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‘Threat to society, release could lead to violence’: How HC rejected Gauhar Chisthi’s bail multiple times before Ajmer court acquitted him for raising ‘Sar Tan Se Juda’ slogans

Anurag
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‘Threat to society, release could lead to violence’: How HC rejected Gauhar Chisthi’s bail multiple times before Ajmer court acquitted him for raising ‘Sar Tan Se Juda’ slogans

On 16th July, the Ajmer Sessions Court acquitted Khadim Gauhar Chishti and 6 others in connection to raising the ‘Sar Tan se Juda (STSJ)’ slogans against former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma outside the Ajmer Sharif Dargah. Gauhar Chishti is a Khadim of the Ajmer Dargah, who had threatened to behead those who insulted Prophet Mohammad in June 2022. After the video of the incident went viral on social media, Gaurhat Chishti left Ajmer and took refuge in Hyderabad. He was later arrested by the police in July that year. The accused had been languishing in jail ever since. He had also met the killers of Udaipur tailor Kanhaiyalal.

What happened on the day?

According to the court documents, on 17th June 2022 at around 3 PM at Nizam Gate, Gauhar Chishti and others did not follow the conditions imposed by the police on silent protest against former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma and started giving provocative speeches using a loudspeaker attached to a rickshaw. At that time, there were 2,500-3,000 people at Nizam Gate. When police tried to convince them to stop, the “Gustakh-e-Nabi ki ek saza, sar tann se juda, sat tann se juda” slogan was raised.

A case under Sections 117, 188, 504, 506, and 34 of the Indian Penal Code was registered. Furthermore, based on the evidence collected, Chishti was found linked to the murder of Kanhaiyalal and one other murder case. It was found that the slogans and provocative speeches could have led to the murders. Section 302 was added to the matter. Interestingly, during the investigation, Siddiqui claimed that the phone that he used to communicate with Muslim groups on WhatsApp was in his room at his house. However, later he claimed his relatives hid it and the phone was never recovered.

The bail application of Gauhar Chishti and Tazim Siddiqui was rejected by the Sessions court

Initially, Saiyyad Gauhar Hussain Chishti approached the Magistrate court for bail. However, on 28th August 2022, his bail plea was rejected. In the court, Gauhar Chishti claimed that he did not say anything against the country or the society. He was handed over the mic by the people and said whatever he felt. There was no intention to cause communal tension. He claimed that he was falsely implicated in the case.

Chishti further claimed that he was not linked to any terrorist organization. His father was old and there was no one to take care of him. The prosecution opposed the bail plea and said that the provocative speech given by him led to the murder of Kanhaiyalal in Udaipur. The court noted that Chishti has a criminal history. Based on the arguments and evidence, his bail plea was rejected.

In the case of Tazim Siddiqui, it was argued that he was implicated falsely in the case. Furthermore, no evidence was found against him. He was falsely linked to the murder of Kanhaiyalal. However, the prosecution opposed the bail and pointed out that the conditions of the silent protest were broken by the accused. His bail plea was rejected.

After the bail pleas were rejected by the lower court, Gauhar Chishti and Siddiqui approached Sessions Court for bail. The judgment in Chishti’s plea was pronounced with the bail plea of Tazim Siddiqui as both pleas were linked to the same case. On 6th September 2022, Sessions court rejected their bail plea. Justice Madanlal Bhati dismissed the petition based on the facts attached to the case.

Arguments from the defense

The defense lawyer appearing for Chishti argued that there was no prima facie evidence to support the charge against his client. The counsel claimed that the initial remand report presented by the police was later falsely substantiated to register the case. Furthermore, he pointed out that the co-accused in the case, Fakar Jamal and Moin Khan were granted bail in the same case by the Jaipur Bench of Rajasthan High Court.

In the case of Tazim Siddiqui similar arguments were presented. The defense argued that his name was present in the original FIR and statements recorded under Section 161 of CrPC. The counsel further argued that Siddiqui’s name was mentioned only in a supplementary statement. Furthermore, the mobile phone using which he allegedly sent the incriminating WhatsApp messages was not recovered by the police. The defense pointed out that there were no pending criminal cases against Siddiqui apart from the current one.

Prosecution’s argument

Replying to the defense’s arguments, the prosecution opposed the bail applications. He presented a charge sheet against Gauhar Chishti and Siddiqui and other co-accused in the case. The prosecution informed the court that the investigation against the additional accused was pending and pointed out that the bail applications of the co-accused were rejected by the same court. The prosecution argued that Chishti and Siddiqui were involved in inciting violence using provocative slogans and messages. He said those provocative slogans led to the horrific murder of Kanhaiyalal in Udaipur.

Previous bail applications and the argument of precedent

The bail applications of Fakar Jamal and Moin Khan were rejected by the same court on 18th July 2022. However, the Jaipur Bench of Rajasthan High Court granted both of them bail on 2nd September 2022. The defense appearing for Chishti and Siddiqui used this precedent to argue that his clients deserve to get bail. However, the court found that the circumstances in the case of Chishti and Siddiqui were different from Jamal and Khan.

Court’s Judgment

After reviewing the evidence and witness statements, the court said that Chishti and Siddiqui were prima facie involved in inciting violence. The court said that the charges against both of them were serious. The court further added that if the bail was granted to them, they might tamper with the evidence or try influencing the witnesses. The court noted the active role of the accused in the case and pending investigations against them while rejecting the bail. The court said that the ongoing custodial investigation was in place and it was necessary to continue their custody to ensure law and order in the region.

The bail plea of Gauhar Chishti rejected multiple times by the Rajasthan High Court

Following his bail plea rejected by the Sessions Court, Chishti approached the Rajasthan High Court for bail. On 30th September 2022, Chishti’s first bail plea in the Rajasthan High Court was rejected. The prosecution argued that the “peaceful protest” was organized with the state’s permission. Furthermore, the FIR was filed after a delay of seven days and originally bailable offenses were added. However, after pressure from the media, the state added Sections 302 and 115 of the IPC which are non-bailable without any evidence.

It was argued that co-accused in the case were granted bail in the matter. Chishti’s counsel argued that his wife was 8 months pregnant and father was old and ailing and he was the sole bread earner of the family. It was further argued he had no role in the Kanhaiyalal and Umesh Kohle murder cases.

The prosecution argued that Chishti’s case was highly distinguishable from the co-accused case which was on bail. It was contended that Chishti was a habitual offender and his case was on a different footing.

It was further contended that the permission was granted only for a peaceful protest with conditions. The terms and conditions included that it was the responsibility of the organisers to maintain law and order during the protest. Furthermore, conditions included that there should be no provocative speeches or slogans during the protest that might hurt the religious sentiments of anyone. However, despite the terms and conditions, “Gustakh-e-Nabi ki ek saza, sar tan se juda” slogans were raised in the presence of 3,000 people.

It was further submitted that the video clips of the slogans and speech were circulated widely online leading to the Udaipur and Amrawati incidents where victims were beheaded on account of religious hatred.

It was further contended that Chishti was a habitual offender and every year, as a precautionary measure, prohibitory orders were issued against him to maintain peace and communal harmony.

The court said, “The alleged recovery of multiple mobile phones and the fact of the active arrest of the applicant made from another State further reflects the alleged active participation of the applicant. The prohibition orders passed in the case of the applicant, every year under Section 107 of CrPC, also distinguish the case of the applicant from the co-accused who have been enlarged on bail and further reflect his criminal antecedents. The slogans raised in the said case were different and they were not provocative, motivated, vindictive, and lonesome towards the abetment of crime as per the slogan raised. Learned AAG had also submitted that on account of the said slogans, certain victims were beheaded at Udaipur and Amravati. Considering the above, it cannot be ruled out that if the applicant is released on bail, he can pose a threat to the society at large and affect the law and order situation in the State.” Based on the evidence and circumstances, his bail was rejected without any comments on the merits or demerits of the case.  

Gauhar Chishti again approached the High Court for the bail. On 24th April 2023 claiming change in circumstances. His counsel argued that the co-accused against whom the same charges were framed were out on bail on the orders of the High Court. Furthermore, it was argued that Chishti could not affect witnesses as primary witnesses were police personnel. Hence, he should be granted bail on the grounds of parity.

The prosecution argued that his bail was rejected based on merit and said there was no material change in the circumstances. It was argued that if he was released on bail, he might disturb peace and harmony and might cause violent protests. Furthermore, multiple video CDs and mobile phones were recovered from him.

The court rejected the bail considering the overall facts and circumstances of the case but without commenting on the merits or demerits of the case.

Later, Chishti approached the High Court claiming he should be granted bail as his wife and infant daughter were not medically fit. However, on 4th August 2023, the court dismissed the plea stating the daughter and wife of Chishti live in the same household as the family where several adults can take care of the medical needs of both. Furthermore, the court asked the Jurisdictional Police Officer to arrange a good pediatric physician to duly evaluate the child’s health and prescribe the required course of treatment in the interest of justice. Also, it was directed to arrange for a physician to provide necessary medical assistance to the wife.

Tazim Siddiqui granted bail by the Rajasthan High Court

On 29th September 2022, the Rajasthan High Court granted bail to Tazim Siddiqui. It was argued that co-accused in the case were granted bail. The bail plea was accepted based on the overall facts, bail to co-accused and circumstances of the case. However, the court did not comment on the merits or demerits of the case. He was released on a personal bond of Rs 50,000 and two sureties of Rs 25,000 each.

The bail plea of Faqar Jamali and Moin Khan was rejected by the Sessions Court

Initially, Jamali and Khan approached the Magistrate Court for bail but it was rejected. Then they approached Sessions Court for bail. The defense argued that Jamali’s name was not included in the FIR. Furthermore, he argued that Jamali was not directly involved in raising the slogans or killing anyone.

In the case of Moin Khan, the defense claimed that he was not linked to the matter in any way. He further argued that Khan’s son was getting married on 24th July and he should be granted bail to attend the wedding.

The prosecution opposed the bail and said that the investigation team found evidence that these two were involved in giving provocative speeches. Furthermore, both of them were present at the scene when the slogan “Gustakh-e-Nabi ki ek saza, sar tann se juda” was raised by Chisthi. They appeared in the video recorded by Chisthi’s supporters.

The prosecution further added that on 30th June 2022, when Jamali was presented in the court, he showed a “V” sign with his fingers which means “victory”. It showed he believed that they succeeded in their motive. The prosecution also informed the court that Jamali threatened the investigating officer that he should talk to his deputy and CI properly otherwise the situation with turn against him and he would shoot them both. The incident was reported by Constable Bharat Singh. However, the defense rejected the claims and accused police of falsely adding the allegations.

In the judgment, the court said that the argument that Jamali’s name was not there in the first FIR could not be accepted. Furthermore, the court took note of the fact that the accused were present at the scene when Chishti gave a provocative speech. Based on the arguments and evidence present, the court rejected the bail.

On 2nd September 2022, Jamali and Khan were granted bail by the Rajasthan High Court. The court considered the submissions by defense counsel that they were not named in the FIR. Considering all facts and circumstances without expressing any opinion on the merits or demerits of the case they were granted bail on personal bond of Rs 50,000 each with two sureties each of Rs 25,000.

The bail application of Riyaz Hassan Dal was rejected by the Sessions Court

In the case of Riyaz Hassan Dal, the defense argued that he was dragged into a false case without any evidence. He further argued that the complainant, who is a constable, named him on the directions of his senior officials. He further argued that he was named in the case to destroy his life by making him an accused in the Kanhaiyalal murder case.

The defense said that the allegations leveled against Dal in the charge sheet had no basis and could not be proven. He argued that his client was not at flight risk and was ready to comply with all conditions imposed for bail.

The prosecution opposed the bail stating that the High Court rejected the bail plea of Chishti on 30th September 2022. He further argued that his name was not there in the FIR as there were around 3,000 people present at the scene. It is not essential that every name has to be included in the FIR. However, the role of the accused in the procession was well established. He was present at the meeting that was held before the silent protest which made it clear that he was aware of the planning of the crime. Furthermore, he was seen in the videos recorded at the scene.

The defense argued that though Jamal and Khan got bail from the High Court, the bail pleas of Chishti and Siddiqui were rejected by the High Court. In that case, the argument of precedent cannot be taken into consideration.

Based on the arguments and evidence, the Sessions Court rejected Dal’s bail plea.

On 7th November 2022, the Rajasthan High Court granted bail to Riyaz Hassan Dal. The bail plea was accepted based on the overall facts and circumstances of the case. However, the court did not comment on the merits or demerits of the case. He was released on a personal bond of Rs 50,000 and two sureties of Rs 25,000 each.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s descendent takes ‘matters into his own hands’ to reclaim Vishalgadh Fort from encroachers Islamising the Maratha heritage: Details

Siddhi Somani
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Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s descendent takes ‘matters into his own hands’ to reclaim Vishalgadh Fort from encroachers Islamising the Maratha heritage: Details

The controversy around the illegal encroachment on the fort of Vishalgadh is believed to have come close to a conclusion after the Maharashtra CM ordered the removal of the illegal properties on the fort on 15th July.

The Kolhapur district administration on the 15th of July evening began removing illegal encroachments from Vishalgadh Fort in Kolhapur, amidst heavy police presence. According to officials, the administration had demolished around 35 stores by that day evening.

The administration notably responded to protests organized by Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, a former Rajya Sabha MP and descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The former MP had organized a massive protest on 14th July after the state administration failed to take action against the illegal encroachments. The enraged protesters reached the foothills of the fort on Sunday, 14th July, and created a ruckus in the Gajapur area, allegedly vandalizing properties and a local Masjid. Several videos of the same have been going viral over the internet. 

Earlier, similar protests were organized by Sakal Hindu Samaj on 7th July where hundreds of Hindu activists and Maratha loyalists reached the foothills of the fort and demanded action against illegal encroachment. However, it was after the massive protest and alleged violence on 14th July that the state CM responded and ordered the district administration to take down all the illegal encroachments, by both the Hindus and the Muslims.

Issue of illegal encroachment at Vishalgadh

Vishalgadh located in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra is the fort that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj reached after escaping from the trap of Bijapur’s Adilshahi army led by a General called Siddhi Masood who wanted to kill him. Maratha warriors Baji Prabhu and Phulaji Prabhu then fought a battle at Pawankhind to assist the king reach Vishalgadh safely on the 13th of July, 1660. Marking the 364th year of the battle, the Sakal Hindu Samaj and descendent of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj decided to free the fort of illegal encroachment which demeans its history and insults the Hindu legacy of the fort.

It is believed that the population located on the fort of Vishalgadh, most of which is Muslim, has been involved in carrying out alleged illegal encroachments, construction, or expansion of the Masjid. The population there has also for years constructed illegal sheds, further expanding the businesses of chicken and cattle slaughters.

Following the alleged violence on 14th July, Sambhajiraje personally arrived at the location and declared that he would not leave until the encroachments were removed. He said there were 158 encroachments in total, just six of which were being litigated in court. “Why is no action being taken against the rest?” he inquired.

However, Sambhajiraje and his followers have time and again stated that the issue of illegal encroachments on Vishalgadh is not at all communal and that they are demanding the removal of encroachments by both, the Hindus and the Muslims living on the fort. 

“We want to remove all encroachments, including those by Hindus and Muslims. I know what secularism is and nobody needs to teach me that,” Sambhajiraje said.

‘It’s not communal’, says Sakal Hindu Samaj

Mahesh Vibhute of the Sakal Hindu Samaj confirmed to OpIndia that the issue is not at all communal. “These people, from both the community illegally expanded their premises by building sheds. Today there are thousands of people living on the fort and a total of 156 properties are illegal. We just want this encroachment to be removed,” he had confirmed. The detailed report covered by OpIndia previously can be read here.

On the other hand, the opposition in the state has been calling out the alleged violence and allegedly siding by the encroachers. While the Mahayuti government, believed to be the genuine heir to Shivaji’s code of conduct, was quick to take action, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi was left with red faces since Sambhajiraje’s father, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, is the Congress Lok Sabha MP from Kolhapur.

While condemning the violence and urging action against the culprits, Shahu Maharaj blamed it on the administration and police, claiming they had failed to take the problem “seriously”. “Had the administration acted earlier on the direction to remove the encroachments, the violence could have been avoided,” claimed the elected official.

Alleged illegal expansion of Dargah on Vishalgadh

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has always been central to Maharashtra’s political discourse, with his life, historical events, and forts being discussed.

Encroachment at the Vishalgad Fort, which includes stores, hotels, and private dwellings, has been a long-standing issue. The most problematic constructions are those surrounding the Malik Rehan Dargah, which is about a kilometre from the fort dates back to the 14th century and is visited by people of all faiths. Previously, animal sacrifice was also performed in the dargah, but it has been discontinued following an order from the Bombay High Court.

The old Dargah on the fort known as the Sardar Malik Rehan Baba Dargah is one of the 12 religious structures officially mentioned in the survey report by the government. A report by the Archeological Survey State Department, obtained exclusively by OpIndia reveals that the fort was declared an archaeological site in the year 1999, and after that, a survey was conducted to include 12 religious structures out of which 11 are Hindu temples and 1 is this Dargah.

However, the area where the Dargah was located earlier was quite small which has now been expanded to more than 11,000 square feet. The Hindu community protestors stated that the expansion of the Masjid behind the Dragah was undertaken without the state’s permission and, hence illegal. Notably, the total area that has been encroached as per the government documents by the population reading on the fort is around 58,000 sq ft. The maximum encroachment has reportedly happened around the Malik Rehan Baba Dargah and the Masjid aligned.

Around the Dargah, several Muslim community people have constructed alleged illegal sheds selling religious products like Chunri (religious cloth) for Baba, essence sticks, flowers, and photographs. For any construction or expansion to take place on a heritage structure, severe permission from the Archeology department and the state is required, but as per the protesting individuals, the community people have failed to follow the rules and have been expanding their premises illegally for the last 10 years.

The Dargah remains well-maintained and well-looked after as compared to the other Hindu structures. The structure around the Dargah also seems to have been constructed, expanded, or renovated in the year 2015, but no Hindu structure to date unfortunately has obtained this level of attention on the fort.

Rohit Jangam (name changed) who works to reclaim the Hindu legacy of the fort exclusively talked to OpIndia and said, “Malik Rehan Baba was an Adilshahi invader and was killed by the brave Mavlas of Marathas in the 17th century. The previous governments sadly spent around Rs 10 lakhs on the beautification of the Dargah but the Hindu temples, Samadhi Sthals of Baji Prabhu and Phulaji Prabhu Deshpande who for Swarajya, the life of our beloved king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj remain ignored.”

Court battle over the removal of illegal structures

In December 2022, the state archaeology department issued orders asking persons from a minority community to demolish their illegal structures. The department had directed the persons to demolish their structures within 30 days of receipt of the orders.

The aggrieved individuals then approached the HC, challenging the demolition order, claiming that their structures were built before the fort was designated a protected monument in 1999. As a result, the relevant portions of the Maharashtra Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites Remains Act of 1960 could not apply to them.

The Bombay High Court had then stayed the demolition order in February 2023. The division bench of Justice Gautam Patel and Justice Neela Gokhale, while hearing the petition filed by Ayub Kagadi and six others, was informed that the persons claimed to have small land parcels within Vishalgad Fort in Kolhapur district for more than 30 to 60 years. While the land in the possession of one of them was regularised in 1983, proposals for regularisation of the structures were pending before the government.

The bench was also informed that the petitioners received notices from the joint director of the Department of Archaeology on December 13, 2022, under Section 21 (2) of the 1960 Act. The notification required the petitioners to remove their constructions within 30 days and said that if they failed to do so, the government would demolish them without notice and reclaim the costs from them.

However, the state on 15th July ordered the removal of the illegal structures on the fort.

Oppositions calling out the violence

The Mahayuti government of the Shiv Sena, BJP, and NCP stated in December last year that it had successfully removed encroachments at the fort after sanctioning Rs 1.17 crore for the purpose.

An official at the Kolhapur District Collector’s office reported that after a lot of locals who had previously lived in these constructions moved out due to the ban on animal sacrifice, these structures were taken over by miscreants. The officer stated that they had received numerous complaints about alcoholics misusing these sites.

Congress’ Shahu Maharaj, who got the ticket over Sambhajiraje in the Lok Sabha elections, said he stood firmly against any act of violence. While condemning the violence and urging action against the culprits, Shahu Maharaj blamed it on the administration and police, claiming they had failed to take the problem “seriously”. “Had the administration acted earlier on the direction to remove the encroachments, the violence could have been avoided,” claimed the elected official. “It is my responsibility to stand with those who face injustice,” he said, announcing that he would be visiting areas affected by the alleged violence.

Several of his colleagues in Congress have also come out against the violence. The party said that a delegation led by Naseem Khan is headed to Maharashtra DGP Rashmi Shukla to demand harsh action in the incident. Vijay Wadettiwar, the Leader of the Opposition, said that such instances seemed “orchestrated” ahead of the Assembly elections.

AIMIM’s Imtiaz Jaleel also condemned the alleged violence and said, “This is the new India where goons can conveniently destroy a masjid and police will remain a mute spectator. This was in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, where the goons not only damaged a mosque but even beat up Muslim women and children by forcibly entering their homes. And yes, the MPs, who recently got elected with big help from Muslim voters, have all gone into hiding.”

He slammed the opposition leaders for not standing by the victims. Meanwhile, he said his party would be holding statewide protests on July 19th to condemn the violence at Vishalgad. “All district units of AIMIM have been asked to stage a protest in front of the district collector’s office to condemn the violence. I will be personally visiting Vishalgad in the next few days,” he was quoted as saying.

Illegal encroachment on forts, public land, and culturally valuable locations is a widespread problem throughout the country. However, each time authorities muster the resolve to address the problem and genuinely apply the law, it is seen that components of the leftist ecosystem tend to help the encroachers. Such considerations are virtually always considered by our system, and any hopes citizens have for prompt justice are lost in the legal morass.

The area surrounding the Dargah appears to be considerably developed in comparison to other Hindu-populated places. People visit the fort primarily for the Dargah, which features silver doors. The other properties where people reside however have less money, barely enough to survive.

People, especially those from the Hindu community visiting the fort need to know about the other Hindu structures there and learn about the sacrifices made by our Hindu warriors to save the life of our beloved Maratha King, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Any alleged illegal encroachment, both by Hindus and Muslims therefore should be removed.

Vikas Dubey was not bitten by snake 7 times but only once, doctors say he suffers from snake phobia

OpIndia Staff
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Vikas Dubey was not bitten by snake 7 times but only once, doctors say he suffers from snake phobia

In the incident of Vikas Dubey, a resident of Fatehpur district, claiming to have been bitten by a snake seven times within 40 days, it has been revealed that the 24-year-old youth was bitten by a snake only once. It has emerged that Vikas Dubey has ophidiophobia which means the fear of snakes. The revelation was made by the three-member team formed by the Chief Health Officer of Fatehpur. On 16th July, the Health Department submitted its report to the DM in which it said that only one snake bite was genuine.

As reported earlier, Vikas Dubey claimed to have survived alleged snake bites seven times in 40 days claiming the reptile appeared to him in a dream and told him that it would take his life on its ninth attempt. The resident of Soura village in the district said that he suffered another snake bite, allegedly the seventh when he was at his uncle’s home. Doctors were also baffled by the strange phenomenon in which Dubey gets bitten by a snake either on a Saturday or a Sunday. He said that before getting bitten each time, he gets a premonition. The doctor who treated Dubey, Dr Jawahar Lal found it all strange and advised him to leave his house and stay elsewhere.

After this, the Chief Medical Officer further formed a three-doctor team to investigate the matter.

On Monday, CMO Dr Rajiv Nayan Giri, SDM Pradeep Raman, Naib Tehsildar City Vijay Prakash Tiwari, Additional CMO Dr Ishtiaq Ahmed, Dr Rajendra Verma, Dr NK Saxena arrived at the Ramsanehi Nursing Home to investigate the matter. The team made a comparison between Vikas Dubey’s and a Mohankheda resident victim’s snakebite marks. There was another patient at the Ramsanehi Nursing Home’s ICU. His marks were also matched with Vikas’s based on pictures. When Vikas’s bite marks were found for the first time, they resembled those of the second individual. However, the six additional marks were not the same as the snakebite marks.

Vikas Dubey’s treatment file was viewed by the three-member investigative team when they visited Ramsanehi Hospital, according to Deputy CMO Dr. Rajendra Kumar. It was found that Vikas Dubey is suffering from Ophidiophobia or phobia of snakes. Reports say that Dubey will now be helped by a psychiatrist.

U’khand: Irfan, Abrar, Kamil, and two others pelt stones on Hindu houses in ‘victory procession’ of Congress MLA Qazi Nizamuddin in Manglaur; arrested

OpIndia Staff
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U’khand: Irfan, Abrar, Kamil, and two others pelt stones on Hindu houses in ‘victory procession’ of Congress MLA Qazi Nizamuddin in Manglaur; arrested

In a major crackdown in the violent incident that took place during Manglaur Congress MLA’s victory procession earlier this week, the police have arrested five persons for indulging in stone pelting and clashing with them. The arrested accused have been identified as Irfan, Abrar, Kamil, Shamsad and another man also named Irfan. The police formed multiple teams to nab other accused in this case. 

Notably, supporters of the newly elected Congress MLA Qazi Mohammad Nizamuddin took out a victory procession, without police permission, after results were announced for the by-elections held for this assembly constituency. During the victory march, they pelted stones at supporters of other parties and reportedly at the houses and shops of Hindu families. The Islamist supporters of Congress MLA also assaulted people using sticks. It is also alleged that they indulged in indecent behaviour with the Police and clashed with the Police personnel.  

On 16th July, the police stated that the accused pelted stones at shops and houses and also assaulted people with sticks during the victory procession of Congress MLA Qazi Nizamuddin.

According to media reports, Congress MLA Qazi Nizamuddin and his supporters didn’t get permission from the police to take out the victory march. Later, the hooligans started pelting stones at supporters of other parties and Hindu families in the region. They also clashed with the Police personnel and created a ruckus on the streets, the videos of the pandemonium had gone viral on social media. 

Afterwards, the police registered a case under relevant sections based on the complaint of Sangeeta, SI Naveen Negi, and Naushad.

Regarding the law and order situation and concerns of violence, supporters of Congress MLA Qazi Nizamuddin had told media that they would “break the law today” as it is allowed today, following the victory of a Congress legislator on the assembly seat.

To maintain law and order, Haridwar SSP Pramendra Dobal gave strict instructions for the early arrest of all the accused involved in the incident and to maintain peace and harmony in the area. The police initiated efforts to collect evidence to identify the accused. The Police also formed multiple teams to arrest the accused. 

For the identification of the accused, the police team has been analysing video footage and several viral videos doing rounds on the internet as well as manual inputs.  

During the investigation into the violent incident, Police arrested five accused namely Irfan son of Zuaib, Abrar son of Shuaib, and Irfan son of Dilnawaz. They are resident of Mohalla Mirdagan, Manglaur. The other two accused include Kamil son of Saqib son of Kamil, and Shamshad son of Sanaullah. They are resident of Sarai Aziz, Manglaur. 

Further police action is underway in this matter. 

Trainee IAS Puja Khedkar used a fake ration card to obtain disability certificate to get into civil services: Report

OpIndia Staff
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Trainee IAS Puja Khedkar used a fake ration card to obtain disability certificate to get into civil services: Report

On Wednesday (17th July), an exclusive report by India Today revealed that IAS trainee Puja Khedkar used a fake address and fake ration card to obtain disability certificate.

Khedkar gave the Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial (YCM) Hospital her address as ‘Plot No. 53, Dehu-Alandi, Talwade’. She claimed that she lived in Pimpri-Chinchwad just to obtain the fake disability certificate. However, it has come to the fore that this address belongs to Thermoverita Engineering Private Limited, a defunct corporation, rather than a residential residence.

Documents also revealed that a forged ration card was manufactured using this corporate address, which Khedkar then used to get a disability certificate, alleging locomotor disability. The certificate, issued on August 24, 2022, claimed that she had a 7% disability in the knee.

Furthermore, an Audi vehicle has been registered in the name of the same Thermoverita firm. The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipality’s tax collection department reports that this company owes Rs 2.7 lakh in taxes for the last three years.

Credit- India Today

Puja Khedkar, a 2023-batch IAS officer, is being investigated for allegedly fabricating a disability certificate for the UPSC recruitment. Her OBC non-creamy-layer designation has also been called into question following charges of abuse of authority.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday (16th July) evening, the Pune Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) filed a thorough report to the state headquarters on Dilip Khedkar’s property holdings. Dilip Khedkar is the father of Puja who also had issued threats to seniors of Puja earlier. 

Dilip Khedkar, who served as Director of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) until his retirement in 2020, has been accused of acquiring disproportionate assets during his tenure. Additional action is planned when higher-level officials look at the findings.

Puja Khedkar is facing serious charges, including abuse of power to demand special privileges and threatening police personnel, in addition to claims of forging certifications.

She was transferred from Pune to Washim as a supernumerary assistant collector after Pune District Collector Suhas Diwase filed a report with senior officials against her actions. She allegedly sought a separate office, official apartment, car, and support staff before joining. Probationary officers are not entitled to these benefits.

A committee constituted by the centre is looking into the charges against Khedkar. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the government stopped the officer’s district training program and summoned her to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration for “necessary action”.

Khedkar, on the other hand, denied the charges, alleging that she was the victim of “fake news” and misinformation. She also complained about harassment against the Pune district collector.

Maharashtra: Eknath Shinde govt announces stipend scheme, Rs 6,000 for 12th pass, Rs 8,000 for diploma holders, and Rs 10,000 for graduates

OpIndia Staff
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Maharashtra: Eknath Shinde govt announces stipend scheme, Rs 6,000 for 12th pass, Rs 8,000 for diploma holders, and Rs 10,000 for graduates

In a notable move ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde introduced a new financial assistance program for students and recent graduates. The announcement was made on Ashadhi Ekadashi Day in Pandharpur.

The scheme provides 12th-grade graduates with a monthly stipend of Rs. 6,000, diploma students with Rs. 8,000 per month, and graduates with Rs. 10,000 per month. This initiative aims to offer essential financial support to young individuals at different educational stages, promoting better employment opportunities and easing their transition from education to the workforce.

Through the internship scheme, named Mukhyamantri Yuva Karya Prashikshan Yojana, the Maharashtra government plans to allocate Rs 5,500 crore to provide monetary assistance to unemployed youth in the state. This initiative, designed to improve the employability and skills of young people for the competitive job market, was announced in the Budget 2024-25 by Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar.

At a public event in Pandharpur on Tuesday, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stated, “The government will provide Rs 6,000 to those who have completed 12th grade, Rs 8,000 to those with ITI and diploma qualifications, and Rs 10,000 to those with a degree or postgraduate degree as a stipend.”

According to the government resolution from the Department of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship & Innovation—responsible for implementing the scheme along with the CM Public Welfare cell—eligible candidates must be between 18 and 35 years old and residents of Maharashtra. The internships will last for six months, with stipends distributed via direct bank transfer.

This strategic measure by the Maharashtra government seeks to address the economic challenges faced by students and graduates. The scheme aims to reduce some of the financial pressures related to education and early career development, allowing students to focus more on their studies and professional growth.

As the assembly elections approach, this initiative is expected to be a significant topic in the political landscape, underscoring the government’s dedication to the educational and economic advancement of the youth in the state.

Rajasthan: 400 people fall ill after drinking Sharbat during the Muharram procession in Banswara; break locks of a nearby dispensary for treatment

OpIndia Staff
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Rajasthan: 400 people fall ill after drinking Sharbat during the Muharram procession in Banswara; break locks of a nearby dispensary for treatment

On Tuesday (16th July) night, a Muharram procession was taken out in Rajasthan’s Banswara, during which, over 400 people started vomiting and having diarrhoea after drinking sharbat. Initially, three children were admitted to the Mahatma Gandhi Hospital.

Following this, between 12 p.m. and 1 am, most of the patients who developed food poisoning were taken to Mahatma Gandhi Hospital. It has been reported that several participants of the Muharram procession broke the locks of a city dispensary just 250 meters from the spot and took out ORS and other medicines.

Later, three doctors arrived at the dispensary and initiated proper medical treatment of around 105 affected people. CMHO Doctor Hiralal Tabiyat said over 400 people reached Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, with approximately 100 still admitted.

After receiving information about the incident, several district administration officials reached the hospital.

Meanwhile, orders have been issued to investigate the incident. The CMHO stated that they had also requested samples and will have them tested. Shoaib Khan, the head of Anjuman Islamia, stated that the event occurred at around midnight. During the Muharram procession, some of the community members had set up a stall, and after drinking Sharbat from there, around 400 people including women and children fell ill.

UP: Health Department seals ‘Youtuber’ Dr Salma Nasir’s hospital in Moradabad after finding illegal pathology lab and unqualified medical staff

OpIndia Staff
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UP: Health Department seals ‘Youtuber’ Dr Salma Nasir’s hospital in Moradabad after finding illegal pathology lab and unqualified medical staff

On Tuesday (16th July), the health department team sealed Dr Salma Nasir’s Health Care Centre in Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad, which was operating without registration. During the inspection, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer also discovered an illegal lab operating in this hospital run by YouTuber and Doctor Salma Nasir. In addition to sealing both outlets, the team filed a written complaint with the Majhola police station to file an FIR.

On Tuesday, Dr Narendra Kumar, nodal officer VAX/Deputy Chief Medical Officer, inspected Salma Nasir Health Care at Rehmat Nagar. Arif (18 years old), a Jayantipur native, was taking blood samples at the clinic. Arif is a class 11th student who has been collecting samples for the past two months. In addition to this, Sana Khan, a Dingarpur resident, was found cooking food at the facility. Swale Khan informed the team that he had a B.Sc., whereas Asim stated that he had DMLT. They stated that they work as laboratory technicians. During the inspection, eight beds, one NICU bed, one phototherapy machine, and an operation theatre were found to be operating. The hospital’s staff told the officials that Dr Salma Nasir runs the hospital. The health department team also found an illegal pathology lab being run in the hospital.

Dr Mohammad Asim, DMLT, and Dr K Kumar, MD Pathology were both mentioned on the hospital’s letterhead, but none of them were at the hospital. Inside the illegal pathology lab, the Health Department officials found blood collection bags, a microscope, a centrifuge, a blood roller, a cell counter, and a monitor. There were two patients admitted to Salma Nasir’s hospital when the CMO and his team conducted the inspection.

Dr. Narendra Kumar, Nodal Officer-Deputy Chief Medical Officer (CMO) stated that pharmaceuticals were found as well during the check. These include multivitamins, betamethasone sodium phosphate, and ranitidine, among others. He stated that the hospital is neither registered with the Chief Medical Officer’s office nor have they submitted any registration-related records to the Regional Ayurvedic Unani Officer’s office. There were no professional doctors or paramedical staff present in the healthcare facility. The hospital had no fire safety or biomedical waste management in place.

UP Govt orders inspection of all slaughterhouses after NCPCR rescues 57 child labourers from Yasin Qureshi’s slaughterhouse in Ghaziabad

OpIndia Staff
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UP Govt orders inspection of all slaughterhouses after NCPCR rescues 57 child labourers from Yasin Qureshi’s slaughterhouse in Ghaziabad

The Uttar Pradesh government has issued a directive to the urban development authorities to conduct an inspection of all slaughterhouses in the state and submit a report to the government in a week.

The order was issued after the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) in a joint operation with the UP Police busted a child labour racket in Ghaziabad on May 29. 57 minor children, including 31 girls and 26 boys, including individuals with disabilities, were employed illegally as bonded labourers in a slaughterhouse owned by Yasin Qureshi in Ghaziabad.

NCPCR chief Priyank Kanoongo took to X to inform about the orders issued by the UP Govt against all slaughterhouses in the state.

On Wednesday (29th May), the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights and a police team jointly raided a slaughterhouse in Ghaziabad. The teams rescued 57 minors from there, including 31 girls and 26 boys illegally made to work in the slaughterhouse owned by one Yasin Qureshi. All of them were being made to do animal slaughtering.

According to reports, the rescued minors were lured from UP, Bihar, and West Bengal by promising them jobs in Ghaziabad. Instead, they were being subjected to inhumane work at the slaughterhouse. Now, action is being taken under sections of the Labour Act and IPC, in this matter.

NCPCR Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo said that they had been getting information about this for a long time. After receiving concrete input, a joint raid was conducted at the International Agro Food slaughterhouse in the Mussoorie area of Ghaziabad. It is owned by a man named Yasin Qureshi who is a major player in the meat industry. 

The minors were engaged in the work of cutting and packing meat in the unit. Some of the children were kept as bonded labour, they were kept hostage and forced to work in the factory for the last several years. All the children were paid Rs 300 per day for their work.

According to the International Agro Food’s claims, their factories are HACCP-approved and ISO-certified. The animals are slaughtered in strict accordance with the Islamic practice of Halal. They export their meat products to most global destinations including all West African, CIS, Middle East, Egypt, South Asian, and Far Eastern countries. The meat products produced are supplied directly to importers, the catering industry, supermarkets, and wholesalers under our popular brands at highly competitive prices. 

Meerut, UP: Stone pelting by Muslim mob on Dalit man’s wedding procession after fight over playing DJ music, casteist slurs hurled

OpIndia Staff
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Meerut, UP: Stone pelting by Muslim mob on Dalit man’s wedding procession after fight over playing DJ music, casteist slurs hurled

In the Rasulpur village of Meerut district in Uttar Pradesh, a Muslim mob pelted stones at a Dalit man’s wedding procession for playing DJ. Several people including women were injured during this incident on Monday (15th July). Later, CO Mawana arrived at the scene with a large contingent of police officers. A complaint has been filed by one Hariram Jatav against 12 people including men and women.

Meanwhile, Police personnel have been deployed in the village to maintain law and order. In his complaint, Jatav accused the Muslim mob of stone pelting and using casteist slurs against the Dalits. Taking action on Jatav’s complaint, the police registered an FIR and took three accused persons into custody.

The incident unfolded in Rasulpur village under Falavada Police Station precinct wherein the wedding of a Dalit man named Sachin was set to take place. On Sunday midnight, people from the Hindu Dalit and Muslim communities argued over playing DJ during the wedding rituals, and an altercation broke out. The locals had settled this dispute at night, however on Monday, while the wedding procession was leaving, the confrontation between the two factions resumed as Muslims pelted stones at Sachin Jatav’s “Baraat” continuously prompting individuals in the wedding procession to retaliate.

Speaking to IndiaTV, a victim named Neeraj said that Muslim youths were making videos of girls dancing during the wedding festivities on Sunday and also passed obscene comments on them, as the Dalit youths objected to this, the Muslim youths called several other people and launched an attack on Hindu Dalits. While this fight was somehow resolved, the Muslim mob started stone pelting on Monday (15th July) morning leaving several injured.

In the videos of the incident, bricks and stones were seen scattered across the village’s roads.

CO Saurabh Singh and the police station in-charge Rajesh Kumar Kamboj arrived at the scene with a team of police officers. The cops sent the injured to the hospital for treatment and allowed the wedding procession to leave.

Speaking about the incident, Rural SP Kamlesh Bahadur stated that Hariram, Mangu’s son, filed a complaint at the police station against one and a half dozen named and eight unidentified people. They were accused of pelting stones and using casteist slurs to stop the DJ. Given the gravity of the situation, police have been deployed in the affected area. He added that the situation in the village is peaceful at present. The police station in-charge Rajesh Kamboj stated that a case has been registered in the matter and three named people have been taken into custody. Meanwhile, searches are being conducted to nab the rest of the accused.

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