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Delhi Liquor Policy scam: SC grants no relief to Kejriwal on petition against arrest and remand, Rouse Avenue court extends judicial custody till 23rd April

OpIndia Staff
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Delhi Liquor Policy scam: SC grants no relief to Kejriwal on petition against arrest and remand, Rouse Avenue court extends judicial custody till 23rd April

Delhi Chief Minister and AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal will continue to remain in jail. Notably, the Supreme Court on Monday (15th April) refused to grant him relief in connection with his petition challenging the ED arrest and remand in the Delhi Liquor Policy scam case. In a separate legal development in this case, Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court extended his judicial custody till 23rd April. 

Kejriwal has approached the Supreme Court to challenge the Delhi High Court order that had upheld his arrest in the case. On Monday, a bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta issued notice to the ED on his plea and asked the probing agency to file its reply by 24th April. The matter would be now heard in the week commencing 29th April. 

The bench directed, “Issue notice. Returnable on April 24. Notice is accepted by the respondent who are presented in court on caveat. Reply to be filed on or before April 24 and rejoinder on or before April 27.” 

Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Kejriwal had sought an early date in this matter. He lamented, “I want to show some facts, to shock the conscience of the court. There are some selective leaks.” 

Linking Kejriwal’s arrest with the upcoming election, Singhvi claimed, “I am asking for an extremely short date, possibly this Friday, for a reason. This is a very unusual matter. Not because he is a Chief Minister. There are two documents, FIR and ECIR and eight chargesheets, between the CBI and the ED. This petitioner is not named. Point number 2- the story starts from September 2022. He is arrested on March 21, 2024. Between that time, there are 16 statements, 10 by one person, Sarath Reddy and six by others. All 15 statements do not state the above. One statement becomes positive….the object of arrest, post the model code of conduct, is to disable me from campaigning.” 

Appearing for the ED, Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta objected to this argument.

Meanwhile, the bench declined Singhvi’s request for an earlier hearing date stating that it has given the shortest possible date. Additionally, Justice Khanna asked Singhvi to “reserve the arguments” for the next date.

The development so far

On 9th April, the Delhi High Court came down hard on Delhi CM Kejriwal in connection with a plea challenging his arrest by the ED in the Delhi Liquor Policy scam. Making grave observations against the involvement of CM Kejriwal, the Delhi HC said the evidence shows he conspired and was actively involved in the use and proceeds of the crime.

Upholding his arrest by ED, the High Court had said that the ED was left with “little option” after he skipped repeated summons and refused to join the investigation.

The court ruled, “The evidence gathered by the ED indicates that Mr Arvind Kejriwal conspired and played an active role in the utilization and concealment of proceeds of crime. The ED’s case also suggests his involvement both in a personal capacity and as the convenor of AAP.”

The Delhi HC also dismissed the defendant’s aspersions over the statements of the approver considered in the case. The court noted, “The law of approver is over 100 years old and not one year old. it cannot be suggested that it was enacted to implicate the present petitioner (Kejriwal), says Delhi HC it reads out the verdict.”

“The investigating agency in criminal jurisprudence cannot be instructed to conduct an investigation based on the convenience of an individual. The investigation will proceed according to its own course,” the court said in the plea filed by Kejriwal.

The court said it won’t lay down different categories of laws, one for common citizens and another for granting special privileges to a Chief Minister. 

Kejriwal is currently in judicial custody till 23rd April following Delhi Court’s extension of his remand. He was produced virtually before Special Judge Kaveri Baweja of the Rouse Avenue Courts on the expiry of his judicial custody.

The Court said it is extending custody till April 23 when judicial custody of the co-accused (BRS leader K Kavitha) is also ending.

Meanwhile, Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on 21st March in connection with a money laundering probe relating to alleged irregularities in the now-cancelled Delhi excise policy 2021-22.

Tesla signs deal with Tata Electronics to make semiconductor chips for its global operations: Report

OpIndia Staff
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Tesla signs deal with Tata Electronics to make semiconductor chips for its global operations: Report

EV giant Tesla has signed a strategic deal with Tata Electronics to procure semiconductor chips for its global operations, as reported by The Economic Times. As per the report citing official sources aware of the development, the deal was signed quietly a few months ago. However, both Tesla and Tata Electronics have not commented on these developments. Consequently, specific details regarding the deal, such as its value and terms, remain undisclosed. 

The development is seen as a part of Tesla’s strategy to diversify its supply chain and establish a significant presence in India. The US-based EV giant has been eyeing India for a long time as the country is known as the world’s fastest-growing major car market. 

After the COVID-19 pandemic, Tesla has been diversifying its options for sourcing components beyond China, particularly for critical electronic, electrical, and mechanical parts. While the company typically keeps its suppliers secretive, it manufactures certain components like electric motors, battery packs, and chargers in-house, while relying on global suppliers for sub-assemblies and other parts.

In recent weeks, Tesla has reportedly accelerated its efforts to establish an Electronic Vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant in India with an estimated investment of around $2-$3 billion. 

On 3rd April, OpIndia reported that billionaire Elon Musk-led Tesla Inc. has started its search to identify sites for building its proposed $2 billion to $3 billion Electric car plant in India. The company is focusing on states like Maharashtra and Gujarat because the coastal states can assist it in facilitating exports. Later, reports emerged that Tesla is in talks with Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance for its proposed EV plant in India, particularly in Maharashtra. 

Consequently, Musk confirmed reports that he will be coming to India later this month to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He will meet with PM Modi on April 21 and 22. It is expected that he will make major announcements including the launch of the Starlink service in the country and plans to invest between $2 billion to $3 billion for the EV plant. 

A big win for Tata Electronics

Meanwhile, a semiconductor deal with Tesla holds great significance for Tata Electronics, which is leading the Tata group’s foray into semiconductor manufacturing. The deal puts Tata Electronics in the spotlight as a dependable supplier for major global clients eyeing a crucial part of their semiconductor setup in India. 

Moreover, Tata Electronics has expanded its team by recruiting 50-60 highly skilled expatriates in recent months. These individuals bring with them extensive expertise in semiconductor technology, strategic planning, and design, which will enhance the company’s business operations. As per ET report, Randhir Thakur, chief executive and managing director of Tata Electronics has been instrumental in roping in some top talent. He was named CEO in April 2023 and is an Intel Foundry Services veteran.

Tata Electronics has established semiconductor manufacturing facilities in Hosur (Tamil Nadu), Dholera (Gujarat), and Assam, with ambitious expansion plans aimed at creating a comprehensive and interconnected supply system across the country.

Officials stated that it has invested $14 billion to date in the business. 

Top officials close to the development said Tata Electronics has made significant investments in indigenous technology development for all these platforms and has put together a team with 1,000+ years of global domain experience to drive this project.

Congress decides to not use IUML and INC flags during Rahul Gandhi’s Wayanad roadshow: INC’s dangerous duplicity and affair with Muslim extremists

Siddhi Somani
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Congress decides to not use IUML and INC flags during Rahul Gandhi’s Wayanad roadshow: INC’s dangerous duplicity and affair with Muslim extremists

Ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Congress party campaigned in the Wayanad constituency of Kerala on 15th April. While Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reached the constituency and led a rally, the party had decided to use no flags during the campaign. “No party flags will be used for Rahul Gandhi’s election campaign in the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency,” KPCC acting chief MM Hassan was quoted as saying on 13th April.

Hassan, who is also the chairperson of the United Democratic Front (UDF), stated that no flags of the Congress or its allies will be used during Gandhi’s poll campaign. However, he declined to justify the party’s decision not to use the flags but only the Congress party symbol.

Reportedly, the Congress Party’s choice not to use its or ally Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) flags during Rahul Gandhi’s roadshow in Wayanad earlier this month enabled the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] to take political potshots at the party.

While the CPI(M) stated that the flags were not used because the Congress was afraid of the BJP, the BJP had said that Gandhi was ashamed of the IUML and asked him to withdraw his support. The Congress then responded by claiming that the CPI(M) and the BJP have become great friends and that it does not require any training on how to conduct an electoral campaign.

Congress ‘disrespected’ IUML flag at UDF program

The Indian National Congress party has been maintaining a ‘secular’ image when it comes to politics, especially in the state of Kerala. Ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, it is refraining from showcasing its alliance or support to the minority community. The party has also been ‘disrespecting’ or disowning the Muslim League’s alliance in a bid to maintain its ‘secular’ image amid elections.

Earlier, last year also the Congress party had disrespected the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and its flag at a United Democratic Front (UDF) program in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The IUML flag was thrown by a Congress leader who asked the IUML workers to hoist it in Pakistan.

The United Democratic Front (UDF) is the Indian National Congress-led alliance of several political parties in the Indian state of Kerala.

On the other hand, the Muslim community people also seem to keep shut when it comes to openly supporting the Congress ahead of the elections, citing similar reasons. On 10th April, it was reported how the Muslim clerics chose strategic silence on suggesting voting preferences to the community to avoid the polarisation of Hindu votes.

Muslims refraining from ‘openly supporting’ Congress now

Muslims voting in large numbers for a particular political group, with clergy advising them to do so, has been a common occurrence in Indian elections prior to the independence. However, this time the Muslim clerics have restrained themselves from advising the community of bulk voting in favor of a particular party. No prominent Muslim organizations, such as the Islamic seminary Darul Uloom Deoband or the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, have issued directives to community members regarding which party or alliance to support in elections.

This strategic move stems from an inherent anticipation that if they appeal to Muslims to rally behind a particular party, it would ultimately polarise the votes of the majority Hindu community. In the year 2014, Shahi Imam of Delhi’s Jama Masjid extended support to the Congress party, however, this year no such appeal is being made.

This ‘strategic’ silence on political parties is regarded as ‘political maturity’ because Muslim clergy fear that if they openly back any non-BJP party or alliance, Hindu votes automatically shift to the BJP. Thus, Muslim clerics have chosen not to mention any political party, but they have delivered a clear message to the community about who pleases them.

Congress’ harmonious relations with the Muslim League

It is important to note that the Congress party has had very harmonious relations with the IUML. The duo had been openly supporting each other and standing by each other in several elections. The party has been pleasing the community to please the minority vote bank in Wayanad.

In June last year, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called the IUML a ‘secular’ party on the global platform when in fact it is an Islamic extremist outfit. Gandhi was questioned at the National Press Club in Washington about his party’s coalition with the ‘Indian Union of Muslim League’ in Kerala. He responded to this by saying that the ‘Muslim League’ was a completely secular party and that there was nothing non-secular about them. 

IUML which is an off-shoot of Jinnah’s Muslim League’s ‘secular’ character was then massively questioned by the BJP. The BJP leaders slammed Gandhi for favoring the off-shoot of the party that was primarily responsible for the partition of the country. The BJP leaders then maintained that it was the Congress leader’s compulsion to remain acceptable in Wayanad which made him call the Muslim League a “secular party”.

Reportedly, in December 2023, the IUML and the Congress party had a verbal fight ahead of the Ram Mandir inauguration event that happened in January 2024. The IUML wanted the Congress party to take a ‘hard line’ approach favouring Muslims in exchange for their support in elections.

Muslim outfit Samastha, closely associated with IUML slammed the Congress party for its ‘non-commital’ stand on attending the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya. “The Congress stand that the party can attend the ceremony is only meant to prevent depletion of Hindu votes in North India. It is the soft Hindutva approach of the Congress that has taken the party,” the outfit said threatening Congress that if it remains non-committed, BJP would win Lok Sabha in 2024. The Muslim outfit also said that Congress failed to explicitly state that they will not attend the Pran Pratishtha like CPI(M) and because of this they would alienate their Muslim vote bank in Kerala.

It demanded the Congress to openly oppose the Ram Mandir event if it wanted the Muslim vote bank in Kerala stable. Later, close to the event, Congress openly stated that the party would not attend the Ram Mandir event as it was a ‘RSS-BJP’ event.

Give and take of political support

The Congress received “unconditional support” from the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) for the recently happened Telangana assembly elections. IUML national general secretary PK Kunhalikutty had written to the Wayanad MP and asserted that the party would work closely with Congress to build a new government against the governing “fascists.”

The Congress and the IUML also allied to contest in the Kerala general elections of 2019. There were thousands of Muslim League flags flying during Rahul Gandhi’s roadshow in Wayanad. Their inclusion in the Nehru-Gandhi Parivar roadshow took on additional significance because it was reported that the Congress party had strictly instructed its ally not to deploy the flags for fear that it would damage their chances of winning elections in North India. Rahul Gandhi was allegedly at Wayanad then with radical Muslims, per the CPI(M).

Indian Union Muslim League – The offshoot of Jinnah’s party

The All India Muslim League (AIML) founded by Pakistani ideologue and founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah is the parent organisation of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) which claimed to have emerged upon Indian independence in 1948. The Muslim League in Pakistan and the Indian Union Muslim League in India succeeded the All India Muslim League. IUML states that secularism and communal harmony are its two guiding principles on its website, yet it has frequently pursued goals that counter these statements.

Pakistan successfully prompted the British Empire to divide British India in 1947, despite the Muslim League’s vigorous advocacy for the creation of a distinct nation-state with a majority of Muslims. The goal to preserve the spirit of the All-India Muslim League led to the founding of IUML in December 1947.

M. Muhammad Ismail was a strong advocate for Pakistan’s creation and actively participated in the country’s partition process. He served as the founder and first President of the Indian Union Muslim League following the league’s separation from Jinnah’s Muslim League. Importantly, he contended that the IUML was a secular group, however, it had backed the Constituent Assembly’s decision to uphold Sharia law for Indian Muslims upon India’s independence.

He launched the first Muslim political party in the newly formed state of India and even negotiated with Congress to “recognize the League as the sole representative of Muslims.” This is comparable to the policies of Mohammad Ali Jinnah, who had consistently maintained that he and his party, the AIML, were the only delegates of Muslims in undivided India.

Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru teamed up with the IUML in Kerala after independence.  Jinnah had proposed a coalition government with the Muslim League in 1937, however, it was refused by the Congress. Political Islamists like the IUML were further pushed to turn to greater communal politics under the pretext of defending the rights of Muslims in the nation by the opportunistic policies of Congress.

UML was allegedly founded on his guidance immediately before Jinnah departed the nation after the split of the country. He had infamously declared, “There must be a Muslim league in Hindustan.” The AIML had also noted that Pakistan’s might affected India’s ability to defend its minorities and had pledged that it “would do all to protect them.”

Big, fat Indian election: Largest family with 350 members in Assam to cast vote in 18th Lok Sabha election

ANI
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Big, fat Indian election: Largest family with 350 members in Assam to cast vote in 18th Lok Sabha election

With nearly 350 voters, the family of the late Ron Bahadur Thapa of Phuloguri Nepali Paam in Assam’s Sonitpur district is one of the largest that to exercise their franchise in Assam during the opening phase of polling for the Lok Sabha, on April 19.

The district falls within the ambit of the Rangapara assembly constituency and the Sonitpur parliamentary segment.

All memebrs of this family will cast their votes in the Sonitpur Lok Sabha constituency on April 19.

Ron Bahadur Thapa is survived by 12 sons and 9 daughters. He had five wives.

With a family of nearly 1200 members in total, nearly 350 members are to exercise their voting rights in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Ron Bahadur is also survived by more than 150 grandchildren.

There are nearly 300 families from the same ancestor living in the Phuloguri Nepali Paam area in the Sonitpur parliamentary constituency.

Til Bahadur Thapa, village headman of Nepali Paam village and son of the late Ron Bahadur, told ANI that there are around 350 people in their entire family who are eligible to cast their votes.

“My father came here along with my grandfather in 1964 and settled down in the state. My father had five wives and we have 12 brothers and 9 sisters. He had 56 grandchildren by his sons. I don’t know the grandchildren from the daughter’s side. In this election, there are nearly 350 members of the Thapa family in Nepali Paam who are eligible to cast their votes. If we count all children, then the total members of our family will be more than 1,200,” Til Bahadur Thapa told ANI.

He, however, lamented that the family hasn’t yet been able to avail the benefits of the welfare schemes of the state and the central governments.

“Our children received higher education but did not get any government jobs. A few members of our family went to Bengaluru and found private jobs. Some are working as daily wage labourers. I have been working as a village pradhan since 1989. I have 8 sons and 3 daughters,” Til Bahadur said.

He added that his father raised 12 sons and 9 daughters.

Sarki Bahadur Thapa, another son of the late Ron Bahadur, told ANI that there are around 1200 members in the family.

“We have a big family of which there are around 350 members, who are eligible to cast their votes,” Sarki Bahadur Thapa said.

According to the family members, Ron Bahadur died in 1997, leaving behind his big, fat family.

Sarki Bahadur Thapa, now 64, has three wives and 12 children.

There are in excess of 16.25 lakh voters in the Sonitpur Lok Sabha seat, which is made up of 9 assembly segments.

Elections to the 14 Lok Sabha constituencies in Assam will take place in three phases–on April 19, April 26 and May 7. (ANI)

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

‘Congress using deep fake to target BJP’: MP Dinesh Lal Yadav to file FIR against IYC president BV Srinivas for video on Modi and Yogi

OpIndia Staff
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‘Congress using deep fake to target BJP’: MP Dinesh Lal Yadav to file FIR against IYC president BV Srinivas for video on Modi and Yogi

BJP’s IT cell chief Amit Malviya has informed that the Congress party is using deep fake imagery to maliciously target the BJP. Reacting to an X post by Youth Congress chief Srinivas BV, Malviya wrote that Congress is using deep fakes to mislead people, create unrest, and sow divisions in society.

Calling BV Srinivas a ‘habitual offender’, Malviya informed further that BJP’s Azamgarh MP Dinesh Lal Yadav ‘Nirhua’ will be filing an FIR against Srinivas for sharing a deep fake video to malign his image. Malviya added that a complaint is also being filed against Srinivas with the Election Commission of India.

Malviya added that the party has all the screenshots, with time stamps and video recordings for a legal case against BV Srinivas.

Azamgarh MP Dinesh Lal Yadav posted, “Promoting fake videos has become a trend for Congress leaders. Anyone seeing this video can understand that the words and lip movements do not match, AI has been used to clone sound. What exactly do they want to prove?”

In the video that BV Srinivas shared, the alleged deep fake face of Dinesh Lal Yadav is seen saying, “Modi ji doesn’t have a single child. Yogi ji have no children either. They have not added anything to increase unemployment. Who is increasing unemployment in this country? The people who do not listen to the government when the government asks to produce only 2 children, add 8 more mouths to feed. They are the ones increasing the burden of unemployment in this country. When the government proposes regulations for population control, they are the people who refuse to follow. The same people then claim that unemployment is increasing. When an unemployed person produces 8 more children, obviously unemployment will increase.”

BV Srinivas responds, says he used video from a YouTube channel

Responding to Dinesh Lal Yadav, BV Sinivas shared another video of a screen recording, to say that the said video of Yadav was taken from a YouTube channel Soul Up Hindi. He also threw the derogatory ‘Gobar’ jibe at Yadav, saying the Azamgarh MP should ‘stop eating Gobar and consume milk and fresh fruits to enhance his memory’.

Srinivas added that he is ready to face the FIR and would love to provide the links and sources for the video at any police station.

Bestselling author Amish Tripathi explains why he will be voting for the Narendra Modi government in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections

OpIndia Staff
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Bestselling author Amish Tripathi explains why he will be voting for the Narendra Modi government in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections

As election campaigning peaks for the first phase of voting, Amish Tripathi, the author of several bestselling Hindu culture-centric books, has broken his ‘self-imposed’ political silence and extended support to the Modi government.

Notably, on Monday (15th April), the acclaimed author took to his official X account to share his insights, explaining why he will be voting to elect the Modi government in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. 

Admitting that he had refrained from commenting on political developments so far, Amish Tripathi categorically noted that he supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government. 

In an article-format tweet, the headline states in bold, “Why I will be voting for Prime Minister Modi & his government.” 

Tripathi added, “As a rule, I have not spoken on politics in the past. I’d like to break this self-imposed rule this time. I support Prime Minister Modi and his national government. I think it’s crucial to vote for our Prime Minister, through his candidates, in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.” 

In brief, he listed several of the major achievements of the Modi government in various domains that guided this decision. 

Amish Tripathi highlighted, “Dramatic reduction in poverty, emphatic strengthening of the national finances and fisc, vast improvements in infrastructure (I see it in Mumbai, the city I live in, and also Varanasi, the city my family hails from), rising GDP growth rates, investments in science & tech, incentives for start-ups & small-business loans (something I hear about from my readers, who are largely the youth), vastly improved welfare delivery (which has reduced leakages that were common in the past). All good things.” 

Amish Tripathi, however, noted that the main reason behind his decision is that the country needs a Chanakyan leadership for our nation and our civilisation, especially at a time when the Global order and peace of the post-1945 era are in shambles and wars loom large in multiple theatres. 

He pointed out that ongoing crises, including the prolonged effect of the COVID pandemic, wars, debt crisis, piracy on the high seas, terrorist organisations like Houthis getting hold of high-tech weapons, and climate crisis among other challenges are time bombs waiting to blow up on the face of the planet. And the world is unprepared to handle most of them. When a Global Order crumbles, there is usually a time of chaos, tumult, and often, war, Amish Tripathi added. 

After highlighting the ongoing challenges in tumultuous times, Tripathi stressed that India needs top-of-the-line and exceptional leadership similar to the one the US had during the World Wars which proved very advantageous for the US in decades to come.

Tripathi added, “At this critical stage in world history, we Indians need leadership that has intense motivation, competencies that are top-of-the-line, ability to work hard, capability to carry the masses along. And skills to engage with the world with firm clarity; with kindness when possible, but with steely resolve when necessary.”  

He further stated, “There are many who love and admire Prime Minister Modi. Some do not. To those who don’t, my appeal, at this critical juncture in world history is this: we need a strong government with a clear majority, which can engage with the world in a robust manner and ensure that India emerges at the top at the end of this period of tumult. If India is strong, all of us Indians at least have a chance of being strong.” 

Amish Tripathi asserted that the strength of every Indian lies in the success and strength of the country at the national and International level. The renowned author stated, “If India weakens (like it did in the late 50s, 60s, 70s & 80s), it is guaranteed that we will all weaken. Remember, because we have a strong government, we can negotiate resolutely with more powerful countries and do things which are in our national interest (like buying oil from Russia, which has kept our inflation in check).” 

Concluding his post, he urged voters, “We need Chanakyan leadership at this critical time for our nation, our civilisation. We need Prime Minister Modi to continue. I will be voting for the NDA candidate in my constituency. I hope you will too.” 

‘Misleading, malicious, and ill-motivated’: MHA rubbishes ‘journalist’ Sushant Singh over media reports on Chinese incursion threat list

OpIndia Staff
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‘Misleading, malicious, and ill-motivated’: MHA rubbishes ‘journalist’ Sushant Singh over media reports on Chinese incursion threat list

The Ministry of Home Affairs called out the fake news propagated by ‘journalist’ Sushant Singh over his tweet where he cited a media report claiming that the ITBP has sent a report to the MHA, alerting it over 19 places on the Line of Actual Control that could witness transgression by the Chinese army during summers.

“This post by @SushantSin is MISLEADING, MALICIOUS and ILL-MOTIVATED on the sensitive issue of National Security. ITBP has not submitted any such internal report to MHA,” the official X handle of the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Home Affairs tweeted.

The media report, which was published yesterday (April 14, 2024), cited sources within the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) to claim that an internal report has pinpointed 19 “sensitive” locations along the China frontier, spanning from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh, that are at risk of incursions by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army this summer. An ITBP official was quoted as saying, “The report, compiled with insights from the force’s intelligence division, has prompted us to dispatch extra reinforcements to these high-altitude sensitive spots to strengthen our positions.”

“According to intelligence reports, these areas are expected to experience incursions by the PLA as the snow begins to melt in the summer,” he explained. Since May 2020, the Indian and Chinese armies have been embroiled in a border standoff in eastern Ladakh. Reports suggest that the PLA has reportedly shifted the unmarked Line of Actual Control (LAC) and has allegedly occupied close to 1,000 square kilometres of territory claimed by India.

The Indian and Chinese armies have been in a standoff along the eastern Ladakh border since May 2020, during which the PLA is alleged to have modified the unmarked Line of Actual Control (LAC) and reportedly occupied nearly 1,000 square kilometres of territory claimed by India.

Palghar Sadhu lynching: Uddhav Thackeray obeyed Rahul Gandhi’s order to halt the transfer of case to CBI, prevented timely probe, Shiv Sena alleges

OpIndia Staff
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Palghar Sadhu lynching: Uddhav Thackeray obeyed Rahul Gandhi’s order to halt the transfer of case to CBI, prevented timely probe, Shiv Sena alleges

Shiv Sena secretary and spokesperson Kiran Pawaskar has said that Uddhav Thackeray halted the transfer of the Palghar Sadhu lynching case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) when he was the Chief Minister of Maharashtra on the orders of Congress scion Rahul Gandhi.

On 16th April 2020, two Sadhus associated with the Juna Akhara, 70-year-old Kalpavrishka Giri Maharaj and 35-year-old Sushil Giri Maharaj were lynched to death by a mob of over 100 people while they were on the way from Mumbai to Gujarat along with their driver Nilesh Telgadewere, 30, to give Samadhi to another Sadhu.

Videos of the incident showed how the Sadhus were brutally lynched in the presence of the police who not only watched as a mute spectator but handed them over to the mob.

“There’s evidence suggesting that under pressure from Gandhi, Thackeray agreed not to transfer the case to the CBI,” Pawaskar said.

He said, “The murder was committed while Thackeray was sleeping, and the (then) Home Minister (Anil Deshmukh) was busy collecting money, leading to suspicions that the sadhus were murdered at the behest of the Maharashtra government. At that time, Thackeray had given a tepid response and had kept the investigation machinery idle. The government’s reluctance to hand over the Sadhu murder case to the CBI prevented a timely investigation.”

Pawaskar added that the police made no significant progress even after three to four months. “It was because of the Thackeray-led government’s (MVA) inaction that the Akhara leaders demanded the transfer of the case to the CBI. However, Thackeray’s administration opposed transferring the case to the CBI.”

Pawaskar said that only after Eknath Shinde assumed the role of the Chief Minister on 30th June 2022, after nearly two years, a swift decision was reached regarding this issue. “Shinde decided to transfer the Sadhu murder case to the CBI,” Pawaskar said. He added that the Maha Yuti government also announced a financial aid of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the deceased Sadhus.

Notably, five months after the incident, the then Maha Vikas Aghadi government led by Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray had submitted an affidavit in the apex court wherein it had opposed the transfer of the Palghar lynching case to the CBI.

The affidavit was submitted days after the Supreme Court sought a response from the then Uddhav Thackeray government on the petitions seeking a CBI and NIA probe into the case of the brutal lynching of Hindu Sadhus in Palghar.

Several reports that emerged in the wake of the bloodcurdling lynching hinted that the brutal murder of the Hindu sadhus may not have been an act of spontaneity but a part of a broader conspiracy designed to eliminate the Hindu priests.

An FIR into the case revealed an ultra-left connection to the lynching as it mentioned that a CPI(M) gram panchayat member had allegedly gathered a mob armed with rods and stones to kill the sadhus.

“The modus operandi by cutting trees and placing boulders to obstruct movement is also a common stratagem used by Naxalites against their preys,” the had FIR mentioned.

Reports also emerged that the killing of the Sadhus may have been intentional and politically motivated. The involvement of Christian Missionary organisations and some local NCP leaders and leftists were also suspected.

Four days after the incident, the case was transferred to the CID, even as demands for a CBI inquiry into the matter steadily gained momentum.

2024 Lok Sabha Elections: Ten things I like about the BJP manifesto and a few I wish were different

Ganesh R
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2024 Lok Sabha Elections: Ten things I like about the BJP manifesto and a few I wish were different

The overarching theme is something many have pointed out – reliance on long-term and medium-term schemes, not reckless freebies. This is not just bold but most sensible. 

Time will tell if voters can see through the fraudulent dynastic promises like the Rs.1 lakh scheme that will never be implemented or destroy the economy if done. The hilarious interview Sanket Upadhyay did with a Congress manifesto committee member, where he could even calculate the enormous sum needed on his phone, even on a conservative basis, illustrates this nicely. It is telling that upper caste NRI academia frauds and enablers of dynastic loot that lecture us from the USA on fiscal stability, inflation etc., choose to remain silent on such fake promises.

But the very fact that BJP has chosen to go this route shows it has the confidence to do so.

What I find encouraging is the humility – no doubt there is a lot of chest-thumping as can be expected in any such paper from any such party. But the frank acceptance that so much more needs to be done is the key. People know this and expect it to be acknowledged. What’s important is to convince them of the importance of staying the course – any regression at this point can destroy what’s been achieved. 

It is also good to see the BJP avoiding the usual woke pet phrases like climate change. It may be real but has been reduced to a joke and a racket. That word appears only once in the entire manifesto and that too in the context of coastal communities which is a valid concern. 

Let us turn to some specifics.

  1. For the middle class, the focus is on exactly what they need – health, education and employment. Not freebies that they know will have to be paid for indirectly. Medical costs can push a middle-class family back into poverty. Instead of doles, the promise to expand AIIMS is heartening. Expanding public healthcare facilities, and medical colleges must be the priority and it is.
  2. A specific promise to build hostels, creches etc for women to join the workforce in bigger numbers. Of course, the corrupt CONLEFT ecosystem will have it both ways – if women don’t join the workforce, it will be spun as joblessness and if they do, it becomes proof of financial distress. It is good to see the BJP moving away from this propaganda trap and embracing increased participation. The public toilet promise is another bold step – small things that make a big difference and no one bothers.
  3. For the youth, the first item itself shows that the BJP cares for the most important. Degrees, whose values are trusted by employers both in India and abroad. We are in a sad situation where some universities and state degrees are worthless overseas. For instance, it is known that Singapore employment pass reviewers just ignore them. They even had to employ independent agents to verify their value! Rampant paper leaks and copying affect the ones studying hard for their certificate. We must change this and make Indian degrees worth their weight in gold.
  4. The promise of investment led employment growth – this is not only sustainable, this is the ONLY way. BJP must educate voters on this crucial aspect. Our working class as well as youth are fed propaganda dreams that defy basic economic sense. Providing government jobs is not the solution except where a shortage of staff exists such as teaching. Anyone who visits a government office will know that’s not the case in most cases!. Doubling of mudra loans to Rs.20 lakhs will help enormously. Especially as bad loans are quite low in these.
  5. Promise to improve crop insurance – many issues have cropped up in this well-intentioned scheme. It must be made to work better. One hopes the rectification will be prompt.
  6. Krishi Infra mission – we are not clear what this means but the very fact that infrastructure is mentioned is heartening – again this follows the BJP script – build the base not throw money at doles. Reducing post-harvest waste can increase farmers’ income in sustainable ways. The point on grain storage that follows seems a repetition, but it is well worth repeating. 
  7. Seaweed, pearl farming for the fishermen. Further proof of thinking out of the box. There is only so much one can wring from traditional fishing especially given reducing fish stocks due to various factors. This is a huge export opportunity if done well. Encouraging consumption locally can also boost nutrition.  
  8. E-Shram has been the focus for workers – especially the unorganised, gig workers and migrant labour. This group requires focussed initiatives. While light on details, one hopes the benefits will be gradually expanded and cover more.
  9. Facilities for truck drivers – again shows how BJP cares for the stuff others don’t bother with or even think about. This is not charity – keeping drivers fresh and alert will reduce accidents, save lives. 
  10. The promise to simplify compliance for MSME – I have been shouting about this for a long and I do hope this will be done in meaningful ways. The best help we can give to MSMEs is freeing them from the clutches of rent-seeking, corrupt babudom.

I do have a few rants that should be familiar to anyone who bothers to read my articles and posts! Let me briefly list them here again.

A more aggressive and specific plan for expanding public healthcare could have been made. 

A specific plan and commitment to remove compliance burden and tax terror and rationalise tax rates. Nothing has been said on GST simplification other than the portal. The next stage of reform-led job creation and growth will require competing with countries that have already done so. 

Public transport – buses play a key role. Other than mention of e-Bus nothing much has been said on this. I wish a more aggressive plan to support public buses is made that will ease the lives of city dwellers, especially Tier 2 and 3 cities and small towns.

One thing we know – BJP does implement what is promised – at any rate far more effectively than others. The ones that didn’t read their manifesto, be it on Article 370 or Ram mandir lived to regret it. Let us hope we live to celebrate the success.

Mira Road, Mumbai: 4-year-old Hindu girl brutally raped, threatened with a knife, accused Md Imran Khan arrested. Here is what the FIR reads

Siddhi Somani
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Mira Road, Mumbai: 4-year-old Hindu girl brutally raped, threatened with a knife, accused Md Imran Khan arrested. Here is what the FIR reads

On 14th April, the Navghar Police station in Mumbai’s Mira Road region filed an FIR against one individual identified as Mohammed Imran Daraj Khan for brutally harassing, threatening, and raping a 4-year-old Hindu girl. The accused runs a chicken shop close to the Orange Hospital on Mira Road and was known to the victim as a neighbor. He often lured the girl with chocolates and biscuits in spite of objections from her father.

The current incident is said to have happened on 7th April, however, it came to the fore only after the girl complained about stomach ache on 14th April, Sunday. On being asked by her father, she revealed what Khan, the owner of the nearby chicken shop had done to her around a week ago and threatened her to keep her mouth shut.

Here’s what exactly happened

As per the complaint filed by the girl’s father, and case details obtained by OpIndia, she was all alone when the incident happened. The father of the victim girl is a barber and owns a shop close to the shop of the accused. The mother of the girl had gone to her maternal home for a few days and hence, her father had been taking care of her.

The accused eventually came to know about this and began luring the girl by giving her chocolates and biscuits. On 7th April, the accused called the girl to his chicken shop, gave her chocolates, and then after some time forced himself upon her. He forcefully took off her pants and inserted his fingers into her private parts resulting in massive bleeding. He then threatened the girl with a huge knife and asked her to keep her shut, failing which he said he would kill her.

The girl got scared and didn’t utter a word. However, the father of the girl noticed some changes in her behavior. “She was strangely quiet and not active as usual. I asked her a couple of times about what happened but she didn’t say a word. Suddenly on Sunday, 14th April, she complained that her stomach was aching. Initially, I thought, it would be because of the heat or she must have eaten something that doesn’t suit her. But she continued complaining and began crying. Later I patiently asked her to know that she had been raped by the chicken shop owner, Khan,” the father of the girl said in the complaint.

The father then informed his other neighbors and immediately took the girl to the hospital. He also then happened to file a police complaint at the Navaghar Police Station. The accused has been booked by the Police under sections 376 (rape), 506 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and sections 4, 8, and 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. Sections 37 and 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951 have also been imposed on the accused.

The protest began, Hindus lathi-charged

Massive protests began in the Mira Road region on the night of 14th April after the Hindu community and the other localities came to know about the incident. The enraged Hindus held placards demanding justice for the 4-year-old girl. They also demanded death sentence for the accused. However, as per the information obtained by OpIndia, the police launched a lathi-charge on the protesters. Eventually, the FIR was filed.

Images exclusively obtained by OpIndia.com

The minor victim girl has been admitted to the local hospital at present and is undergoing treatment. The police investigations are underway.

There is a section of society in India even today which believes that incidents of Grooming Jihad, communal crimes/acts of violence against Hindus, and conversion of people to Islam is a hoax and that Islamists are unnecessarily ‘targeted’ by the Hindus owing to mythical ‘majoritarianism’. However, the truth is far from it. OpIndia has time and again exposed several such incidents highlighting the sickening mentality of the Islamists against the Hindus.

Recently, in February, OpIndia brought 17 exclusive cases only from the Mira Road region of Mumbai in which almost in every case, Hindu girl children or women were deliberately targeted by the Islamists. The complete report of the 17 cases can be read here.

Harassment of Hindus at the hands of Islamists has become a norm at Mira Road: Sakal Hindu Samaj

The Sakal Hindu Samaj members in an exclusive conversation, informed OpIndia that the Mira Road region in Mumbai is dominated by the Muslim majority population and that the community which claims to be a minority and oppressed is moving to become a problem for the other community residents. 

“Earlier this Mira Bhayander region, Nayanagar area was dominated by the Hindu population. In the past few years, several Muslims from the Mumbra region or even from different cities migrated to this area claiming their dominance. They eventually began harassing Hindus, and their daughters, and now the situation has become worse. Even the police in such cases fail to take stringent action,” one of the members said.

“They (police) just treat these cases like other normal criminal cases and that’s why these Islamists most of the time get a free pass. The police and the local administration should understand the intention of the accused Islamists behind targeting the Hindu girls,” he added.

The accused in the given case has been arrested. The victim is at the hospital. Further investigations are underway.

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