Saturday, May 25, 2024
Home Blog Page 1012

Film to be made on Kanhaiya Lal- the Udaipur Hindu tailor who was beheaded by Islamists last year for supporting ex-BJP leader Nupur Sharma

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Film to be made on Kanhaiya Lal- the Udaipur Hindu tailor who was beheaded by Islamists last year for supporting ex-BJP leader Nupur Sharma

On the dreadful day of June 28 last year, two Islamists identified as Riyaz and Ghous Mohammad brutally beheaded a poor Hindu tailor Kanhaiya Lal in Udaipur, Rajasthan. He was murdered for posting a social media message in support of former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma. The murderers had also made a video boasting about their heinous act, basking in false bravado over killing the hapless poor man inside his shop.

One year after the brutal murder, a production house named Jani Firefox Media Private Limited is all set to make a movie on the Udaipur Hindu Tailor. According to a report by ABP News, deceased Kanhaiya Lal’s elder son Yash has confirmed the development.

Speaking to the media house, Yash confirmed that Amit Jani, the director of the media house spoke to him over the phone and expressed his desire to make a film on his father. He spoke with Kanhaiya Lal’s other family members also who were initially reluctant but later gave their permission to make the film.

After this, the production house team decided to visit Udaipur on June 28, 2023, which is the first death anniversary of the Hindu tailor, to gather details about Kanhaiya Lal, his family, his brutal murder and all others who were involved in the heinous crime.

According to reports, besides showing the life and the heinous murder of Kanhaiya Lal, the movie will also show the story of two youths of Rajsamand, who had displayed exemplary courage and helped the police nab the accused- Riyaz and Ghous Mohammad.

The brutal murder of Kanhaiya Lal

Islamists Riyaz and Ghous Mohammad had come to Kanhaiya Lal’s tailor shop posing as customers. As the tailor was taking their measurements, they took out their heavy meat cleavers and brutally hacked him to death, while making a video of the incident. Kanhaiya Lal’s body had over 30 wounds. Kanhaiya Lal’s ‘fault’ was that a post supporting the statement of ex-BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma was shared from his phone.

After brutally murdering Kahaiya Lal, Riyaz and Ghous had made a chilling video, brandishing their blood-stained weapons and gloating about the heinous act. They had asserted the Islamist slogan “Gustakh-e-Nabi ki ek hi saza, Sar tan se juda” and had boasted that they had killed the man for the sake of Islam.

The brutal act of murder was supported and even hailed by some of Ajmer Dargah’s custodians (Chishtis). Despite the brutality and wanton display of Islamic terrorism involved in the act, many media outlets had tried their best to tone it down, and had even shared reports of the news as ‘just another crime’.

‘We will fight in court, not on streets’: Wrestlers call off protest after IOA grants exemption from trials, Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat announce break from social media

OpIndia Staff
-
0
‘We will fight in court, not on streets’: Wrestlers call off protest after IOA grants exemption from trials, Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat announce break from social media

The protesting wrestlers have announced that since the cases against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh are in court and a charge sheet has been submitted, they will keep their fight on, but in court, not in the streets.

In a statement circulated on social media, the protesting wrestlers have stated that the process for the elections for the next WFI president and the executive committee has already started and the polls are scheduled to be held on July 11, they will wait for the implementation of the assurances given by the government.

The wrestlers have stated that their fight will continue until they get justice, but the contest will be in court, legally, not on the streets.

Wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat have announced that they will be away from social media for some days.

With this, the wrestlers’ protest, going on and off for several months, seems to have come to an end.

On June 23, the Indian Olympics Association announced that the six wrestlers, Sakshee Malikh, her husband Satyawart Kadian, Vinesh Phogat, Sangeeta Phogat, her husband Bajrang Punia, and Jitendra Kinha will have to win just one bout against the winners of trials in their respective categories to secure their place in the Indian team. Considering that the said wrestlers have been busy with their protests and have been away from practice, the govt had even postponed their trials to August while others have to appear for trials in July.

Following the trial exemptions announced for the protesting wrestlers, many other wrestlers have called it unfair and spoken against it. Ugly fights and matches of allegations-counter allegations between the wrestlers were witnessed on social media.

“I’m not sure what criteria the IOA committee used to decide on the trials, and that too for these six wrestlers only. Ravi Dahiya is an Olympic silver medalist as well as a CWG gold medalist, Deepak Punia is a CWG gold medalist, Anshu Malik is a World silver medalist, Sonam Malik is also there and many others. I don’t understand why these six wrestlers have been granted an exemption. This is utterly wrong. Even in the old WFI setup, this was not done,” Dutt had said.

The wrestlers’ protest

The wrestlers have been protesting against former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, demanding his arrest. Female wrestlers have alleged that Singh sexually harassed them. Two FIRs were registered against Singh on the complaint of seven female wrestlers, including one allegedly minor wrestler. Singh was booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and POCSO Act. However, recently it was reported the minor wrestler withdrew her statement in front of the magistrate and recorded a new one under Section 164 of the CrPC.

On June 15, the Delhi Police submitted the charge sheet on Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh following their investigation on the allegations of sexual harassment of women wrestlers.

For the first time, investments made in all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh, says CM Yogi Adityanath at the inauguration of a global robotics company factory

ANI
-
0
For the first time, investments made in all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh, says CM Yogi Adityanath at the inauguration of a global robotics company factory

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Sunday, inaugurated the factory of Addverb Technologies (a global robotics company based out of India) in the Gautam Buddh Nagar district. 

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, CM talked about the developmental works carried out in the district and the progress it made over the last few years. He said, “For the first time in Uttar Pradesh, investments have been made in all the 75 districts of the state, which were once reckoned as ‘aspirational’ districts, lacking development”. 

“Before 2017, in Gautam Buddh Nagar, despite being a part of the National Capital region, possibilities of investments were merely imagination and it lacked the level of competition it needed. But under Prime Minister Modi’s ‘ease of doing business’ vision, it has emerged as a great destination of investment, not only in the NCR but also across the country”, said CM Yogi. 

The Chief Minister added, “On February 10 to 12, Uttar Pradesh organised the second global investor’s summit in the capital, Lucknow. From the state’s point of view, it was the first summit. We got investment proposals more than worth Rs 36 lakh crores. Most of them were for Gautam Buddha Nagar”. 
CM further added, “Investments are done keeping in mind the law and order situation, infrastructure, safety environment, and convenience which we can witness here and across the state”. 

Talking about the development work in the state, he added, “We have made the air connectivity better. There are 9 active airports in the state. Work is in progress on 12 more. By the end of this year, Uttar Pradesh will become the first state in the country to have 5 international airports. Looking at the Indian Railways, the state has the best rail network. There is a rail network of 16,000 kilometres”. 

CM Yogi further suggested that the youths be technically capable. “I would like to say to the Addverb technologies that we should make our youths technically capable”, said the Chief Minister. 

He also thanked the company for assisting its young employees with higher studies. 

Talking about the New Education Policy, he said, “The NEP gives us the liberty to continue our jobs along with studies”. 

Further, the Chief Minister expressed his gratitude towards Addverb Technologies for making an investment in the district and providing employment opportunities to the youth. 

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

Bharat Petroleum holds negotiations with Russia’s Rosneft to buy discounted crude oil priced on the Dubai benchmark

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Bharat Petroleum holds negotiations with Russia’s Rosneft to buy discounted crude oil priced on the Dubai benchmark

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a state-run refiner in India, is currently in talks with Rosneft, a Russian petroleum refinery company, to buy approximately 6 million metric tons (43.8 million barrels) of discounted Russian crude. As per a Reuters report, the pricing of this deal is expected to be pegged with the Dubai benchmark.

If the deal is finalised, it would strengthen India’s partnership with Russia, which has become India’s largest oil supplier, particularly in the wake of the Western sanctions imposed on Moscow. Further, in that case, it would also reflect Rosneft’s continued shift to link its oil price with the Middle Eastern benchmark that is commonly used in Asia and shift away from the predominantly Europe-based Brent benchmark.

The details of the ongoing deal

The report added that under this pending deal, Rosneft would deliver the equivalent of 6 to 7 cargoes, each consisting of about 700,000 to 720,000 barrels, per month through March 2024 to the state-run refiner, BPCL.

According to Reuters, the ongoing discussions have reached an advanced stage. Now both parties have been actively negotiating to work out details including terms of payment, for a potential contract. Currently, the deal needs approval from BPCL’s board. If approved then it would further expand the share of Russian oil purchased by the world’s third-largest oil importer.

With an approximate share of 40 percent, Russia has become India’s top oil supplier. It is important to note that in the past Indian refiners rarely bought Russian oil because of its high transport cost. However, when the West imposed sanctions on Moscow, it diverted its supplies away from Europe and started selling crude at a discounted price. 

From the 5th of December, the European Union (EU) nations have stopped purchasing Russian oil. Subsequently, to limit Russia’s economic leverage, the Group of Seven (G7) countries joined the EU and imposed a price cap of $60 per barrel on Russian crude. 

As per the report, Russian crude sold to BPCL would be priced at a discount of $8 per barrel to the Dubai benchmark.

Earlier in April, Indian Oil Corp (IOC), the country’s top refiner, struck a deal with Rosneft for buying up to 1.5 million metric tons of oil per month. Reportedly, the crude was pegged with the Middle East benchmark and the discount was around $8 to $10 per barrel.

Russian refinery companies are shifting away from Europe-dominated Brent benchmark

Due to Western sanctions, Russia began redirecting its crude oil shipments toward Asia. As a result, Rosneft has gradually moved away from the Europe-dominated Brent benchmark. Notably, both benchmarks are denominated in dollars. Further, they are set by the S&P Global Platts which is a unit of US-based S&P Global Inc. 

The Dubai benchmark is largely influenced by oil trading in Asia and the Middle East, whereas Brent is primarily used to price crude from Europe, Africa, and South America. Reuters reported that like most of the Indian refiners, BPCL also makes spot purchases of Russian oil and it is mostly done from traders. Additionally, in the ongoing contract negotiations, BPCL intends to import a range of Russian oil grades including Sokol, Varandey, and Urals.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath renames a prominent road in Noida after renowned journalist Ram Nath Goenka, bats for media freedom

OpIndia Staff
-
0
UP CM Yogi Adityanath renames a prominent road in Noida after renowned journalist Ram Nath Goenka, bats for media freedom

On Sunday, June 25, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath officially renamed a key road in Noida as ‘Ramnath Goenka Marg’ in honour of the founder of The Indian Express. 

Speaking at an event at the office of The Indian Express, UP CM Yogi said, “Today, it is a matter of pride for me that I am getting the opportunity to inaugurate this road named after him in Noida, which is known as the financial capital of Uttar Pradesh.” 

The road was earlier known as Amaltash Road. The route connects Rajnigandha Chowk in Noida’s Sector 16 to Sector 12, and the Noida office of the Indian Express is located on this road.

The Chief Minister further stated that today is an emotional day for him. It is an important day from the point of view of saving democracy. He noted that he does not consider this a coincidence that this road had to be named after Ramanth Goenka today only on June 25, 48 years after the imposition of a nationwide Emergency.  

CM Yogi also took a moment to recall and honour those individuals who dedicated themselves to restoring democracy during the period of Emergency, which lasted till 1977.

CM Yogi added, “On this occasion, I pay humble tribute to all those ‘fighters of democracy’, including Goenka, who fought for democracy in this country.”

He also lauded the journalistic endevaours of the founder of The Indian Express and stressed that his name will be remembered with reverence and respect. 

CM Yogi said, “Ramnath Goenka ji is a shining pole star of the media world. Whenever there will be talk about freedom of the media and democracy, Ramnath Goenka ji’s name would always be remembered with reverence and respect.”

The office of the UP CM shared a video clip of the event and the CM officially renaming the road as ‘Ram Nath Goenka Marg’.

Prior to this announcement, the route was known as Amaltash Road. This busy route connects Rajnigandha Chowk in Sector 16 to Sector 12. The road comes under the management of the local Noida Authority which functions under the Uttar Pradesh government. Notably, the office of The Indian Express also falls on this route.

UP CM bats for media freedom

Apart from the renaming of the road, UP CM Yogi Adityanath also advocated for the freedom of the media as he recalled June 25, 1975, as a “black day” in the history of Indian democracy. 48 years ago, on this very date, the Indira Gandhi-led government imposed a nationwide Emergency.

CM Yogi said, “I say this with full commitment and assure you that for the media — the fourth wheel, the fourth pillar of democracy — we also should get the opportunity to work together for it.”

Yogi Adityanath also reflected on Goenka’s remarkable journey as the founder of The Indian Express Group in 1936, along with his significant contribution as a participant in India’s freedom movement.

CM Yogi highlighted that Goenka not only stood for the media’s freedom but also he got elected to the Parliament to amplify the voice of India’s democracy. 

CM added that it is an important day for him that India’s most populous state where anti-democracy conspiracies were being hatched, the voice which had risen prominently against it was from Uttar Pradesh. 

Furthermore, the UP CM said, “This day is also important since the Goenka family contributed to saving democracy and set parameters for what could be the clean and dignified role of the media ever since the founding of this media group. Along with this, Ramnath Goenka ji was also associated with the nationalist mission with which we are associated.”

UP CM Yogi Adityanath made these statements during an event hosted at The Indian Express office.

Gujarat: Female students in Ahmedabad catch up and beat molester near Bhulabhai Park before handing them over to police

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Gujarat: Female students in Ahmedabad catch up and beat molester near Bhulabhai Park before handing them over to police

Despite Gujarat, particularly Ahmedabad, being widely regarded as a safe city for women, isolated incidents occasionally raise concerns about the direction of societal trends. One such incident unfolded at Bhulabhai Park Square in Ahmedabad, where a youth molesting and teasing girls was caught and beaten by a group of female students.

A video has rapidly gained traction on social media since Thursday afternoon, capturing a disturbing scene wherein a young man lies on the road with his face concealed. Two students can be seen beating him with a belt, while onlookers in the vicinity display evident anger.

According to reports, this incident occurred early in the morning near Bhulabhai Park Square in Ahmedabad, when a female student was on her way to school. During her journey, a young man began following and molesting the girl. In a brave act of resistance, the girl vociferously called out for assistance from the passersby on the road. Responding swiftly to the distressing situation, local residents promptly intervened and apprehended the perpetrator and beat him.

As evident from the video, the victim of the molestation incident fervently appealed to the surrounding individuals for assistance, leading to the immediate apprehension of the accused perpetrator. In a united display of solidarity, both local men and women came together to confront and beat the molester before handing him over to the Kagadapith police. Authorities promptly initiated the necessary procedures for the arrest of the youth, identified as Vijay Sarkare, who is reported to reside in close proximity to Bhulabhai Park. Additionally, community members have alleged that the accused youth had a history of repeatedly molesting women or girls along the same road.

The remarkable display of courage exhibited by this young girl student in steadfastly resisting harassment throughout this incident deserves utmost admiration. If all the girls across the nation possess such tremendous bravery, it will undoubtedly serve as a deterrent, preventing any potential molester from daring to cast an evil gaze upon any girl in the future.

TMC’s Saket Gokhale spreads fake news by claiming that MQ-9B drone deal is overpriced, ‘challenges’ govt to say reports are wrong hours after govt said the same

OpIndia Staff
-
0
TMC’s Saket Gokhale spreads fake news by claiming that MQ-9B drone deal is overpriced, ‘challenges’ govt to say reports are wrong hours after govt said the same

On Sunday, 25th of June, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) fact-checked the claims being made on social media regarding the ongoing acquisition deal of MQ-9B drones between India and the United States of America. On its part, the nodal agency of the Government of India found that the claims were uncalled for, had ulterior motives, and were aimed at derailing the due acquisition process.

Going a step further, From its official fact-checking Twitter handle, PIBFactCheck, the agency explicitly called out the repeat offender and well-known fake-news peddler Saket Gokhale for making these misleading claims.  

In the tweet, it shared the Ministry of Defence’s official statement regarding the ongoing deal and procurement process. Along with this, the agency outrightly clarified in two points that the claims made by TMC spokesperson Gokhale are misleading. Further, it stated that the purported price doing rounds in media reports is the price quoted by the US govt.

The agency categorically stated that the Price & the terms of purchase are yet to be finalised & are subject to negotiations.  

On June 24, Gokhale posted a series of tweets, claiming that the drone deal is worth $3.1 billion, and compared with some other deals for the MQ-9B drone to claim that it is overpriced. He claimed that while the drone’s list price is $56.5 million per drone, the UK had purchased it at around $12.5 million per drone.

He had claimed, “Just like the Rafale deal, it seems that Modi Govt is AGAIN purchasing US drones at a SUPER OVERPRICED cost.”

Along with it, he also posted some media reports which claimed that the armed forces didn’t want the drone or wanted it in lesser numbers, but Modi govt is 31 of them under the pressure of the US govt.

However, the govt of India has clarified that no price has been fixed for the acquisition, and it will be decided only after negotiation, after comparing with prices paid by other countries for the drone. The defence ministry released a statement earlier today saying that while US has quoted $3.072 billion for the deal, it has not been accepted and finalised yet.

Even after the PIBFactCheck tweet, Saket Gokhale stuck to his claim that the deal is worth $3.1 billion. He cited news reports claiming the amount, choosing to ignore the defence ministry clarification saying that media reports are incorrect.

He even ‘challenged‘ PIB to issue a statement saying that the price reported by the news outlets is wrong is misleading, completely ignoring that the PIB has already done it. In fact, the PIBFactCheck tweet included the link to the defence ministry statement published on the PIB website, which specifically said that the reports claiming the price are fake news. While he responded to the tweet, he chose to ignore the statement linked in the tweet.

Official statement of the Ministry of Defence

Earlier in the day, the Defence Ministry refuted claims that the MQ-9B drone deal with the US is worth $3 billion. It also emphasised that the price has not been finalised yet. The ministry stated that some speculative reports emerged in sections of social media referring to the price and other terms of purchase. 

It said, “These are uncalled for, have ulterior motives and aimed at derailing the due acquisition process. Price and other terms & conditions of the purchase are yet to be finalised and subject to negotiations.”

The Ministry further stated that while issuing the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) on June 15 for the deal, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) noted the estimated cost of 3,072 million US dollars provided by the US Government, but it has not been accepted and finalised.

The Ministry said, “However, the price will be negotiated once policy approval of the US Government is received.” 

The Ministry also asserted and ensured that the Ministry of Defence will compare the acquisition cost with the best price offered by General Atomics to other countries.

India is purchasing 31 drones made by General Atomics in a government-to-government deal, which includes 16 Sky Guardian and 15 Sea Guardian drones. According to media reports, some of the drones will be assembled in India, and some of them will be armed.

General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper, also known as Predator B, is a High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. Originally developed for intelligence gathering, reconnaissance and surveillance, it is also used for offensive purposes as it can carry guns, bombs and missiles.

The air force version of the drone is called SkyGuardian, and its maritime version is called SeaGuardian. India Navy already operates two MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones, taken on lease. 

More than two-thirds of Rs 2000 notes have returned to banks: RBI governor Shaktikanta Das

OpIndia Staff
-
0
More than two-thirds of Rs 2000 notes have returned to banks: RBI governor Shaktikanta Das

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das has announced that nearly two-thirds of Rs 2000 notes have been deposited or exchanged in banks within just a month of its withdrawal decision. 

Now, within just a month of making a significant announcement to withdraw Rs 2,000 notes from circulation, the RBI has stated that 72 per cent of the pink notes have been deposited or exchanged in banks.

Last week, RBI Governor informed this when he sat for an interview with PTI Bhasha at the RBI Headquarters. He said, “More than two-thirds or ₹ 2.41 lakh crore worth of the ₹ 3.62 lakh crore (as of March 31, 2023) of the now-recalled 2000 banknotes have come back to the system as of mid-last week.” 

He added that out of the total money that has returned to the system, nearly 85 percent came in the form of deposits, while the remaining Rs 2000 notes were exchanged in the form of currency.

Although the RBI has set September 30th as the last day for exchanges and deposits, Governor Das stressed that the deadline is not fixed in stone. Consequently, he urged people not to rush in exchanging or deposing their money.

Nevertheless, he expressed uncertainty regarding whether he would request the government to revoke the legal tender status of these ₹2000 currency notes once the September 30 deadline passes.

During the previous monetary policy review on June 8, the RBI governor announced that approximately ₹1.8 lakh crore worth of Rs 2,000 notes had been returned or deposited with the banks. This was around 50 per cent of the notes that were in circulation as of March 31st. 

RBI’s May 19th decision

Earlier, on the 19th of May, the RBI announced its decision to withdraw Rs 2,000 notes from circulation. The RBI, however, gave sufficient time for depositing or exchanging these now-recalled 2000 currency notes. For this purpose, it asked citizens to exchange them at banks by the 30th of September.

Back then, the Bankers Bank said, “To complete the exercise in a time-bound manner and to provide adequate time to the members of the public, all banks shall provide deposit and/or exchange facility for Rs 2,000 banknotes until September 30, 2023.” 

However, to ensure operational convenience and to avoid disruption of the regular activities of bank branches, the RBI had set an exchange limit of Rs 20,000 at a time at any branch which commenced on the 23rd of May. 

In its notification, RBI explained that about 89 percent of the Rs 2000 denomination banknotes were issued prior to March 2017 and are at the end of their estimated life span of 4 to 5 years.

Man converts to Islam in the presence of Pakistani cricketers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in USA, organised by Islamic group linked to Rahul Gandhi’s US event

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Man converts to Islam in the presence of Pakistani cricketers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in USA, organised by Islamic group linked to Rahul Gandhi’s US event

A video has surfaced online where a man was converted to Islam in the USA in the presence of Pakistani cricketers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. The event was the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) Convention 2023, which took place from May 27 to May 29 in Baltimore. The video was shared by a vlogger named Moheeb Asif, who uploaded it on May 28 on YouTube, and it went viral on social media after a YouTube channel, Cric Den, shared it.

Both Pakistani cricketers also addressed the people who attended the event, which can be seen on ICNA’s YouTube channel here and here. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are in the USA to attend an executive Business program at the Harvard Business School. At the end of the event, the two cricketers offered prayers along with others present.

Notably, ICNA, a radical Islamist organisation, was one of the organisers that were behind Rahul Gandhi’s June 4 event in New York. Before the event, a registration form went viral on social media that sought registrations from Muslims for the event. That particular form was not available on the official website of Rahul Gandhi’s US visit but was shared separately on social media and messaging services.

Two of the contact persons listed on that form were Tazeem Ansari and Niaz Khan of Masjid Al-WALI/MCNJ North Edison Woodbridge TWP NJ. MCNJ is led by Imaam Jawad Ahmed, Project Director of the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), who is of Pakistani origin.

According to DisInfo Lab, ICNA has connections established links with Pakistan-based terror groups like the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jamaat-e-Islami. They have glorified Islamic terrorists, including Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin for his views on separating Kashmir from India. Not to forget, his sons were removed from government offices in 2021. Furthermore, his son Syed Shakeel Yousuf was arrested by the security agencies in India in a terror funding case in 2018. Salahuddin also had links with Mehraj-ud-Din, a suspect in the Kandahar plane hijack in 1999.

ICNA is linked to Indian American Muslim Council, a propaganda organisation that is heavily indulged in anti-India activities. IAMC founder Shaik Ubaid and member Abdul Malik Mujahid have headed ICNA. Notably, IAMC was also one of the signatories of the letter written to President Joe Biden against the State Dinner for PM Modi.

Gauhati High Court stays July 11 Wrestling Federation of India elections on the plea of Assam Wrestling Federation

ANI
-
0
Gauhati High Court stays July 11 Wrestling Federation of India elections on the plea of Assam Wrestling Federation

Gauhati High Court on Sunday stayed the Wrestling Federation of India elections, which were scheduled to be held on July 11.

The ruling came on a plea filed by the Assam Wrestling Federation, seeking a stay on the WFI elections. The elections, which were initially scheduled to be held on July 6, were pushed back to July 11 earlier. The polling was to be conducted from 11 am to 1.20 pm.

The counting of votes was to start from 1.30 pm and the results were to be declared on the same day — July 11.

The polls were scheduled amid a protest by several prominent wrestlers, including Olympians Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat, seeking the arrest and removal of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, over allegations of sexual harassment.

The protest was launched near the iconic Jantar Mantar in the national capital at the start of this year.

Earlier, on June 13, the newly-appointed returning officer for WFI elections, Mahesh Mittal Kumar, released a statement announcing July 6 as the date for holding the polls to the country’s top wrestling body.

The process of filing nominations was to start from June 19.

“Whereas, the undersigned has been appointed as the Returning Officer by the Indian Olympic Association vide its letter No. IOA/I-28/2023/1350 dated 12th June 2023 for the purpose of conducting the election of the Executive Committee of the Wrestling Federation of India(WFI), which is an affiliate member of the Indian Olympic Association(IOA),” the statement by the office of the returning officer read.

The Indian Olympics Association (IOA) organised a three-member ad hoc committee in April as mandated by the Sports Ministry, and two members were named to oversee WFI’s day-to-day activities and pick wrestlers for international events in the interim.

Earlier, after a meeting with Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, star Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia said he was assured that the probe by Delhi Police into the allegations against the WFI chief would be completed by June 15.

Delhi Police subsequently filed a chargesheet against the WFI chief, while recommending cancellation of the complaint filed by a minor wrestler, alleging sexual harassment. They sought a withdrawal of the case after the minor and her father retracted their earlier statements. 

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

1...1,0111,0121,013...6,586Page 1,012 of 6,586

Contact: [email protected]

About us

News and opinion website that brings you reports and narrative from a perspective often ignored or suppressed by the mainstream media of India.

Follow us

© OpIndia.com