A video capturing an unexpected incident during Independence Day celebrations in Mungeli district, Chhattisgarh, has gone viral, leading to calls for disciplinary measures. The video shows a pigeon, intended to symbolize peace and freedom, failing to fly after being released by a police officer. This mishap has drawn significant attention and sparked comparisons to a similar scene from the web series ‘Panchayat.’
The event, attended by BJP MLA and former minister Punnulal Mohle, Mungeli Collector Rahul Deo, and Superintendent of Police (SP) Girija Shankar Jaiswal, was meant to be a demonstration of harmony and national pride. As part of the ceremony, each dignitary was handed a pigeon to release. While the pigeons released by Mohle and Deo flew off successfully, the one released by SP Jaiswal fell to the ground instead of taking flight.
Social media users quickly drew parallels between the incident and a scene from the popular web series ‘Panchayat,’ where a similar event unfolds in the show’s third season. Sachin Gupta, a social media user, shared the video on his ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) handle, commenting, “Panchayat-3 was repeated in Chhattisgarh. SP sahab released pigeons on Independence Day. His pigeon fell down instead of flying. Watch the video.”
https://x.com/SachinGuptaUP/status/1825589503786209422
In response to the incident, SP Jaiswal has formally requested action against those responsible. In a letter addressed to the Collector, Jaiswal expressed concern over the incident’s impact, stating, “During a major national festival like Independence Day, the incident of a pigeon falling to the ground was prominently broadcast on social media and other media. This situation was created due to presenting a sick pigeon for flying in the main district-level programme. Had it happened with the chief guest or the honourable MLA, the situation would have been more unpleasant.”
Jaiswal’s letter also criticized the officer tasked with preparing the pigeons, asserting that the responsibility was not adequately handled. The SP’s request for disciplinary action highlights the seriousness with which he views the mishap, reflecting the importance placed on maintaining the decorum of national celebrations. The incident underscores the need for meticulous preparation in official events to avoid similar embarrassments in the future.
