The Delhi Police has addressed concerns surrounding a viral video depicting a purportedly “mysterious” animal sighted at the Rashtrapati Bhavan during yesterday’s oath-taking ceremony.
The video, which circulated widely on social media, captured a “cat-like” creature in the backdrop as BJP MP Durga Das Uikey exchanged greetings with President Droupadi Murmu after assuming ministerial duties.
Dispelling the speculations, the Delhi Police clarified that the animal in question was, in fact, a common house cat, contrary to claims of it being a wild species. They urged the public not to lend credence to such unfounded rumors.
Some media channels and social media handles are showing an animal image captured during the live telecast of oath taking ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan yesterday, claiming it to be a wild animal.
— Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) June 10, 2024
Amidst the online buzz, conjectures ranged from identifying the creature as a leopard, particularly given its proximity to the heavily guarded Rashtrapati Bhavan during a significant national event. However, a Delhi Police official cited by news agency PTI affirmed that only dogs and domestic cats inhabit the premises.
Furthermore, the Forest Department affirmed via PTI that there have been no previous reports of leopard sightings within the presidential estate.
Meanwhile, President Murmu administered the oath to a 72-member Council of Ministers, comprising 30 cabinet ministers, 36 Ministers of State (MoS), and five MoS with independent charge.
Notable figures such as Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman, and S Jaishankar continue in their roles as Cabinet ministers. Additionally, the new Council of Ministers includes 11 representatives from NDA alliance partners.
In his historic third term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 73, will lead a coalition government, dubbed Modi 3.0, following his resounding electoral victory. The cabinet lineup sees continuity in key ministries, with Amit Shah retaining Home Affairs, Rajnath Singh overseeing Defence, S Jaishankar managing Foreign Affairs, and Nirmala Sitharaman heading Finance. Prime Minister Modi himself will oversee the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, as well as the Departments of Atomic Energy and Space.
