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ISIS module in IIT Guwahati? After arrest of student Tauseef Ali Farooqui, another student Sohail Ur Rahman questioned over suspected terror links

OpIndia Staff
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ISIS module in IIT Guwahati? After arrest of student Tauseef Ali Farooqui, another student Sohail Ur Rahman questioned over suspected terror links

After the arrest of IIT Guwahati student Tauseef Ali Farooqui for alleging support for ISIS and declaring his intention to join Islamic terror group, police launched a massive search operation in the IIT campus in North Guwahati. Assam Police STF suspects that more students in the premier institution can be linked to ISIS. During the searches, police zeroed in one student, and detained him for questioning.

This student is named Sohail Ur Rahman, and he is from Jammu. As per reports, Sohail is a resident of Lohit hostel of IIT Guwahati, and is a friend of arrested Tauseef. Sohail is being questioned by Assam police STF led by additional superintendent of police Kalyan Kumar Pathak.

However, as per latest reports, Sohail was being questioned in the hostel itself, and has not been taken to the police station. He could be arrested later after more information is gathered.

Notably, earlier in the day, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma had said that another student was under the radar for suspected terror links, and would be arrested soon.

With a second student suspected of having links with ISIS, a possibility has grown that there could have been an attempt to form a module of ISIS in IIT Guwahati. Reportedly, several other students and even some teachers are under close surveillance over the matter.

In the meanwhile, Tauseef Ali Farooqui has been send to police custody of 10 days after he was presented before a court. It has been learnt that Tauseef is deeply religious, and performs daily five namaz as per Islam. He used to regularly study Quran in hostel.

Tauseef is a Biotechnology student and has already completed his course. He was on the campus to attend the convocation ceremony.

During the questioning, he said that he has not joined ISIS, but supports the group. Talking about him, CM Sarma said that from his answers it is clear that he is completely radicalised, and there could be others like him in the institution.

Parents of Tauseef reached Guwahati today after they were informed about the development by Assam Police.

Notably, Tauseef had gone missing after posting an open letter on LinkedIn expressing his support to ISIS on 23rd March. However, he was spotted waiving a black Islamic flag and chanting Islamic slogans in the Damdama area in Hajo near Guwahati in the evening yesterday. When he was questioned by Hindu Jagran Manch’ members, he revealed that he supports ISIS, after which he was caught and handed over to police.

AAP supporters share picture of Jagannath Puri’s Rath Yatra to claim massive public support for Arvind Kejriwal following his arrest

OpIndia Staff
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AAP supporters share picture of Jagannath Puri’s Rath Yatra to claim massive public support for Arvind Kejriwal following his arrest

Following Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate, Aam Aadmi Party, its allies, and their supporters have claimed massive public support for the jailed leader. In line with the claim, a picture of a large gathering has been doing rounds on the internet. Several netizens, apparently AAP supporters, have shared the image asserting that the image reflects a significant surge in public backing for Arvind Kejriwal following his incarceration. However, the claims have been found to be misleading as it uses an old picture of a large religious gathering of Hindu devotees in Puri, Odisha.

Incidentally, apart from using the same picture, a large of X users have also copied exactly the same text to peddle the misleading claim. The text in these posts read, “This picture shows that the end of the dictator is certain…People are on the streets against Kejriwal’s arrest. (Emoji for Location) – Chennai.”

However, OpIndia found that the picture is an old image of a large religious gathering of Hindu devotees who had assembled for the festivities of Jagannath Ji’s Rath Yatra. Additionally, the image was captured in Puri, not in Chennai as falsely claimed in the misleading posts.

Further, it is being circulated with misleading claims that the crowd is of supporters who had gathered there to oppose the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal, who is currently in ED custody in connection with the Delhi Liquor policy scam case.

Conspicuously, social blogging site X’s community notes also flagged a post by an X handle named Jeetu Burdak. Below his post, which promoted the misleading claim of support for the jailed AAP leader, the community note highlighted that the image used in the post dates back to June 2023 and depicts the Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri.

The image of the large religious gathering has been circulating in the media and social media for more than a year before Kejriwal’s arrest. Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik had also shared the picture of Jagannath Ji’s Rath Yatra on 20th June 2023.

It is evident that the image pertains to the religious gathering of Hindu devotees from June 2023 from Jagannath Puri, Odisha. While AAP supporters have recently made it viral again, it has nothing to do with the protests held to oppose Kejriwal’s arrest.

On 21st March, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal after questioning him and conducting a search at his house in connection with the Delhi Liquor Policy scam case. He was arrested after he ignored nine summons by the financial probing agency and his request for ‘no-coercive’ action was turned down by the Delhi High Court.  

West Bengal: BJP workers attacked in Canning, Suvendu Adhikari demands arrest of TMC goons and accused Hossain Sheikh

OpIndia Staff
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West Bengal: BJP workers attacked in Canning, Suvendu Adhikari demands arrest of TMC goons and accused Hossain Sheikh

On Sunday (24th March), a mob of Trinamool Congress goons attacked several BJP workers in Mather Dighi village in Canning subdivision in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.

As per reports, four BJP workers were injured during the attack. Amid the violent clash, three TMC workers were also hurt. All those injured in the attack and counter-attack are now undergoing treatment at the Canning Sub Divisional Hospital.

It has come to light that the TMC goons thrashed the Mandal President of Canning Purba Mandal No 3, and several other karyakartas. According to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, the condition of BJP workers Bivas Mondal and Subrata Das remains critical.

In a tweet, he said, “Bloodshed Returns in Bengal Politics before Lok Sabha Elections…I request Election Commission, if they intend to prevent the repeat of 2021 Post Poll Violence and the bloodbath of 2023 WB Panchayat Elections, the time to act is now.”

Suvendu Adhikari has accused one Hossain Sheikh, who is said to be a close aide of TMC MLA Saokat Molla, of engineering the attack. He has requested the EC to act against Sheikh immediately.

“Kindly put people like Hossain Sheikh behind the bars and keep people like Saokat Molla under observation as he possesses the machinery to rig the polls. This is the only way to ensure free and fair polls,” he said in his tweet.

Local BJP leader Bikash Sardar said, “BJP had organised a party meeting in the Jibantala-Mather Dighi area with the permission of the government. But the TMC goons entered the meeting and created unrest.

TMC blames BJP, cops intervene into the matter

On the other hand, the TMC has accused the BJP of beating its party workers.

“Our party workers were returning home on motorbikes. During that time, the BJP workers abused them with the choicest of expletives. From there the chaos started. Some of our workers were also injured due to the attack,” TMC MLA Saokat Molla alleged.

On receiving information about the incident, Canning Sub-Divisional Police Officer Ramkumar Mandal reached the spot. A large team of police was deployed to avert any law and order situation. A probe has been initiated into the matter.

OpIndia has recentlyreported about 5 incidents of attacks on BJP workers, carried out by goons associated with the ruling Trinamool Congress party.

Delhi: Massive protest erupts after 34-year-old Arman rapes a 4-year-old girl in Pandav Nagar, accused arrested

OpIndia Staff
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Delhi: Massive protest erupts after 34-year-old Arman rapes a 4-year-old girl in Pandav Nagar, accused arrested

A shocking incident has surfaced in the Pandav Nagar neighbourhood of East Delhi, where a 4-year-old girl was raped on 23rd March by a 34-year-old Muslim man named Appu alias Arman. The culprit has been arrested by cops from Mandwali Police Station. He is the brother of the victim’s tuition teacher.

The minor went to her tuition yesterday as usual. However, the accused sexually violated her under the guise of teaching because the tutor wasn’t present at home. Furthermore, he threatened the child not to tell anyone about his abhorrent act. However, she returned home in tears and confided in her parents about everything. Afterwards, a case against was filed at the Mandwali police station based on the family’s complaint and the perpetrator was taken into custody immediately. On the other hand, the girl was referred to the All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) from Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital.

“Yesterday, the Mandawali Police Station received a complaint alleging that a 34-year-old male had sexually assaulted a 4-year-old girl at her tuition location. The individual was taken into custody and we have filed a case. People congregated in the area when a rumour circulated that no action was taken in the matter, and we also learned about a few instances of vandalism. Police reached the spot and now the situation is peaceful. The girl is also safe,” informed Delhi Eastern Range’s Additional Commissioner of Police Sagar Singh Kalsi.

The locals became enraged as soon as they learned of the instance. Heavy police force was deployed in the area and police were dispersing the protestors in Pandav Nagar. According to East Delhi Deputy Commissioner Of Police Apoorva Gupta, a 4-year-old girl was brought to the hospital yesterday after reporting that her tutor had touched her private parts. The presence of swelling in the private area has been verified medically. The culprit has been apprehended. The role of his sister’s involvement in the occurrence is also being probed. People have been pacified at the moment.

The situation had gotten out of control. Locals went to the culprit’s home and committed many acts of vandalism. Several cars were vandalised in the area. His shop was also destroyed by the people who then moved all of his products to the location of Holika Dahan. The police arrived at the scene in considerable numbers after the furious crowd attacked the vehicles and autos in the street.

In the meanwhile, police have said that the girl’s condition is stable, saying that rumurs are being spread that her situation is critical. DCP East Apoorva Gupta said that the girl’s condition is normal and she is talking normally. She added that counsellors are talking to the child. Authorities have asked people of the area to maintain peace.

To control the situation, a heavy police deployment has been made in the area. The accused was arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Father of Badaun double murder victims attempts self-immolation and sets bike on fire, alleges police hiding something

OpIndia Staff
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Father of Badaun double murder victims attempts self-immolation and sets bike on fire, alleges police hiding something

Vinod Kumar, the father of the two minor children who were brutally killed by their accused neighbours Sajid and Javed in Badaun, set a bike on fire and attempted self-immolation on Sunday (24th March). Police and bystanders quickly intervened and prevented him from self-immolation.

According to reports, the victim’s father was upset because the motive behind the double murder of his two young sons has not yet been ascertained. In his resentment, he attempted to commit suicide.

Reportedly, Vinod Singh and his family are upset with the police administration and allege that the Police are hiding something. It’s been six days since she lost her grandchildren but the police were yet to come up with a motive behind the cruelty, Vinod’s mother Munni Devi lamented, as per PTI. 

Speaking with India Today TV, Munni Devi said that the family feels the police are hiding something which has made her son “very angry”. She added, “Fed up with people saying all kinds of things, today he set his motorcycle on fire and tried to die by suicide.” 

Badaun SSP Alok Priyadarshi told India Today TV that Vinod was missing his children, especially on the occasion of Holi. The SSP added, “Seeing his kids’ clothes, shoes, and other festival items, he could not stop himself and expressed his grief and anger by setting his bike on fire.” 

Alok Priyadarshi added that Vinod Singh is being questioned and the reasons behind his behaviour are also being probed.

The postmortem report revealed the brutality

On 19th March 2024, two minor Hindu boys Ayush and Ahaan (Honey) were hacked to death by accused Sajid after slitting their throats in the Badaun district of Uttar Pradesh. The third brother of the deceased duo also suffered severe injuries on the neck but he managed to run away and alert everyone about the incident. He was discharged after getting treatment from the hospital. 

The main accused Sajid was killed in an encounter by the police on 20th March, while the second perpetrator Javed who was absconding and had a reward of Rs 25,000 on him was later nabbed from Bareilly. Javed claimed innocence after getting arrested in Bareilly. The two Muslim accused are siblings.

Meanwhile, OpIndia had accessed the post-mortem report in the Ayush and Ahaan murder case in Badaun which details how the children were slain mercilessly. As per the postmortem report, it is believed that the accused not only cut Ayush’s and Ahaan’s throats but also attacked them a further 23 times.

Days after the horrifying incident, local Muslims in large numbers showed up to give a hero’s farewell to Sajid, who slaughtered two Hindu children in Badaun. 

Additionally, when OpIndia visited their hamlet, Sajid and Javed’s family and other locals made every effort to deceive reporters to shield Javed and whitewash the crime of Sajid. Speaking with OpIndia, the villagers of the slain accused Sajid claimed that they were not sure if Sajid or someone else killed Ayush and Ahaan. 

When speaking with a Muslim man from Sakhanu, he expressed ambiguity questioning whether Sajid had murdered the Hindu children or someone else had done it. He stated that only Allah can determine whether Sajid killed the children or someone else did.

During its ground report, OpIndia learned that Hindu kids murdered in Badaun had participated in Luv-Kush play in their school. Speaking with OpIndia, their teacher had likened Sajid and Javed to ‘mad dogs’ stating that deserve to be hanged. 

Mosques in sensitive areas of Aligarh covered with tarpaulin ahead of Holi

ANI
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Mosques in sensitive areas of Aligarh covered with tarpaulin ahead of Holi

our mosques in Uttar Pradesh’s Aligarh have been covered with tarpaulin to ensure they are not smeared with colours during Holi celebrations.

To maintain peace and order on the occasion of Holi, the festival of colours, four different mosques of Aligarh, located in the city’s most sensitive areas have been covered with tarpaulin.

The work of covering these mosques were carried out throughout the previous night in the presence of police and people associated with the mosque committee so that no colours or dirt are smeared on the structures by the people during the festive celebrations.

The mosques that have been covered include the “Masjid Halwaiyaan” located at Sabzi Mandi, a highly sensitive intersection of Aligarh, the Ansari Wali Mosque located at Kanwari Ganj and others.

Speaking to ANI, Mosque committee member Akil Pehalwan said, “We cover these mosques because of Holi celebrations. The reason for covering is that the place for offering namaz is a clean place. These mosques are covered during Holi from the past 5-6 years. There are about several mosques in the citys that are covered prior to Holi.”

“These mosques include the “Masjid Halwaiyan” located at Sabzi Mandi intersection of Aligarh. Apart from this, there are 4-5 such mosques like the mosque located at Babri Mandi, the mosque located at Delhi Gate intersection, the mosque located at Sasni Gate intersection,” he said.

Adding further, he said that the administration supports us in and in the presence of the administration, we, the mosque committee people and shopkeepers worked together under the leadership of CO City and Inspector and covered the mosques so that there is no problem on Holi.

Aligarh City, Circle Officer, Abhay Kumar Pandey also spoke to ANI and said, “Holi will be celebrated traditionally tomorrow in the Aligarh market. In view of Holi celebrations, mosques are covered by the Mosque Arrangement Committee. 4 mosques have been covered and the rest of the police system is deployed here on alert and drone surveillance has also been done and other security arrangements are being made in view of Holi.”

Holi, a festival celebrated with as much fervour in the country as it is overseas, will be marked on March 25, Monday, this year.

Meanwhile, people thronged markets in Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad on Sunday, ahead of Holi, making last-minute purchases of colours or gulals, trendy water guns, and colourful wigs.

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

‘Aapko hum chut*ya kahenge’: Video of comedian Kunal Kamra abusing Salman Khan goes viral

OpIndia Staff
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‘Aapko hum chut*ya kahenge’: Video of comedian Kunal Kamra abusing Salman Khan goes viral

On 24th March, a video of self-proclaimed stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra went viral on social media, where he was seen abusing actor Salman Khan. The original video was published on his channel three weeks ago; however, a clip went viral recently.

In the video, he said, “I got an offer to visit Ambani’s OTT and take a moral lesson from Salman Khan. Every Saturday, Salman Khan will come and tell you how to become a better person.” He then mocked Salman Khan while mimicking him and said, “If you are a singer and your son is a singer. If you provide good training to your son to become a better singer, will it be called nepotism or father’s love?” He added, “I was like, we will call you chut*ya, sir.”

He mocked his family and said, “But he is living a tough life. He must be whipping Sohail and Arbaaz during Moharram. My NPAs.” He said, “There was a time when comedians used to fear Salman Khan. Then Modi Ji came, and we saw Salman Khan was scared. Why should we be scared of him? If he would call intoxicated, we will have 2-3 drinks and pick it up. [They used to say] don’t make jokes on Salman Khan. He used to slap women, and we were not making jokes about him. Have you ever wondered why ‘chut*yas’ are brought to participate in Bigg Boss from every corner of the country? So that Salman Khan looks normal.”

Kunal Kamra filed case against the Government’s fact-check unit

In April 2023, the Government of India announced a Fact Check Unit to fight fake news on social media. It gave the government the power to take down fake and misleading posts from social media. The platforms would have been directed to label the posts as misleading or remove them. However, Kunal Kamra and others Bombay High Court are seeking a stay on it. In February 2024, the Bombay High Court’s two-judge bench gave a split verdict. A third judge was brought on board to conclude the matter and refused to provide interim relief. The Government of India notified the rules soon after to establish a fact-checking unit on 20th March. However, the Supreme Court stayed the notification on 21st March.

‘Why did you take Ram’s name’: Alfaz, Atiq assault Hindu student for chanting “Jai Shri Ram” in Gujarat, issue death threat to his father

Krunalsinh Rajput
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‘Why did you take Ram’s name’: Alfaz, Atiq assault Hindu student for chanting “Jai Shri Ram” in Gujarat, issue death threat to his father

A 12th student in Gujarat’s Amreli was assaulted because his board examination went well and he shouted “Jai Shri Ram” to express his happiness. He shouted the sacred slogan outside his exam center which led to the shocking incident. Atiq Qureshi and Alfaz Qureshi who beat him claimed that the place belonged to Muslims. The school is named SMGK High School and is run by Faiz-e-Muhammadi Educational Welfare and Charitable Trust.

The case pertained to Savarkundla. The accused challenged the student, “Why are you taking the name of Ram here? Don’t you know where you are standing (in the school)?” When the father of the victim called the two to pacify them, they misbehaved with him too and talked about sacrificing their lives for the brothers in their community. Afterwards, the man filed an official complaint against the perpetrators. OpIndia has a copy of the First Information Report (FIR).

According to the FIR, the student went to SMGK High School in Savarkundla on 20th March to appear for the 12th board examination. He did very well in the test and chanted ‘Jai Shri Ram’ to voice his gratitude to God. However, Mohammad Atiq Qureshi who was also there for his 12th board exam didn’t like it. He grumbled, “Don’t shout, I didn’t perform well in the exam,” and started fighting with the Hindu boy.

Copy of FIR (Source: OpIndia Gujarati)

Alfaz Qureshi, Atiq’s friend also reached there and the two Muslim youngsters thrashed the Hindu boy for reciting Lord Ram’s name. He was saved by other students who intervened between them. Notably, uttered “Jai Shri Ram” to thank God and not to greet or address any person. The student told his father about the entire episode following the occurrence and the latter contacted the offenders who arrived at the store late at night, but rather than owning up to their errors, they threatened the man and proposed to compromise if he was really understanding.

The police began an inquiry after the father complained to the Savarkundla Rural Police Station. They launched a case under sections 323, 506(2) and 114 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against Mohammad Atiq Qureshi and Alfaz Qureshi.

Copy of FIR (Source: OpIndia Gujarati)

The father spoke with OpIndia. Because his paper was excellent, He revealed that his son took the name of God along with other students because he did well in the exam when a Muslim student approached him from behind and slapped him. He threatened, “Do you know who this school belong to? You cannot speak these speak these words here.” A probe discovered that the Faiz-e-Muhammadi Educational Welfare and Charitable Trust is in charge of this SMGK school located in Savarkundla.

We will sacrifice ourselves for our brothers

The father mentioned, “My son had noted down the scooter numbers of both the Muslim youths, so I got in touch with them through a person who had previously worked in my shop and called the pair to my shop.” He added that when the two sides were talking, Atiq Qureshi threatened to kill the Hindu man and declared, “We will sacrifice ourselves for our brothers,” before leaving. Afterwards, the Hindu student’s father went to the police station and submitted a complaint.

Police confirmed the incident

OpIndia also contacted the police to get information about the police action in the entire case. Assistant sub-inspector of police (ASI) YS Vanra, who is inquiring about the issue, verified the instance and highlighted that further legal action has been initiated by registering an FIR on the complaint of the victim’s father. Action will be taken against those responsible as per the rules.

Punjab Hooch tragedy: Death toll rises to 21, mastermind hatched conspiracy inside Sangrur jail, opposition slams AAP government

OpIndia Staff
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Punjab Hooch tragedy: Death toll rises to 21, mastermind hatched conspiracy inside Sangrur jail, opposition slams AAP government

The Punjab Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sangrur Hooch tragedy revealed that Methanol contents were found in the spurious liquor that killed 21 people in Punjab’s Sangrur. Methanol is a deadly chemical used in industrial products. 

As per reports, 11 people are still undergoing treatment at Patiala’s Rajindra Hospital and six at the Civil Hospital in Sangrur. The incident occurred in Gujran village located in Sunam tehsil in Sangrur district of Punjab.

The matter came to light on Wednesday (20th March) when four people lost their lives after consuming poisonous liquor.

The conspiracy was hatched inside Sangrur Jail: SIT Chief

On Saturday (23rd March), the head of SIT, ADGP Gurinder Dhillon addressed a press conference on the Sangrur spurious liquor case. He said that the accused obtained the chemical from a Noida-based factory.

According to reports, initial investigation has also revealed that the accused mastermind hatched a conspiracy to build a liquor factory from inside Sangrur jail and they reportedly watched YouTube videos for liquor preparation. It was reportedly the first consignment by the accused and they had intended to sell around 4000 bottles with the label ‘Shahi’, a desi liquor brand from Haryana. Instead of naming it after any desi Punjabi brand, the accused used the name of a brand from Haryana to mislead investigation in case of getting caught.  

Dhillon said that the accused Harmanpreet used to prepare spurious liquor at his house and sell it in liquor bottles, bearing the brand name “Shahi”, written in Hindi. He added that the accused were targeting labourers to sell the spurious liquor at half price. Both masterminds are history sheeters and came in contact with each other while lodged at Sangrur jail, the SIT Chief said.

8 arrested, Police seize material used for making spurious liquor

The SIT official informed that so far eight out of the 10 accused have been arrested in this case. The arrested accused include two masterminds — Gurlal Singh of Ubhawal village in Sangrur and Harmanpreet Singh of Taipur village in Patiala. The other accused have been identified as Manpreet Singh alias Mani and Sukhwinder Singh alias Sukhi, both residents of Gujjran village in Dirba; Soma Kaur, Rahul alias Sanju, and Pardeep Singh alias Babi, all residents of Chauwas in Cheema; Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh of Rogla village.

According to the Police, the accused persons had procured a total of 300 litres of methanol. Police have also recovered 200 litres of methanol, empty liquor bottles, bottle caps, and other equipment, used for manufacturing and labelling spurious liquor. The accused prepared brand labels using a printer at home and had purchased a bottle cap installation machine from Ludhiana.

The SIT chief added that three FIRs have been registered in this case at at Dirba, Sunam, and Cheema Police stations. Police have added Section 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) to investigate the role of factories from where the methanol was procured.

The ADGP further stated that police have also invoked the stringent section, 61-A of the Excise Act in all three FIRs. Section 61-A is punishable with imprisonment for life/ the death penalty. The ADGP added that the police have papers regarding the procurement of this fatal chemical. 

Opposition slams AAP government, demands resignation of Excise Minister

Following the Sangrur Hooch tragedy, the opposition parties including BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) launched a scathing attack against the Aam Aadmi Party government in the state. 

Raising questions at the CM Bhagwant Mann, SAD asked why he has not sought the resignation of excise minister Harpal Cheema or ordered the registration of a murder case against the perpetrators yet.

On Saturday, Union Minister Anurag Thakur lambasted Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP for failing to address the issue.

Highlighting that the incident occured in CM’s constituency, Thakur took a dig at the AAP government’s pledge to create a ‘Nasha Mukt’ Punjab. He also emphasised alleged links between AAP and liquor salesmen and middlemen in Delhi, leading to the proliferation of liquor shops across the state.

Thakur asked, “AAP came to power pledging to lead a campaign against narcotic substances. CM Bhagwant Mann lost his own Lok Sabha seat in by-elections. Yesterday, more than 20 people lost their lives due to spurious liquor. Imagine the situation in Punjab if this is the condition in the chief minister’s native place. What is the relationship of AAP with liquor salesmen and middlemen, leading to the proliferation of liquor shops in every area of the state?” 

However, the AAP government’s cabinet minister and Sunam MLA Aman Arora courted controversy while trying to absolve the state govt of any responsibility over the Sangrur incident. He said, “If a person had died consuming liquor purchased from a govt-authorised liquor shop, only then govt is responsible.”

Following mounting criticism, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann met with the families of the deceased in Sangrur on Sunday (24th March) to offer his condolences and assure action against the culprits, four days after the incident came to light.

Tripura: Cops arrest 7 illegal Bangladeshis who were heading for Chennai, two of the infiltrators had dressed up as ‘women’

OpIndia Staff
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Tripura: Cops arrest 7 illegal Bangladeshis who were heading for Chennai, two of the infiltrators had dressed up as ‘women’

On Saturday (23rd March), the Railway Police at Agartala Station arrested seven Bangladeshi nationals, including two women and a ten-month-old baby, for illegally entering India.

The Officer-in-Charge of Government Railway Police at Badharghat, Tapas Das revealed that two of the detainees had dressed themselves as women, presumably to conceal their identities.

During interrogation, the illegal infiltrators confessed that all of them were Bangladeshi citizens. According to Das, these arrests bring the total number of Bangladeshi nationals apprehended from Agartala Railway Station to over 20.

Bangladeshi nationals were heading for Chennai

According to the official, the illegal Bangladeshi nationals were arrested during a routine check before they could board a train to Chennai.

As per the officials, illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators have been attempting to use the Northeastern state as a transit to reach metropolitan cities like Kolkata and Chennai.  

The official said they have seized a few smartphones from them and the devices are being checked to ascertain if they have any connection with any international groups.

Confirming that the arrested individuals are Bangladeshi nationals, Das said, “The sleuths managed to detain the seven Bangladeshi nationals based on their suspicious activities. They have confessed during interrogation that all of them are Bangladeshi citizens.”

Speaking with EastMojo, Das pointed out, “Most illegal infiltrators enter Tripura to use the state as a corridor to reach metropolitan cities like Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, and other major states in search of work. Those arrested today revealed they intended to board the Kanchanjunga Express to leave Tripura. They aimed to reach Chennai to explore livelihood opportunities.” 

According to reports, all of them hail from the Bagerhat district of Bangladesh. They have been identified as Easin Hawlader (44), Mohammad Hasan (20), Sukur Ali Hawlader (19), Farjana Akhtar (20), Rumi Begam (21) accompanied by her daughter Mariam (10 months), Nayan Hossain (25), and Md Matiur Mandal (26).

According to reports, two of the arrested individuals dressed as women. Initially, the officials assumed them to be transgenders but they later admitted that they disguised themselves as women while leaving the state.

Illegal infiltration from Bangladesh through porous borders

However, the official added that the Bangladeshi nationals couldn’t exactly tell which part of Tripura they used to cross the international border but revealed that it took them an hour or so to reach the railway station from the border. The official said, “We are assuming they used Comilla or adjoining areas to cross into Indian soil.” 

After their arrest, all individuals have been brought before the court for subsequent legal proceedings.

A day earlier on Friday, two persons were arrested at the same railway station because of their suspicious movements. One of them was later revealed to be a Bangladeshi girl, while the other was recognised as an Indian facilitator who aided others in illegally crossing into India.

Similarly, in November last year, the Tripura Police arrested 14 Bangladeshi nationals in Sabroom in the South Tripura district bordering Bangladesh, for illegally entering India.

According to reports, before the arrest, the 14 arrested had taken shelter at the residence of a local individual identified as Kraisu Mog in the Baishnabpur area. Two more locals identified as Athubai Mog and Khoka Tripura were also arrested for acting as middlemen and facilitating the entry of Bangladeshi nationals illegally into India.

Tripura is bordered by Bangladesh on three sides and shares an international boundary spanning 856 kilometers. Some sections of this border remain unfenced due to local disputes regarding land ownership and demarcation issues.

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