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After Sweden, now Quran burnt in front of the Iraqi embassy in Denmark’s Copenhagen, protests erupt at Swedish and Danish embassies in Baghdad

OpIndia Staff
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After Sweden, now Quran burnt in front of the Iraqi embassy in Denmark’s Copenhagen, protests erupt at Swedish and Danish embassies in Baghdad

On Friday, 21st July 2023, the Danske Patrioter group in Denmark burnt Quran in front of Iraq’s embassy in Copenhagen. The protesters also threw the Iraqi flag on the ground and stomped on it. The Danske Patrioter group (meaning – Danish Patriots) said that this Quran-burning activity was a part of their protest against the attack on the Swedish embassy in Baghdad.

It is notable that several protesters stormed the Swedish embassy early on 20th July and set it ablaze in a violent response to another planned burning of the Quran. This came following a report from a Swedish news agency saying that the Swedish police had approved a Quran and Iraqi flag-burning protest outside the Iraqi Embassy in Stockholm.

On Friday, 21st July 2023, the members of the group Danske Patrioter gathered in front of the Iraqi embassy in Copenhagen and raised slogans against Islam. They also waved banners against Islam. They also live-streamed a video of the burning Quran on their Facebook page as a part of this protest.

The Danske Patrioter group said it carried out this activity in protest against the attack on the Swedish embassy in Baghdad. The group staged this protest amid strict security measures taken by the police. It is the same group that burnt the Quran and the Turkish flag in front of the Turkish embassy and a mosque in Copenhagen in January 2023.

In the video, it can be seen that the protesters put the Quran on a steel tray on the ground and set it on fire. They then laid the Iraqi flag on the ground and stomped on it.

Following the event, a large mob tried to storm into the Danish Embassy in Iraq, located in the Green Zone in Baghdad. Hundreds of protestors tried to enter the heavily fortified Green Zone, but the security forces were able to hold them back by blocking a bridge.

On Thursday, 20th July 2023, ex-Muslim Iraqi refugee Salwan Momika residing in Sweden kicked and damaged the Quran and Iraq’s flag in front of the Iraqi Embassy in Stockholm. While the original plan was to burn it, it was not done, but the holy book was desecrated.

Its reaction was immediately seen in Iraq as Islamists attacked the Swedish embassy in Baghdad. The protesters entered the embassy and set it on fire. Iraqi riot police used water cannons to disperse hundreds of protesters who breached the walls of the Swedish consulate in central Baghdad. Security forces equipped with electric batons attempted to chase away the protesters from the embassy.

The protests were reportedly called by supporters of the influential Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr who is known to have given calls to his supporters in the past to take to the streets in protest.

It is the second time that Salwan Momika has desecrated the Quran. Earlier, on 28th June 2023, he lit several pages of the Quran on fire in front of a mosque in Stockholm. This Quran-burning event also had repercussions in Iraq as hundreds of Moqtada Sadr’s followers broke into the Swedish embassy in Baghdad on the next day. After about 15 minutes of heated protests, the gathering of Muslims started to disperse as tight security was put in place.

Following the attacks on the embassy in Iraq, Sweden has temporarily shifted the embassy to Stockholm. It is notable that Iraq has already expelled the Swedish ambassador to Iraq in protest against permitting the burning of the Quran and the Iraqi flag. An Iraqi government statement said Baghdad had also recalled its charge d’affaires in Sweden. Moreover, the Iraqi govt has also suspended the work permit given to Swedish MNC Ericsson. Iraq has also threatened to cut all diplomatic relations with Sweden over the issue.

Other Islamic countries have also condemned the repeated burning of the Quran in Sweden, including Iran, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE, Lebanon, Palestine etc. Sweden’s ambassadors were also summoned by several countries to objections to the event.

Karnataka: Three girl students suspended for placing a mobile camera in the bathroom of a nursing home in Udupi

OpIndia Staff
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Karnataka: Three girl students suspended for placing a mobile camera in the bathroom of a nursing home in Udupi

The management of the prestigious Netra Jyoti College of Udupi in Karnataka placed three female students under suspension close on the heels of the discovery of a mobile camera in the women’s bathroom. The institution, located near Ambalpady Bypass, is a private eye hospital and nursing home.

The students who are from one community are accused of hiding a cell phone in the female toilet to record private moments of females from another community and then forward the same to the pupils of their own community via WhatsApp. They were reportedly sharing the footage on social media.

The other students took it upon themselves to stir the college administration into taking appropriate action when the despicable deed came to the fore. Moreover, following the revolting discovery, a conflict arose between the students of the two communities. The perpetrators also got into an altercation with several other students.

The management board then intervened and initiated strict action against the former and issued a notification to suspend them. When the matter became public, Hindu organisations arrived at the institution and urged the administration to undertake a stringent response to the awful conduct.

All college students have currently urged Udupi Superintended of Police Akshay Hoque to conduct a thorough probe into the occurrence. However, no case was registered at the police station as of yet.

Bihar: Beef found inside Hanuman temple; police forces deployed to curb communal tensions

OpIndia Staff
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Bihar: Beef found inside Hanuman temple; police forces deployed to curb communal tensions

On the 22nd of July, some miscreants allegedly tried to disturb social harmony and stroke communal tensions in Bihar’s Aurangabad district. According to the information received, devotees and locals reportedly found beef inside the Hanuman temple located in the area. This was seemingly done to hurt the sentiments of the Hindu community. Afterwards, locals informed the concerned authorities who took necessary action to prevent any untoward incidents.  

According to a report in India today, on Saturday, the 22nd of July, some local residents discovered that beef was kept inside Hanuman Temple located in Balabigha’s Haspura area. They immediately alerted the concerned authorities and on getting the information, police reached the spot to investigate the matter. 

Following the incident, the Hanuman temple was cleaned and sanitised. Sensing that the alleged act has hurt the sentiments of local residents, the police forces were compelled to take necessary actions to maintain peace and communal harmony in the region. 

Subsequently, heavy police forces were deployed outside the Hanuman temple as a precautionary measure to prevent any communal incidents in the area.  

The news report added that some anti-social elements allegedly kept the beef inside the temple to disrupt communal harmony in the area.

On their part, the Police held meetings with the locals, and the discussions helped to restore a peaceful atmosphere in the area. After discussions with the locals, Police decided to probe the CCTV footage from nearby cameras to identify the miscreants who kept beef inside the temple. The Police also ensured to take strict action against such anti-social elements. 

However, since the investigation is ongoing and the suspects have not been arrested, police forces decided to maintain a presence in the area to ease tensions and avoid any flare-ups.  

A buffalo head was found outside a Hindu temple in Delhi

A few weeks back, an accused named Azeem was arrested for dumping a severed head of buffalo near a Hindu temple on Nala Road in the West Gorakh Park area of Northeast Delhi. In a video that surfaced on social media, the severed head of a buffalo was seen lying on the road near the temple premises.

The Welcome police initiated a probe and found that two miscreants on a scooter dumped the buffalo’s head near the temple. Later, the cops arrested a 27-year-old Azeem and a 16-year-old minor in connection to the case.

Informing about the two arrests made in the case, DCP North East Delhi had urged locals to maintain peace and not spread any kind of rumours. 

Is Rekha in a live-in relationship with her secretary Farzana? The actor’s biography makes shocking claims

OpIndia Staff
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Is Rekha in a live-in relationship with her secretary Farzana? The actor’s biography makes shocking claims

Veteran Bollywood actress, Rekha has long been the subject of rumours and controversies, particularly around her romantic relationships. She was famously in love with Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan, which continues to be a matter of discussion to this date and made headlines when her businessman husband committed suicide in 1990 while she was spending time in London.

Now, a biography on the life and times of the actress titled, ‘Rekha: The Untold Story’ written by Yaseer Usman is courting attention due to the shocking claims made in it. According to the Indian television journalist, she lives with her secretary Farzana, and even her housekeeper is not allowed access to the former’s bedroom. Farzana doesn’t let anyone else in the celebrity’s bedroom but herself, while the latter has happily given over the control to her.

The book claims that Rekha is in a relationship with her manager of almost 33 years and closest associate Farzana. The excerpt read, “Farzana is a perfect partner for Rekha. She is her consultant, her friend, and her supporter, and Rekha simply can’t live without her. In fact, only Rekha’s trusted secretary Farzana, who some have claimed is her lover, is permitted inside her bedroom; not even domestic help are allowed entry.”

Yasser Usman alleged that Farzana has a tight grip on Rekha’s home and all the activities as well as carefully monitors everything the seasoned actress does. She keeps a check on Rekha’s every aspect of life and even scrutinises her every call. 

“Farzana controls and tightly monitors the comings and goings in Rekha’s life and household. She is a formidable gatekeeper and is said to vet each phone call and choreograph practically every minute of Rekha’s life. Rekha has clothed herself in mystique and secrecy and it is Farzana who makes it possible for her to have such a hermetic existence,” the book further added.

The book also maintained that Mukesh Aggarwal, a Delhi-based businessman who was the late husband of the Bollywood star, committed suicide by hanging himself from one of her stoles in his home in 1990 because of Farzana.

Rekha along with her husband Mukesh Aggarwal. (Source: Javatpoint)

Their marriage barely lasted seven months because he passed away the very same year they were wedded. Notably, a death certificate was also drawn up but he declared that no one including the actress was to blame for his unfortunate demise in his suicide letter.

Rekha was called a murderer, a vamp and even a witch after he perished. The book additionally expressed how after the tragic instance, the whole industry, including veterans like filmmaker Subhash Ghai and actor Anupam Kher, turned against her.

In author, Mohan Deep’s book, ‘Eurekha,’ Farzana who has been with Rekha for nearly three decades was asserted to have had a sexual relationship with the actress, although the actress consistently insisted that the former is her soul sister. Malavika Sanghvi, a well-known journalist pointed out that they are a lesbian couple in love, and Mukesh Agarwal committed suicide due to Farzana in her book.

She emphasised how important a role Farzana plays in Rekha’s existence. She highlighted that the latter is the centre of the life of the legendary actress and described her as Rekha’s advisor, friend and supporter. She also noted that Farzana fulfils the role of a male in the latter’s life in her book.

India rejects Chinese company BYD Motors’ proposal to set up a four-wheeler plant over security concerns

OpIndia Staff
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India rejects Chinese company BYD Motors’ proposal to set up a four-wheeler plant over security concerns

The Central government has rejected BYD Motors and Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL)’s proposal to establish a $1 billion four-wheeler manufacturing facility in India.

The proposal, which was submitted to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), included plans for an electric vehicle manufacturing unit in Hyderabad. The DPIIT solicited feedback from many departments in order to evaluate the investment proposal. Concerns about security risks relating to Chinese investments in India were highlighted during the discussions.

Security issues were highlighted during the vetting process of BYD Motors and Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd’s proposal, resulting in its rejection by the Centre.

“During the deliberations, security concerns regarding Chinese investments in India were raised,” an official told Economic Times. Another official said that the existing regulations prohibit such investments.

Reportedly, the venture proposed to the DPIIT that it will produce 10,000-15,000 electric cars each year. According to one of the people involved with the project, MEIL would offer the finance, while BYD would contribute the technology and know-how. BYD, the world’s largest electric car manufacturer by sales, has already launched two EV models in India.

It is pertinent to note that India amended its foreign direct investment policy in April 2020, making government clearance mandatory for projects from countries with which it shares a land border. Such recommendations are decided upon by a committee chaired by the Home Secretary.

Though no country is mentioned in the policy, it was meant to prohibit Chinese firms from purchasing entities in India amidst the growing India-China tensions along the border.

Moreover, the DPIIT continues to investigate Chinese automobile manufacturers with connections to Indian firms, following allegations that some Chinese automobile manufacturers have brought aboard Indian partners as proxies to operate as a front for them, with no long-term strategic intention of shifting manufacturing facilities to India.

Tamil Nadu: 25-year old auto driver stabbed to death for honking at a group cutting cake on the road, 8 including 2 juveniles arrested 

OpIndia Staff
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Tamil Nadu: 25-year old auto driver stabbed to death for honking at a group cutting cake on the road, 8 including 2 juveniles arrested 

A 25-year-old autorickshaw driver was brutally stabbed to death at Ambattur in Chennai by a group of ten young men on Thursday night, 20 July. The group was seemingly upset by his constant honking as they were busy celebrating a birthday party and cutting cake on the road. 

As per eye-witnesses, the auto-driver had asked the group to clear way and not block traffic for their birthday celebration before he was stabbed repeatedly by the revellers. 

Eight accused, including two juveniles, have been arrested in connection with the midnight Ambattur stabbing that unfolded on Thursday in the state’s capital, Chennai.  

The deceased auto-driver was later identified as Kamesh, a resident of Venkateswara Nagar in Ambattur. His brother Sathish (29 years old) was also injured in the attack when he tried to protect his brother. 

According to the Police, Satish lives in Oragadam with his family. On Thursday night, Kamesh had picked up his brother from Ambattur and was on his way to Oragadam to drop him home. At around 11.30 pm, he reached Ayyappan Street junction where a group of ten young men had blocked traffic and were cutting a birthday cake. 

Police officials added that since the road was too narrow, Kamesh continuously honked at the group to ask them to clear the road. This constant interruption and continuous honking noise irked the revellers and the group picked up an argument with Kamesh. 

The group didn’t budge and asked Kamesh to wait until their celebrations were over. However, Kamesh and his brother Sathish were opposed to this and kept asking them to give way for their vehicle and clear the traffic. 

Reportedly, when the arguments escalated, Gautam, the young man whose birthday party was being celebrated on the road, and his friends stabbed Kamesh with knives. When Sathish intervened to protect his brother, the group launched an attack on him as well. Afterwards, he alerted the neighbours and asked for help but by then, the gang had fled the spot after repeatedly stabbing Kamesh. 

After getting information about the incident, Police reached the crime scene and declared Kamesh dead. Sathish was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. 

Subsequently, Ambattur police lodged a case in this Ambattur stabbing case. Later, they arrested Gautham (22 years old), Naveen Kumar (18), Ajay (22), Riaz (19), Kathiresan (19), Surya (23), and two juveniles.

The local residents were horrified to witness the gruesome murder and asked the police to ensure that such celebrations should not be allowed to happen on the road. They also urged the Police to take strict action against the culprits in this case. 

Justice Gaurang Kanth loses his pet dog, writes to the joint police commissioner of Delhi seeking suspension of officer on duty for security lapse

OpIndia Staff
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Justice Gaurang Kanth loses his pet dog, writes to the joint police commissioner of Delhi seeking suspension of officer on duty for security lapse

In a recently surfaced letter, former Delhi High Court Judge, Justice Gaurang Kanth asked the Joint Commissioner of Police (Security) to take disciplinary action against a police officer. The reason behind this request is that the said officer had failed to lock the door of his residence, which ultimately led to the unfortunate loss of Justice Kanth’s pet dog. Notably, Justice Gaurang Kanth is transferred to the Calcutta High Court and he was sworn in on 21st July 2023.

In his letter to the joint commissioner of police, Justice Gaurang Kanth wrote, “I am writing this letter with a lot of pain and anguish. Due to a lack of devotion and incompetence on the part of the officers providing security at my official bungalow, I lost my pet dog. In spite of repeatedly telling them to keep the door locked, the security officials deputed at my residence have failed to comply with my directions and carry out their professional duty. Such dereliction of duty and incompetence needs immediate attention as the same can cause grave danger to my life and liberty.”

The honourable Justice further wrote, “Such callousness in carrying out their duties by the said security personnel may cause any untoward incident at my residence and I fear for my security. Not manning the gate and lack of devotion in keeping a check on the movement and ingress and egress from the gate of my residence is intolerable. I will request you to immediately suspend the officers who are unbecoming of a government servant and carry out a thorough investigation regarding the aforementioned issue which could have been a grave threat to me and my family’s life. An action taken report in this regard shall be submitted within 3 (three) working days from today.”

The letter is dated June 12 but has gone viral on social media only over the last 2 days, after Justice Gaurang Kanth’s transfer to the Calcutta High Court.

Justice Gaurang Kanth’s letter to the Joint Commissioner of Police came just a day after Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud’s letter to all Chief Justices of High Courts. In his letter, the CJI expressed concern over the improper use of the protocol, which can invite public criticism and cause inconvenience to the public.

Maharashtra: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to adopt the children orphaned in the tragic Irshalwadi landslide

OpIndia Staff
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Maharashtra: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to adopt the children orphaned in the tragic Irshalwadi landslide

On Saturday, 22nd July 2023, the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) announced that Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will provide support and adopt the children who lost both parents in the devastating landslide at Irshalwadi village in Raigad district.

The Irshalwadi landslide, which occurred on Wednesday, 19th July 2023, resulted in a heart-wrenching death toll of 22. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been tirelessly conducting search and rescue operations in the affected area.

In the wake of this tragedy, CM Eknath Shinde expressed deep concern for the orphaned children and took a compassionate step to adopt them. “In the Irshalwadi landslide, several kids have lost both parents. CM Eknath Shinde has announced to adopt these kids and become their guardian. The CM has declared that these orphaned kids, aged 2 to 14 years, will be taken care of by the Shrikant Shinde Foundation,” stated the Shiv Sena.

Mangesh Chivte, OSD to CM Eknath Shinde said, “All the expenses on education and other things will be occurred through Shrikant Shinde foundation run by CM Eknath Shinde’s son. An FD (Fixed deposit) will be made for each kid to fund their education.”

This landslide occurred in Irshalwadi village near Irshalgad. However, there is no paved road to reach that place. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde walked for one-and-a-half hours to reach the accident site on 20th July 2023.

During his visit to the site of the tragedy on Thursday, the chief minister assessed the ongoing relief and rescue efforts and extended an ex-gratia of ₹5 lakhs to the families of the deceased, providing financial support in their time of grief.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also talked to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to express his condolences and solidarity. He assured CM Eknath Shinde that four National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams were deployed to efficiently handle the rescue operations.

As the nation mourns the loss of lives and grapples with the aftermath of the unfortunate landslide, the compassionate gesture of Maharashtra’s Chief Minister to adopt the orphaned children appears as a beacon of hope and support in these trying times. The Shrikant Shinde Foundation’s efforts to ensure their well-being and education bring a ray of light to the lives of these young souls who have endured an unimaginable tragedy.

Kapde nikal gaye, jitna bhi nikla hai: West Bengal TMC leader Shashi Panja downplays Malda incident where two women were stripped naked by mob

OpIndia Staff
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Kapde nikal gaye, jitna bhi nikla hai: West Bengal TMC leader Shashi Panja downplays Malda incident where two women were stripped naked by mob

On Saturday (July 22), Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Shashi Panja courted controversy after she tried to downplay the sexual assault on two women in West Bengal’s Malda district.

On being asked about her statement on the disturbing incident, she claimed, “This happened in a hatt (market) inside a big village, Pakuahat. There was a case of theft. People apprehended the two women, who committed the theft. This led to a scuffle with other women.”

“Bechara sabhi gareeb hai…Aab kapde nikal gaye…jitna bhi nikla hai… usko rajneeti ke chashmein se kyu dekh raha hai (All of them are poor…Yes the women were somehow disrobed… to whatever extent…there is no point in politicising the incident),” Shashi Panja trivilaised the seriousness of the crime.

The TMC leader then claimed that the police came to the rescue of the two women, although no personnel were seen in the viral video. “Police tried to break the fight but they got overpowered by ladies,” she conceded.

Interestingly, Shashi Panja tried to trivialise the sexual assault by repeatedly claiming that the perpetrators were also women. “It is not right for the women to take law and order into their own hands but they also had to stop the two women from running away with stolen goods,” she said.

She further added, “Anyway, the police have initiated an inquiry into the matter and a case has been registered.” Shashi Panja serves as the Minister for Women and Child Development and Social Welfare in the West Bengal government.

The Background of the Controversy

On Friday (July 21), a disturbing video went viral on social media wherein two women were seen being stripped naked and thrashed by a frenzied mob. The incident reportedly took place on July 19, 2023.

As per a report by TV9 Bangla, the incident took place at Pakuahat in the Malda district of West Bengal. The area falls under the jurisdiction of the Bamangola police station.

According to the news outlet, the two women were allegedly caught on suspicion of pickpocketing. They were then surrounded by a mob of angry locals who thrashed the duo black and blue.

They tore the sarees of the women and stripped them naked in full public glare. The locals also pulled the hair of the victims and assaulted them with shoes. The women fought to keep the clothes on their bodies. As seen in the video, none came to the rescue of the women.

According to TV9 Bangla, the victims are said to be residents of Manikchak village of Malda. While speaking about the matter, BJP national spokesperson Amit Malviya said that the two women belonged to the tribal community.

Karnataka: Catholic Priest serving as Principal of Diocese-run college sexually assaults a minor girl in Shivamogga, arrested

OpIndia Staff
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Karnataka: Catholic Priest serving as Principal of Diocese-run college sexually assaults a minor girl in Shivamogga, arrested

On July 21, Friday, the Shivamogga police in Karnataka arrested Father Francis Fernandes, a church priest, for sexually assaulting a 17-year-old minor girl from the Banjara (nomadic) community. The police booked the accused under stringent sections of the POCSO Act and the SC/ST Act. The Father was produced before the court and sent for 14 days of judicial custody.

The accused Father Francis Fernandes is the principal of Sacred Heart College under Shimoga diocese in Karnataka.

According to reports, the father of the victim said in his complaint that the Father sexually abused his daughter “in the name of love.”

Girish, a Banjara community activist said, “A girl from our community has been sexually harassed. A priest who is part of the Sacred Heart College has been accused of this. The girl is just 17 years old.”

The activist further stated, ”We have heard that the priest has a history of harassing young girls. The police have arrested him. The college had done nothing about this. We condemn this incident.”

After the crime came to the fore, members of the Banjara community stage protest outside the police station in Shivamogga against the church priest for allegedly sexually abusing a minor belonging to their community.

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