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West Bengal: Police arrest Mostakin for the murder of minor girl following public outrage, accused confesses to crime

OpIndia Staff
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West Bengal: Police arrest Mostakin for the murder of minor girl following public outrage, accused confesses to crime

Hours after the people of Kultali village in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal hit the streets in protest on Saturday (5th October), the police arrested a boy named Mostakin Sardar in connection to the rape and murder of a minor girl.

The SP of Baruipur district, Palash Chandra Dhali confirmed the development. He said that Mostakin had confessed to killing the minor girl.

“He has admitted to killing the girl but has denied raping her. We are waiting for the post-mortem report,” Baruipur SP Palash Chandra Dhali stated.

While speaking to the media, the girl’s father demanded the death penalty for the accused Mostakin.

According to the villagers, the victim was raped before she was killed and dumped into a canal, which is located about 500 metres away from her home. They have accused the local police of harassing the victim’s family and not taking preventive action on time.

The 11-year-old girl had been missing since Friday night (4th October). She had gone for tuition classes but did not return home. Her body was found in a canal on the following day.

Protests in South 24 Parganas

Later, angry villagers took to the streets in protest. Roads were blocked in Jayanagar and Kultali. The agitated protestors attacked the police station and set it on fire.

In videos that surfaced on social media, women protestors were seen demonstrating with sticks, pelting stones and clashing with the police. Others were seen destroying bikes and public property in a fit of rage.

The situation in Kultali remains tense. The police initiated a probe into the matter and also deployed a large contingent to prevent any untoward incident. 

RG Kar Hospital rape and murder case: Junior doctors in Kolkata begin fast unto death as West Bengal govt fails to fulfill their demands

OpIndia Staff
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RG Kar Hospital rape and murder case: Junior doctors in Kolkata begin fast unto death as West Bengal govt fails to fulfill their demands

On Saturday, 5th October, junior doctors protesting the rape and murder of their colleague at the RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata began a fast unto death. The protesting doctors have accused the West Bengal Government of failing to fulfill their demands. Notably, they started a sit-in protest at Dorina Crossing in Dharmatala on Friday, 4th October, and gave the state government a deadline of 24 hours to meet their promises.

Speaking to the media, a junior doctor said, “We are starting the fast unto death until our demands are fulfilled. To maintain transparency, we have installed CCTV cameras at the dais where our colleagues will be holding the fast. We will join duty as promised but will not eat anything.”

Initially, six junior doctors have started fast unto death. The sit-in protest was initiated after calling off the ‘total cease work’. The six doctors who sat on the fast unto death have been identified as Snigdha Hazra, Tanaya Panja, and Anustup Mukhopadhyay of Kolkata Medical College and Hospital, Arnab Mukhopadhyay of SSKM, Pulastha Acharya of NRS Medical College and Hospital, and Sayantani Ghosh Hazra of KPC Medical College.

The junior doctor said that if anything happens to the doctors sitting on the fast, the state government will be held responsible. He added, “We have the support of the people, and that is why we are not afraid of any hindrances from the administration. We will continue our hunger strike until our demands are met.”

Earlier, the junior doctors said that the police were not allowing them to set up the dais for the protest. The permission for the sit-in protest was denied by the Kolkata Police, stating that it would hinder traffic on an already congested road.

Furthermore, there were allegations by the junior doctors on Friday night that police personnel baton-charged them. Kolkata Police sent an email to the protesting doctors asking them to identify the police personnel involved and lodge a complaint. The police promised necessary action in the matter.

The email read, “With reference to the allegation of physical assault, the matter is being investigated. However, you are requested to direct the doctor/person who has allegedly been assaulted to lodge a formal complaint at the concerned police station. Necessary action will be taken in accordance with the law.”

The doctors’ demands include justice for their deceased colleague in RG Kar case, the immediate removal of Health Secretary NS Nigam, accountability for administrative incompetence and corruption within the Health Department, the establishment of a centralised referral system for all hospitals and medical colleges, the implementation of a bed vacancy monitoring system, and the formation of a task force to ensure essential provisions such as CCTV, on-call rooms, and washrooms, among others.

RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape and murder case

On 9th August, the semi-naked, injured body of a 31-year-old woman doctor was found in the seminar hall of Kolkata’s state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Her autopsy report confirmed rape before the murder. A total of three persons have been arrested so far in this case including Sanjay Roy, the prime accused. After the Courts came down heavily on the State government and Kolkata Police for mishandling the case, the Calcutta High Court transferred the probe from the Kolkata Police to the CBI.

Supreme Court junks petition seeking review of constitution bench verdict scrapping the Electoral Bonds scheme

ANI
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Supreme Court junks petition seeking review of constitution bench verdict scrapping the Electoral Bonds scheme

The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition seeking a review of the Constitution Bench judgement by which it had struck down the Electoral Bonds Scheme, which allowed for anonymous funding to political parties.

A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justices Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, JB Paridwala and Manoj Misra dismissed the review petition.

“Having perused the review petitions, there is no error apparent on the face of the record. No case for review under Order XLVII Rule 1 of the Supreme Court Rules 2013. The review petitions are, therefore, dismissed,” the top court stated in its order, which dismissed the review petition filed by advocate Mathews J Nedumpara and others.

The apex court on February 15, while striking down the Electoral Bonds scheme, which allowed for anonymous funding to political parties, ordered the State Bank of India (SBI) to stop issuing Electoral Bonds immediately.

It had also held that the anonymous Electoral Bonds scheme violated the right to information of a voter guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.

It had unanimously quashed the Electoral Bonds scheme as well as amendments made to the Income Tax Act and the Representation of People Act, which had made the donations anonymous.

An Electoral Bond is an instrument like a promissory note or bearer bond which can be purchased by any individual, company, firm, or association of persons provided the person or body is a citizen of India or incorporated or established in India. The bonds are issued specifically for contribution of funds to political parties.

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

Saurabh Bharadwaj and other AAP leaders detained during protests over regularising bus marshals and civil defence volunteers

ANI
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Saurabh Bharadwaj and other AAP leaders detained during protests over regularising bus marshals and civil defence volunteers

Delhi police on Saturday detained Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bharadwaj and other party leaders who were protesting outside LG VK Saxena’s residence on the issue of regularising bus marshals and civil defence volunteers.

“Today, the BJP has betrayed 10,000 bus marshals. Vijender Gupta has promised us that if we pass the resolution from the cabinet they will regularise bus marshals through the LG. But, today, both – the LG and BJP leaders have betrayed bus marshals and the people of Delhi,” Saurabh Bharadwaj told ANI while being taken in a bus.

Earlier, Bharadwaj along with other AAP leaders were also detained by police on Thursday while protesting at Chandgiram Akhara in Delhi, demanding the reinstatement of marshals in buses.

The AAP has alleged that the BJP has stepped back from its promise that they will regularise bus marshals through the LG after the Chief Minister Atishi–led cabinet passed a resolution in the assembly.

Earlier today, LG VK Saxena met the protesting bus marshals in his office in the national capital.

BJP Delhi official handle posted on X about the meeting of LG Saxena with Bus Marshals and said, “The Lt Gov Delhi met with a delegation of Bus Marshals today and assured them that their request would be given positive consideration. The meeting was arranged by State President Virendra Sachdeva. The Delhi BJP does not believe in politicizing humanitarian causes, which is why we facilitated a direct meeting.”

However, Delhi CM Atishi told ANI that the issue of Marshals comes under service matters that come under the LG, and the BJP is not putting pressure on him to do so.

“BJP MLAs have asked for time to meet me yesterday, we met them and explained to them about the issue (of bus marshals) that it comes under service matters that come under the LG. Today, the BJP got exposed that because our entire cabinet was there and we made it clear that those decisions need to be taken by us, we will take it and the BJP should ask the LG to make decisions on matters which come under him – BJP is not ready for that, they are doing politics over the issue,” she said.

“We called an emergency cabinet meeting and the resolution that was passed by the Delhi assembly to regularise bus marshal was signed upon. Even after coming here, BJP MLAs were not ready to ask the LG to pass that cabinet note. This is a betrayal against the bus marshal. The things that were to be done by the cabinet – to regularise bus marshals and civil defense volunteers, have been done. Now, the BJP has to regularise them and allot them joining letters,” the Delhi CM added.

The bus marshals have been protesting to get reinstated after Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena terminated their services in October last year.

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

Haryana Assembly Elections: Clashes reported in Nuh and other districts

OpIndia Staff
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Haryana Assembly Elections: Clashes reported in Nuh and other districts

On Saturday, 5th October, several incidents of violence were reported in Haryana amid the ongoing polling for the Assembly Elections. In the district of Nuh, a scuffle broke out between Congress candidate Mohammad Ilyas from Punhana Assembly constituency and independent candidate Raees Khan. Incidents of stone pelting were reported at the polling booth.

A similar incident was reported in Narnaund, in the district of Hisar, where Congress workers clashed with workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party outside a polling booth.

Videos of the incidents were shared on social media. In Punhana, locals arrived with lathis during the incident. In the video, broken and toppled chairs were visible. Police officials were seen attempting to disperse the crowd outside the polling booth, who were engaged in violence while the rest of the public stood in a queue waiting to vote for their preferred candidate.

In Chandeni village, supporters of Congress candidate Aftab Ahmed and INLD candidate Rahish Khan clashed. A man identified as Asif was injured in the incident of stone pelting at the polling booth.

In the Meham constituency, independent candidate Balraj Kundu accused former Congress MLA Anand Singh Dangi and his supporters of beating him and his assistant outside a polling booth. A video that went viral on social media showed them with torn clothes as they narrated the incident.

Assembly Elections in Haryana

Polling for all 90 Assembly seats in Haryana took place on 5th October 2024. The results for Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections will be announced on 8th October 2024.

Violence in Nuh

Notably, Nuh made headlines in July 2023 when a mob of Islamists attacked Hindus during the Braj Mandal Yatra organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. Six people, including two home guards, were killed in the incident. One of the devotees and Bajrang Dal activists, Abhishek Chouhan, was brutally murdered inside temple premises by the Islamists. He was first shot, and then his throat was slit.

Shimla Court orders Masjid Committee, Waqf Board to demolish top three floors of Sanjauli Mosque within two months

ANI
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Shimla Court orders Masjid Committee, Waqf Board to demolish top three floors of Sanjauli Mosque within two months

The Shimla Municipal Commissioner Court on Saturday ordered the demolition of three floors of the Sanjauli Mosque in Himachal Pradesh. The Court has given two months to the Masjid committee and Waqf Board to complete the demolition process.

The next date of hearing in the case is December 21.

BS Thakur, an advocate representing Waqf Board in the case told reporters, “The court has passed orders that the Masjid committee and Waqf Board should demolish the top three floors of the mosque at their own cost. The time limit of two months has been given for the demolition. In due course, it will be decided about the rest of the portion of the building. The next date of hearing is 21st December. The mosque committee has given the undertaking to demolish the top three floors.”

The conflict arose from the construction of a mosque which was alleged to be illegal in Sanjauli and subsequent protests by Hindu organizations.

Jagat Paul, an advocate representing local residents of Sanjauli, told ANI, “The court has said that it is not important to make locals a party in the case as a case is already going on between the Administration and the violator (Sanjauli mosque committee). We are happy that after local residents came to court and this decision has been given today.”

The Sanjauli Mosque issue once again flared up after AIMIM Delhi Chief Shoaib Jamai visited the mosque and posted a video on social media, alleging discriminatory actions against the mosque in comparison to other illegal constructions in the area.

The Sanjauli Mosque Committee, however, has firmly disagreed with Jamai’s views. They argue that outsiders are trying to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of Shimla, and political rhetoric surrounding the issue has intensified.

The Sanjauli Mosque Committee and the local Muslim community distanced themselves from Jamai’s remarks. They denounced his statement as harmful to Shimla’s peaceful environment and called for action against him.

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

Jihadists from Al-Qaeda-linked terror group kill 600 civilians within hours in Burkina Faso, reveals French security assessment

OpIndia Staff
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Jihadists from Al-Qaeda-linked terror group kill 600 civilians within hours in Burkina Faso, reveals French security assessment

Terrorists linked to Al-Qaeda affiliate gunned down over 600 civilians within hours in August this year, a report by French security assessment recently said, underscoring the menace of Islamic terrorism faced by the poor West African nation.

As per the intelligence agency, terrorists attacked Barsalogho town in Burkina Faso on August 24 and killed over 600 civilians while digging trenches for defence—one of the deadliest single-day attacks in Africa in recent decades.

The military had ordered locals to dig large trenches around the town to protect themselves from jihadists. However, terrorists belonging to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda affiliate terror group, attacked these defences while they were still under construction, accusing the civilians of being combatants due to their involvement in the trench digging, eyewitness cited by the report said.

Videos on social media reveal people lying defenceless in the dirt excavated for the trenches as the militants took their lives. Several victims, including women and children, were killed while attempting to feign death. The videos capture the sounds of their screams mixed with automatic gunfire.

The Al-Qaeda affiliate JNIM is based out of Mali and operates actively in Burkina Faso. It has been involved in several terror attacks across the expanse of West Africa, a region long plagued by the scourge of Islamic terrorism. A series of coups in several West African countries have forced Western nations to flee and allowed the jihadist forces to fill in the vacuum.

The United Nations estimated a death toll of 200 but JNIM released a statement claiming responsibility for the killing of 300 individuals it claimed were militias belonging to the army and not civilians. But the French assessment pegs the fatalities to 600, stating that the jihadists shot dead people.

The report released by French security agencies said, “Large-scale deadly attacks (at least a hundred deaths) against civilian populations or defence and security forces have been occurring for several weeks at a rate that seems unsustainable for the government.”

Congress MP Kumari Selja confirms harassment of woman leader at party rally, demands strict action

OpIndia Staff
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Congress MP Kumari Selja confirms harassment of woman leader at party rally, demands strict action

Amid ongoing Assembly Election voting in Haryana, an incident that took place last month on 3rd September, in Narnaund has sparked outrage on social media. A video of the incident, which went viral recently, in which a woman leader was reportedly harassed on stage. In the video, Congress MP Dipendra Hooda from Rohtak can be seen on stage, with the woman leader standing beside him. A hand from behind reached out and inappropriately touched the woman leader, who appeared visibly uncomfortable and angry.

Congress leader Kumari Selja has confirmed that the incident occurred and demanded strict action against the person involved.

In the viral video, all Congress leaders and workers were seen standing on a stage. The woman leader was beside Dipendra Hooda. As he accepted gifts and greetings from the woman leader, Hooda turned away to speak to another leader. At that moment, a man on stage reached out to touch the woman leader. She noticed the action, which angered her, and she glared at the accused. Another leader standing beside her immediately grabbed the hand coming from behind and moved it away. Despite the intervention, the woman was visibly upset.

Congress MP from Sirsa, Kumari Selja, expressed strong condemnation of the incident, calling it deplorable and demanding strict action against the person involved. She also spoke to the harassed woman leader and said, “She [the victim] told me that she was harassed on stage. There can be nothing worse or more condemnable than such an act against a woman. Action must be taken.”

Kumari Selja has previously raised concerns against her own party leaders and workers. During the campaigning for the Haryana elections, Congress leader Jassi Petwad’s supporters allegedly made inappropriate remarks about her. The incident caused a political stir in the state. Selja, upset by the incident, did not participate in campaigning for nearly two weeks. She expressed her concerns to senior Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. Later, Bhupendra Hooda clarified that Selja was like a “sister” and those who spoke ill of her had no place in the Congress party.

Speaking on the matter, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala called it “Most shocking” and wrote on X, “A woman congress leader was molested in stage in presence of Deependra Hooda by congress leaders. Confirmed by news reports and even Kumari Selja. If women are not safe in Congress meetings in full public view during the daytime – can they be safe if Congress comes to power? Remember Simi John, Sharda Rathore, Radhika Khera & many women who were abused by men in Congress itself or spoke up about “casting couch” Culture or chamdi- damdi culture in Congress. Where is Priyanka Vadra and Rahul Gandhi? No ladki hoon lad Sakti hoon? Will they act on Hooda supprters?

Another RG Kar case in West Bengal? Minor girl raped and murdered, body dumped in canal, lawlessness continues in the TMC-ruled State

OpIndia Staff
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Another RG Kar case in West Bengal? Minor girl raped and murdered, body dumped in canal, lawlessness continues in the TMC-ruled State

On Saturday (5th October), the body of a minor girl was discovered in a canal in Kultali village in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.

The 11-year-old had been missing since Friday night. She had gone for tuition classes but did not return home. According to the villagers, the victim was raped before she was killed and dumped into a canal, which is located about 500 metres away from her home.

As per reports, the family members of the girl were harassed when they went to file a complaint at the Mahishamari police station. The ill-treatment by the cops triggered the locals, who then hit the streets in protest.

Roads were blocked in Jayanagar and Kultali. The agitated protestors attacked the police station and set it on fire.

The villagers accused the police of failing to take action on time and preventing the heinous crime.

In videos that surfaced on social media, women protestors were seen demonstrating with sticks, pelting stones and clashing with the police. Others were seen destroying bikes and public property in a fit of rage.

Amid the public fury, the police have arrested one suspect in the murder-rape case.

While speaking about the matter, Suvendu Adhikari tweeted, ‘It seems that West Bengal Police haven’t learned anything from the unfortunate RG Kar incident when a 31-year-old PGT Doctor was found raped and murdered.”

“The whole situation could have been avoided if the Police could have just done their duty yesterday,” the BJP leader pointed out.

The situation in Kultali remains tense. The police initiated a probe into the matter and also deployed a large contingent to prevent any untoward incident. They are now interrogating the suspect.

In the meantime, one of the protesting villagers named Ganesh Dolui stated, “We will continue our agitation till all those behind the rape and
murder of our minor daughter are punished. We also demand action against those who responded to the complaint late, which might have resulted in her death”

“Had the police acted promptly, the girl could have been rescued,” he emphasised. According to the police, there are several injury marks on the body of the minor girl.

India successfully test fires indigenously-developed VSHORADS missiles in Rajasthan’s Pokhran

ANI
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India successfully test fires indigenously-developed VSHORADS missiles in Rajasthan’s Pokhran

India has successfully test-fired the indigenously developed VSHORADS missiles in Pokhran firing ranges in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

The three tests of the Very Short Range Air Defence System were carried out by the DRDO in the Pokhran range of Rajasthan as part of development trials.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Army and industry involved in the successful development trials and stated this new missile equipped with modern technologies will give further technological boost to the Armed Forces against aerial threats.

“The DRDO India has successfully conducted three flight tests of the 4th Generation, technically advanced miniaturised weapon system VSHORADS, from Pokhran. Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO, the Indian Army and industry involved in the successful development,” posted the Defence Minister’s office on Saturday.

The missiles have been under development for the last few years and are expected to meet the critical requirements of the forces to tackle enemy aircraft, drones and other aerial targets at short ranges.

The forces rely on the Russian Igla missiles for their requirements but have felt the need to modernise their inventory for over a decade now.

The development cum production partners in the VSHORADS project are two private companies.

Earlier on Friday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while addressing the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) 2024 in New Delhi, expressed India’s support for a peaceful resolution to disputes and has sought to promote cooperation among nations in the Indo-Pacific.

“India has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution to disputes and has sought to promote cooperation among nations in the Indo-Pacific, with a strong emphasis on the centrality of ASEAN in fostering regional dialogue, stability, and collective growth,” he said.

Rajnath Singh underscored India’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of vital international maritime routes. He further said that the engagement with regional partners, including joint exercises and information-sharing initiatives, is aimed at strengthening the collective maritime security framework.

He underlined that the Indian Armed Forces, particularly the Navy, have been at the forefront of cooperative endeavours with countries of the region, and are continuously working towards building their capacity and capabilities, the Ministry of Defence stated.

“While India’s endeavour for maritime cooperation continues, its interests are not in conflict with any other country. At the same time, the interests of any other nation should not come in conflict with those of other nations. This is the spirit in which we must work together,” Singh further said.

Highlighting India’s vision for the Indo-Pacific he said, “India’s vision for the Indo-Pacific is based on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s idea of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) as we believe in fostering partnerships that prioritise sustainable development, economic growth and mutual security.”

The Defence Minister added that India’s engagement with its partners is guided by the understanding that true progress can only be achieved through collective action and synergy. He stated that due to these efforts, India is considered a “credible and preferred security partner and first responder” in the region.

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

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