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As court raps Rajdeep Sardesai and orders him to delete unauthorised video of Shazia Ilmi, read how Newslaundry had justified the breach of privacy

Rukma Rathore
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As court raps Rajdeep Sardesai and orders him to delete unauthorised video of Shazia Ilmi, read how Newslaundry had justified the breach of privacy

“You had no authority to record and no authority to use it,” Delhi High Court’s reprimand concluded the controversy which began after an India Today cameraman continued to record Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Shazia Ilmi inside her house after she left Rajdeep Sardesai’s debate show as a sharp exchange ensued between her and the anchor on the Agniveer scheme row, last month. Later, the veteran ‘journalist’ shared the video on social media in which a wearied Shazia Ilmi can be seen fiercely telling the cameraman to stop recording her without permission and immediately leave her premises. She responded that uploading the footage was objectionable and a violation of her privacy and submitted a defamation suit after Rajdeep accused her of ‘assaulting’ the cameraman.

However, the left ecosystem duly defended the cameraman’s conduct and extolled Rajdeep. It didn’t bother the leftists and their acolytes who pose as the defenders of women’s rights and dignity for anyone to invade Shazia Ilmi’s privacy and cause discomfort just because she doesn’t align with their ideological spectrum. They even branded her as the aggressor and attacked her for standing up for herself. Similarly, ‘Newslaundry’ which is yet another mundane voice in the echo chamber of liberal media slammed the BJP leader for objecting to the inappropriate behaviour of the cameraman and Rajdeep’s insensitive response to her genuine concern.

On 3rd August, it posted a video titled “UPSC aspirants’ death: Middle Class anger makes Godi Media anchors hit ground zero | TV Newsance 261,” on its official YouTube channel which was hosted by anchor Manisha Pande where she tried to berate journalists who don’t tow the political line of Congress-led opposition parties. Notably, the Congress party’s liberal ecosystem including journalists coined the phrase ‘Godi Media’ after the grand old party was kicked out of power in 2014 to imply that media outlets are under the influence of the BJP and, hence, consistently endorse PM Modi.

The Newslaundry ‘journalist’ also portrayed BJP spokespersons as ridiculous and claimed that they lose their composure, act erratically and loudly on national television and exhibit no knowledge of debating etiquette or their official roles as party spokespersons. She brought out separate instances to make fun of them and Shazia Ilmi also featured on the list.

“Just last week another BJP spokesperson threw a fit. So, Shazia Ilmi was on an India Today debate when a retired army officer (Major General Yash Mor) expressed his views in Agniveer which weren’t quite appreciative of the idea,” Mrinal Pande stated as a clip from the debate was played for the viewers. “Long story short, Shazia didn’t want to listen to the retired army officer, obviously. Rajdeep got angry and had her fader down and then she walked out. That’s fine. That’s her wish but see what happens next,” cutting to a video in which the cameraman was seen recording the BJP leader inside her residence even after she went off the air and had to force him to leave her place. The footage was presented as a humorous piece along with background music and memes to downplay the occurrence.

Manisha Pande, in order to persuade her audience how trivial the matter is further alleged, “Now, the one rule of television news journalism is to always keep your camera rolling even if someone walks out of your interview. You don’t just cut it. you keep the camera rolling to show your audience that the person has decided to leave instead of taking your questions or instead of listening to you. Some of the most dramatic journalistic moments have actually happened because the cameraperson decided to keep the camera rolling. Remember this,” and afterwards a snippet from the 2007 interview of Prime Minister Narendra Modi (who was then Gujarat’s Chief Minister) with Karan Thapar was played to convince people how insignificant it is to infringe upon the privacy of a politician if they don’t belong to the Congress-led ecosystem followed by advice for Shazia Ilmi to “learn from her super boss.”

The Newslaundry ‘journalist’ alleged, “How gracefully Modiji said ‘Let’s continue being friends’ and walked away unlike you who is scrambling and screaming,” as another clip of the distressed BJP national spokesperson asking the cameraman to leave her house was shown. She then charged, “As if this behaviour was enough, she later launched into the cameraperson on Twitter (now X) calling him a pervert. ‘The pervert cameraman continued to film me despite my obvious physical and emotional discomfort after the show was over. Why?’ ‘Why was he still continuing to focus on my upper body showing it up close? It was so uncomfortable for me and I felt most embarrassed’,” she mockingly read some of the allegations levelled by Shazia Ilmi.

Manisha Pande even went so far as to subtly refer to Shazia Ilmi as a “pervert,” adding to her shameful attempts to justify the inappropriate conduct since it was directed against a member of the saffron party. “Recording my upper body? The only person who is a pervert in all of this is someone who thinks that this (displayed a still of the video featuring Shazia Ilmi) is an act of perversion. Like I mean, are you serious,” as journalist Sushant Sinha’s clip saying, “Think yourself if this makes any sense,” appeared on screen. She then transgressed every norm of decency and disregarded Shazia Ilmi’s concerns as unfounded because the cameraman hadn’t followed her into her bedroom or bathroom.

“All he did was keep his camera rolling to show the audience that Shazia has left and she is accusing him of being a pervert. Guess who stood up for the poor India Today cameraman and his respect, only Rajdeep Sardesai,” as she praised the latter for his defence of the cameraman’s objectionable behaviour. A voice then highlighted a part of Rajdeep’s statement, “If you have a grouse with me or with an army general on the show, of course, that’s your prerogative. And I respect that too. But for you to chuck the mike and abuse our video journalist and throw him out of your house is just not done. He was only doing his job. No excuse for bad behaviour,” to point out his alleged chivalry towards the cameraman.

Manisha Pande then expressed, “A defamation case might arise if you crack a joke on the owner,” and attached an image of a report stating, “India Today Group files Rs 2 crore suit against ‘Newslaundry’ for defamation, copyright infringement,” in the hopes of insinuating that the lawsuit resulted from the media platform’s frequent jabs at PM Modi and the ruling party.

“Meanwhile, the innocent cameraman’s respect has completely fallen apart and the management won’t even issue a single statement. Not one statement from the higher ups and we are pretty sure that Shazia will be back on India Today, invited for her expert comment after randomly accusing the poor cameraman for just doing his job. Whether it’s Shazia or Sanju (Verma, another BJP spokesperson) the problem with the BJP spokespersons is that they have forgotten what the job of a spokesperson is. It is to defend the party line, not needlessly attack those who don’t agree with you,” she sermoned while wilfully ignoring the belligerency of the leaders and spokespersons of liberal media’s favourite I.N.D.I. Alliance headed by the Congress party.

Undoubtedly, Shazia Ilmi would have been considered a hero or rather ‘shero’ for speaking out against someone who tried to breach her privacy without her consent if a person from the liberal ecosystem had been in her place. Even Rajdeep might have joined the applauding crowd but as a BJP member, she has been stripped of such privileges in the eyes of the liberals. For them, every BJP member or a ‘right-wing’ individual should be singled out and targeted whenever the opportunity presents itself regardless of whether they are at fault or not.

Of course, it would be naive to anticipate impartiality or objectivity from liberals who view the world through the lens of their murky ideology. However, the Delhi court has finally spoken and rendered a decision that refutes their accusations. Such verdicts do expose the lies and biased narratives of the liberal ecosystem, even though it is their modus operandi and won’t deter them from gleefully exploiting another such opportunity in the near future.

ABC passes off anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh as ‘politically motivated’, accuses Indian media of ‘inflaming anxieties’ by reporting Islamist attacks on Hindus

Shraddha Pandey
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ABC passes off anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh as ‘politically motivated’, accuses Indian media of ‘inflaming anxieties’ by reporting Islamist attacks on Hindus

Even as more than 205 attacks against Hindus by Islamist mobs in Bangladesh since Sheikh Hasina’s ouster have been documented, several Western media outlets have resorted to downplaying the anti-Hindu violence and even blaming the Hindu victims for their plight. In this vein, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has continuously been downplaying the severity of attacks on Hindus, fanning insinuations that the anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh is ‘politically motivated’.

In an article published on 13th August, ABC first talked about how Hindus, their houses and temples have been attacked, threatened, compelled to leave and how Hindus are feeling betrayed. However, as one progresses further in the article [archive] titled: Hindus in Bangladesh feel betrayed by attacks after government’s ouster, the bias and the propaganda started spilling out.

While the ABC report itself says that thousands of Hindus in Bangladesh “attempted to flee to neighbouring India to escape the violence”, ABC finds it unimaginably difficult to ‘verify’ that the atrocities are being inflicted on Hindus due to their religious identity. Since Sheikh Hasina left Bangladesh after resigning on 5th August, not a day has passed when Hindu houses, businesses and temples have not been vandalised, not a day has passed when Hindus have not been attacked yet ABC fails to ‘verify’ that the attacks on Hindus are driven by religious hate harboured by Islamists against Hindus.

ABC and several other media outlets are shrewdly trying to establish an apocryphal narrative that Hindus in Bangladesh are being persecuted not for their religious identity but for the alleged support for Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League.

In one same article authored by Meghna Bali and Hannah Jose, ABC went from citing Bangladeshi Hindu students and Hindu rights leaders detailing the targeted attacks against the community to not being able to verify the ‘motive’ behind the attacks. ABC should question itself why do Muslim mobs attack temples and destroy idols of Hindu deities, are Hindu Gods Awami League supporters? Why would the Islamists check the private part of a deceased victim of mob violence and rejoiced saying “Hindu, Hindu” upon finding that the dead victim was not circumcised? IS ABC suggesting that in Bangladesh, political affiliation is decided by whether a man is circumcised or not? If not blinded by misplaced sympathies, it is easy to comprehend that the Hindus are indeed being attacked solely for their religious identity regardless of their support or opposition to the Awami League.

Undoubtedly, Hindu and Muslim leaders of Awami League have been targeted and lynched, however, there has not a single incident has been reported wherein the Islamists burnt or vandalised mosques to exact political revenge, if anyone gives the argument that some Sufi shrines have been vandalised, then that also proves the point that the attackers are Islamic fanatics who cannot tolerate even slight deviation from the orthodox Islam forget tolerating the Mushriks [Polytheists] or Kafirs [Infidels].

ABC accuses Indian media of ‘inflaming anxieties’ by reporting Islamist attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh

The ABC article then shifts its focus on the Indian media accusing them of exaggerating the Bangladesh crisis by reporting that Hindus were being attacked by Islamist mobs.  

Excerpt taken from ABC report

“Within hours of Ms Hasina’s resignation and flight from Bangladesh, news started to appear across Indian media outlets and social media that Hindu minorities were being attacked by “Islamist forces”, further inflaming anxieties,” the ABC article reads.

According to ABC, Indian media reporting the anti-Hindu violence unleashed by Islamists in Bangladesh was ‘inflaming anxieties’. Much like the left-liberal politicians and the media houses living in denial of the Islamist threat, ABC perhaps wants Indian media to do the same. Recently, OpIndia reported how Qatar-funded Islamist propaganda outlet Al Jazeera claimed that Indian media houses reporting the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh are ‘Islamophobic’ and ‘Alarmist’.

Much like Al Jazeera, ABC also quoted ‘political analysts’ to claim that Bangladesh is not losing its secular character. One Zahed Ur Rahman asserted that Bangladesh is not losing its secular nature attacks since, according to him, the attacks on Hindus are there but politically driven.

Source: ABC

Amusingly, the state-owned ABC also peddled the Muslims protecting Hindu temples narrative, however, and yet they failed to ‘verify’ whether the attacks were religiously driven or not even as it was reported that Jamaat-e-Islami had prepared a list of Hindu houses and other properties since the fall of Sheikh Hasina. ABC and other media outlets downplaying crimes of Islamists against Hindus should answer from whom the temples are being protected— Islamists or Indian media?

Dipan Mitra, the secretary general of the World Hindu Federation (Bangladesh Chapter) had while recently speaking to OpIndia had outrightly rejected the claims that Muslims were protecting Hindu temples and said, “It is just a stunt. They take photos near Hindu temples, publish them [on social media] and leave. This is just an eyewash for global leaders and people worldwide that oh, see, even Muslims are protecting Hindu temples. But this is totally wrong.”

Hindu leaders including the spokesperson of ISKCON Meherpur temple which was vandalised and idols there were broken by Islamists, said that Hindus have perpetually been targeted and tortured since the 1980s. Despite this, leftist and Islamist sympathising ‘news’ publications like ABC, New York Times and Al Jazeera alongside their Indian allies want the world to believe that even though Hindu temples are being attacked Hindu women are being targeted the ongoing genocide of Hindus is not religiously but “politically driven”.

It is not a secret that the student groups-led anti-quota protests were hijacked by Islamist/Jihadist parties like Bangladeshi Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami. Notably, the state-owned ABC called Sheikh Hasina a ‘tyrant’ and celebrated her unceremonious ouster.

ABC’s obsession with whitewashing anti-Hindu extremists

It is pertinent to mention that ABC has a penchant for whitewashing the crimes of anti-Hindu elements. OpIndia reported last year how the Australian Broadcasting Corporation whitewashed pro-Khalistani activities in the country and made it look like the Hindus attacked Khalistani extremists there not the other way around. In June this year, ABC had published a hitjob on India and accused the Modi government of planning to assassinate Khalistanis residing in Australia. The propaganda piece authored by Avani Dias was overloaded with Indophobia and limerence for Khalistani fanatics.

All India Bar Association seeks 360-degree probe into ‘international conspiracy’ behind Hindenburg report targeting Adani group and SEBI

ANI
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All India Bar Association seeks 360-degree probe into ‘international conspiracy’ behind Hindenburg report targeting Adani group and SEBI

All India Bar Association has sought a 360-degree probe into the international conspiracy angle behind the Hindenburg report.

While talking to mediapersons, AIBA Chairman and Senior Advocate Dr Adish C. Aggarwala, Chairman of the All India Bar Association (AIBA) urged the Indian government to initiate a 360-degree investigation into the alleged international conspiracy behind the latest Hindenburg report.

Dr. Adish C. Aggarwala, who is also the immediate past President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) calls for a comprehensive investigation to address concerns regarding the Hindenburg report’s credibility and its potential impact.

Dr. Adish C. Aggarwala, who has been Vice-Chairman of Bar Council of India stated that the Hindenburg report is part of an intentional effort by India’s enemies to damage India’s growing economy. Dr Aggarwala further stated that India is experiencing economic growth and stability, in contrast to its neighbouring countries, which are grappling with economic difficulties and civil unrest.

Dr Adish C. Aggarwala also stated that the Hindenburg report might be part of a strategy by enemy countries to target both the current Union government and major business enterprises in India.

The Hindenburg report was released with malicious intent to damage the Indian economy and the report was crafted to undermine confidence in India’s financial system and harm its economic interests, stated AIBA Chairman.

Gautam Adani, a prominent Indian businessman with interests across multiple sectors, has faced significant losses in the stock market due to the Hindenburg report. This downturn has not only affected his business empire but has also had a broader impact on the Indian economy, said Dr Adish C Aggarwala.

Dr. Adish C. Aggarwala further added that he sees no merit in Hindenburg’s latest allegations against SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch and her husband, Dhaval Buch. He dismissed these claims as lacking substance.

Senior Advocate Dr Adish Aggarwala also stated that Hindenburg, as an entity, lacks credibility, particularly when its reports are seen as potentially biased or lacking substantiation.

Dr. Adish C. Aggarwala stated that if the Hindenburg reports contained concrete details, they should have been taken to court. He also stated that the Supreme Court had previously found no merit in the Hindenburg report, implying that the allegations lacked substantive evidence.

Hindenburg’s reports have created significant controversy in India on two occasions. The first was last year when it made allegations about the Adani Group, leading to a substantial drop in Adani’s stock prices. More recently, Hindenburg claimed that the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) failed to investigate these allegations due to conflicts of interest involving SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch and offshore funds related to Adani. This latest claim has also negatively impacted Adani’s stock prices.

Both the Adani Group and SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch have dismissed the allegations made by Hindenburg. SEBI has advised investors to remain calm and has highlighted a disclaimer in the Hindenburg report indicating that Hindenburg might hold a short position in the securities mentioned, which could influence the report’s content

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

Protecting Wetlands: India adds three more wetlands to the list of Ramsar Sites, 59 sites added after 2014 compared to 26 added from 1982 to 2013

OpIndia Staff
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Protecting Wetlands: India adds three more wetlands to the list of Ramsar Sites, 59 sites added after 2014 compared to 26 added from 1982 to 2013

In a major step in preserving wetlands in the country, the govt of India has added three more sites to India’s list of Ramsar sites. Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav announced on 14th August that on the eve of Independence Day, India has increased its tally of Ramsar sites to 85 from the existing 82 by designating three more wetlands as Ramsar Sites.

The three new Ramsar sites are Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu (125.865 ha), Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu (5151.6 ha), and Tawa Reservoir in Madhya Pradesh (20050 ha).

With this, the total area under 85 Ramsar sites is now 13,58,068 hectares, the minister said. He said that the achievement reflects the emphasis Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid on establishing harmony with nature, calling our wetlands Amrit Dharohars, and working relentlessly for their conservation.

The Union Minister congratulated the states of Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh whose wetlands have been added to the Ramsar sites. He also said that India needs to pledge that Viksit Bharat is a Green Bharat.

Ramsar sites are wetland sites designated to be of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, also known as “The Convention on Wetlands”, an international environmental treaty signed on 2 February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, under the auspices of UNESCO.

The Ramsar Convention provides a framework for national action and international cooperation to protect these vital ecosystems, which are critical for biodiversity, water purification, flood control, and supporting human livelihoods. Wetlands designated under the convention are known as Ramsar Sites, and member countries commit to maintaining the ecological character of these sites and to promoting the wise use of all wetlands within their territories.

India became a signatory to the convention on 1st February 1982. During 1982 to 2013, a total of 26 sites were added to the list of Ramsar sites, however, during 2014 to 2024, the country has added 59 new wetlands to the list of Ramsar sites. Currently, Tamil Nadu has maximum number of Ramsar Sites with18 sites, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 10 sites. 

 Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary:

The Nanjarayan lake a large shallow wetland situated along the north-eastern region of Uthukuli Taluk of Tiruppur District in Tamil Nadu. The wetlands in this region depend mainly on weather conditions, especially on heavy rain water flow from Nallar drainage. Nanjarayan Lake is located on the Tiruppur -Uthukkuli main road about 10 km north of Tiruppur city in an area of 125.865 Ha near Sarkar Periyapalayam village in Tiruppur district. The lake falls under two villages (Sarkar Periyapalayam and Neruperichal). The lake got its name from the fact that it was repaired and restored by King Nanjarayan who was ruling the region many centuries ago.

Further, about 191 species of birds, 87 species of butterflies, 7 species of amphibians, 21 species of reptiles, 11 species of small mammals and 77 species of plants have been recorded in and around the lake. The site acts as feeding and nesting habitat for resident bird species, migratory birds use this lake as their feeding ground during the migratory season. The lake also serves as important water source for agricultural purpose in the region. The lake plays vital role in ground water recharge. The lake is announced as 17th bird sanctuary of state of Tamil Nadu owing to its rich avifaunal diversity.  The local community has already formed strong association in protecting the lake and its habitat. The forest department in collaboration with the local community manages the lake on sustainable basis.

Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary

The Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary covering an area of 5151.6 ha was declared as the 16th bird sanctuary in Tamil Nadu in the year 2021. It is a brackish shallow lake located on the Coromandel Coast in Villupuram district, North of Pondicherry. The lake is connected to the Bay of Bengal by the brackish Uppukalli creek and the Edayanthittu Estuary. Kazhuveli is one of the significant and biodiversity rich wetlands. The lake is one of the largest wetlands in peninsular India. The lake can be divided into three parts based on the water features viz., the estuarine part with brackish water, the Uppukali creek feeding the sea water and the Kazuveli basin with fresh water.

The Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary lies in the Central Asian Flyway and is an important stopover site for migratory species of birds and breeding ground for resident species of birds, breeding ground for fish and serves as a major recharge source for the aquifers. In areas of brackish water highly degraded mangrove patches containing Avicennia species are found.  In the earlier years, this area was reportedly harbouring Tropical Dry Evergreen Forests.  In this area, reed (Typhaangustata) is found in several hundred hectares.

Tawa Reservoir

The Tawa Reservoir has been constructed at the confluence of the Tawa and Denwa rivers. River Malani, Sonbhadra, and Nagdwari are the major tributaries of Tawa reservoir. Tawa River, a left bank tributary originates from Mahadeo hills in Chhindwara district, flows through Betul district and joins river Narmada in Narmadapuram district. It is the longest tributary of river Narmada (172 Km). Tawa Reservoir is situated near Itarsi town. The reservoir was built mainly for irrigation purpose. Although later on it is also being used for power generation and aquaculture. The total submergence area of Tawa reservoir is 20,050 hectares. The total catchment area of the reservoir is 598,290 hectares.

Tawa reservoir comes under the administrative control of Forest department, district Narmadapuram. The reservoir is located inside the Satpura Tiger Reserve and forms the western boundary of the Satpura National Park and Bori Wildlife Sanctuary. Reservoir is important for aquatic flora and fauna especially birds and wild animals. Many rare and endangered species of plants, reptiles and insects are found here. It is an important habitat for many local and migratory birds. It is the largest protected area in the state Madhya Pradesh. The region is endowed with many unique features from ecological, archaeological, historical and forestry point of view.

Hizb ut-Tahrir clamours for Caliphate in Bangladesh: Jihad against Jews and Hindus, ISIS links, terror activities in several other countries and more

Anurag
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Hizb ut-Tahrir clamours for Caliphate in Bangladesh: Jihad against Jews and Hindus, ISIS links, terror activities in several other countries and more

On 9th August 2024, an Islamic terrorist organisation that positions itself as a political party, Hizb ut-Tahrir (HuT), organised a rally at Baitul Mukarram North Gate in Dhaka and demanded the establishment of the Khalifah in Bangladesh.

Notably, HuT has been banned in several countries including Bangladesh, China, Russia, Pakistan, Germany, Turkey, Indonesia, and others. Among Arab countries, it is banned in all except Lebanon, Yemen and the UAE. In recent times, HuT has started expanding its feet in India as well. National Investigation Agency arrested two of its members in the last week of June 2024.

In the rally, the top leadership of the organisation presented a series of so-called “issues” revealing a dangerously radical agency disguised as “religious duty”. The leaders of HuT focused on the alleged oppression by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and portrayed her government as “tyrannical” and in league with the Western powers. They criticised the “secular democratic systems” and called them inherently corrupt and oppressive.

Interestingly, while HuT accused Sheikh Hasina of colluding with Western powers, there are rampant allegations that the ouster of Hasina and the ensuing coup was a result of a regime change operation affected by the USA. Sheikh Hasina had herself alluded to USA trying to affect regime change in Bangladesh several times. The role of Donald Lu has been widely questioned as well.

Furthermore, they claimed that only a caliphate based on Sharia law can ensure “true justice and welfare” of all the citizens in Bangladesh. The rhetoric given by HuT was not only inflammatory and quite openly Jihadi, but also sought to undermine the political system of the country. They called to kick out the foreign companies and annul the strategic agreements with non-Muslim states.

HuT leaders positioned the demand for a caliphate as a religious obligation. They framed it as the only solution to end the so-called “tyranny” in Bangladesh. In short, the rally was less about addressing the concerns of the citizens amidst the political turmoil in the neighbouring country and more about promoting Islamist and Jihadist political systems. The ideas presented by the terror outfit not only promoted division but also resulted in the oppression of the already distressed minorities in Bangladesh, especially the Hindus.

After the ouster of Sheikh Hasina and with increased activity of Islamic groups like HuT, Jamaat-e-Islami and others, Hindus are being severely persecuted in the Islamic nation. There is news of over 200 incidents of violence against Hindus with at least 30 Hindu women raped, Hindus murdered and several houses and businesses burnt down.

Amidst the turmoil and the ongoing persecution of Hindus, posters demanding caliphate in Bangladesh have also surfaced in Dhaka. In the poster, Sura: Al-Mayidah, Ayat: 45 of the Quran was mentioned in the poster in Bengali that says, “And those who do not rule by what Allah has revealed, they are the oppressors.”

The poster translates to:

“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Dear Countrymen,

For liberation from the system of oppression, raise the demand for the establishment of the Caliphate in the model of Prophethood. Allah, the Most Glorious, does not support the creation of oppressors. Decades have passed without any significant change. Like the wealth and resources of Yunus, even if the oppressive regime of Hasina falls, the democratic-capitalist system remains intact. Allah, the Most Glorious and Exalted, says, “And those who do not rule by what Allah has revealed, they are the oppressors” [Surah Al-Maidah: 45]. This system is contrary to the Islamic creed and is a factory of oppression, where the ruling class holds sovereign power. For decades, the faces of the ruling class have changed, but the oppression on the people has remained unchanged. After the fall of the agent Hasina, the colonialist Kafir powers—America, Britain, and India—are now actively trying to place other agents like Yunus in power. These agent groups are committed to handing over the country’s economy, strategic resources, and sovereignty to the colonialists. “…then the rule of oppression will end, and the Caliphate will return in the model of Prophethood” (Musnad Ahmad). This hadith makes it clear that only through the establishment of the Caliphate in the model of Prophethood can the current rule of oppression be ended, and the country liberated from the grip of the colonialists. The Caliphate is a just system where all citizens, regardless of religion, race, or ethnicity, will be guaranteed food, clothing, shelter, education, healthcare, and security. It is through the Caliphate state that this Muslim Ummah will become a leading nation. Hizb ut-Tahrir has drafted the “Constitution of the Caliphate State” based on the Qur’an and Sunnah for governing the state and is fully prepared to assume leadership. “O you who believe, respond to Allah and His Messenger when He calls you to that which gives you life” [Surah Al-Anfal: 24].”

Notably, it also capitalised on the plight of the Rohingya Muslims displaced from Myanmar. In 2017, the group launched a campaign in the Bangladeshi port city of Chittagong, where they distributed posters calling for Muslims to unite in support of the Rohingya. The posters also urged “devoted army officers” to dethrone the ruling Awami-League government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, highlighting HuT’s ambitions to influence political change.

It is pertinent to note that Rohingya Muslims have been involved in the massacre of Hindus. Even the Amnesty International, which often glosses over the massacre of Hindus, admitted that the Rohingya Muslims had committed grievous atrocities and massacres against Hindus in Myanmar.

Hizb ut-Tahrir expanding its presence in India

In recent times, HuT has been expanding its presence in India. On 30th June, OpIndia reported that the National Investigating Agency conducted multiple searches at several locations in connection to the terror outfit. Two of its members, Abdul Rehman and Mujibur Rehman were arrested by NIA for indoctrinating youths.

The trainees were instructed to transform India from Darul Kufr (Land of Non-believers) to Darul Islam (House/abode of Islam). The agency recovered digital devices (cell phones, laptops, SIM cards, memory cards) and various incriminating documents, including printouts and books with the ideologies of Hizb-ut-Tahrir, Khilafa, Islamic State and the envisaged Khilafa administration and its financial systems from them.

The case was filed against the culprit for sharing derogatory content on Facebook, according to the Thideernagar Police Station in Madurai. Afterwards, it was transferred to the NIA, which re-registered it on 15th April to conduct a thorough investigation into the situation. A search was carried out at Kabir Ahmed’s Mudichur house in Chennai. A police source stated that the search started at five in the morning and went on for more than two hours. Furthermore, searches were executed in Tiruchy, Kumbakonam, two locations in Erode and other areas. The venues targeted by the authorities were believed to be associated with the Hizb-ut-Tahrir group. Six individuals were detained in Chennai last month on suspicion of having ties to the outfit and were charged under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Six HuT members arrested in Tamil Nadu

In May this year, six members of HuT were arrested in Chennai for anti-India activities including propaganda against Lok Sabha Elections 2024 and democracy. The arrested members of the terror outfit included a man named Hameed Hussain who was a former engineering professor. He was the leader of the group. His father and brother were part of the group. While two of the arrested men were aged 26 and 33, one of them was in his fifties. The group advocated that democracy and elections were “Haram” (forbidden by Islamic law) and promoted the idea of a Caliphate.

HuT module busted in Madhya Pradesh

In May 2023, Madhya Pradesh ATS busted a HuT module and nabbed 16 of its terrorists. As per reports, MP ATS operation lasted for four months. An ATS officer infiltrated the group by befriending a suspect and attended their secret meetings to gather evidence. The officer, posing as a convert to Islam, providing critical intelligence leading to simultaneous arrests across Bhopal, Chhindwara and Hyderabad. Some of the suspects arrested by ATS were reportedly forcibly converted others to Islam with aim to incite terrorism. The NIA later took over the case and the arrested terrorists were sent into custody. The accused booked in the case were Mohammad Alam, Misbah ul Hasan, Mehraj Ali, Khalid Hussain, Syed Sami Rizvi, Yasir Khan, Salman Ansari, Syed Danish Ali, Mohammad Shahrukh, Mohammad Wasim, Mohammad Kareem, Mohammad Abbas Ali, Mohammad Hameed, Mohammad Saleem, Abdur Rahman, Sheikh Junaid, and Mohammad Salman.

Searches were conducted at several locations in 2021

In 2021, after conducting searches at several locations in Tamil Nadu, the NIA made an arrest related to the Madurai Hizb-ut-Tahrir case. Mohammed Iqbal, the person who was apprehended, posted offensive things on his Facebook account “Thoonga Vizhigal Rendu is in Kazimar Street” to make fun of a certain religion and fostered communal disharmony, disturbing law and order. The case was first brought in Madurai under several counts of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and section 13(1)(b) of the UAPA Act.

A supplemental charge sheet was filed by the NIA in March 2022 against two accused named Ziyavudeen Baqavi, a resident of Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district and Bava Bahrudeen, also known as Mannai Bava from Mannargudi in Tiruvarur district. The investigation showed that they were HuT members and were involved in radicalizing and enlisting naive youth to create an Islamic State and impose a draft constitution penned by HuT founder and radical Islamic preacher Taqi al-Din al-Nabhani.

It was reported that Bava Bahrudeen and Ziyavudeen Baqavi were arranging gatherings to enlist new members and holding secret classes to radicalize, indoctrinate and incite youths to strive toward the creation of an Islamic State by toppling the Indian government. Moreover, they planned to use social media sites like Facebook and YouTube to create new cells in other regions of Kerala and Tamil Nadu to propagate HuT’s ideology.

NIA booked ISIS affiliate with possible links to HuT in 2016

In January 2017, NIA said in a press release that they received information about one Adib Khan, a resident of Bengaluru, Karnataka, relating his involvement in illegal activities of ISIS operatives who were working not only in India but also in Sri Lanka. Adib was believed to be a close associate of HuT and was using several social media platforms to interact with his associates. Furthermore, he was also planning to go to Syria via Indonesia to join ISIS.

A brief history of Hizb ut-Tahrir

Hizb ut-Tahrir (HuT) wad founded in 1953 by Taqi al-Din al-Nabhani in Jerusalem. It was established as a movement aimed to revive the Islamic Caliphate and uniting the Muslim Ummah under a single Islamic state governed by Sharia law. Over the decades, the terrorist organisation evolved from its initial non-violent methods that were chosen to gain influence within Muslim communities, to a more complex approach that involves gathering support from military factions and influential leaders that have the capacity to stage coups.

HuT became active in Bangladesh in early 2000s. The main target for the organisation was the educated youth and the students from the universities. They used these sections of the society in Bangladesh to propagate the extremist ideology. In 2009, Bangladeshi government banned the organisation for its extremist views and activities. However, the group continued its activities covertly. HuT in Bangladesh leverages local socio-political issues like corruption and economic inequality. It positions itself as a voice against perceived Western influence and advocating for the establishment of a Caliphate. Bangladesh, thus, is a strategic focus point for HuT’s broader goal of expanding its influence in the Muslim-majority nations in South Asia.

Throughout the history, HuT has faced challenges as it attempted to remove governments in Jordan, Syria and Egypt during 1960s and 70s. HuT faced decline after its failed attempts but they made a come back by adapting a different strategy by emphasising the need for both grassroots support and strategic alliances. In the 1980s and 90s, HuT’s approach shifted further, with discussions around the legitimacy of armed insurrection against governments deemed “unfaithful.”

By the early 2000s, under new leadership, HuT became more aggressive, particularly in response to global events like the US invasion of Iraq, which it used to rally support against Western influence. In the 2010s, HuT attempted to capitalise on the Syrian Revolution, hoping to establish its vision of a Caliphate.

HuT created rifts in Palestine in the past decade

HuT was founded in Jerusalem, close to Palestinian territories. However, its presence in the region declined over time. In the past decade, the group has gained traction in Palestinian territories once again. In 2015, it attempted to hold a caliphate conference in Ramallah despite Palestinian Authority opposition. In May of that year, the group incited protests against the visit of a Jordanian cleric to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem leading to the arrest of its several members. In 2017, it organised several rallies worldwide calling for the destruction of Israel. In 2019, its Palestinian branch had a clash with PA police as they tried to celebrate Eid al-Fitr in Hebron on the day declared by Saudi, Emirati, Qatari, and Kuwaiti religious clerics to be the end of Ramzan rather than the day announced by the clerics in Palestine, Egypt and Jordan.

Presence of HuT in different countries

In Great Britain, HuT has actively organised political campaigns and protests. In 2015, it called for Muslims to not participate in the parliamentary elections. Furthermore, they organised a protest against the killings of civilians in Aleppo outside the Syrian embassy in London.

In March 2019 in Denmark, they organised significant prayer and rallies outside the Danish Parliament in Copenhagen in response to a shooting at a mosque in New Zealand. Several hundred Muslims participated in the rally making it evident that HuT has the potential to mobilise people.

In the US, HuT has used the Syrian conflict to hold protests against the government. Two significant events were organised by HuT that were focused on the siege of Aleppo by Syrian regime forces and pro-Iranian militias.

In Australia, their activity has increased over the past decade. In March 2015, a video of Islamic Australian leader Ismail Alwahwah emerged calling for jihad against Jews during a rally in New South Wales. Later, in November 2015, HuT organised a conference to oppose forced assimilation. In 2017, they released a video supporting domestic violence against “disobedient wives”. The video faced a lot of criticism. Furthermore, HuT publicly blamed the West for a terror attack in Melbourne in June 2017.

In Russia, HuT was banned by the Supreme Court for its terrorist activities. However, the HuT members continued their operations leading to their arrests. In August 2012, HuT members were arrested in Muslim-dominating areas for their involvement in terror activities. In 2017, the Russian FSB detained six Crimean locals on accusations of being members of HuT. Later, in June 2019, a Russian court sentenced five Crimean Tatars to hard labour for their membership in the group.

In Belgium, they openly demonstrated against the visit of Islam Karimov to the European Union and NATO in 2011 outside the Uzbek embassy in Brussels.

In Kyrgyzstan, authorities closed down hundreds of HuT websites for promoting terrorism including its regional web pages. In December 2017, Kyrgyz authorities arrested eleven alleged HuT members, including a local leader of the organisation, indicating the government’s ongoing efforts to curb the group’s influence.

In Tunisia after the Arab Spring revolutions, HuT tried to capitalise on the renewed quest for religious identity in the region. In March 2012, HuT organised a much-publicised female conference in Tunisia. However, in September 2016, the Tunisian government asked a military court to outlaw the group. In 2017, it was banned for one month for inciting hatred. Though the ban was lifted, its activities remained under close watch.

In Jordan, it faced action by the government on several occasions. In April 2013, HuT organised a press conference in Amman that attracted hundreds of women including journalists etc and discussed the establishment of a caliphate. In 2016, the Jordanian government arrested 15 senior members of HuT for campaigning against changes to the school curriculum.

In Turkey, the government banned its annual conference after the authorities conflated the group with the Gülen movement. 58 of its members were imprisoned.

In Indonesia, it protested against Jakarta’s former Christian governor, Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama, accusing him of blasphemy and facing setbacks. The Indonesian government subsequently banned HuT for opposing the state’s secular ideology and “causing friction in society.” The group’s organised campaign against Ahok played a role in the former governor being sentenced to two years in prison on blasphemy charges. In response to the ban, HuT allegedly rebranded itself as the Islamic Royatul Community (KARIM) and continued its activities.

White House declines to comment on atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, denies Sheikh Hasina’s claim of US involvement in her ouster

OpIndia Staff
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White House declines to comment on atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, denies Sheikh Hasina’s claim of US involvement in her ouster

The US-government led by President Joe Biden has declined to comment on the plight of the Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh. While responding to a query on atrocities against Hindu Americans and Hindus in Bangladesh, the official White House Spokesperson Jean Pierre said that they are continuing to monitor the situation but they don’t have anything else to add. Additionally, in response to another query, the White House Spokesperson denied Sheikh Hasina’s claim of US involvement in her ouster. 

Notably, on Tuesday (12th August), the White House official Spokesperson Jean Pierre addressed a press briefing (full transcript) in which a journalist named Lalit asked her questions on the ongoing developments in Bangladesh and US-India ties. 

During the briefing, the journalist, Lalit, highlighted that over the weekend, several Hindu American groups held a protest march in front of the White House urging the President to take steps to stop the atrocities against Hindu Americans and Hindus in Bangladesh. He added that two Hindu lawmakers, hailing from the Democratic Party – Raja Krishnamoorthi and Shri Thanedar – have also written letters to the administration seeking their help in stopping these atrocities against Hindus and other minority groups in Bangladesh. 

Responding to it, the White House Spokesperson, Jean Pierre said, “So, look, we’re going to continue, certainly, to monitor the situation. I don’t have anything else to add beyond that.” 

(Video Courtesy – The White House YouTube Channel)

She, however, claimed that the US President has been very consistent in speaking loud and clear in public and also privately on any type of Human Rights issues. But on the specific issue of atrocities of Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh, the White House Spokesperson said that they don’t have any specific engagement to speak to at this time. 

White House denies Sheikh Hasina’s claim of US involvement, says reports and rumours about US involvement are simply false

Lalit had also asked the White House Spokesperson about Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina’s allegation that she was forced out of power because the US wanted one of the Bangladeshi Islands. The Former Bangladeshi PM added that she was forced to resign because she didn’t agree to the US demand to give away St Martin Island.

Responding to her allegations, White House Spokesperson Pierre said, “So, we have had no involvement at all.  Any reports or rumours that the United States government was involved in these events is simply, simply false.” 

She added, “That is not true. This is a choice for and by the Bangladeshi people. We believe that the Bangladeshi people should determine the future of the Bangladeshi government, and that’s where we stand. Any allegations, certainly, we will continue to say, and I have said here, is simply not true.” 

In response to a query on Joe Biden’s policy on India-US relationship and on Quad during his remaining stint as President, she said that the US president views India-US ties as one of the most consequential in the world. 

Regarding India-US ties, the White House spokesperson said, “So, look, the president views the United States’ relationship with India as one of the most consequential in the world.  And so, we work closely with India on most vital priorities, including through the Quad and the U.S.-India initiative on the — Critical and Emerging Technology.”

She added, “And so, we look forward to continuing to expand our critical and critically important partnership and how it’s going to benefit the American people.  And we want to create more prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific and the world.  And so, that is going to continue to be our focus as we move forward.”

Sheikh Hasina’s specific allegations and the ongoing religious persecution of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh

Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has alleged that the USA is behind her ouster from power. Hasina, who is currently taking refuge in India after she was forced to leave Bangladesh following violent protests, recently said that the USA orchestrated her removal from the post of PM because she refused to hand over Saint Martin Island to the US which would have enabled the western superpower to have “sway over the Bay of Bengal”.

According to the former Bangladesh PM, the USA wants the island because they want to build a military base on it. 

It is pertinent to note that, OpIndia had also reported on the day of her resignation how the US could have played in political turmoil in Bangladesh leading to the removal of Hasina from the post of Prime Minister.


Nonetheless, following her violent ouster from the country’s politics, violence has escalated in Bangladesh and since then, the Islamist mobs have been launching targeted attacks on leaders and supporters of erstwhile ruling party, Awami league and committing religious persecution and atrocities against Hindus and other religious minorities in the country. More than 200 incidents of attacks have been reported against Hindus and other minority groups within a span of a few days.

Leftists irked over call for ‘blow the conch’ during “Reclaim the Night” protests against Kolkata doctor’s rape and murder case

OpIndia Staff
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Leftists irked over call for ‘blow the conch’ during “Reclaim the Night” protests against Kolkata doctor’s rape and murder case

On 14th August, left-liberals got irked by the calls to “blow the conch” during the “Reclaim The Night” event in Kolkata. In a post on Facebook, Jadavpur 8B Coordination Committee’s member Shalini Mitra “apologised” to the “Comrades” after a video message called for “blowing the conch” during the “Reclaim The Night” event.

She wrote, “URGENT. Comrades, Jadavpur 8B ‘Reclaim the Night’, the coordination committee is informing that WE DO NOT ENDORSE blowing conch shells as a part of this protest program. Our continuing fight is against Brahmanical/Manuvadi Patriarchy and we deeply regret and apologize for any miscommunication. –Jadavpur 8B, Coordination Committee”

Source: X

The message came after a video message asking the women to take control of the night and fill the city with the sound of conch shells on 14th August 2024 at 11:55 PM. The text message written in Bengali in the video read, “Girls, take control of the night, fill the city with the sound of conch shells. 14th August 2024 11:55 PM. Either you come down to the streets, or stay with us by blowing the conch shells.”

The ‘Reclaim The Night’ event and call for blowing conch

The event “Reclaim The Night” is being organised to raise awareness about the importance of safety for women at night given the recent RG Kar Medical College and Hospital Rape and Murder Case. On the night of 14th August, women in different cities are organising programs on the streets to “Reclaim The Night” calling out the administration to ensure the safety of women. The organisers of the event have claimed that it is a non-political event and have strictly asked the participants not to carry any symbol, flag, poster or placard that is anywhere linked to any political party.

Source: Facebook

Amidst the event calls, posters asking women to blow the conch surfaced on social media and it was shared by many netizens and celebrities including Bengali actress Swastika Mukherjee.

Source: Facebook

The call to blow the conch however has irked the left-liberals including the organisers. In a post, the organisers said, “From the “Reclaim The Night” program in Jadavpur, we did not call for any conch shell blowing. We do not support such religious activities. If you are unable to join this time, come next time. You can shout slogans from your balcony, sing songs, and continue your fight against rape culture in your own way, both inside and outside your home. Our fight is also against Brahmanical patriarchy. Our fight is against gender-based labour division. Our fight is to break the confinement of women within their homes and claim the entire sky, day and night. We hope you will join us in protest in your own way.”

Source: Facebook

RG Kar Medical College Rape and Murder Case

On 9th August, a semi-nude and brutalised body of a female PG trainee doctor was found inside the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. It is a government-run hospital. Following the discovery, her father had said that she was raped and killed inside the hospital, and efforts were underway to “conceal the truth.”

The doctor had dinner with four of her coworkers at 2:30 am that night after seeing Neeraj Chopra’s javelin throw event during the Paris Olympics. Afterwards, she went to the seminar hall to relax. The main accused in the case, Sanjay Roy, had access to every department as he worked at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital police outpost. He was not affiliated with the institution but often went there. CCTV evidence shows him entering the premises where the doctor was discovered, that led to his arrest on 10th August. He returned home after committing the horrifying act and slept in late. Roy also cleaned the outfit he wore to remove any evidence. The police recovered his bloodstained shoes during a search.

The Doctor was brutally tortured before she was suffocated to death, according to the post-mortem report. The four-page report stated that she had been strangled and that “perverted sexuality” and “genital torture” had resulted in a serious wounds in her private parts.

The Doctor’s thyroid cartilage was also shattered. A source stated that the rape and murder occurred on 9th August most likely between 3 and 5 am. Her lips, fingers, left leg, and abdomen were all covered with injuries.

According to sources, the Doctor’s head was slammed against a wall or the floor resulting in severe injuries and her mouth and nose were squeezed shut to stop the victim from shouting. The accused had reportedly beaten her up as she attempted to defend herself and resist. He then raped and killed her. According to the autopsy, the girl’s hands and face had cuts on them. Shards of glass from her spectacles broke and got into her eyes following an intense blow. The initial postmortem report ruled out suicide and stated that the trainee doctor had been sexually assaulted before being murdered.

On 13th August, Calcutta High Court came down heavily on West Bengal government for attempting to save principal of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

‘Muslims will turn your house into Bangladesh’: Hindu woman threatened by municipal chairman Syed Abid Ali for complaining against Muslim hawkers

OpIndia Staff
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‘Muslims will turn your house into Bangladesh’: Hindu woman threatened by municipal chairman Syed Abid Ali for complaining against Muslim hawkers

On Wednesday, 14th August, a Hindu woman belonging to the SC community was threatened by the local municipal chairman Syed Abid Ali in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh for complaining against the Muslim cart owners. She had complained that the Muslim hawkers parked their vehicles in front of her house causing trouble. To this, Ali threatened the woman saying that he would convert the place into Bangladesh if she didn’t stop complaining.

In a video, the woman can be heard saying that Ali also abused her for her caste and said, “You belong to the lower caste so behave in your limits. I’ll get your husband out of the job, and ask Muslim men to barge into your house and create a scene like Bangladesh.”

It is pertinent to note that currently, Hindus are being persecuted in Bangladesh by Islamist mobs. There have been over 200 incidents of violence that have been reported from Bangladesh against Hindus. At least 30 Hindu women have been raped, several houses and businesses have been burnt and there have been Hindus who have been murdered as well.

The police also took cognizance of the event and confirmed that the Hindu woman was abused over her caste. The police also said that the accused persons, Syed Abid Ali, Lalaram Maurya, and others threatened the woman with dire consequences.

“SI Nitesh investigated the case and interrogated the accused. The woman has filed a police complaint. Further investigations into the case are underway. Strict action against the accused will be taken,” the authority added.

OpIndia has obtained a copy of the complaint in the case. As per the document, the husband of the woman who was abused works as a cleaning staff local corporation office. The local municipal chairman, Syed Abid Ali, and his associates threatened the woman that her husband would be removed from the job if she continued to complain against the Muslims.

Complaint copy obtained by OpIndia

The woman has problems with Muslim people parking their fruit and vegetable stalls in front of her home blocking the way. However, she is being threatened and asked to adjust with the situation just because she belongs to the Hindu community.

Such theft not possible, probably lights were not installed: Ayodhya Admin denies contractor’s allegation that over 3800 lights were stolen, assures action for false FIR

OpIndia Staff
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Such theft not possible, probably lights were not installed: Ayodhya Admin denies contractor’s allegation that over 3800 lights were stolen, assures action for false FIR

On Wednesday (14th August), the Ayodhya district administration issued a clarification after a contractor filed an FIR alleging large-scale theft of fancy lights on Ram Path and Bhakti Path in the temple town. Speaking to reporters, Divisional Commissioner Gaurav Dayal said that a large-scale theft is improbable due to strict security and the height of the lights. He said that the possibility is emerging that the lights were never installed installed in the first place, and added that the Development Authority is probing it. He assured that action would be taken against the contractor if his complaint turns out to be false. 

Speaking with reporters, Divisional Commissioner Gaurav Dayal said, “The issue is being blown out of proportion, being exaggerated. Some ornamental lights were installed on trees, and in areas that were not well lit. Small bamboo lights were installed. The contractor has not been awarded the payment. Now it is his claim that many of the lights affixed on top of the trees have been stolen. It is not possible. It was such a difficult task to install lights on trees, theft on such a large scale is improbable…so there is a possibility that the lights were never installed. The Development Authority is investigating this.” 

The development authority discovered discrepancies in the number of installed lights versus those reported stolen, the district administration has pointed out, as per news agency IANS. 

The Divisional Commissioner added, “It is possible that the contractor gave such a complaint in the police station to create a defence for himself. Ayodhya has such tight security and on busy streets, theft on such a large scale is an impossible task. The issue is being exaggerated.” 

He further stated that as per the contract, the maintenance of these lights is the duty of the contractor for a period of one year. If anything happens to these lights, the contractor is responsible and liable for it. The official added that there is no issue of security lapse and that the contractor has not been paid yet. The allegations levelled by the contractor are being probed. And if the complaint is found to be wrong, action will be taken against him, the Divisional Commissioner noted.

It is pertinent to note that earlier in the day, it was widely reported in the media that a contractor named Shekhar Sharma filed an FIR in the Ram Janmabhoomi Police Station alleging the theft of 3,800 bamboo lights installed on the trees of Ram Path and 36 gobo projector lights on Bhakti Path, worth over Rs 50 lakh. As per reports, Sharma is a representative of the firm Yash Enterprises and Krishna Automobiles that had bagged the contract for installing lights in the temple town. 

According to the FIR, as many as 6,400 bamboo lights were installed on Ram Path and 96 gobo projector lights on Bhakti Path by the firm.

Shekhar Sharma said, “Till 19 March, all the lights were there but after an inspection on May 9, it was found that some lights were missing. Till now around 3,800 bamboo lights and 36 projector lights have been stolen by some unknown thieves.”

According to the FIR, the firm came to know about the ‘theft’ in May but filed the complaint on 9th August. However, now the Ayodhya administration has denied the theft allegations, and accused the contractor himself of probably not installing the lights in the first place and then filing false FIR alleging theft.

Assam: 30-year-old Injamamul Haque awarded 15 years in prison for kidnapping and raping minor girl in 2022

OpIndia Staff
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Assam: 30-year-old Injamamul Haque awarded 15 years in prison for kidnapping and raping minor girl in 2022

Injamamul Haque, who abducted and raped a little child, was given 15 years in prison and hard labour by Special Judge Jaydev Koch of the Kokrajhar Court in a landmark ruling on 13th August. The shocking incident occurred on 17th January 2022.

Public prosecutor Manjit Ghosh unveiled that he deceived the minor girl into believing he was taking her to tuition to convince her to leave her house. However, he abducted her and took her to the national capital where she endured four days of captivity and was subjected to regular sexual assault. The authorities eventually arrived in Delhi and rescued the victim. They booked him and filed a chargesheet against him.

Injamamul Haque was handed down the sentence after the court found him guilty of violating Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act. Furthermore, the court imposed an additional three months of jail time without the option to pay a penalty. In addition, he was sentenced to five years in prison and an additional month of imprisonment without the possibility of a fee under Section 368 of the Indian Penal Code. He was also fined Rs 5,000. The victim’s family members were pleased with the court’s decision. Kokrajhar locals are happy with the ruling as well and believe that the Assam police’s exhaustive and successful investigation would contribute to a decrease in crimes against women and children.

There are several such cases that emerge from Assam and other parts of the country. Only recently, in another case, a massive protest calling for harsh punishment for the gang rape and murder accused in the Dudhnoi case took place under the banner of the All-Bodo Students Union (ABSU) in the town centre of Kokrajhar. On 3rd May, two underage tribal girls were raped by Dhan Ali Talukdar, Bahar Ali and Rahman Ali in the Dudhnoi area of Goalpara district.

The girls were returning home from a Rongjali Baisagu cultural event. On 5th May, Hiranmoy Khakhlari, the brother of one of the victims was brutally assaulted by Talukdar’s brother Shekabor Ali, sister Parmina Begum and Ramzan when he confronted them about the incident. He passed away from his wounds in a Guwahati hospital. The savage attack also injured two other people.

The illegal houses of the accused were then demolished by the state government. The administration arrived in Tangbari village with bulldozers, supported by hundreds of police officers. The homes of accomplices Bahar Ali, Rahman Ali and one Ramzan Ali were also demolished by the officials along with the residence of the principal accused Talukdar, his elder brother Shekabor Ali and his sister Parmina Begum.

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