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Stone pelting, gunfire, attacks on police: Several people injured in multiple incidents of violence during Muharram processions in Bihar, Jharkhand

Rukma Rathore
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Stone pelting, gunfire, attacks on police: Several people injured in multiple incidents of violence during Muharram processions in Bihar, Jharkhand

Multiple incidents of violence are being reported from across the country including Bihar and Jharkhand during the Muharram processions. On 17th July, at around 10 pm, a small argument over a broken tube light escalated to the point of heavy stone pelting between two communities, near Hariharganj Jaggu Chowk, on the Bihar-Jharkhand border which resulted in many injuries.

A sub-inspector and two constables of the Hariharganj police station also sustained wounds. On 18th July, all the shops remained closed in protest of the violence. Meanwhile, the authorities are trying to resolve the issue by holding a meeting with both the communities in the police station premises.

Section 144 has been imposed in the area. Cops from Kutumba police station and Hariharganj police station are stationed at the scene. However, there are instances of sporadic clashes and the situation remains tense. An individual named Kameshwar Paswan revealed that a tube light was installed on the cemetery road for the Muharram procession but it went off when the gathering reached there. Afterwards, some people indulged in rumour-mongering and claimed that the tube light was broken.

The persons in the procession then surrounded the houses of Gupta Paswan and Doman Paswan and started hurling stones. They invaded the house, smashed the windows and doors as well as thrashed the occupants. Another local, Gangotri Kunwar stated that she and her daughter were at home when a few guys burst through the window, entered the place and began their assault. The victims were saved by the cops. The miscreants reportedly started shooting as well. Meanwhile, people of the other community claimed that the unrest was a result of a road dispute.

The Muharram procession in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad district was also marred by disturbances when the alteration to the procession route caused conflict between two factions which led to at least six casualties, the police informed on 18th July. The incident took place during the previous night in the Pandarpalla area of Wasseypur. According to police, prohibitory orders have been imposed in the area under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita to maintain law and order.

According to H.P. Janardhanan, Senior Superintendent of Police in Dhanbad, the occurrence was triggered by the alteration in the Muharram procession route. The organizers maintained that the decision was taken due to waterlogging. The top cop highlighted that the situation was brought under control as the police personnel reached the spot and the matter is under further investigation.

Violence in Motihari, Bihar

This year’s Muharram procession in Motihari, Bihar has seen another violent altercation which has resulted in the critical injuries of more than half a dozen people. A Tazia procession was taken out in Nakardei village of Sugauli police station area of ​​the district on 17th July when a fight erupted between the people which intensified into violent chaos as the miscreants threw stones and fired bullets at the house of the head of hamlet. Many people were wounded because of the shooting and sword fights and were admitted to hospital for treatment.

The authorities arrived at the scene after learning about the situation and recovered four bullet pellets from the place. The cops are deployed in the area to ensure law and order. According to the police, there was a confrontation between two groups because of a disagreement. Aerial gunfire has resulted in numerous injuries. No one has been shot but people have been hurt by sticks and batons, among other things. The matter is being investigated and strict action will be taken against the perpetrators, the police informed.

On the evening of 16th July, a police team was ambushed while attempting to confiscate a DJ that was part of a Muharram procession in the Muzaffarpur district. A few police officers were hurt when the crowd launched stones at them and chased the former for approximately a kilometre. Furthermore, they thrashed the personnel who were trapped at the location. Numerous police vehicles sustained damages. The cops and their cars somehow managed to escape from the scene.

A few individuals in the throng began to block the route and instigate more unrest. They also threw stones at the cars of onlookers and attacked them. There were over a dozen vandalised vehicles, including cars and buses. “Two persons have been detained for interrogation. No major injuries have been reported by anyone. The incident took place in Sipahpur Bakhri under Ahiyapur police station,” mentioned Muzaffarpur Town Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Bhanu Pratap Singh.

A similar ruckus was reported during the Tazia procession near Sahdei Buzurg in the Vaishali district where the perpetrators pelted stones at the cops and completely damaged the police vehicle as well as broke all its glass panes. The procession of the young Muslim Akhara of Sarae Dhanesh reached Mangalhat when at around 10 pm they argued with the police personnel regarding the procession’s time and resorted to violence.

Maharashtra: Congress MP Shahu Maharaj demands help for illegal encroachers at Vishalgadh fort after his son led protests demanding eviction of encroachments

OpIndia Staff
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Maharashtra: Congress MP Shahu Maharaj demands help for illegal encroachers at Vishalgadh fort after his son led protests demanding eviction of encroachments

On Wednesday (17th July), a Congress MP from Kolhapur, Shahu Maharaj visited Vishalgad and took stock of the situation days after alleged violence was created by a group led by his son and former Rajya Sabha MP Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati. Shahu Maharaj, as per the local reports, visited the impacted areas and said that the people who have lost their homes and other properties due to the encroachment drive and the alleged violence should get immediate help from the government.

He also condemned the alleged violence in Gajapur and said that this is not what Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj would have liked if he were alive today. “These people should immediately be helped. The people have lost all their hopes and are scared. Their confidence has died. It should be regained as soon as possible from the society’s point of view. We have directed the district collector to set up camps for the victims and arrange for their food. Whatever has happened is not what Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj would have liked if he were present today,” Congress’ Shahu Maharaj was quoted as saying.

It is important to note that Shahu Maharaj is a Congress MP, descendent of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and father of Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati who led the protest against the illegal encroachment on the fort.

Shahu Maharaj on 17th July visited the Masjid in Gajapur which was allegedly attacked on 14th July, the video of which had gone viral over social media platforms. He took stock of the situation and also talked to the women who had become the victims of the encroachment drive. A photo of Shahu Maharaj apologizing to the victims is being shared on social media. The photo is captioned saying that Shahu Maharaj is holding his ears to apologize to those who illegally encroached on the forts.

“Shivaji Maharaj fought against the same forces for life. The Mughals couldn’t force him to kneel but today one of his descendants is kneeling to them for a few votes… Sad… This is an insult of the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj…” the post claimed.

However, the incident of Shahu Maharaj apologizing to the victims could not be confirmed individually.

Earlier, Congress leader 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.

Several of his colleagues in Congress also came out against the violence. The party said that a delegation led by Naseem Khan 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.

What happened at Vishalgadh?

The Kolhapur district administration on the 15th of July evening began removing illegal encroachments from Vishalgadh Fort in Kolhapur, amidst heavy police presence. This is after the state CM ordered the removal of illegal encroachments from the fort, most of which are by the Muslim community.

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.

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.

Earlier detailed reports covered by OpIndia can be read here and here.

As the US Embassy promotes Leftist elements in India, read how the Biden administration and CIA have been using social media, paying influencers to manipulate public opinion

Shraddha Pandey
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As the US Embassy promotes Leftist elements in India, read how the Biden administration and CIA have been using social media, paying influencers to manipulate public opinion

On the 17th of July, the US Embassy in India informed about its event for Indian social media influences and content creators to learn about boosting social media engagement on social issues and learn about “active citizenship”. However, for this “Influence to Impact” event, the US Embassy chose the YouTuber “DeshBhakt” Akash Banerjee who has earned notoriety for peddling leftist and anti-BJP propaganda.

While on the face of it, all may seem not-so-problematic here, the US Embassy’s promotional content for this event scheduled to be held on the 25th of July, reeks of subtle political interference in India’s internal political discourse.

“Are you a social media influencer or a content creator curious about impactful content that drives real change?  Wondering how to boost digital engagement on social issues? Interested in mastering the art of content selection, curation, and promotion? Here’s your chance to learn from the best!  Join us at American Center New Delhi for “Influence to Impact” with the dynamic DeshBhakt himself, Akash Banerjee.  Deep dive into the world of active citizenship to know how your content can create big ripples in society! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and collaborate with like-minded youth, influencers, and experts in the field.  Let’s harness the power of social media for a meaningful change together!  Let’s Influence to Impact!,” a Google document shared by the US Embassy in India reads.

An obvious question that comes to one’s mind, is why the US Embassy in India is interested in pushing for what it deems ‘active citizenship’ among Indians. Is it their job to shape public opinions of Indians on the country’s internal issues? Is the US trying to use social media and Indian content creators, particularly those opposed to the ruling dispensation to meddle in India’s affairs, since the Modi government does not entertain any direct foreign intervention in the country’s issues?

This, however, is not the first time that the US Embassy in India has promoted a leftist and anti-BJP/Modi propagandist. It is apparently becoming a pattern of the US Embassy to pick and promote notorious elements as some kind of heroes for democracy, who literally earn their bread and butter by slandering the ruling dispensation. In March last year, the US Embassy endorsed controversial radio jockey Sayema Rahman for Women’s History Month. Back then, OpIndia reported how the US Embassy’s choice of ‘personality’ for Women’s History Month sparked outrage on social media with people pointing to Sayema’s anti-Hindu, regressive and Islamist views. Despite this, the US Embassy was undeterred from promoting Sayema on their social media handles.

A similar outrage has erupted over picking leftist propagandists like Akash Banerjee for disseminating lessons to Indian content creators on using social media for raising ‘social issues’. The US Embassy’s choice of someone like Akash Banerjee who casually trivialises the brutality suffered by rape victim Nirbhaya, to push his anti-BJP agenda, is alarming. The repeated endorsement of such controversial leftist personalities raises the question if the US wants to “harness” the power of social media for “meaningful change” or to groom Indian influencers into pushing narratives that align with the US’s interests.

Suffering from the “Big boss” syndrome, the US has a history of meddling in the internal affairs of various countries including India. In the last few years, the US has faced allegations of interfering in the political affairs and elections of India, Bangladesh and some other countries. US government bodies have over the years been trying to target the Modi government by issuing biased reports over human rights, hate speech, ‘minorities’ and whatnot by relying on leftist propaganda sources. Moreover, at times the US government had directly issued statements intervening in India’s domestic policy issues in the garb of raising ‘deep concerns’.

A prime example of this was seen when the US State Department issued statements supporting the farmers’ protests against the three farm laws in India. The Modi government had then deemed this as unwarranted interference in India’s internal policy issues. Other than this, US lawmakers had also raised their ‘concerns’ during the 2019 ant-CAA protests and even called the humanitarian law ‘discriminatory’. Other than this, when the Modi government abrogated Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, the US House of Representatives held a hearing on human rights in Kashmir.

Interestingly, Eric Garcetti, the US Ambassador to India has time and again made direct comments on India’s domestic issues. A recent example of this was seen when Garcetti pontificated on the Manipur violence and made sanctimonious remarks about the situation in the Indian state. Recently, Garcetti launched a veiled attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and went so far as to threaten ties with Western powers over his Russia visit. He said that India likes its strategic autonomy, however, no such thing exists during a conflict. Apparently, the US does not really like the Indian government led by PM Modi asserting India’s strategic autonomy instead of turning into the US’s puppet. It must be noted that for Western powers like America, India is a key ally in countering the growing Chinese influence, however, these powers prefer a weak government in India, unlike the Modi government and hold its reins in their hands.

Since these measures have largely failed to deter the Modi government from altering its major policy decisions, the US administration apparently, is exploring novel tactics to subtly influence opinions in India and other countries without essentially appearing to be overtly interventionist.

US Embassy in India recruiting “fact checkers” with a budget of $200,000. 

Other than promoting leftist and anti-Modi/BJP propagandists, the US Embassy in India has also launched a program to recruit and train “fact-checkers.” The “Empowering Media Savvy Youth” project with a budget of $200,000, they claim intends to “confront the growing menace of online manipulation and reinforce regional security” and combat “external influences”. Will the US government be fine with the Indian Embassy in the US launching similar initiatives in the US to promote media and information literacy as well as critical thinking in the garb of strengthening Indo-US ties?

Source: Grants.gov

The United States’ interference in India’s domestic affairs through its embassy and attempts to influence public opinion in the name of bolstering ties is deeply problematic and undermines India’s sovereignty. Such actions are seen as an overreach of diplomatic norms and can create distrust and resentment among the Indian populace. The US should respect India’s right to sovereignty and refrain from meddling in its internal matters. This neo-colonial behaviour of influencing public opinion through diplomatic channels erodes the foundation of mutual respect and cooperation that should underpin bilateral relations. Instead, the U.S. should focus on fostering genuine partnerships based on equality and non-interference​.

Biden administration paying influencers to shape favourable public opinion

Using social media and influencers has become a staple of the narrative-building strategies employed by political parties across the world, especially during election times. In this vein, the Biden administration has reportedly paid several popular influencers to build a favourable narrative ahead of the presidential elections in the country.

The Biden administration’s strategy of paying influencers to help with the upcoming election is driven by a need to engage young voters, who increasingly receive their news and form opinions through social media, ditching the legacy/mainstream media. The Democratic National Committee has developed a comprehensive digital strategy, enlisting approximately 150 influencers to promote pro-Biden content across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube​, etc. A report by The Conversation says that these influencers are being paid over $1 million to publish and promote pro-Biden content.

Notably, the use of influencers aims to reach demographics that traditional political advertisements might miss, particularly young or first-time voters. Influencers, with their popularity and reach, can subtly integrate political messaging into their content, making it appear more authentic and relatable. This approach also leverages the personal connection influencers have with their fans/followers, potentially swaying opinions and encouraging favourable political engagement in a seemingly organic manner, even if it may be legally and ethically questionable. Incidentally, the speculations are rife about pop sensation Taylor Swift endorsing Joe Biden in this presidential election. She had endorsed Biden in 2020 as well.

It is interesting to note that even the American intelligence agency CIA increasingly utilised social media and pop culture to influence public opinion, both domestically and internationally. Reports suggest that this shift aligns with the evolving digital landscape where social media platforms dominate information dissemination and influence. Engaging in pop culture topics allows the CIA to blend into mainstream narratives, making their presence less conspicuous while effectively reaching a broader audience.

Controversial trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar’s father was suspended twice over extortion complaints, her mother detained for threatening farmers

OpIndia Staff
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Controversial trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar’s father was suspended twice over extortion complaints, her mother detained for threatening farmers

Retired Maharashtra government official Diliprao Khedkar, who is the father of controversial IAS trainee officer Puja Khedkar, was twice suspended due to allegations of corruption.

His assets were reportedly out of proportion to his salary, and the Pune Anti-Corruption Bureau has since opened an investigation into this matter. It has been learned that Dilip Khedkar was suspended in both 2018 and 2020. He was also forced to leave his position as the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board’s (MPCB) director in 2023.

Dilip Khedkar was accused by at least 300 small company owners of causing “unnecessary trouble” and extortion in 2015. On 6th October 2015, the state Minister for Industries, Mining, Environment, and Public Works Department forwarded these concerns to the Chief Minister after which formal complaints were lodged.

The local sawmill and timber merchants association submitted a police complaint to the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Anti-Corruption Branch, Kolhapur, against him in the year 2018, while he was serving as Kolhapur’s regional officer. They said hat he had sought bribes ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000 in exchange for restoring their power and water supply.

Sona Alloys Pvt. Ltd. filed a harassment allegation against Khedkar in March 2019 after the company refused to give a bribe of Rs 50,000. During the same period, he allegedly demanded Rs 20 lakh from Pune-based Suprabha Polymer and Packaging. He alegedly agreed to Rs 13 lakh after headquarters ordered a preliminary inquiry into the complaint. Dilip Khedkar also once went missing for six or seven months without permission after his transfer from Kolhapur to the Maitri Cell of the Maharashtra State Small Scale Industries Development Corporation, Mumbai, in May 2018.

Dilip Khedkar was the subject of departmental probes and two suspensions as a result of these incidents. According to a 2020 order, Dilip Khedkar was suspended under the Maharashtra Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1983, Rule 3(1) of the Maharashtra Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1979, and sub-section 1(a) of Rule No. 4 of the Maharashtra Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1979. The order stated that an inquiry had been started and listed several complaints made against him.

Dilip Khedkar reported holdings of almost Rs 40 crore in his affidavit for the 2024 Lok Sabha election, which included ownership of several properties in Ahmednagar, Pune, Mumbai, and Pune Rural. The assets of the Khedkar family have been scrutinized in the wake of the probe into Puja Khedkar (aged 34) whose appointment as an IAS officer has drawn criticism. Dilip Khedkar’s companies, vehicles, and land have been flagged following an Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) complaint. The former official was questioned for three days after which he and his wife Manorama Khedkar absconded.

Meanwhile, Manorama Khedkar was arrested by the Pune rural police on July 18th in relation to a complaint that she had threatened farmers with a gun. She was taken into custody from the Mahad region in the Raigad district, according to police, for possessing an illegal firearm and was transported to Pune for further inquiry. Manoj Yadav, Inspector, Paud police station informed, “Manorama Khedkar has been detained. She is being taken to the Paud police station and then will be arrested as per the legal procedure. She would then be produced before the court in the afternoon.” She was hiding in a lodge near the Raigad Fort in Raigad district.

A video of Manorama Khedkar pointing a gun at a farmer went viral on social media prompting the filing of an FIR. She and a few bouncers are shown in the video carrying a pistol as they engage in a furious altercation with a farmer. She brandished the gun menacingly and then hastily put it away when she saw that a camera was filming the exchange.

The incident apparently transpired on 5th June 2023 at Dhadawali village in the Pune tehsil of Mulshi. The Khedkar couple was not present when a police squad went to their home in Baner, after which the authorities started searching for them. Police have taken statements from witnesses in the case and conducted a panchnama of the location in Dhadawali village where the incident unfolded.

Manorama Khedkar received a show-cause notice from Pune City Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar on 13th July asking her to explain the reason why her firearms license should not be revoked. He mentioned that she is suspected of violating the gun license laws and regulations and it is not implausible that her careless actions could endanger the lives of regular citizens, in the notice. Therefore, it pointed out, that she is not a suitable individual to have a firearms license. She was given a 10-day ultimatum by the Pune police commissioner to reply to the show cause notice or face having her firearms license withdrawn.

Puja Khedkar (34), a member of the 2023 batch who scored an all-India rank (AIR) of 841 in the UPSC test, has been accused of fabricating documents during her UPSC exam and abusing her position of authority. She is under investigation for her actions while serving as the district collector for Pune and for abusing the quotas for persons with benchmark disabilities (PwBD) and other backward classes (OBC) to succeed in the national examination. She possesses five pieces of land and two apartments in various locations in Maharashtra, with an estimated value of Rs 22 crore, leading to more scrutiny over the family’s financial transactions.

Indian high commission in Dhaka urges Indians in Bangladesh to stay indoors amid violent protests over quota in jobs

ANI
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Indian high commission in Dhaka urges Indians in Bangladesh to stay indoors amid violent protests over quota in jobs

Indian High Commission in Dhaka has issued an urgent advisory for Indian citizens and students in Bangladesh to avoid non-essential travel and minimise movement outside their residences due to the escalating unrest in the country.

The advisory comes in response to recent violent clashes between students and police in Dhaka, following the Bangladeshi government’s decision to close all public and private universities.

The protests have been driven by demands for reform of the country’s quota system for civil service jobs, which reserves positions for specific groups, including descendants of those who participated in the 1971 war of independence against Pakistan.

On Thursday, protests intensified as students clashed with law enforcement in various locations across Dhaka. In Merul Badda, near Brac University, demonstrators blocked roads and engaged in violent confrontations with police, resulting in multiple injuries. By late morning, police deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd, leading to significant traffic disruptions in the area, Dhaka Tribune reported.

Additionally, students obstructed the entrance to the Bashundhara Residential Area on Pragati Sarani and blocked the Dhaka-Chittagong highway in Jatrabari, severely affecting public transportation and causing widespread inconvenience. The Mirpur 10 roundabout and surrounding areas also experienced a heavy police presence, with many local markets and shops remaining closed.

The protests began in response to perceived police brutality and have evolved into a broader demand for justice for those injured or killed in previous demonstrations, as well as a call for a violence-free campus and rational reform of the quota system, as reported by Dhaka Tribune.

In light of the volatile situation, the High Commission of India in Dhaka and the Indian Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Sylhet, and Khulna have established 24-hour emergency contact numbers for Indian nationals and students who require assistance:

High Commission of India, Dhaka: +880-1937400591 (also on WhatsApp)

Assistant High Commission of India, Chittagong: +880-1814654797 / +880-1814654799 (also on WhatsApp)

Assistant High Commission of India, Sylhet: +880-1313076411 (also on WhatsApp)

Assistant High Commission of India, Khulna: +880-1812817799 (also on WhatsApp)

The recent protests have been fueled by dissatisfaction with Bangladesh’s quota system, which sets aside a significant number of civil service positions for specific groups. This system has been a contentious issue in Bangladesh for years, with current demonstrations reflecting deep-seated frustrations over both the quota system and the response of law enforcement to peaceful student movements.

The Indian government continues to monitor the situation and advises all citizens in Bangladesh to adhere to the travel advisory and reach out to the High Commission or Assistant High Commissions if they are in need of urgent assistance.

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

Bihar: Vikassheel Insaan Party chief Mukesh Sahani’s father Jitan Sahani stabbed to death by one Kazim Ansari over loan of Rs 1.5 lakh

OpIndia Staff
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Bihar: Vikassheel Insaan Party chief Mukesh Sahani’s father Jitan Sahani stabbed to death by one Kazim Ansari over loan of Rs 1.5 lakh

Vikassheel Insaan Party president and former Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister of Bihar Mukesh Sahani’s father Jitan Sahani was killed at his partially constructed house in Jirat village, Supaul Bazar, Darbhanga. The body was discovered on the morning of 16th July. The authorities have arrested the murderer identified as 40-year-old Kazim Ansari who has confessed to the crime. The body of the 70-year-old man was found in his house and the belongings were in disarray. A First Information Report was registered under Section 103 (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The perpetrator had borrowed Rs 1 lakh in 2022 and then Rs 50,000 in 2023 on interest from the victim which turned out to be the motive behind the killing. Lack of funds forced Kazim Ansari to close his store and following his unemployment, he mortgaged his land at the interest rate of four per cent per month. He, however, could not return the money. He and his companion, Mohammad Sitara also known as Chhedi, went to meet Jitan Sahni on 12th July. They talked about the amount, lowering the interest rate and returning the land but their discussion escalated into an altercation.

Chhedi and Mukesh Sahni’s cousin Pramod who were present at the location verified the same. Afterwards, the culprit and his friends hatched a conspiracy to forcefully steal the loan documents. He also conducted a recce between 10-11 pm on the night of the incident, which was captured on CCTV camera. They broke into Jitan Sahani’s house from the back door at around 1:30 am. They then woke him up and demanded the papers.

Four individuals who were seen entering and leaving the property in the CCTV footage were taken into custody by the Special Task Force (STF). According to news reports, Jitan Sahani started abusing them and Kazim Ansari repeatedly stabbed him with a knife, while his associates held Sahani’s hands and feet. They also threw an almirah into the water when they couldn’t locate its key or the paperwork. They believed that it would save them from paying the loan.

The police have seized the accused’s clothes he was wearing at the time of the incident. A forensic investigation revealed that there was blood on them. Meanwhile, Purnia Lok Sabha MP Pappu Yadav also reached Mukesh Sahani’s residence who travelled to Patna from Mumbai after learning about the occurrence.

Digital divorce: Dubai Princess Sheikha Mahra gives triple talaq to her husband on Instagram

OpIndia Staff
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Digital divorce: Dubai Princess Sheikha Mahra gives triple talaq to her husband on Instagram

The daughter of Dubai’s ruler, Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum divorced her husband on Instagram. The Sheikha announced her divorce in an Instagram post on Wednesday, 17th July. Two months after welcoming their first child, Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum declared the dissolution of her one-year old marriage to industrialist Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum. Her father, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is the Prime Minister and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in addition to being the ruler of Dubai.

“Dear Husband, As you are occupied with other companions, I hereby declare our divorce. I divorce you, I divorce you, and I divorce you. Take care. Your ex-wife,” she wrote on the social media platform. The Sheikha used the age-old Islamic divorce custom known as triple talaq, in which Muslim males can dissolve a marriage by orally declaring their decision to do so three times while Muslim women have the legal authority to file for divorce through the procedure known as “khula” under Islamic law.

Sheikha Mahra gave birth to their daughter two months ago after the couple wed in a grand ceremony in April 2023. Shaikha Mahra is a supporter of women’s rights in the United Arab Emirates. Her husband and family have not yet released a statement to the public. Khaleej Times says that both parties have deleted their wedding photos from social media and unfollowed one another.

After the post was made public, several Instagram users first theorized that the princess’s account had been hacked, but there has been no evidence of that as of yet. Several netizens congratulated her and offered their best wishes for her decision and future. The princess earlier shared a photo of her daughter on social media with the remark, “Just the two of us,” which ignited rumours about her unhappy marriage.

3 doctors from Patna AIIMS detained in NEET-UG paper leak case, their laptops, phones seized

OpIndia Staff
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3 doctors from Patna AIIMS detained in NEET-UG paper leak case, their laptops, phones seized

On Thursday (18th July), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), looking into the NEET paper scam case, detained 3 doctors from the Patna AIIMS for questioning. This is hours before the court hearing slated in the Supreme Court today. According to the reports, all 3 detained doctors are from the 2021 batch. The CBI have reportedly sealed their rooms and taken their laptops and phones into custody.

The doctors’ detainment came a day after the CBI detained two additional people for allegedly stealing question papers for the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) medical entrance exam. The accused, Pankaj Kumar and Raju Singh, were arrested from Patna, Bihar, and Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, respectively.

Pankaj Kumar is a member of the paper leak gang, and he allegedly stole the NEET-UG question papers with Raju’s help. On Wednesday, July 17, a special court in Patna sentenced Pankaj Kumar to 14 days in CBI detention and Raju to 10 days.

The CBI has so far arrested nine people concerning the NEET paper leak case. It holds custody of 13 additional accused, including Rocky alias Rakesh Ranjan, the man in charge from Bihar. 

On Thursday, July 18, the Supreme Court will hear several petitions related to the controversial medical entrance test. The top court put off the hearing of the arguments, including those seeking cancellation of the examination, re-testing, and an investigation into alleged malpractices in the conduct of NEET-UG 2024, to July 18. This was done because several parties had not yet received responses from the Center and the NTA.

The sanctity of the NEET-UG 2024 was breached according to the Supreme Court. The bench had asked for details from the NTA and the CBI, including the timing and manner of the suspected paper leak, and had stated that a re-test may be ordered if the entire process was impacted. The Court also inquired about the number of wrongdoers to determine the scope of the irregularities asserted by the petitioners.

Meanwhile, both the Centre and the NTA have submitted new affidavits to the Supreme Court. According to the Center’s affidavit, data analysis of the NEET-UG 2024 results undertaken by IIT-Madras revealed no evidence of “mass malpractice” or a specific set of students benefiting from it and getting unusually high marks.

According to the affidavit, undergraduate seat counseling for 2024-25 would take place in four rounds beginning in the third week of July. The NTA’s affidavit, filed along identical lines, stated that it conducted an examination of the distribution of marks at the national, state, and local levels.

The exam authority stated that the higher marks received by some NEET candidates were “not a systematic failure”. It further stated that the decrease of about 25% in the syllabus helped hopefuls do better in the medical entrance exam. Today, a bench consisting of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra will hear over 40 petitions related to the NEET-UG row.

The CBI, which is investigating the alleged anomalies in the medical entrance exam, has filed six FIRs. The FIR from Bihar is about a paper leak, while the others from Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra are about candidate impersonation and cheating. The agency’s own FIR on a referral from the Union Education Ministry refers to a “comprehensive investigation into the alleged irregularities in the NEET-US 2024.”

The NTS administers the NEET-UG for admission to SARIS, OAS, MUSH, and other similar courses at both government and private institutions. This year’s exam was held on May 5th in 4,750 centers in 571 locations, including 14 outside India. More than 23 lakh applicants appeared for the test.

Yashveer Maharaj questions Islamists and ‘seculars’ over Muzaffarnagar order for shop owners to display names, says Md Zubair will be responsible for any attack against Kanwar Yatri

OpIndia Staff
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Yashveer Maharaj questions Islamists and ‘seculars’ over Muzaffarnagar order for shop owners to display names, says Md Zubair will be responsible for any attack against Kanwar Yatri

On 18th July, Swami Yashveer Maharaj issued a video statement calling out Islamists and so-called ‘seculars’ who are opposing the directions of Muzaffarnagar police to write names of the owners of the shops and carts of vendors on Kanwar Marg, Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh.

The directions were issued to ensure there is no confusion about the owner of the shops among Kanwar Yatris. Notably, there have been reports that Muslims have been running shops, hotels, dhabas fruit carts etc. using the names of Hindu deities and misleading names. Yashveer Maharaj has been protesting against it for a long time.

In a video statement, he said, “We raised our voice that in Muzaffarnagar on Kanwar Marg, Muslim shopkeepers who run food stalls, fruit carts etc. keep the names of their shops on the names of Hindu deities or misleading names. When we demanded that all shops and carts should have the names of the owners/workers in bold letters written on the boards, the Police agreed to our demand and issued directions for the same. The shopkeepers are writing the names of the owners in bold letters as per the directions. However, fundamentalists like [Asaduddin] Owaisi are objecting to the directions of the police. There is a so-called journalist, Mohammed Zubair. He is the same Mohammed Zubair who provoked Muslims against Hindus with his posts and he has been to jail several times. He is facing several cases. There is a case registered against him in Muzaffarnagar as well. Hence, I request to the government that there should be no mishap with any Kanwar Yatri. If anything happens to any Kanwar Yatri, Mohammed Zubair should be held responsible for it. Thus, he should be arrested immediately and his accounts should be checked as well to see if he is getting foreign funding.”

He added, “The fundamentalists and seculars who are opposing the directions should think if Hindus continue to consume food at their hotel that has been spat on, urinated on and mixed with cow beef, then it is fine [for them] but if they [Hindus] oppose, it becomes a problem and they [fundamentalists and secular] start a campaign against it. We do not have a problem with hotels and dhabas owned by Muslims. They are free to run them. But they should run them in their name instead of running them in the names of Hindu deities and misleading Hindu names. If someone thinks this can continue, it won’t. We will not let it continue in Muzaffarnagar, at least. If someone tries to continue doing so, we will revolt against it and make it stop.” He then thanked police officials for giving directions to ensure law and order was maintained during Kanwar Yatra.”

Muzaffarnagar police issued directions to shops and carts owners to write names of the owners in bold letters

This year the Kanwar Yatra will start on 22nd July and conclude on 2nd August. In the Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh, the local administration has issued an order asking hotels, dhabas, and carts selling food items to write the name of their proprietors and operators running the shop or cart. However, alleged fact-checker Mohd Zubair, AIMIM Chief Asaddudin Owaisi, and Islamists have started to cry hoarse alleging religious discrimination. 

Notably, the Muzaffarnagar SSP addressed the media where he shared information about the administration’s decision. Speaking to media channels, SSP Abhishek Singh said that dhabas, hotels, eateries, and carts selling food items that fall on the Kanwar Yatra mark have been asked to write the names of proprietors and operators. He added that this could avoid confusion for the Kanwariyas and avert arguments or confrontations as well as avoid any untoward incident. He added that eateries have started to follow the order out of their volition. Notably, there is no restriction on Kanwar Yatris from where can buy goods and they are free to shop anywhere.

In line with the administration’s orders, many cart sellers and eateries in the region have started to display names on banners or paper boards. Police personnel from police stations like Nai Mandi, Chhapar, Purkaji, Mansoorpur, and Khatauli have started to enforce the order. In the city area, many eateries near Meenakshi Chowk have started to put up posters with their names written on them. 

Yashveer Maharaj’s campaign against misleading names of Muslim-owned shops

Last year during the Kanwar Yatra as well as days ahead of this year’s yatra, Swami Yashveer Maharaj made serious allegations that a large number of Muslim eatery owners hid their identity and displayed posters with fake Hindu names. He said that they have dotted the routes of the Kanwar Yatra. Given this, Swami Yashveer Maharaj demanded that the administration should ask eatery owners to display the names of their owners or operators. 

He said, “Some people from a particular community operate shops during the Kanwar Yatra by putting up boards with the names of Hindu deities, due to which there is a possibility of hurting the sentiments of Shiva devotee Kanwariyas. The identity of people from a particular community operating shops by putting up boards with the names of Hindu deities should be made public. The police should run a campaign for this.” He also warned that if the administration doesn’t take action in this matter within a week, they will organise protests and agitations. 

Islamists crying hoarse over the issue

The administration’s orders come in the wake of allegations that certain Muslim shop owners were deceiving and hurting the sentiments of Kanwariyas by using fake Hindu names and serving fast non-compliant food in the holy month. According to the administration, this has been done to avoid confrontation and avert any untoward incident that could create a law and order situation. However, Islamists have started to cry hoarse alleging that displaying the name of the shop/cart owner is “religious discrimination”. 

Mohammed Zubair, who describes himself as a ‘fact-checker’ but often indulges in selective ‘fact-checking’ to push the left’s agenda, described the order asking vendors and shop owners to maintain transparency and display their names on their shop as ‘dangerous’ and whipped up hysteria claiming such a move had a potential of ‘discrimination on the grounds of religion’.

AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi went further and equated it with South Africa’s “apartheid” and Germany’s “Judenboycott”.  

Another bridge collapses in Bihar, read details of all 15 bridges that collapsed in a month in the state

OpIndia Staff
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Another bridge collapses in Bihar, read details of all 15 bridges that collapsed in a month in the state

Another bridge fell in Bihar on Tuesday (16th July) evening, marking the 15th such incident in the state in the past four weeks. According to an official, the latest bridge that collapsed was located on the Parman River in Amhara village in Araria district’s Forbesganj block. It is believed that the bridge was washed away due to severe flooding.

Araria district magistrate Enayat Khan informed the media that the bridge was built by the Rural Works Department (RWD) in FY 2008-09. The bridge served as a link between Gopalpur and Majhua areas, connecting Forbesganj, Amhara and several other villages. However, it was destroyed during the 2017 floods, following which it was officially closed to vehicular traffic.

It has been alleged that due to poor construction quality, the bridge could not withstand the force of rising water.

Local villagers and Sarpanch of Madhwa Panchayat commented on the matter and said that the bridge was not in good condition and the officials were informed about it, but no action was taken. ”The condition of the bridge deteriorated and the leaders and officials had seen it for themselves. An assurance was given that the bridge would be repaired very soon. But the officials did not pay any attention and the bridge was finally washed away by water,” Vaidyanath Paswan, former Sarpanch, Madhwa Panchayat said.

”This bridge used to be the main link road, but today it has collapsed. If the water level rises further, then the traffic will be completely disrupted. In such a situation, if someone falls ill today, how will he be taken to the hospital?” Manoj Vishwas, a villager of Madhwa Panchayat asked.

Earlier on 4th July, two bridges in Saran district had collapsed due to heavy rainfall in the state of Bihar. No casualties were reported. As reported, both the bridges that collapsed were constructed over the Gandaki River.

On June 22nd, a portion of a bridge collapsed in the Darounda area of Siwan. This came 4 days after a bridge collapse was reported from the Araria district.

On June 18th, a large segment of an 182-meter bridge fell in Sikti, Araria. The bridge, built for Rs 12 crore, had recently been completed. Only approach roads on either side had to be built before its opening.

On March 22nd, one laborer was killed and eight others injured when three slabs of an under-construction bridge over the Kosi River in Supaul collapsed. The 10.5-kilometer-long bridge, valued at more than Rs 1,200 crore, is to be built between Bakour in Supaul and Bheja in Madhubani.

Prabin Kumar, the executive engineer (RWD) of the Araria division, stated that the current bridge collapse was ruled unsafe for usage in 2017. “However, it was repaired and renovated in Fiscal Year 2020-21. “Our office has sent a checklist of this bridge to higher-level officials in the department,” he said.

Two weeks ago, the state government suspended 15 engineers in connection with the string of bridge collapses. The decision was made after an inquiry team submitted its findings to the Water Resources Department (WRD).

The assessment concluded that engineers were negligent and monitoring was inefficient, which is the main reason for the collapse of small bridges and causeways across the state, Chaitanya Prasad, additional chief secretary of WRD was quoted as saying by the Times of India. 

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