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’Reservations were brought in 1996, current batch of Secretaries are from before 1992′: JP Nadda demolishes Rahul Gandhi’s tropes on OBC representation

OpIndia Staff
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’Reservations were brought in 1996, current batch of Secretaries are from before 1992′: JP Nadda demolishes Rahul Gandhi’s tropes on OBC representation

On 21st September, Bhartiya Janata Party president Jagat Prakash Nadda (JP Nadda) schooled Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on his comment about the low number of OBCs (Other Backward Class) in secretaries. Responding to his comments in Lok Sabha on 20th September, Nadda said, “How many secretaries were OBCs from 2004 to 2014? A leader will have to be a leader, tutor will not work out.”

Questioning Gandhi’s knowledge of parliamentary and government matters, Nadda said, “I say it repeatedly. The leader has to become a leader. Tutoring cannot work all the time. These tutored statements do not work. It could have worked if the tutor was a leader. But they [Congress] bring an NGO to tutor. These NGOs have zero knowledge and give you statements. What you do? You say those things [in the parliament] ‘I was shocked and shattered’. It was obvious you were shocked. You did not read the details.”

Nadda reminded Gandhi that it was in 1992 when the Supreme Court passed an order to give reservations to OBCs in All India Services, and the first SC/ST and OBCs category batch joined the Services in 1995-96. Considering the dates and the current cut-off year for the empanelment of secretaries, that is, 1992, the secretaries present are the people before the 1992 batch. He said, “In 1992, the Supreme Court said that you should give reservation to OBCs in All India Services. In 1995-96, the SC/ST and OBCs category joined the Services. Today, the cut-off year for the empanelment of secretaries is 1992. The secretaries present are the people before the 1992 batch. How many secretaries were at OBC from 2004 to 2014? A leader will have to be a leader; tutor will not work out.”

On 20th September, Gandhi said, “I was shocked to find out that out of 90 secretaries in the government of India, only three are OBCs. These secretaries only control 5 per cent of the budget. If the country’s budget is 44 lakh crore, then 2.4 lakh crore controls it.”

Furthermore, Nadda pointed out that the BJP gave the country its first OBC Prime Minister. He said, “BJP and NDA gave the first OBC Prime Minister for India, and that is Narendra Modi. They talk about OBC. Out of 303 BJP MPs, 85 are OBC, which makes 29 per cent. Out of 1358 MLAs, 27 per cent are OBCs. Out of 163 MLCs, 40 per cent are OBCs. We have more OBC MPs than the total number of Congress MPs in the Lok Sabha.”

Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier schooled Rahul Gandhi on the same statement. HM Shah said, “One of my colleagues (Rahul Gandhi) was saying that the number of those who run the country is three who belong to the OBC category. Now who will make him (Rahul Gandhi) understand that the government runs the country, not the secretaries.” He added, “You (Rahul Gandhi) are not here to listen, but I want to tell you that 29 per cent of MPs in our party belong to the OBC community. If you want to do a comparison, just come to us.” He further added that there are 29 ministers who belong to the community. Out of 1358 MLAs, 365 MLAs in the BJP belong to the OBC community.

Gandhi, who tried to target the ruling party, claiming they did not take care of the OBCs, was brutally refuted by the ministers and senior BJP leaders as he had failed to get his facts and numbers right in the first place.

‘Canada has growing reputation as a safe haven for terrorists, extremists, and organised crime’: MEA spokesperson

OpIndia Staff
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‘Canada has growing reputation as a safe haven for terrorists, extremists, and organised crime’: MEA spokesperson

On Thursday, 21st September 2023, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Arindam Bagchi held a press conference for weekly briefings. Expectedly, the majority of the questions were regarding the rapidly deteriorating relations with Canada after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that the Indian govt was behind the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Bagchi said that Canada has a growing reputation as a safe haven for terrorists, extremists, and organised crime.

Significantly, the MEA spokesperson said that the number of staff in Canadian missions in India will be reduced to match the same with India’s presence in Canada. On the issue of the strength of the diplomatic presence of Canada in India, Arindam Bagchi said, “We’ve informed the Govt of Canada that there should be parity in strength in our mutual diplomatic presence. Their number is very much higher than ours in Canada. I assume there will be a reduction from the Canadian side.”

When asked about the allegations by Canada and India’s response, he further said, “I do think there is a degree of prejudice here. They have made allegations and taken action against them. To us, it seems that these allegations by the government of Canada are primarily politically driven. We have been engaged with our partners on various issues including this one. We have conveyed our positions to them and those are part of ongoing conversations.”

Arindam Bagchi also confirmed that India has stopped issuing visas in Canada, saying that the Indian offices in Canada are facing security threats and therefore are unable to work properly. He said, “You are aware of the security threats being faced by our High Commission and Consulates in Canada. This has disrupted their normal functioning. Accordingly, our High Commission and Consulates are temporarily unable to process visa applications. We will be reviewing the situation on a regular basis.”

However, Bagchi clarified that Canadians who already have valid Indian visa, and OCI cardholders can travel to India without any restrictions, and only issue of new visas has been stopped temporarily. He said, “The issue is not about travel to India. Those who have valid visas, OCIs are free to travel to India. The issue is the incitement of violence, inaction by Canadian authorities and the creation of an environment that disrupts the functioning of our consulates which is what is making us stop temporarily the issuance of visa services. We will review this situation on a regular basis.”

Arindam Bagchi also said that the Canadian government is not providing any specific information about the allegations levelled against India over the murder of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijja in Canada. On the other hand, he clarified that the government of India has provided very specific information about the criminal activities and evidence has been shared on a regular basis.

He said, “We are willing to look at any specific information that is provided to us, but so far we have received no specific information from Canada. From our side, specific evidence about criminal activities by individuals based on Canadian soil has been shared with Canada but not acted upon.”

On increasing security at the Indian Consulate in Canada, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “We have always believed that it is the host government’s responsibility to provide security. In some places, we have our own security posture also. But, I don’t want to discuss security measures in public. That’s not an appropriate situation.”

Taking a strong stance on Canada for its inaction against the criminals even after sharing the information, and making an important remark on the current diplomatic issue, Arindam Bagchi said, “If you’re talking about reputational issues and reputational damage, if there’s any country that needs to look at this, I think it is Canada and its growing reputation as a place, as a safe haven for terrorists, for extremists, and for organized crime. And I think that’s a country that needs to worry about its international reputation.”

He added, “Safe haven is being provided in Canada, we want the Canadian govt to not do so and take action against those who have terrorism charges or send them here to face justice. We’ve sought either extradition request or assistance related to that, at least more than 20-25 individuals we’ve requested over the years but the response has not been helpful at all.”

He also clarified that before mentioning the allegations in the Canadian parliament, Justin Trudeau raised this concern with PM Modi but he denied all the allegations. He said, “Yes these allegations were raised by Canadian PM Justin Trudeau with PM Modi and the PM rejected them.”

On the question of reports of threats to Canadian diplomats in India, he said, “We take our obligations very seriously. We will be certainly providing all security to foreign diplomats in India. We also expect Canadian authorities to show similar sensitivity to our diplomats in Canada.”

On Indian students in Canada, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “We’ve issued an advisory to take precautions. Our Consulate is working there. We have said that if they face any problem, they can contact our Consulate.”

On a question regarding the child Ariha stranded in Germany, Arindam Bagchi said, “German authorities have granted counsellor access to the child. We remain in constant engagement with the German authorities on this matter.”

In serious damage to its diplomatic relations with India, the Canadian government on 19 September expelled a top Indian diplomat. This was owing to the Canadian government’s inquiry into the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar whom Justin Trudeau deems a “Canadian citizen”. Trudeau’s government, without any evidence whatsoever, suspects the role of the “agents of the Indian government” in Nijjar’s murder. Indian govt also expelled a Canadian diplomat as a retaliatory step.

Amid the ongoing issues between the India-Canada diplomatic situation, the High Commission of Canada in India has issued an official statement saying that the country has decided to temporarily adjust its staff presence in India. Playing victim after creating a massive diplomatic storm over baseless allegations, Canada has also sought security for its diplomats and consular officers in India.

Jammu and Kashmir: DSP Sheikh Adil Mushtaq arrested on charges of corruption, fraud and extortion

OpIndia Staff
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Jammu and Kashmir: DSP Sheikh Adil Mushtaq arrested on charges of corruption, fraud and extortion

On Thursday, 21st September 2023, the Srinagar police arrested a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) from the Jammu and Kashmir Police force. The officer, DSP Sheikh Adil Mushtaq, was arrested on multiple charges, including corruption, extortion and fraud. Preceding this arrest, a specialised team from the Srinagar Police had executed a search operation at DSP Sheikh Adil Mushtaq’s residence, located in the vicinity of the BSNL Exchange in Sanathnagar, Srinagar, on the preceding Tuesday.

According to sources, some documents and a laptop besides other electronic devices were seized during the search operations. DSP Sheikh Adil was questioned in this case. On Thursday, the officer was formally arrested by Srinagar police. DSP Sheikh Adil was arrested under sections 167, 193, 201, 210, 218, 221 and 7, 7A of the Indian Penal Code under FIR No. 149 of 2023 at police station Naugam. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to further probe the case, police said.

It has been reported that DSP Sheikh Adil had established significant connections with certain segments of the Delhi media. Additionally, he had maintained long-standing associations with reputed officers within the Jammu and Kashmir Police Department. Sheikh Adil Mushtaq was in Srinagar two days ago. He jumped out of the house to evade arrest. But he was nabbed by the police. In the past, several officers of the Kashmir Police have come under scrutiny on various important issues related to security and terrorism.

No evidence provided by Canadian govt on allegations over murder of Nijjar, we gave specific inputs on criminals in Canada: Indian govt

ANI
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No evidence provided by Canadian govt on allegations over murder of Nijjar, we gave specific inputs on criminals in Canada: Indian govt

Amid the ongoing diplomatic row between India and Canada, the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said that no information has been shared by Canada regarding the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

“We are willing to look at any specific information that is provided to us, but so far we have received no specific information from Canada,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said on Thursday answering queries.

“From our side, specific evidence about criminal activities by individuals based on Canadian soil has been shared with Canada but not acted upon…Yes, I do think there is a degree of prejudice here. They have made allegations and taken action on them. To us, it seems that these allegations by the government of Canada are primarily politically driven,” Bagchi added.

The spokesperson faced a volley of questions over the row between the two countries following the tit-for-tat expulsion of diplomats.  

Bagchi also said the Canadian government has been informed of “parity” in diplomatic presence.

“We informed the Canadian government to have parity with diplomatic presence, their numbers are higher and I assume there will be a reduction,” he said.

Bilateral relations between India and Canada have hit a downward spiral after Prime Minister Trudeau on Monday alleged that “Indian agents” were behind the shooting of Hardeep Nijjar.

Visa services provider BLS International has with immediate effect suspended Indian visa services in Canada.

BLS International Services Limited is an Indian outsourcing service provider for government and diplomatic missions worldwide. The company manages visa, passport, consular, attestation and citizen services.

“Due to operation reasons, with immediate effect i.e. September 21, 2023, Indian visa services in Canada have been suspended till further notice,” the company informed stock exchanges in a filing on Thursday.

Nijjar, chief of banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and a “designated terrorist” was killed in a targeted shooting at British Columbia in Canada’s Surrey in June 2018.

India has rejected the allegations by the Trudeau administration, terming them “absurd” and “motivated”.

“We have seen and reject the statement of the Canadian Prime Minister in their Parliament, as also the statement by their Foreign Minister. Allegations of Government of India’s involvement in any act of violence in Canada are absurd and motivated,”  MEA had said in a statement.

“Similar allegations were made by the Canadian Prime Minister to our Prime Minister and were completely rejected. We are a democratic polity with a strong commitment to the rule of law,” it added.

India on Tuesday expelled a senior Canadian diplomat in a reciprocal move to Canada expelling a senior Indian diplomat in light of the claim of New Delhi’s involvement in the killing of the wanted separatist leader.

The MEA had said that the Canadian diplomat was asked to leave India within the next five 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)

‘Poori himmat hai’: Rajnath Singh responds to Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury over his China jibe

OpIndia Staff
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‘Poori himmat hai’: Rajnath Singh responds to Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury over his China jibe

On Thursday, September 21, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that he is not afraid to discuss the China-Ladakh border issue in the Lok Sabha. Minister Singh made the strong remarks after Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury repeatedly interrupted Singh’s speech in the Lok Sabha while the minister talked about the success of Chandrayaan 3.

While the minister was discussing various facets of national security including border security, financial security, and food security among others, Chowdhury interrupted and asked if he had the courage to discuss China. Singh initially grinned and stated that he had “Poori himmat” (courage) to do so.

When Chowdhury questioned the defense minister about how much of Indian territory has been “taken over” by China, Minister Singh responded that he is ready to discuss the issue but that it is best not to bring up the past, amid thumping of desks by BJP leaders.

“Poori himmat hai. China pe bhi main charcha karne ke liye taiyaar hun aur seena chauda karke charcha karne ke liye taiyaar hun,” Singh said.

Since the deadly clashes in Galwan Valley in June 2020, India-China relations have been severely strained. Even though the two sides concluded disengagement from various locations following prolonged diplomatic and military talks, Indian and Chinese troops have been locked in a three-year conflict in specific friction points in eastern Ladakh.

It is amusing that a Congress leader is raking up China issue with desperation when his own party has a history of signing a Memorandum of Understanding with China, and losing territory to China due to bad decisions. In 2008, during UPA1, the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Congress party signed an agreement for the sharing of high-level information and collaboration. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) also provided the two parties with the “opportunity to consult each other on important bilateral, regional and international developments”. Notably, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have served as trustees of the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation since 2005, while Sonia Gandhi serves as the foundation’s chairperson.

Visa services in Canada suspended because of security threats faced by Indian High Commission and Consulates: MEA

OpIndia Staff
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Visa services in Canada suspended because of security threats faced by Indian High Commission and Consulates: MEA

After India suspended issuing visas in Canada, the Ministry of External Affairs said that security issues at Indian mission offices in Canada were the reason for the same. MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said this in his weekly media briefing today, saying that the Indian offices in Canada are facing security threats and therefore are unable to work properly.

Bagchi said that the Indian consul offices in Canada are facing security threats after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that the Indian govt was behind the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. He said that the offices are unable to work properly due to the inaction of the Canadian authorities, and therefore they are unable to process visa applications.

He said, “You are aware of the security threats faced by our high commission and consulates in Canada, this has disrupted their normal functioning. Accordingly, our high commission and consulates are temporarily unable to process visa applications.”

The MEA spokesperson added that the Indian government will be reviewing the situation on a regular basis.

This was the first official confirmation that India has suspended visa services in Canada. Earlier today, BLS International, a company that runs India visa application centres in Canada and many other countries, said that Indian visa services have been suspended till further notice due to operational reasons. A message on its website said, “Important notice from Indian Mission: Due to operational reasons, with effect from 21 September 2023, Indian visa services have been suspended till further notice. Please keep checking BLS website for further updates.”

BLS International is an Indian company that provides outsourcing services for diplomatic missions worldwide. The company provides visa, passport, consular, and citizen services.

BLS International has also made a filing with Indian stock exchanges regarding the development, where it said that “Due to operation reasons, with immediate effect i.e. 21 September 2023, Indian visa services in Canada have been suspended till further notice.”

The company added that it will have negligible impact on their financials as the Canadian visa issuance business contributes less than 2% to BLS International’s total annual revenue.

‘Coolie no. 420’: Netizens react to Rahul Gandhi’s coolie stunt at Delhi’s Anand Vihar bus stand where he carried a ‘wheeled’ trolley of his head

OpIndia Staff
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‘Coolie no. 420’: Netizens react to Rahul Gandhi’s coolie stunt at Delhi’s Anand Vihar bus stand where he carried a ‘wheeled’ trolley of his head

Politics is theatre, and the Gandhi-scion Rahul Gandhi is a performer. Whether it was last year’s ‘tying the shoelaces of his mother Sonia Gandhi’ photo op or the year before last’s ‘brave jump’ into the Arabian sea, while his innovative photo ops have left his admirers and devotees enamoured, several Netizens have always seen through his farce.

Today (September 21) too, several Netizens called out the Gandhi scion for his latest farce where he was seen donning a ‘coolie’ avatar at the Anand Vihar bus stand in Delhi. By the way, this is his most recent photo op in the Gandhi scion’s ‘messiah of the poor’ series.

On Thursday, September 21, the Congress MP reached the Anand Vihar ISBT in Delhi to meet railway porters. As part of his latest theatrics, Rahul Gandhi was filmed wearing the traditional red shirt and batch worn by porters or coolies over his shirt and carrying a blue coloured ‘wheeled’ trolley suitcase on his head amid chants of ‘Rahul Gandhi Zindabad.’

Congress party took to X, formally Twitter to post pictures of their ‘jannayak’ (people’s hero) as they liked to refer to him, donning the dress of a coolie.

The Gandhi scion also took to Instagram to share pictures of his visit to Anand Vihar ISBT in Delhi.

SS from Rahul Gandhi’s official Instagram handle

While some of Rahul Gandhi’s fervent supporters and loyalists couldn’t stop gushing over his latest ‘massiah of the poor’ ruse, several Netizens had a field day on X, sharing some amazingly imaginative Bollywood movie-themed memes.

X user @vipul2777 shared the iconic scene from the Bollywood cult classic ‘Sholay’ where Dharmendra tries to commit suicide and Amitabh Bachchan says in his signature style, “Saala nautanki, ghadi ghadi drama karta hai’, to call out Rahul Gandhi’s farce.

Some other X users shared a scene from actor Govinda’s 1994 comedy movie Raja Babu where the actor used to do photo shoots and pose as politicians, police officers, doctors and lawyers, to mock Rahul Gandhi’s latest photo op.

Many Netizens shared stills from Govinda’s 2020 comedy film ‘Coolie No. 1’, where the actor had essayed the role of a porter or a coolie, to mock the Gandhi scion.

While several other X users shared a variety of other Bollywood-themed memes to take a dig at the Gandhi scion’s latest farce, a few alert Netizens noticed how the Gandhi scion was carrying a ‘wheeled’ suitcase on his head, which they mocked, saying that it could simply be pulled and not carried on the head.

Many X users went on to call Rahul Gandhi ‘Coolie No. 420’, for carrying a wheeled trolley suitcase on his head for the photo op.

Rahul Gandhi’s Azadpur Mandi visit where vendors brought back memories of the hypocritical stance Congress has maintained against the three Agricultural Bills

It may be recalled that last month, Rahul Gandhi shared a video of his visit to the Azadpur Mandi where he met some vegetable and fruit vendors as well as traders. In a 6.51-second video shared on Rahul Gandhi’s official YouTube channel, the Congress MP is seen roaming around the bustling Azadpur Mandi and mingling with various vendors and traders, inquiring about the vendors’ monthly income and living conditions, drinking tea with them, shaking hands, and exchanging pleasantries with those gathered around.

His desperate attempts to fault the Centre for rising inflation and position himself as the ‘messiah’ of the poor were very well received throughout the entire video. However, the senior Congress leader was completely taken off guard when the vendors reminded the Gandhi scion how eliminating middlemen is the only solution to curb price rises and tackle inflation.

This conversation had, indeed, brought back the memories of the hypocritical stance Congress had maintained against the three Agricultural Bills that specifically sought to remove middlemen from agriculture. 

After raising a diplomatic storm over unsubstantiated allegations, Canada plays victim, to ‘adjust staff presence’ in India claiming ‘threats’ on social media

OpIndia Staff
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After raising a diplomatic storm over unsubstantiated allegations, Canada plays victim, to ‘adjust staff presence’ in India claiming ‘threats’ on social media

Amid the ongoing issues between the India-Canada diplomatic situation, the High Commission of Canada in India has issued an official statement saying that the country has decided to temporarily adjust its staff presence in India. Playing victim after creating a massive diplomatic storm over baseless allegations, Canada has also sought security for its diplomats and consular officers in India.

“Our High Commission and all consulates in India are open and operational and continue to serve clients. In light of the current environment where tensions have heightened, we are taking action to ensure the safety of our diplomats. With some diplomats having received threats on various social media platforms, Global Affairs Canada is assessing its staff complement in India,” the official statement read.

“As a result, and out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to temporarily adjust staff presence in India. In the context of respect for obligations under the Vienna conventions, we expect India to provide for the security of our accredited diplomats and consular officers in India, just as we are for theirs here,” the statement added.

A spokesperson for the North American country’s foreign ministry further said that the action was being taken by the country to ensure the safety of their diplomats in light of the heightened tensions.

After the terrorist organization, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) produced the “Kill India” posters in July, followed by a succession of others that blamed New Delhi for Nijjar’s killing on June 18, security has been increased at India’s missions in Canada for the seniormost diplomats.

After SFJ threatened to “shut down Indian missions” on September 25, branding them as “terror houses,” India sought increased security at the high commission in Ottawa and consulates in Toronto and Vancouver. Separately, Canada’s public safety minister, Dominic LeBlanc, stated that the country does not accept India’s travel advice and that New Delhi can explain why it was issued.

SFJ, which was outlawed in India in 2019 for its pro-Khalistan activities, has threatened Hindus of Indian heritage and ordered them to leave Canada for ‘promoting violence’ by acknowledging Nijjar’s assassination.

On Wednesday, September 20, Chandra Arya, a member of the ruling Liberal Party, raised the issue in the Canadian House of Commons. “I have heard from many Hindu-Canadians who are fearful after this targeted attack. I urge Hindu-Canadians to stay calm but vigilant,” he said.

“This direct attack on Hindu-Canadians by the leader of Canadian Khalistan movement is further escalation of the recent attacks on Hindu temples. Canada has high moral values and we fully uphold the rule of law. I cannot understand how glorifying terrorism or a hate crime targeting a religious group is allowed in the name of freedom of speech and expression. There would be an outrage in Canada if a white supremacist attacked any group of Canadians asking them to get out of our country. But apparently, this Khalistani leader can get away with this hate crime,” he added.

This comes a day after India on Wednesday, September 20 issued an advisory for its citizens living in Canada and those planning to travel there to exercise utmost caution. “In view of growing anti-India activities and politically condoned hate crimes and criminal violence in Canada, all Indian nationals there and those contemplating travel are urged to exercise utmost caution,” read a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs.

The advice warned that there has been a significant increase in threats against Indian ambassadors and the Indian community. “Indian nationals are therefore advised to avoid traveling to regions and potential venues in Canada that have seen such incidents,” the statement said, urging Indian workers and students to establish a profile with the High Commission of India in Ottawa or the Consulate General of India in Toronto and Vancouver.

Notably, the pro-Khalistani elements have decided to demonstrate outside Indian diplomatic missions in Canada on September 25. According to the reports, the radicals may target the Indian flag and diplomats. They may even target Indian citizens and accuse them of being RAW operatives.

NIA shares photos of Khalistanis responsible for the attack on Indian consulate in San Francisco, USA, seeks their information

OpIndia Staff
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NIA shares photos of Khalistanis responsible for the attack on Indian consulate in San Francisco, USA, seeks their information

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has released the pictures of 10 wanted accused in the March 2023 case of attack and vandalism at the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, USA, and has sought information about them from the general public, the agency said in a statement.
 
The agency has issued three separate “Request for Identification & Information” notices against the wanted accused, “seeking any information of importance that could lead to their arrest or apprehension”.

While two of the notices carry photographs of two accused each, the third notice shows pictures of the other six accused allegedly involved in the case, read the agency statement.

NIA press release

The NIA has also released telephone numbers and email ids for sharing of any information on these 10 accused and promised not to reveal the identity of anyone sharing information on the accused, it said.

The attack on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco had taken place in the intervening night of March 18 and 19, 2023 when some pro-Khalistani entities trespassed into the consulate and tried to burn down the Consulate, the NIA statement added.

NIA shares photos of wanted persons for attack on Indian Consulate in San Francisco
NIA shares photos of wanted persons for attack on Indian Consulate in San Francisco
NIA shares photos of wanted persons for attack on Indian Consulate in San Francisco

“On the same day, slogan-shouting Khalistani supporters had broken through the makeshift security barriers raised by the city police and put up two so-called Khalistani flags in the Consultate premises, damaged the consulate building, assaulted and caused injuries to the consulate officials”

“Further in the intervening night of July 1 and 2, some accused person trespassed into the consulate and attempted to set the consulate on fire while consulate officials were inside the building,” the NIA statement added.
 
The NIA had initiated a probe in the matter after registering a case on June 16 under sections 109,120-B, 147, 148 ,149, 323,436,448 & 452 of the Indian Penal Code, section 13 of UA (P) Act and section 3(1) of Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, a report by ANI stated.

An NIA team visited San Francisco last month for the investigation of the said case.

On September 20, the NIA shared the names and photos of 43 wanted criminals in terror-gangster-linked cases. 29 of them were Khalistani separatists or sympathisers. Within hours of the list being shared in public, Sukhdool Singh alias Sukha Duneke, a Khalistani gangster based in Canada, featured at No 33 in the list, was shot down by unknown persons in Winnipeg.

Karnataka: Islamic symbols painted on a Hindu pilgrimage site in Kolar, one Anwar arrested

OpIndia Staff
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Karnataka: Islamic symbols painted on a Hindu pilgrimage site in Kolar, one Anwar arrested

In the Kolar district of Karnataka, a parson named Anwar has been arrested for drawing Islamic symbols like the crescent moon and star along with the number 786 which is considered holy in Islam on a Hindu pilgrimage site atop Antara Gange Hills. The accused has been identified as Anwar alias Pyarejaan, who painted the boulders atop a hill in green colour and drew Islamic symbols at a Hindu pilgrimage site.

The accused is a resident of Paparajnahalli Kolar Rural police station area. Accused Anwar was arrested after the Forest Department lodged a complaint in the matter. Police are investigating the motive behind the accused person’s actions.

The incident came to light on Tuesday, sparking outrage. The authorities whitewashed the boulders and Islamic symbols drawn by the accused Anwar. The police stated that the issue is being investigated and that the accused is being questioned about his motive behind drawing Islamic symbols at a Hindu religious site.

Notably, Antara Gange Hills is a major tourist and pilgrimage destination about 70 km from Bengaluru. The location is renowned for the Sri Kashi Vishweshwara temple, commonly known as Kashi of the South. This temple is situated within a cave and is a significant sacred site for Hindus.

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