of India's leading cardiologists making it very clear that there is no correlation between the COVID vaccine per se and heart attacks.
42:02But yes, cardiac arrest in India are a major cause of death. Now, I want to come to you, therefore, Dr. Swaminathan, because you will be able to tell us in terms of this, again, in terms of this correlation being built, Dr. Subramaniam Swaminathan, between the vaccine and heart attacks.
42:20Is this typically example of alarmist reporting that there are deaths in Hassan district in Karnataka of heart attack and suddenly people try and draw, including the chief minister of Karnataka, some kind of link between the vaccine and heart attacks?
42:36This is an example of trying to make a simplistic judgment in a situation where it is a multifactorial problem.
42:47We know diabetes capital is India. We know that we are more prone to cardiac disease. That's been clearly explained.
42:53We have more cholesterol issues, more hypertension, so many other things.
42:57Add to this keg, you know, keg, which is really volatile, the respiratory viral infections, not just COVID, influenza and many other respiratory viral infections are known to trigger cardiac events.
43:09Heart failure and a heart attack can be significantly higher, up to 10 times higher after a flu infection.
43:15And this has been well proven with very beautiful quality data.
43:18And that's why we talk about annual vaccination for flu and things like that to protect yourself.
43:23And studies are showing the cardiac benefit of some of these vaccines.
43:27So the point is that we are underestimating how dangerous from a cardiac point of view some of these respiratory viral infections are.
43:35That's the first point.
43:36The second point is there is a large study which has shown that in patients who have already had a heart attack, getting the flu vaccine actually reduced the risk of death.
43:45Now that's an amazing study.
43:46So there are data...
43:49No, no, say that again to us.
43:50No, say that again.
43:51Say that again to our viewers so that you emphasize that point.
43:55Okay.
43:56So this paper came out in 2021.
43:59It is the highest quality study, what we call a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, where nobody knows what they got.
44:05One group got the flu vaccine, the other group got just plain water.
44:09And all of these patients had a recent heart attack and they followed them up for one year.
44:13At the end of one year, the chance of people dying was looked at.
44:17There was a 40% reduction in the risk of death in people who got the flu vaccine.
44:21Now this is the highest quality data as far as trials is concerned.
44:25And cardiac deaths were clearly shown to be less.
44:28Now there's more and more data coming out that preventing respiratory viral infections is actually not just good for your lungs, it's probably good for your heart as well.
44:36So vaccination actually serves to protect you from really bad cardiac events and it's not the other way around.
44:44Yes, there can be minor issues like has been pointed out with the mRNA vaccine.
44:49We have seen myocarditis, which has not been a big problem with the whole vaccine, which is Covaxin or the adenovirus vector vaccine, which is Covaxin.
44:58And the thrombotic events are actually very, very rare.
45:00I have seen one patient like that, but these are extremely rare.
45:04Right.
45:04Overall, if you look at that, the benefit is far outweighing the risk.
45:09Benefits far outweighing the risk of taking vaccines is what you're seeing.
45:13The study by ICMR, which we've also highlighted earlier, the National Institute of Epidemiology says no evidence of link between vaccine and heart attack.
45:22India's vaccine safe, extremely rare instances of serious side effects.
45:28Sudden deaths can occur because of genetics, lifestyle, pre-existing conditions and post-COVID complications.
45:37That's what is being suggested.
45:38Interestingly, though, a nationwide Swedish study last year in 2024 shows over 80 lakh adults examined.
45:47They found rare but increased risk of myocarditis and pericarditis, particularly in young males after mRNA vaccines.
45:57Risk highest after the second dose.
45:59No significant increase, though, in heart attacks or heart or cardiac arrest.
46:05Full vaccination reduced the risk of severe COVID-linked cardiovascular outcomes.
46:11Dr. Sarkar, you want to make sense of that for us?
46:14Are we actually not looking at the real issue, which is lifestyle, genetics as the primary reason for heart attacks rather than suddenly pointing a finger at vaccines?
46:26The worry is a lot of people between the age of 40, 45, high profile have suddenly had heart attacks and that has led to this alarm.
46:33A couple of points, Rajdeep, you see, first of all, number one is, you see, why there is always sort of whispers and murmuring about the COVID vaccine business in India.
46:48It's worldwide and probably in India a little bit more so is we did not do a very efficient job of recording the vaccine side effects.
46:58It was highly criticized that unlike, you know, unlike other health systems, which are a little bit more systematic and organized than ours, people, we did a brilliant job.
47:10More than 200 crore vaccines were given by India, a record by any standards.
47:16But did we follow it up by recording the side effects of vaccines adequately?
47:22Sadly, we did not.
47:24That was one deficiency and that leaves a little bit of ground for, you know, discontent here and there.
47:31Second point is, you know, what Dr. Subramaniam was referring to so correctly is correction of other problems.
47:39Now, you see, if you consider especially the onslaught of COVID, 60 to 70 percent of India's disease burden and mortality came from the second wave.
47:50And the second wave had rampant use of steroids.
47:54Now, in a population where more than 20 percent of population is already standing to be diabetic, what did profuse steroid use do to the diabetic profile of Indians?
48:08Now, we are not sure about this as of yet.
48:11We would certainly request bodies like the ICMR.
48:16The ICMR study was extremely good about the side effect, their observations about the vaccine.
48:23But the ICMR and the other bodies should do a current state about prevalence of diabetes and how well are we controlling diabetes.
48:33diabetes, this needs to be looked at pretty soon.
48:38And I could not agree with Dr. Subramaniam and others that flu vaccine and other respiratory vaccines, that has to be made.
48:47Because look, a part of India is also aging.
48:51We have more people beyond 55, beyond 60.
48:54So, getting to know our diabetic profile better, recording the effects and side effects more efficiently and safeguarding the people from all these seasonal outbreaks would be really important at this stage.
49:10Okay. I think the message, though, from the doctors is very clear.
49:14Don't be alarmist.
49:16Let the data speak for itself.
49:19Let there be more rigorous data, particularly on the side effects.
49:25And Dr. Subramaniam, you want to give me a final word on that?
49:29What would you therefore advise people who today are panicking?
49:33What's that message that you would give those who are panicking, worrying whether there is any connection, especially in that 40 to 50 age group?
49:42India is a hotbed for really bad cardiac disease because of our lifestyle and our genetics.
49:48So, I think everybody should focus on the basics.
49:51Make sure your blood sugar is under control, blood pressure is under control.
49:54Your diet is good.
49:55Have some daily physical activity.
49:57Look at your cholesterol.
49:58Look at your family history.
49:59Quit smoking.
50:00Quit alcohol.
50:00You know, make a change for the better and also see your doctor periodically and make sure you have an annual health checkup and be on top of everything else.
50:08And if you are vulnerable, make sure you get additional protection in the form of vaccination and other measures.
50:12That's probably the best thing you can do to keep yourself and your family, for that matter, very safe.
50:17Okay.
50:18I think both of you, in a sense, have ensured that those alarm bells will hopefully ring a little less, change your lifestyle.
50:26I have to do that myself as well.
50:29I am worried about my high cholesterol and therefore, I am making certain lifestyle changes and I believe so should you.
50:37Dr. Sarkar, Dr. Swaminathan, for really giving us a little bit more light amidst all the heat.
50:44I appreciate you joining us.
50:46Thank you so much.
50:47Thank you so much.
50:47Let's turn now to tonight's Get Real India story.
50:5118 crores, 15 days.
50:54A road gets swallowed up in the rain.
50:57That's right.
50:57This has happened in Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh.
50:59A newly built stretch near the Sindhya Palace in Gwalior has caved in, raising serious questions yet again of corruption in construction and, of course, accountability.
51:09A truck is stuck, the public is furious.
51:13The collector has finally stepped in.
51:16What went wrong?
51:17Get Real India.
51:18This road in Gwalior near the Sindhya Palace is brand new.
51:37But in the 15 days, it has been open to public.
51:41The road has seen many cave-ins.
51:43Some craters are so big, even trucks get stuck in them.
52:13The stormwater drain and road project cost 18 crores rupees, with 4 crores spent on the road.
52:29All that money has evidently gone down the drain.
52:32The two-member technical team has been given five days to submit a report.
52:57And it's not only exposes the poor quality of construction, but also raises big question on corruption and accountability.
53:08With Hemant from Gwalior, this is Ravish Pal Singh for India Today.
53:15Road construction and accountability.
53:18One of the many Get Real India stories that we bring you.
53:21Just about enough time then to leave you with our image of the day.
53:25Prime Minister Narendra Modi is travelling again.
53:27He's now in Ghana, the first Indian Prime Minister in 30 years to visit the West African country.
53:33The Prime Minister received a full ceremonial welcome.
53:37He was welcomed by Ghana's President John Mahama, a guard of honour, along with a 21-gun salute presented to the Prime Minister.
53:44Let's not forget, Ghana as a country with India had strong relations.
53:49The Nehru-Nakruma relationship way back in the 1950s.
53:53Today, Ghana is one of West Africa's fastest-growing economies.
53:59Prime Minister in Ghana is our image of the day.
54:02Thanks for watching, stay well, stay safe, good night.
54:10Jain, Shubratri, Namaskar.
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