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ED names Robert Vadra for the first time in PMLA case: How Rahul Gandhi too features in a web of dubious land deals with CC Thampi, Sanjay Bhandari

Nupur J Sharma
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ED names Robert Vadra for the first time in PMLA case: How Rahul Gandhi too features in a web of dubious land deals with CC Thampi, Sanjay Bhandari

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in its supplementary chargesheet has finally established a direct connection between the Gandhi son-in-law Robert Vadra, CC Thampi and arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. The ED on the 22nd of December told the Special Court that CC Thampi, who worked for the absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, is a close aide of Robert Vadra – the husband of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The link has been established by the ED in the supplementary chargesheet filed against CC Thampi and Sumit Chadha (said to be the brother-in-law of Sanjay Bhandari) in a money laundering case. This is the first time that ED has named Vadra in their chargesheet.

The ED chargesheet said, “The investigation revealed that CC Thampi is a close associate of Robert Vadra. Vadra, who not only renovated the property at 12 Bryanston Square, London, through Sumit Chadha but also stayed in the same. Further, Vadra as well as CC Thampi, purchased a huge chunk of land at Faridabad and had financial transactions with each other”.

The special court took cognizance of the chargesheet on the 22nd of December 2023, the ED press release said.

ED initiated the investigation based on searches as well as a Prosecution Complaint filed by the Income Tax Department under section 51 of Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015. ED investigation revealed that Sanjay Bhandari held various undisclosed foreign income and assets including properties at no. 12 Bryanston Square, London and 6 Grosvenor Hill Court, London. These assets are Proceeds of Crime as per the provisions of PMLA, 2002. CC Thampi and Sumit Chadha are involved in the concealment and use of these Proceeds of Crime.  

The prosecution complaint against arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari was filed on 1st June 2020, his 3 offshore entities, Sanjeev Kapoor and Anirudh Wadhwa. After due process, Sanjay Bhandari was declared a proclaimed offender and the UK had ordered his extradition to India. Sanjay Bhandari has challenged the extradition order. Following the investigation, properties worth Rs. 26.55 crores belonging to Sanjay Bhandari were attached by Indian authorities.

CC Thampi was arrested in 2020 and is currently out on bail. In February 2019, Robert Vadra was grilled for over 5 hours for his alleged links to CC Thampi. The Enforcement Directorate suspects kickbacks for a petroleum deal in 2009 were routed through the Sharjah-based company, allegedly controlled by a UAE-based NRI businessman, CC Thampi. Vadra was also questioned about owning Benami property in London along with CC Thampi and Sanjay Bhandari. Thampi has a company in UAE called Sky Light and in India, Skylight Hospitality Private Limited is allegedly linked to Vadra and is under the ED scanner for suspect land deals in Bikaner, Rajasthan. ED had served him a show-cause notice last year for violation of laws in the acquisition of agricultural and other lands in and around Delhi-NCR in deals amounting to over Rs 288 crore.

The Rahul Gandhi connection that OpIndia had revealed in 2019

So far, the connection has only been established between Sanjay Bhandari and Robert Vadra. However, in 2019, OpIndia had unearthed papers that liked Rahul Gandhi himself to Sanjay Bhandari through a string of dubious land deals involving HL Pahwa and CC Thampi – who the ED has now acknowledged is a close aide of Robert Vadra.

These papers related to the ED search conducted on one H L Pahwa on 3rd May 2017 and 4th May 2017. The land dealings are between Rahul Gandhi and H L Pahwa who was funded by C C Thampi – CC Thampi was known to be a close aide of Robert Vadra, and now, the ED has mentioned in their chargesheet that he was also a close aide of Robert Vadra.

According to the files seized by the Enforcement Directorate from HL Pahwa, Rahul Gandhi had purchased 6.5 acres of land located at Hassanpur, Palwal vide registration deed 4780 dated 3rd March 2008 from HL Pahwa for a measly Rs. 26,47,000. The land was purchased by making a cheque payment of Rs. 24,00,000 dated 12th January 2008 and Rs. 2,47,000 dated 17th March 2008.

But, File C page 57 of the seized ED files reveals that the stamp duty on this transaction was paid in cash and was not withdrawn by Pahwa. It thus becomes obvious that it was the buyer, in this case, Rahul Gandhi who paid the stamp duty.

Another revelation in the file (Page 60 of File C) is that Pahwa wanted to sell the land at Rs. 33,22,003 but agreed to sell only at Rs. 26,47,000 to Rahul Gandhi.

In the 2019 story, OpIndia revealed how not only Rahul Gandhi, but Robert Vadra and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had also purchased land from HL Pahwa. A sale deed dated 3 March 2008, shows nine acres of land in Hasanpur village in Haryana’s Palwal district was sold by Gurgaon resident H L Pahwa to Robert Vadra for Rs 36.9 lakh. Also, a sale deed from Rajasthan’s Bikaner district shows 4.63 acres of land in Basti village in Ganganagar tehsil was sold for Rs 8.5 lakh in April 2009, by 42-year-old Sarita Devi Bothra to Real Earth Estate Private Limited, a company based in New Delhi. The company’s director is Robert Vadra.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra too had purchased land from HL Pahwa. OpIndia had earlier reported how Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had purchased land and sold it back for an inflated price, 4 years later to the same person. That person was also HL Pahwa. On 28th April 2006, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had purchased land by paying Rs. 15,00,000 in 2 cheques from HL Pahwa, and then, on 17th February 2010, sold it back to HL Pahwa for Rs. 84,15,006 via several cheques.

Here the link between HL Pahwa and CC Thampi emerges.

When Priyanka Gandhi Vadra sold the land back to HL Pahwa for an inflated price, Pahwa paid Gandhi back in 5 instalments between 22nd May 2009 and 11th September 2009. The reason cited for the instalment payment was ‘non-availability of funds’.

The ED files at the time had revealed that HL Pahwa had received Rs. 54,00,00,000 (Rs 54 crores) from CC Thampi. 

The facts that emerge are these:

1. Rahul Gandhi purchased land from HL Pahwa at allegedly, a reduced price.

2. The land was also purchased from HL Pahwa by Robert Vadra and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. In several cases, the land was bought back by HL Pahwa at an inflated price even though his cash balance was negative.

3. To make good on the purchase, HL Pahwa took money from CC Thampi

4. CC Thampi and Sanjay Bhandari are close friends. As demonstrated, they had several financial transactions amongst themselves.

5. ED chargesheet now confirms that CC Thampi worked for Sanjay Bhandari and was also a close aide of Robert Vadra.

6.  Sanjay Bhandari is an arms dealer and close friend of Robert Vadra. He had received kickbacks in Defence deal and in Petroleum deal.

7. It is through this kickback that Sanjay Bhandari purchased benami properties from Robert Vadra, even paid for the renovation.

It is pertinent to note here that Sanjay Bhandari is an armed dealer. From 2012 to 2015, Sanjay Bhandari was lobbying to become the offset partner in the Rafale deal and Dassault refused to indulge him. The file related to the purchase of 126 Rafale jets had gone missing from the defence ministry and it was later found on the road. It is alleged that Bhandari had stolen the file. It is alleged that Bhandari used to photocopy crucial files and passed on to defence contractors that he had links with. Later, Arun Jaitley had alleged that while Rafale was being finalised during the Congress government, there were backroom talks about the Eurofighter. The questions deepened after rumours that Rahul Gandhi had met Eurofighter representatives in Germany.

Now that the ED has confirmed the close links between CC Thampi, Robert Vadra and arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, the dubious land deals that connect Rahul Gandhi to Sanjay Bhandari through his dubious land deals via HL Pahwa and CC Thampi gain far more significance.

The exclusive 2019 article establishing links between Rahul Gandhi and Sanjay Bhandari can be read here.

‘High degree of trust, India-Russia relations the only constant in global politics’: Dr. Jaishankar in Moscow

ANI
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‘High degree of trust, India-Russia relations the only constant in global politics’: Dr. Jaishankar in Moscow

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that while there have been ups and downs in relationships between all countries, the only constant in global politics has been the ties between India and Russia.

He also emphasised that in the fields of defence, space and nuclear energy, countries only cooperate with those with whom they have a “high degree” of trust.

The EAM was interacting with the Indian community at an event in Moscow on Tuesday.

Addressing the event, Jaishankar said, “Relationship between India and Russia, in many ways is exceptional…if one looks at last 60, 70, 80 years of politics among the major countries. They have had their relationships, but all these relationships have their ups and downs…Russia and China, Russia and USA, Russia and Europe, India and China, India and USA. You would see over time, there are good periods, there are difficulties, stresses and very good memories and great achievements”.

He also confirmed that he will be holding a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday during his 4-day visit to the country.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Jaishankar said that during his interaction, he urged the Indian community to contribute in deepening the mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

“Interacted with the Indian community in Moscow. Appreciated their contribution to building a strong and steady collaboration between India and Russia. The Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership reflects experiences and sentiments of last 75 years. Urged the community to contribute to deepening of mutually beneficial cooperation. Their role in promoting close ties between our civil societies is invaluable. An #AtmanirbharBharat will deepen ties with Russia in a multipolar world,” Jaishankar posted on X.

During his address, the EAM further noted that over the last 70-80 years, both India and Russia have transformed a lot and a lot has also changed in world politics, but the relationship between New Delhi and Moscow has remained constant.

“To me, what is exceptional about India-Russia relationships. From the early 50s, for 70-80 odd years. There have been big changes in this period. The Soviet Union became the Russian Federation, big changes have happened in world politics, Russia has transformed, and India has grown. But, if there is one constant in world politics, it has actually been the relationship between India and Russia,” he said.

Jaishankar said that the cooperation between India and Russia in various fields also shows the quality of the relationship between the two countries.

“Russia is a special partner in a few areas – defence, nuclear energy..Today, in my presence and that of Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, we signed some important agreements pertaining to future units of the Kudankulam Nuclear Project. Typically, defence, nuclear and space, are collaborations you only do with countries with whom you have a high degree of trust. So, it’s not just we do the cooperation is reflective of the quality of the relationship,” he added.

The EAM acknowledged that India got a “very strong cooperation from Russia during its G20 presidency and affirmed New Delhi’s commitment to support Moscow’s presidency of BRICS grouping next year.

Jaishankar arrived in Russia on Monday for his four-day visit and said that he looked forward to his engagements.

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

Delhi: Blast near Israeli embassy being treated as a possible ‘terror attack’, letter with the words ‘Allah-Hu-Akbar’ & ‘Jihad’ recovered

OpIndia Staff
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Delhi: Blast near Israeli embassy being treated as a possible ‘terror attack’, letter with the words ‘Allah-Hu-Akbar’ & ‘Jihad’ recovered

Israel’s National Security Council (NSC) is reportedly treating the incident of blast near the Israel embassy in Delhi as “likely a terror attack”. The NSC has issued advisory for India, particularly Delhi, asking citizens to practice caution and avoid crowded places.

On 26th December (Tuesday), a blast was reported near the Israeli embassy in the national capital. As per reports, at around 5:47 PM, the fire brigade had received a call about a blast behind the Israeli embassy building.

A letter has now reportedly been recovered a few metres away from the embassy at an empty plot of land. It is addressed to the Israeli ambassador and mentions hateful content against Israel over the ongoing war against Hamas.

The letter also reportedly mentions Islamist words ‘Allah-Hu-Akbar’ and ‘Jihad’. The letter that was placed in an envelope says “Jihad will continue”.

The letter has been sent to the forensic lab for fingerprint testing. A police source has said that the letter is written in English. “This is a one page letter written in English language. It is suspected that it is linked to an organisation,” the police source reportedly said.

The letter reportedly criticised Israel’s retaliation to Hamas in Gaza and also mentioned for revenge.

The letter was found wrapped in an Israeli flag. Security has been increased at the Chabad House in central Delhi’s Paharganj area. A security cordon has been created around the Jewish community centre.

Israel was attacked on 7th October by Palestinian terrorist group Hamas butchering at least 1,300 civilians and kidnapping over 200 to Gaza. Israel has since vowed to destroy the Hamas terror infrastructure in Gaza. Islamists around the world including in India have been making a hue and cry about human rights violation with many Jews subjected to anti-semitic violence.

Two days after Sports Ministry suspended activities of Wrestling Federation of India, Vinesh Phogat announces return of Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award

OpIndia Staff
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Two days after Sports Ministry suspended activities of Wrestling Federation of India, Vinesh Phogat announces return of Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award

On 26th December (Tuesday), wrestler Vinesh Phogat took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce that she will be returning her Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award as a mark of protest against Former WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, whom rebel wrestlers have accused of sexual harassment. 

The post from Vinesh Phogat read, “I am returning my Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and Arjun Award. Many thanks to the ‘powerful’ person who brought us to this condition.”

In her post, Phogat also shared a letter written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take action against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh whom she alleged of making statements in the media. Notably, legal cases against Brij Bhushan Singh are already ongoing.

In her letter, Phogat mentioned the decisions of other wrestlers like Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia. On the day when elections for the newly-elected Wrestling body concluded and Sanjay Singh was elected as its President, Sakshi Malik held a press conference. Unhappy with the election of Brij Bhushan Singh’s loyalist Sanjay Singh as WFI Chief, Malik announced her retirement from the sport. 

Meanwhile, a day later, Bajrang Punia announced that he was returning his Padma Shri award to Prime Minister Narendra Modi which was awarded to him in 2019.

Vinesh Phogat’s announcement to return her awards comes days after the Sports Ministry suspended all the activities of the newly-elected Wrestling Federation of India body till further notice. The Ministry took action against the sporting body stating that it announced junior national championships with “complete disregard for the existing rules and regulations”.

The ministry also reportedly said, “The newly elected body appears to be in complete control of former office bearers, disregarding the Sports Code.”

Following the decision, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports wrote to the Indian Olympic Association to form an ad hoc committee to replace the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).

Meanwhile, former WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh distanced himself from the ongoing developments related to the WFI including its suspension asserting that he had retired from wrestling administration. He noted that the Sanjay Singh-led WFI body will deal with the proceedings in the near future.

Pakistan: In a historic first, Hindu woman Dr Saveera Parkash files a nomination for general elections from Buner in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

OpIndia Staff
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Pakistan: In a historic first, Hindu woman Dr Saveera Parkash files a nomination for general elections from Buner in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

In a first for the Hindu community in Pakistan’s Buner district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Dr. Saveera Parkash has submitted her nomination papers for a general seat in the country’s upcoming general elections. Prakash filed for nomination on 23rd December.

Saveera Parkash hopes to run for office on the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) ticket. Her father, retired doctor Oam Parkash, had been an active member of the party for the past 35 years.

Parkash was the first woman from Buner to file nomination papers for the upcoming general seat elections, according to Saleem Khan, a local politician affiliated with the Qaumi Watan Party. Saveera Parkash, a 2022 graduate of Abbottabad International Medical College, is the general secretary of the PPP women’s wing in Buner.

Parkash stated that she wished to follow in her father’s footsteps by working for the poor in the area.

She emphasised her commitment to working for the region’s women’s well-being, ensuring a safe environment, and advocating for their rights. “Women,” Saveera Prakash asserts, “have been oppressed and overlooked, particularly in the field of development.”

Concerning her party’s endorsement for candidature, Prakash expressed optimism, citing “senior leadership” approaching her father to allow her to run for the general seat. She claimed that her desire to “serve humanity” was innate, shaped by firsthand experiences of mismanagement and helplessness in government hospitals during her career as a doctor.

Imran Noshad Khan, a Buner-based social media influencer, expressed his unequivocal support for the candidate, regardless of her political affiliation. He emphasised that Saveera Prakash was challenging traditional patriarchal stereotypes and noted the importance of acknowledging that it had taken 55 years since Buner merged with Pakistan for a woman to step forward and contest elections.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has recently amended its rules to require the inclusion of 5% of women candidates in general elections. On 8th February 2024, general elections will be held in Pakistan to elect members of the 16th National Assembly. The Election Commission of Pakistan released the detailed schedule on 15th December. The Pakistan Muslim League (N), led by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), led by former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, are the two major parties contesting for the elections. 

Pennies for power: The curious case of Congress’ crowdfunding conundrum

Anurag
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Pennies for power: The curious case of Congress’ crowdfunding conundrum

The arena of Indian politics is full of vibrant experiences. One such experience emerged in the form of the Congress Party’s recent “Donate for Desh” campaign. In the peculiar episode of the crowdfunding gaffe, the Congress Party has entered into a paradox of “groundbreaking success”. The initiative was started to raise funds for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. After one week of the “grand campaign” by the grand old party, the treasury of Congress got a modest Rs 5.45 crores from an “unexpectedly” large group of over two lakh donors. It is unusual for Congress to work so hard to get so little money from donations. Though not intended to be comical, the scenario presented an intriguing narrative of contrasts and expectations in the world of political finance.

We must acknowledge that “large” donations came from Congress leaders themselves. For example, Congress’s ‘Shehzada’ Rahul Gandhi donated Rs 1.38 lakh for the campaign. Similarly, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Sachin Pilot, Congress Chairperson Social Media & Digital Platforms Supriya Shrinate, Arvinder Loverly, Jairam Ramesh, and others donated a similar amount. Now, as we applaud them for donating such large amounts while forgetting that Kharge categorically said “Ek mahine ki salary gai” on the campaign launch, it brings us to a more complex story.

It is evident that Congress leaders made notable donations. The collected sum in the campaign clocked at Rs 5.45 crore on 25th December from over two lakh donors. If we calculate the average, it comes to be approximately Rs 272 per donor. Keeping in mind the amount donated by leaders and other large donors, it can be assumed that the donors could not even spend Rs 250 per head for their favourite political party.

The two lakh individuals that the party is boasting to be under by political ideology collectively contributed less than the cost of a mid-range meal in most Indian cities. Remember, it is not just a fundraising drive. It reflects the current state of the grand old political party that ruled the country for decades.

It is also notable to mention that the Congress party had been lousy with the ‘Donate for Desh’ campaign right from the start. The party launched the campaign for crowdsourcing without booking a domain name for the same, laying themselves open to ridicule, especially after BJP and OpIndia booked domain names for ‘Donate for Desh’ and directed users to their respective donation pages.

The curious fundraising episode of the Congress party is not just about the money. It showcased the challenges the Congress party faces ahead of the Lok Sabha election. It is a narrative less about the quantum of funds raised and more about what people expect from the party, even if it projects to be the biggest challenge for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term as the country’s leader. As we progress towards the elections, the minuscule collection will give nightmares to the Congress Party when it sits with the other stakeholders in the I.N.D.I Alliance for seat distribution. We can just hope this time, there will be samosas in all-party meetings of the Alliance. Till then, visit donatefordesh.com to donate to the right people!

Tigeress resting on a wall in UP’s Pilibhit creates a frenzy, draws massive crowds to catch a glimpse of the big cat

OpIndia Staff
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Tigeress resting on a wall in UP’s Pilibhit creates a frenzy, draws massive crowds to catch a glimpse of the big cat

On 26th December, the forest department rescued a distressed tigress who climbed on a wall of a Gurdwara in Athkona village in district Pilibhit of Uttar Pradesh. The adult tigress came out of the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve forest. A video of her sitting on the wall while hundreds of villagers watched her from a distance went viral on social media.

Several netizens expressed their worry for the tigress as there was a large crowd around watching it.

While others said the tigress appeared sick.

As per reports, the tigress was either injured or sick. She climbed the wall and sat there till the time forest department officials came and rescued her. She was distressed as she remained calm and did not react to the crowd standing at a distance.

The front department was informed about the tigress on the morning of 26th December. The officials rushed to the village and cornered off the area using a net before the rescue operation began to ensure the safety of the tigress and the villagers. After reaching the village, the officials took around ten hours to rescue the tigress. The tiger reserve’s veterinarian, Daksh Gangwar, checked her health. It is unclear if the tigress will be taken in for recovery by the forest department or if it will be released in the forest immediately and kept under observation till it recovers.

Blast reported near Israeli Embassy in New Delhi: Delhi Police Special Cell investigates after Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirms the blast

OpIndia Staff
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Blast reported near Israeli Embassy in New Delhi: Delhi Police Special Cell investigates after Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirms the blast

On 26th December (Tuesday), a blast was reported near the Israeli embassy in New Delhi. As per reports, at around 5:47 PM, the fire brigade had received a call about a blast outside the Israeli embassy. The caller, an unknown person, said there was a blast behind the embassy building.

Delhi Police Crime Unit team and forensics team have reached the Israel Embassy to conduct a probe after a call was received about a blast on 26th December evening, as reported by News agency ANI. 

Police said teams of the district staff, Special Cell, and the Delhi Fire Services were sent to the spot.

The security forces are conducting a search operation near the spot where the reported blast took place, however, so far they haven’t been able to find anything, as per initial reports. 

The fire Brigade official said, “No further information about the blast has been received yet. Currently, fire and other security agencies are investigating the incident.”

However, the spokesperson of Israel’s foreign ministry has confirmed the reports of the blast. It said, “Yes, there was an incident here. Not sure what it is exactly yet. The police and our security team are still investigating.”

A senior police officer stated that nothing suspicious, or signs of any fire/blast have been found yet. Atul Garg, DFS Chief, said, “Nothing has been found yet. Our teams are checking.” 

Police officials added that they are trying to trace the caller. A police officer said that it is suspected that the call was either a hoax or someone was overcautious about a minor incident.

Earlier on 29th January 2021, a minor IED blast of “very low intensity” took place near the Israel embassy on Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road on the day India and Israel marked the 29th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. No one was injured in the blast but some vehicles were damaged.

The blast occurred while the Beating the Retreat ceremony was underway at the erstwhile Rajpath. The probe was handed over to the NIA from Delhi Police within days of the incident.

Usman Khawaja, who got reprimanded by ICC for a pro-Palestine message, attacks Keshav Maharaj for the ‘Om’ sticker on his bat

OpIndia Staff
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Usman Khawaja, who got reprimanded by ICC for a pro-Palestine message, attacks Keshav Maharaj for the ‘Om’ sticker on his bat

On 25th December, Pakistan-born Australian opener Usman Khawaja made a sarcastic post on Instagram extending ‘Christmas wishes’. Using the hashtags “#inconsistent and #doublestandards”, Khawaja alleged a bias on the ICC’s part to penalise him while ‘sparing’ other cricketers. To buttress his case, he dragged South African spinner Keshav Mahara who belongs to the Hindu faith and has an ‘Om’ sticker on his bat; along with two other cricketers in his post.

The post had Kanye West’s ‘Can’t Tell Me Nothing’ song playing in the background and the caption read, “Merry Christmas everybody. Sometimes you just gotta laugh. Cya on Boxing Day! #inconsistent #doublestandards” 

In the post, he highlighted the ‘Om’ sticker on the bat of Keshav Maharaj. Additionally, it also includes his Australian teammate Marnus Labuschagne and West Indies batter Nicholas Pooran who have an eagle, bible verse on their bat, and ‘Cross’ stickers on their bats. 

Through the post, Khwaja tried to present an argument that either his “non-political” support to Palestinians should be allowed or ICC should use its ruling on “personal message” extensively to ban stickers like ‘Om’ on Keshav Maharaj’s bat and others, as alluded directly through the hashtags. 

Here it is important to note that Om is not banned under ICC regulations as its display is not in the furtherance of a political, religious, or racial cause. 

The Aussie opener also shared an ICC ruling that bars cricketers from displaying “Personal messages” on their clothing or equipment. 

Meanwhile, the ICC ruling which was also part of Khawaja’s post read, “Players and team officials shall not be permitted to wear, display or otherwise convey personal messages on their clothing, equipment or otherwise, irrespective of whether such messages are affixed to clothing, equipment or otherwise and whether such messages are displayed or conveyed through the use of the specific clothing or other items (eg. an armband) or by the use of words, symbol, graphic message, images or otherwise (‘personal messages’) unless approved in advance by both the player or team official’s board and the ICC Cricket Operations Department. Approval shall not be granted for messages which relate to political, religious or racial activities or causes.”

It further asserts that ICC will have the final say in determining whether such a message is approved. 

His Instagram post is being seen as a direct reference to the ICC’s action against him for making a political statement in support of Palestine. 

It is important to note that earlier this week Usman Khawaja was charged by the ICC for breaking regulations by wearing a black armband during the first Test against Pakistan at Perth without any prior approval. 

He wore the black armband on the field instead of writing and wearing the message “all lives are equal” and “freedom is a human right” as he originally intended to do to extend support to the Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. 

Though black armbands are regularly worn by players to mourn the deaths of former players, family members, or other significant individuals, they need permission from the national board and the ICC before they are worn.

An ICC spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo, “Usman Khawaja has been charged for breaching Clause F of the Clothing and Equipment Regulations.” 

Interestingly, he himself later clarified that the ICC action against him was due to a “personal bereavement“. He added that he would challenge the decision before revealing that he wouldn’t do the same in the MCG Test match.

(Image Source – ESPNCricinfo)

Earlier, he was prevented from wearing shoes that had “All Lives are equal” inscribed in the colours of the Palestinian flag to support the Palestinian cause. 

However, he defended his gesture in support of Palestine claiming that his move was not a political one. He said, “What I have written on my shoes is not political. I am not taking sides. Human life to me is equal. One Jewish life is equal to one Muslim life is equal to one Hindu life and so on. I am just speaking up for those who do not have a voice.”

‘Mr 420’ is now ‘Mr 316’: How sections for criminal offences have been changed in BNS as compared to IPC

OpIndia Staff
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‘Mr 420’ is now ‘Mr 316’: How sections for criminal offences have been changed in BNS as compared to IPC

On Monday (25th December), the President of India Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita bill, which was passed by both Houses of the Parliament.

With her approval, the bill has now become the law of the land and replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC). Several sections of the IPC, which were afresh in the public mind about certain offences, have been moved to different sections under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

One such offence is that of cheating, earlier punishable under Section 420 of the IPC. In fact, the particular offence was made popular by Raj Kapoor through his 1955 classic ‘Shree 420 (Mr 420)’.

As such, common people began identifying cheats with ‘420.’ Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, there is no Section 420. The offence of cheating has been moved to Section 316.

The crime of ‘murder’ which was earlier punishable under Section 302 of the IPC has been moved to Section 101 of BNS. Interestingly, Section 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita criminalises the offence of snatching.

Similarly, section 144 of the Indian Penal Code which punished illegal assembly is now criminalised under Section 187 of the BNS. Rape, which was earlier a criminal offence under Section 376 has been moved to Section 63 and Section 64 under the new law.

The act of waging war against the Indian government, which was punishable under Section 121 of the IPC, has been moved to Section 146 of the BNS. Defamation, earlier criminalised under Section 499 of the IPC is now included in Section 354 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Rajya Sabha passes New Criminal Bills

Three momentous Bills to replace the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and Indian Evidence Act were passed by the Rajya Sabha on Thursday (21st December).

Home Minister Amit Shah replied to the debate on the three bills and said that the three new criminal justice laws have drawn from India’s own legal jurisprudence and with their implementation, the country will have vast contributions of technology in its criminal justice system.

Replying to the debate in Rajya Sabha on bills that seek to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC) of 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and Indian Evidence Act, Amit Shah said the implementation of new criminal laws will ensure an end to ‘tareekh pe tareekh’ era and justice will be given in three years.

The Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita 2023; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita 2023; and Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill 2023 seek to replace the IPC, CrPC and the Evidence Act respectively.

The House earlier took up discussion on the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, 2023, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, 2023 and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill, 2023. The three bills were passed by Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

Amit Shah said in his reply that for the first time, changes have been made in the three laws governing the nearly 150-year-old criminal justice system.He said that after the three new laws are implemented, India’s criminal justice system will take maximum advantage of technology.

“If there will be maximum contribution of technology in any system, it will be in the Indian system…The aim of the three bills is not provide punishment but give justice,” he said

He said that in old laws, instead of crimes against women, priority was given to the protection of the Treasury and the British Crown. Shah said the government has removed the section of sedition and replaced sedition with treason.

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