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NIA refutes media reports of alleged links between Kerala Police officers and cadres of banned outfit PFI

OpIndia Staff
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NIA refutes media reports of alleged links between Kerala Police officers and cadres of banned outfit PFI

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday refuted media reports that cited the central agency to claim that at least 873 Kerala Police officers had links with the radical organisation. The media reports had said that NIA had submitted a report to the state police chief exposing the list of officers of Kerala Police who were linked with the PFI.

Earlier today, several media reports said that the Central Agency is probing Kerala Police officers, including officials in the Sub-Inspector (SI) and Station Head Officer (SHO) ranks, for their alleged collusion with PFI cadres. The NIA is also examining the financial details of the officers, the reports said. They further stated that NIA revealed that the officers leaked crucial information to the PFI cadres aiding them to further their agenda.

Quoting NIA, the media reports said that the officers helped the PFI jihadis during the raids. They pre-informed the PFI cadres about the NIA and ED raids which helped them to hide the incriminating documents and materials. The NIA conducted two rounds of searches against the organisation for allegedly sponsoring terror operations in the nation.

The initial series of raids occurred on September 22, with a follow-up on September 27 in multiple states, resulting in the arrest of at least 250 persons associated with PFI. Later, on September 28, the Central Government banned the Popular Front of India (PFI) and its associate organizations for 5 years. The government maintained that the organizations operated as unlawful associations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The affiliations banned along with the PFI include All India Imams Council, Campus Front of India (CFI), Rehab India Foundation, National Conf of Human Rights Org, National Women’s Front, Junior Front, Empower India Foundation, and Rehab Foundation, Kerala. The NIA officials during the raids recovered several incriminating materials from the PFI hubs located in around 17 states of the country. Prominent among them include a brochure and CD related to ‘Mission 2047’.

A huge amount of undocumented cash was also recovered from the PFI jihadi hideouts of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu and also document in a ‘short course on how to make IEDs using easily available materials’. Meanwhile, pen drives containing videos related to ISIS, and Gajwa-e-Hind were found from the Uttar Pradesh PFI leadership and Marine radio sets from Tamil Nadu PFI leadership. Many other materials including wireless communication devices were also taken into custody by the official.

Rajasthan: Witness in Kanhaiya Lal case undergoes surgery after suffering a brain haemorrhage, family cites financial stress and mental issues

OpIndia Staff
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Rajasthan: Witness in Kanhaiya Lal case undergoes surgery after suffering a brain haemorrhage, family cites financial stress and mental issues

On Monday, one of the eye-witnesses of the Kanhaiya Lal murder case named Rajkumar Sharma was diagnosed with a brain haemorrhage and was immediately shifted to the RNT Medical College and Hospital in Udaipur. The state administrative and health officials ensured that Sharma who is facing financial problems is treated with proper medical facilities, as per reports.

According to the reports, the state administrative officials established a green corridor and drove neuro specialists from SMS hospital in Jaipur to Udaipur. The doctors from Jaipur operated on Sharma for around 5 hours on Monday. The patient is critical and is under observation. He will regain consciousness after 2 days, as per reports.

Also, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot talked with the Udaipur district collector and health professionals to discuss Sharma’s health condition. His health is being monitored by a dedicated team of specialists, confirmed DP Singh, Principal and Controller of RNT Medical College, Udaipur.

Before the team of doctors from Jaipur reached Udiapur for Sharma’s treatment, the principal of RNT Medical College in Udaipur and his entire team had provided proper treatment to Sharma. However, after the administrative intervention, the patient was handed over to the neurosurgeons, Dr Manish Aggarwal and Dr Rashim Kataria who reached Udaipur on October 3. The patient was then shifted to the neuro ward of Maharana Bhupal Govt Hospital (MB Hospital) where he was operated for around 5 hours.

Reportedly, Revenue Minister Ramlal Jat and District Collector Tarachand Meena also reached MB Hospital and met Rajkumar’s family members. He assured them of all the possible help and talked to the doctors inquiring about Sharma’s health. The doctors informed that the patient had been treated well and that he would regain consciousness by Wednesday.

Sharma’s family members meanwhile stated that he (Rajkumar) had been suffering from mental issues for two months owing to financial difficulties. “He had been suffering from a headache for the past five days but refused to go to the hospital despite repeated pleas”, they noted. Rajkumar Sharma was one of the assistants who worked for Kanhaiya Lal. He was attacked by the murderers Mohammad Riyaz and Ghouse Mohammad when he and his assistant colleague Ishwar Gaur tried to save Kanhaiya Lal.

According to the complaint filed by Kanhaiya’s son, both the assistants Sharma and Ishwar Gaur tried to save Kanhaiya Lal but the murderers launched an attack on the duo. Gaur also sustained injuries during the incident. The incident happened on June 28, when two Islamists named Mohammad Riyaz and Ghouse Mohammad murdered tailor Kanhaiya Lal for supporting ex-BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma in a social media post. Sharma had allegedly made ‘blasphemous comments’ against the Prophet during a live television debate.

Rajkumar Sharma worked at Kanhaiya’s store during the daytime and handled online meal deliveries at night. After the brutal incident, he did not step out of his home fearing that he would also be killed by the murderers like Kanhaiya Lal. Later he faced financial difficulties leading to several mental issues as claimed by his family members. Rajkumar has been operated by specialist doctors on Monday and is under observation at Maharana Bhupal Govt Hospital, Udaipur.

Centre denies clearance to RJD leader Manoj Jha to attend a conference in Pakistan

OpIndia Staff
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Centre denies clearance to RJD leader Manoj Jha to attend a conference in Pakistan

On October 3, The Ministry of External Affairs denied permission to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Manoj K Jha to attend a conference later this month in Pakistan.

As per reports, the Asma Jahangir Foundation has invited Jha to speak on the ‘Crisis of Constitutionalism in South Asia’. As per regulations, a sitting MP has to seek permission from the centre if he or she wants to attend an event in a foreign nation. Jha, in a statement, claimed that the ‘political clearance’ for the event was denied by MEA ‘without citing any reason’.

As per reports, Jha was supposed to speak as the guest speaker for the closing sessions themed ‘The Role of Political Parties in Upholding Democratic Rights’ on October 23. The Pakistan Bar Council, the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan, and AGHS Legal Aid Cell are expected to attend the fourth Asma Jahangir Conference.

In a statement to the Indian Express, Jha had submitted an online application for prior permission under Section 6 of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010. However, the application was denied by the Ministry. He said, “I received this invitation to attend the prestigious Asma Jahangir conference. She fought for the rights of minorities in Pakistan throughout her life. She fought… for human rights. I was very keen to attend. I was scheduled to speak on the role of political parties in upholding democratic rights. It would have been a great opportunity for me personally and as an MP to showcase… how we view this issue, how we fight inside Parliament and how it is heard and listened to.”

He further added, “I don’t know who decides, but the fact is that probably the people who make decisions do not know who Asma Jehangir was, what was the mandate of this conference, and I find it very unfortunate and saddening. I, as an MP, cannot speak about our achievements in protecting democratic rights.”

Jha told Hindustan Times that he was planning to enter Pakistan via the Wagah border on October 20 and return by October 24. Asma Jahangir was a Human Rights advocate from Pakistan. She died in 2018. Asma Jahangir Conference has been organised in her memory since her demise. Jha was invited to attend the fourth chapter of the conference.

Former US President Donald Trump files defamation suit against CNN, asks for 475 million dollars in compensation

OpIndia Staff
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Former US President Donald Trump files defamation suit against CNN, asks for 475 million dollars in compensation

On Monday, former US President Donald Trump filed a defamation lawsuit against CNN, asking for 475 million dollars in compensatory damages. Trump said in his lawsuit that CNN was waging a “libel and slander” campaign against him out of “fear” that he would run for the office of President again in 2024.

The complaint cites multiple instances in which CNN seemed to equate Trump to Hitler, including a special program by Fareed Zakaria in January 2022 that featured a video of the German tyrant.

“As a part of its concerted effort to tilt the political balance to the left, CNN has tried to taint the Plaintiff with a series of ever-more scandalous, false, and defamatory labels of ‘racist,’ ‘Russian lackey,’ ‘insurrectionist,’ and ultimately ‘Hitler,'” the lawsuit mentions. “CNN has sought to use its massive influence, purportedly as a ‘trusted’ news source — to defame the plaintiff in the minds of its viewers and readers for the purpose of defeating him politically,” it further adds.

Former president Donald Trump is currently the subject of a criminal investigation by the US Justice Department for keeping government documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida after leaving office in January 2021.

Trump communicated in a statement on Monday that similar cases might be launched against other media organizations. “In the coming weeks and months we will also be filing lawsuits against a large number of other Fake News Media Companies for their lies, defamation, and wrongdoing, including as it pertains to ‘The Big Lie,’ that they used so often in reference to their disinformation attack on Presidential Election of 2020,” Trump said. He also stated that he may take ‘appropriate action’ against the House committee investigating the January 6 attack on Capitol Hill.

According to sources, at a meeting more than three months ago, new CNN CEO Chris Licht discreetly encouraged his news staff to desist from using such remarks against Trump because it is too similar to Democratic efforts to brand the former president.

First independent, standalone Hindu temple in Dubai opens today for thousands of devotees: Details

OpIndia Staff
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First independent, standalone Hindu temple in Dubai opens today for thousands of devotees: Details

The first ever independent and standalone Hindu temple in Dubai is all set to be inaugurated on October 4, a day before Dussehra. The temple is located at ‘Worship Village’ in Jebel Ali. The area also houses several churches and a gurdwara.

As per Khaleej Times, it is an extension of Sindhi Guru Darbar Temple, which is one of the oldest Hindu temples in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The temple will be open to the public from October 5.

The foundation of the temple was laid in 2020, fulfilling the decade-long demand of Hindus in the region. Idols of 16 deities have been installed in the temple. It consists of ornate pillars, Hindu and Arabic geometric designs on the facade and bells on the ceiling. Shri Guru Granth Sahib has also been installed in the temple.

On September 1, the soft opening of the temple took place that was attended by thousands of devotees. A 3D-printed pink lotus has been installed at the central dome in the main hall where the idols of deities are installed. The temple can accommodate as many as 1200 devotees on any given day.

Gulf News quoted Temple trustee Raju Shroff as saying, “With the benevolence of the Rulers of the UAE and the gracious support of the Community Development Authority (CDA), we are holding the official inaugural ceremony of the Hindu Temple Dubai tomorrow evening.” He added that public entry will be restricted on the inauguration day and requested the devotees not to visit the temple before October 5.

Shroff added that Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan would be the chief guest for the event. Furthermore, the Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Sunjay Sudhir, has been invited as the guest of honour. CDA officials and other guests will be present for the event.

To make the ‘darshan’ easier for the devotees, the temple management has installed a QR-based appointment system on its online platforms. As per the temple’s official website, it will remain open from 6:30 AM to 8 PM. Initially, only limited devotees were allowed to visit the temple. However, from October 5, there will be restrictions on the number of devotees, and they can enter the premises after booking an appointment.

Elon Musk stirs hornet’s nest with tweets on Russia-Ukraine crisis, draws ire of Westerners. Here is what happened

Dibakar Dutta
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Elon Musk stirs hornet’s nest with tweets on Russia-Ukraine crisis, draws ire of Westerners. Here is what happened

Days after Russia formally annexed four regions in Ukraine, Tesla CEO Elon Musk courted controversy on Monday (October 3) for proposing a fresh, UN-supervised referendum in the annexed territories and claiming that Crimea ‘rightfully’ belonged to Russia.

In a tweet, Musk put forward a plan to restore peace in Eastern Europe and end the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He wrote, “Redo elections of annexed regions under UN supervision. Russia leaves if that is the will of the people. Crimea is formally part of Russia, as it has been since 1783 (until Khrushchev’s mistake). Water supply to Crimea assured. Ukraine remains neutral.”

The Tesla CEO also sought the opinion of Twitterati through a poll, with the Westerners voting en masse against his proposal. “This is highly likely to be the outcome in the end – just a question of how many die before then…Also worth noting that a possible, albeit unlikely outcome from this conflict is nuclear war,” he tweeted.

Screengrab of the tweets by Elon Musk

On being quizzed about providing satellite Internet access coverage in Ukraine through Starlink, Elon Musk responded, “The will of the people should decide whether they are part of Russia or Ukraine, but Russia invaded areas that would unequivocally choose to be part of Ukraine.”

The Tesla CEO had played an important role in maintaining communications in Ukraine, amidst the invasion by Russia. Reportedly, Starlink terminals are used by Ukrainian military outposts to coordinate operations and carry out artillery strikes by its commanders.

Screengrab of the tweets by Elon Musk

Musk followed up on the discussion with another tweet, seeking the opinion of Twitter users about giving power to residents of Donbas and Crimea (regions that Russia already annexes) to decide whether they want to join Ukraine or Russia.

“Let’s try this then: the will of the people who live in the Donbas & Crimea should decide whether they’re part of Russia or Ukraine,” he tweeted.

Screengrab of the tweet by Elon Musk

On being told that his tweets have riled up Ukrainians, the Tesla CEO remarked, “You are assuming that I wish to be popular. I don’t care. I do care that millions of people may die needlessly for an essentially identical outcome.”

He followed it up with another tweet, “Russia is doing partial mobilization. They go to full war mobilization if Crimea is at risk. Death on both sides will be devastating. Russia has >3 times the population of Ukraine, so victory for Ukraine is unlikely in total war. If you care about the people of Ukraine, seek peace.”

Screengrab of the tweets by Elon Musk

Elon Musk faces flak over his peace policy

Westerners lambasted the Tesla CEO on Twitter for supposedly “siding with Russia” and ‘legitimising’ the annexation of Ukrainian territories by Vladimir Putin. US-based foreign policy analyst, Paul Massaro, wrote, “Russia escalates at the weakness and retreats at strength. You are making Russian escalation more likely with these tweets.”

Ukrainian newspaper, Kyiv Post, advised Musk against interfering in the affairs of Ukraine. “Elon, you’re a cool guy and thanks for the Starlink but it’d be so very wonderful if you were to carry out votes on things that you know about. We don’t carry out votes on apartheid and Nelson Mandela,” it said.

Ambassador of Ukraine to the USA, Oksana Markarova, wrote, “Even the best of us can fall victim to misinformation. Elonmusk, how about I give you an exclusive briefing on the true history of Crimea and Ukraine? We can discuss how Ukraine and Crimean Tatars fought together against the Russians long before 1783 and why we like Starlinks today.”

Tesla CEO responds to criticism

The Chairman of Renew Democracy Initiative, Garry Kasparov, accused Elon Musk of peddling Russian propaganda and demoralising Ukrainians, amidst the invasion by Putin.

“This is moral idiocy, repetition of Kremlin propaganda, a betrayal of Ukrainian courage & sacrifice, and puts a few minutes browsing Crimea on Wikipedia over the current horrific reality of Putin’s bloody war,” he said.

Elon Musk, who had patiently responded to his critics until then, lost his composure. “We gave Starlinks to Ukraine & lost $80M+ in doing so while putting SpaceX & myself at serious risk of a Russian cyberattack. What have you done besides tweet?” he asked.

Musk also drew the ire of none other than the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who posted a poll to ask his supporters about their opinion on the Tesla CEO.

“Which Elon Musk do you like? One who supports Ukraine or One who supports Russia?” he tweeted.

The Tesla CEO reaffirmed his support for Ukraine and its people but pointed out how the escalation of the ongoing conflict can cause irreparable harm to the country and the world.

“I still very much support Ukraine but am convinced that massive escalation of the war will cause great harm to Ukraine and possibly the world,” Musk clarified his position on the Russian-Ukraine conflict.

Terrorists murder Kashmir cop ahead of Amit Shah’s visit to ‘warn Hindutva regime’

OpIndia Staff
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Terrorists murder Kashmir cop ahead of Amit Shah’s visit to ‘warn Hindutva regime’

Terror group People’s Anti-Fascist Force (PAFF), an offshoot of Pakistan headquartered terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility of the murder of Jammu & Kashmir DGP (Prisons) Hemant Kumar Lohia. DGP Lohia’s throat was slit and burn marks were found on his body on October 3. This brutal murder came a day ahead Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to the valley.

In a press release issued by PAFF, they have taken responsibility of the murder and said that this is a warning to ‘Hindutva regime’.

Terror group PAFF’s press release

In the press release, referring to DGP Lohia as ‘high value target’, the terror group said that this is just the beginning of such high profile operations. “We can strike anywhere, anytime with precision,” the statement read. The terror group then claimed that the DGP’s murder is a ‘small gift’ to the visiting Home Minister amid such high security. ‘God willing we will continue such operations in future,’ the statement read.

DGP Lohia found dead under mysterious circumstances

DGP Lohia was found dead under mysterious circumstances with throat slit and burn marks on his body on October 3, Monday. Prima facie it appeared to be a case of murder. His domestic help Yasir is believed to be primary suspect and is currently absconding. Search for him is currently on. Yasir belongs to Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir.

As reported by journalist Raj Shekhar Jha, he has been captured on the CCTV where the footage shows him running away after having allegedly committed the crime. Yasir was working at DGP Lohia’s place for past six months and was quite aggressive in his behaviour.

It is believed the killer first suffocated Lohia to death and used broken ketchup bottle to slit his throat. He then tried to set his body on fire.

Vadodara: Police arrest 40 over clash after youths from a local group attempted to install an Islamic flag near a Hindu temple

OpIndia Staff
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Vadodara: Police arrest 40 over clash after youths from a local group attempted to install an Islamic flag near a Hindu temple

On October 3, Salvi Police booked at least 46 people and arrested 40 following a communal clash near a Hindu temple Damaji na Dera, in Salvi, Vadodara. As per reports, Muslim youth attempted to install Islamic flags near the temple on an electric pole where Hindu flags were already installed. A group of Hindus approached them and asked them not to install the Islamic flags as it would hurt their religious sentiments.

PR Patel, Vadodara Rural Police, said, “A Muslim festival is coming up, owing to which a local group had tied their religious flag on an electronic pole. There is a temple nearby. Clashes broke out after another local group went to convey how their religious sentiments were hurt.”

Reports suggest that after the Muslim youth were stopped, around 100 people gathered at the spot. There was a communal clash between both sides. Stones and sharp weapons were used by the mob. Private vehicles and shops were vandalised during the clash.

Savli sub-inspector A R Mahida said, “It soon snowballed into clashes, and both the communities started hurling stones at each other. Nobody was injured, but a vehicle and a shop were damaged by rioters.”

Complaints were filed by both sides. Maheshbhai Mohanbhai Mali filed a complaint from the Hindu side against 25 accused. On the other hand, Ilyas Noor Mahammad Shaikh filed a complaint from the Muslim side against 21 accused.

A senior police officer told Indian Express, “The minority community has a festival coming up soon, and therefore, a local youth group had put up flags on bamboo sticks, fastened to the electricity poll. It did not go down well with other groups as there is a big festival coming up Wednesday in which the majority community has also planned a huge procession. Many rioters were nabbed immediately, and they have also identified other miscreants from the footage.”

The Police booked the accused under Sections 143 (unlawful assembly), 294(B) (uttering obscene words in public, 337 (rash and negligent act endangering human life), 506(2) (criminal intimidation) and 427 (mischief causing damage to property).

Additional police force has been deployed in the area to maintain law and order.

Vadodara: 4 Muslim students attack Hindu students with iron belts, stones after they were asked not to play Islamic songs during Garba event

OpIndia Staff
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Vadodara: 4 Muslim students attack Hindu students with iron belts, stones after they were asked not to play Islamic songs during Garba event

On October 1, six Hindu students were attacked by four accused, identified as Rathod Amin Gulab Nabi, Nizami Moin Nurmahammad, Ganchi Amanbhai Firozbhai and Chauhan Mahamadnuman Mahamadhanif, for objecting to Islamic songs being played during a Garba event at BK Patel Arts & Commerce College of Savli in Vadodara. The four accused attacked the Hindu students with iron belts and stones.

As per reports, a Garba event was organised inside the college premises on Saturday. There were around 150 students at the event. During the snack break, the four accused Muslim students went to the DJ and asked him to play Islamic songs. The DJ did as asked. The other college students objected and said as Navratri was a Hindu festival, it was not appropriate to play Islamic songs during the event.

The four accused got agitated and started abusing the Hindu students and threatened them. The principal and staff immediately intervened and pacified the situation for a while. However, a BA final year student identified as Vishvajitsinh Rajendrasinh Mahida was stopped by the accused while he was going home with his friends after the event and attacked with an iron belt and stones.

Other students who were accompanying him were identified as Yuvraj Dineshbhai Vaghela, Harpalsinh Rajendrasinh Jadav, Yogesh Somsinh Mahida, Rutviksinh Surendrasinh Mahida, Ghanshyamsinh Surendrasinh Mahida. All six students sustained injuries. As the crowd gathered, the four accused escaped the scene. A criminal case under relevant sections was registered by the police against the four accused.

Gujarat: Kheda youth Arif and Zahir lead a mob, pelt stones during Navratri celebrations

OpIndia Staff
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Gujarat: Kheda youth Arif and Zahir lead a mob, pelt stones during Navratri celebrations

Navratri celebration in Kheda turned violent after a Muslim mob led by two youths identified as Arif and Zahir pelted stones on the Hindu devotees.

As per local media reports, stones were pelted on those who were celebrating Navratri in Undhera village of Maatar taluka of Kheda district. About 6-7 people were injured and were taken to hospital. Two police officials were also injured in the stonepelting. Police has increased security in the village.

Report states that during Navratri celebrations, Arif and Zahir led a mob and created a ruckus during Navratri celebration. The leaders of the village tried to broker peace but the mob did not back off. They returned and started pelting stones. Local residents of the village said they asked the Navratri celebrations to be called off in the area and said that the Navratri could not be celebrated there.

Earlier last week it was reported how a Muslim teacher in Kheda had made students beat their chest and chant ‘Ya Hussein’ in Muharram style mourning instead of performing Garba during Navratri celebration. There have also been reports where Muslim men have tried to enter Navratri venue under fake names. Reports have also emerged where in some areas local Muslims have opposed celebration of Navratri.

Navratri is celebrated for nine nights where Goddess Durga is worshipped in various forms. In Gujarat, garba, i.e. dancing, is the form of worship for the goddess. Islam believes idolatry is the biggest sin and is punishable with death.

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