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India’s 200% import duty on Pakistani products: A just response to hostility, leaving Pakistan’s economy in tatters

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India’s 200% import duty on Pakistani products: A just response to hostility, leaving Pakistan’s economy in tatters

On 17th May, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar acknowledged that the trade ties with India went south after the Pulwama terrorist attack on 14th February 2019 in which India lost 40 brave soldiers. Following the attack, India took some immediate steps to reduce trade with the hostile neighbour including the imposition of 200% import duty.

Source: Government of India

Firstly, India announced that Pakistan was no longer on the list of ‘Most Favoured Nations’ or MFN. Secondly, India immediately imposed a 200% import duty on all products coming from Pakistan. The neighbouring country’s track record in supporting terror activities in India resulted in a massive economic blowback.

The air strike came much after these initial steps to break Pakistan’s morale economically. Following the decision, then-Finance Minister Late Arun Jaitley wrote on X (then-Twitter), “India has withdrawn MFN status to Pakistan after the Pulwama incident. Upon withdrawal, basic customs duty on all goods exported from Pakistan to India has been raised to 200% with immediate effect.”

Pakistani minister’s acknowledgment of trade decline with India after 200% duty hike

The statement by the Pakistani minister came in response to a question asked by Sharmila Sahiba Faruqui Hashaam had asked the minister to provide details of the challenges faced by Pakistan to improve relations with neighbouring countries.

Speaking on India, Dar claimed that Pakistan desired to have cooperative relations with India and advocated constructive engagement and result-oriented dialogue to resolve the outstanding issues. During his statement, the minister whined about Jammu and Kashmir while calling it a “disputed region”. Dar claimed that India’s hostilities and retrogressive actions have created an environment that is not suitable for prospects of peace and cooperation.

Source: Pakistani Parliament

Dar claimed the abrogation of Article 370 was illegal and said India indulges in human rights violations in Kashmir. He then said that in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack in February 2019, India imposed a 200% duty on exports from Pakistan, and suspended the Kashmir bus service and trade across the Line of Control. Dar further claimed the allegations against it of being involved in terror activities were baseless even though there is ample proof that Pakistan not only supports terror activities in India but also trains and funds terrorists.

Economic Impact on Pakistan

The 200% import duty imposed by India has severely hampered Pakistan’s ability to export goods to India, which used to be one of its key markets. The sharp decline in its export revenue, particularly from textiles and agricultural products, has affected its ability to have a sustainable economy. “The suspension of trade ties with India due to the heavy duties imposed has critically affected our exports,” said Dar. His statement underscored the effectiveness of India’s economic measures against its adversary. In March this year, Dar highlighted that Pakistani business community wants to resume trade with India but stated there were no plans to resume trade relations with India. According to data available with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India imported goods worth USD 450 million+ from Pakistan between fiscal years 2016-17 and 2018-19. Following the imposition of 200% duty, its dropped to USD 14 million in 2019-20 followed by USD 2 million in 2020-21, USD 3 million in 2021-22, USD 20 million in 2022-23 and USD 3 million in the fiscal year 2023-24. On the other hand, exports dropped exponentially but were much higher compared to imports.

Amount in Million USD. Source: Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Reliance on IMF Bailouts

As Pakistan has been unable to cope with the economic fallout, it has had to turn to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for financial support multiple times. In return, the IMF has forced the neighbouring country to end subsidies, and increase fuel prices and electricity prices across the nation. The economic situation of the neighbouring country has plumped to a level that its ministers started to pat their back in case a loan from an international entity got approved making them a laughingstock on international platforms.

India’s justified stance

While there are some elements in India including Congress or NC leaders such as Mani Shankar Iyer and Farooq Abdullah who want “normalised” relationships with Pakistan, the actions taken by India against Pakistan are justified and necessary to counter its continued hostility and support for terrorism. The economic pressure imposed by India is a clear message that any form of aggression will be met with strong and effective retaliation. By targeting Pakistan’s economy, India has been able to weaken its adversary’s ability to fund and support terrorist activities.

Notably, Pakistan has repeatedly said that “normalised” relations with India are not possible till Prime Minister Narendra Modi or the BJP is in power. Recently, the former Pakistani minister extended his support for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi amidst the ongoing Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

Future implications

As PM Modi is expected to come back to power, the trade between India and Pakistan looks like an impossible dream that Pakistanis and some pro-Pakistani elements in India see. The economic condition of Pakistan is expected to deteriorate further in coming years which will make it next to impossible to stand against India on several fronts. Any talks with Pakistan should not be considered unless Pakistan stops funding terror activities and leaves the topic of Jammu and Kashmir forever. As these two seem impossible, the resulting economic turmoil in Pakistan serves as a testament to the effectiveness of India’s policies and its commitment to protecting its national security.

‘Door was shut, didn’t see how the fire started’: Survivors narrate their ordeal after bus with pilgrims returning from Mathura, Vrindavan engulfed in flames in Haryana’s Nuh, ten died & several injured

OpIndia Staff
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‘Door was shut, didn’t see how the fire started’: Survivors narrate their ordeal after bus with pilgrims returning from Mathura, Vrindavan engulfed in flames in Haryana’s Nuh, ten died & several injured

Ten pilgrims have lost their lives while several others have suffered burn injuries after a bus carrying 64 devotees engulfed in fire near Tauru in Haryana’s Nuh district on Saturday (18th May). The devotees were returning from a pilgrimage to Mathura and Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh. The incident came to light at around 2 am on the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway. The injured persons have been admitted to Nuh Medical College. 

The devotees included women and children and all of them are said to be residents of Punjab and Chandigarh. Some of the locals had noticed that the running vehicle was on fire and after chasing the bus, they asked the driver to stop the bus. According to the information received, the driver didn’t initially stop the bus. Later, after realising that the bus was on fire, he smashed the window and jumped out of it. When the bikers asked him why didn’t he stop the bus, he said he thought that the bikers were robbers and accelerated the bus. Nonetheless, the locals also informed the police and the fire department. 

After the Fire department doused the flames and rescue operations were completed, several survivors narrated their ordeals and expressed that they couldn’t believe that they came out alive.

Narrating the incident, one of the survivors said, “We started running towards the door but the door was locked from outside then all decided to jump out of the window to save themselves. Around 64 passengers were onboard the bus. We have not been able to know the whereabouts of our family members.” 

Another survivor said, “We were coming from Vrindavan, we did not know how the fire started. Bikers told us that the bus was on fire. The driver fled after smashing the window and jumping out of it. The one who saved us died inside the bus. 10 of our people have died while many have suffered burn injuries.”

Forty-four-year-old Krishna Kumari has sustained 20% burns and is undergoing treatment at Nalhar Medical College in Nuh. She said that she still cannot believe that she is alive. 

Another survivor, Meera Rani (52) said that the main door of the bus was automatic and it remained jammed. She added, “We entered the driver’s cabin and jumped out of the window. Nothing was visible and we were unaware of how the bus caught fire.” 

Several passersby and survivors have lauded the efforts of a few devotees who were onboard the bus and risked, gave their lives to save others. According to the survivors, the narrow path of the AC bus was affecting the rescue operation.

Rakesh Sharma, who lost his young son, wife, and 10-year-old Dhewati Jovita aka Khushi, kept informing the police administration about the incident and after they arrived at the spot, he cried inconsolably. His granddaughter was screaming and pleading for help but despite every possible effort to save the child, she was trapped inside the bus at a place where the fire surrounded her from all sides, resulting in her tragic demise. 

Several survivors said that Rakesh Sharma’s son, Gautam Sharma, had initially escaped the bus safely. However, he couldn’t ignore the screams coming from inside. Risking his life, Gautam went back into the bus. Displaying great bravery, he managed to rescue many people, but within seconds, the fire intensified to the point where he could not escape and was tragically burnt inside.

Several netizens have demanded that there should be a probe behind the cause of the fire whether the incident was an accident or if there could be foul play as recently the area had witnessed rioting in which Islamist mobs had launched attacks on Hindu devotees’s Shobha Yatra in July last year.  

Ahmedabad: Police arrest Farhan and Faisal for attacking and threatening a school principal who went to inspect a Madrasa on NCPCR’s direction

OpIndia Staff
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Ahmedabad: Police arrest Farhan and Faisal for attacking and threatening a school principal who went to inspect a Madrasa on NCPCR’s direction

On Sunday (19th May), Daryapur Police arrested two accused identified as Farhan and Faisal for attacking and threatening a school principal who had been deputed to survey a Madrasa on the direction of NCPCR. The incident took place yesterday in which an Islamist mob attacked the victim, Sandeep Patel when he was surveying a Madrasa in Sultan Maholla of Daryapur area in Ahmedabad.

Speaking with OpIndia, the Daryapur police confirmed that the two main accused in this case have been arrested. They will be presented in court and the Police will seek their remand. Further investigation is underway and the Police are looking out for the remaining accused who were part of the attacking mob and nab them.  

It is pertinent to note that the Gujarat education department is surveying madrasas throughout the state in compliance with a directive from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). On 18th May, following the order, a survey was carried out throughout Ahmedabad’s madrasas.  

However, Sandeep Patel who was surveying a madrasa in Daryapur’s Sultan Maholla, came under attack by an Islamist mob. 

Patel is the principal of Shruti Higher Secondary School in Bapunagar. In the complaint, he stated that on Saturday (18th May) morning, he had arrived to participate in the meeting called by DEO RM Chaudhary. He was instructed to proceed to the madrassa managed by Saiyad Sultan Masjid (Mosque) in Sultan Maholla to obtain details regarding the number of students, instructors, apartments, and other amenities.

According to the complaint, the teacher reached the madrasa at Sultan Maholla at 10:30 am, but the mosque door was locked. He then called a superior officer and informed him about it. He used his smartphone to snap a photograph of the mosque when the official instructed him to do so in case the institution was closed.

I kept saying I came for government work, but they didn’t believe me: The victim narrates the incident

The victim revealed, “Suddenly, a bunch of people appeared from behind me and began asking me why I was taking pictures of the place. Before I could reply, five to seven unidentified males began punching me and hurled derogatory words to issue me death threats.” 

Meanwhile, someone from the mob shouted at Farhan and Faisal and directed them to snatch the mobile and documents from his hand and they took his phone during the scuffle. 

Sandeep added, “I told them that I was a teacher but they didn’t listen to me and continue to beat me.” 

Despite his clarification that he came for official government work, the mob stole government documents from his hand. When the attack took place, the crowd didn’t intervene to save the victim. 

Afterward, he left and went straight to the police station. Based on the complaint, the Daryapur police registered a case against Farhan and Faisal under sections 143, 147, 323, 294(b), 392, 186, 332, and 506(2) of the Indian Penal Code and are conducting further investigation. Now, the Daryapur Police has arrested both the main accused. 

Running parallel government in Jungle, slipping poison into food of Jawans: Know what was ‘Permili Dalam’, the Naxalite terrorist outfit that took 39 years to dismantle

राहुल पाण्डेय
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Running parallel government in Jungle, slipping poison into food of Jawans: Know what was ‘Permili Dalam’, the Naxalite terrorist outfit that took 39 years to dismantle

Last week, the security forces finally completely destroyed the deadly Naxal terror group ‘Permili Dalam’ of the Peoples’ Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) in the Gadchiroli area of Maharashtra. The group was considered to be the supply chain of the headquarters of Naxalites in Abujhmarh. Paramilitary and state police personnel engaged in anti-Naxal operations concerning finally achieved success in dismantling this group after 39 years. The anti-national outfit was brought to an end with the help of numerous soldiers and officials, many of whom sacrificed themselves for the cause.

On the 13th of May, security forces received information about the movement of some members of Permili Dalam in the Gadchiroli region. The C-60 squad assembled specifically for the anti-Naxal operation was dispatched to the location based on these details. The security personnel were fired upon by the Naxalites during the search operation, and three of them were neutralised in retaliatory fire, including two females. The male Naxal was identified as Commander Vasu, who carried a reward of Rs 22 lakh. A carbine, an INSAS rifle, an AK-47, Naxal literature, and a few other items were found during the operation.

Permili Dalam has been destroyed by the security forces following a 39-year-long struggle. The security forces have advanced decisively on Abujhmarh, the final stronghold of Naxalite after the dismantling of this group. Moreover, Abujhmarh is unofficially known as the Naxalites’ headquarters and Permili Dalam was utilised as their supply-chain.

What was Permili Dalam

Permili Dalam was founded in 1985 by educated Telugu youths who later became active in Gadchiroli and its cadre grew gradually. They turned Gadchiroli into the epicentre of Maoist violence since its establishment. It was one of the five armed groups in the Dandakaranya zone that belonged to the Maoist South Gadchiroli division. Initially, the gang started threatening forest department officials. This gang began inciting the tribal people against the officers stationed at local police stations in an effort to advance Maoist ideology.

As the cadre expanded, Permili Dalam eventually began hiring female members as well. The conflict persisted for 39 years during which multiple troops lost their lives. Many young people turned their backs on the outfit as a result of the area’s development and the benefits of government initiatives. Permili Dalam was ultimately wiped out in the operation against Naxalite terror.

How Permili Dalam once incited fear

An officer from the paramilitary unit involved in the anti-Naxal operation was interviewed by OpIndia. He provided us with information under the condition of anonymity and disclosed that Permili Dalam and other Naxal organisations used to identify places which were away from the eyes of the administration. The cops and the forest department employees, who were stationed in small groups in the centre of the forests were the targets of earlier assaults. Subsequently, the region was announced as its territory, and assertions were made that the group ran a parallel government there.

We were informed that Permili Dalam had established training camps within Gadchiroli’s thick woodlands where it provoked the young tribals against the government and taught them how to use guns. In the past, Naxalites would raid mines in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh to steal detonators that were given to groups like Permili Dalam. These detonators were employed for both building bombs and planting landmines. Permili Dalam, like other Naxalite groups, buried their weapons in water tanks to hide them.

We were informed by another Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officer participating in the anti-Naxal operation that Permili Dalam drew inspiration from the Maoist doctrine, which seeks to eradicate the adversary in all its forms and unveiled that in addition to using weapons to strike security forces, the group intended to contaminate their food and water supplies as well. The official expressed hope that India would soon be free of Naxals if such significant operations are continued relentlessly without any hindrance.

Why Abujhmarh was made the headquarters

We were further informed about Abujhmarh by the CRPF officer assigned to the anti-Naxal operation who mentioned that the name of the place meant ‘something that nobody could comprehend.’ This forest, which covers 4400 square kilometres, has not yet been adequately mapped. Any official movement there requires the governor’s approval. We were also informed that the Naxalites occasionally benefited from police border disputes because this forest shares borders with multiple states. Abujhmarh is split between Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.

‘TMC has crossed all limits’: PM Modi slams Mamata Banerjee for targeting Ramakrishna Mission and ISKCON over vote bank politics

OpIndia Staff
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‘TMC has crossed all limits’: PM Modi slams Mamata Banerjee for targeting Ramakrishna Mission and ISKCON over vote bank politics

On Sunday (19th May), Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for targeting Hindu organisations such as ISKCON, Ramakrishna Mission and Bharat Sewa Ashram Sangh for electoral gain.

While speaking during a public meeting in West Bengal’s Purulia district, PM Modi stated, “The TMC government has crossed all limits. ISKCON, Ramakrishna Mission and Bharat Sewa Ashram Sangham are known across the globe for their service. They have taken the name of our country to new heights.”

He emphasised, “Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, is openly threatening these organisations. There are millions of followers associated with these missions all over the world, and their sole aim is to serve the people.”

“The Bengal government has pointed a finger at them and is threatening in their name. So much courage! Just to please their vote bank, TMC has stooped to such a level” he emphasised,” PM Modi further added.

It must be mentioned that Mamata Banerjee stirred the hornet’s nest on Saturday (18th May) by attacking Hindu organisations, working in West Bengal.

She claimed that a monk associated with Bharat Sewa Ashram Sangh named Kartik Maharaj had conspired with the BJP to not allow TMC agents in polling booths.

“Some monks of Ramakrishna Mission and Bharat Sevashram Sangha are working under the influence of BJP leaders in Delhi. Those who are looking after temples are doing great spiritual jobs, but everyone is not doing so. This is not done. We respect the monks,” she had claimed.

Karnataka: Tension in Viajayapur after Muslims oppose construction of Dalit community hall near a mosque

OpIndia Staff
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Karnataka: Tension in Viajayapur after Muslims oppose construction of Dalit community hall near a mosque

Muslims have expressed their opposition to the construction of a community hall by the Dalits near a mosque in Karnataka’s Vijayapur, and an argument has arisen between the two factions. The young members of the Dalit community were prepared to develop a community centre close to the Ikhlas Khan Mosque close to Managuli Agasi in Vijayapur, Karnataka when Muslim leaders raised objections to the move.

As the mosque is in a protected zone under the Archaeological Survey of India, Muslims claimed that the proposed construction can’t take place without ASI’s permission. As a result, youths of the two communities confronted each other which led to a heated atmosphere for some time.

Leaders of the Dalit community questioned the protestors, “Who are you to prevent the construction of a community building on government land in Vijayapura city.” They asserted, “We will build a community hall here,” to which the Muslim side responded with, “If you want to construct any building near the mosque in Vijayapur, you should get the permission of the Indian Archeology Department and not only the government.” Afterwards, an altercation occurred between the rival factions.

The police, speculating a serious crisis at hand, showed up at the scene as soon as the dispute grew more intense. However, the leaders of the two groups ignored the authorities and carried on clashing with each other despite the arrival of police constables. Later they were pacified by Mallaya Mathapathy, CPI of Golagummata Police Station and other officials. They dispersed the crowd and instructed the leaders of the two communities to bring appropriate documents.

Arvind Kejriwal’s aide Bibhav Kumar arrested as per law brought by AAP: Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit

ANI
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Arvind Kejriwal’s aide Bibhav Kumar arrested as per law brought by AAP: Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit

Amid the political war of words between the ruling AAP and the BJP over the arrest of CM Arvind Kejriwal’s former aide Bibhav Kumar in connection with the alleged assault on Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal; senior Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit said the former was arrested “as per a law brought by AAP”.

Speaking to ANI on Sunday, he said only a proper investigation would reveal what exactly went down between Maliwal and Bibhav at the CM’s Civil Lines residence.

“Only a thorough probe will bring out and determine beyond any reasonable doubt as to what exactly happened between Swati Maliwal and Bibhav Kumar. When the ‘Nirbhaya’ (horrific and fatal gangrape of a paramedical student in the national capital on December 16, 2012) incident happened, the AAP hit the streets and raised chorus for a law as per which the victim’s statement in incidents of sexual crime or violence against women would be taken as the truth and the onus will be on the accused to prove his innocence. A legislation to this effect was drafted and brought into force thereafter. However, now, when action follows after a woman alleged that she was wronged, it should be assumed that she was speaking the truth. Bibhav Kumar was arrested as per this law. The legislation was brought by the AAP, and none else. We have flagged concerns over this legislation earlier,” the Congress leader, who is the son of former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit, told ANI on Sunday.

Earlier, on Saturday, Bibhav was arrested for the alleged assault on the AAP Rajya Sabha MP Maliwal.

Responding to his arrest, CM Kejriwal accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of playing a ‘Jail ka Khel’ (game of putting leaders in jail) with the Aam Aadmi Party, adding that he would lead a ‘Jail Bharo’ march to the BJP’s national headquarters on Sunday, along with top party heavyweights as well as workers.

Earlier, in a personalised video message, Kejriwal said, “They put me, Manish Sisodia, Satyendra Jain, and Sanjay Singh behind bars. Today, they put my PA in jail. Now they are saying they will put Raghav Chadha, Atishi, and Saurabh Bharadwaj in jail. Perhaps it is our fault that we built schools and mohalla clinics, while also providing electricity free of cost, which the BJP couldn’t accomplish. I would like to tell the Prime Minister: you are playing a ‘jail ka khel’ against us. Tomorrow, I will lead a ‘jail bharo’ march to the BJP headquarters along with all my top leaders, MLAs, and MPs at noon. You can put in jail whoever you want. You might think that you can crush and finish off AAP by putting our leaders in jail. But our ideas resonate with the people and reign supreme in their hearts and minds.”

After his arrest on Saturday, Bibhav was produced before Delhi’s Tis Hazari Court, which remanded her in police custody for five days.
The former aide of the AAP supremo earlier emailed Delhi Police, stating that he was ready to cooperate in the ongoing probe into Maliwal’s assault claim while adding that they should also take cognizance of his complaint.

Bibhav lodged a counter-complaint with the police on Friday, accusing Maliwal of gaining ‘unauthorised entry’ into the CM’s Civil Lines residence and ‘verbally abusing’ him.

In his complaint, Kejriwal’s former PA charged Maliwal with unauthorised entry, verbal abuse, and threats while also claiming the BJP’s involvement in the matter.

Maliwal, in her complaint, alleged that Bibhav “slapped” her “at least seven to eight times” while she “continued screaming” and “brutally dragged” her while “kicking” her in her “chest, stomach and pelvis area.”

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

Delhi: Adil Ansari, Faisal and two minors stab Iqwal to death in Seelampur over a minor scuffle, all 4 arrested

ANI
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Delhi: Adil Ansari, Faisal and two minors stab Iqwal to death in Seelampur over a minor scuffle, all 4 arrested

Four people, including two minors, have been arrested in a case related to the stabbing of a 20-year-old boy to death in the Seelampur area of the capital city of Delhi.

The incident took place around 10.30 pm on May 17 in gali number 5 of Gautam Puri area in Delhi’s Seelampur. The team also recovered and confiscated the weapon of offence, which included three knives and one icepick.

The deceased has been identified as Iqwal (20), who was a resident of Bihar and was working as a daily wage labourer in the jeans manufacturing company at Gautam Puri, Seelampur.

Iqwal had sustained 6 stab wounds on left and right thigh. Upon getting noticed by the public, he was immediately rushed to the JPC Hospital and during treatment, he lost his life.

The police team received information from the JPC Hospital regarding the stabbing of the young boy.

The police team of Seelampur immediately reached the spot, nabbed the accused and registered an FIR against them, under IPC section 302 and further investigation is in progress.

All the accused were residents of the Seelampur area of Delhi. The prime accused in the case are Mohd. Adil Ansari (19) and Faisal (18), both of whom worked at the car washing workshop in the Gautam Puri area of Delhi’s Seelampur, while the other two were minors aged 15 and 17 years.

Reportedly, around a week ago, Iqwal had a spat with the accused over a petty issue. In a fit of rage, they planned for revenge and, they accosted him on the streets and stabbed him to death.

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

Swati Maliwal assault case: Formatted phone, missing CCTV footage and more – What Delhi police told court while seeking Bibhav Kumar’s custody

OpIndia Staff
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Swati Maliwal assault case: Formatted phone, missing CCTV footage and more – What Delhi police told court while seeking Bibhav Kumar’s custody

On Saturday, 18th May, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal said in a post on X that the CCTV footage of the alleged assault at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence had been deleted. She further accused AAP of releasing an edited video to malign her.

In her post, Maliwal questioned if the entire CCTV footage had been deleted to protect Bibhav Kumar, PA of CM Kejriwal accused of assaulting Maliwal. “First, Bibhav beat me brutally. He slapped and kicked me. When I freed myself and called 112, he went outside, called security and started making a video. I was screaming and telling the security that Bibhav had beaten me brutally. That entire long part of the video was edited. Only 50 seconds were released when I was fed up with explaining to the security guys. Now they formatted the phone and deleted the entire video? CCTV footage is also missing! Even conspiracy has its limits!” Swati Maliwal said in her post.

Source: X

Earlier on Saturday, Delhi Police arrested Kumar and produced him before a magisterial court. As he was already arrested, his anticipatory bail plea was subsequently observed as becoming “infructuous” by a Delhi Court and he was produced before Metropolitan Magistrate Gaurav Goyal. Police sought 7-day remand to question him but got four-day custody. During arguments, police informed the court that custody was necessary for questioning him about the reason for the assault.

Furthermore, the court was informed that Kumar formatted his phone in Mumbai claiming there was some “malfunctioning”. The police said Kumar also did not provide them with the password to unlock the phone. The police said that they asked for the CCTV footage and were provided with a pen drive but when they checked it, the video was blank. The court said, “We asked for DVR. They gave us pendrive. Footage was blank. He gave his iPhone but did not tell us the password. Phone has been formatted.”

Aaj Tak quoted unnamed sources in its report and said that Delhi police suspected the CCTV footage was tampered with. During the remand, they may take Kumar to Mumbai where he formatted the phone. The source said generally people take a backup of the phone before formatting it and if there was nothing to hide, he might have taken a dump of the data. The police are also planning to take the help of forensic experts to recover the data. The police will also take him to the crime spot, that is the CM’s residence to find out the reason behind the assault. Kumar’s advocate claimed that the phone was formatted but it had nothing to do with the case.

What happened on 13th May

On 13th May, the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal accused the Personal secretary of Arvind Kejriwal of assaulting her. In her complaint, Maliwal has alleged that Kejriwal’s personal Secretary Bibhav Kumar “slapped” her “at least seven to eight times” while she “continued screaming” and “brutally dragged” her while “kicking” her in her “chest, stomach and pelvis area.” According to the Delhi Police FIR, Maliwal described the events of May 13 when she had gone to the Civil Lines residence of Chief Minister Kejriwal.

“I went inside the camp office and called CM’s PS Bibhav Kumar but I could not go in. I then sent a message to his mobile number (through WhatsApp). However, there was no response. I then went inside the residential area through the main door as I have always done in the past year since Bibhav Kumar was not present I entered the residence area and informed the staff present there to tell the CM here to meet him,” the FIR read. “I was informed that he was present in the house and I was told to wait in the drawing room. I went into the drawing room and sat on the sofa and waited for him to meet me,” Swati Maliwal said.

“He then abused me and asked who are you to not listen to what I say. While saying these words, he came and stood right in front of me. Without any provocation whatsoever on my side, he started slapping me with full force. He slapped me seven to eight times at least while I continued screaming. I felt absolutely shocked and was screaming for help over and over again. In order to protect myself I pushed him away with my legs,” she said.

“I repeatedly told him…that he should please let go of me as I was in unbearable pain. However, he attacked me with full force again and again. I somehow managed to get free. I then sat on the sofa of the drawing room and gathered my spectacles that had fallen on the ground during the assault. I was in a terrible state of shock at this attack. I was deeply traumatised and called the 112 number and reported the crime against me,” Maliwal detailed.

Jharkhand: Dalit returning from BJP rally beaten with iron pipe in Muslim-dominated area in Hazaribagh: Zeeshan, Naseeb, Monty Khan along with 30-40 unnamed booked in FIR

OpIndia Staff
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Jharkhand: Dalit returning from BJP rally beaten with iron pipe in Muslim-dominated area in Hazaribagh: Zeeshan, Naseeb, Monty Khan along with 30-40 unnamed booked in FIR

In Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh, 30-40 miscreants have been booked for brutally assaulting a youth from the Dalit community. The accused identified in the FIR include Zeeshan, Naseeb, and Monty Khan, while another 30 to 40 unidentified individuals, who were part of the attacking mob, have also been booked. They are accused of assaulting the victim with an iron pipe while hurling casteist slurs. The incident took place on Saturday (18th May) when the victim Diwakar Nayak was returning from a BJP bike rally. The Police have arrested 3 accused, while an investigation to identify and arrest the remaining accused is underway. 

According to reports, the incident unfolded in the Barkagaon police station area of Hazaribagh. Diwakar Kumar Nayak, who belongs to the Scheduled Caste community, stated that he was returning after attending the BJP bike rally with 150 of his friends on Saturday. On his way back, he was returning to Gondalpura by bike with his friend Vicky Rana. Meanwhile, his bike was forcibly stopped when they were passing through the Muslim-dominated locality of Badam.

The miscreants who stopped Diwakar are said to be Badam residents Zeeshan, Naseeb, and Monty Khan. Additionally, 30 to 40 other unidentified individuals also joined them. It is alleged that all of them started abusing the victim and hurled casteist slurs. 

After some time, the miscreants took out iron pipes from a nearby shop and started beating Diwakar and Vicky Rana. Diwakar suffered injuries on his neck and face in the attack. The mob also physically assaulted Diwakar and Vicky and kicked and punched them. 

Taking to X, Former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and BJP leader Babulal Marandi has shared the victim’s complaint submitted at the Police station. In his complaint, the victim has demanded strict action against the accused. In the complaint, he has said that due to the injuries on his body, he is currently unable to walk. Another youth named Vicky Rana was also badly injured in the attack. 

According to media reports, the police have registered an FIR against 3 named and 30-40 other unidentified individuals. So far, the Police have arrested three accused in this case. Following the brutal assault on the Dalit youth and others, the Bharatiya Janata Party slammed the state government led by JMM and raised question marks on the law and order situation in the state. 

Meanwhile, according to the information received, the Muslim side is also preparing to lodge a complaint with the police in this matter. They allege that objectionable slogans were raised near Barkagaon Mosque, creating a tense atmosphere. Currently, the police are investigating the entire matter. 

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