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Philippines to exit China’s Belt and Road Initiative, announces full termination of major infra projects, favours Japanese and Western companies

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Philippines to exit China’s Belt and Road Initiative, announces full termination of major infra projects, favours Japanese and Western companies

In a significant development with geopolitical implications, the full termination of major infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been announced by the Philippine Department of Transportation in favour of competitors from the West and Japan, as reported by Asia Times on Thursday.

As per the Philippine Senate, doubt now shrouds nearly all of China’s crucial investment initiatives in the Philippines, owing to economic and political factors. This has led to a new low point in Philippine-China relations, marking a drastic reversal from the six years of warm engagement during the pro-Beijing Rodrigo Duterte presidency.

China’s diplomatic approach in the Philippines under President Duterte faced criticism for being dubbed “pledge trap” diplomacy, involving substantial investments in exchange for concessions in the South China Sea. However, a vast majority of the promised $24 billion in infrastructure projects failed to materialise, as reported by Asia Times.

In the aftermath of a recent collision between Chinese and Philippine sea vessels, U.S. President Joe Biden made it explicit that, in adherence to the terms of the Philippine-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), the United States will respond to any attack on Philippine ships, aircraft, or soldiers stationed in the South China Sea.

The Philippines’ apparent departure from the BRI is rooted in deep-seated bilateral issues concerning contested territories in the South China Sea. The Marcos Jr. government recently voiced its concerns regarding China’s intimidation of Philippine patrol and resupply missions in and around the Second Thomas Shoal, where Manila maintains troops stationed on a grounded ship, Asia Times reported.

Shortly after the collision, Philippine Transportation Secretary Jaime Batista announced the scrapping of $4.9 billion worth of Chinese major infrastructure projects, which included two railway projects in Luzon and another in Duterte’s home island of Mindanao.

“We have three projects that won’t be funded by the Chinese government anymore. We can’t wait forever, and it seems like China isn’t that interested anymore,” Batista disclosed during a forum organized by European investors in Manila. The Philippines is now seeking alternative, more favourable deals from traditional investment partners like Japan, South Korea, the U.S., and the European Union.

According to Philippine Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, up to six significant Chinese projects are now under “reconsideration” due to Chinese delays, concerns over lending terms, and broader geopolitical tensions, Asia Times reported.

A number of Chinese projects are expected to be put on hold in Manila, including the Mindanao Railway Project Tagum-Davao-Digos segment, the Chico River Pump Irrigation Project, the New Centennial Water Source – Kaliwa Dam Project, the Samal Island-Davao City Connector project, and a closed-circuit television project in multiple cities throughout Metro-Manila.

Filipino officials have expressed dissatisfaction with the perceived exorbitant terms and lack of financial commitment associated with Chinese-funded projects when compared to Japan’s concessional loan programs. Japan is presently engaged in several significant “connectivity” projects in the nation’s industrialized regions, in addition to a multibillion-dollar metro project in Manila.

Current statistics indicate that China’s entire BRI-related operations have decreased by approximately 40% since their peak in 2018. This can be attributed, in part, to legislative obstacles, financial fragility in various recipient nations, and Beijing’s diminishing financing.

According to a recent Boston University study, “many of the recipients of Chinese finance are subject to significant debt distress,” even though China’s development finance institutions provided partner states with over $331 billion between 2013 and 2021.

By some accounts, China spent as much as $240 billion to bail out BRI recipient nations on the verge of bankruptcy, most notably in the cases of Sri Lanka and increasingly in Pakistan and Laos.

The heightened tensions in the South China Sea between China and the Philippines have coincided with a significant decline in bilateral investment deals. While Beijing maintains a considerable advantage in two-way trade between the two neighbours, almost all of the infrastructure investment commitments made by Beijing during the Duterte administration are now in jeopardy.

This shift in the Philippines’ approach to the BRI reflects not only geopolitical considerations but also concerns regarding China’s economic slowdown, property market crises, and challenges associated with investments abroad. 

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

FIR against Urfi Javed for making a video of her fake arrest and “defaming” Mumbai Police

OpIndia Staff
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FIR against Urfi Javed for making a video of her fake arrest and “defaming” Mumbai Police

On Friday, 3rd November, Mumbai Police registered an FIR against television actress and social media influencer Urfi Javed for making a video of her fake arrest and allegedly defaming the police. The case against the actress has been registered at Oshiwara Police Station.

Taking to X on Friday, Mumbai Police said that nobody can violate the law for cheap publicity. The police added that the viral video of Urfi Javed getting arrested for dressing ‘obscenely’ is not true. Saying that the police insignia and uniform were misused by the actress, Mumbai Police has registered a case against Urfi Javed and arrested the fake inspector seen in the video.

“One Can’t Violate Law Of The Land, For Cheap Publicity! A viral video of a woman being allegedly arrested by Mumbai Police, in a case of obscenity is not true – insignia & uniform has been misused. However, a criminal case has been registered against those involved in the misleading video, at Oshiwara Pstn under sections 171, 419, 500, and 34 IPC. While further investigation is on, the fake inspector is under arrest & the vehicle has been seized too. #RealityCheck,” Mumbai Police posted on X.

Section 171 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) deals with “wearing garb or carrying token used by public servant with fraudulent intent,” while Section 419 deals with cheating by impersonation. Sections 500 and 34 of the IPC pertain to defamation and common intention.

The police said in a statement that the self-publicity video went viral on social media and misled people about the department’s stance on skimpy clothing. In the FIR, Urfi, two other women posing as constables, and a male friend posing as a police official were charged under relevant sections of the IPC.

Meanwhile, Ganpatbhai Sawajibhai Makwana, the accused who pretended to be a police officer, has been served with a notice under CrPC section 41A.

This comes after a video surfaced on the internet on Friday showing Urfi Javed getting arrested by Mumbai Police due to her fashion sense. Two women police officers arrived at one of the Starbucks outlets in Mumbai where Urfi was spotted and asked her to accompany them to the police station. On asking the reason for detention, the Police said that people had complained about her clothes. However, it has now turned out that the video was staged by Urfi Javed allegedly for “publicity”.

Nepal: Strong earthquake of 6.4 magnitude jolts several districts, death toll crosses 70

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Nepal: Strong earthquake of 6.4 magnitude jolts several districts, death toll crosses 70

The death toll rose to 70 after a strong earthquake of 6.4 magnitude jolted Nepal in the late hours of Friday, informed officials.
At least 36 people have been confirmed dead in Rukum West while 34 have been confirmed dead in Jajarkot.
According to the officials, the toll is expected to rise further.

Hari Prasad Pant, the Chief District Officer of Rukum West told ANI, “At least 36 people have been confirmed dead in Rukum West, and the toll is expected to rise further This is the update we have been able to get till 5 am (local time)”.

“At least 34 have been confirmed dead in Jajarkot. Many are injured and some of the critically injured sent to Surkhet for further treatment,” the Chief District Officer of Jajarkot told ANI.

This comes after a magnitude of 6.4 magnitude quake jolted Nepal in the late hours of Friday.

Nepal Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal expressed grief over the human and material damage caused by the earthquake.
“Honorable Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” has expressed his deep sorrow over the human and material damage caused by the earthquake at Ramidanda in Jajarkot at 11:47 on Friday night and has mobilized all 3 security agencies for the immediate rescue and relief of the injured,” Nepal PMO posted on X (formerly Twitter).

According to the National Centre for Seismology, the magnitude of the earthquake on Richter Scale was recorded at 6.4 and the epicentre of the quake was in Nepal at a depth of 10 km.

The tremors of the earthquake were also felt in several districts of North India including, Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. 

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

Hamas accused of killing women and children for moving to southern Gaza, videos showing bodies with gunshot injuries on a Gaza street appear

OpIndia Staff
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Hamas accused of killing women and children for moving to southern Gaza, videos showing bodies with gunshot injuries on a Gaza street appear

As Israel continues its ground operations in Gaza in an attempt to eliminate Hamas terrorists and rescue hostages, the terror group has been accused of killing innocent Palestinian civilians including women and children. Social media accounts are claiming that Hamas snipers killed dozens of women and children on the street when they were trying to move out of northern Gaza.

It is notable that Israel has been repeatedly asking civilians in north Gaza and Gaza City to move to south Gaza, but Hamas is preventing them from doing so. It has been alleged Hamas wants civilians to stay to use them as human shields in the war against Israel.

British-Arab Influencer Amjad Taha tweeted on X claiming that the civilians were displaying white flags as a sign of peace, but they were targeted by Hamas shooters.

He added, “Similar acts have previously been attributed to Palestinian and Hezbollah terrorists in Syria. They do not want civilians to leave; they want to use them as human shields and kill anyone who attempts to leave. Hamas terrorists in Gaza will, as usual, blame Israel because it is easy and there is media that accepts this propaganda.”

In fact, Hamas supporters have posted visuals of bodies of women and children lying on a street, blaming Israeli airstrikes. An Arabic tweet by a social media influencer said, ‘Horrific scenes now on Al-Rashid Street, west of Gaza, after the occupation bombed the displaced people in the middle of the street!’

However, netizens were quick to spot that the video does not indicate airstrike, and the victims were most likely shot. They pointed out that there is no crater, the road is intact, the bodies are also intact with only gunshot injuries and blood. In airstrikes using bombs and missiles, the impacted area is destroyed, the entire area is covered by dust and debris, and the bodies are victims are blown up or badly damaged severed body parts.

But there was nothing like in that video, and is clear that the victims seen on the road were shot. Also, the bodies have clear signs of gunfire shots, including headshots, indicating the work of snippers.

Mahadev App Promoters made payments of ₹508 crore to Congress leader and Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel: ED

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Mahadev App Promoters made payments of ₹508 crore to Congress leader and Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel: ED

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has said that according to fresh evidence following a search operation on November 2, it has come to light that regular payments have been made in the past and so far around Rs 508 crore has been paid by Mahadev App Promoters to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel.

The ED received credible inputs and conducted successful search operations on November 2 in Chhattisgarh in which Rs 5.39 crore in cash was intercepted in the poll-bound state.

The ED is investigating Mahadev Book Online Betting App syndicate in which the promoters of this betting syndicate are based abroad and remotely running thousands of panels across India with the help of their friends and associates who are mainly from Chhattisgarh and have earned thousands of crore of proceeds of crime.

The ED has already arrested four accused persons and seized proceeds of crime worth more than Rs 450 crore and has filed a prosecution complaint against 14 accused persons.

On November 2, the ED received intelligence input that a large amount of cash is being moved in Chhattisgarh by the promoters of Mahadev App in relation to Assembly Elections scheduled on November 7 and 17.

The ED conducted searches at Hotel Triton and another location in Bhilai and successfully intercepted a cash courier Asim Das who was sent from UAE especially, to deliver large amount of cash for electioneering expenses of the ruling Congress party.

The ED has recovered cash amount of Rs 5.39 crore from his car and at his residence. Asim Das has admitted that the seized funds were arranged by the Mahadev App promoters to be delivered to one politician, ‘Baghel’ for upcoming election expenses in the state of Chhattisgarh.

ED also discovered some benami bank accounts of Mahadev App in which balance amounts of Rs 15.59 crore has been frozen. The ED has arrested Asim Das.

“ED has conducted search operations on 2/11/2023 against the money laundering networks linked with Mahadev Book Online Betting APP in Chhatishgarh in which cash of Rs. 5.39 crore and bank balance Rs 15.59 crore has been intercepted and frozen/ seized,” the ED posted on ‘X’.

From the questioning of Asim Das and the forensic examination of the phone recovered from him, and examination of an email sent by Shubam Soni (one of the high ranking accused of Mahadev network) many startling allegations have come forth, namely, that regular payments have been made in the past and so far around Rs 508 Crore have been paid by Mahadev APP Promoters to Bhupesh Baghel, Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. However, these allegations are subject to investigation.

During further investigation, ED has also questioned and arrested Police Constable Bheem Yadav. The ED investigation has revealed that in the last three years, Bheem Yadav had unauthorizedly travelled to Dubai, admittedly met Ravi Uppal and Sourabh Chandrakar, participated in the gala functions of the Mahadev app, and his travel expenses were borne by M/s Rapid Travels of Ahuja Brothers, a money laundering and ticketing company of Mahadev App.

He was the conduit to receive bribe money from Mahadev App promoters for the benefit of senior officers and politicians of Chhattisgarh.

Both the accused persons were produced before the PMLA Special Judge Raipur and ED has sought their custodial interrogation to independently corroborate their startling admissions and trace evidence of money laundering. The court has remanded them to ED custody for seven days.

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

‘Desperate Times, Desperate Measures? Journalist Navika Kumar, who was on Congress’ ‘boycott’ list, accompanies Kamal Nath on his campaign trail

OpIndia Staff
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‘Desperate Times, Desperate Measures? Journalist Navika Kumar, who was on Congress’ ‘boycott’ list, accompanies Kamal Nath on his campaign trail

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are drawing near, and as many as five states are gearing up for assembly elections. At this critical juncture when the Congress-led I.N.D.I. Alliance is falling like a pack of cards, the grand old party may have thought that the only thing that could save the grand old party from imminent doom is the support of media and journalists. This is probably why Congress is attempting to make amends and turning back to the news anchors and journalists it had recently ‘boycotted.’

On Friday, November 3, Times Now senior anchor Navika Kumar, who had in September this year, made it to the I.N.D.I Alliance list of ‘boycotted’ journalists, took to X to share pictures of her accompanying Congress senior leader Kamal Nath on his campaigning trail.

“On the campaign trail with @OfficeOfKNath who looks bright and fresh for the battle of Madhya Pradesh. You really can’t believe that after 44 yrs in politics his energy & enthusiasm are unabated. Excerpts coming Coming up tonight on @thenewshour @9 & also on #FranklySpeaking over the weekend.

Nevertheless, here we could remind the grand old party that the I.N.D.I Alliance had as recently as on September 14 released a list of 14 news anchors whom they have decided to ‘boycott’ and Times Now anchor Navika Kumar was one of these 14 news anchors whom the Congress-led opposition bloc had chosen to boycott. A copy of the list was shared on X, formally Twitter by Congress leader Pawan Khera on September 14.

SS of Pawan Khera’s post listing the names of 14 news anchors whom Congress-led INDI Bloc decided to ‘boycott’

The decision was probably taken because the I.N.D.I alliance wanted to avoid answering some tough questions from these journalists. However, most likely as a consequence of the growing fissures in the opposition bloc, Congress has realized that it does require the assistance of the media in order to stay in the game. This is probably why the grand old party has been compelled to alter its mind.

Moreover, Kamal Nath is pitching himself as the CM candidate for Congress in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls. Randeep Surjewala, a prominent Congress leader, had last month dropped hints regarding the potential Chief Ministerial candidate for the forthcoming Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly Polls. Following the Central Election Committee meeting held at the Congress Party headquarters in Delhi on October 7, Surjewala suggested that Kamal Nath, the current president of Madhya Pradesh Congress, could be the natural face of the party in the state.

This explains why Kamal Nath also decided to ignore the fact that his party had just “boycotted” Times Now journalist Navika Kumar and brought her along on the campaign trail.

“Khalasi is topping the charts and Aditya Gadhvi is winning hearts”: PM Modi after the ‘Gotilo’ famed singer recounted his meeting with Gujarat CM Modi

OpIndia Staff
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“Khalasi is topping the charts and Aditya Gadhvi is winning hearts”: PM Modi after the ‘Gotilo’ famed singer recounted his meeting with Gujarat CM Modi

The Coke Studio song Khalasi has become a huge sensation in the country, with countless reels and shorts made with the song as background music. The Gujarati song that became viral during the Navratri festival is sung by Aditya Gadhvi, who is now a national star. Today Prime Minister Narendra Modi appreciated the popularity of the song, saying that a recent interview with the singer brought back memories from a special occasion.

PM Modi tweeted, “Khalasi is topping the charts and Aditya Gadhvi is winning hearts for his music. This video brings back memories from a special interaction.”

The prime minister tweeted this quoting a clip of an interview with Aditya Gadhvi posted by the official handle of Modi Story. In the clip, the singer was seen talking about an occasion when he had met Modi when he was the CM of Gujarat.

Aditya Gadhvi said that when he was around 18-19 years old, one day CM Modi came to one of his programs. After the show was over, the CM the singer. He said that he was thinking that he will have to introduce himself to CM Modi. But when he reached the stage, Modi instantly recognised him, saying that he has achieved huge popularity in Gujarat.

Narendra Modi also asked him whether he has completed his studies in his characteristic style, said the singer.

The singer said, “My show was going on, and Modi Ji arrived, as usual, with claps and chants of ‘Modi Modi.’ After the show was over, my father asked me if I wanted to meet Modi Ji, and I said, ‘Yes, definitely.’ So now I was mentally preparing that I would have to introduce myself to him, but as I approached him, he extended his hand forward and said, ‘What is this, son? You have hoisted the flag of Gujarat. Do you study or not’?”

Talking about the PM, Aditya Gadhvi said that he wants to give India a place in the world, and can accept challenges. “He has an aim, that he has to take India to a certain place. In today’s time, if any personality accepts the changes, it is our PM Modi,” Aditya said. 

He also praised PM Modi for the Rann Utsav in Gujarat. “The vision he has is great. There is Rann, but what to do with it, so he started Rann Utsav, so that people visit Rann and connect with the culture of Kutch from all across the nation and the world.”

Talking about the slogan of PM Modi, ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat,’ he said, “I used my music to convey this ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat’ to the people.”

The Khalasi song was released by Coke Studio India in July 2023 and the peppy number has become a huge hit in the country. The song has been composed by Achint Thakkar.

Pakistan: Bomb explosion targeting police patrol in Dera Ismail Khan kills 5, injures 22

OpIndia Staff
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Pakistan: Bomb explosion targeting police patrol in Dera Ismail Khan kills 5, injures 22

At least five people were killed and 22 others suffered injuries in a bomb blast that targeted a police patrol in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Dera Ismail Khan about 350 km southwest of Pakistan‘s capital Islamabad. The instance transpired in Tank Adda in the city near a police van.

According to police officer Mohammad Adnan, the device went off near a police patrol in Dera Ismail Khan city. He claimed that the target was a car transporting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Elite Force officers. He stated that it was not immediately evident if a nearby bombing or a suicide strike caused the fatality. The deceased and injured have been moved to the Dera Ismail Khan District Headquarters Hospital.

Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar also expressed his sympathies to the bereaved families and vehemently denounced the explosion. He directed the appropriate authorities to provide the affected patients with the greatest possible medical care and declared that the fight against terrorism would go on until it was totally eliminated in the nation. He added, “Thanks to the sacrifices of the law enforcement agencies, we have been thwarting the evil intentions of terrorists.”

According to reports, there was heavy gunfire in the market close to Tank Ada (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) after the incident. The police did not disclose the nature of the explosion but they confirmed that rescue crews had arrived at the scene to begin relief work.

Terrorist activity in Pakistan has increased recently particularly in KP and Balochistan following the Tehreek-e-Taliban-e-Pakistan’s (TTP) termination of the cease-fire with the government in November of last year. Unknown gunmen opened fire on a police camp in Dera Ismail Khan on 31st October killing a policeman. Two troops lost their lives in an IED explosion in the South Waziristan district that same day.

At least 59 security officers were killed when terrorists detonated an explosive device in a packed mosque inside a well-guarded police facility in Peshawar earlier in January of this year.  Later, the death toll rose to over 100.

At least 12 Pakistan Army personnel died in July during different military operations in Balochistan’s Zhob and Sui regions. It was the largest number of terrorist assault fatalities that the military has recorded in a single day this year. Prior to this in February 2022, ten troops perished in a “fire raid” in the Kech area of Balochistan.

A similar incident at a Shia mosque in the Kocha Risaldar neighbourhood of Peshawar last year claimed the lives of sixty-three individuals. The TTP, which was founded in 2007 as an umbrella organisation for various extremist groups, broke off talks with the federal government and ordered its fighters to carry out terrorist strikes all around the nation.

The group is believed to be affiliated with al-Qaeda and has been held accountable for a number of lethal attacks in Pakistan which involved the 2008 bombing of the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, strikes on military sites and a raid on army headquarters in 2009. At least 150 people, including 131 pupils, lost their lives when the Pakistani Taliban invaded the Army Public School (APS) in the northwest city of Peshawar in 2014. The attack was highly denounced and sent shockwaves around the globe.

According to information gathered last month by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), August witnessed the most number of terrorist assaults in a month in nearly nine years. There were 99 attacks nationwide, the most in a single month since November 2014, the study noted.

Mahadev Betting Scam: ED raids 5 locations in Chhattisgarh, recovers Rs 2.5 crores from the house of a ‘driver’ linked to the syndicate

OpIndia Staff
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Mahadev Betting Scam: ED raids 5 locations in Chhattisgarh, recovers Rs 2.5 crores from the house of a ‘driver’ linked to the syndicate

The Enforcement Directorate raided five locations in Chhattisgarh in connection with the Mahadev Betting App case on Friday (3rd November). The search operations were carried out at Durg, Raipur, Bhilai, Korba, and Raigarh. As part of the investigation, significant amounts of cash totalling crores of rupees have also been seized from multiple places.

According to the reports, the ED recovered Rs 2.5 crores in cash from the driver during the raid. The ED team is said to have conducted a raid at the home of Asif Dutt, also known as Bappa, in Bhilai’s Housing Board Block 15.

The money was recovered by ED late at night on 2nd November. A team of three to four ED officers arrived in vehicles at Asif Dutt’s home but nobody was at his home. The room was securely locked, so the ED team officers forced their way into the house by breaking the lock to conduct the raid and recover more than Rs 2.5 crore in 500 and 2000 denominations.

Dutt, also known as Bappa, was first recognized as a driver, but he is believed to be connected to the Mahadev app syndicate and is suspected of being the Mahadev app’s panel operator. He is currently on the run.

The process of counting the notes is currently underway. A separate note-counting machine has been purchased from the SBI Housing Board branch for this purpose. The ED believes the funds are linked to the online betting app Mahadev and were possibly intended for election expenses.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) additionally carried out search operations in Raipur. A significant sum of Rs 3.12 crore was discovered in a person’s vehicle at a Raipur hotel. The officer is currently questioning the owner of the vehicle.

The ED has also raided the homes of eight people involved in the betting business in Raipur, Raigarh, and Durg. The searches were conducted in three locations in Raipur: Walfort City, Swarnbhoomi, and Ashoka Ratna. The ED conducted searches at jewelry stores and petrol stations in these areas.

The Mahadev betting application was created by four people including key accused Saurabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal from Madhya Pradesh and it gradually replaced at least 10 similar illicit betting apps that were being used all over the country. Lotus 365 and ReddyAnna are a couple of the applications that were once part of the Mahadev betting fold.

As many as 34 Bollywood celebrities including actors, singers, dancers, etc. have come under the Enforcement Directorate ED scanner in connection with the scam. Raftaar, Sonu Sood, Hardy Sandhu, Sonakshi Sinha, Malaika Arora and Amit Trivedi some of the names. The agency also recently summoned actor Ranbir Kapoor in relation to the case after several Bollywood personalities attended and performed at the wedding ceremony of Saurabh Chandrakar.

NIA makes headway in Coimbatore bomb blast probe, arrests 15th accused Tahanaseer who helped mastermind Mubin to execute the attack

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NIA makes headway in Coimbatore bomb blast probe, arrests 15th accused Tahanaseer who helped mastermind Mubin to execute the attack

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday said it has arrested the 15th accused in the ISIS-inspired car bomb blast case in Coimbatore, in which a suicide bomber was killed when his vehicle laden with Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded.

This case was initially registered by the Ukkadam Police Station in Coimbatore city and subsequently handed over to the NIA, which officially re-registered it on October 27 last year.

The arrested suspect has been identified as Tahanaseer, a resident of Coimbatore.

NIA said that Tahanaseer conspired with other accused persons Jamesha Mubeen, the suicide bomber, and Mohammed Thoufeek to commit the terror attack, which took place in front of the ancient Arulmigu Kottai Sangameshwarar Thirukovil temple at Eswaran Kovil street, Ukkadam in Coimbatore on October 23 last year.

The vehicle carrying the IED was being driven by the deceased accused, Jamesha Mubeen, with whom both Tahanaseer and Mohammed Thoufeeq were closely associated, said the NIA.

“Investigations revealed that Tahanaseer and Thoufeeq had visited the residence of Jamesha Mubeen, exactly one week prior to the attack, during which they conspired to carry out the act of terror.

“Scrutiny of Tahanaseer’s digital device also revealed that he was in possession of ISIS-inspired literature and had deliberately attempted to cover his tracks by deleting the incriminating material, by employing specific mobile-based application software and apps following the terror incident, in an apparent bid to evade the attention of law enforcement agencies,” said the anti-terror agency.

Investigations uncovered that the deceased accused, Jamesha Mubeen, was deeply inspired and motivated by the radical ISIS ideology, the agency said.

Jamesha Mubeen, prior to carrying out the terror attack, had sworn allegiance by giving “bayath” to Abu-Al-Hasan Al-Hashimi Al-Qurashi, the self-proclaimed Caliphate of ISIS at the time, said the NIA.

The NIA had previously filed two separate chargesheets in the instant case on April 20 and June 2 this year, before the NIA court at Poonamallee in Chennai against 11 suspects.

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

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