'Powder' at Deshmukh office

By Our Special Correspondent

MUMBAI, OCT. 24. Was it anthrax-carrying powder that flew out of an envelope that was opened in Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Chagan Bhujbal's office today? Or was it an attempt at spreading scare since a similar packet was received at the Chief Minister, Mr. Vilasrao Deshmukh's office as well in the State Secretariat - Mantralaya?

If it was a bid to scare, then it failed. All departments, including the offices of the Chief Minister and his deputy, continued to function, though Mr. Chandrakant Padiyan, who opened the envelope, complained of giddiness and itching all over his body. He was rushed to a hospital close to the Secretariat. Mr. Deshmukh, however, continued with a Cabinet meeting.

When the envelope was opened, a swirling fan spread the powder hitting the people around. All of them have been sent for medical examination, according to Mr. Bhujbal. ``It was a suspicious powder,'' he said.

In Mr. Deshmukh's office, the person who opened the packet, noticed the white powder and immediately sealed it.

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Section  : National
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