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Delhi: Instagram ‘influencer’ Pradeep Dhaka performs stunts on flyover to make reels, burns police barricade, arrested

OpIndia Staff
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Delhi: Instagram ‘influencer’ Pradeep Dhaka performs stunts on flyover to make reels, burns police barricade, arrested

A 25-year-old YouTuber and Instagram influencer was arrested for doing stunts with his SUV on a busy flyover, and setting a police barricade on fire. The influencer, Pradeep Dhaka, was reportedly doing these stunts to record reels for his social media accounts. Dhanka has been charged with causing damage to public property and impeding the performance of official responsibilities, according to Deputy Commissioner of Police (outer) Jimmy Chiram. A fine of Rs 36,000 has also been slapped on him.

The car used for the stunts was seized at the Paschim Vihar East police station in accordance with the 39/112 MV Act, 100.2/177 MV Act, and 184 Motor Vehicles Act. Pradeep Dhaka had also posted videos of him pulling over on the main flyover at the outer ring road in Paschim Vihar during rush hour which led to road blockade and traffic congestion. Additionally, he was observed driving the vehicle with the door open on the flyover. Pradeep Dhaka also shared the video online where he is setting police barricades on fire.

On their X profile, Delhi Police posted a video ridiculing Pradeep Dhaka, demonstrating how his car was seized and a charge was brought against him. The authorities said, “Delhi Police took strict action under the Motor Vehicles Act against the accused who violated various traffic provisions for making reels, issued a challan, seized the vehicle, and registered a case under IPC sections for misbehaviour and assault on policemen and arrested him.”

Authorities confirmed that Dhaka was taken into custody and charged with assaulting police officers under the applicable provisions of the Indian Penal Code. It was discovered that the car was registered under Pradeep Dhaka’s mother’s name.

Jimmy Chiram provided information regarding the arrest, stating that on 29th March the police became aware of the incident after seeing footage of a “modified golden car” obstructing traffic close to Paschim Vihar. A man was seen in the video hindering traffic by standing in the centre of the main flyover at Ring Road in Paschim Vihar with his automobile parked behind him.

Using the social media profiles that were tagged in the reels, a group of Outer District officers identified the individual as Pradeep Dhaka, a Nangloi resident. He resisted arrest when a police team arrived at his house. Following a brief struggle, he was apprehended and his SUV was confiscated at the Paschim Vihar East police station under the applicable sections of the Motor Vehicles Act. The DCP noted, “The vehicle, ISUZU Hi-Lander, has been seized. It is registered in the name of his mother.”

According to the authorities, the accused has been charged with arson at the Nihal Vihar police station after seeing the second video, in which he set a barricade on fire. He and his family members were also booked for preventing public servants from discharging their duty as they resisted the police officers who went to arrest him from his house.

“He violated traffic rules and damaged government property. We request all content creators to follow traffic rules and obtain proper permission before shooting such videos,” the official stated.

Pradeep Dhaka describes himself as a producer, financier and real estate trader in his social media bio. He has over 857K followers on his Instagram account.

Recounting the 2008 Attack: Retired IPS officer Brij Lal details how Yogi Adityanath narrowly escaped ambush on his convoy by Mukhtar Ansari’s gang

OpIndia Staff
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Recounting the 2008 Attack: Retired IPS officer Brij Lal details how Yogi Adityanath narrowly escaped ambush on his convoy by Mukhtar Ansari’s gang

Among his long list of criminal cases, gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari was also an accused in the 2005 communal riots that broke out in Mau, where he and his gang members had terrorised the public by brandishing an AK-47 from an open jeep. Further, he was also accused of attacking the convoy of then Gorakhpur MP Yogi Adityanath who had challenged him and vowed to get Justice for victims of Mau communal violence.  

In 2008, Ansari and his henchmen ambushed the convoy of then-sitting MP from Gorakhpur Yogi Adityanath while it was en route to Azamgarh. Initially, the convoy was attacked by hurling stones, later petrol bombs were thrown to torch vehicles part of the convoy which was followed by indiscriminate gunfire. One person lost his life while six others were injured in the attack. However, Yogi Adityanath narrowly escaped the ambush because of the last-minute decision to switch to another car within the convoy, rather than remaining in his usual vehicle.

Speaking to News18, retired IPS officer Brij Lal who was then ADG Law and Order, recounted details of the 7th September 2008 attack on Yogi Adityanath’s convoy. The 1977 batch officer recalled that to bring the situation under control he had to be airdropped from the chopper along with an AK-47 rifle.

According to the retired IPS officer, the story goes back to 2005, when communal riots erupted in Mau. Brij Lal said, “During this time, the five-time MLA and mafia-turned-politician whose name cropped up for inciting the riots in Mau was seen waving an AK-47 from an open jeep.” 

The then Gorakhpur MP Yogi Adityanath had tried to visit Mau to meet the victims but he was not allowed to enter the district. He was stopped at Dohrighat, from where he was forced to return to Gorakhpur. At that time, SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav was the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.

Later, in 2008, Yogi Adityanath challenged Mukhtar Ansari and vowed that he would get justice for the victims of the Mau riots. For this, he had announced to take out a rally in Azamgarh against terrorism under the leadership of his Hindu Yuva Vahini. 

Speaking with News18, Brij Lal said, “Yogi ji had announced a rally against terrorism in Azamgarh under the leadership of the Hindu Yuva Vahini.” He added, “The chosen date was 7 September 2008 and DAV College ground was chosen as the venue for the rally.”

According to Brij Lal, Yogi Adityanath was thought to be travelling in a red SUV, which was part of a 40-vehicle convoy. Just before the cavalcade touched Azamgarh, it came under stone-pelting, followed by the hurling of petrol bombs and gun-firing. Following the attack on his convoy, Yogi Adityanath’s gunner also opened fire.

The former IPS officer added, “It was just a matter of coincidence that he changed the vehicle at the last moment and left his red SUV so his life was saved. It was a planned attack.” 

He remembered that when he heard about the attack, he quickly flew to Azamgarh in a helicopter and landed in Civil Lines.

He stated, “Since all other officials were already engaged, I took an AK-47 and asked the then-divisional commissioner to inspect the affected areas. I remember moving in the lanes of Azamgarh along with the AK-47. We carried out frequent raids and booked several people who indulged in violence.” 

According to the officer, it was a planned attack and Yogi Adityanath had a narrow escape because of the last-minute decision to switch to another car within the convoy. 

Nine years after the attack, he became the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh in 2017. Since then, the Yogi Adityanath government has launched a crackdown on organised crime and criminals in the state, clamping down on gangs and their activities. 

He had said, “Mafia dons and professional criminals are begging for their lives. There is no place for any mafia dons or criminals in UP.” 

Meanwhile, gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari had been behind bars since 2005. He had over 60 criminal cases pending against him and was lodged in the Banda Jail when his health deteriorated. Later, he was rushed to hospital where he died of cardiac arrest. On Saturday (30th March), he was laid to rest amid heavy security presence in Ghazipur’s Mohammadabad Darzi Tola. 

Riyas Maulavi murder case: All three RSS members acquitted by Kerala Court after spending 7 years in jail

OpIndia Staff
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Riyas Maulavi murder case: All three RSS members acquitted by Kerala Court after spending 7 years in jail

The Kasaragod Sessions Court on 30th March acquitted all three accused in the murder case of the 34-year-old muezzin (person who proclaims the call to the daily prayer) and madrasa teacher in Kasaragod named Mohammed Riyas Maulavi. The three accused, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) activists and residents of Kelugude in Kasaragod town, S Ajesh, N Akhilesh and S Nithin spent the last seven years in prison awaiting trial.

The trio was finally released when Judge Balakrishnan K K of the Session Court found them not guilty. A native of Karnataka’s Kodagu area, Riyas Maulavi served as the muezzin of the Muhayuddin Juma Masjid at Choori, which is located outside Kasaragod town. Furthermore, he taught at the mosque’s religious school, Issathul Islam Madrasa.

“Three individuals were unjustly detained in prison for seven years without being granted bail. From the beginning, police started the investigation with the presumption that the murder was committed by the RSS. The police attempted to salvage their reputation by apprehending these individuals. However, the accused had no prior connection with the victim, and they were unfamiliar with the location where the incident took place,” voiced advocate Binu Kulammakad, who represented them.

Following the development, their attorney T Sunil Kumar, stated that the prosecution had not only failed to prove the charges against the trio, but had also deliberately placed evidence against them. Riyas Maulavi suffered 14 stab wounds above his waist prior to his death. Sunil Kumar mentioned, “The wounds were on his head and shoulders, too. The prosecution produced Maulavi’s lungi as evidence. The lungi had these 14 stab marks. If we have to believe the prosecution, then we would have to assume Maulavi was sleeping with the lungi over his head when he was attacked.”

The counsel also pointed out, “The accused were under 25 years old. But the police line-up had men who were above 38 years old. The line-up also had Muslims who wore their lungis differently, making identification easier. Above all, the police showed the photos of the accused to the witnesses making the exercise a mockery.”

He added that when the first accused’s outfit and alleged weapons were sent for DNA testing, the police failed to seal them. Additionally, the defence contended that the scissors designated as the murder weapon were manufactured and that the blood on them was from the location of the crime. “So when the weapon and the clothes were not sealed separately, the DNA could get transferred because of the proximity”, he added.

Background of the case

On the intervening night of 20th and 21st March 2017, unknown culprits broke into the mosque compound and might have knocked on Riyas Maulavi’s door. According to authorities, when he opened the door, they stabbed him fourteen times and left him to die. The senseless and unmotivated killing brought Kasaragod dangerously close to communal conflict. The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) issued a strike call on 21st March. On the same day, A Srinivas, the Kannur Crime Branch Superintendent of Police at the time, led a special investigation team appointed by the State Police Chief.

The special team apprehended 19-year-old Nitin, 20-year-old Ajesh and 25-year-old Akhilesh on the third day of the murder. According to A Srinivas, the victim was unknown to the accused and the murder was driven by communal hate. He remarked, “I don’t see any other reason.” The final report was filed by the police against the trio under Sections 449 (house trespass), 302 (murder), 153A (promoting enmity on the ground of religion), 295 (defiling place of worship), 201 (destruction of evidence) r/w 34 (common intention) of Indian Penal Code.

The chargesheet was filed within ninety days and was examined by the court with 97 witnesses, 215 documents and 45 pieces of material evidence. The accused weren’t eligible for bail benefits because the chargesheet in the case was submitted within ninety days of the crime. The COVID-19 pandemic and transfer of judges have been used as reasons for the case’s repeated postponements.

All big rating agencies revise India’s growth projection upwards, predict it will be fastest fastest-growing economy among G-20 nations this year

ANI
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All big rating agencies revise India’s growth projection upwards, predict it will be fastest fastest-growing economy among G-20 nations this year

India will be the fastest growing economy among the G-20 nations in 2024. In the previous three quarters, India’s economy expanded at 7.8 per cent in Q1, 7.6 per cent in Q2 and 8.4 per cent in Q3.

On Saturday, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in an event at Mumbai that India will grow over 8 per cent in the January-March quarter of 2024. The country has become the 5th largest economy of the world and the Modi government has pledged to make it the 3rd largest by 2027.

The 8.4 per cent growth in Q3 has surpassed expectations, post that various institutions have upgraded their GDP growth forecast for India. The most recent upgrade came from Goldman Sachs, which has raised India’s 2024 growth projections to 6.6 per cent, a 10 basis point improvement from its previous forecast.

Earlier this month S&P, Morgan Stanley and Moody’s too have revised India’s growth projections upwards. S&P revises India’s growth projections from 6.4 per cent to 6.8 per cent, Morgan Stanley from 6.1 per cent to 6.8 per cent and Moody’s from 6.6 per cent to 8 per cent for the current fiscal.

The growth projections were revised upward by rating agencies, reflecting both global and domestic optimism in the country’s economy on the back of robust manufacturing activity and infrastructure spending.

Moody expects India to be the fastest growing economy among the G-20 countries on the back of strong government expenditure and domestic consumption. The Modi government has raised capital expenditure from 2 per cent of GDP nine years ago to 3.8 per cent of GDP in the interim budget of 2024, that is about 4.5 times since 2014-15.

The government has allocated Rs 11.11 lakh crore as capital expenditure in the interim budget on February 1, 2024. This is an increase of 11.1 per cent from the last budget. In the 2023 budget CAPEX was increased by a whopping 33 per cent to Rs 10 lakh crore.

S&P says, “We have revised up 2024’s growth forecast for India due to stronger than expected momentum at the start of the year. An improving global economic environment and an expected gradual easing of domestic financial conditions will support economic activity.”

The global analytics firm has also raised India’s FY24 forecast upward to 7.3 per cent from 6.9 per cent projected earlier. On the inflation front, the analytics firm was more optimistic as it projected inflation to decline to 5.1 per cent in FY25 from 5.6 per cent earlier. India’s inflation is likely to average at 5.7 per cent in FY24.

However, the latest government forecast for the growth of the economy stands at 7.6 per cent in FY24. But growth figures of the last three quarters showed that the economy expanded at 8.2 per cent in the first three quarters of this fiscal and adding to this finance minister statement that India’s GDP will grow by over 8 per cent will give rating agencies a thought to re-write India’s growth story.

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

Pakistan: Rioters burn down KFC in Mirpur to support Hamas in Israel-Hamas war

OpIndia Staff
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Pakistan: Rioters burn down KFC in Mirpur to support Hamas in Israel-Hamas war

On 29th March, rioters attacked a KFC restaurant in Mirpur, Pakistan and burned it to the ground. The attack was to support Palestinians in Gaza, as Pakistanis are attacking foreign companies in Pakistan, including McDonalds, KFC, Starbucks and others. The police reportedly used tear gas to disperse the rioters.

Images and videos of the incident went viral on social media. It appeared that the rioters opened fire at the windows of the restaurant as there were holes, which possibly occurred due to gunshots. A man in a viral video was heard shouting “We have burned down KFC” while cheering.

In a video posted on social media, the restaurant was engulfed in flames. The customers who were inside the restaurant at the time of the attack were seen running out to escape the fire. The rioters were chanting slogans including “We burnt KFC”.

Reports suggest that the rioters were shouting anti-Israel and pro-Palestine slogans as they burnt down the store. Around 50 rioters were arrested by the police. Several raids took place in search of more culprits.

Daily Mail quoted a British national in the city for a holiday who saw the riots. Speaking to the media house, he described the scene as aggressive and frightening. He pointed out that the police present at the scene were useless as the rioters outnumbered them.

KFC is one of the most popular fast-food destinations in the city. However, the rioters destroyed it completely, aiming to attack the foreign company that they claimed was a supporter of Israel in the Israel-Hamas war. Earlier on 21st March, a KFC branch was shut down by the protesters in Peshawar.

In February this year, Pakistanis called for a boycott of the Pakistan Super League cricket tournament, as KFC was one of the sponsors. KFC’s Middle East unit has reported a decline of 5% in sales for the last quarter as many Muslim countries are facing similar boycott movements against the fast food chain.

CEO David Gibbs reportedly said during an earnings call to the investors that the conflict impacted the top line sales across the Middle East, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Starbucks is also facing similar boycott calls. Last year, McDonald’s also faced identical attacks after it gave away thousands of free means to Israeli forces and citizens after the gruesome 7th October terrorist attack by Hamas.

7th October terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel

On 7th October, Hamas terrorists launched an all-out attack on Israel from sea, land, and air. At least 5,000 rockets were launched into Israel from Gaza, and tunnels were used to breach the Israeli territory and butcher Israeli civilians, particularly in the border villages. A music festival hosting more than 200 people was turned into a slaughter ground with many women raped, mutilated and abducted to Gaza. At least 1,300 people, including some foreign nationals, babies, women and senior citizens, died in the attacks. More than 200 were abducted and taken to Gaza. Following the attack, Israel launched a counterattack to eliminate Hamas. The Israel-Hamas war entered its 176th day on 31st March 2024.

Maharashtra: CSK fan celebrates Rohit Sharma’s dismissal in an IPL match against SRH, dies after MI fans hit him in the head

OpIndia Staff
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Maharashtra: CSK fan celebrates Rohit Sharma’s dismissal in an IPL match against SRH, dies after MI fans hit him in the head

The ongoing IPL season coincides with the Lok Sabha elections, stirring up fervent discussions among cricket enthusiasts. While IPL teams and players rake in substantial earnings, fans passionately debate the victories and losses of their favourite teams. Tragically, a dispute over cricket led to a fatal incident in Kolhapur in Maharashtra, where a man lost his life.

On 27th March, an IPL match was played between teams Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad. The incident took place when the victim and the accused were together watching the match on TV. The deceased has been identified as Bandopant Bapuso Tibile (63), a resident of Hanmantwadi. The accused, Balwant Mahadev Jhanjage (50), and Sagar Sadashiv Jhanjage (35), both residents of Hanmantwadi, have been arrested.

Accused Balwant Jhanjage and Sagar Jhanjage and some people from their locality were watching an IPL match in a man’s house. Both the accused are fans of Mumbai Indians. During the match, Hyderabad tabled a big score, and they were not happy with this.

When Rohit Sharma of Mumbai Indians was dismissed, Bandopant Tibile, who is a Chennai Super Kings fan, started a celebration. He said, “Mumbai Indians will not win now as Rohit Sharma is dismissed.” Enraged accused Balwant Jhanjage and Sagar Jhanjage beat him on his head with sticks. Tibile was seriously injured in the incident and fell unconscious on the spot. He was rushed to the hospital. However, he succumbed to his injuries during treatment on 31st March.

The police were also taken aback by the incident of assault over a very minor issue. Police registered a case against both the suspects and arrested them. Further investigation into this case is going on.

In the meanwhile, Mumbai Indians lost the match to Sunrisers Hyderabad by 31 runs.

Maharashtra: Over 24000 schools cultivate kitchen gardens, fostering lifelong skills among students and helping the environment

OpIndia Staff
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Maharashtra: Over 24000 schools cultivate kitchen gardens, fostering lifelong skills among students and helping the environment

Over 24,000 government schools in Maharashtra have established kitchen gardens within the past year, reveals the state primary education department. These gardens, tended by students under teacher guidance, supply produce for school meals. A competition to honour exemplary kitchen gardens statewide is also going to be held soon.

According to a report by Times of India, State Education Commissioner Suraj Mandhare remarked, “Schools have taken great interest in this scheme and are growing vegetables that go straight into daily meals. It is a very encouraging sign and some of the kitchen gardens are a treat to see.”

He added, “Setting up gardens has helped students and schools achieve the goal of learning a lifelong skill of critical importance, considering rapid urbanisation and environmental issues. This shapes behavioural patterns of students.”

The Union Ministry of Education has released planning guidelines specifying suitable plants for kitchen gardens, including fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, 46,946 schools in Maharashtra participated in the Union government’s kitchen garden program for 2023-2024. Approximately Rs 20 crore was allocated for this initiative under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan in 2019.

These developments underscore the proactive approach of Maharashtra’s government schools in promoting sustainable practices and empowering students with practical skills. The integration of kitchen gardens into the school environment not only enhances nutritional offerings but also instills values of self-sufficiency and environmental stewardship among students.

With the upcoming competition, schools are expected to further enhance their efforts in nurturing thriving kitchen gardens, contributing to a culture of healthy eating and environmental awareness in educational institutions across the state.

The initiative aligns with broader efforts to promote holistic education and sustainable development, ensuring that students are equipped not only with academic knowledge but also with practical skills essential for their future success and well-being.

Pakistan: Presbyterian church in Rawalpindi’s Gujar Khan set on fire a day after Good Friday, police blames short-circuit

OpIndia Staff
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Pakistan: Presbyterian church in Rawalpindi’s Gujar Khan set on fire a day after Good Friday, police blames short-circuit

On 30th March, authorities in Gujar Khan city of the Rawalpindi district in Pakistan shared that a Presbyterian church was set on fire during the course of the night at around 3 am, only hours after Good Friday. According to reports from the area, there was a dispute between the Christian community and the owner of a local plaza on Good Friday because the Church had closed a nearby street for security.

Rawalpindi CPO Khalid Mahmood Hamdani claimed that a preliminary inquiry indicated a short circuit was the reason behind the incident and they did not discover any combustible material around. The official alleged in response to a question that they had looked into the matter and that the plaza’s owner was not linked to the fire. However, Elder Javed, the church’s custodian, told the reporters that although he had not mentioned it in his statement, police filed a complaint citing short circuit as the cause of the fire.

He added that they engaged in an altercation with one of the locals. Elder Javed charged that either that local or someone else at his behest was responsible for the arson. Later, the Christian community protested outside the church, calling on the administration of Punjab to look into the matter and reimburse damages. The demonstrators were given assurances by Assistant Commissioner Gujar Khan Murad Hussain Nekokara that the incident would be fairly investigated.

According to a church official, the proprietor of a nearby plaza demanded that the church administration take down the tents that were erected to block the road on Good Friday for security reasons. However, police and other locals stepped in and resolved the issue. Afterwards, the church remained closed for the night, but Saturday morning word of the fire reached them. When they arrived at the location, enormous flames were bursting out of the church.

The lead pastor Adeem Alfons also attested to the fact that the Gujar Khan incident stemmed from the difficulties the church is experiencing as a result of the plaza next to it undergoing construction. There is a conflict between the church and the plaza’s owner, since the former had closed the traffic for security concerns. The police and fire brigade were summoned after unknown individuals set fire to the church at approximately three in the morning.

Goa: Cops arrest AIFF member after two women footballers accuse him of physical assault, other players deny allegations

OpIndia Staff
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Goa: Cops arrest AIFF member after two women footballers accuse him of physical assault, other players deny allegations

On 30th March, Goa police arrested All India Football Federation (AIFF) executive committee member Deepak Sharma for allegedly physically assaulting two women players.

According to reports, two footballers from Khad FC, a Himachal Pradesh-based football club, were in Goa to participate in the Indian Women’s Football League (IWL). They said in their complaint that on the night of 28th March, Sharma, the owner of the club, barged into their room in drunken state and physically assaulted them.

Speaking to the media, Deputy Superintendent of Police Sandesh Chodankar said, “Sharma was called for questioning during the day after a formal complaint was received. He was arrested by the Mapusa police for causing hurt, using force against women and other charges.”

Mapusa police station inspection Shitakan Naik said, “He will remain in custody for the night and will be produced in court on Sunday for remand.”

Speaking to PTI, GFA President Caetano Fernandes said the association helped the two women footballers file complaints with the police.

Contrary to the allegations levelled by the women footballers, a group of women players from FC Khad said the accusations against Sharma were false. When Sharma was being taken to the hospital for medical explanation, the group was seen crying.

They also tried to stop the media from recording Sharma. Ridiculing the allegations, the group said they had been associated with Sharma for over ten years but never saw him misbehaving.

Furthermore, they added the women who complained against Sharma accompanied them for the first time. One of the players said, “On Friday, one of the complainants moved out of the apartment at 11.30 pm to fetch something. Sharma was upset and questioned why she went out late at night in an unknown city. She got upset over it and started creating drama.”

AIFF has initiated a probe into the matter as well. The probe panel has been asked to submit the report in seven days.

‘This has angered every Indian’: PM Narendra Modi says after RTI reply reveals Congress gave Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka

OpIndia Staff
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‘This has angered every Indian’: PM Narendra Modi says after RTI reply reveals Congress gave Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka

On Sunday (31st March), Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a post from his X handle to reveal how Congress callously gave away the Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka during Indira Gandhi’s regime. He also quoted a news report by the Times of India which says that an RTI reply shows the way Congress ceded this 1.9 square km of land about 20km from Indian shore to Sri Lanka.

PM Narendra Modi wrote in his post, “Eye-opening and startling! New facts reveal how Congress callously gave away Katchatheevu. This has angered every Indian and reaffirmed in people’s minds- we can’t ever trust Congress! Weakening India’s unity, integrity and interests has been Congress’ way of working for 75 years and counting.”

The Katchatheevu Island, nestled within the confines of the India-Sri Lanka border near Rameswaram, has evolved into a contentious focal point, giving rise to a burgeoning call for its repossession. Historically, this island has served as a shared enclave for Tamil fishermen hailing from both India and Sri Lanka. The year 1974 witnessed a pivotal juncture when the island transitioned hands, as the then-Indian Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, relinquished its sovereignty to Sri Lanka as part of a bilateral accord.

According to the news report Modi embedded in his post, an RTI application in this regard was filed by Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai. According to this report, shocking information was unearthed by the reply to this RTI application. The report says that official documents and parliamentary records illustrate how India’s wavering stance led to its failure to assert control over the island in the Palk Strait. It shows that the reluctance of Congress towards claiming the Katchatheevu island dates back to the Nehruvian era.

As per this report, shortly after gaining independence, Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, asserted its sovereignty by stating that the Indian Navy, then known as the Royal Indian Navy, required its permission to conduct exercises on the island. In October 1955, the Sri Lankan Air Force conducted its exercise on the island, further emphasising its autonomy. The position taken by Sri Lanka was documented in a memorandum from the first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, on May 10, 1961, where he downplayed the matter as insignificant.

Nehru’s memorandum forms a section of a document drafted by the then Commonwealth Secretary, YD Gundevia, which the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) circulated as background material to the Informal Consultative Committee of Parliament in 1968. Nehru wrote, “I would’ve no hesitation in giving up claims to the island. I attach no importance at all to this little island and I would have no hesitation in giving up our claims to it. I do not like this pending indefinitely and being raised again in Parliament.”

The Ministry of External Affairs said, “The legal aspects of the question are highly complex. The question has been considered in some detail in this ministry. No clear conclusions can be drawn as to the strength of either India’s or Ceylon’s claim to sovereignty.”

Notably, the then attorney general M C Setalvad had opined in 1960 that India had a stronger claim on the island formed by a volcanic eruption. The documents reveal that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)’s Joint Secretary (Law and Treaties), K. Krishna Rao, expressed uncertainty initially but ultimately concluded that India possessed a strong legal argument that could be utilized to secure fishing rights. This legal contention remains relevant today as it underlies the ongoing plight of numerous Indian fishermen who are detained by the Sri Lankan Navy in waters surrounding the island. This is why the issue of the Katchatheevu island will be important in Tamil Nadu in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as well.

On 10th August 2023, a renewed discourse surfaced concerning the Katchatheevu island casting a spotlight on the historically enduring relationship between the two nations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi accentuated this matter during his parliamentary address, as he responded to the opposition’s no-confidence motion. Now, the Prime Minister has posted about the new details about the Katchatheevu island obtained in an RTI filed by K Annamalai. A detailed history of this island and how it was given to Sri Lanka by Indira Gandhi can be read here.

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