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Bus conductor Harikesh Vishwakarma – whom Lareb Hashmi tried to behead for ‘blasphemy’ – hails from a poor family, colleagues paying hospital bills, Hashmi arrested

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Bus conductor Harikesh Vishwakarma – whom Lareb Hashmi tried to behead for ‘blasphemy’ – hails from a poor family, colleagues paying hospital bills, Hashmi arrested

On Friday (25th November) morning, Lareb Hashmi, a B.Tech student, attacked a 24-year-old bus conductor Harikesh Vishwakarma with a cleaver after accusing the latter of committing ‘blasphemy’. The incident took place in the Praygraj city of Uttar Pradesh.

Speaking to OpIndia, the victim’s father said that he belongs to a poor family. The expenses of the treatment are being borne by the employees of the Uttar Pradesh Transport Department. Harikesh’s father Ram Shiromani Vishwakarma lodged an FIR against Lareb Hashmi. In this FIR, Ram Shiromani has said that Lareb Hashmi attacked his son over a bus fare dispute.

Harikesh sustained injuries on his neck and hands in the attack. Other passengers in the bus had fled during the attack. Passenger Nandan Yadav admitted Harikesh to the hospital. In an interaction with OpIndia, Ram Shiromani Vishwakarma said that his son’s condition is improving and now Harikesh has been able to speak.

Harikesh Vishwakarma got the job 2 years ago, he was married last year

Harikesh’s father said that he is from a very poor family. 24-year-old Harikesh has studied up to the intermediate level (12th standard). Apart from this, he also took an ITI degree. Two years ago, with the introduction of electric bus service in Prayagraj, he got a job as a conductor.

Harikesh got married approximately a year ago. Ram Shiromani, his father, shared with OpIndia that their family relied significantly on Harikesh’s income. During the talk, emotions overwhelmed Ram Shiromani, and tears welled up as he spoke about his son.

Roadways department employees bear the cost of treatment of Harikesh Vishwakarma

Harikesh Vishwakarma is originally a resident of Semri village which comes under the Sarai Mamrej police station of Prayagraj district. Harikesh’s father told OpIndia that he is undergoing treatment at Swarooprani Hospital Prayagraj. The cost of treatment is being borne by colleagues working in his department.

When asked about the reason behind this attack, Ram Shiromani Vishwakarma said that he did not know what was the reason for such brutality shown by Lareb Hashmi against his son. Police have taken action against Lareb Hashmi under IPC section 307 (attempt to murder) based on the complaint of Harikesh’s father.

After hacking Harikesh, Lareb Hashmi shot at SHO

Two separate FIRs have been registered against Lareb Hashmi in the industrial area police station of Prayagraj. The first FIR was lodged by Harikesh’s father. The second case has been registered by Subhash Kumar Singh, station house officer of the industrial area police station.

In this FIR, SHO Subhash Kumar Singh stated that he arrested the accused Lareb Hashmi around 5 p.m., about 100 meters away from the gate of United College. When asked about the cleaver used in the attack, Hashmi said he was hiding in a bush near Chandy Port.

The police team took Lareb to the spot to recover the cleaver. At around 7:07 p.m., Lareb asked the police to stop the vehicle. When the car stopped, Hashmi got out of the vehicle and started walking towards one place, saying that the cleaver was kept there. After going 50-60 steps ahead, he freed his hand from the police and started running away.

When the police chased Hashmi, he took advantage of the darkness and went behind a bush. From there, he took out a weapon and fired at the police. The bullet passed by the police station house officer’s ear. Fortunately, he did not get hurt.

In this attack, SOG (Special Operations Group) in-charge Sub-Inspector Ranjit Singh also narrowly survived. According to the police, the bullet was fired by Hashmi from a 32-bore pistol kept hidden by him. In self-defence, the police retaliated in which Hashmi was shot in the leg and fell down. After Hashmi received a bullet shot, the police nabbed him and recovered the cleaver which he kept nearby.

The police have registered a case against Lareb Hashmi under Section 307 of the IPC as well as Section 3/25/27 of the Arms Act 1959. Lareb Hashmi is undergoing treatment at the hospital. A copy of the FIR is with OpIndia.

Lareb Hashmi is suspended from the college

On 25th November (Saturday), the United College of Engineering and Research suspended Lareb Hashmi. Regarding the disciplinary action against the murder accused Hashmi, the College principal (Dean) HP Shukla said that Hashmi was a quiet student who often sat alone. According to the Dean, Hashmi often did not respond to questions and never engaged in conversations with others. However, the college faculty never thought such an incident would occur.

Meanwhile, the university students staged a protest following the criminal incident and demanded strict action against Hashmi. The students stressed that their parents were concerned for their safety and were not allowing them to attend college following the brutal incident involving one of their students. 

They also alleged that the college authorities were responsible for the incident. Several Hindu outfits also staged a demonstration at the college demanding that strict action should be initiated against students with extremist ideologies.

‘We are expecting to sign peace accord’: Manipur CM N Biren Singh says government in advance talks with Imphal Valley-based insurgent group

OpIndia Staff
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‘We are expecting to sign peace accord’: Manipur CM N Biren Singh says government in advance talks with Imphal Valley-based insurgent group

On 26th November (Sunday), Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced that his state government could soon sign a ‘peace accord’ with an Imphal Valley-based insurgent group. However, he refrained from naming the underground organisation with which the government has been engaging in “peace talks”. 

Speaking to PTI-Video, the Manipur Chief Minister said, “We are advancing, and we are expecting to sign a peace accord with one big UG (underground organisation) very shortly.”

It is important to note that this is the first time that the government has officially confirmed holding peace talks with insurgent groups since the ethnic clashes broke out in the state on 3rd May, this year. Earlier sources indicated that the state government was in talks with one faction of the banned United National Liberation Front (UNLF).

As per reports, the Pambei group of UNLF under the leadership of Chairman Kh Pambei will sign a ceasefire and peace agreement with the government soon. The group said that it is preparing for a negotiated settlement to the protracted armed struggle to regain Manipur’s lost sovereignty.

CH Thanil, the general secretary of UNLF-Pambei, confirmed the development saying that they are heading towards the agreement. However, he asserted that it will not be a ‘surrender’, but a process towards a negotiated political settlement. He added that the group considered the decision to accept a ceasefire and political settlement after receiving ‘feelers’ from New Delhi. CH Thanil said that an understanding was reached between the Government of India and UNLF-Pambei that the two will not act against each other.

The group was already in the process of entering into a settlement, but it was halted due to the ethnic violence that erupted earlier this year.

In May, the state witnessed ethnic clashes in which more than 180 people lost their lives. The clashes erupted after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. 

The Meiteis make up around 53% of Manipur’s population and they predominantly reside in the Imphal Valley. On the other hand, tribal communities, including Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40% of the population. They are primarily located in the hill districts.

Following the ethnic clashes, the state and Central government have taken a slew of measures to bring back normalcy to the state and rid the state of such violence completely along with tackling all the reasons that resulted in the 3 May and subsequent clashes.  

On 27th September, the state government announced that AFSPA would remain in force for another six months in view of the present law and order situation in the state. The government notified that the entire state had been declared a ‘disturbed area’ under AFSPA. However, areas coming in the jurisdiction of 19 police stations including the state capital Imphal were excluded from this status. 

Additionally, the central investigating agencies are probing multiple cases. During the ongoing investigation, NIA revealed that accused Seiminlun Gangte, in agency’s custody, was allegedly involved in a transnational conspiracy hatched by Myanmar-Bangladesh-based terror groups to “wage war” against India.

According to the NIA, Myanmar, and Bangladesh-based militant groups have entered into a conspiracy with a section of militant leaders in India to indulge in incidents of violence with the intention to drive a wedge between different ethnic groups and to wage war against the Government of India.

Further, in September, Manipur CM N held a meeting with the senior officials of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) regarding plans to extend the India-Myanmar border fencing by 70 kilometres. The aim of extending the border fencing has been to curb the influx of illegal immigrants in Manipur from the neighbouring nation Myanmar which is believed to have played a major role in the ethnic clashes in the state. 

Moreover, the central government on 28th September extended the deadline to capture the biometrics of illegal immigrants from Myanmar by six months. In a letter to the Manipur Chief Secretary, the Home Ministry directed the state to complete the exercise by 31st March 2024 while the earlier deadline was set for 30th September.

Men and women not equal, women need men: Bollywood actress Neena Gupta calls feminist movement ‘faltu’  

OpIndia Staff
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Men and women not equal, women need men: Bollywood actress Neena Gupta calls feminist movement ‘faltu’  

In a recent interview, Bollywood Veteran actress Neena Gupta junked the feminist movement calling it “faltu” (useless). She stressed that men and women can never be equal instead men are ‘better off overall’. She also rebuked the demand of the feminist movement and stressed that women do need men.   

Notably, Neena Gupta’s podcast interview with Youtuber Ranveer Allahbadia aired on 25th November. In the hour-long podcast, the Bollywood actress talked on a host of issues including feminism, self-confidence and her Bollywood ventures among others. 

At around 24 minutes in the podcast, Neena Gupta advised people not to believe in “faltu feminism”. She argued that everybody should try to achieve financial independence irrespective of gender.  

She said, “I want to say that it’s not necessary to believe in ‘faltu feminism’ or the idea that ‘women are equal to men’. Instead, focus on achieving financial independence and giving attention to your work. If you’re a housewife, don’t look down on it; it’s an important role. Boost your self-esteem and avoid thinking of yourself as small. That’s the main message I want to convey.”

She added, “Additionally, men and women are not equal.” The Bollywood actress further argued that the day men start getting pregnant is the day we will be equal, which is scientifically impossible. 

In a follow up query, “Do you think boys are better overall”, the Bollywood actress nodded in affirmation saying, “yes, 100 percent.” 

Subsequently, Ranveer Allahbadia asked her what she felt about the mission of the Feminist movement. She responded saying, “I don’t know what is the mission of these feminists.” 

When Allahbadia noted that the stated objective of Feminists is that they don’t need men, Neena Gupta refuted the arguments of the feminists and noted that “women do need men” citing her anecdotal story. 

Stressing that there are many reasons, she explained, “I had to catch a flight once at 6 a.m. I did not have a boyfriend at that time. I came out of the house at 4 a.m. and it was dark. A man started following me, I went back to my house and I missed my flight. The next day I booked the same flight. But I stayed at my male friend’s house and he dropped me off. I need a man.”

Further, she emphasised that her goal is to become independent and she is still working towards achieving independence. According to the Bollywood actress, she finds herself calling her daughter Masaba and worrying if she doesn’t answer. She added that she feels anxious when her husband doesn’t call her.

She said, “I want to be somebody who does not need anyone. I know a person very closely, who does not need anybody, does not have friends. Women throw themselves at him and they have an attraction towards him. But he is happy alone.”

Canada: Former Royal Canadian Mounted Police intelligence head found guilty of leaking state secrets that benefitted Hezbollah

OpIndia Staff
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Canada: Former Royal Canadian Mounted Police intelligence head found guilty of leaking state secrets that benefitted Hezbollah

On 22nd November, Cameron Ortis, who is the former head of Canada’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) intelligence unit, was found guilty of leaking state secrets. Ortis was convicted of three counts of violating Canada’s Security of Information Act and one count of attempted violation, breach of trust and fraudulent use of a computer. With his conviction, Ortis became the first person convicted under the said Act.

Notably, the charges against Ortis stemmed from one of the most significant security breaches in Canada that caused concerns among the Five Eye allies. He allegedly revealed classified information to three individuals in 2015 and tried to do the same in another case. In 2019, Ortis was arrested following an extensive investigation by RCMP. The case sent a shockwave through the intelligence community in the Western world.

At the time of his arrest, Ortis was serving as the director general of the National Intelligence Coordination Centre, a branch of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), which is described as a “clearing house” for internal intelligence and sensitive information. He had gained a high-level security clearance since beginning work for RCMP in 2007 as a civilian member of the force.

In his defence, Ortis claimed he offered secret material to entice the individuals into using an online encryption service that is called Tutanota. He claimed that he did what he did to provide aid to the Allied spy agencies. Furthermore, Ortis claimed that he was working to “protect the country from an undisclosed grave threat”. He argued that his life was significantly affected following his arrest.

Ortis leaked information to Hezbollah-linked criminals

In October 2023, The Bureau reported that Ortis shared information in 2015 that would have helped Altag Khanani, one of the major figures in global money laundering rackets and terror funding operations linked to the Lebanese Shia Islamic terrorist organisation Hezbollah.

According to several reports of The Bureau, Ortis shared RCMP plans with four individuals who were indulged in a multi-billion-dollar money laundering and terror financing network, including one man named Vincent Ramos. The Five Eyes targeted these networks in late 2014. Apart from Ramos, other personnel with whom Ortis shared information were Salim, Henareh, and Muhammad Ashraf. He tried to share information with one Farzam Mehdizadeh as well.

The investigation into Ortis’ actions began when RCMP analysed a laptop linked to the CEO of Phantom Secure Communications Vincent Ramos. The laptop was linked to encrypted cell phones that were used by organised crimes. It was found during the investigation that Ortis was in touch with Ramos and two businessmen under Candian investigation. Furthermore, it was revealed under RCMP’s Project Saturation that criminal organisations were using Phantom Secure’s devices.

According to prosecutors, Ortis asked Ramos for C$27,429 ($20,000; £16,000) in exchange for sharing information on police operations. However, there is no evidence that he received the payment.

Leaked information linked to Khalistani narco-terror module

Furthermore, the documents and plans leaked by Ortis also named Harmohan Singh Hakimzada, a pro-Khalistani Sikh individual who has been accused of being the kingpin of a narco-terror racket. Hakimzada family lives in the United Aram Emirates (UAE). Harmohan, his son Jasmeet and his wife Eljeet Kaur are named as key individuals in narco-terror funding by the Office of Foreign Assets Control department of the US Treasury. Their four companies with headquarters in India were named in the matter in 2019.

In August 2023, the National Investigation Agency attached properties of Varinder Singh Chahal, an accused in the narco-terror network and Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF). He was a close associate of Jasmeet Singh Hakimzada and KLF’s chief Harmeet Singh. Reports suggest that Hakimzada has a significant presence in foreign drug trafficking networks spread across the United States, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

Prosecutors sought 20-year jail term for Ortis

The prosecutors would be seeking a 20-year term for Ortis emphasising his lack of authority to disclose classified information to unauthorised personnel. Furthermore, Ortis’ bail has been revoked since the jury found him guilty of leaking classified information. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 2024.

OpIndia’s detailed report on Narco-Terrorism can be checked here.

Washington Post and BBC falsely claim the Dublin attacker was not an immigrant – here is the truth

OpIndia Staff
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Washington Post and BBC falsely claim the Dublin attacker was not an immigrant – here is the truth

On 25th November (local time), The Washington Post published a report claiming that the perpetrator of a stabbing attack in Ireland that led to riots in Dublin was not an immigrant but an Irish citizen.

Source: X

The report cited BBC’s unnamed sources that claimed that the perpetrator was an Irish citizen who lived in the country for 20 years.

As per the BBC’s report, the claims of him being a foreign national were “false” as the man lived in Ireland for 20 years and had Irish citizenship.

Source: BBC

However, the Washington Post published only the half-truth. In reality, the man was originally from Algeria and had been living in Ireland for the past two decades. He became an Irish citizen more than a decade ago. The attacker was reportedly living in Dublin City Council hostel accommodate before he attacked children with a knife on Parnell Square on 23rd November at noon.

As per the Daily Mail report, the attacker came to Ireland around 2003. In May 2023, he was caught by Gardai or the Irish police for having a knife in possession and damaging a car. The report suggested that though he was not “constantly causing trouble” the officers in the area knew him. Following his arrest after the knife attack, he was taken to an undisclosed hospital for treatment. Additional police force was deployed to ensure he did not get attacked if people found out he was lodged in which hospital.

Citing unnamed sources, Daily Mail said that Gardai was investigating the matter from all possible angles including mental health episodes, considering his problematic history. Furthermore, it was being explored if the arrested perpetrator has any links to Islamic extremism. However, Gardai sources said mental health issues were more likely to be the reason behind the attack.

Though the attacker lived in Ireland for 20 years and obtained citizenship, that does not deny the fact that he is originally from Algeria and had immigrated to Ireland. It has to be noted that he got Irish citizenship only a decade ago and had a problematic past.

Moreover, by highlighting that the man has been living in Ireland for 20 years, the leftist media has proved what it has been trying to disagree with for years now, that immigrants into European countries are not being assimilated with local culture, and continue to have hatred even after living there for decades.

Dublin knife attack and aftermath

On 23rd November, violence erupted in Dublin after an Irish man of Algerian origin carried out a knife attack. He injured four people including three children. The accused was a naturalised Irish citizen who lived in the country was 20 years. He was also injured as the passer-by tackled him down. Following the attack, the anti-immigrant protests ensured leading to violence across the country. Public transport was disrupted, vehicles were set ablaze, shops were looted and clashes with police were reported. Gardai blamed the “far-right” faction for the violence. A 5-year-old girl victim of a knife attack was reportedly in critical condition at the hospital.

Uttar Pradesh: Dalit eunuch forced to convert to Islam by Muslim transgenders, assaulted when refused; Kaushar Ali and two others booked

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Uttar Pradesh: Dalit eunuch forced to convert to Islam by Muslim transgenders, assaulted when refused; Kaushar Ali and two others booked

A case involving the forced conversion of a Dalit eunuch named Muskan to Islam has surfaced in the Muzaffarnagar region of Uttar Pradesh. She filed a police complaint against three other eunuchs including Preeti, Kaushar Ali and Guddu on 24 November. She reportedly suffered abuse for refusing to embrace Islam, according to the complaint.

The matter transpired in the Mansurpur police station area of Muzaffarnagar district. The victim who is a resident of Nawala village notified the authorities and mentioned that she is a Hindu and has always lived her life per Sanatan Dharma. However, some Muslim transgenders used to be angry with her over her religious practices particularly the three named accused.

She stated that Kaushar Ali masquerades as Geeta whereas Preeti is originally from Bihar and is a Muslim, but she has maintained a Hindu name. She disclosed that Preeti was originally a male and fathered two children. Later, he underwent surgery and turned into an eunuch. Guddu hails from Mewat.

Muskaan further asserted that the perpetrators have been pressuring her to become a Muslim for a number of years. She was tortured when she refused to comply. She highlighted in her complaint that on 24 November she was attacked by the culprits and several of their accomplices in an attempt to murder her.

She suffered multiple injuries in the assault and received stitches on her head by the doctors. She is now being shifted to Meerut for better treatment. Muskaan charged that the assailants also stole all her jewellery and other essentials.

The cops have opened an investigation and filed a case after receiving the complaint. However, no arrests have been made so far. While talking to OpIndia Muskaan pointed out that numerous cases are already filed against Kaushar Ali who has a criminal mindset.

The victim claimed that Preeti moved to Muzaffarnagar from Bihar where she stays in a rented house and antisocial elements congregate there every night to drink alcohol and use other substances. She voiced that the offenders are trying to take over her area.

Odisha: 21-yr-old girl murdered, cut into 31 pieces and buried in a forest, suspected to be killed by a man and his wife over extra-marital affair

OpIndia Staff
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Odisha: 21-yr-old girl murdered, cut into 31 pieces and buried in a forest, suspected to be killed by a man and his wife over extra-marital affair

On 24 November, the Raighar Police in the Nabarangpur district in Odisha excavated the dead body of a 21-year-old girl named Tilabati Gond from a forest close to Murumadihi village under Umerkote block. Shockingly, the body was reportedly discovered by them in 31 pieces during exhumation. The victim was a resident of Baghabeda village. Furthermore, salt was applied to the corpse to hasten its decomposition. It has been alleged a man with whom she had a relationship and his wife killed her as she was insisting on marrying him.

The deceased’s family stated that on 22 November she left her house saying that she was heading to the neighbourhood market. They became concerned when she did not return till late at night and reported the missing person to the local police. The police, townspeople and family members looked everywhere the following day for her, but to no avail.

In the meanwhile, some youths spotted the body buried in the ground the next day as the right foot was sticking out. Blood stains were also spotted on the ground. The victim was killed and buried close to Murumadihi village in a forest. The villagers called the cops right away. Following this, her father Luduram Gond registered a murder case on 25 November at the Raighar Police Station.

A scientific team and a squad from the Raighar Police Station made it to the forest. Thirty-one parts of the missing woman were excavated from a specific site after digging.

The instance is believed to have been the result of a fallout romantic relationship, according to a police source. A source unveiled that the victim spent almost the entire last two years romantically involved with Chandra Rout who was a married man. She went to his house which is around ten kilometres from her own on 22 November night and asserted that she wanted to tie the knot with him after which he and his spouse allegedly killed her devising a scheme to eliminate the girl for good. They then dismembered her body before carrying it to the forest and burying it there.

The couple from Murumadihi village has reportedly been taken into custody by the police and is being questioned at the police station. “A man named Chandra Rout and his wife killed Tilabati on Thursday night. The girl was in love with Chandra and always insisted he accept her as his wife. Since the man was married, he started ignoring her request,” alleged a villager.

He added, “On the fateful day, she came to his house and insisted on staying with him. The couple, in a bid to get rid of her, killed her and chopped off her body into pieces for easy dumping. When the police exhumed the body, it was found to have been cut into 31 pieces. We demand exemplary punishment to be handed down to the culprits and justice to the deceased woman’s family members.” Kesnath Gond, brother of the young girl pleaded, “We can’t say who has murdered her but we want justice.”

“A villager named Luduram Gond had lodged a complaint that his daughter had been murdered and buried. On the basis of his complaint, we launched an investigation and exhumed the body today. In this connection, we have detained two persons,” said the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Aditya Sen. The Raighar police have lodged a case (No-206/2023) in accordance with Sections 302 (murder) and 201 (evidence destruction) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and have sent the body for a post-mortem.

An innocent child was ‘lost’: Indian-origin Irish PM downplays kidnapping of Jewish kid by Hamas from Israel, refuses to call out terror outfit

OpIndia Staff
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An innocent child was ‘lost’: Indian-origin Irish PM downplays kidnapping of Jewish kid by Hamas from Israel, refuses to call out terror outfit

On 26th November (local time), Indian-origin Prime Minister of Ireland Leo Varadkar downplayed the kidnapping of Israeli civilians in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

In his post, he referred to the 8-year-old kidnapped Irish-Israeli child named Emily Hand as “lost” and not abducted by Hamas.

He wrote, “This is a day of enormous joy and relief for Emily Hand and her family. An innocent child who was lost has now been found and returned, and we breathe a massive sigh of relief. Our prayers have been answered.”

Notably, Sky News quoted Varadkar saying, “A little girl was snatched from her home and held captive for almost seven weeks. She spent her ninth birthday as a hostage. We hope she will soon heal and recover from the traumatic experience in the loving embrace of her family.” Here too, Varadkar avoided naming Hamas.

Emily was abducted by Hamas terrorists from Israel during the terrorist attack on 7th October. She was taken to Gaza and was released as part of the first exchange between Hamas and Israel where Hamas has released 50 hostages and Israel has released 150 Palestinian criminals and terrorists from the prison.

The abduction of Israeli child Emily Hand

Emily Hand, who lives in Kibbutz Be’eri, turned 9 on 24th November in captivity. She was among 13 Israelis freed on Saturday (), and one of the first 50 to be freed by Hamas. Following her release, she was reunited with her father Thomas.

In a statement, her family said, “Emily has come back to us. We can’t find the words to describe our emotions after 50 challenging and complicated days. We are overjoyed to embrace Emily again, but at the same time, we remember all the hostages who have yet to return. We will persist in doing everything in our power to bring them back home.”

Reports suggest that when Hamas attacked Israel on 7th October, Emily was sleeping at her best friend’s house. Following the attack, she lost contact with her family.

Initially, it was believed that her body was found by the family. however, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) later informed the family that they found evidence she was among the hostages held in Gaza.

Emily’s father hails from Dun Laoghaire, Dublin. Her family members in the Irish capital celebrated her birthday as part of a campaign for her release.

Israel-Hamas War

On 7th October, Hamas terrorists attacked Israel resulting in the death of at least 1,400 Israelis and foreign nationals. Israel launched a counter-attack on Hamas aiming to finish the Palestinian terrorist organisation.

After air strikes for over a month, Israel launched a ground attack in the Gaza Strip to weed out Hamas terrorists. Notably, Hamas created safe establishments under residential areas and hospitals to shield itself from Israeli attacks that IDF has to clear to ensure the terrorist organisation is wiped off from the face of the earth.

Currently, there is a ceasefire going on. As per the agreement, Hamas released 10-13 hostages every day totalling 50 Israeli hostages abducted during the 7th October attack. OpIndia’s detailed reports on the Israel-Hamas war can be checked here.

Four students dead and 64 injured in stampede at tech festival at Cochin University of Science and Technology: Here’s what happened

OpIndia Staff
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Four students dead and 64 injured in stampede at tech festival at Cochin University of Science and Technology: Here’s what happened

On Saturday, November 25, four students lost their lives in a stampede during an open-air tech festival ‘Dhishna’ at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) in Kerala’s Kochi. The tragic incident unfolded during singer Nikhita Gandhi’s concert on Saturday leaving around 64 injured and four critical.

The deceased victims have been identified as Athul Thampi from Koothattukulam, Paravur native Ann Ruftha, Sara Thomas from Thamarassery and Alwin Joseph from Palakkad. Except for Alwin, the other three are CUSAT engineering students.

According to reports, around 2,000 people, including students from other colleges and local residents attended the second day of the annual tech festival sponsored by the School of Engineering, CUSAT.

On Sunday, the autopsies of the four deceased victims will be conducted at Kalamassery Government Medical College and Ernakulam General Hospital.

What led to the stampede

The media reports coming from the stampede site suggest that the tragic incident unfolded due to poor crowd management. Reports say that gate passes were required for access to the show. The entry gates were opened at around 5:30 pm and were supposed to be closed at 7:30 pm. However, when it began to rain, many who were waiting outside rushed inside the auditorium to seek shelter, resulting in the stampede. When the people waiting outside the gate forced their way into the auditorium, students standing on the stairs fell to the ground and were trampled by the crowd. It is worth noting that the auditorium at CUSAT having a capacity of 2,000 had single entry and exit gates.

Aravind K S, a third-year integrated MSc student of CUSAT who managed to escape the stampede said, “I was standing right next to the gate that leads into the auditorium. The event was supposed to start at around 6:45 pm and the volunteers were letting the students in but at around 7 pm somebody suddenly opened the gate completely. The crowd of students had been pushing on the gate, the effect was that those standing in the front side, mostly girls were pushed ahead and lost their footing resulting in them tripping and falling on the steps leading to the auditorium.”

“I got pushed but managed not to fall. It was mostly girls who were standing in the front row and they were the ones who had fallen,” the CUSAT student continued.

According to ADGP M R Ajithkumar as quoted by Onmanorama, “the auditorium was only partly full during the stampede.

Three-member team to probe stampede

State Higher Education Minister R Bindhu appointed a three-member team to investigate the stampede incident, which includes the principal secretary of higher education and the vice-chancellor and registrar of Cochin University. The minister has directed that an in-depth inquiry be conducted and a report be submitted.

Meanwhile, Kerala Assembly Leader of Opposition (LoP) and Congress leader V. D. Satheesan said, “It was unfortunate. 46 people were hospitalized, and four died… In the initial stage, four students were very serious… Now two students are in a stable position. It was a stampede… It was a small place that was not enough to accommodate this many students… It should be investigated… 46 (people) are here, 16 are in other hospitals, and two are in the ICU unit…”

Meanwhile, the chief minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan expressed shock over the incident and announced measures to ensure appropriate treatment for the injured. “The entire state is in shock over the stampede that unfolded at CUSAT University in Ernakulam. Heartfelt condolences go out to the family members of the four students who lost their lives. Immediate and enhanced treatment facilities have been arranged for the injured. P. Rajeev, the Minister for Industries, and R. Bindu, the Minister of Higher Education, have departed for Ernakulam to assess the situation directly. A thorough investigation into the incident will commence without delay,” the Kerala chief minister posted on X.

Singer Nikhita Gandhi “Heartbroken” over stampede at her concert

As mentioned above, the tragic incident transpired at the music concert of singer Nikhita Gandhi. The singer took to her Instagram to express her condolences over the incident and called it “unfortunate”.

“Heartbroken and devastated by what took place this evening in Kochi. Such an unfortunate incident took place before I could even leave for the venue for the performance. No words are possibly enough to express this profound grief. My prayers go out to the families of the students,” her post on Instagram read.

Uttarakhand: Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami saves a tourist who met with car accident in Nainital, shares video on Instagram

OpIndia Staff
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Uttarakhand: Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami saves a tourist who met with car accident in Nainital, shares video on Instagram

On Saturday (25th November), Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami shared a video from his Instagram handle to share that he happened to save a tourist whose car underwent an accident in Nainital in Uttarakhand.

Shami asserted that he and a group of individuals managed to extricate the person from the car, which was descending a slope, just in time to avert a potentially grave incident.

The cricketer celebrated for his ability to dismantle opposing batters with his formidable bowling, unexpectedly transformed into a rescuer for an unidentified individual.

Mohammed Shami wrote in the caption of his Instagram post, “He’s so lucky god gave him 2nd life. His car fell down from the hill road near Nanital just in front of my car. We took him out very safely.”

Hailing from a modest background, Shami, the cricketer, disclosed in a recent interview that he has operated motorcycles, cars, tractors, buses, and even trucks.

Mohammed Shami’s native place is in the Amroha district of Uttar Pradesh. He was touring Nainital with his friends when he saw this accident and helped the distressed person.

Mohammed Shami said in his recent interview with PUMA that he likes to tour and travel. He said, “I like travelling, and fishing. I like driving a lot. I like driving bikes and cars. But after playing for India, I have stopped driving bikes. What if I get injured? I drive a bike on highways, maybe sometimes in the village when I go to meet my mom.”

Now, when he was on one such journey, Mohammed Shami helped out a person trapped in an accident. Mohammed Shami has been in the news for the past month because of his impeccable performance in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in which he emerged as the bowler to take the most number of wickets. He claimed 24 wickets in the tournament.

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