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Supreme Court grants interim bail to Teesta Setalvad after 2 urgent Saturday night hearings, stays High Court order to surrender for a week

OpIndia Staff
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Supreme Court grants interim bail to Teesta Setalvad after 2 urgent Saturday night hearings, stays High Court order to surrender for a week

In a dramatic late-night hearing today, a 3-judge bench of the Supreme Court granted interim bail to controversial activist Teesta Setalvad. Teesta Setalvad got one week of interim bail by this order, as the court stayed the Gujarat Hich Court order to surrender immediately by a week.

A bench of Justices BR Gavai, AS Bopanna and Dipankar Datta was hearing the case. The larger 3-judge bench was formed minutes after a 2-judge bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Prashant Kumar Mishra failed to arrive at a consensus on the appeal challenging the Gujarat High Court order refusing regular bail. The two-judge bench had asked the CJI to form a larger bench today evening, and accordingly, the larger bench was immediately formed and the hearing was scheduled for 9.15 PM today.

Senior Advocate CU Singh and Advocate Aparna Bhat appeared for Teesta Setalvad. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appeared for the government. Senior Adv CU Singh was also present.

Granting the bail, the bench said, “We are not going into the merits of the matter. We are only concerned with that part of the order which rejected the petitioner’s request for a stay. In ordinary circumstances, we would not have interfered. After the petitioner was arrested, this Court considered her request for interim bail…One of the factors which weighed with this Court in granting interim bail was that the petitioner was a lady and was entitled to special protection under S.437 CrPC. Taking into consideration this fact, the learned single judge ought to have granted some time…We stay the order of the single bench for a period of one week.”

Presenting the September 2022 order of the Supreme Court by then CJI UU Lalit granting interim bail to Setalvad as required by the bench, advocate CU Singh started his argument. He said, “The Sessions had been directed to issue directions apart from surrendering passport and to apply till the High Court disposes of regular bail. The conditions were not to interfere with the case essentials etc. I have never been called for single interrogation since not violated any interim bail condition. Once the chargesheet was filed in September the matter then went to the sessions court for trial. I have attended every date. Charges are not yet framed. Absolutely no case at all of any conditions of bail. 10 months have gone by since interim bail. Only 2 of 7 sections mentioned in the chargesheet are non-bailable which is only in sections 194 and 498.”

Intervening the arguments by advocate CU Singh, the bench said, “We are only today concerned by interim protection. When was the impugned order passed?”

In response to this, Singh contended, “High Court rejected interim stay for 30 days without any reason. Now on merits I only want to say to this extent, on June 24 2022 lordships delivered the judgment in the Zakia case. The SIT report was accepted. The report said it was keeping the pot on the boil and action should be taken. The next day Anti Terror Squad comes to Mumbai to pick up Setalvad”

The Supreme Court then asked the Solicitor General to present his case. SG Tushar Mehta argued, “I would expect my lordships to do the same thing that it would do when an ordinary citizen challenges rejection of bail.”

To this, Justice Gavai asked, “What is the urgency that a person should not be granted 7 days time to challenge the bail when she was out for so long? We fail to understand the reasons. Skies will not fall. What is the alarming urgency? We will hear you.”

SG Mehta continued, “Skies never fall. SC order was interim order. Let me persuade you. There is something more that meets the eye, it is not a Question of one individual, person is abusing and misusing every forum. Here I say it is a question of rule of law, not personal interest. Here she is an ordinary criminal and cannot be subject to special …but I will not go there. Ordinary criminals surrender and then apply. Rule of law at stake. She started a designed false campaign against everyone, she took the opportunity and comes with false affidavits.”

SG Tushar Mehta further contended, “SIT constituted by lordships filed periodical reports. Now what happens, it receives witnesses with signed statements. IO flags this, they say they do not know anything but were given it by the petitioner Teesta Setalvad. On merits in a 300-page order, her contentions are rejected by High Court also. Petitioner started collecting money. The entire State was maligned. Entire machinery. Not a question of one individual.” The solicitor general presented the order copy to the court.

Supreme Court asked in response to this, “Whether heavens will fall in 7 days?” Replying to this SG Tushar Mehta said that heavens never fall. Justice Datta opined that if keeping her behind bars was the intention, the earlier bench would not give interim bail. Justice Gavai noted, “We are only on whether the single judge was right on not giving interim stay.”

Justice Datta observed, “With the judgment coming on a Saturday when it comes to loss of liberty. Two judges also had a difference of opinion.” To this, SG Tushar Mehta said, “What can I do?” Replying to this, Justice Datta said, “Not the point. You have to be in favour of liberty.”

Justice Gavai in his next remarks said, “We find that learned single judge was totally wrong in not giving interim stay … When she was out for 7 months.” Overruling SG Mehta’s argument that Teesta Setalvad has done something shocking, Justice Bopanna continued, “We are ready to pass orders saying Good Morning also.”

Justice Gavai further reminded that SG Mehta is representing a mighty state. Responding to this, SG Mehta underlined that Teesta Setalvad took institutions for a joy ride and wrote letters to Geneva maligning the very state justice was referring to. Justice Datta however said that the conduct of Teesta Setalvad may be reprehensible but she cannot be denied interim liberty even for a day.

Justice Gavai pronounced the order saying, “A 3-judge bench of this Court thought it fit to grant her interim bail. What harm if granted for 8 more days? We will post before the regular bench and will grant her interim bail till then. We are staying High Court order.”

The bench said in its order, “We are not going into the merits of the matter. We are only concerned with that part of the order which rejected the petitioner’s request for a stay. In ordinary circumstances, we would not have interfered. After the petitioner was arrested, this Court considered her request for interim bail vide order dated 2nd September 2022”

The bench further said in its order, “One of the factors which weighed with this Court in granting interim bail was that the petitioner was a lady and was entitled to special protection under section 437 of CrPC. Taking into consideration this fact, the learned single judge ought to have granted some time …we stay the order of the single bench for a period of one week.”

The larger 3-judge bench was formed after a 2-judge bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Prashant Kumar Mishra failed to arrive at a consensus on the appeal challenging the Gujarat High Court order refusing regular bail. The High Court had also asked her to surrender before the police immediately, but she approached the apex court instead.

The 2-judge bench had denied interim relief and referred the matter to CJI DY Chandrachud to form a larger bench. In its order, the two-judge bench had said, “There is a disagreement between us on the question of grant of bail. So we request the Chief Justice to assign this matter to a larger bench.”

Following this, in a surprise move, the 3-judge bench was formed within minutes, and the hearing was scheduled at 9.15 PM.

The bench primarily addressed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by Setalvad, which challenged the Gujarat High Court’s today’s decision to reject her regular bail application. The High Court had accused her, based on an FIR filed by the state police, of forging documents to falsely implicate high-ranking government officials in connection with the 2002 Gujarat riots. Furthermore, the High Court ordered her to surrender without any delay.

India and Pakistan swap list of prisoners under 2008 bilateral agreement, ask each other to release them soon

OpIndia Staff
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India and Pakistan swap list of prisoners under 2008 bilateral agreement, ask each other to release them soon

On the 1st of July, Pakistani authorities handed over a list of 308 Indian prisoners currently lodged in Pakistani jails to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. The list comprises 42 civilians and 266 fishermen.

In a statement, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said, “Consistent with the provisions of the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access, the Government of Pakistan today handed over a list of 308 Indian prisoners in Pakistan (42 civilian prisoners and 266 fishermen) to the High Commission of India in Islamabad.”

Following this, the Indian government also handed over a list of Pakistani prisoners currently lodged in Indian jails to the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. The list includes names of 417 Pakistani prisoners, out of which 343 are civilian prisoners and 74 are said to be fishermen.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs also shared this announcement. 

The Ministry’s Press Release states, “India and Pakistan today exchanged, through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad, the lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in their custody. Under the provisions of the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access, such lists are exchanged every year on 1st January and 1st July.” 

Indian and Pakistani governments exchange prisoner lists for Repatriation

The Pakistani Foreign Office announced that the Government of Pakistan on 1st July handed over a list of 308 Indian prisoners in Pakistani jails to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. Additionally, Islamabad also urged India to release and repatriate its civilian prisoners and fishermen who have completed their sentences. 

Parallel to this step by Pakistan, the Indian government also handed over the list of Pakistani prisoners lodged in Indian jails to the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. India also requested Pakistan to ensure the safety, security and welfare of all Indians and those believed to be Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen, pending their release and repatriation, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

MEA added that India remains committed to addressing, on priority, all humanitarian matters, including those pertaining to prisoners and fishermen in each other’s country. “In this context, India has urged Pakistan to expedite necessary action at its end to confirm the nationality status of 62 believed to be Pakistani prisoners, including fishermen, whose repatriation is pending for want of nationality confirmation from Pakistan,” the MEA statement said.

MEA further added that “as a result of sustained efforts by the government, 2,559 Indian fishermen and 63 Indian civilian prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2014.” This includes 398 Indian fishermen and five Indian civilian prisoners who were repatriated from Pakistan this year, 

It is important to note that both India and Pakistan regularly arrest each other’s fishermen violating their maritime boundaries. 

Since 2004, numerous Indian nationals who were languishing in Pakistani jails have been repatriated. In order to expedite the process, the Indian government has urged Pakistan to accelerate the verification of citizenship for approximately 62 prisoners who are presumed to be Indian nationals.

According to official records, the sustained efforts of the Indian government have resulted in the repatriation of approximately 2,559 Indian fishermen and 63 civilian prisoners back to India since 2014.

Bilateral agreement 2008

Despite turbulence in diplomatic ties, both India and Pakistan exchange the lists of prisoners in each other’s custody on January 1 and July 1 every year. This is done in accordance with the Agreement on Consular Access which was signed by both sides on the 21st of May, 2008.

According to the bilateral agreement, India and Pakistan are required to duly notify their respective foreign missions about any arrests, detentions, or imprisonments of nationals from the other country. Subsequently, within three months of arrest, consular access must be granted to these detainees. 

Furthermore, once the nationality of the prisoners is confirmed and their sentences are completed, both sides are expected to release or repatriate them within one month.

US President Biden implies that the Taliban is helping to eliminate Al Qaeda, Taliban uses it to claim that it has no ties with other jihadi groups

OpIndia Staff
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US President Biden implies that the Taliban is helping to eliminate Al Qaeda, Taliban uses it to claim that it has no ties with other jihadi groups

On the 30th of June, US President Joe Biden, in an ‘off-the-cuff’ remark admitted that Washington is getting help from Afghanistan’s Taliban to ‘end’ the threat of Al-Qaeda. 

Biden made this open admission while addressing a Press Conference on Supreme Court’s decision to block his government’s student debt relief program. He made the comments when a reporter asked whether he admitted that any mistake was committed during the Afghanistan withdrawal in 2021 or not. 

The reporter said that a report said that there were failures and mistakes in withdrawal from Afghanistan, and asked whether the president admits to the same. Responding to this, Biden argued that the evidence claimed otherwise and stated that the Taliban is helping the US in its fight against Al-Qaeda. 

The White House transcript quoted Biden saying, “No, no. All the evidence is coming back. Do you remember what I said about Afghanistan? I said al Qaeda would not be there. I said it wouldn’t be there. I said we’d get help from the Taliban. What’s happening now? What’s going on? Read your press. I was right.”

With these comments, President Biden directly implied that the Taliban administration in Afghanistan is helping the US to fight against Al Qaeda.

Apparently, this admission of help from the Taliban in ending the terror module of Al-Qaeda is in stark opposition to a UN report that was released last month. The report categorically highlighted that the Taliban has been maintaining “strong and symbiotic” ties with Al-Qaeda.

The UN report also asserted that Al-Qaeda “is rebuilding operational capability” on Afghan soil. Furthermore, the UN report alerted about the rising threat of terrorism in the region. The report stated that both Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State’s Afghan affiliate ISKP are growing substantially in numbers and capabilities due to the absence of US or Western forces in the country.

It stated that “the link between the Taliban and both Al-Qaeda and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) remains strong and symbiotic. A range of terrorist groups has greater freedom of manoeuvre under the Taliban de facto authorities. They are making good use of this, and the threat of terrorism is rising in both Afghanistan and the region.”

Taliban flaunts Biden’s remark as its certificate

Joe Biden’s remark claiming that the Taliban is helping them to end the terror infrastructure of Al-Qaeda was quickly used by the Taliban regime in Afghanistan to certify itself. 

Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs hailed Biden’s remark adding that the Islamic Emirate considers the remarks about “the non-existence of armed groups in Afghanistan as an acknowledgement of reality.”

The Ministry said, “We consider remarks by US President Joe Biden about the non-existence of armed groups in Afghanistan as an acknowledgement of reality. It refutes the recent report by the UN Sanctions Monitoring Team alleging the presence & operation of over twenty armed groups in Afghanistan.”

The colossal failure: Troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021

It is important to note that a recent US State Department report held both Trump and Biden administrations responsible for the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, back in 2021. 

The report criticised the handling of the 2021 evacuation from Afghanistan by both the Biden and Trump administrations. It noted that the troop withdrawal had “serious consequences for the viability” and security of the former U.S.-backed Ashraf Ghani government in Afghanistan.

Without explicitly mentioning his name, the report also reflected adversely on the Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. 

The report read, “Naming a 7th-floor principal … would have improved coordination across different lines of effort.” 

It is important to note here that the seven floor has offices of the State Department including that of Blinken and other senior diplomats have offices.

Larger bench of Supreme Court to hear interim bail plea of Teesta Setalvad tonight after 2-judge bench denied relief

OpIndia Staff
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Larger bench of Supreme Court to hear interim bail plea of Teesta Setalvad tonight after 2-judge bench denied relief

The Supreme Court has formed a special bench to hear Teesta Setalvad’s plea challenging Gujarat High Court’s decision to deny her regular bail, and the matter will be heard tonight itself, on 1st July. A two-judge bench of the Supreme Court heard her plea earlier, but due to a lack of unanimous decision reached by the vacation bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Prashant Kumar Mishra, interim relief was denied to Teesta Setalvad, and the bench referred the matter to the CJI to form a larger bench on the issue.

Accordingly, the CJI formed a special bench of Justices BR Gavai, AS Bopanna and Dipankar Datta to hear the interim bail case of Teesta Setalvad. The case will be heard by the special bench at 9:15 pm today, 1st July 2023. The controversial activist approached the Supreme Court after the Gujarat High Court earlier today rejected her regular bail plea in connection with the conspiracy case linked to the 2002 Gujarat riots.

In its order, the two-judge bench had said, “There is a disagreement between us on the question of grant of bail. So we request the Chief Justice to assign this matter to a larger bench.”

The bench primarily addressed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by Setalvad, which challenged the Gujarat High Court’s today’s decision to reject her regular bail application. The High Court had accused her, based on an FIR filed by the state police, of forging documents to falsely implicate high-ranking government officials in connection with the 2002 Gujarat riots. Furthermore, the High Court ordered her to surrender without any delay.

During the special hearing, Justice Oka clarified from the beginning that the bench would not delve into the merits of the case at that moment. However, he expressed his opinion that considering the order was issued on a Saturday, the High Court could have allowed Setalvad some time before requiring her to surrender.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta provided an explanation for the High Court’s decision not to allow time for surrender. He said, “Setalvad had maligned the State, and it was Supreme Court that had indicated that she should be in the dock for her actions.”

In his oral observation, Justice Oka stated, “Matter may be listed on Tuesday, that’s what we are saying. Some time to surrender. Let us be very fair, some time should be granted for a higher court to examine. She was on interim bail since September last year. Heavens will not fall (if she is given some time to surrender). We are telling you something very reasonable. We have not decided anything. But we are also handicapped, we received paper books now.”

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said, “Please allow me to persuade the court…Please see how the entire State was maligned, witnesses tutored…She has taken the entire institution for a ride. Question of the majesty of the institution…The Supreme Court itself found some material against her and so the FIR was lodged against her, however, if your lordships think there is no material in the case, you can pass an order. For all that she has done…She may go to jail. If Your Lordships find that she has been wrongly taken into custody, she can always be released. That is the rule of law.”

Following a brief discussion between Justice Mishra and Justice Oka, the latter informed the involved parties that due to a disagreement regarding the granting of interim relief to Teesta Setalvad, an order was being issued to promptly refer the matter to Chief Justice DY Chandrachud for the formation of a larger bench.

On Saturday, July 1, the Gujarat High Court rejected the regular bail application of ‘activist’ Teesta Setalvad and ordered her to “surrender immediately.” The Gujarat High Court ruling came with regard to the alleged fabrication of evidence and tutoring of witnesses in cases concerning the 2002 Gujarat riots.

Setalvad has been shielded from arrest thus far by interim bail granted by the Supreme Court in September last year, after which she was released from judicial custody. Following this, she applied for regular bail at the Gujarat High Court, but the court denied the same.

Four accused arrested in connection to firing on Bhim Army chief Chandra Shekhar Azad

OpIndia Staff
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Four accused arrested in connection to firing on Bhim Army chief Chandra Shekhar Azad

On the 1st of July, four accused were arrested for allegedly carrying out an attack on Bhim Army chief Chandra Shekhar Azad, three days ago on 28th June. The accused were arrested near a dhaba in the Shahzadpur area of Ambala when they were reportedly on their way to surrender in Ambala court.

Reportedly, the accused were identified as Vikas, Prashant, and Lovish. All three of them are said to be residents of Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. While the fourth accused Vikas hails from Karnal, Haryana. 

The case has been registered at Deoband police station and the accused have been booked under various sections of law. The charges include Section 307 of the Indian Penal Code ( attempt to murder) and relevant sections of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. 

As per media reports, this was a joint operation between the Ambala unit of the Haryana Special Task Force and the Uttar Pradesh Police. 

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Ambala STF unit, Aman Kumar informed the media that the accused were handed over to the UP Police for further investigation. DSP Kumar stated that it still remains to be seen whether the accused were staying at a hideout in Ambala or not. He also added that no weapon was recovered from the accused.

On 30 June, the Uttar Pradesh Police had registered an FIR. Earlier, the Police recovered the attack vehicle on the very same day when the incident took place, 28 June. Afterward, the Police took three suspects in custody in connection with this case. 

On 28 June evening, the Bhim Army chief Chandra Shekhar Azad was traveling in an SUV when some unidentified assailants opened fire on his car near the Gandhi Colony in Deoband. He sustained injuries and was quickly rushed to the SBD Hospital for treatment.

Arrests in connection to threatening social media posts

Earlier on June 30, a man was arrested for allegedly posting a threatening message on social media against the Bhim Army chief Azad. 

Amethi’s Superintendent of Police, Elamaran G, informed that the Police registered a case on 29 June regarding a threatening post. The post targeting Azad was uploaded on the Facebook page called ‘Kshatriya of Amethi’. 

In connection with this threatening post, the Police registered a case under section 506 of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology (IT) Act. Subsequently, a suspect named Vimlesh Singh was arrested for the alleged post. As per reports, he was not involved in the attack on Bhim Army Chief, however, preventive action was taken to maintain peace and order, the police statement said.

Reports claim that six days prior to the attack on Azad, a Facebook post claimed that the Bhim Army Chief would be killed by the Thakurs of Amethi in broad daylight.

On 29 June, another post on the same page asserted that Azad has been shot in the waist, but “next time he will not survive”.

MP-MLA court sentences Madhya Pradesh Congress working president Jitu Patwari to one year in jail in a 13-year-old case

OpIndia Staff
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MP-MLA court sentences Madhya Pradesh Congress working president Jitu Patwari to one year in jail in a 13-year-old case

The MP-MLA court has found Congress MLA and former minister Jitendra (Jitu) Patwari guilty in a 13-year-old case. He was sentenced to one-year imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 10,000. He was also present in the court during the hearing. The Bhopal court did, however, grant him bail right away.

The Congress leader received a six-month jail term and a Rs 1,000 fine from the court for violating Section 447. According to sections 332 and 3 of the Public Property Damage Act, respectively, one year in prison and a punishment of Rs. 700 and Rs. 2,000 have been imposed.

After receiving his sentence, Jitu Patwari responded, “Democracy is the pride of every Indian. I respect the court’s decision and have full faith in the judiciary of this country. Every Congress worker and citizen of this nation who abides by the constitution holds the decision in the highest regard.”

He further continued, “My leader respected Rahul Gandhi was removed from the Lok Sabha due to political enmity. Similarly, I was also suspended from the assembly session. This is a punishment for fighting the battle of the poor and the farmers.”

Addressing the farmers he commented, “Understand this politics. BJP repeatedly made false promises to the farmers. Neither the income of the farmers doubled nor the value of the produce increased. From the prime minister to the chief minister, they lied continuously. So, I demanded Rs 3000 per quintal. Until the BJP-led government listens, this struggle will continue.” He also tagged Bharatiya Janata Party’s official account in his post.

17 individuals, including Jitu Patwari, were charged in 2009 with obstructing government work in Rajgarh, Madhya Pradesh. In addition to the lawmaker, District Panchayat President Rajgarh Chander Sondhia, Ujjain Congress Committee Executive President Surendra Marmat, former MLA Rajgarh Krishnamohan Malviya, Surendra, and Ghanshyam Verma have also been found guilty in the case.

They were convicted of breaching Sections 147, 332/149 of the Indian Penal Code as well as Section 3 of the Public Property Act by the court, but were also granted bail.

Jitu Patwari and his associates were booked under Sections 47, 449, 332 and Section 3 of the Public Property Damage Act. His attorney, Ajay Gupta, stated that this sentence will not have an impact on the former’s legislature and he will also file an appeal in this case with the Upper Court.

Congress had organised a protest regarding the farmers in Rajgarh in 2009 which also included Congress stalwart and former chief minister Digvijay Singh. Stone pelting started when the Congress leader was about to give a memorandum to the collector. Afterwards, the entire instance escalated during which Digvijay Singh also sustained injuries.

He can appeal for bail in the sessions court under section 389 of the Indian Penal Court and has a month to apply for the same. His election candidature will not be affected by the sentence because it is less than two years.

Jitu Patwari remarked, “I had gone to fight the battle for the farmers in the 2009 case for which I am given the sentence. The farmers’ fight would still carry on even if the authorities jail me. However, the court has my respect.”

Pakistan to send a delegation to India to inspect security arrangements at ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 venues

OpIndia Staff
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Pakistan to send a delegation to India to inspect security arrangements at ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 venues

The Pakistan government has announced its decision to send a delegation of representatives to India for security inspection of the World Cup 2023 venues. An official statement from the Inter-Provincial Coordination has confirmed that this delegation visit is standard practice before any major tour. While Pakistan claims security concerns, some view it as an attempt to exert unnecessary caution and create a false narrative.

India is gearing up to host the Cricket World Cup in an unprecedented manner, marking a significant milestone in the tournament’s history. With matches spread across 12 diverse venues, the nation eagerly awaits the commencement on October 5, culminating in the final at Ahmedabad’s iconic Narendra Modi Stadium on November 19.

A historic moment is on the horizon, as this event also marks Pakistan’s first visit to India since the 2012/13 bilateral series. However, Pakistan’s participation remains uncertain, pending clearance from their ministry to travel to India for the tournament.

The Inter-Provincial Coordination (Sports) Ministry is awaiting the election of the new chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board after the Eid holidays to finalize the timing of the delegation’s visit. The Pakistan government’s decision to dispatch a security delegation to inspect the venues is a formal step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of their players and officials during the tournament. The delegation, along with representatives from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), will thoroughly assess the security and other arrangements made for their team.

An official source from the Inter-Provincial Coordination (Sports) Ministry said, “The security delegation will go with representation from the PCB to inspect the venues where Pakistan will play and also the security and other arrangements made for them in the World Cup. The delegation would visit Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Ahmedabad, the venue for the marque India-Pakistan match on October 15.”

He added, “Before any tour to India it is standard practice for the cricket board to seek permission from the government which normally sends a delegation to India. The delegation will interact with the officials there and discuss and inspect with them the security and other arrangements for our players, officials, fans and media, who will go for the tournament.”

He further said, “If the delegation feels it would be better for Pakistan to play at some other venue instead of a designated one, it will mention that in its report. The PCB will share the report with the ICC and BCCI if the delegation has any concerns.”

Pakistan’s schedule for the ODI World Cup 2023 includes a series of highly anticipated matches against opponents. The team will kick off their campaign on October 6, facing Qualifier 1 at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad. They will continue their journey on October 12, taking on Qualifier 2 at the same venue. One of the most anticipated encounters will be against India on October 15, scheduled to be held at the prestigious Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The team will then proceed to face Australia on October 20 at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, followed by clashes with Afghanistan and South Africa on October 23 and 27, respectively, at the Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Pakistan’s fixtures continue with matches against New Zealand on November 4 at the Chinnaswamy Stadium and Bangladesh on October 31 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The team’s final group stage match will be against England on November 12 at Eden Gardens, concluding their challenging schedule.

It is noteworthy that Pakistan itself has faced challenges concerning security and terrorism over the years. As India stands tall as the world’s fifth-largest economy, it has managed to maintain stability and growth amidst diverse challenges. The irony is apparent, as Pakistan seeks assurance of security arrangements in India, while the neighbouring country grapples with its own internal security issues.

CPI(M) mouthpiece Deshabhimani’s Ex-Editor G Shaktidharan claims “CPI(M) had plans to kill Kerala Congress Chief K Sudhakaran”

OpIndia Staff
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CPI(M) mouthpiece Deshabhimani’s Ex-Editor G Shaktidharan claims “CPI(M) had plans to kill Kerala Congress Chief K Sudhakaran”

On July 1, the former associate editor of CPI(M) mouthpiece ‘Deshabhimani’, G Sakthidharan made startling revelations against CPI(M) through a Facebook post. This comes days after he levelled several allegations against the Communist party ruling in Kerala. 

Sakthidharan has alleged that attempts were made by the CPI(M) to kill Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president K Sudhakaran. As per his claim, the CPI(M) had contracted someone to kill K. Sudhakaran. However, the Sudhakaran managed to escape, because one of those who engaged the the killers had leaked the information.

In his Facebook post, Sakthidharan claimed that he was once part of an outfit that hired assassins to kill Congress leader K Sudhakaran. He alleged that the Communist party successfully influenced its followers that Sudhakaran was the one who should be killed.

He stated, “There is a communist society in Kerala ready to justify activities even if Sudhakaran is killed. The party has ingrained a thought that he is a person who must die. That is the victory of creating an enslaved society. Back then, I couldn’t self-criticize my decision to back the person who committed the first political killing in Kerala.”

Facebook translation of the relevant part of the post

He highlighted the recent example of Wagner Group’s purported mutiny against the Russian President. Citing this example, he asserted that the communist party has hired a “murderous gang” to achieve its objective.

The sorry state of affairs of Indian communism

While maintaining that he still is a staunch Communist, Shaktidharan lamented that the Communist party is now walking hand-in-glove with dreaded gang members.

He wrote, “Does anyone recall whether a party leader hired a private security team during his visit to the Netherlands with his family? The hold in Cabinet Ministry helped him. Lakhs were spent by the leader for the same. What is the need for hiring such private security abroad? Does any communist leader inquire? Has any communist leader who visited abroad hired private security? That is the state of Indian Communism.”

Sakthidharan further alleged that he received threatening and abusive calls after he targeted the CPI(M) leadership. 

Previously, Shaktidharan had alleged that a top Marxist party leader visited the party office in Kaloor. Reportedly, he received a payment of around Rs 2.35 crore. 

He also added that he was among the group that went to buy the reed mat to wrap the money and bring it to Thiruvananthapuram.

Following Shaktidharan’s allegations, on 27th June, Congress MP Benny Behanan claimed that these revelations made by Shaktidharan point fingers at Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and LDF Convener EP Jayarajan.

He added, “It is a serious matter that the allegation has been made by a Marxist think-tank which had close ties with Communist leaders. Since the government is not ready to conduct a proper investigation, the names of the people who have been promoted by Shaktidharan, are being discussed in the public domain.”

The Congress leader also added on the basis of the serious disclosure of journalist G. Shaktidharan, a written complaint was lodged with the state police chief demanding that the government be ready for an immediate investigation.

Gujarat: Woman discovers man in neighbourhood was stealing her undergarments for 8 months, 10 injured and 20 arrested in clash after that

OpIndia Staff
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Gujarat: Woman discovers man in neighbourhood was stealing her undergarments for 8 months, 10 injured and 20 arrested in clash after that

In a small village located in Dhandhuka taluka of Ahmedabad in Gujarat, a dispute revolving around stolen undergarments escalated into a violent clash between two groups belonging to the same caste.

The incident occurred on June 27, 2023, in Pachchham village in Gujarat, when a 30-year-old woman accused her 31-year-old neighbour of repeatedly pilfering her intimate apparel over an astonishing span of eight months.

According to a police officer from Dhandhuka, “The woman became increasingly perplexed as her underclothes would mysteriously vanish from the clothesline where she had hung them to dry. This persisted for eight months.”

Growing frustrated, she devised a covert plan using a mobile phone to capture the elusive thief in the act, using the phone as a spy camera. Finally, the incriminating footage unveiled the truth.

Upon reviewing the footage on June 26, she discovered that a man in her neighbourhood was stealing her undergarments. The following day, she discreetly kept a close eye on the man and witnessed him snatching her undergarments with her own eyes. After that she followed him discreetly and stumbled upon a collection of pilfered intimates, said a police officer.

Following this, she confronted the man, resulting in an altercation. Reportedly, the enraged man not only molested but also assaulted the woman.

Her desperate cries for assistance summoned her family members armed with sticks to the scene. “They retaliated by attacking the man and his relatives. Subsequently, the man’s kin launched a counterattack against the woman’s family,” added the officer.

Inspector PN Zinzuwadia from Dhandhuka police stated that approximately ten individuals sustained injuries during the commotion. Furthermore, a total of 20 people from both sides were arrested.

“We have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the woman’s relatives for charges of rioting and assault, and another FIR against the man and nine of his relatives for charges of molestation, assault, and rioting,” disclosed the inspector.

Chhattisgarh: Aqib Javed assaults Hindu girlfriend for refusing to convert to Islam, raped her on the pretext of marriage and forced abortion, arrested

OpIndia Staff
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Chhattisgarh: Aqib Javed assaults Hindu girlfriend for refusing to convert to Islam, raped her on the pretext of marriage and forced abortion, arrested

A new case of love jihad has come to light in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. The accused young man Aqib Javed first befriended a young Hindu woman, developed a relationship with her, and then later he started pressurising her to change her religion to Islam. During this time, he also raped her on the pretext of loving and marrying her. He beat up the girl for refusing to change her religion. At first, the police registered a complaint of assault and asked the girl to leave. When she approached the Inspector General with the complaint, a case was registered against the accused. The case is from the Sakri police station area.

The case was registered on the orders of the IG. The girl’s medical examination was conducted on Friday, 30th June 2023. Police have arrested the accused Aqib Javed (age 22) and sent him behind bars. Aqib is a resident of Kumharpara Jarhabhata.

The 22-year-old young girl lives in the Sakri area and works in a private job. She lodged a complaint with the police saying that she befriended Aquib Javed, a resident of Kumharpara Jarabhata, a few years ago. During this time, a friendship grew between them, after which he expressed love and then the young man took her to the Sakri area and forcibly made physical relations with her. When she was going to complain to the police, the young man promised to marry her.

This continued for several months. Meanwhile, the young man’s relative started pressuring the victim girl to change her religion. However, the girl refused to change her religion. Then the accused young man brutally assaulted her. After this, the accused Aqib Javed started harassing her in different ways. During this time, the girl also apologised to him. Aqib Javed then asked her to change her religion to get married. But when she talked about marriage according to Hindu customs, Aqib Javed got angry.

The girl said that Aqib Javed had assaulted her a week ago over this matter. She then approached the Sakri police station with a complaint. However, the police described it as a case of a love affair and interpersonal quarrel and registered a case of simple assault on the complaint of the victim girl and let her go.

After not getting cooperation from the police, the victim girl went to IG Badrinarayan Meena with her complaint. Taking the matter seriously, he directed the police to book of a case against the accused Aqib Javed, after which the police registered a case of rape.

The victim told the police that last year on Aqib Javed’s birthday, she gave him the good news of her pregnancy. On this, the young man started assaulting her. When she was going to lodge a complaint at the police station, he started convincing her. After this, he forcibly gave her medicines and got an abortion. When the victim girl became pregnant once again, she was taken to Kota and forcibly assaulted and given medicines for abortion.

The victim said in the complaint that initially when she befriended Aqib Javed, he promised her to get a job. He then got her a private job, after which he brought her in a car to the Sakri area and forced physical relations with her in exchange for a job. Since then, he continued to physically abuse her.

The victim said that the accused Aqub Javed took her iPhone. Then once he came to her room and started taking away cash and jewellery. When the victim girl’s sister stopped him, Aqib Javed pushed her away. When she asked to complain to the police station, the young man started apologising to her and said that he had gambled by mortgaging the jewel.

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