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Pune: Samosas stuffed with condoms, stones and tobacco supplied to Tata Motors canteen, Rahim Shaikh, Azhar Shaikh, Mazar Shaikh, Azar Shaikh and Vicky Shaikh booked

OpIndia Staff
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Pune: Samosas stuffed with condoms, stones and tobacco supplied to Tata Motors canteen, Rahim Shaikh, Azhar Shaikh, Mazar Shaikh, Azar Shaikh and Vicky Shaikh booked

Condoms, stones and tobacco were found stuffed inside samosas in the canteen of Tata Motors in Pune, Maharashtra. The police have registered an FIR against 5 people in this case.

It has now come to light that the accused – Rahim Shaikh, Azhar Shaikh, Mazar Shaikh, Azar Shaikh and Vicky Shaikh – committed the crime in anger after the company cancelled their contract. One accused has also been arrested while further probe is underway.

According to reports, the incident took place in Pimpri Chinchwad area of ​​Pune. Kirtikumar Shankarrao Desai, an officer of a company based in Chikhali here, complained to the police on Sunday (7th April 2024).

In this complaint given at Chikhli police station, he stated that his company received an order for food supplies from a company in Chikhli. In this order, Kirtikumar entered into an agreement with a company named SRS Enterprises for the supply of samosas.

The name of the owner of SRS company is Rahim Shaikh. According to Kirtikumar, one day a bandage that is applied on wounds was found in the samosas being supplied by SRS.

After receiving this complaint, Tata Motors terminated its contract with SRS and gave the order to supply samosas to another Pune-based company, Manohar Enterprises. SRS owner Rahim Shaikh got angry about this and hatched a conspiracy along with his associates Azhar Sheikh and Mazar Sheikh.

On 27th March 27, 2024, Rahim Shaikh gave orders to his workers to stuff samosas with condoms, gutkha and stones. Rahim got these samosas distributed between 7.30 and 9 in the morning.

When the company staff complained about this, Kirtikumar filed a complaint at the police station. An FIR has been registered against Rahim Shaikh, Firoz Shaikh, Vicky Shaikh, Azar Shaikh and Mazar Shaikh.

Action has been taken against all of them under Sections 328, 120-B and 34 of IPC. So far, one accused is reported to have been arrested. The matter is being investigated.

Recently, a similar case was reported from Vadodara, Gujarat. Beef was found in the samosa sample taken from a shop named ‘Hussaini Samosawala’ in Chipwad area.

Police have registered a case and arrested 6 people who have been identified as Yusuf Shaikh, Naseem Shaikh, Hanif Bhatiara, Dilawar Pathan Moin Habdal and Mobin Shaikh.

This business was running on the 5th floor of a building without a license. ‘Hussain Samosawala’ used to supply raw samosas to many shops in Vadodara where the shopkeepers would fry it and sell it to the customers.

‘Talk to India, resolve issues bilaterally’: Saudi Arabia-Pakistan joint statement takes a New Delhi flavour after MBS-Shehbaz Sharif meet

OpIndia Staff
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‘Talk to India, resolve issues bilaterally’: Saudi Arabia-Pakistan joint statement takes a New Delhi flavour after MBS-Shehbaz Sharif meet

In a major jolt to Pakistan, Saudi Arabia has called on Pakistan to resolve all “outstanding issues” including Kashmir with India “bilaterally”. In a joint statement signed with Pakistan, the Saudi Kingdom took the stance which mirrors New Delhi’s line over the issue. 

Notably, the joint statement was issued a day after Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi de-facto ruler and PM Mohammed bin Salman held an official meeting on 7th April at Al-Safa Palace in Mecca.

The joint statement read, “The two sides stressed the importance of dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve the outstanding issues between the two countries, especially the Jammu and Kashmir dispute to ensure peace and stability in the region.”

Notably, it has been a long-held position of India that Kashmir is an Integral part of India and the remaining discussions (POK) are “bilateral” issues that should be resolved in line with bilateral pacts like the Shimla agreement. India has categorically maintained that there is no question of any mediation or intervention by any third party.

Strikingly, in 2019, Pakistan requested the US to “persuade” India to initiate discussions for the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue. This request came after former US President Donald Trump offered to mediate between the two countries regarding the Kashmir issue.

“Saudi and Pakistan’s joint statement makes no reference to an UNSC resolution on Kashmir, something that has been standard formulation for Islamabad. Instead, it urges bilateral resolution of issues, echoing the Shimla Pact, which is New Delhi’s line,” as highlighted by Sidhant Sibal, Diplomatic correspondent of WION.

While Saudi Arabia has had diplomatic ties with both India and Pakistan, the Kingdom’s tilt has shifted considerably from an earlier inclination towards Pakistan to favouring India on a host of issues. 

Following the abrogation of Article 370, Saudi Arabia has maintained a balanced approach over Jammu and Kashmir. While it expressed concern over the Indian action on 5th August 2019, it did not explicitly condemn the actions, instead referring to it as New Delhi’s internal matter.

New Delhi has also maintained that it desires to have normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan in an environment free of terror, hostility, and violence. It has categorically asserted that terror and talks can’t go together. 

‘Leave the village or else…don’t even think of coming here’: Pethapur locals stop Gandhinagar Congress candidate Sonal Patel from entering their village

Krunalsinh Rajput
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‘Leave the village or else…don’t even think of coming here’: Pethapur locals stop Gandhinagar Congress candidate Sonal Patel from entering their village

The Lok Sabha elections have intensified, with all parties actively campaigning. Even on the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat, Congress candidate Sonal Patel embarked on a campaign. However, the villagers of Pethapur prevented Congress candidate Sonal Patel from entering the village for campaigning. She had to campaign without entering the village. Opposition against Gandhinagar Lok Sabha candidate Sonal Patel has also emerged, with a video of the incident becoming viral.

As per the information at hand, before the approaching Lok Sabha elections, Congress candidate Sonal Patel visited Pethapur to campaign for the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat. During this visit, some individuals obstructed her car from entering the village. The villagers refused to permit Sonal Patel’s entry into the village, and she was even turned away from outside.

The resistance against Gandhinagar’s Congress Lok Sabha candidate Sonal Patel was recorded in a video that has since gone viral on social media. In the footage, Sonal Patel is seated inside a car, with the vehicle’s bonnet and doors displaying “Mrs Sonal Patel, Congress candidate for 6-Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat”. Sonal Patel is visible in the co-driver’s seat of the car in the video.

In the video, villagers can be heard stating, “Nobody should meet her. If the car doesn’t leave the village, there will be trouble… take it away… the car should go… she should not enter the village.”

This is the area of Amit Shah… this is the situation: Gandhinagar Mahila Morcha Chief Beena Rawal

To confirm the incident, OpIndia contacted the first Gandhinagar Congress Mahila Morcha Chief, Beena Rawal. She mentioned at the beginning of the conversation that no such incident had occurred. However, later she informed OpIndia that, “What happened today was not anything special. This is Amit Shah’s area, my brother… This should just continue… Tomorrow we have to hold a massive rally in Pethapur.”

There was no forced incident: Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat Congress candidate Sonal Patel

On the other hand, OpIndia also contacted Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat Congress candidate Sonal Patel. Confirming the incident, she said, “There was no forced incident, this had to happen. Tomorrow we have to hold a massive rally. We are carrying forward with our campaign…”

Who is Congress leader Sonal Patel?

Sonal Patel is an active leader of the Congress. Congress has announced her as the candidate for the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat. On the other hand, Central Home Minister Amit Shah is also contesting from Gandhinagar. She has held various positions in Congress, such as ward president, state secretary, and general secretary, and has been the head of the women’s wing for 6 years. She is also known to be very close to the Gandhi family, including Sonia Gandhi. In this Lok Sabha election, they are contesting against Central Home Minister Amit Shah.

“Arunachal Pradesh is, was and shall always be an integral part of Bharat”: PM Modi rubbishes China’s claims over the northeast state

OpIndia Staff
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“Arunachal Pradesh is, was and shall always be an integral part of Bharat”: PM Modi rubbishes China’s claims over the northeast state

On Monday (8th April), Prime Minister Narendra Modi rubbished China’s territorial claims on the parts of Arunachal Pradesh asserting that there should be no doubt that the Northeastern state is an integral and inalienable part of India. Notably, at his official residence in Delhi, PM Modi gave an exclusive interview to The Assam Tribune on the transformative story of the Northeast region. 

Regarding China claiming parts of Arunachal Pradesh, PM Modi categorically emphasised, “Arunachal Pradesh is, was, and shall always be an integral part of Bharat”.

The development comes amidst a massive outrage against China for “renaming several areas in Arunachal Pradesh” to stake its claim over these territories. During the interview, PM Modi was asked about China making claims on parts of Arunachal Pradesh and steps that the Indian government has taken to safeguard the territorial sovereignty of the state. 

Slamming the doubts that “Is Arunachal Pradesh safe?”, PM Modi dismissed it noting that there should not be any doubt about this (Arunachal’s territorial sovereignty and safety).

Apart from asserting that Arunachal is an integral part of Bharat, the Prime Minister added, “Today, the development works are reaching Arunachal and the Northeast like the first rays of the sun, faster than ever before.” 

Timely intervention by the Indian government and efforts by the state government have brought improvement in Manipur: PM Modi

Regarding the status of conflict-torn Manipur, the opposition’s criticism, and steps to ensure ethnic harmony in the state, PM Modi noted, “We believe that it is our collective responsibility to deal with the situation sensitively.” 

Pointing that the government’s efforts have brought improvement in the state, PM Modi stated, “We’ve dedicated our best resources and administrative machinery to resolving the conflict. Because of the timely intervention of the Government of India and efforts made by the Government of Manipur, there has been a marked improvement in the situation of the State.”

Listing out government efforts to resolve the conflict, PM Modi further stated, “Home Minister Amit Shah stayed in Manipur while the conflict was at its peak, holding 15-plus meetings with various stakeholders to help resolve the conflict. The Central Government has been consistently extending its support, as required by the State Government. The process of relief and rehabilitation is ongoing. Remedial measures undertaken include a financial package for the relief and rehabilitation of people living in shelter camps in the State.” 

Foiling influx of illegal migrants from Myanmar

PM Modi was asked about the infiltration of illegal migrants from Myanmar in Mizoram. In reply, he stated that the influx is due to internal developments in that country. 

Speaking with Assam Tribune, PM Modi said, “We have been raising this issue with the Myanmar authorities as this directly impacts India, particularly our northeastern states. To prevent infiltration and secure our borders, several steps have been taken by the government.”  

He added that the steps include the decision to scrap the free movement regime between India and Myanmar, increased and effective deployment of border guarding forces on the Indo-Myanmar border, and close coordination of security agencies among others. He further pointed out the intensified fencing construction along the Myanmar border.

Aaj Northeast Na Delhi se Door Hai Aur Na Dil se Door Hai: PM Modi

PM Modi highlighted the development works, major infrastructure projects, and how the government has been alleviating the sense of marginalisation that crept in the Northeastern states during the previous administrations. He stressed, “Aaj Northeast Na Delhi se Door Hai Aur Na Dil se Door Hai!”

According to PM Modi, after years of neglect since the Independence, the North East region has now become an abundant region from an abandoned region. 

Contrasting UPA and NDA government’s outlook towards North East, PM Modi pointed out, “Successive Congress governments gave step-motherly treatment to the people of the Northeast because for them the potential electoral gains in the region were too little. For them, the Northeast was too distant, and working for its development was also difficult. When we formed the government, it was my firm commitment to change the status quo in the Northeast. We replaced the policy of isolation and ignorance with a policy of integration.” 

He said, “Last month, I visited Itanagar for Viksit Bharat, Viksit North East programme. I had the privilege to unveil Rs 55,000 crore worth of development projects that are providing guarantees for Viksit North East…I inaugurated the Sela Tunnel which is a real strategic game-changer providing all-weather connectivity to Tawang.” 

“In 2022, we inaugurated the Donyi Polo Airport for enhanced air linkages to the rest of the nation. On the energy front, the Dibang Multipurpose Project will contribute to employment, energy, and water resource management. We have commenced new road projects for about 125 villages and tourism and other infrastructure-related projects in 150 villages. The government has also launched a Rs 10,000 crore UNNATI scheme that will bring new possibilities for investment and jobs in the North Eastern Region,” the Prime Minister added. 

11 peace agreements in 10 years: Decisive battle against Insurgency in the region

Regarding peace agreements and bringing down insurgency, PM Modi stressed, “Yes, we decided to deal with insurgency firmly but at the same time, we ensured that common people are embraced with great care and compassion. As a result, while we have significantly controlled insurgency, we have also been able to win the trust of our people and ensure peace.” 

He noted, “A total of 11 peace agreements have been signed in the last 10 years. This is unprecedented progress unseen under any previous government. More than 9,500 insurgents have surrendered since 2014 and joined the mainstream of the society. Compared to 2014, there has been a 71 per cent reduction in insurgency incidents in 2023. Similarly, in this period, security force casualties have come down by 60 per cent and civilian deaths by 82 per cent. Due to the improved security situation, the AFSPA has been withdrawn from most parts of the Northeast.” 

Highlighting some of the historic peace agreements, the Prime Minister noted, “We have successfully negotiated Border Dispute Settlement Agreements between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh which has put an end to the longstanding dispute concerning 123 villages along the border. We have resolved the 50-year-old dispute between Assam and Meghalaya. Peace agreements like the Bodo Accord and the Bru-Reang Agreement have led to several insurgents and militants surrendering their arms and joining the mainstream.” 

All the efforts we have made have ushered in an era of peace in the region, PM Modi added.

During the interview on the transformation in the Northeast, PM Modi stressed that the Northeast is India’s greatest success story. He added that in the last 10 years, it is visible how the Modi government has ended the Northeast’s isolation and developed it as Bharat’s gateway to the East. 

Nepal: Muslim mob raising Allahu Akbar attacks Hindus in Sunsari ahead of Bageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s programme, curfew imposed

राहुल पाण्डेय
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Nepal: Muslim mob raising Allahu Akbar attacks Hindus in Sunsari ahead of Bageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s programme, curfew imposed

Indian border areas have been put on alert following communal violence in Nepal’s Sunsari district. A curfew has been imposed in Sunsari’s Ramnagar Bhutaha. Reports say that the situation has deteriorated following the attack on members of a Hindu organisation promoting Bageshwar Dham Peethadhishwar Dhirendra Shastri’s programme. Following this, a Hindu youth identified as Jivan Mehta was severely thrashed. According to locals, Islamists have been displeased since the consecration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Two Muslims have reportedly been arrested in this case.

Reports say that Dheerendra Shastri’s programme will be held on 17th April in Chatra, Sunsari. Workers from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad promoting this event were attacked, escalating the tension. The Nepalese administration scheduled a meeting of the Peace Committee, but Muslim representatives did not attend. In light of the situation in Nepal, vigilance has been enhanced along India’s borders.

It all started on 4th April when a Hindu youth named Jivan Mehta took a bike from a school in Ramnagar, Harinagar, to take his sister home. A mob of approximately 150-200 Muslims gathered there and brutally thrashed Jivan Mehta. Following this, Mehta entered the school to save himself from the mob, however, the attackers also entered the school. The attackers comprised children, the elderly, and youngsters.

Speaking to OpIndia an eyewitness to the incident said that the mob chased Jivan Mehta out of school and forced him to run to the Ramnagar Bhutaha market. It is said that despite witnessing everything, the police administration stayed mum. The mob reportedly attempted to abduct Jivan Mehta from the hands of the police. Even when taking him to the hospital, attempts were made to stop him. Jeevan Mehta was admitted to the ICU ward of the government hospital in Sunsari district. The violent mob was led by a man identified as Fayyaz Ansari.

Fayyaz Ansari’s father, Ghaffar, is the president of the Harinagar local municipality. Harinagar village municipality is a Muslim-majority area near India. The following day, Friday (5th April), Hindus protested against the incident and blocked the road demanding stern action against the assailants. The Muslim mob as strong as 500 also attacked the protesting Hindus. The violent mob shouted ‘Nara-e-Takbeer’ and ‘Allahu Akbar’ slogans. The altercation between the two factions left dozens of people injured.

Rajesh Yadav, president of the Hindu Samrat Sena, told OpIndia that the administration dispersed the mob by firing into the air. Two Hindu youths were shot during this incident and were taken to the hospital for treatment. The injured duo are reported to be stable now. Moreover, the mob led by one Sajjad Ansari assaulted a Nepali journalist named Brahmadev Mehta with stones and sticks. Brahmadev’s camera was stolen, and his phone was broken. Sajjad Ansari is claimed to be village municipality president Ghaffar’s close aide.

Following the violence, the Hindus of the Sunsari area showed unity and while protesting, they demanded strict action against the Muslim attackers. Police are identifying the attackers through available video footage. 17 police officers were hurt while attempting to control the violence and are currently undergoing treatment. An eyewitness informed OpIndia that some local Muslim journalists are spreading propaganda to portray their own community as oppressed victims, even though Hindus are the victims in the matter. Journalists spreading propaganda against Hindus include Tabil Ansari, Naseem, Ajmal Nepali, and Mohsin Ansari.

An eyewitness told OpIndia that the dispute erupted at the time of the consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. In Ward No. 3 of Gautampur, Harinagar, several members of the Muslim community tore down and threw away the saffron flag hoisted by Hindu youths. The administration had suppressed the matter after convincing both the involved parties. Meanwhile, Jivan Mehta had released a video in protest against this incident. The Hindu youth slammed Muslims in the video for disrespecting the saffron flag and since then, he has been targeted by Muslims.

Delhi HC declines to allow Eid prayers at the demolished ‘Akhoondji mosque’ site

OpIndia Staff
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Delhi HC declines to allow Eid prayers at the demolished ‘Akhoondji mosque’ site

The Delhi High Court declined permission for prayers during Ramzan and Eid at the demolished ‘Akhoondji mosque’ site in Mehrauli. Acting Chief Justice Manmohan, leading the bench, directed an appeal by Muntazmia Committee Madarsa Behrul Ulum and Kabarstan to be listed alongside a related matter on May 7. This appeal contested a single judge’s dismissal of their plea to allow devotees access to the mosque for Ramzan and Eid prayers.

The court noted the single judge’s decision based on a previous order denying prayers for Shab-e-Barat. Another appeal challenging this order is scheduled for a May hearing. The petitioner’s counsel requested an immediate order, pointing out that Ramzan and Eid would have passed by May. However, the bench, including Justice Manmeet PS Arora, refused an interim order, citing the single judge’s refusal of relief almost a month prior.

“This appeal must align with the May 7 hearing of the other appeal. The order in question is from March 11. You’ve waited a considerable time for listing. Today is April 8,” remarked the court.

“This must coincide with that appeal on May 7. No interim order can be granted,” reiterated the court.

The appellant’s counsel clarified that they were not seeking a “back-door entry.” Citing the Babri Masjid case and the Gyanvapi case, they argued that constitutional courts have previously respected religious beliefs and allowed prayers during pending legal disputes related to shrines.

The single judge, on March 11, had refused Ramzan prayers at the ‘Akhoondji mosque,’ noting the High Court’s previous refusal to allow devotees on Shab-e-Barat. The judge emphasized the land now belonged to the DDA, which had ordered maintenance of the status quo while addressing the demolition’s legality.

The appellant had asked the single judge for directions to permit entry for Tarawih prayers from sunset on March 11 to Eid-ul-Fitr.

The ‘Akhoondji mosque,’ believed to be over 600 years old, along with the Behrul Uloom madrasa, were declared illegal structures in Sanjay Van and demolished by the DDA on January 30.

‘Material shows prima facie involvement in alleged offence’: Delhi court denies interim bail to BRS leader K Kavitha in liquor policy scam

ANI
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‘Material shows prima facie involvement in alleged offence’: Delhi court denies interim bail to BRS leader K Kavitha in liquor policy scam

While dismissing the interim bail plea of K Kavitha, the court said that the material produced shows a prima facie point towards her involvement in the alleged offence and destruction of evidence.

BRS MLC K Kavitha has been arrested by the ED. She is in judicial custody after the ED’s interrogation. Her interim bail was dismissed by the Rouse Avenue court on Monday. She sought interim bail on the grounds of the school examination of her minor son.

Special judge Kaveri Baweja dismissed the plea with certain observations related to her primary facie involvement and destruction of evidence.

Special Judge Kaveri Baweja said, “The material placed prima facie points towards her active involvement in the commission of the alleged offences as also towards her deliberate act of destroying evidence, besides attempting to influence witnesses of the case.”

“The Applicant can, by no standards, be said to be a “vulnerable” woman who could be made a scapegoat for committing the alleged offences. Rather, she is undoubtedly a “well-educated” and “well-placed woman in the society,” the court said in the order passed on April 8.

The special judge also rejected the argument that family members cannot be a substitute for the mother to address the exam-related anxiety of the child and said, ” is not a “compelling” reason to grant interim Bail, in the opinion of this court.”

The court noted that the older son of the applicant aged about 19 years is studying in Spain.

“Thus, if one son of the Applicant can study abroad without his parents being physically present with him, it does not appeal to reason as to why the younger son, who has the comfort of his home and the presence of his above-noted relatives, cannot take examinations without the physical presence of his mother,” the court observed.

The court also rejected the argument that the father of the minor child is busy pursuing litigation on behalf of the applicant is also not a convincing reason since the application does not explain the extent of his said involvement.

“It also appears that so-called exam-related anxiety of the child does not seem to be his priority”, the court pointed out.

The court observed, “Further, in this age of technology, the physical absence of older sibling/father can certainly be compensated by their presence through digital devices. “

“The sisters of the applicant, with whom the applicant seems to share a close bond keeping in view her prayer for meeting her sisters while in custody, also compels this court to consider that the maternal aunts can also provide the necessary support to the child,” the court said.

K Kavitha has moved an interim bail application through advocate P Mohit Rao. It was argued by Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi assisted by Advocate Nitesh Rana and Deepak Nagar.

The bail was opposed by special counsel Zoheb Hossain for ED.

Her regular bail plea hearing has been postponed to April 16 from April 20.

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

Elon Musk refuses to comply with orders by Brazil’s Supreme Court, says X will risk ban in the country to stand for free speech

OpIndia Staff
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Elon Musk refuses to comply with orders by Brazil’s Supreme Court, says X will risk ban in the country to stand for free speech

A dispute between Elon Musk and Brazil erupted on Sunday (7th April) when Supreme Court judge from Brazil Alexandre de Moraes started an investigation into the entrepreneur after Musk stated that he would reinstate accounts on the social media site X that the judge had disabled.

Musk, X’s owner and free speech absolutist, has contested Justice Alexandre de Moraes’ decision to block specific accounts. He has stated that X, formerly known as Twitter, will abolish all restrictions because they are unconstitutional, and has called for Moraes’ resignation.

Neither Musk, X, nor Brazilian authorities have revealed whose social media accounts were ordered to be censored. X initially mentioned the order to block these accounts on Saturday, although it wasn’t immediately apparent when it was issued.

Musk, in an X post on Saturday (6th April) evening, accused Moraes of “brazenly and repeatedly” undermining the Brazilian constitution and people.

“This judge has applied massive fines, threatened to arrest our employees, and cut off access to X in Brazil. As a result, we will probably lose all revenue in Brazil and have to shut down our office there. But principles matter more than profit,” Elon Musk said in a post.

The billionaire has committed to file a legal appeal to the order barring X accounts. Moraes responded on Sunday by including Musk in his investigation into fake news on social media, as well as initiating an inquiry into what he called an obstruction of justice.

In response, Moraes stated, “X shall refrain from disobeying any court order already issued, including performing any profile reactivation that has been blocked by this Supreme Court.”

If X fails to comply with the decision to restrict particular accounts, the firm would be fined 100,000 reais ($19,740) every day, Judge Moares stated in a statement to the media.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s leftist government backed Moraes, with Solicitor General Jorge Messias criticising Musk and advocating for social media regulation to prevent international platforms from breaking Brazilian laws.

Amid this, American author and journalist, Michael Shellenberger commented on the issue and said that ‘Brazil is on the brink of dictatorship at the hands of a totalitarian Supreme Court Justice named Alexandre de Moraes’.

“President Lula da Silva is participating in the push toward totalitarianism. Since taking office, Lula has massively increased government funding of the mainstream news media, most of which are encouraging increased censorship. What Lula and de Moraes are doing is an outrageous violation of Brazil’s constitution and the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. At this moment, Brazil is not yet a dictatorship. It still has elections and the Brazilian people have other means at their disposal to confront authoritarianism. But the Federal Supreme Court and the Superior Electoral Court directly interfere in those elections through censorship,” he said.

Michael Shellenberger also added that a few days ago he published Twitter Files for Brazil in which he found that Moraes had violated the Brazilian Constitution.

“Moraes illegally demanded that Twitter reveal private information about Twitter users who used hashtags he considered inappropriate. He demanded access to Twitter’s internal data, violating the platform’s policy. He censored, on his own initiative and without any respect for due process, posts on Twitter by parliamentarians from the Brazilian Congress. And Moraes tried to turn Twitter’s content moderation policies into a weapon against supporters of then-president Jair Bolsonaro,” Shellenberger said.

“The Twitter Files also revealed that Google, Facebook, Uber, WhatsApp and Instagram betrayed the people of Brazil. If such evidence is proven, the executives of these companies behaved like cowards: they provided the Brazilian government with personal registration data and telephone numbers without a court order and, therefore, violating the law,” Shellenberger added.

Twitter Files Brazil

Brazil is conducting a massive crackdown on free expression, overseen by a Supreme Court justice named Alexandre de Moraes. De Moraes has imprisoned people without trial for what they posted on social media. He has also called for the expulsion of users from social media platforms. Moraes has ordered the removal of individual posts without providing users with an appeals process or even the ability to view the information provided against them.

Now, Twitter Files, disclosed for the first time, demonstrate that de Moraes and the Superior Electoral Court he supervises attempted to damage Brazilian democracy. As per Shellenberger, Moraes illegally demanded that Twitter divulge personal information about Twitter users who used hashtags he disliked. Moraes and the Court wanted access to Twitter’s internal data, which violated Twitter policy. They attempted to unilaterally ban Twitter posts through current members of Brazil’s Congress. They also aimed to use Twitter’s content restriction measures against supporters of then-President Jair Bolsonaro.

In 2023, the Moraes-led TSE deemed the former president ineligible to compete for the government for spreading misleading information about Brazil’s election system.

‘How many will be jailed before polls?’ SC grants bail to YouTuber ‘Sattai’ Durai Murugan, jailed over remarks against DMK chief MK Stalin

ANI
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‘How many will be jailed before polls?’ SC grants bail to YouTuber ‘Sattai’ Durai Murugan, jailed over remarks against DMK chief MK Stalin

The Supreme Court on Monday restored the bail granted to YouTuber ‘Sattai’ Durai Murugan who was accused of making a derogatory speech against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin in 2021.

“If before elections we start putting behind bars everyone who makes allegations on YouTube, imagine how many will be jailed?” observed the Supreme Court on Monday.

A Bench of Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan set aside the order cancelling Murugan’s bail and opined that he could not be said to have misused the liberty granted to him.

When senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the State, requested that the apex court impose conditions on the Youtuber so that he does not make any scandalous remarks while on bail, the bench told Rohatgi, “Who shall decide whether a statement is scandalous or not.”

Observing that Murugan did not misuse his liberty by protesting and expressing his views, the apex court ordered, “He continues to be on bail for 2.5 years. All the same, we do not find grounds to cancel bail. We thus quash the High Court order cancelling bail and restore the earlier order granting bail. Needless to say, cancellation of bail can be applied for if deemed fit.”

The top court was hearing Murugan’s plea challenging a Madras High Court order, which cancelled his bail observing that within a few days of giving an undertaking before the court (based on which he was granted relief), he indulged in further offence and made derogatory remarks against the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.

Murugan allegedly made derogatory remarks with an intention to breach public peace and tranquillity and on a complaint of DMK member, police registered a case against him. Murugan was arrested in October 2021.

The Madras High Court had in November 2021 granted bail to Murugan, however, later a division bench of the High Court cancelled his bail. In 2022, the apex court had granted interim bail to Murugan.

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

After Doordarshan screening, Idukki diocese shows The Kerala Story as part of training programme to educate teens about dangers of love affairs and love marriage

OpIndia Staff
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After Doordarshan screening, Idukki diocese shows The Kerala Story as part of training programme to educate teens about dangers of love affairs and love marriage

The Idukki diocese under the Syro Malabar Catholic Church in Kerala has screened the movie “The Kerala Story” for the teens to educate them about the dangers of love affairs. This comes just two days after the Kerala government made a hue and cry over the decision by Doordarshan to stream the movie.

According to local reports, the movie was screened by the diocese for its younger members on Sunday, 7th April for students from grades 10 to 12 as part of catechism classes.

Father Jins Karakkat, chairman of the Idukki Diocese Media Commission, gave a statement on the same saying, “The movie was screened to educate youngsters about the dangers lurking behind love affairs and marriage.”

The students were asked to watch the movie and review it after discussion within their groups. The dioceses also circulated a book on the matter among students.

Father Karakkat said intensive training programmes for children are held every year during vacation. He said that specific topics are selected for the programme and books prepared for it.

“This year, the programme was held on April 2, 3 and 4. The theme of the textbooks prepared for the children of Classes 10, 11, and 12 was love relationships,” he said.

He added, “Nowadays, there are circumstances in which teenagers are largely falling in love and facing dangers. So, we intended to create awareness among our children about such dangers,” he explained.

On 5th April, Doordarshan announced that The Kerala Story would be on Friday following which Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the decision.

He said that this is an attempt at polarization just before the Lok Sabha elections. Kerala Congress leader VD Satheesan has also demanded that the government channel back off the move to screen the ‘The Kerala Story’ on Doordarshan, saying the movie is a “collection of untruth.”

The CPI(M) state secretary alleged that the BJP decided to screen the film as the general elections are approaching, hoping to push its political agenda as the BJP was unable to make inroads into Kerala’s society.

It is important to note that Adah Sharma-starrer ‘The Kerala Story’ is one of the successful movies of 2023. The film saw popularity and ran well but there were attempts to corner the film and ban it for the subject matter.

The film brought a spotlight on subjects like forced/lured religious conversions, ISIS brides, and love jihad. The film was even banned in West Bengal initially and the makers had to plead before the Honourable courts to get its ban lifted, which was eventually lifted.

However, there were reports of the court’s order not being followed in its entirety. The story of the movie is based on the true story of Hindu girl Nimisha who was brain washed into marrying a Muslim, converting to Islam and leaving India to join ISIS.

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