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Bulandshahr: Gajendra Singh rapes 6-year-old girl and a goat, arrested

OpIndia Staff
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Bulandshahr: Gajendra Singh rapes 6-year-old girl and a goat, arrested

In a distressing occurrence, a man on Tuesday, 13th August, raped a 6-year-old girl at her home before sexually assaulting a goat in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh.

According to reports, the individual responsible has been identified as Gajendra Singh, a government employee working as an ADO. He is believed to have been arrested. 

The incident took place when the accused walked to his acquaintance’s residence, and found the girl alone. Seeing her alone, Gajendra raped her. Not being satisfied, the man raped a goat tied to a pole in the home. The residence where the crime took place can be seen in a claimed video of the incident that has been shared on X.

The video making rounds on social media shows the crime scene. It showcases the residence where the unimaginable crime took place.

The police responded quickly to the incident and arrested Singh, who is now facing charges for his crimes. The event has sparked outrage throughout the community, with many seeking heaviest punishment for the perpetrator.

The incident emphasies the necessity for enhanced awareness and actions to prevent similar crimes in the future. Further investigations in the case are underway. 

‘He said Salam Alaikum, I replied with Jai Shri Ram’: Hindu man narrates harrowing tale of attack by Muslim mob in West Bengal, BJP shares video

OpIndia Staff
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‘He said Salam Alaikum, I replied with Jai Shri Ram’: Hindu man narrates harrowing tale of attack by Muslim mob in West Bengal, BJP shares video

On Tuesday (13th August), the West Bengal unit of the BJP shared a video of a Hindu man who was reportedly attacked by a frenzied Muslim mob for responding to ‘Salam Alaikum’ with ‘Jai Shri Ram.’

The incident took place in Ward No.5 of Paik Para in the Nimta locality of Kolkata. While speaking about the matter, the victim Biswajit Mondal narrated, “At 9 pm yesterday, an elderly Muslim man was passing by my house. He greeted me with ‘Salam Alaikum’. I responded with ‘Jai Shri Ram.'”

“Because I said ‘Jai Shri Ram’, a mob of 150-200 Rohingyas and Bangladeshi jihadis laid siege at my house. They broke into the building and ransacked the place. They vandalised the doors, almirahs and even the idol of Lord Hanuman. You can see that the nose of the idol has been broken,” he recounted.

“They left us in a bloodied state. Even my wife was assaulted,” he narrated. The victim’s wife said that she pleaded with the Muslim men to spare her but they did not budge.

“They also touched me inappropriately. They told me that if we wanted to stay alive, then, we would have to leave this place. They threatened that they wouldn’t allow us to live here peacefully. We would come later in the night, they warned,” she continued.

“Despite being a Hindu, I bowed down at the feet of 10-12 Muslims and pleaded with them to not beat us anymore. They did not listen to me despite telling them that I was like their sister,” the woman added.

According to the victims, the Muslim mob was equipped with whips, which they used indiscriminately against the Hindu man. Biswajit Mandal is a member of the BJP and contested the panchayat elections.

“I am a kattar Hindu but I have not been taught to hate Muslims,” he was heard saying in the video shared by BJP Bengal.

Rahul Gandhi spreads negativity, fearmongers about Indian stock market over Hindenburg report after making massive profits from his stocks in just 5 months

Shraddha Pandey
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Rahul Gandhi spreads negativity, fearmongers about Indian stock market over Hindenburg report after making massive profits from his stocks in just 5 months

“Hard-earned savings of millions of Indians are at risk”. This is what Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said after the dubious Hindenburg Report levelled allegations against SEBI’s chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch for not acting against the Adani conglomerate. It is rather ironic that the Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi is fearmongering about the Indian stock market after having personally profited by a staggering Rs 46 lakh from his own stock investments.

Recently, IANS reported that Rahul Gandhi made a profit of Rs 46.49 lakh from his stock investments in the last five months. Rahul Gandhi’s stock market portfolio was found to have increased in value from approximately Rs 4.33 crore as of 15th March 2024) to nearly Rs 4.80 crore till 12th August.

Some of the major stocks in Rahul Gandhi’s portfolio include Asian Paints, Bajaj Finance, Deepak Nitrite, Divis Labs, GMM Pfaudler, Hindustan Unilever, Infosys, ITC, TCS, Titan, Tube Investments of India and LTIMindtree. Out of the 24 stocks held by Gandhi, only 4 are loss-making.

On the 11th of August, Rahul Gandhi shared a video message on X wherein he was seen blatantly fearmongering about the stock market and hyping the dubious Hindenburg Research report to attack businessman Gautam Adani and the Modi government.

Equating the Indian stock market with a cricket match, Rahul Gandhi asked what would happen if a match is going on between India and Australia and everyone knows that the umpire is compromised. Gandhi said this to claim that SEBI chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch is compromised.

“Over the last few years, larger and larger number of people have been investing in India’s stock market. They invest their hard-earned savings in the stock market. As LoP it is my duty to bring this to your notice that there is significant risk in the stock market because the institution that governs the stock market is compromised… A very serious allegation has been made against Adani Group was illegal share ownership and stock manipulation using offshore funds. It has now emerged that SEBI chairwoman Madhabi Buch and her husband had an interest in one of those funds,” Rahul Gandhi claimed adding that the ‘umpire’ herself is ‘compromised’.

On one hand, Rahul Gandhi says that the hard-earned and honestly earned savings of Indians are not safe on the other he rakes up a whopping Rs 46 lakh profit from his stock market investments. Of the 24 stocks in Gandhi’s portfolio, 20 are profit-making and yet he claims “honestly earned money of Indians is at risk”. Such handsome gains make one wonder whether Rahul Gandhi’s money is not ‘honestly earned’ or there isn’t an essential risk to the investments of the people, as he claimed.

While India is treading the path of economic growth and the Sensex has touched record heights in recent months, Rahul Gandhi decided to place his blind trust in a foreign entity’s report whose previous allegations were trashed by the Supreme Court. Be it mocking the ‘Make in India’ initiative or PM Modi’s $5 trillion economy ambition, the opposition parties take delight in spreading negativity about India’s economic growth.

Gandhi has been vocal for months about the ‘fragility’ of India’s economic growth and the possible risks lurking within the stock market. He has often referenced the short seller Hindenburg’s Report to cast doubt on India’s economic direction and to argue that the country’s wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few, notably those close to the Modi government.

Gandhi’s rhetoric usually pictures the Indian economy to be somehow on the verge of collapse, fostering an atmosphere of uncertainty and scaring potential investors. His sinister fixation over wealth creators like Adani, labelling them as icons of crony capitalism, serves to polish his image as a saviour of poor people against the rich. However, his constant criticism of the stock market and successful Indian entrepreneurs contrasts dramatically with his personal financial gains from the same market, raising doubts about his integrity and reliability as a political leader, especially when he dreams of becoming the Prime Minister of India.

After failure to project PM Modi as “corrupt” with his Rafale Deal allegations, Gandhi’s persistent tirade against Indian business mammoths, particularly the Adani Group, is apparently, part of a larger political plan to position himself as a defender of the common man, opposing what claims to be an unholy alliance between big business and government. However, his recent financial gain demonstrates the complexities of his stance and the absurdity of his statements.

Incidentally, on one hand, Rahul Gandhi has been trying to implicate Adani as a partner in crime with PM Modi and coined terms like ‘Modani’, on the other, his own government in Telangana signed our Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 12,400 crore with the Adani group at the sideline of the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2024 in Davos, Switzerland earlier this year. If Gautam Adani and his companies are indulging in illegal practices why is Congress giving projects to the Adani group? If not, then why launch selective attacks against him?

There seems to be a pattern. The first Hindenburg Report against Adani Group was released ahead of the Lok Sabha elections and the same was used by Congress to build a narrative that ‘Modi’s friends’ are corrupt and thus Modi is also corrupt. Rahul Gandhi then coupled this corruption narrative with caste card and came up with a ‘wealth redistribution’ poll promise based on Caste ‘X-ray’ [caste census] findings. The idea perhaps was that he first accuses the Modi government and his alleged corporate ‘friends’ of crony capitalism, foment divides and then project himself as the ‘JanNayak’ of the poor fighting the crony capitalists.

While the increase in seats of Congress and the I.N.D.I. Alliance suggests that this tactic may have benefitted them, the Indian stock market boom continued despite an initial setback for the Adani conglomerate.

OpIndia earlier reported how despite the Supreme Court giving a clean chit to the Adani group after finding no malpractice or price manipulation, Rahul Gandhi remained hell-bent on casting aspersions on the integrity of the Adani Group and PM Modi. The Supreme Court committee had said that there was no regulatory failure relating to Minimum Public Shareholding and no violation of compliance.

Notably, this is not the first time that Rahul Gandhi has attacked SEBI, earlier, alleged that Former SEBI Chairman UK Sinha was made NDTV director because SEBI gave a clean chit to Adani. However, UK Sinha retired as SEBI Chairman in February 2017, and there is no report of any clan chit given by SEBI to Adani during his term.

Congress wants to establish the false narrative that Indian businessmen such as Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani are ‘evil capitalists’ who are somehow working in cahoots with the government to exploit the poor people.

While after the Hindenburg report was released on Saturday, it was expected that the market would witness a freefall, fortunately, the report had minimal impact even though Adani Group lost approximately $13.4 billion in value. It is evident that the Indian investors understood that the Hindenburg Report is simply a continuation of the US short-seller’s personal attacks on the SEBI chief and Adani Group.

Notably, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) recently urged investors to remain calm and conduct thorough research before reacting to the Hindenburg Research report. SEBI refuted the accusations levelled by the US-based short seller and said “the allegations made by Hindenburg Research, against the Adani Group, have been duly investigated by SEBI.” Despite a detailed rebuttal by the SEBI, Rahul Gandhi places more trust in a regime change enthusiast George Soros and Ford Foundation-funded Hindenburg Research report than in the Indian stock market regulator.

In his video message, Rahul Gandhi asked if investors lost their money since the ‘umpire’ is compromised who will be responsible, Madhabi Buch, Adani or PM Modi. Since the market reacted maturely to the US short-seller’s fresh allegations, it is imperative to ask if the investors incur losses due to his and the opposition’s fearmongering just to attack the Modi government will he take the responsibility?

Rahul Gandhi risks alienating not only the business sector but also common people who benefit from a strong and stable economy by spreading misinformation about India’s growth story and attacking individuals who have made important contributions to the country’s economic rise. The market’s stability, contrary to the expectations suggests that Gandhi’s tactic has backfired as people saw it as blatant fearmongering rather than constructive criticism, particularly because his financial gains from his stocks appear to contradict the very apprehensions he is stoking.

‘Chamundeshwari Devi is the presiding deity of our family, temple is our property’: Mysuru Royal family says Karnataka govt should stop trying to take control over it

ANI
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‘Chamundeshwari Devi is the presiding deity of our family, temple is our property’: Mysuru Royal family says Karnataka govt should stop trying to take control over it

The Mysuru royal family has called on the Sidddaramiah-led Congress government in the state to respect tradition after it obtained a stay on the established the Sri Chamundeshwari Kshetra Development Authority.

Yeduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, MP and scion of the Mysore Royal Family, told ANI, “The authority that the state government of Karnataka was going to form to take control of the Chamundeshwari hills has been put on hold by the honourable Court…The practices that have been followed…have to be followed without any break in them…In respect to tradition, the Court has given a stay on this matter until further notice.”

“The matter being sub-judice also, we would not be able to comment much more than that,” he said.

In a swift response, Karnataka Minister for Cooperation, KN Rajanna, said, “Royal family, no prince, no queen now. The same thing, the same quarrel, is also there in the Supreme Court regarding Bengaluru Palace. So this property distribution of this royal family with the government here is also there and in some other states as well. The same dispute is still there.”

Karnataka BJP leader CT Ravi, speaking to ANI, said that the party will release a statement after studying the matter in detail.

“Today, I saw it in the newspaper. I do not have full details. We will release a statement after having an internal discussion within the party. I want to make one request to the Royal Family…We respect the Royal family. We will try to protect the emotions of the public,” he said

Earlier on Monday, Pramoda Devi Wodeyar, the queen mother of the Mysore royal family lashed out at the state government on the issue.

“Chamundeshwari Devi is the presiding deity of the royal family, and the Sri Chamundeshwari temple on Chamundi Hill and other temples are private properties of the family. However, the government enacted the Chamundeshwari Land Development Authority Act 2024 to take over the ownership, control and management of the temples under the guise of development and management of the Chamundeshwari field. We have gone to court against this act and the High Court has stayed the formation of the authority. Therefore, this act is said to be unconstitutional,” a statement from her said.

“In the 26th Amendment to the Constitution in 1971, the then-central government said that the royal families should submit a list of their assets. Accordingly, the Mysore royal family had listed several properties, including a temple on Chamundi Hill, as belonging to them. It was signed and approved by the then Chief Secretary to the State Government in 1972,” she added.

The legislation establishing the Sri Chamundeshwari Kshetra Development Authority was enacted in February. According to the Act, the state government assumed ownership, administration, and management of all movable and immovable properties associated with the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple.

Pramoda Devi Wodeyar says that various suits regarding the properties are in court.

“All the governments since independence till date have given us trouble. In 2001, the Srikanthadatta Narasimharaja Wodeyar filed a lawsuit in court alleging that the Chamundeshwari temple in Chamundibetta and other temples and other properties belonged to the royal family of Mysore. It is still under trial in the Division Bench of the High Court,” her statement said.

“The government is not allowed to commercially exploit the divinity and religious sanctity of the temples. Some people ask for land because they have lost their land. So what we have lost is not the land? Shouldn’t we also be given land to land? He assured me that. Why don’t those who give when others ask and cannot give when we ask?” she added. 


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

‘Yeh Konkani log ch***ya banate hein’: ‘Comedian’ Munawar Faruqui sparks outrage with racist remarks, apologises after backlash

OpIndia Staff
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‘Yeh Konkani log ch***ya banate hein’: ‘Comedian’ Munawar Faruqui sparks outrage with racist remarks, apologises after backlash

Munawar Faruqui who reached the reality show “Big Boss” with his anti-Hindu comedy is once again in controversy for using abusive language for the Konkani community. His video went viral on social media after which he was told to apologise in the matter or face the repercussions. He was threatened to be beaten. Faruqui has now apologised for his contentious ‘joke’ during a performance in Taloja following public backlash.

“Is everyone from Mumbai or has anyone travelled to come here,” he can be heard asking his audience to which a person replied that he is from Taloja. Faruqui then retorted, “He brought up Taloja as though it were a separate area, yet he would have claimed to be from Mumbai if someone from his village asked the same question.” He then added, “Yeh Konkani log ch***ya banate hein. (These Konkani people deceive others).” The audience member then admits to being Konkani while everyone around them bursts into laughter.

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Nitesh Rane, while reacting to the viral clip, warned, “This green snake will have to go home and tell how the people of Konkan are. Then stand-up will start in Malvani.” He also released a video and threatened, “This green snake has started talking too much. We have the address of the house of the person who made fun of the Konkani person. We will teach him a lesson soon. Won’t take long to send a green snake like you to Pakistan.”

Faruqui has since apologised for his remark and claimed that it was part of his “crowd work,” a common practice in stand-up comedy involving interaction with the audience. He also expressed regret for hurting anyone’s sentiments. “I have noticed that some people are getting hurt over my clip and as a comedian, I don’t want to hurt anyone. The comment was made during the crowd work and it was never my intention to hurt or mock anyone. I have many finds from the area. The people I made the joke about also enjoyed the show a lot. There were people from all backgrounds at the show including Marathis, Muslims and Hindus. I have man However, when we see such things on the internet, we notice it and we understand the issue. Being a stand-up comedian, my job is to make people laugh and not hurt people, so I apologise with the depth of my heart to all those people who were hurt by my statement. Please forgive me. Jai Hind, Jai Maharashtra.”

Munawar Faruqui and his anti-Hindu remarks

The ‘comedian’ sparked public outrage due to his controversial portrayal and mockery of Hindu deities, as well as his mocking remarks regarding the victims of the Godhra train burning attack. The tragic event occurred when a Muslim mob set fire to the Sabarmati Express near Godhra station, resulting in the death of 59 karsevaks.

In January 2021, Faruqui was arrested for making indecent remarks about Hindu deities during his stand-up performances. Although he was later released, his comments on Hindu genocide and derogatory statements about Hindu Gods led to widespread protests against his shows.

In April 2020, Faruqui made fun of the 2002 Godhra massacre, in which a Muslim mob burned alive 59 Hindus, who were returning from Ayodhya. He described the carnage as a fictional film “directed” by Amit Shah and “produced” by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in a segment of the show that became popular on social media.

Despite issuing an apology, claiming that he never intended to hurt anyone’s sentiments with his jokes, Munawar Faruqui continued to engage in demeaning portrayals of Hindus and their cultural heritage through his ‘comedy’ performances.

Jammu and Kashmir: Police busts local terror module facilitating infiltration of Pakistani terrorists, kingpin Mohd Lateef among 9 over-ground workers arrested

OpIndia Staff
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Jammu and Kashmir: Police busts local terror module facilitating infiltration of Pakistani terrorists, kingpin Mohd Lateef among 9 over-ground workers arrested

On Monday (12th August), Jammu and Kashmir Police busted a terror module behind the recent infiltration that has resulted in increased terrorist activities and terrorist movements in the Jammu region, officials said. 

Police have described it as a breakthrough in counter-terrorism efforts after recent attacks on security forces in Jammu & Kashmir. A police spokesperson said, “A significant breakthrough has been achieved in the ongoing efforts of the J&K Police to counter terrorist activities and disrupt terror network.” 


The J&K Police added that it has arrested kingpin Mohd Lateef alias Haji Lateef and 8 other over-ground workers of terrorists who played crucial roles in receiving the foreign terrorists after their illegal and surreptitious entry into India in the Samba-Kathua sector.

The police has described Lateef as the kingpin of the module adding that he acted as a guide and arranged logistics for foreign terrorists coming across the border. 

The Police spokesperson said, “The kingpin of the module, Lateef, was in active communication with terrorist handlers across the border and played a crucial role in receiving foreign terrorists who illegally entered India via the Samba-Kathua sector.”

The eight other over-ground workers of the terrorists arrested in this operation were identified as Akhter Ali, Saddam, Kushal, Noorani, Maqbool, Liaquat, Kasim Din, Khadim. Out of them, Saddam, Khadim and Kushal are brothers.

It is pertinent to note that the Jammu region has been witnessing back-to-back terror attacks since June this year. As part of counter-terror operations, three foreign terrorists were killed in a successful operation in the Gandoh area of Doda district. The three Pakistani terrorists were responsible for attacks on security forces and they were neutralised on 26th June. 

According to the J&K Police, they have busted this terror module, intelligence leads provided by central agencies which was followed by an investigation by police. The module was behind the recent infiltration that has resulted in increased terrorist activities and terrorist movements in the upper reaches of Doda, Udhampur, and Kathua. 

Briefing about the module, the J&K Police stated that the module provided initial shelter, food, and other logistics to the foreign terrorists. It was also responsible for guiding them to the upper reaches of the mountains and jungles of Udhampur-Kathua-Doda districts around Kailash mountain, which is at the centre of the tri-junction of these three districts.

They added that the members of the module have confirmed that the three terrorists killed at the Gandoh encounter had taken the help of the module in hiding and travelling without being detected until they reached the upper reaches.

Police said that more than 50 people living in temporary ‘dhoks’ (shelters) used by nomads in mountainous areas have been investigated for coming in contact with foreign terrorists, providing them food, shelter, or help with communication. 

The officials said, “Only a few did not report (contact with militants) to the police, and some had accepted money from the terrorists.” They added that those who informed on time are “being treated as innocent”. However, the liability of others is being examined.

Recent terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir

At least 11 security personnel, a village defense guard, and 10 civilians have been killed in various terror attacks in Jammu region this year. Last month, nine soldiers, including an Army Captain, died in terror attacks in Doda and Kathua districts in the Jammu region.

The security forces neutralised five terrorists in two separate encounters in Kathua’s Saida village and Doda’s Gandoh area on the intervening night of June 11-12 and June 26 afternoon, respectively. According to police, they had been moving in the upper reaches of Doda, Udhampur and Kathua districts. The security forces had launched massive combing operations from all sides to trap them.

Additionally, Police have also released sketches of over half a dozen terrorists. It has also announced a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh each for information that could lead to their capture or killing.

Earlier, on 25th July, Police arrested two terror operatives of Jaish-e-Mohammad outfit. According to the Police, they had provided food and hotspot connection to the terrorists who ambushed an army convoy in Kathua’s Badnota village on 8th July. They were identified as Layaqat Ali alias Pawu and Mool Raj alias Jenju. 

Intel agencies strongly suspect that 50 to 60 hardcore foreign terrorists, including some former Pak army regulars from Special Service Group have a presence in the hilly districts of the Jammu region including in Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Kathua, Reasi and Udhampur. 

To eliminate them, the army has deployed over 3,000 soldiers, including 500 elite para commandos, and those trained in mountain warfare.

‘Centre of Jihad, Mecca-like Gate’: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma slams USTM varsity after ‘flood jihad’ barb

OpIndia Staff
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‘Centre of Jihad, Mecca-like Gate’: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma slams USTM varsity after ‘flood jihad’ barb

On 12th August, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma again raised questions on the private university of Meghalaya and referred to the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya’s (USTM) structure as that of Mecca and labelled the institution as a prominent centre of jihad. A few days prior, he had charged the institution with engaging in what he identified as the “flood jihad,” asserting that it was ruining education and the domed gate was a symbol of “jihad,” which makes people feel embarrassed to visit.

Himanta Biswa Sarma earlier this month accused the university’s development projects of causing the Guwahati flash floods. According to him, the institution, which is located in the Ri-Bhoi area of Meghalaya, carried out the cutting of hills and deforestation, which caused the flash floods. He reportedly criticised the private university’s structure. He mentioned that the university’s main gate is topped with three domes and it appears as if one is heading to Mecca, therefore he stated it is humiliating to come there.

‘It’s embarrassing to go there, you have to go under ‘Mecca’. What we are saying is that there should be a namghar (community prayer hall, part of Assam’s neo-Vaishnavite tradition). Mecca-Medina, church, make all three. They have kept a ‘Mecca’ there. Let them make a namghar and a church. We will walk under all three. Why should we walk under just one,” he asked. “They are doing jihaador baap (slang, translating to ‘father of jihad’). I’m being mild by calling it jihad. It is destroying our education system. Whatever attacks our civilisation, our culture, that is called jihad,” when inquired about his use of the term ‘jihad’ concerning the establishment.

According to the Shillong Times, there has been significant soil erosion near this university and the district officials haven’t taken any measures to address the serious issue. “USTM is a danger to Assam. We will go to the National Green Tribunal against it,” the chief minister declared. “Why did the hills cut towards Guwahati and not towards Meghalaya? Is this not flood jihad,” he asserted.

He pointed out that former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi also made similar comments in the past after Gaurav Gogoi criticised his statement. “When I spoke about USTM, the Congress created an uproar, but I have found at least 25 paper clips from 2004 to 2014 in which ex-CM Tarun Gogoi had stated that the main reason for Guwahati’s artificial floods is Jorabat. What can I do if the son says that his father was wrong,” he expressed.

The chief minister highlighted that although USTM was not constructed during Tarun Gogoi’s administration, water logging issues were still a result of the water coming down from Jorabat. He contended that the Congress party was creating an uproar because the USTM owner is Muslim. “Had the owner been a Hindu, no ruckus would have been created by them. They shouldn’t indulge in such politics of appeasement.”

On the other hand, the varsity’s chancellor, Mahbubul Hoque, vehemently denied the charges levied by the Assam chief minister. “We are located nearly 6 kilometres away from Guwahati city, with over 100 acres of land. Since 2011, we’ve been working on developing USTM, and from 2009 for the engineering college. It’s surprising and disheartening to hear that we are being blamed for the recent floods.” He added, “The land from our area to Guwahati spans thousands of hectares, and the flood problem is a cumulative effect of multiple factors. Blaming USTM without proper investigation is unfair, especially given our efforts to maintain a sustainable and environmentally friendly campus.”

USTM, a private institution is located in the Ri-Bhoi district, close to Guwahati, the capital city of Assam. Mehboobul Haque, a Muslim of Bengali descent who lives in the Karimganj area of the Barak Valley in Assam, founded the institution. He is also serving as the chancellor of the university. It is the largest private university in the Northeast and is run by the Education Research & Development Foundation (ERDF) which was also created by Mahbubul Hoque in 2005 at Guwahati. It is situated in front of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in the Ri-Bhoi district on the border between Assam and Meghalaya. In 2008, the Meghalayan government published a notification for the university. However, it began to function in 2011. The university is situated in a forested environment, due to which a large amount of forest and hills have been cleared. According to Himanta Biswa Sarma, the university has affected the ecosystem.

‘Why are you protecting him’ – Calcutta High Court asks West Bengal state counsel to ensure Principal steps down in RG Kar Medical College Rape and Murder Case

OpIndia Staff
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‘Why are you protecting him’ – Calcutta High Court asks West Bengal state counsel to ensure Principal steps down in RG Kar Medical College Rape and Murder Case

On Tuesday, 13th August, the Calcutta High Court directed the West Bengal state counsel to ensure that the Principal of RG Kar Medical College steps down from the post before 3 PM else the Court would pass an order. The directions from the High Court came during the hearing of RG Kar Medical College Rape and Murder Case where a 31-year-old PG student was brutally raped and murdered inside college premises. The matter was heard by a Bench of Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice H Bhattacharyya.

During the hearing, the Court was informed that the Principal had resigned. However, he was almost immediately appointed to another prestigious college. The Court said if the Principal had stepped down citing some moral responsibility, it was rather surprising that the government was rewarding him. The High Court said, “The Principal is the guardian of all doctors working. Suppose he didn’t show any empathy then who else will show. Your client (Principal) should not be working, he should be at home. He is so powerful that a govt counsel is representing him?”

The Calcutta High Court further directed the state counsel to ensure the Principal would not function and step down from his post. “We give him the option to submit his leave application by 3 PM today otherwise an order shall be passed”, the bench said.

The Court added, “He is the first person from whom statement should have been recorded. He is heading the institution…they are not above the law. They may be govt official. He is an administrator. Why do you protect? Let him tell the truth. In the early hours, it happened. The statement is the basis, sir!! Something is missing.”

Before rising for a lunch break, the Court directed the state council to ask the Principal to resign and send a photograph of the resignation letter.

During the hearing, the Court said that it was not possible to gag the press. The Court further asked what assurance the state had provided to the protesting doctors and opined that doctors were justified in expressing their emotions.

The Court pointed out that there was an attempt to cover up the matter by declaring the incident as suicide. The Principal also indulged in victim blaming suggesting it was a case of psychosis.

The petitioner’s counsel informed the court that the state said they would transfer the matter to CBI but now suggesting it would be done after seven days. “These 7 days are very crucial to wipe away evidence,” the counsel asserted.

When the Court assembled again, state counsel presented the information based on Call Details (CD). The counsel said that at around 9:30 AM, the family of the victim was informed by the assistant superintendent of the hospital. After that, the inspector in charge of the hospital outpost was informed at around 10:10 AM and 10:30 AM, the local police station was informed. By 11 AM, the homicide team had reached the college and at 11:30 AM, all the senior police officials had reached the crime spot. The parents arrived at 1 PM.

The parents were allowed to go to the seminar hall at around 1:10 PM. The court was informed that the body of the student was semi-naked when the students found it. Someone put a cloth on it and covered it before police reached the spot.

The body of the victim was taken for post-mortem at 5:30 PM and post-mortem was conducted between 6:10 PM and 7:10 PM.

When the state counsel said nobody filed a complaint of “unnatural death”, the Court again questioned why the Principal was not present at the scene and why he was “rewarded” later with a post at another college.

RG Kar Medical College Rape and Murder Case

On 9th August, a semi-nude 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.

Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur: Know the Pakistani-origin ‘activist’, with ties to ISI and terror funding, thrashed during anti-India event in London

Dibakar Dutta
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Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur: Know the Pakistani-origin ‘activist’, with ties to ISI and terror funding, thrashed during anti-India event in London

A Pakistani-origin ‘activist’ named Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur, known for peddling disinformation on Jammu and Kashmir, was thrashed during an anti-India event in London.

Muzzammil, who lives in the United Kingdom, runs two Islamist organisations – ‘The Justice Foundation’ and ‘World Kashmir Freedom Movement’. He is known for peddling the Pakistani narrative on Jammu and Kashmir with active backing from the military establishment.

During the course of one such propaganda event on Friday (9th August), he was beaten by three men. Muzzammil claimed that the attack was carried out by Indians.

Screengrab of the tweet by The Justice Foundation

“On 9th of August 2024, Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur was assaulted after a lecture on Kashmir & resistance in London. He was attacked by three Indians who verbally berated him before launching a physical attack. One of the culprits recorded the events taking place,” a statement by ‘The Justice Foundation’ read.

For the unversed, Muzzammil is the son of London-based ISI agent Ayyub Thakur. The latter had founded both ‘The Justice Foundation’ and ‘World Kashmir Freedom Movement’, which have been run by Muzzammil since he died in 2004.

During his lifetime, Ayyub Thakur was involved in lobbying for Jammu and Kashmir. He also channelled funds from Pakistan’s ISI to Islamic terrorists in the region including £70000 to Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Syed Salahuddin.

Screengrab of the tweet by Muzzamil Ayyub Thakur

In an interview in 2015 for ‘Only Kashmir’ YouTube channel, Muzzammil acknowledged his father’s pro-terrorism stance on Jammu and Kashmir. He pointed out how Ayyub Thakur funded terrorism in the region and considered it as ‘Jihad’.

Just like his father, Muzzammil was seen endorsing terrorists after they were neutralised by the Indian security forces. “Final words of smiling Kashmiri shaheeds (martyrs)…A lesson for all of us,’ he tweeted in November 2021.

Interestingly, he was earlier spotted alongside Nitasha Kaul – an anti-India activist who was invited by the Karnataka Congress government in February 2024 but deported after landing in Bengaluru.

Muzzammil booked under UAPA

In May 2022, the Jammu and Kashmir police booked Muzzammil under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for carrying out anti-national activities and threatening an Indian advocate named Syed Zeeshan.

A police spokesperson said, “Thakur, through his social media account and other platforms, is indulging in activities which are prejudicial to the sovereignty, integrity and unity of India.”

He added, “This apart, a proper complaint was lodged by Advocate Syed Zeeshan before Srinagar Police against Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur and others. In the complaint, it is alleged by him that Muzzammil Ayyub at the behest of ISI and ISPR is threatening, harassing, carrying out criminal intimidation, besides being involved in cyber-crimes against the complainant.”

Muzzammil had also threatened a Kashmiri woman named Tasleema for exposing Pakistan’s propaganda at the United Nations. His X (formerly Twitter) account has been withheld in India.

Repeating Pakistani talking points on J&K

He had collaborated with the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) on several occasions to disseminate Pakistani narrative on the Indian territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

“Post-August 5, 2019, when India illegally annexed occupied Kashmir, turning it from a de facto occupation to a de jure occupation, bifurcating the state and then turning it into a union territory, one of the lies was to bring development to Kashmir, make it prosper. The reality is that India has turned Kashmir into another East India Trading Company, making it open season for Indian businesses and so-called investors to loot, and in the process, destroy even ecology on the way,” Muzzamil said during one of his deranged rants.

In 2020, he was roped in by Turkish state-owned media ‘TRT World’ to spread canards about the situation at ground zero in Jammu and Kashmir.

Muzzammil had previously tried to create global outrage over the ‘Kashmir issue’ at the 52nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and had endorsed an anti-India magazine by the name of ‘Kashmir Inside.’

Poster featuring Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur as guest speaker in anti-India event

In October 2023, Muzzammil was seen pleading with the British government to interfere in India’s internal affairs during a roundtable conference hosted by ‘Tehreek-e-Kashmir’ in the British Parliament.

He also highlighted the importance of narrative-building exercises and public advocacy to tarnish India’s image and further Pakistan’s agenda among the youth. It partly explains what led to his thrashing at a recent anti-India event in London.

Supreme Court closes contempt of court proceedings against Patanjali, Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna

Paurush Gupta
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Supreme Court closes contempt of court proceedings against Patanjali, Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna

In a major relief for Patanjali Ayurved, its co-founder Baba Ramdev and Managing Director Acharya Balkrishna, the Supreme Court on Tuesday (13th August) dropped the contempt of court charges against them in the misleading advertisement case. 

The bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah today pronounced the order and closed contempt of court proceedings against them. The bench had earlier reserved the orders on 14th May this year. It had initiated the case based on a plea filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) alleging a smear campaign against the COVID-19 vaccination drive and modern medicine.

Presiding over today’s court proceedings alongside Justice Sandeep Mehta, Justice Kohli said that proceedings are being closed as the court accepted the apology tendered by the parties. However, the bench cautioned them that they should comply with all future orders of the court and not repeat what happened earlier. The court warned that if they do anything in violation of the Court orders as it happened earlier, then it will “come down heavily”.

Pronouncing the order, Justice Kohli said, “We accept the apology tendered by the party. However, we expressly and strictly warn them that they will not do anything in violation of the court orders, as happened earlier in this case. We have come down heavily, and we warn you that this should not be done in the future. The affidavits tendered before this court should be done with full truth. We close the contempt proceedings initiated against the party with the warning of adhering to the orders passed by this court in this case. The notice issued to present contemnor also stands discharge and closed.”

Brief Background of the case against Patanjali

The present case stems from the plea of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) against Patanjali Ayurveda and Baba Ramdev for his remarks on modern medicine and COVID-19 vaccination. 

In November 2023, the apex court gave a warning that it could impose costs of Rs 1 crore per false claim made in each advertisement for Patanjali Ayurved products that claim to cure diseases. It had also directed Patanjali not to publish false advertisements in the future. Back then, Patanjali had assured the court that it would refrain from such advertisements. 

However, in February 2024, the Court imposed a temporary ban on such advertisements and issued contempt notices to Patanjali and its MD noting that the ‘misleading advertisements’ continued.

In March, the court noted that a reply to the contempt notice was not filed as the court had ordered the personal appearance of the Patanjali MD Balkrishna as well as Baba Ramdev, who featured in the press conferences and advertisements published after the undertaking was submitted before the court in November last year.  

Later, the Patanjali MD had filed an affidavit claiming that the impugned advertisements were meant to contain only general statements but inadvertently included offending sentences. It was further argued that the advertisements were bona-fide. It added that Patanjali’s media personnel were not “cognizant” of the November order where undertaking was given before the apex court.

Subsequently, on 16th April, both Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna personally appeared before the Court. They expressed unconditional apology for publishing misleading advertisements and making remarks against Allopathic medicines in breach of undertaking given to the Court.

However, the bench initially expressed dissatisfaction with the language and the size of the apology published by Patanjali in newspapers. After which, Patanjali published another apology in newspapers with its own name alongside that of Swami Ramdev (co-founder) and Acharya Balkrishna (MD). 

On 30th April, the bench had observed that there was a ‘marked improvement’ in the published apology and it later reserved the orders in this matter. Now, it has closed all proceedings against Pantanjali and its senior management. 

The court broadened the horizon of the case; IMA, the petitioner against Patanjali, under dock as well

It is pertinent to note that the apex Court initial focus in the case was limited around Patanjali’s misleading ads, the failure of regulatory authorities to act against Patanjali, and the corrective steps to be taken by Patanjali and its promoters (Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna). However, the Court later expanded the scope to larger issues including misleading advertisements by other consumer goods suppliers as well as unethical practices in modern medicine. 

Furthermore, issuing a warning, the court also noted that social media influencers and celebrities would be held equally responsible and liable if they are found endorsing products or services in misleading advertisements.

Conspicuously, the petitioners in the case, IMA, are now also under the scanner before the apex court. During one of the hearings in this case, the apex court had asked the doctors to put their own house in order and curb unethical practices in modern medicine. 

Later, while speaking with media, IMA President Dr. RV Asokan said that it was “unfortunate” that the Supreme Court criticised the IMA and that doctors were demoralised due to the same. The bench of Justices Kohli and Amanullah had taken strong exception to his remarks. On 6th August, the court asked the IMA President to publish apologies in all prominent newspapers for his statements criticising the Supreme Court. 

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