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Security beefed up in Zee Mumbai offices
MUMBAI: Two Zee Telefilms staffers of the ten injured in an attack by supposed Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) workers on Zee’s Andheri office have been hospitalised.
Extensive property, including computer monitors, CDs and video cassettes, office chairs and other furniture was wrecked by the 50 to 60 persons, who vandalised the offices around 12.45 pm today. Bearing NCP flags and chanting slogans owing allegiance to deputy chief minister Chhagan Bhujbal, the workers completely ransacked Zee Cinema and Zee Music business head Yogesh Radhakrishnan’s office, which is close to the reception area.
Eyewitness reports say the workers smashed computers and furniture, threw out cassettes, and broke the entrance glass door at the third floor office. The office’s security guard was allegedly bashed up by the miscreants. Among other employees injured were three women staffers – receptionist Carol, programming staff Geeta Salian and secretary Kshama. Carol, who suffered serious back injuries, has been rushed to an orthopedic hospital in Andheri.
The value of property loss has been estimated to be around Rs 600,000. Zee’s other offices in the same building, on the sixth and fourth floor, however, escaped the miscreants’ attention, as they were not aware of their existence, eyewitnesses were told.
According to Zee News channel reports, security at all the Zee offices in Mumbai has been subsequently beefed up.
In a hurriedly called press conference at 2.30 pm, Zee officials said that the NCP members may have been angered by a satirical show Ghadalay Bighadlay telecast on Zee’s Alpha Marathi at 10.30 pm last night or by the stamp paper scam that Zee News busted in Nashik recently.
A first information report has been filed at the Andheri police station. According to Zee officials, residents of the area who witnessed the commotion, called up the police immediately. Zee Tele chairman Subhash Chandra addressed Zee employees after the media briefing. Among those present were a sombre looking Zee TV president Apurva Purohit and Films Division head Nittin Keni. Alpha Marathi head Nitin Vaidya, who had earlier attempted to placate the agitiated NCP workers at Zee’s office in Worli, walked in a little later. Bhujbal, meanwhile, is scheduled to meet Chandra today shortly to discuss the issue.
Promising to take action against the “attack on media”, Zee’s director, commercial, BL Gautam said, “This is a democratic country. We will not be cowed down by the attack on us. We will fight back.”
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
