Mind the boss

Sir — Engaging in caustic gossip about a nitpicky boss or an annoying coworker is part and parcel of almost every workplace. However, the pent-up frustration of working with such colleagues can sometimes have more violent manifestations. This is exactly what happened in Bengaluru recently. Goons were hired by some colleagues of a newly-recruited auditor who obsessed over the smallest of details to beat the latter up. Fans of Narayana Murthy’s mantra of 70-hour workweeks should perhaps be wary lest they are given the same treatment. While it is unacceptable to resort to physical violence against colleagues, managers often fail to understand that their controlling behaviour takes a toll on their subordinates’ mental health.

Ranjan Chopra, Noida

Too loud

Sir — In another desperate attempt to woo voters on the campaign trail, the prime minister, Narendra Modi, bragged that “Aaj ka Bharat ghar me ghus kar maarta hai” (“Modi falls back on ‘terror’ trope”, April 5). He proclaimed that his government has redefined India’s stature by projecting an image of military strength. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Bharatiya Janata Party government has mismanaged several delicate issues, including the gradual occupation of Indian territory by China in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. From promoting terms like ‘surgical strike’ to swatting away questions on Chinese incursions along the Line of Actual Control, Modi and his followers have painted a misleading narrative, one which the media, too, has peddled in the name of nationalism. The prime minister should take steps to solve the border dispute with China.

Aayman Anwar Ali, Calcutta

Sir — Would the so-called nationalists of ‘New India’ dare to ask questions about how much land the Chinese armed forces have occupied following the face-off with India at the Galwan Valley? One of the most prominent faces of the current dispensation — the minister of external affairs — even conceded that India does not have the economic strength to take on China. India is not safe along the western border either: attacks are frequently launched against our military convoys in border areas like Pulwama and Pathankot. It seems that a lie repeated long enough becomes the truth under the Narendra Modi-led regime.

Kajal Chatterjee, Calcutta

Sir — As the election draws nearer, Narendra Modi keeps making more and more outrageous statements to win votes. Recently, on the campaign trail, he proclaimed that under his leadership, India dares to venture into foreign territory to kill alleged terrorists. Such statements ill-behove the post of the prime minister. There is no need for Modi and the Union defence minister, Rajnath Singh, to worsen relations with Pakistan for political gain. The BJP has also antagonised Sri Lanka by raking up the Katchatheevu issue. Making such statements at the risk of damaging foreign relations shows how desperate the BJP is to win the upcoming election.

S. Kamat, Mysuru

Sir — A recent report in The Guardian alleged that Indian intelligence officials have carried out covert assassinations on Pakistani soil since 2020. While the foreign ministry has refuted the allegations, the defence minister claimed that his government would not hesitate to hunt down its enemies (“Be quiet”, April 9). Significantly, the report also highlighted accusations by Canada and the United States of America regarding India’s involvement in attacks on Khalistani leaders. BJP leaders should refrain from beating their own drums regarding secret intelligence operations.

Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai

Sir — The current dispensation at the Centre has a bad habit of proudly announcing military strikes in foreign territory for political gain. Even if India’s intelligence agencies do conduct such operations, it would be wiser not to boast about them.

Fateh Najamuddin, Lucknow

Out at last

Sir — The Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail to Shoma Kanti Sen after nearly six years of incarceration in the Elgaar Parishad case is too little, too late (“Bail in Elgar case after 6 years”, April 6). It is a pity that lakhs of undertrials fill the nation’s jails. If pre-trial periods are this long, one can only imagine how long a case drags on before justice is delivered. No charge has been filed against Sen even after six years. Such a dysfunctional system needs a comprehensive overhaul.

Amit Brahmo, Calcutta

Sir — In a welcome move, the Supreme Court recently granted bail to the activist, Shoma Sen, in the Elgaar Parishad case (“Just fairness”, April 9). Sen has languished behind bars since June 2018. The judgment rightly stated that unless there were reasonable grounds for incarceration, such a long deprivation of personal liberty violates Article 21 of the Constitution. The investigative agencies have failed to show any reliable evidence of Sen having ties to Maoist groups. It is unfortunate that many social activists charged under the draconian Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act continue to be denied bail, with one of the accused, Stan Swamy, even passing away in custody.

Khokan Das, Calcutta

Balanced view

Sir — The Supreme Court has taken a balanced approach in a case against a solar energy project, which may harm the habitat of the great Indian bustard. The needs of promoting renewable energy and the interests of vulnerable species must be balanced.

Amrapali Roy, Jamshedpur

Correction

In our front-page story from Lucknow, “Sikh guru assailant killed” (April 10), Baba Tarsem Singh has been erroneously identified as “guru”. He should have been described as a Sikh cleric. The error is deeply regretted.