AGARTALA, June 24 (TIWN): Tripura Veterinary Association joined the nationwide protest with the Indian Veterinary Association (IVA) after BJP MP Maneka Gandhi threatened three Veterinarians over the phone for carrying out a shoddy amputation on a dog. Following the protest called by the IVA, veterinarians across the country observed a “black day” on Wednesday. The IVA also wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on her “unparliamentary behavior”. The organization has sought an “unconditional apology” from the former Union minister.

In a purported audio clip of her phone conversation with Dr. Vikas Sharma, a veterinarian in Gorakhpur, Gandhi is heard accusing him of carrying out the amputation on the dog. The conversation is reported to have occurred on June 17. She purportedly threatened to “take away” Sharma’s license if the dog dies. She asked him his surname, and then says he is a “blot (kalank)” on his family’s name. The MP also allegedly took Sharma’s family to insult saying, “Tumhara baap kya karta hain, koi maali hain, chowkidar hain, kya hain? Tum literate ho bhi? (What does your father do, is he a gardener or chowkidar? Are you even literate).       

In another purported audio clip of her phone conversation with a veterinarian identified as Dr. Mahendra, she was heard threatening to get his license canceled for “killing” a dog. The veterinarian however said he “euthanized” the dog, as the owner wanted it.       

In a separate audio clip of another phone conversation between Gandhi and Dr. L N Gupta, a veterinarian in Agra, the MP threatened to get his license canceled, shut down his clinic, and have him picked up by the police for carrying out an amputation on the dog. She told him to pay Rs 70,000 as compensation to the dog owner.   

However, several animal welfare organizations set up in the last 5 years within the state haven't uttered any word regarding this issue.