The festive spirit of the New Year is often marked by good cheer and well-wishes exchanged among friends and colleagues. Yet, this year, celebrations took on a sinister twist when sweets purportedly sent by Karnataka BJP MLC Dhananjay Sarji were reported to be laced with poison, prompting police investigations.
On January 1, three individuals received boxes of sweets, accompanied by messages wishing them a Happy New Year, under Sarji’s name. The alarming discovery was made by S N Nagaraj, the secretary of the National Education Society, who noticed the sweets tasted intensely bitter. He immediately contacted Sarji, who denied sending the package. Following this, Sachin Raj, Sarji’s personal secretary, filed a complaint at the Kote police station.
The police have opened an investigation, registering the case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita section 123, which deals with causing harm through the use of poison. A special team has been formed to identify the sender. Sarji expressed grave concerns during his public statements, emphasizing the potential tragedy had these sweets been consumed by children. He stated, “If such sweets had been consumed by children, they could have led to a tragic incident. The SP has assured me the culprit will be apprehended.”
Authorities are conducting laboratory tests on the sweets to determine their exact contents, as they have raised significant public safety concerns. Further investigations revealed similar suspicious packages had been sent to two doctors from Bhadravathi, named Aravind and Pavithra. This disturbing incident has stirred not only investigations but heightened awareness about the integrity of packaged goods during holiday seasons.
While the Karnataka incident drew attention for its malicious intent, the way people exchange New Year’s greetings has also come under scrutiny. Etiquette experts like Lisa Forde have commented on the timing of such greetings, indicating the possibility of causing discomfort when offered too late.
According to experts, it is considered impolite to extend Happy New Year greetings past January 10. Forde explains, “By saying it late, subconsciously can hold you back and stop you from planning for the year ahead.” This perspective suggests greetings should be offered timely to avoid appearing insincere, as many people prefer to move on from the holiday spirit quickly.
New Year’s greetings carry more than just friendly intentions; they are tied to social etiquette and cultural norms. While folks are still enthusiastic about wishing the best for the upcoming year, it’s worth remembering the best time to do so. Engaging with colleagues or friends beyond this window can draw mixed reactions, as they may feel reminded of the past celebrations they wish to set aside.
For those who may have missed the cut-off, it may still be acceptable to share warm sentiments with close friends or family, depending on individual relationships. Still, the consensus is clear: keeping such well-wishes within bounds reinforces positivity rather than invokes reminders of last year’s festivity.
Among the festivities, communities come together to celebrate differently, reflecting on the hope for the future. For example, the Portlaw Camogie Club held their celebrations for the New Year by announcing the winner of their recent raffle, offering congratulations to Michelle Kiely. They expressed gratitude for club support and embraced the promise of another successful year.
The union of safety, etiquette, and community efforts highlights the spirit of New Year’s celebrations, whether through celebratory messages or community initiatives. With investigations continuing and conversations around etiquette developing, the public remains alert and engaged with the traditions of the New Year.
While the Karnataka sweets incident has left many concerned, it stands as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance during festive times. Police are working diligently to track down those responsible, ensuring community safety remains the top priority.
Overall, the New Year ushers not only hopes for fresh beginnings but also highlights the need for community awareness. Greetings, gifts, and well-wish messages are all part of the spirit of New Year, and attending to them responsibly can help nurture those connections with care.