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Ration for 6 months, Gurudwaras as hideouts, PM and HM house potential target: Intelligence report alert about farmers’ protest 2.0

OpIndia Staff
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Ration for 6 months, Gurudwaras as hideouts, PM and HM house potential target: Intelligence report alert about farmers’ protest 2.0

Thousands of farmers’ marching towards Delhi could use remote and non-motorable borders of Delhi as potential entry points, according to an intelligence report on the farmers’ protest 2.0. The intel also alerts that the protesting farmers could be eyeing Prime Minister House, and Home Minister Houses as potential protest targets.

Notably, protesting farmers from neighbouring states Haryana and Punjab have been marching towards Delhi to kick off a massive protest in Delhi. More than 200 farmers’ unions, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, had announced a ‘Delhi Chalo’ march scheduled for 13th February (Tuesday) seeking legal guarantee for MSP and other demands.

Apart from drafting a law on MSP, the protesting farmers have been demanding that India should quit the World Trade Organisation (WTO), halt trade agreements with other nations, and a monthly pension of Rs 10,000 to farmers who attain the age of 60 years among others.

According to the intelligence report, around 1,500 tractors and 500 other vehicles have been mobilised for the farmers’ protest in Punjab alone. These tractors have been modified to convert them into shelters and stays. Additionally, the vehicles are loaded with stocks including food, rations, diesel, and logistics that can last for six months.  

The farmers have also planned to come in small groups and hide in gurudwaras, Dharamshala, ashrams, and guest houses around Delhi to hold snap protests, the intel report alerts. The security agencies have also apprehensions that the farmers could potentially carry out protests on sensitive security locations like the residences of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. 

Before the planned Farmers’ protest on 13th February, senior leadership and the core committee of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC) had visited Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, and Tamil Nadu to seek support from farmers of the respective states. 

Meanwhile, a crucial meeting between farmer leaders and Union ministers to avoid confrontation failed as it concluded without a resolution late at night on Monday. Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal and Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda were among the team holding talks with farmer leaders. Punjab Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal was also present.

As per reports, the talks between the ministers and farmer leaders lasted for over 5 hours but no agreements could be reached. Subsequently, the protesting farmers have proceeded with their ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest today. 

Farmers’ Unions are using Shambhu Border (Ambala), Khanori (Jind), and Dabwali (Sirsa) as main points to make entry into the National Capital, Delhi. 

To avoid a repeat of ugly scenes witnessed during the farmers’ protest 1.0, police have taken a slew of measures including deploying concrete slabs, iron nails, barricades, barbed wires, and police and paramilitary personnel at Kurukshetra in Haryana to limit large congregations to avoid the potential risk of law and order issues. there are apprehensions that anti-social and anti-India elements may try to exploit the farmers’ protest to create trouble, disharmony, and try to fan secessionist sentiments. Evidently, in a video shared by news agency ANI, one of the tractors was seen donning a flag with a portrait of Khalistani terrorist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.

The Delhi Police has also imposed Section 144 in the entire Delhi for one month till 12th March while Section 144 has also been imposed in parts of adjoining states Rajasthan and Haryana.  

Meanwhile, today as farmers in large numbers marched towards the national capital, the police fired tear gas on the protestors at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu Border.

MP: Sohail, Arbaaz and 3 others arrested for raping minor girl in Mandsaur, 4 illegal constructions of accused bulldozed

OpIndia Staff
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MP: Sohail, Arbaaz and 3 others arrested for raping minor girl in Mandsaur, 4 illegal constructions of accused bulldozed

In the Mandsaur district of Madhya Pradesh, the police have arrested five people accused of raping a minor girl. Two of the accused persons are minors.  Meanwhile, on Monday (12th February), the administration bulldozed four residences belonging to accused Arbaaz, Sohail, and Anos alias Yas. During the demolition, officers from three police stations were present. Hindu organisations demanded the demolition of the other unlawful hideouts of the accused.

According to the police, on Sunday in Daloda, Mandsaur district, the accused blackmailed the girl and called her to meet with them privately. When the girl arrived, the accused initially slapped her before beating her with a belt. When Hindu organisation workers came to know about it, they nabbed three accused and brought them to the police station. However, two of the accused managed to escape.

Late at night, police filed a case against the five accused, including the main accused, and took them into custody. Sohail, Arbaaz, and Anos are aged 20, 19, and 19 respectively. The other two accused are under 18 years of age. Police stated the main minor accused raped the girl in 2022 as well.

The victim said that on 11th February, around 5 PM, she was heading to coaching on Station Road. At that time, Yas and his friend (minor) blocked her path. Yas showed old photos of the victim with a minor. They both blackmailed her by showing her old objectionable pictures and threatened to make the photos viral if she refused to come to Dwarka Vihar Colony.

The victim further stated that when she began rushing home, Yas and his friend caught her and choked her. They subsequently made her sit in a black car and drove to Dwarka Vihar Colony. She was pulled out of the car, and Arbaaz and a minor boy started assaulting her. The minor slapped the victim 15 or 20 times in addition to strangling her. He then pulled out his belt to hit the victim. Meanwhile, accused Sohail also arrived.

The minor girl said that during this time, the accused took her to a hut in Dwarka Vihar Colony and raped her. Three more persons arrived whom the victim did not know. Then Hindu organisation workers caught the perpetrators and took them to the police station. After this, the victim’s parents were called to the police station.

Following this, activists from the Hindu organisations surrounded the police station and demanded severe punishment for the perpetrators. Hindu groups say that the accused started attacking the underage girl at 5 PM on Sunday, took her to a secluded location and sexually assaulted her.

In this matter, former MLA Yashpal Singh Sisodia stated that he spoke with the Collector and SP about taking stern action against the perpetrators. There has also been a call for a probe into past criminal cases that may have gone unnoticed. Meanwhile, Tehsildar Nitish Patel stated that following the incident, information was collected from the Gram Panchayat and four illegal constructions of the three accused were demolished.

Supreme Court quashes criminal defamation complaint against Tejashwi Yadav after he apologises for his ‘only Gujaratis can be thugs’ remark

OpIndia Staff
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Supreme Court quashes criminal defamation complaint against Tejashwi Yadav after he apologises for his ‘only Gujaratis can be thugs’ remark

The Supreme Court on Tuesday, February 13, quashed a criminal defamation complaint filed against RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav after he filed an apology affidavit in the apex court withdrawing his ‘only Gujaratis can be thugs’ remark.

The RJD leader’s apology came after the Supreme Court on January 24 granted a week to Tejashwi Yadav to file a “clear statement withdrawing his remarks.”

Notably, the SC’s direction had come in response to Yadav’s request that the criminal defamation case against him that was pending in an Ahmedabad court be moved to a location outside the state, preferably Delhi.

On November 6, the Supreme Court had stayed the proceedings before the Ahmedabad magistrate court.

Yadav was facing allegations of criminal defamation based on a complaint filed by Haresh Mehta, vice-president of the Ahmedabad-based non-profit All India Anti-Corruption and Crime Preventive Council last year. Mehta accused the RJD leader was defaming the Gujaratis with his remarks against Gujarati people.

On 22nd March 2023, Tejashwi Yadav insulted the Gujarati community by suggesting that only Gujaratis could be fraudsters in the current scenario, as they would be forgiven for their actions because both the Prime Minister and the Home Minister are Gujaratis.

“In the country’s present scenario, only a Gujarati can be a thug as their thuggee would be forgiven,” Tejashwi Yadav said. Further attacking the BJP, he queried, who would be responsible if someone ran away with the money of LIC or banks.

The statement was not only a factually incorrect one but also highly demeaning of the hard-working Gujarati community. And his statement became laughable when seen in the light of the scams that took place in Bihar during his father, Lalu Prasad Yadav’s rule. More importantly, when Tejaswi Yadav, who is himself an accused in the Land-for-job scam said something like this, it didn’t go down well.

Tamil Nadu govt releases 3 terrorists involved in 1998 Coimbatore blast case, video of convicts thanking DMK govt goes viral

OpIndia Staff
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Tamil Nadu govt releases 3 terrorists involved in 1998 Coimbatore blast case, video of convicts thanking DMK govt goes viral

The Dravidra Munnetra Kazagham (DMK)-led Tamil Nadu government has reportedly released 3 terrorists, convicted in the deadly Coimbatore bomb blasts of 1998 that claimed the lives of 58 people.

According to CNN-News18 journalist Rahul Shivshankar, the government had freed mastermind SA Basha and two others despite the Supreme Court dubbing their crimes as ‘atrocious’ and denying them bail.

While speaking about the matter, BJP (Tamil Nadu) President K Annamalai said, “It’s very unfortunate the DMK government is trying its best to release 16 convicts in the infamous Coimbatore bomb blast and they’re doing everything within their power to get this done before the Lok Sabha election just to get a brownie point.”

“We all know February 14, 1998, the day is etched in the memories of Coimbatore people and Tamil Nadu because Tamil Nadu has never seen a bomb blast of that order. 58 people (were) killed, more than 200 people injured, bombs (were) found in 24 other locations.

“In 2009, on November 7, they released 9 convicts of this case,” he added. Annamalai accused all political parties of Tamil Nadu of helping DMK ensure the release of all convicts in the 1998 Coimbatore blast case.

“Only in October 2023, the Supreme Court has squarely rejected the bail for all the 16 convicts saying it’s a grave crime of the very high order. Now, DMK government in 2021, after they came to power, they got the Justice Adinathan Commission, more like an eye wash commission. They got a report from the commission which said they should be released,” the BJP leader was heard saying.

“Only in 2022, just before Deepavali, a suicide bomber targeted the city of Coimbatore. Fortunately, only the suicide bomber got killed and none of the people got injured or killed, the common people. And the NIA is still filing multiple charges. Even the day before yesterday, the NIA has arrested multiple people of the same module, an ISIS-inspired module. Now, they want to release these people. I clearly don’t know what the DMK’s mindset is,” he added.

“If there is somebody who will do religious appeasement politics of the highest order in India, DMK comes first. We are not against other prisoners getting released who don’t fall into the category of a terror crime or crimes of the highest, gravest nature…I hope and pray DMK doesn’t get into that misadventure. In 2009, they have done one mistake. I hope they won’t do the second one,” Annamalai concluded.

In a video posted by Sun News on 7th February, three terrorists involved in the 1998 Coimbatore blast case were seen heaping praises on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and the DMK government. The trio reportedly showed no remorse for their actions in the video, which has now gone viral on social media.

The Coimbatore serial blasts of 1998

A series of devastating bomb blasts rocked Coimbatore on 14 February 1998 which killed around 60 people and nearly killed LK Advani, the then BJP president whose scheduled arrival was delayed as his flight was late by over 90 minutes.

The bombs were concealed in cars, motorcycles, bicycles, side boxes of two-wheelers, denim and rexine bags, and fruit carts. Reports mention that the bombings were apparently in retaliation to the 1997 Coimbatore riots that happened during November and December in the year 1997.

Mayhem caused during 1998 serial blasts in Coimbatore (Wire)

The terror plot was named ‘Operation Allahu Akbar’ and intended to kill Mr. Advani who was supposed to address an election meeting in the city that day. Seven human bombers with packaged explosives fastened to their waists were ready to attack LK Advani.

However, their preparations failed since they were unable to penetrate the police barrier and approach him. But the other explosives put across the city, in vehicles, motorcycles, tea cans, unsecured bags, and so on, were detonated, causing extensive mayhem and loss of life throughout Coimbatore.

Mayhem caused during 1998 serial blasts in Coimbatore (National Herald)

The investigation later revealed that an Islamist terrorist organisation named Al-Ummah and its chief Syed Ahmed Basha were responsible for the attack. Basha had planned the attack in retaliation to the 1997 riots.

Basha, the first accused and the founder-president of Al-Ummah, was then sentenced to life imprisonment under Section 120-B (conspiracy) of the IPC read with additional IPC offences, including murder, in 2003, and three years of hard imprisonment under Section 153 A (1) of the IPC (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion).

Basha’s brother, Nawab Khan, was also sentenced to life in jail. Now, Khan’s son identified as Muhammed Thalka has been arrested for his involvement in the recent cylinder blasts that happened in the city on October 23, 2022.

US President Joe Biden calls Israel PM Netanyahu an a**hole in private, criticises Gaza operation

OpIndia Staff
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US President Joe Biden calls Israel PM Netanyahu an a**hole in private, criticises Gaza operation

US President Joe Biden has been venting his frustration against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in several private conversations, as per US media. According to US media reports, Biden has been critical of Israel’s offensive in Gaza in his private conversations over the issue. The reports, however, added that in public, Biden has refrained from speaking harshly about Israel’s policy. 

According to five people directly familiar with Biden’s private comments, Biden said that he is trying to get Israel to agree to a cease-fire, but Netanyahu is “giving him hell”. In private conversations, some of them with campaign donors, Biden expressed frustration over his inability to persuade Israel to change its military tactics in the Gaza Strip. During a private conversation, Biden reportedly called Netanyahu an ‘as***ole’, as reported by NBC News. 

In these purported private conversations, Biden has blamed Netanyahu as the primary obstacle adding that he is impossible to deal with, people familiar with Biden’s comments said on the condition of not being named in the report. 

Regarding views expressed by Biden, one of the people said, “He (Biden) just feels like this is enough. It has to stop.” 

However, this is not the first time that Biden reportedly used disparaging remarks against Benjamin Netanyahu. Earlier this month, the US President had privately called Netanyahu a “bad f***ing guy“. 

The people familiar with the remarks said that Biden has, in recent weeks, spoken privately about Netanyahu, a leader he has known for decades, with a candor that has surprised some of those on the receiving end of his comments. 

These people added that his descriptions of his dealings with Netanyahu are peppered with contemptuous references to Netanyahu as “this guy”. 

According to three of the people directly familiar with his comments, Biden called Netanyahu an “a*****e” in at least three recent instances.

In the past few weeks, Biden attended fundraisers where he spoke about Israel and his frustrations with Netanyahu to a small group of donors. According to a supporter who was present there, Biden said, “I’m a Zionist,” reiterating that Hamas must be destroyed and that Israel must be protected. But he also aired his frustration with Netanyahu, who is often referred to as “Bibi.” 

The person who was present there recalled Biden’s comments stating, “He did say Bibi started off great, but ‘he’s been a pain in my ass lately’ or ‘he’s been killing me lately’ — one of those things. He goes, ‘But he’s doing a disservice … of late.’”

However, the administration has denied reports of Biden using disparaging remarks even in private conversations. Regarding Biden’s private comments about Netanyahu, a spokesperson for the National Security Council said in a statement that the two leaders have a respectful relationship. 

The spokesperson said, “The president has been clear where he disagrees with Prime Minister Netanyahu, but this is a decades-long relationship that is respectful in public and in private.” 

According to US media, Biden’s private unfiltered reflections on Netanyahu and the Israeli PM’s “failure” to shift tactics in Gaza, suggest that the dynamic between the two leaders could be nearing an inflection point. 

Israel’s planned ground offensive in Rafah

On 7th October last year, around 3000 Hamas terrorists landed in Israel from land, sea, and air and killed over 1,200 Israelis including babies and foreign nationals, brutally assaulted, raped, and paraded women, and kidnapped over 230 Israeli and foreign nations. In response, Israel has been carrying out ground operations in Gaza to “dismantle” the terror infrastructure of Hamas. In the meantime, Israel forged a temporary peace deal with Hamas in exchange of dozens of its hostages, yet around 134 hostages remain in Hamas captivity.

At present, Israel is planning a ground assault into Rafah, a southern Gaza city housing over a million displaced Palestinians from the northern region. Despite repeated public objections from U.S. officials, who insist on safe passage for Palestinian civilians, Netanyahu remains resolute in his determination to proceed with the operation.

In a statement on Sunday, the White House said that Biden told Netanyahu in a phone call that he believes “a military operation in Rafah should not proceed without a credible and executable plan” for protecting and supporting the Palestinians sheltering there.

According to the White House, the bulk of their 45-minute conversation focused on a long-discussed but repeatedly delayed agreement between Israel and Hamas to free hostages being held in Gaza in exchange for a pause in military operations and the release of Palestinian prisoners. 

Earlier on Thursday, Biden took a notably sharper tone describing Israel’s military assault in Gaza as “over the top.”

Yet, people familiar with Biden’s private comments asserted that he has told them he believes it would be counterproductive for him to be too harsh on Netanyahu publicly. 

Shah Rukh Khan denies claims by Subramanian Swamy that he facilitated the release of Navy veterans from Qatar, credits Indian govt

OpIndia Staff
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Shah Rukh Khan denies claims by Subramanian Swamy that he facilitated the release of Navy veterans from Qatar, credits Indian govt

A day after the release of 8 Indian Navy veterans from Qatari prison, Subramanian Swamy claimed on Tuesday (13th February) that the safe return of the ex-personnel to India was facilitated by actor Shah Rukh Khan and not the Modi government.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi informed that he would be on a 2-day visit to Qatar and UAE. “Over the next two days, I will be visiting UAE and Qatar to attend various programmes, which will deepen India’s bilateral relations with these nations. My visit to UAE will be my seventh since assuming office, indicating the priority we attach to strong India-UAE friendship,” he tweeted.

“I am eager to meet my brother, HH Mohamed Bin Zayed. I will have the honour of inaugurating the first Hindu Mandir in UAE. I will also address the Indian Community at a community programme in Abu Dhabi. I will also speak at the @WorldGovSummit and meet HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in Dubai. I look forward to meeting HH Tamim Bin Hamad, under whose leadership Qatar is witnessing immense growth,” he added.

Screengrab of the tweet by Subramanian Swamy

Veteran politician Subramanian Swamy descended onto the timeline of the Indian Prime Minister and alleged that he and the National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval failed to secure the release of the 8 retired Indian Navy personnel.

Swamy, who is notorious for peddling fake news, claimed that the Qatari government released the veterans at the request of actor Shah Rukh Khan.

“Modi should take cinema star Sharuk Khan (sic) to Qatar with him since after MEA and NSA had failed to persuade the Shiekhs of Qatar, Modi pleaded with Khan to intervene , and thus got an expensive settlement from the Qatar Shiekhs to free our Naval officers,” he brazened out.

This is however not the first time that Subramanian Swamy made such outrageous claims to hog the spotlight. He had earlier claimed that PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were conspiring to ‘assassinate’ him. Frustrated for not being made the Finance Minister of India, Swamy had heaped praise on the likes of Mamata Banerjee.

SRK rubbishes claims by Subramanian Swamy

On Tuesday (13th February) evening, the Office of Shah Rukh Khan dismissed the sweeping claims by Subramanian Swamy.

The statement read,

“Regarding the reports concerning Shah Rukh Khan’s purported role in the release of India’s naval officers from Qatar, the office of Mr. Shah Rukh Khan says that any such assertions of his involvement are unfounded, emphasizing the execution of this successful resolution solely rests with the Indian government officials and unequivocally denies Mr. Khan’s participation in this matter. Additionally, all matters involving diplomacy and statecraft are best executed by our very able leaders. Mr. Khan like many other Indians is happy that the naval officers are home safe and wishes them all the best.“

Indian Navy personnel thank PM Modi for intervention

On 12th February, eight Indian Navy veterans who were given the death penalty in Qatar four months ago were finally released from captivity. Ministry of External Affairs thanked the Amir of the State of Qatar for enabling the release and home-coming of the Indian nationals.

Seven of the eight Indian Navy veterans have returned to India. Notably, they were sentenced to death on the accusations of espionage. The release has been possible only because of the diplomatic efforts made by the Indian government and the personal intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself. The government of India also provided legal assistance to them as required.

Speaking to ANI, the Navy veterans lauded PM Modi for raising the matter with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. They attributed their release to relentless diplomatic efforts at his behest.

One Navy veteran said, “I feel relieved and delighted to be back home safe and sound finally. I wish to thank Prime Minister Modi as this wouldn’t have been possible had it not been for his personal intervention to secure our release. I also wish to express my gratitude to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar.”

Another veteran added, “Without the intervention of PM Modi, we would not have walked free. We wouldn’t be standing before you today had it not been for his untiring efforts and interventions at the highest levels to get us freedom.”

‘They checked IDs and asked our names to single out Hindus’: Journalists who were attacked by Islamists during Haldwani violence speak to OpIndia

राहुल पाण्डेय
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‘They checked IDs and asked our names to single out Hindus’: Journalists who were attacked by Islamists during Haldwani violence speak to OpIndia

The vicious attack unleashed by Islamists on civic authorities and police personnel in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, over the demolition of a so-called madrasa constructed illegally on government land on February 8, was anything but a random attack. In our previous ground reports, we have established how the attacks were pre-planned, with the rioters carrying illegal weapons, gasoline, bricks and stones, among other things.

The OpIndia team, which has been relentlessly reporting from the ground, had learned that in addition to ordinary people and police personnel, the Islamist mob had targeted journalists who had previously published stories in their favour. We also learnt that the Islamist mob singled out and violently attacked the Hindu journalists who were present there.

Sanjay, a journalist with the ‘Amrit Vichar’ newspaper is one such Hindu journalist who was specifically targeted for his religious identity on that day. OpIndia met with the injured journalist to learn about the events that unfolded on Thursday (8th February 2024). 

Sanjay had just been admitted to the Brijlal Hospital when we met him and was undergoing treatment. He was primarily injured while reporting from the ground. He had suffered a fractured hand and an injury on the head with a sharp object. Sanjay told OpIndia that he could still clearly recall the horrific incident when the Islamist mob launched a vicious attack on the administration team that had reached Banbhoolpura in Nainital’s Haldwani to demolish an illegal mosque and madrasa.

He said that as soon as the illegal mosque was demolished, stones began to fall from the roofs. Police fired tear gas shells to stop the frenzied mob, but it had no effect. Around one and a half hours later when it became dark, the throng showed up again and started resorting to arson. All the exit routes were blocked and the mob started pelting stones from all directions. Amidst the chaos, the police officials tried to evacuate their senior officers from the site, however, by that time, the mob had set many police vehicles on fire. It was extremely hard for anyone to escape or find refuge because of how fiercely the stones were being thrown. There was total commotion as the police were also running helter-skelter trying to find shelter to save their own lives.

Narrating his ordeal, Sanjay said, “Amidst this chaotic situation, some mobsters caught hold of us and started beating us. They snatched our watches, phones and cameras and broke them. Our car was set ablaze. We were attacked with stones and sticks. We never thought we would come out alive from there. This is like getting a second life.”

It is evident from the video below that the journalist has fractured his hand. Additionally, he took a severe weapon blow to the back of his skull. His injuries are so severe that he will take a lot of time to recover. Standing next to her injured husband, Sanjay’s wife cries as she ponders how to break the news to her in-laws and kids about her husband’s condition. She worries that it would not be prudent to inform her mother-in-law about Sanjay’s health because she recently had heart surgery. She asserts that all she wants right now is for her husband to get better and return home.

The Islamist mob checked the IDs to specifically target Hindu journalist

Meanwhile, the OpIndia journalist met another journalist named Atul Aggarwal, who was working for a local media house called Uttarakhand 24. Ironically, Atul Aggarwal was amongst those journalists who had stood with the Muslim community of Banbhoolpura last year when the court ordered the removal of encroachments. Atul Aggarwal had then published stories in favour of these encroachers and now he had only been attacked by these people. Atul now expressed regret, saying that his view regarding these people had changed after this incident.

The journalist revealed how the attackers selectively singled out Hindus among journalists and conspired to kill them. “They looked at the IDs and asked for the journalists’ names before they attacked.” You can visit different hospitals in Bhabalpoora to confirm this for yourself. There were also a lot of journalists from the other community there, but they didn’t suffer a single scratch.”

Recalling the horrific incident Atul said, “Even thinking about what unfolded on that day makes my soul tremble. We must have done some good things in our lives or it is because of the mercy of our God that we were able to return alive from there. They had an issue with the administration. I am wondering why then the Hindu journalists were singled out and attacked, ” the Hindu journalist bemoaned.

Further displaying a completely damaged helmet Atul said, “If I had not been wearing this helmet today, my head would have been completely smashed. The attack was so vicious. Stone pelting was going on continuously. They just wanted to kill us,” he said, wondering why the journalists, who went there to report the incident merely were attacked so viciously, especially by those for whom they had reported positive news last year.

Atul said, “When the court ordered that the encroachment be removed last year, I was standing behind them, wondering where these folks would go if they were rendered homeless. Why did they not come out to stand with us when we were standing with them?” he queried.

“For all these years, we had just heard about such incidents but never experienced it. If they can attack media, which is known as the fourth pillar of a democracy, like this, then what can you expect from such people? They had an issue with the administration, so why were we targeted? Atul asked.

Atul Aggarwal chastised media outlets like The Wire, who are busy whitewashing the violence perpetrated by the Islamist mob in Haldwani, Uttarakhand on February 8. Atul said, “It’s very easy for them (The Wire) to sit in their offices and give a clean chit to the murderous rioters. Had they been reporting from the ground they could have gaged the innocence of these rioters. Ask us what the situation was. They are sitting in Delhi and publishing stories in favour of these mobsters. Come and stand with us and report from the ground. Is this how innocent people are? Do they operate in this manner? I have three children. If something happened to me, who would take care of my family? We had never imagined that we would witness something as horrific as this. We have always embraced the principles of brotherhood and given them respect, but this will not be followed henceforth.

Rioters selectively targeted media and police personnel

Before this, OpIndia had spoken to several other journalists who were attacked by the Islamist mob on 8th February, when the administration team had reached Banbhoolpura in Nainital’s Haldwani to demolish an illegal mosque and madrasa. The journalists told OpIndia that the attackers selectively singled out Hindus among journalists, Municipal Corporation officials and police personnel, and a conspiracy was hatched to kill them. Stones were thrown at them, and petrol bombs were launched. Mukesh Singh, one of the journalists who was attacked, revealed that the Islamist mob was targeting journalists after asking their names, and those with Muslim names were being spared and not subjected to violence. 

Farmers protest: Police deploys tear gas at Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border to control the situation

ANI
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Farmers protest: Police deploys tear gas at Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border to control the situation

As farmers in large numbers marched towards the national capital on Tuesday, the police fired tear gas on the protestors at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu Border.

The police have deployed concrete slabs, iron nails, barricades, barbed wires, and police and paramilitary personnel at Kurukshetra in Haryana in view of the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march by the farmers.

“11 companies deployed here. We are ensuring that there is no law and order situation here and citizens do not face any trouble in commuting. As of now, there is no march towards the Tikri border (with Delhi), but the situation is dynamic and we are monitoring it using various sources”: SP Jhajjar Arpit Jain said.

To ensure law and order, Delhi police have already enforced Section 144, restricting entry of tractor trolleys and large assemblies.

DCP Dwarka Ankit Singh said, “Secc 144 CrPC is imposed in the city, tractor trolleys are not allowed in the city. Social media monitoring has also been done. Drone is an effective tool for security monitoring, we will use it.”

Meanwhile, the Delhi-Noida-Delhi (DND) road witnessed heavy vehicular traffic from Noida towards Delhi following multi-layered barricading at the borders to restrict the protesting farmers from entering the national capital.

Earlier in the day, Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee General Secretary Sarwan Singh Pandher said that all efforts were made in the meeting to find a solution to avoid a confrontation with the government adding that they anticipated a positive result.

Union Minister Arjun Munda, in response to the farmers’ ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, emphasized the necessity of time and deliberation to address the concerns raised by the farming community. “We care about the interests of the farmers. It is not our concern if someone is doing politics over this issue. We have always been ready for talks and discussions and we are ready to do everything possible to find a solution to this issue.”

Arjun Munda is among the team of ministers holding talks with the farmer leaders that also includes Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal, MoS Nityanand Rai and Punjab Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal.

The farmers have put forth 12 demands before the central government for which they’re marching to Delhi. The protest this time has been called by Sanyukt Kisan Morcha and Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee led by farmer union leaders Jagjeet Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher.

According to the protesting farmers, the centre promised them better crop prices after which they ended the 2021 protest.

They are demanding to enact a law guaranteeing a minimum support price (MSP) for all crops, as recommended by the Swaminathan Commission report.

They are also demanding a complete debt waiver and a scheme to provide pensions to farmers and farm labourers. The farmers have also urged to scrap the Electricity Amendment Bill 2020 and are demanding to reintroduce the Land Acquisition Act of 2013, ensuring consent from farmers and compensation at 4 times the collector rate.

Further, they are demanding to punish those involved in the Lakhimpur Kheri killings.

An appeal to provide 200 days of employment per year and a daily wage of Rs 700 under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MGNREGA) linking it with farming has also been made by the farmers.

Also, a demand to provide compensation to the families of farmers who died during the protests in 2021 and a job for any family member has been put in place.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Karnataka: Government approves funding for construction of compound walls around Waqf properties, BJP leaders protest

OpIndia Staff
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Karnataka: Government approves funding for construction of compound walls around Waqf properties, BJP leaders protest

On 7th February, the Congress-led Karnataka State Government approved funding for the construction of compound walls around ‘waqf properties’ in the state. Reports suggest that the state government has sanctioned a total of Rs 31.84 crore for 416 properties. While the state government claims in its circular that it is being done for the safeguard of ‘waqf properties’, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders have criticized the step.

Reportedly, there were complaints of encroachments, unauthorized occupations and disputes regarding waqf properties, after which the Congress-led government decided to release funds to construct walls around such properties, including eidgahs and graveyards.

In the notice, the Undersecretary of Minority Welfare and Waqf Department, Karnataka, stated the state government has formulated several regulations to protect these properties.

BJP leaders criticized funding for waqf properties

BJP MLA Basanagouda R Patil shared a copy of the circular issued by the government called for its immediate re-evaluation. In a post in Kannada on X, he said, “Instead of helping the drought-stricken farmers, the state government is on the verge of building a compound to protect the waqf properties. This will show what the government’s priorities are. What is the rush to protect waqf property when the state faces difficulties? What else is this but appeasement politics?”

In a follow-up post, he said, “Grants given for preservation of waqf property should be withdrawn immediately. Let this money be given to the farmers and used to fix the minimum support for the crops grown by the farmers. Let this money be used for the repair of dilapidated school buildings.”

Source: X

The Congress-led government formed a Christian development board

This is not the first time the Congress-led Karnataka government has funded a community-specific project. In July 2023, soon after Congress formed the government in the state, they set aside Rs 100 crores for the establishment of Karnataka State Christian Development Corporation.

The corporation’s formation was announced by former Karnataka CM H D Kumaraswamy and Rs 200 crore was earmarked. Kumaraswamy, a JD(S) leader, had formed a government with Congress in the 2018 elections, but later, the government lost the majority in the House, and BJP formed a government in the state. Then, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa dropped the formation of the corporation.

UP: Man pretends to be IRS officer on matrimonial website, dupes a woman DSP into marrying him, arrested

OpIndia Staff
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UP: Man pretends to be IRS officer on matrimonial website, dupes a woman DSP into marrying him, arrested

A woman who is a deputy SP of the Uttar Pradesh Police has lodged a complaint in Ghaziabad, accusing her ex-husband of marrying her while posing as a fake IRS officer and duping her for lakhs of rupees. The offender has been apprehended and jailed by the Ghaziabad police.

Shrestha Thakur, a 2012-batch IPS officer, married Rohit Raj, whom she met on a matrimonial website in 2018.

Shrestha Thakur, also known as ‘Lady Singham’ for her sharp policing skills, was led to believe that Rohit Raj was an IRS officer from the 2008 batch stationed in Ranchi as Deputy Commissioner. She then married him. But then, the plot took a twist.

Following a series of family inquiries, it was discovered that Rohit Raj was an IRS officer. However, following the marriage, Shrestha Thakur discovered that her husband was not the IRS official he claimed to be.

Understanding the magnitude of the situation, the lady DSP opted to swallow the bitter pill to keep her marriage intact. However, she eventually discovered that her “husband” had begun duping others in her name.

“Rohit Raj Singh had described himself as a 2008 batch IRS officer, Deputy Commissioner and posted in Ranchi…Despite knowing the truth, the applicant did not spoil the marital relationship and fulfilled all the financial demands of Rohit and his family in 2018 took a loan against my own salary and transferred the money to Rohit’s father’s account,” read the complaint of Thakur.

She further said, “Even after supporting Rohit completely, there was no change in his behavior and he continued to collect huge amounts of money from many people by misleading and cheating them using my police post and name. After talking to Rohit and his family on this issue, Rohit and his family started harassing me. I was beaten up by Rohit Raj Singh and my child was threatened with death.”

The official said that Rohit, his father, and his brother fraudulently deposited Rs 15 lakh to their account by faking signatures and using ATM cards, adding that she had saved this money to buy land in Lucknow.

“Fed up with all these things, I got divorced from Rohit Raj Singh three years ago. But to misuse my name, after Ranchi and Bihar, he had made his new base in Kaushambi in Ghaziabad. He started cheating people and told all my staff that he was posted as Commissioner of Income Tax, Delhi. He also got married again two years ago. He has created a fake Facebook ID by misusing the photo of my small child…,” she said.

The police subsequently arrested the accused and has initiated an investigation into the case.

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