Home Blog Page 373

Was former Pakistan PM Imran Khan raped in jail? Viral ‘medical report’ sparks outrage: Here’s what we know so far

Jinit Jain
-
0
Was former Pakistan PM Imran Khan raped in jail? Viral ‘medical report’ sparks outrage: Here’s what we know so far

As tensions between India and Pakistan erupt after the Pahalgam terror attack, prompting New Delhi to embrace a multipronged approach to tackle Pakistan’s historical support for terrorism, a shocking claim is doing the rounds on the internet: former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was raped while in jail. 

The source? A purported “medical report” allegedly from the Pak Emirates Military Hospital (PEMH), detailing graphic injuries that suggest sexual assault. But as the storm gained momentum online, a closer scrutiny of the claims not only revealed a web of inconsistencies, casting serious doubt on the authenticity of the report, but it also disclosed a shocking apathy of the Pakistani establishment to clear confusion about their former Prime Minister and a world cup winning captain. 

‘Medical report’ spawns claims of Imran Khan’s rape

The document in question first appeared on X (formerly Twitter), triggering an avalanche of speculation, concern, and political point-scoring. According to the report, Khan suffered bruising and swelling around the perineum, decreased anal sphincter tone, and bleeding—injuries suggestive of violent assault. It even claimed pending tests for HIV, hepatitis, and other STIs, with a chilling note that his release was subject to clearance from Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff.

The implications were horrifying. But almost immediately, red flags started to emerge.

For starters, the report is dated May 3, 2025—yet it was already circulating online on May 2, a full day earlier. That alone casts a dark shadow of doubt. Moreover, official sources confirmed that Imran Khan’s medical evaluation wasn’t conducted at PEMH at all, but rather by doctors at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad.

Put bluntly: the document is almost certainly a fake.

No official clarification from Pakistan Army or government

Despite the social media kerfuffle, not a single official channel has confirmed or denied the allegations. Khan’s legal team has made no public statement about sexual assault, and there’s been no press release or credible reporting to back or oppose the claims. Meanwhile, Pakistani media outlets have zeroed in on the discrepancies, emphasizing that the report appears to be part of an orchestrated disinformation campaign.

Vigilant social media users have also weighed in—calling out the document as fabricated and warning against amplifying such inflammatory claims without evidence. Still, the story continues to spiral across timelines, WhatsApp groups, and YouTube comment sections.

But silence from the Pakistani establishment and Imran Khan’s team reveals there is more to it than what meets the eye. 

When lies go viral: Fake Pahalgam victim list circulated online

This isn’t the first time Pakistan’s political theater has spilled into the domain of disinformation. But the speed and reach of this particular claim expose a chilling truth: in today’s digital landscape, a well-timed fake can rival any fact.

Take for instance the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, a gruesome episode of religious-based target killing that stained the Baisaran valley. Islamic terrorists killed 26 unarmed tourists after confirming their Hindu identity, in some cases pulling down the pants of victims to check for circumcision. But shortly after the attack, social media was awash with a fake list of victims with 15 Muslim names to imply terrorists didn’t differentiate between Muslims and Hindus. 

Platforms like X and Facebook can turn unverified screenshots into global headlines within hours. The damage—reputational, political, and social—is often irreversible. And in volatile and pseudo democracies like Pakistan, where military invariably calls the shot, disinformation can quickly become a weapon to subjugate an opponent.

Notably, Imran Khan had a spectacular fallout with the Pakistan Army after being sentenced to jail term. With sordid history with the Army and mutual recriminations, one cannot rule out the possibility that this purported disinformation campaign was initiated at Pakistan Army’s directive.

Viral claim of rape collapses under scrutiny but silence of those in power leaves the door open

The viral report claiming that Imran Khan was sexually assaulted in jail is full of holes. From the incorrect hospital to the impossible timeline, it reeks of manipulation. No official confirmation, no credible reporting, and no evidence make this story a textbook case of misinformation.

Though the available evidence doesn’t justify the current outrage, the deafening silence of key stakeholders casts a long shadow of doubt over what truly transpired in prison with Imran Khan. Moreover, in a country like Pakistan where ‘Bacha Bazi‘ is rampant, one cannot discount the possibility of a sexual exploitation victim weaponising it to settle scores with their political opponents. Was he sexually assaulted, or merely physically attacked? The refusal of those in power to clarify the situation suggests that, even if a sexual assault didn’t occur, something deeply troubling almost certainly did.

Uttarakhand govt establishes its own mobile network in Rudraprayag, Char Dham Yatra devotees to get free WiFi under “District Disaster Resource Network”

ANI
-
0
Uttarakhand govt establishes its own mobile network in Rudraprayag, Char Dham Yatra devotees to get free WiFi under “District Disaster Resource Network”

The Uttarakhand government and administration are constantly making new efforts to make the journey of devotees arriving from the country and abroad on the Chardham Yatra pleasant and smooth.

In this efforts, Uttarkahand governement under the guidance of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has establish its own mobile network. This network has been named “District Disaster Resource Network”.

This network will not only operate continuously in disaster or any dire situation, but it also has the facility of mobile data, voice calling, high quality CCTV visuals and WiFi.

District Magistrate Saurabh Gaharwar, Rudraprayag district, took this intiative for the ease of devotees coming to the distrct for Char Dham Yatra.

Under this resource network, devotees are now going to get the facility of free WiFi. Chief Development Officer GS Khati said that to take advantage of WiFi, one has to go to the WiFi setting and register his mobile number, after which an OTP will come on the mobile number, after filling which one can avail the benefit of high speed WiFi for half an hour.

After its successful trial on Saturday, this facility has been dedicated to the devotees. The devotees who reached Baba’s darshan expressed happiness over this and thanked the government and the district administration for this.

Rudraprayag has become the first district in the country to have its own separate and complete mobile network. During the disaster on the Kedarnath footpath in July 2024, when other mobile networks had completely stopped working, this network became a lifeline for travelers, laborers and rescue teams. With this, people stranded on the way contacted their homes and it also helped immensely in relief and rescue operations.

The Char Dham Yatra 2025 officially began on April 30, with the doors of Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham opening on Akshaya Tritiya amid Vedic chants and rituals. On May 2 the doors of Kedarnath were opened.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reached in Kedarnath on May 2 and distributed prasad to the devotees at the Mukhya Sevak Bhandara organised at the Kedarnath premises.

He emphasised that the government has managed to ensure a safe journey for the devotees and has made appropriate arrangements so that they don’t face any problems.

“Char Dham Yatra has started on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya on 30th April…On May 4, the doors of Lord Badrinath Vishal will also open, and the yatra will start in full swing. We have tried to ensure that the journey of the devotees is safe and they do not face any kind of trouble during the journey, and for this, we have made appropriate arrangements”, CM Dhami said.

The doors of Shri Badrinath temple are scheduled to open on May 4. So far, over 22 lakh pilgrims have registered at the Rishikesh Transit Camp for the sacred journey.

The Hindu pilgrimage Char Dham circuit consists of four sites: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The River Yamuna originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in Uttarakhand. Pilgrimage season peaks in Uttarakhand for the Char Dham Yatra annually during the summers.

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

Bengaluru: FIR filed against singer Sonu Nigam after Kannada outfit filed complaint accusing him of hurting sentiments of Kannadigas

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Bengaluru: FIR filed against singer Sonu Nigam after Kannada outfit filed complaint accusing him of hurting sentiments of Kannadigas

An FIR has been registered against singer Sonu Nigam over his recent comments at a Bengaluru concert after a member of the audience rudely asked him to sing in Kannada. The FIR was registered on Saturday at the Avalahalli Police Station, Bengaluru, for allegedly hurting the sentiments of Kannadigas with his comments.

A Kannada outfit named Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) had filed a complaint against singer Sonu Nigam on Friday for allegedly hurting the sentiments of the people of Karnataka. The outfit alleged that the singer insulted the Kannada language and incited linguistic hatred during a music event in Bengaluru.

“This statement is not only insensitive, but also dangerous. By linking a simple cultural request to a terrorist incident, Sonu Nigam has portrayed Kannadigas as intolerant, inciting linguistic hatred and threatening communal harmony,” the complaint read. The complaint has been received by the police, however, a case has not been registered yet.

What did the singer say?

The controversy erupted during a music event held on 25th April at East Point College of Engineering and Technology in Virgonagari, where Sonu performed. During his performance, a person from the audience interrupted him and kept pestering him to sing a Kannada song. Nigam perceived the person’s behaviour as rude and exhibiting linguistic chauvinism. Declining to sing in Kannada, the singer said that hr has been singing Kannada songs even before the person was born.

“I had started singing Kannada songs even before he was born. This is why the Pahalgam attack happened — for such a kind of attitude. At least see who is in front of you before making such demands,” said the singer to drive home the point that any kind of division, whether based on language or religion, results in incidents like the Pahalgam terror attack.

Sonu Nigan defends his comments

The singer has posted a video message on Facebook and Instagram, defending his comments at the concert. He said that the tone of asking him to sing in Kannada was actually a threat, not just a demand. Sonu Nigam said that after he completed his first song, 4-5 guys starting shouting that he should sing in Kannada.

He said, “The four to five people who were shouting were like goons… several other people tried to stop them. It was important to remind them that, during the Pahalgam attack, people were not asked their language. Kannadigas are a lovely people… It was important to remind those four or five people that you cannot allow people to threaten you. You cannot have people sowing seeds of hate in a land of love. They were not demanding, they were threatening.”

One-fourth of castes enjoying 97% of reservation – What is the Rohini Commission report that is in the news again after caste census announcement

रामांशी
-
0
One-fourth of castes enjoying 97% of reservation – What is the Rohini Commission report that is in the news again after caste census announcement

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government has announced a caste-based census. The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs approved it on 30th April 2025. Since then, speculations regarding the census have intensified. On the sidelines of the discussion about the upcoming census, the Rohini Commission is again making headlines. There is an ongoing discussion about the suggestions and recommendations made by the Rohini Commission that could be implemented after the census.

Before discussing the Rohini Commission in detail, it is essential to understand how often, and when, caste-based censuses have taken place in India. Interestingly, the first-ever caste census was conducted during British rule, and the last caste-based census was also conducted during British rule. For the first time since independence, a caste-based census will be conducted at the national level.

When was the first caste census conducted

The first caste-based census took place in India in 1881. At that time, the total population of India was 25.38 crore. After that, the caste census has been conducted every ten years. In 1901, for the first time, castes were classified based on profession and varna. A total of 1,642 castes were recorded. The last caste census before independence was conducted in 1931 under which 4,147 castes were recorded.

In 1941, a caste census was conducted, but due to the Second World War, the survey could not be completed and was never made public.

After independence, the first census was conducted in 1951. The government decided that only data on Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) would be collected. The decision was taken in the interest of national unity.

In 1991, all states were allowed to conduct surveys to prepare lists of Other Backward Classes (OBCs). It was done to empower castes socially and economically. However, no national-level caste census has been carried out to date.

The last census in India was conducted in 2011. The next census was scheduled for 2021 but did not take place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even then, the demand for a caste census was raised by the opposition. At that time, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) opposed the idea of a caste census.

Notably, in 2011, when the national census was conducted, the Congress government outright refused to fulfil the promise to conduct a caste census. Senior Congress ministers, including Pranab Mukherjee and P. Chidambaram, stopped the Manmohan Singh government from carrying it out. However, later, under pressure from OBC and Dalit leaders, the then government of India conducted a caste-based socio-economic survey between 2012–13 for appearance’s sake. It was not part of the national census, and its report was never made public.

When the Bihar caste census report was released on 2nd October 2023, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi once again declared on behalf of his party that a caste census would be conducted at the national level if the Congress Party comes back to power.

From ‘No’ to ‘Yes’

Until recently, PM Modi used to say that he recognised only four castes: the poor, youth, women, and farmers. RSS leaders have always maintained that they consider everyone Hindu and that the idea of a caste census is flawed. The government too stated in Parliament that a caste census would promote casteism in society.

However, on 30th April 2025, the Modi government suddenly announced the decision to conduct a caste-based census. For the first time since 1931, a caste census will be conducted alongside the national population census.

The announcement made by the Modi government has triggered intense political debate. It is believed that the census will significantly influence electoral calculations and strategies. The survey could also reshape the direction of reservations, resource allocation, and social policies.

Why the Rohini Commission is being discussed

In 2023, a caste census was conducted in Bihar. Even before the data was made public, the Modi government constituted the Rohini Commission on the lines of the Kaka Kalelkar and Mandal Commissions. On 2nd October 2017, a commission was formed under the chairmanship of retired Delhi High Court Chief Justice G. Rohini. The commission was formed under Article 340 of the Constitution of India. The purpose of the commission was to sub-categorise OBCs. It is known as the Rohini Commission.

Article 340 of the Indian Constitution enables the government to appoint a commission to investigate the conditions and backgrounds of socially and educationally backward classes. Under this, the President can order the appointment of such a commission. So far, three commissions have been formed under this article.

Before the Rohini Commission, the Mandal Commission was formed in 1979, which recommended reservation for the OBC category. The recommendations were kept on hold by the governments of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi from 1980 to 1989. In 1990, the V.P. Singh government implemented them.

Before the Mandal Commission, the Kaka Kalelkar Commission was formed in 1953 by India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. This commission submitted a report on backward castes to the government. However, the recommendations were not accepted by the Nehru government.

Recommendations of the Rohini Commission

Since its formation in 2017, the tenure of the Rohini Commission was extended 13 times. Eventually, on 31st July 2023, the commission submitted its 1,100-page report to the President. According to the report, there are 2,633 OBC castes in India. Out of these, 983 castes – around 37% – have not received the benefits of reservation yet.

In 2018, the commission studied data on 1.3 lakh government jobs allocated to OBCs by the Centre over five years, and admissions into institutions like IITs and IIMs over three years.

Media reports suggest that the commission found that only 25% of OBC castes were availing 97% of OBC reservation benefits in jobs and education. The remaining 75% of OBC castes had only a 3% share. For 983 OBC castes, the share was ZERO.

Some reports suggested that the Rohini Commission has suggested dividing the 3,000 OBC castes into four categories. These categories could be based on full beneficiaries, partial beneficiaries, those not benefiting at all, and completely deprived castes. These could be allotted 10%, 5%, 8%, or whatever quotas the data suggests.

If the Rohini Commission’s recommendations are implemented, quotas for some powerful OBC castes may reduce. On the other hand, those castes that have received no or very limited reservation benefits so far will see their quota increase.

What would be the effect of implementation of Rohini Commission report

The implementation of the Rohini Commission’s recommendations and caste census could benefit many deprived groups. The report would help identify which castes are the most deprived in education, employment, and healthcare. This could make welfare schemes more effective.

With these recommendations, it would be easier to implement reservation policies in a new manner and distribute resources more equitably.

In addition, the identities of communities that have always faced inequality and marginalisation would be brought to light. This would give the government an opportunity to work on their issues. If a particular caste has education and income levels lower than the national average, steps could be taken for improvement, and new policies could be formed.

Supreme Court has also upheld ‘reservation within reservation’

On 1st August 2024, a seven-judge bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud ruled 6–1 that states may prioritise certain castes within SC-ST reservations if they are more socio-economically backward. Creamy layers can be identified even within SC-ST groups, and those who have already benefited can be excluded.

Following this judgement, on 14th April 2025, the Telangana Government implemented classification within the Scheduled Caste reservation system. The existing 15% SC quota was divided into three sub-groups to ensure reservation reaches the truly needy.

Accordingly, the 15 most backward communities received 1% reservation, 18 moderately benefited communities got 9%, and 26 relatively better-off groups were given 5%.

What political challenges may arise

The Rohini Commission’s recommendations could cause political upheaval. If accepted, a large OBC voter bloc may fragment into several categories.

For decades, Congress and regional parties across the country have engaged in politics over OBC reservations. Be it Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, Rashtriya Lok Dal, Apna Dal, or SubhaSP in Uttar Pradesh; or JDU, RJD, and VIP in Bihar; or INLD and other Jat-Patel outfits in Haryana, all these parties may now appear agitated over the division of reservation among sub-castes, since they have long benefited from the absence of a separate column for sub-caste data in the census.

This report was first published on OpIndia Hindi which can be checked here.

Revenge, conspiracy, and ₹5 lakh blood money: Abdul Safwan, Muzammil, Rizwan among 8 arrested in Hindu activist Suhas Shetty’s murder

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Revenge, conspiracy, and ₹5 lakh blood money: Abdul Safwan, Muzammil, Rizwan among 8 arrested in Hindu activist Suhas Shetty’s murder

In a shocking development from Mangaluru, Karnataka, police have arrested eight individuals in connection with the brutal murder of Hindu activist Suhas Shetty. The killing, reportedly orchestrated by the Abdul Safwan gang, was not a spur-of-the-moment crime — it was a well-planned conspiracy, complete with a contract killing deal worth ₹5 lakh.

On May 3, 2025, Karnataka Home Minister Dr. G Parameshwara addressed the media, shedding light on the case. He revealed that the accused were apprehended from different parts of Mangaluru district and are currently being interrogated.

Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal shared further disturbing details: the conspiracy involved a group of eight, with the prime accused identified as Abdul Safwan, a driver by profession who hailed from Shantigudde. Among the others were Mohammed Muzammil, a recently married salesman working in Saudi Arabia, and Mohammed Rizwan from Jokatte, also employed in Saudi.

Additionally, Kalandar Shafi from Kulshekar, Ranjit Nagaraj, and Adil Mahroof, the brother of deceased Fazil (whose murder Suhas’s killing was allegedly meant to avenge), were also implicated.

The roots of this crime trace back to an attack on Safwan in 2023. Since then, he had been plotting revenge, eventually recruiting Mahroof to the plan. They struck a deadly deal — ₹5 lakh for Suhas Shetty’s life, with ₹3 lakh paid in advance.

According to police, this was more than just a financial transaction. It was a vengeance-driven mission, intended as retribution for Fazil’s death. Safwan and Mahroof, united by a common motive, meticulously executed the plan.

A chilling video of the murder has gone viral on social media, in which two burqa-clad women — relatives of one of the accused — can be seen. Police have taken them into custody for questioning as well.

It all unfolded on May 1, 2025, when Suhas Shetty was attacked by a group of assailants who arrived in a Swift car and a pickup truck. Armed with swords and sharp weapons, they launched a relentless and savage assault, continuing even after he fell. His murder sent shockwaves across Mangaluru, triggering protests by Hindu organizations.

The BJP has announced ₹25 lakh in financial support to Suhas Shetty’s family, while slamming the Congress government for allegedly failing to stand with Hindus in the aftermath of such targeted killings.

Shimla: Municipal Corporation court orders demolition of entire structure of Sanjauli mosque, rules it illegal after Waqf Board failed to prove ownership

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Shimla: Municipal Corporation court orders demolition of entire structure of Sanjauli mosque, rules it illegal after Waqf Board failed to prove ownership

In a significant development in the case of a mosque in Shimla’s Sanjauli area, the municipal corporation court has ordered the demolition of the entire 5-storey structure. The court ruled that the entire mosque is unauthorised, and therefore, the entire building has to be bulldozed.

MC commissioner Bhupender Kumar Attri ruled that the mosque had been built without the necessary permissions. It didn’t have a building permit, a no-objection certificate, and a sanctioned map. The court ordered demolition of the lower two floors of the mosque, apart from the demolition of the upper three floors as per an order issued in October last year.

As per reports, the Waqf Board was not able to present the papers of ownership of the mosque land. While the board has been claiming ownership of the land, it could not present the requisite no-objection certificate (NOC) or any revenue record proving its ownership.

“The MC commissioner has ordered the demolition of the mosque as the mosque committee or the Waqf Board failed to provide records pertaining to the ownership of the land on which the mosque has been built,” said advocate Jagat Pal, representing local residents of Sanjauli.

In the earlier hearing, the court had ordered the demolition of the upper 3 floors and submission of records for the lower floors. But when the court heard the matter today, the Waqf Board had no documents to back its claims. The board claimed that the mosque had existed at the place before 1947, which was demolished and reconstructed.

But the court asked if the mosque is so old, why didn’t they obtain maps and other necessary permissions from the Municipal Corporation for demolishing the old mosque and constructing a new one. After considering the arguments, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Bhupinder Atri ruled that the entire structure is illegal and ordered its demolition.

Notably, the High Court had instructed the Municipal court to complete the matter in six months, which was ending in 8th May. However, the court delivered the verdict ahead of the deadline.

On October 5 last year, the Municipal Commissioner Court had ordered the demolition of the top three floors of the Sanjauli Mosque. After that, the demolition work of the mosque started but it is progressing at a very slow pace. So far, only the roof of the mosque and the walls of the third and fourth floors have been removed.

Now that entire building has been declared illegal and its demolition has been ordered, the Waqf Board and Sanjauli Mosque Committee will have to bring down the entire structure. As the detailed court order is not available yet, it is not known if the court set any deadline to complete the demolition.

Pakistan set to lose millions after Western airlines reroute their flights to avoid Pakistani airspace after the country banned Indian flights

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Pakistan set to lose millions after Western airlines reroute their flights to avoid Pakistani airspace after the country banned Indian flights

After Pakistan closed its airspace for Indian airlines amid simmering tensions between the two countries in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, European and British airlines have reportedly rerouted their flights to avoid Pakistan’s airspace. Pakistan closed its skies for Indian carriers on 24th April, in response to which India also imposed a reciprocal ban on Pakistan’s aircraft, including commercial and military flights.

Notably, while Pakistan has closed its airspace specifically for Indian aircraft, Western airlines are voluntarily opting for longer routes to avoid using the country’s airspace. Several major airlines such as the Lufthansa Group, Air France, British Airways, ITA Airways, and LOT Polish Airlines have readjusted their flights, as claimed by Flightradar24, a flight tracking site.

“Air France, British Airways, & Swiss flights are adjusting, routing since yesterday to avoid crossing through Pakistan. Some airways in northern Pakistan are NOTAM’d unavailable through May, leading to adjusted routings with Pakistan as well,” Flightradar24 posted on X on 1st May. On 2nd May, the Lufthansa Group, which includes SWISS and Austrian Airlines, IT Airways and LOT, also reportedly rerouted their flights around Pakistan.

The routes affected as a result of the detour are Lufthansa flights from Munich to Delhi, Frankfurt to Mumbai and Hyderabad, and Bangkok to Munich. LOT Polish Airlines’ Warsaw-Delhi route, ITA Airways’ Rome-Delhi route, and British Airways’ London-Mumbai flights have also opted for alternative routes.

However, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Middle Eastern carriers like Emirates and Qatar Airways continue to use Pakistani airspace. “In conducting its operations, KLM always prioritises the safety of passengers and staff. Selecting safe and optimal routes is a standard part of our daily practice, and we continuously assess the safety situation…Based on current safety information, KLM and other airlines are currently flying over Pakistan,” a statement by KLM said.

Airlines conduct their own risk analysis for declaring a route as risky or safe. For the risk analysis, they refer to security agencies in the aviation industry and international organisations such as the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The airlines in question implemented precautionary detours without receiving a NOATM from Pakistan prohibiting them from using its airspace. NOATM, or Notice to Airmen, is a notification issued to pilots about potential risks on a flight route, including military activities or other threats. Even though longer flight routes result in increased travel time, more fuel consumption, longer crew hours, and maintenance costs, leading to an overall hike in the cost of a flight, the airlines are rerouting considering simmering military tensions between India and Pakistan.

Pakistan to lose millions because of Western airlines’ rerouting

With the decision of Western Airlines to reroute around Pakistan’s airspace, the country’s civil aviation authority might lose millions of dollars in overflight charges every month. An overflight charge is the fee levied by a country on airlines for using its airspace without landing. Annually, this could amount to the loss of hundreds of millions of dollars.

Notably, in February 2019, Pakistan’s civil aviation authority reportedly lost at least $100 million in 5 months after an airspace ban following the Balakot air strike by India.

Gujarat High Court upholds dismissal of 9 cops, says Godhra incident, where Hindus were massacred by Muslim mob, could have been prevented

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Gujarat High Court upholds dismissal of 9 cops, says Godhra incident, where Hindus were massacred by Muslim mob, could have been prevented

On 24th April this year, the Gujarat High Court upheld the dismissal of 9 police officers for dereliction of duty in the 2002 Godhra carnage.

For the unversed, a total of 58 Hindu pilgrims (including 27 women and 10 children) who were travelling in the S-6 coach of the Sabarmati Express were burnt alive by a Muslim mob on the morning of 27 February 2002. The carnage took place near the Godhra railway station in Gujarat.

The court noted that the tragic incident could have been averted if the dismissed police personnel had not been negligent and careless.

“If the petitioners had departed in the Sabarmati express train itself to reach Ahmedabad, the incident that occurred at Godhra could have been prevented. The petitioners (displayed) derelict negligence and carelessness towards their duty. The said charges stand proved,” the Gujarat High Court observed.

The dismissed police personnel include Gulabsinh Devusinh Jhala, Khumansinh Jitsinh Rathod, Nathabhai Dhulabhai Bhabhi, Vinodbhai Bijalbhai, Jabir Hussain Rasul Miya Sheikh, Rasikbhai Rajabhai Parmar, Kishorbhai Devabhai Parmar, Kishorbhai Balubhai Patni, and Punabhai Motibhai Bariya.

The court observed that the 9 personnel of the Railway Police Force (RPF) were supposed to board the Sabarmati Express from Dahod on that fateful day, but they did not. Instead, they made false entries in the register and returned to Ahmedabad by the Shanti Express

The Gujarat High Court ruled that the removal of the police personnel from service in 2005 was justified. It added that their presence in the Sabarmati Express could have made a difference to what unfolded on 27th February 2002.

The 9 cops were previously charged with abandoning their assigned duty, falsifying the duty register, and failing to travel with the train they were supposed to escort.

“The petitioners, admittedly having been assigned such important duty, have casually thought it fit, not to travel by the assigned train and travelled by Shanti Express,” the Gujarat High Court observed.

Muslims responsible for burning the Sabarmati Express near Godhra railway Station

A total of 31 Muslims were found guilty of setting the Sabarmati Express on fire, which claimed the lives of 59 Hindus (mostly women and children).

11 of them were handed the death penalty by a special fast-track court on March 1, 2011.

Their names include Abdul Razzak Kurkur, Ismail Suleja, Jabbir Binyamin Behra, Ramzani Binyamin Behra, Mehboob Hassan, Siraj Bala, Irfan Kalandar, Irfan Patadia, Hassan Lalu, Mehboob Chanda, & Salim Zarda.

Their death penalty was later commuted to a life sentence in October 2017. Among the convicted, the other 20 were awarded life sentences.

They included Suleman Ahmad Hussain, Abdul Rehman Abdul Majid Dhantiya, Kasim Abdul Sattar, Irfan Siraj Pado Ghanchi, Anwar Mohmmad Mehda, Siddik, Mehboob Yakub Mitha, Soheb Yusuf Ahmed Kalandar, Saukat, Siddik Mohmmad Mora, Abdul Sattar Ibrahim Gaddi Asla, Abdul Rauf Abdul Majid Isa, Yunus Abdulhaq Samol, Ibrahim Abdul Razak Abdul Sattar Samol, Saukat Yusuf Ismail Mohan, Bilal Abdullah Ismail Badam Ghanchi, Farook, Ayub Abdul Gani Ismail Pataliya, Saukat Abdulah Maulvi Isamail Badam, Md Hanif.

As evident from the names, the extremists who burnt the train and charred 59 Hindu pilgrims to death belonged to the Muslim community. The conviction of the 31 extremists will continue to show the mirror to all conspiracy theorists who try to trivialise the planned killing of the Hindu pilgrims.

Pakistan link exposed: Amreli maulvi under investigation for being a part of suspicious WhatsApp groups, fails to produce ID proof

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Pakistan link exposed: Amreli maulvi under investigation for being a part of suspicious WhatsApp groups, fails to produce ID proof

A startling revelation has emerged from the Dhari region of Amreli, Gujarat, where a Maulvi from a local madrasa has come under the police scanner for alleged links to Pakistan. The man in question, Mohammad Fazal Abdul Aziz Sheikh, was found to be part of eight WhatsApp groups connected to Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. The content of these groups, mostly in Arabic, raised red flags due to the nature of the conversations.

Adding to the suspicion, the Maulvi could not produce any proof of residence or Indian citizenship when questioned by police. His phone has since been seized by the Special Operations Group (SOG), and a deeper investigation is underway to trace the origin and intent of these communications.

This discovery comes amid an ongoing crackdown in Amreli, where police have been conducting a five-day operation targeting illegal residents from Bangladesh and Pakistan. During a search in the remote area of Himkhimdipara, the authorities found the Maulvi conducting religious classes at a madrasa. A detailed probe into his mobile phone revealed the presence of the eight groups, which are suspected to be operated from across the border.

Investigators also uncovered that the Maulvi had deleted several messages around the time of the recent Pahalgam terror attack—raising even more concerns. Additionally, no documents confirming his Indian citizenship were found, sparking fears about his true identity and intentions.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the Maulvi is originally from Juhapura, a locality in Ahmedabad. He had reportedly been teaching at the Himkhimdipara madrasa for the past month, where only four children were enrolled. Police are now interrogating his family, who confirmed his Juhapura roots.

Authorities are also translating Arabic conversations found in the chat groups to determine if any of them relate to anti-national activities. Simultaneously, the origins of the madrasa itself, established before 2018, are being scrutinized.

The Maulvi has since been taken into custody and transported to Ahmedabad for further questioning. His arrest is part of a broader investigation, as police teams across Amreli continue probing several madrasas for possible foreign links.

This case has sparked serious concerns about security lapses and the potential for radical influence through religious institutions. Authorities are treating the matter with high urgency and have launched a full-scale investigation into all possible angles.

CBDT issues new Income Tax Return Form 5 for the Assessment Year 2025-26 with key updates in reporting capital gain and loss

ANI
-
0
CBDT issues new Income Tax Return Form 5 for the Assessment Year 2025-26 with key updates in reporting capital gain and loss

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has issued Notification No. 42/2025, dated May 1st, 2025, unveiling the new Income Tax Return (ITR) Form 5 for the Assessment Year 2025-26, the Income Tax Department said on its official X (formerly known as twitter) page.

The income tax department highlighted various changes, one of the most notable revisions in ITR Form 5 is the introduction of a split within the Schedule-Capital Gain. This new structure mandates taxpayers to report capital gains before and after July 23rd, 2024.

The form now allows the reporting of capital loss incurred on share buybacks. However, this allowance is conditional upon the corresponding dividend income from these buybacks being declared as “income from other sources,” particularly for transactions occurring after October 1st, 2024.

Furthermore, ITR Form 5 has a new addition of a specific reference to the section 44BBC of the Income Tax Act.

Another key update is the requirement to specify the Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) section code within Schedule-TDS.

Recently, the Income Tax Department has introduced the ‘e-Pay Tax’ feature on its official online portal to facilitate the taxpayers by easing various processes, according to the CBDT.

Additionally, in the July 2024 Budget, the government proposed a comprehensive review of the Income-tax Act of 1961. The purpose was to make the Act concise and lucid, thereby reducing disputes and litigation.

Meanwhile, on March 25, Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the new Income Tax Bill will be taken up for discussion in the monsoon session of Parliament.

Earlier on March 18, the government encouraged the stakeholders to submit their suggestions on the newly introduced Income Tax Bill 2025. The Bill is currently under examination by the Select Committee for detailed consideration.

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

1...372373374...7,604Page 373 of 7,604