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Digital Arrest: Enforcement Directorate issues fresh advisory against the scam, shares gang’s modus operandi

On Saturday, November 2, the Enforcement Directorate filed a fresh prosecution complaint in the rampant cybercrime called ‘Digital Arrest Scam’. ED registered a case in the scam after studying multiple police FIRs, and arrested eight persons named in its October 10 chargesheet.

The accused named in the ED chargesheet are Charan Raj C, Kiran S K, Shahi Kumar M, Sachin M, Tamilarasan, Prakash R, Ajith R, and Aravindan. Along with running the cyber scam, the accused also reportedly ran multiple shell companies. All the accused are currently in judicial custody.

Notably, ED’s fresh complaint came just a week after PM Narendra Modi warned about these cyber scams in the country during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address. During his address, PM Modi played a recorded example of a scam call to show how the scam is executed, and urged people to stay alert to such scams. The Prime Minister also emphasised that no genuine agency conducts inquiries over phone or video calls.

The case regarding this ‘Digital Arrest’ scam involves fraudulent transaction of money to the tune of ₹159 crore from various victims. The fraudsters obtained hundreds of SIM cards, allegedly linked to shell companies’ bank accounts, and also used these SIM cards to create fake WhatsApp accounts.

The ED also seized a lot of evidence, cheque books, and communication records, that indicates these individuals were part of a syndicate that laundered cybercrime proceeds from India.

What is Digital Arrest

‘Digital arrest’ is a method used by cybercriminals to confine victims to their houses to defraud them. The perpetrators create fear in the minds of internet users by making audio or video calls, often impersonating law enforcement agents with AI-generated voices or visual technology.

In most situations, the fraud starts with an apparently innocent phone call from a claimed courier firm, cellphone provider, telecom department, or bank. These calls can be either live or automated, urging the recipient to enter a number for more information. Once connected, the victim chats with someone professing to be a support agent, and the misery begins.

The fraudsters often have some personal information about the victim, such as Aadhaar (or the last four digits), PAN, or bank details. Using this information, they convince the victim that their Aadhaar, PAN, mobile number, or bank account has been linked to alleged illegal activities. The victim is then connected to individuals impersonating law enforcement officers from agencies like the police, customs, ED, or CBI, who conduct a fake interrogation over video conferencing and issue a bogus arrest warrant via call or WhatsApp.

A ‘Digital Arrest’ involves the virtual confinement of the victim, including restricted access to bank accounts and digital platforms, prevention of online activities, live monitoring through video calls, and periodic check-ins, all of which continue until the scammers extort money. The scam typically escalates by taking the victim to a fake virtual court via Skype while they are under ‘digital arrest.’ The victim is then persuaded to transfer their bank balance to another account for ‘verification,’ with promises that the funds will be returned within 30 minutes. Fake documents, including letters and receipts on counterfeit letterheads of various authorities, are issued to further deceive the victim.

Adani Power to stop supplying electricity to Bangladesh if dues not paid by 7 November, earlier 50% supply was cut

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The Adani Group has warned Bangladesh of a full power cut if outstanding dues aren’t cleared by November 7, 2024. Adani Power Jharkhand Limited, a subsidiary of Adani Power, has already halved its supply to Bangladesh, citing a debt of around $850 million owed by the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB).

The reduction in supply from Adani’s Godda power plant in Jharkhand is significant, as it is a key energy source for Bangladesh, which is already dealing with power shortages. The plant, capable of producing 1,496 MW, currently supplies only about 700 MW, intensifying Bangladesh’s energy challenges​.

Earlier, Adani set a deadline for payment by October 31 and requested a $170 million letter of credit as payment security, which Bangladesh has struggled to fulfil due to dollar shortages. Despite BPDB’s attempts to arrange a payment guarantee through Krishi Bank, the proposed terms reportedly did not align with the power purchase agreement.

As a result, Adani Power Jharkhand Limited (APJL) cut down electricity supply to Bangladesh by more than 50% starting from 31st October. Before cutting down the electricity supply to Bangladesh, APJL asked the Power Development Board (PDB) of Bangladesh to clear outstanding payments by Wednesday (30th October). A letter sent by the company said, “PDB has neither provided LC (Letter of Credit) for an amount of $170.03 million from Bangladesh Krishi Bank nor cleared the outstanding amount of $846 million.”

On Friday, Adani Power supplied 724 megawatts (MW) of power to Bangladesh. This has caused a major power crisis in Bangladesh, as generation in power plants in Bangladesh has also come down due to fuel shortage. Now, if the company does not receive the pending dues, it will completely stop supplying power to Bangladesh.

Adani Power is in the process of connecting with the domestic grid, to supply power from the plant to neighbouring states after it stops supplying to Bangladesh.

The interim govt in Bangladesh is struggling with payments due to shortage of dollars. The government has been exploring ways to meet the financial obligations, including the possibility of issuing government bonds to fund these payments​.

“Was not at my best as captain, batter…”: Indian skipper Rohit Sharma after series whitewash against New Zealand

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 Following his side’s whitewash series loss to New Zealand, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma admitted that not being at his best as a captain and batter in the series would “rankle him”.

Ajaz Patel and Glenn Phillips unleashed a spin web on Indian batter, spinning them towards history as NZ beat India by 25 runs and become the first visiting side to whitewash India in India in a series of three or more matches.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Rohit said that the loss is indigestible and admitted that the team was outperformed by Kiwis, especially in batting.

“We made a lot of mistakes and we will have to accept it. We did not put enough runs on the board in the 1st innings (in Bengaluru and Pune) and we were behind in the game, here, we got a 30-run lead, we thought we were ahead, the target was achievable as well, we had to do better though. You want runs on the board as well, that is something that was there in my mind,” he added.

Speaking on his batting struggles throughout the series, Rohit said that when it does not come off, it does not look great and felt disappointing. However, he was full of praise for youngsters Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant for showing how to bat on tough, spin-friendly pitches.

“You have got to be ahead and be proactive, we are playing on such pitches in the last 3-4 years, we know how to play (and play well). But this series, it did not come off and that is going to hurt. Also, I was not at my best with both bat and as a captain, that is something that will rankle me. But, we did not perform well collectively and that is the reason for these losses,” he concluded.

Chasing a target of 147 runs, India was five down at 29 runs. However, a fighting half-century by Rishabh Pant (64 in 57 balls, with nine fours and a six) kept India in the game. After his dismissal, India once again lost their footing in the game and was bundled out for 121 runs.

Ajaz (6/57) took a memorable six-wicket haul. Also, Phillips (3/42) was fine with the ball, taking timely and crucial wickets.

Earlier, Kiwis were bundled out for 174, thanks to a five-wicket haul from Jadeja (5/55) and some fine bowling from Ravichandran Ashwin (3/62). A fighting half-century from Will Young (51 in 100 balls, with two fours and a six) was NZ innings highlight. Kiwis took a 146 run lead over India, who made 263 in their first innings while replying to NZ’s first innings total of 235 runs.

In their first innings, India had taken a 28-run lead over New Zealand. India was 84/4 at one point, but a 96-run stand between Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant (60 in 59 balls, with eight four and two sixes) helped India recover. Gilll played a memorable knock of 90 in 146 balls, with seven fours and a six. A fine knock of Washington Sundar (38* in 36 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes) pushed India towards a lead, taking them to 263.

Ajaz Patel (5/103) was the pick of the bowlers for Kiwis. Phillips, Ish Sodhi and Matt Henry took a wicket each.

Coming to the NZ first innings, Kiwis had won the toss and opted to bat first. Though spinners Jadeja (5/65) and Sundar (4/81) dominated the proceedings, half-centuries from Will Young (71 in 138 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes) and Daryl Mitchell (82 in 129 balls, with three fours and three sixes) pushed NZ to 235. An 87-run stand between Young and Mitchell was what helped Kiwis get to a respectable score.

Brief Scores: India: 263 and 121: (Rishabh Pant 64, Washington Sundar 12, Ajaz Patel 6/57) lost to NZ: 235 and 174: (Will Young 51, Glenn Phillips 26, Ravindra Jadeja 5/55).

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

Kerala Police register FIR against Union Minister Suresh Gopi for allegedly misusing an ambulance

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Kerala Police has registered an FIR against Union Minister Suresh Gopi for allegedly misusing an ambulance by traveling on it to reach the Thrissur Pooram venue.

Thrissur East police registered the case under sections 279 of IPC and 179,288,192 of the Motor Vehicle Act.

The FIR states that Gopi travelled in an ambulance which should be used only for transporting patients.

The case was registered on the complaint of CPI district leader Sumesh KP.

Gopi traveled in the ambulance on the day when it was alleged that the Thrissur Pooram was deliberately disrupted.

The Opposition the Congress-led UDF had alleged that the disruption was made to favour Gopi who was then the BJP’s candidate from the Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency.

The Thrissur Pooram row has sparked political debate within the state as the opposition claimed that police intervened in the rituals which led to a disruption.

The Kerala Police’s investigation is currently going on in the Pooram disruption allegation.

Suresh Gopi earlier demanded a CBI probe on the allegations made against him over the use of an ambulance to reach the festival site.

“This Pooram disruption is going to be a boomerang. Unlike Surendran’s (BJP state president) claim, I did not arrive at the scene in an ambulance. I arrived in a private car, the district president’s personal vehicle. If someone claims they saw me in an ambulance, they need to clarify whether it was a real sight or an illusion. To find the truth, Kerala’s police under Pinarayi will not suffice; a CBI investigation is necessary. I am prepared to face it. They should call in the CBI. Many, including former and current ministers in Kerala, fear being questioned,” Gopi had said.

However, he retracted this statement later, saying that he had to travel in the ambulance after his car was attacked by goons, getting his legs injured.


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

New York officials seized social media star Peanut the squirrel from its owner and killed it, becomes a political issue days before presidential elections

On 30 October, an orphaned squirrel named Peanut, who became a social media sensation, was euthanised by New York state officials after being seized from the home of his caretaker, Mark Longo. According to reports, New York officials raided Longo’s house and seized the squirrel along with a rescued raccoon named Fred. Both animals were euthanised on the same day they were taken from Longo, apparently to test if they had rabbies.

The death of the beloved squirrel has sparked a backlash among fans of Peanut and animal welfare advocates. The matter has now become linked to the ongoing US Presidential Elections, with Republicans slamming the govt accusing it of overreach. Billionaire Elon Musk also voiced support for Longo.

Authorities from New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Chemung County’s health department raided Longo’s house based on a complaint alleging potential health risks related to housing wildlife. Following the raid, Peanut and Fred were removed from Longo’s home in Pine City. Reportedly, a woman named Monica Keasler had lodged the complaint.

Based on the complaint, a judge issueds a search warrant, after which officers from the state Department of Environmental Conservation raided Mark Longo’s house, and took away the two animals after a 5-hour search. “On Oct. 30, DEC seized a raccoon and squirrel sharing a residence with humans, creating the potential for human exposure to rabies,” officials said.

Officials claimed that during the seizure, a DEC officer was bitten by the squirrel. As a result, both animals were subsequently euthanised to test for rabies. A joint statement from DEC and Chemung County confirmed, “The animals are being tested for rabies, and anyone in contact with these animals is encouraged to consult their physician.”

However, Longo has denied that the squirrel bit anyone, saying he didn’t witness any such incident.

Peanut, the beloved squirrel which was rescued and lived in the Longo’s house for 7 years, had garnered tens of thousands of followers on Instagram and TikTok. Longo frequently posted videos of Peanut performing tricks, enjoying snacks, and wearing tiny hats. After rescuing the squirrel, Mark started an animal rescue initiative called P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary.

Following the squirrel’s death, heartbroken fans expressed outrage on social media. A post from Peanut’s Instagram account criticised the decision to euthanise the animals, calling it a “devastating decision” that left the sanctuary community in shock. He stated that he was in the process of securing a certification for Peanut as an educational animal when the seizure occurred. He alleged that officials used excessive force during the seizure and that the raid continued for hours, during which he was not allowed to feed his rescued animals, including horses.

Mark Longo said, “Honestly, this still kind of feels surreal, that the state that I live in actually targeted me and took two of the most beloved animals on this planet away, didn’t even quarantine them. They took them from my house and just killed them.”

Following the information of the animals getting euthanised reached Longo, several posts were made on social media platforms. One of the posts read, “Well internet, you WON. You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness. To the group of people who called DEC, there’s a special place in hell for you. Today at 10am Wednesday, Oct 30, 2024… The NY State DEC showed up to my house and took Peanut. He was TAKEN to the EUTHANIZED. Im in shock, disbelief, and disgusted to the people who did this to, PNUT. For the last 7 years, Peanut has been my best friend. He’s been the center of my world and many of yours for so long, I don’t know how to process this, emotionally. Last year we moved to NY in hopes of starting a NONPROFIT animal rescue in PNUT’s Name. @pnuts_freedom_farm will forever live in PNUT’s memory. With over 350 rescues, we’ve relied heavily on PNUT and his internet family to gather donations to help more animals. I don’t even know how will continue to fundraise for this nonprofit. I’ll be taking a break from social media for a bit. To the people who did this… THANK YOU for breaking apart a family and crushing any hopes of our nonprofit to survive. I want to thank those who have stuck by up for the last 7 years to watch peanut and his antic. I will set up a fundraiser for those who want to donate in Peanuts name. I’ll never give up on this nonprofit or those who fell in love with peanut. Thank you all. Mark Longo”

Longo also alleged that he was treated like a terrorist when a 10-member team searched his house. “They treated me like I was a terrorist. They treated this raid as if I was a drug dealer. They ransacked my house for five hours,” Longo told the media. He said that the officials even asked about the immigration status of his wife, despite having all the necessary documents.

Notably, it is illegal to keep wild animals as pets in New York unless the owner is licensed as a wildlife rehabilitator. To become one, a person must complete intensive paperwork and inspections. Longo asserted he was complying with the requirements and was “in the process of filing the necessary paperwork.” Despite the regulations, many people care for squirrels like Peanut due to limited rehabilitator resources available in the city.

After the incident, people are calling for a change in the law, which bars people from keeping harmless rescued animals. It has been noted that animals rescued young and kept with humans for a long time can’t be released to the wild as they become adapted to domestic life and can’t survive in the wild.

Unexpectedly, the killing of two pets after seizing them from their owner has become a political issue just days ahead of the voting for presidential elections. Donald John Trump Junior, son of presidential candidate Donald Trump, tweeted, “It’s time to vote out a government that will kill a pet squirrel but will gladly allow 600,000 criminals with 13,000 murderers & 16,000 rapists knowingly into their country. Maybe P’nuts murder will be the catalyst for real change & awakening as to our govts broken priorities!”

Elon Musk has also come forward in support of Longo, criticising state authorities for the extreme action of euthanising the squirrel. In a post on X, Musk said, “The government should not be allowed to barge into your house and kill your pet! That’s messed up. Even if it is illegal to have a pet squirrel (which it shouldn’t be), why kill PNut instead of simply releasing him into the forest!?”

In another post, he vouched for Presidential candidate Donald Trump and asserted he will save the squirrels.

Wildlife rehabilitators have expressed concerns that such incidents could discourage others from pursuing licences. One such rehabilitator, Tindal, said, “Pet squirrels are rarely a good idea… they’re aggressive, difficult to care for, but rare cases like Peanut’s can be truly exceptional.”

Will kill you like Baba Siddique: Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and Mahant of Gorakhnath Math, receives death threat

On Saturday, November 2, a death threat was received by Mumbai Police against the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Notably, Yogi Adityanath is also the Mahant (Head Priest) of the holy Gorakhnath temple.

The Mumbai Police Traffic Control Cell received a call from an unknown number on Saturday, (November 2). The caller threatened that Yogi Adityanath would face similar consequences as assassinated NCP leader Baba Siddique if he did not resign within 10 days.

Following the threat against someone who is not only a politician, but a revered Hindu figure, security forces are on high alert. The Mumbai police are currently investigating the matter and are also attempting to locate the perpetrator of the death threat against Yogi Adityanath.

Yogi Adityanath is one of the most powerful people in India because he governs the most populous state and is also the Mahant of Gorakhnath. A life threat against him has apparently seriously concerned the security forces.

Baba Siddique murder case

On Saturday, 12th October, former Maharashtra minister and leader of Ajit Pawar’s NCP, Baba Siddique, was shot dead by three assailants possibly linked to Lawrence Bishnoi gang in Mumbai. He was shot in the chest and stomach. The 66-year-old politician was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The incident took place around 9:30 PM outside Siddique’s son and Maharashtra MLA Zeeshan Siddique’s office in Bandra East. At the time of the incident, Siddique was bursting firecrackers to celebrate Dussehra. Reportedly, three assailants emerged from a vehicle with covered faces. They opened fire at Siddique using a 9.9mm pistol and fired three rounds. One of the bullets struck Siddique in the chest, and he collapsed. One of the bullets hit the windscreen of his vehicle.

Baba Siddique was born on 13th September 1958 in Patna. He grew up in Mumbai. In 1977, he joined Congress and quickly rose through the ranks. In 1980, he became General Secretary of Bandra Taluka of the Bandra Youth Congress. In 1988, he became the president of Mumbai Youth Congress. In 1992, he was elected as a Municipal Councillor. He was shot dead by 3 shooters on October 12.

“BJP stands out from other parties…Polls will ensure Jharkhand’s future”: Home Minister Amit Shah after releasing BJP’s Sankalp Patra

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After releasing the Bharatiya Janata Party Sankalp Patra (Manifesto) for Jharkhand Assembly elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that the BJP stands out from all other parties, adding that the upcoming elections in the state is not just an election to change the government, but an election to ensure the future of Jharkhand.

“This election in Jharkhand is not just an election to change the government, but an election to ensure the future of Jharkhand. The people of Jharkhand have to decide whether they want a government full of corruption or a BJP government moving forward on the path of development under the leadership of PM Modi. Do they want a government that endangers the identity, land and women of Jharkhand by allowing infiltration or do they want a Bharatiya Janata Party government that protects the borders,” Amit Shah said, after releasing the BJP’s Sankalp Patra event in Ranchi.

Shah further said that the backward classes, the poor, the tribals, the Dalits are looking towards the BJP’s ‘Sankalp Patra’ with great hope.
“We are releasing the ‘Sankalp Patra’ today, the Bharatiya Janata Party stands out from all other parties. Because the Bharatiya Janata Party is the only party in the country’s politics that does what it says. Whenever the Bharatiya Janata Party has come to power, we have fulfilled all the resolutions. This is our track record and that is why the people of Jharkhand, especially the backward classes, the poor, the tribals, the Dalits are looking towards our ‘Sankalp Patra’ with great hope,” he added.

The Union Home Minister asserted that during the Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s government, the tribals of the state are not safe.

“The number of tribals in Santhal Pargana is continuously decreasing. Infiltrators are coming here and luring our daughters and marrying them and occupying the land. If this is not stopped, then neither the culture of Jharkhand, nor the employment, land, or daughters here will be safe. That is why the BJP is moving ahead with the slogan of securing “Roti, Beti, Maati,” Shah said.

The Home Minister also attacked the JMM led alliance alleging that they had allowed infiltrators into tribal lands.

“BJP government is being formed in Jharkhand and we will drive out these infiltrators. We will bring the law and return the land taken away from women. Hemant Soren, you have failed to provide security to the women of Jharkhand,” he said.

Amit Shah released Bharatiya Janata Party Sankalp Patra (Manifesto) for Jharkhand Assembly elections in Ranchi.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Sanjay Seth, and BJP Jharkhand president Babulal Marandi were present during the launch.

Elections for 81 seats in the Jharkhand Assembly will be conducted in two phases on November 13 and November 20, with the counting of votes scheduled for November 23.

In the previous assembly election, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha won 30 seats, the BJP won 25 and Congress won 16 seats.

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

Gujarat: Man falls prey to ‘Escort Scam’ in search of companionship, loses Rs 3 lakh

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On 26th October, a 34-year-old man from Anand, Gujarat, approached the Mahemdavad town police station to file a complaint against scam artists for duping him of Rs 3 lakh under the guise of providing escort services. The man, an employee at a multinational firm, sought escort services to combat his loneliness on 25th September 2024, as he was living alone following a separation in 2015. He was lured into an online escort scam by an individual claiming to provide such services, which ultimately led to him losing a staggering Rs 3 lakh.

The man reportedly fell for the scam when he was looking for companionship in Gujarat via online escort services and found a contact number for a person identifying himself as Manik Gaus. He contacted Gaus on WhatsApp and received images of multiple women. Gaus convinced the victim to make an initial payment of Rs 6,000 as registration fees.

Enticed by the images shared by Gaus, the man paid the fees and then selected two women for the services. Gaus directed him to a hotel in Ahmedabad and asked for Rs 40,000 in exchange for the services. Over the next week, he was misled into paying various fictitious fees, including hotel entry, security, and police protection.

In this way, the man paid around Rs 3 lakh to Gaus, hoping to receive escort services. When he realised it was a scam, he approached the police and filed a complaint. Based on his complaint, an FIR has been registered under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nayay Sanhita and Sections 66C and 66D of the Information Technology Act, 2000. OpIndia accessed a copy of the FIR, which provided comprehensive details of how the scam was executed.

Case background and the victim’s ordeal

According to the complaint filed by the victim, he is a resident of Vantawadi village in Kheda. In his complaint, he stated that he came across an escort service through a Google search on 25th September 2024. When he contacted the number, the person on the other end identified himself as “Money Gaus Escort Service Provider.” He sent the victim photographs of various women and demanded Rs 6,000 as registration fees upfront.

The victim complied with the demand and transferred the fees via UPI. He was then directed to the Regenta Central Interim Hotel. Gaus told him to deposit Rs 19,900 as service charges per person. The victim paid a total of Rs 39,980 as he chose to engage two women. Initially, he expected the amount was refundable.

After arriving at the hotel, Gaus told him to pay additional charges, including Rs 29,520 as “girl security” and Rs 71,040 as “police security.” The money was paid into an account under the name of Zamina Khatoon in NSDL Bank. Gaus promised that the security deposit was refundable and would be returned upon completion of the service.

However, even after paying over Rs 2 lakh via Google Pay and other means, the promised services were not provided. When the victim asked for a refund, he was asked to pay another Rs 53,520, with a promise to fulfil the service request; however, neither was the service provided nor did he receive any refund.

After realising he had been duped, the victim approached the Mahemdavad police station and filed a complaint, which led to a formal investigation into the matter. The FIR noted that he contacted ‘Gaus’ primarily through mobile numbers and that the payments were made via UPI IDs and bank accounts. The police are now tracing the digital footprint left by the payments to identify and apprehend the scammers involved.

Man who sent over 100 threatening emails about bombs to Indian airlines and PMO, wanted to get his book on terrorism published

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In recent weeks, all airlines operating from India have received multiple terror threats. Many threats have been sent to the Prime Minister’s Office as well. Now it has been unveiled that these threats were sent by an individual who just wanted to get his book on terrorism published.

Jagdish Uikey, 35, from Gondia, a Maoist-affected district in Maharashtra, has been regularly sending hoax emails about bombs aboard Indian flights and at PMO for months.

The man, who sent a 100 threatening emails targeting the prime minister’s office (PMO), top government officials, and various flights and trains across India, intended to publish his book titled “Atankwad-Ek Tufaani Rakshash”, Times of India reported.

Uikey has been to detained from Nagpur in Maharashtra for all these hoax emails. Reportedly, Uikey wanted support for his book on terrorism, and once he didn’t get any, he started sending out these hoax mails in frustration. As per Nagpur’s additional CP, Sanjay Patil, Uikey’s book appears to be a basic compilation of terrorist theories readily available online, Times of India reported.

Notably, bomb hoaxes on Indian flights had reached alarming levels recently with hundreds of threats within few days. While the threats turned out to be hoax, this caused enormous financial loss to the aviation industry, and disrupted flight operations. As per security protocol, any flight receiving threats have to make emergency landings, and the airport has to make arrangements for evacuation of passengers as soon as possible.

“Projected it differently”: Karnataka Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan bizarrely attacks BJP over Waqf notice to farmers, then says they are reconsidering the issue

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Karnataka Waqf and Minority Affairs minister Zameer Ahmed Khan slammed the opposition BJP in state for row over waqf notice to farmers and alleged that it was “projected differently.”

Speaking to ANI on Saturday, Khan said that the notice has withdrawn for reconsideration.

“The temporary notice served to farmers has been made into a big issue by the BJP. They have projected it differently and are giving the wrong message to the country. The CM has decided to withdraw the notice and we are reconsidering it,” he told ANI on Saturday.

Earlier on November 2, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah issued a strict directive to officials to immediately retract all notices sent to farmers concerning waqf land issues, emphasizing that no disturbances should be caused to the farmers, according to a statement by the Chief Minister’s Office.

The directive came after a high-level meeting involving senior officials from the Revenue Department, Minority Welfare Department, and the Waqf Board.

The CM expressed strong dissatisfaction over recent actions taken by certain officials and highlighted that the JD(S) and BJP were allegedly using the Waqf matter for political gain, potentially disturbing peace in the state.

Siddaramaiah appealed to the public to disregard any misinformation and called on officials to ensure the matter is handled sensitively. Karnataka Legislative Council LoP Chalavadi Narayanaswamy reacted to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s orders of immediate withdrawal of waqf notice to farmers, saying that it is just an “eyewash” to win the local elections.

Speaking to ANI, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy said, “Now, you’ve given the order to withdraw the notices. But still, in the gazette, it is only Waqf’s property. So this is not a solution at all. I will immediately request CM Siddaramaiah to withdraw the 1974 gazette. Otherwise, it is just an eyewash to win the local elections. This will not bring any relief to the farmers.”