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Gujarat: Drugs worth Rs 480 crores seized near Porbandar coast, 6 Pakistani nationals arrested

OpIndia Staff
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Gujarat: Drugs worth Rs 480 crores seized near Porbandar coast, 6 Pakistani nationals arrested

On Tuesday (12th March), Indian security agencies arrested six Pakistani nationals on a boat carrying drugs worth Rs 480 crore near the Porbandar coast in Gujarat. In an overnight operation, the accused were arrested while they were trying to enter the Indian territory last night. 

Acting on a tip-off, officials of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Indian Coast Guard, and Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) carried out the joint operation on 11th and 12th March. 

The NCB stated that in an overnight joint operation on 11th and 12th March, the Indian Coast Guard apprehended a Pakistani Boat with 6 crew onboard and around 80 Kg of drugs worth approximately Rs 480 crores. 

The boat was apprehended about 350 Km from Porbandar into the Arabian Sea in a sea-air coordinated operation involving ICG ships and Dornier Aircraft. The operation exhibited well-coordinated efforts between ICG, NCB, and ATS Gujrat. This is the tenth apprehension by ICG, jointly with ATS Gujarat and NCB, in the last three years, amounting to 517 kg drugs worth Rs 3,135 crores, the agency added. 

Major drugs bust

Notably, in the past 30 days, this marks the second major drug shipment intercepted off the coast of Gujarat.

On 28th February, the largest-ever drug seizure in the Indian subcontinent took place when authorities confiscated at least 3,300 kg of drugs from a boat with suspected Pakistani crew members off the Gujarat coast. 

The international market value of the seized drugs was estimated to be over Rs 2,000 crore. A “Produce of Pakistan” label was written on the cache of the seized narcotics and the total seizure included 3,089 kg of cannabis, 158 kg of methamphetamine, and 25 kg of morphine.

Pertinent to note that it is different from the drug seizure made from a warehouse in Delhi in which three accused hailing from Tamil Nadu were arrested earlier in February. According to NCB, the Former DMK leader and Tamil film Producer Jaffer Sadiq is the accused mastermind of the International drug racket which had trafficked drugs worth over Rs 2000 crores in the last several years. In that seizure on 15th February, nearly 50kg of pseudoephedrine (a narcotics-making chemical used to make methamphetamine) was confiscated. 

Haryana: Kurukshetra MP and state BJP chief Nayab Singh Saini to become new CM, may take oath today

ANI
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Haryana: Kurukshetra MP and state BJP chief Nayab Singh Saini to become new CM, may take oath today

 Ahead of the Lok Sabha election, Kurukshetra MP, OBC leader and Haryana BJP Chief Nayab Singh Saini, will be Haryana’s next Chief Minister.

Making the announcement after a meeting of the BJP legislators in Chandigarh, Haryana BJP MLA Krishan Lal Middha says, “Nayab Singh Saini to be next CM of Haryana. All people are now going to meet the Governor.

The BJP and its allies, 6 independent MLAs will now meet the governor. The new Chief Minister is expected to be sworn in later today. In the 90-member Haryana Assembly, the BJP has 41 MLAs. It also enjoys the support of 5 independent MLAs and the Haryana Lokhit Party MLA Gopal Kanda.

Karnal BJP MP Sanjay Bhatia said, “…It is the CM’s right to choose his cabinet and he will do so in consultation with the party…We will win all 10 Lok Sabha seats of Haryana…

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP had won all 10 parliamentary seats while JJP, which had contested the elections in alliance with AAP, could not put up a fight on 7 seats it contested.

Kurukshetra MP Nayab Singh Saini, was appointed Haryana BJP state president in October last year. Nayab Singh Saini won the Kurukshetra constituency in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections by more than 3.83 lakh votes over his nearest challenger, Nirmal Singh of the Indian National Congress (INC).

Saini, who was elected MLA for the first time in 2014 and has since served as a minister, is regarded as Manohar Lal Khattar’s confidante. The Saini caste accounts for around 8 per cent of the Haryana population, with a substantial presence in pockets of Kurukshetra, Yamunanagar, Ambala, Hisar, and Rewari districts which will have significant impact on Lok Sabha election.

Saini’s involvement with the BJP began in 1996, when he joined the Haryana BJP’s organisational structure, serving alongside the state general secretary until 2000. He rose through the ranks to become the district general secretary of the BJP Youth Wing in Ambala in 2002, followed by his appointment as district president in 2005.

Earlier, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Tuesday resigned from the state Chief Minister hours after the BJP alliance with the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) broke. The JJP led by Deputy CM Dushyant Chautala had 10 MLAs in the Haryana Assembly. Manohar Lal Khattar submitted his resignation letter to Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya.

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

India’s Mission Divyastra: MIRV-enabled Agni-V missile is capable of firing multiple nuclear warheads in a single launch. All you need to know

Anurag
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India’s Mission Divyastra: MIRV-enabled Agni-V missile is capable of firing multiple nuclear warheads in a single launch. All you need to know

On 11th March, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, congratulated the people of the nation on the successful first flight test of the indigenously developed 5,000 KM range Agni-5 nuclear missile. Named Mission Divyastra, the testing took place from the APJ Abdul Kalam island in Odisha’s Chandipur. On March 7, India issued a NOTAM (notice to airmen) over a large area across the Bay of Bengal, triggering speculations about major missile tests.

the missile is equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. With the MIRV technology, the missile can deliver multiple warheads at different locations or the same location in a single launch. Furthermore, it could also include decoys to deceive the anti-ballistic missile programme of the enemy nation. Experts said if India wants, it can now hit targets beyond 7000 KM as well.

The test was carried out from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha. In a post on social media, PM Modi said, “Proud of our DRDO scientists for Mission Divyastra, the first flight test of indigenously developed Agni-5 missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology.”

With the successful Mission Divyastra, India entered the elite group of countries that have MIRV-capable missiles. Apart from India, only the US, UK, Russia, China, and France have functioning MIRV-capable missiles. Israel is expected to have an MIRV-capable missile system but it has not been announced yet. Pakistan is also developing the missile system and reportedly tested the MIRV-capable missile, Ababeel, in 2017.

What is MIRV technology used in Mission Divyastra?

MIRV is a concept of ballistic missile payloads which enables a single missile to carry multiple warheads. Each of the warheads is capable of targeting the enemy at different locations. The United States introduced it with the successful test of Minuteman III in 1968. In 1970, the US brought the technology into actual use. The Soviet Union developed an MIRV-enabled missile system by the end of the 1970s.

Reportedly, MIRV technology can enhance a country’s nuclear capacity by several folds with the capacity to hit targets as far as 1,500 KM apart. Large missiles, small warheads, a complex mechanism and a precise guidance system are keys to MIRV’s success.

How does MIRV work?

MIRV-enabled missiles work as other ballistic missiles. First comes the booster phase followed by the missile’s upper stage which pushes the missile to suborbital spaceflight. It helps the missile to align itself based on designated targets. The upper stage or the “bus” of the missile then deploys multiple warheads along with countermeasures and decoys. Every warhead included in the missile can be assigned a different trajectory and target making it one of the most lethal weapons.

What are Agni V missiles?

Agni, a long-range missile system, has been developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation, DRDO. The first member of the Agni missiles family was introduced in India’s arsenal in the 1990s. MIRV-enabled missile system Agni-V is the latest missile of the system. The development of Agni-V was approved by Dr Manmohan Singh-led government in 2007. In 2012, DRDO announced India was working on MIRV technology. In December 2022, a successful flight test of Agni-5 was conducted off the coast of Odisha. While Agni-I can hit the target up to 700 km away, the latest version, i.e. Agni-V can hit the target around 5,000 KM away. In 2021, DRDO also successfully tested Agni P missile system which is a canisterised missile. It can hit targets between 1,000 to 2,000 KM away and can be launched from road and rail platforms making it easier to deploy and launch at a quicker pace.

Mission Shakti was successfully tested in March 2019

In March 2019, ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the people of India on the successful test of anti-satellite missiles (ASAT) which can take down enemy satellites in space. Apart from India, only the US, Russia and China have ASAT missiles.

While Congress leaders tried to take credit for the missile system claiming it was approved by the UPA-led government, the then-DRDO chief categorically credited PM Modi for the success of the mission. He said in 2012, India was planning to develop the ASAT system but was far from reality. He said, ” I would like to give the credit to Honourable Prime Minister Modi for giving DRDO scientists the clearance to build those building blocks which were missing and realize the ASAT system. Because of that kind of clearance and push, the DRDO scientists have been able to integrate today a very potent ASAT missile which is in a position to intercept a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite with high precision.”

Delhi: Hindu advocacy groups seek permission for Hanuman Chalisa recital at Inderlok following namaz row, protest over SI’s suspension

OpIndia Staff
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Delhi: Hindu advocacy groups seek permission for Hanuman Chalisa recital at Inderlok following namaz row, protest over SI’s suspension

Several Hindu organisations in Delhi’s Inderlok area have requested permission from the Delhi Police to recite the Hanuman Chalisa below the Inderlok metro station on Tuesday (12th March). However, the police have denied them permission for the Hanuman Chalisa recital and have increased deployment in the area. 

According to the police, to maintain law and order, security has been increased and Paramilitary forces have been deployed along with Delhi Police. 

Some videos have surfaced online where members of Hindu outfits are seen staging a sit-in protest outside the Delhi Police headquarters while reciting Hanuman Chalisa and songs asking Hindus to wake up – ‘Jaago to ek bar Hindu Jaago to’.

On Tuesday, members of the Hindu Raksha Dal protested outside the Delhi Police headquarters regarding the suspension of a sub-inspector. The officer kicked individuals who were offering namaz on a road in the Inderlok area.

“If they have rights to offer namaz on roads, we have rights too to chant Hanuman Chalisa on the roads as well. Our main demand is to bring the sub-inspector back on duty and to cancel his suspension orders,” a Hindu Raksha Dal leader told PTI.

Namaz row rocked Inderlok area last week

Evidently, the brave officer SI Manoj Tomar, after repeated urgings to clear the road falling on deaf ears, had to use force to clear the road and prevent inconvenience to commuters, and in the act, he “kicked” a Muslim man who was among the Namazis offering prayers on the road. 

It is pertinent to note that the area was recently rocked by an irate Muslim mob who gheraoed the police personnel in the Inderlok area and had even attempted to harm police officials, venting their anger and shouting abuses against SI Manoj Tomar. 

Outraging against the on-duty officer, the Namazis aggressively started encircling the Police officer Manoj Tomar. Following this, the officer and the mob had a heated argument. Some voices in the background can heard saying “Maaro saale ko… (beat the scoundrel)”. Notably, the police officer was suspended by the Delhi police under a so-called disciplinary action.

However, several videos of the incident make clear that the Muslim mob was trying to block the road for Namaz in conflict with the police and later became aggressive after SI Tomar intervened to stop the Namaz that was blocking traffic in the area. Additionally, netizens have also started to come out in support of the Delhi police and the officer who was trying to prevent the namaz from being offered on the road.

Though the Delhi Police initially ‘denied’ claims that SI Manoj Tomar was attacked by a mob, they later admitted that a mob had indeed clashed with police officials on 8th March, adding that SI Tomar was not present there when the ‘scuffle’ took place. They clarified that the claim of Manoj Tomar being attacked is wrong.

Kerala financial crisis: Supreme Court suggests Centre to go ‘slightly liberal’ & provide one-time bailout package as CPM govt demands Rs 19,000 crore

OpIndia Staff
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Kerala financial crisis: Supreme Court suggests Centre to go ‘slightly liberal’ & provide one-time bailout package as CPM govt demands Rs 19,000 crore

The Supreme Court on Monday, 11th March, suggested that the Central government provide a one-time bailout package to the state of Kerala, which is reeling under a financial crisis.

Deferring the matter to tomorrow, 13th March, at 10:30 am, the bench of Justices Surya Kant and KV Viswanathan said that the package can be given subject to strict conditions.

“You can be slightly liberal and give a one-time package as a special case. And more rigid conditions in future budgets … Before March 31 give them the special package. But subject to harsher conditions than other states. For the existing States you will be liberal next time (perhaps),” Justice Kant remarked to the counsel for the Central government.

The matter will be taken up on 13th March with the Centre and State government officials likely to hold a meeting before then.

Kapil Sibal represented the State of Kerala while Attorney General R Venkataramani and Additional Solicitor General N Venkataraman appeared for the Central government.

On Tuesday, the Kerala government sought an immediate release of Rs 19,000 crore that it claims the Centre owes it.

“The moment the Power Ministry says they have complied, it will be transferred. Bailout package is not possible under this scheme,” the ASG responded saying that the Centre cannot give any special treatment to Kerala.

Furthermore, it submitted that the Kerala government’s case is not a special one. “Theirs is not a special case … We have declined to other States. They do not even budget expenditures. 15 times more bailout sought than expenditure package,” the ASG said.

He said that the Centre’s hands are tied in the matter.

The AG said, “”Let them tell the court why they cannot pay … But to find a way out despite constraints, we are not at loggerheads.”

The Kerala government in its plea reportedly claimed that the Central government was interfering with the former’s power to borrow and regulate its finances.

The Pinarayi Vijayan government filed a suit in December 2023 alleging that the Centre had limited the state’s borrowings leading to an accumulation of unpaid dues and could result in a grave financial crisis.

As per reports, the state government failed to pay salaries to several of its employees for the month of February.

In mid-February, the Kerala government and Centre held talks to resolve issues concerning finance and budgeting.

Kerala’s financial crisis

The Kerala government has landed in an acute financial crisis in the recent years. Previously, during the course of the hearing, the Centre submitted to the Court that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has categorised Kerala as one of the five highly stressed states requiring urgent corrective measures.

As per reports, the CPM-led Kerala government’s expenditure has seen a significant rise. 78% of its revenue income has reportedly been spent in the fiscal year 2018-19. The fiscal deficit has escalated from 2.4% in 2017-18 to 3.1% in 2021-22.

The Centre has accused Kerala of negatively impacting India’s credit rating due to its state debt and warned that defaulting on debt servicing could create a reputation issue and a domino effect.

Unable to explain the situation, the Pinarayi Vijayan government has been on the offensive accusing the Centre of capping their borrowings.

Rahul Gandhi’s “secular” IUML, an offshoot of Jinnah’s Muslim League, approaches SC to stay CAA, says it offers ‘unfair advantage’ to minorities from Islamic nations

OpIndia Staff
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Rahul Gandhi’s “secular” IUML, an offshoot of Jinnah’s Muslim League, approaches SC to stay CAA, says it offers ‘unfair advantage’ to minorities from Islamic nations

On Tuesday (12th March), the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), an offshoot of Mohammed Ali Jinnah’s Muslim League, a political organisation responsible for the partition of India on the religious line, filed a petition with the Supreme Court, a day after the Centre notified the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) rules. The party has sought a halt to the law’s implementation, calling it “unconstitutional” and “discriminatory” against the Muslim population, and argued that the Bill offers an “unfair advantage” to the religious minorities in the neighbouring Islamic nations.

The Islamist political party IUML is the principal petitioner in the Supreme Court’s writ petitions contesting the CAA. The IUML filed an interlocutory application in the current writ petition, seeking an immediate stop on the CAA’s implementation. It contended that the conventional criterion of presumption of constitutionality of an Act does not apply when the legislation is “manifestly arbitrary.” The IUML claimed that because the Act links citizenship to religion and creates a categorization entirely based on religion, it is “prima facie unconstitutional” and should be stopped by the Supreme Court.

IUML contended that because the CAA has not been implemented for 4.5 years, deferring its implementation until the Court’s final ruling will not create any prejudice. The petitioner argued that if people who obtained citizenship under the CAA are eventually stripped of their citizenship because the Court finds the statute unconstitutional, it will create an odd situation. The IUML stated that it is not opposed to granting citizenship to migrants, but rather opposes religion-based exclusion.

“Since the CAA discriminates based on religion, it strikes at the root of the concept of secularism, which is the basic structure of the Constitution. Therefore, one way of looking at the implementation of the act would be to make it religion-neutral and give citizenship to all migrants irrespective of their religious status,” IUML stated in its petition, as reported by LiveLaw.

The party sought the court to defer the implementation of the CAA and the Rules, stating that until the court rules, members of the Muslim community may not be subjected to any coercive action under the Citizenship Act, Passport Act, or Foreigners Act.

This comes after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) notified the CAA on 11th March. The Citizenship Amendment Act will provide Indian citizenship to the persecuted Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Parsi, Buddhist, and Christian minorities in neighbouring Islamic countries of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. It has nothing to do with Indian citizens.

The bill was passed in December 2019, however the underlying rules were not framed. Its passage sparked protests like the one in Shaheen Bagh as well as 200+ petitions that are still pending before the Supreme Court in 2019.

In response to these petitions, the Centre’s affidavit, filed in 2022, argued that the validity of the CAA may not be subject to court review because citizenship and foreign policy are solely the purviews of Parliament. The government maintained that PILs cannot be used to challenge issues concerning parliament’s sovereign plenary power, particularly those involving citizenship.

When Rahul Gandhi called IUML ‘secular’

It is worth noting that the IUML which is an offshoot of the Muslim League that played a significant role in the partition of India is an ally of the Congress party. While the IUML has links with Jammat-e-Islami and the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), both accused by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) of spreading radicalism in Kerala, Rahul Gandhi had called the IUML a ‘secular’ party.

During his controversial US visit in June 2023, Rahul Gandhi asserted that the Muslim League, a Muslim political party in India that played a vital role in the partition of India on religious lines, was “completely secular”. The interviewer asked him, “You talked about secularism and democracy while opposing the Hindu party BJP, however, the Congress in Kerala has been in alliance with the Muslim party, the Muslim League in Kerala, the state from which you were an MP”. To this, Rahul Gandhi said, “Muslim League is a completely secular party, there is nothing non-secular about the Muslim League. I think the person has not studied the Muslim League”.

Notably, the IUML is an off-shoot of Pakistan founder and Islamist Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s All India Muslim League (AIML). The All India Muslim League was succeeded by the Muslim League in Pakistan and the Indian Union Muslim League in India.

The All India Muslim League was succeeded by the Muslim League in Pakistan and the Indian Union Muslim League in India. While the IUML on its website claims that it is “uncompromisingly anchors the nationalist and secular principles”, the party’s activities have been in sharp contrast to this.

Ayodya Ram Mandir: DD National to broadcast aarti of Shri Ram Lalla Virajman daily at 6:30 AM

OpIndia Staff
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Ayodya Ram Mandir: DD National to broadcast aarti of Shri Ram Lalla Virajman daily at 6:30 AM

On Monday (11th March), the state-run broadcaster Doordarshan (DD) National announced that it will be broadcasting the aarti (morning prayers) of Shri Ram Lalla Virajman, Balak Ram from Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir at 6.30 AM daily. 

Taking to its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the broadcaster wrote in Hindi, “Mangal Bhavan Amangal Haari, Dravahu Sudasarath Ajir Bihari. Now, every day there will be divine darshan of Lord Shri Ram Lalla! Watch the daily live broadcast of the Aarti from the Shri Ram Lalla Mandir in Ayodhya, every morning at 6:30 AM only on DD National.”

The morning aarti will be telecast starting from March 12th onwards, and viewers can watch today’s morning aarti here. 

Notably, the Ram Lalla idol was consecrated on 22nd January at the Ram Janmabhoomi site in Ayodhya as per Hindu rituals. An official stated that constant efforts were being made to get permission for the live broadcast of the daily morning aarti post the consecration ceremony. The approval to telecast morning aarti will give the opportunity to all those Ram devotees who are unable to visit Ayodhya to seek the divine darshan of Shri Ram. 

The official said, “After the consecration of the idol of Lord Ram, we had been trying to get permission for the live broadcast of the daily aarti in the morning. Now that the approval has been given, all those devotees who are unable to visit Ayodhya due to various reasons can have the auspicious sight of Lord Ram through DD National.” 

The national broadcaster also announced the re-run of the popular show based on the Hindu epic Ramayan with the same name. It will be re-telecast daily at 6 PM and repeat telecast at 12PM noon.  

It tweeted, “The unique tale of righteousness, love, and dedication… Once again, India’s most popular show ‘Ramayana’ has returned. Watch it daily at 6 PM on #DDNational and catch the repeat telecast at 12 PM noon.” 

As per the last available data, over 75 lakh Ram devotees have visited the Ram Mandir post the consecration ceremony of Lord Ram Lalla’s idol on 22nd January. An official added that during the weekend, more than two lakh devotees are visiting the temple. 

Ghar Wapsi in Uttar Pradesh: Dr Sajid adopts Hinduism, becomes Satbir Singh Rana ahead of Ramzan 2024

OpIndia Staff
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Ghar Wapsi in Uttar Pradesh: Dr Sajid adopts Hinduism, becomes Satbir Singh Rana ahead of Ramzan 2024

On March 11, ahead of the Ramzan festival, Doctor Sajid of Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh abandoned Islam and converted his religion to Sanatana Dharma. He is now known by the name of Satbir Singh Rana. Sajid resides in Nakur Kotwali, Saharanpur, and got married to Anita, a Hindu woman, four years ago.

As per the reports, it is believed that his wife encouraged him to adopt Sanatana Dharma. Sajid stated that he had liked Sanatana Dharma since childhood, but owing to family obligations and other responsibilities, he could never muster the courage to revert back to Hinduism. However, he is now satisfied with his new identity as Satbir Singh Rana.

According to the information, Sajid, his wife, and his child followed the Sanatana traditions on Monday at Hari Mandir at Housing Development, Saharanpur. He also did Havan-Yagya with his family after which he was given the Hindu identity in the name of Satveer Singh Rana.

Dr Sajid Ahmed (36) is a BUMS doctor by profession. He is an inhabitant of Dhalapada village in Nakur and practices his profession within the town. Sajid stated that he had performed a love marriage with Anita Rana, an Aligarh local, following which members of the Muslim society began criticising him that he had become a Hindu. His relatives also ousted him from the property. Following this, his wife Anita said that if people do not want you to live in Islam, why not follow the Sanatana tradition?

In fact, during his wedding with Anita, both of them had discussed practising their religions. However, their marriage was conducted following Hindu norms four years ago. Given this, Sajid faced severe criticism from his family and relatives. Sajid had already remarked that he loved Hinduism and would never advise Anita to convert to Islam. Anita had long been married and had two children. While working in Hisar, she met Sajid, and she decided to marry for the second time. 

The practising professional is said to have adopted the Sanatana custom in the presence of Bajrang Dal authorities. During the event, Satbir Singh Rana also raised ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans. He stated that his ancestors were Hindus before converting to Islam for various reasons. However, he is now delighted to return to Sanatan Dharma. He explained that he had been thinking about becoming a Sanatani for a long time. Following his wife’s recommendation, he contacted Hindu organizations and learned about the religion. “I understood things for 6 months and then accepted Sanatan of my own free will,” he said. 

Sajid’s wife, Anita, stated, “Everywhere we went, the Hindu-Muslim problem came up. I’ve been with my spouse for four years, but I know nothing about Islam; now I’m glad that he has returned to my Hindu faith.” Satveer, who changed his name from Sajid, claims that his conversion will not be tolerated by the Muslim community, and he and his family may face serious consequences. He further stated that he would seek police protection to ensure his and his family’s safety.

‘Why men prefer women with sharp curves’: Meet former IPS officer, fielded by Mamata Banerjee as TMC candidate for Lok Saba election

OpIndia Staff
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‘Why men prefer women with sharp curves’: Meet former IPS officer, fielded by Mamata Banerjee as TMC candidate for Lok Saba election

Prasun Banerjee, a former Indian Police Service (IPS) Officer and a Trinamool Congress candidate, courted controversy after his old tweet objectifying women went viral on social media.

The tweet, dating back to September 2015, read, “Why men prefer women with sharp curves.” The controversial post also included a link to an article explaining men’s fantasies about women’s body types.

Soon after the Mamata Banerjee-led-Trinamool Congress party declared Prasun Banerjee as a candidate from the Malda South Lok Sabha constituency, his 2015 tweet went viral on social media.

Screebgrab of the 2015 tweet by Prasun Banerjee

The development came at a time when Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his aides Shibu Prasad Hazra and Uttam Sardar had been under the scanner for the sexual exploitation of women in Sandeshkhali village in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.

Prasun Banerjee was slammed by netizens, with many comparing him to a ‘pervert’ incapable of providing safety to the women in his constituency.

Following backlash on social media, the TMC candidate from Malda North quickly deactivated his account. Banerjee did not bother to cite any apology or reassure the residents of his constituency.

Screengrab of the Twitter Profile of Prasun Banerjee

It must be mentioned that Prasoon Banerjee served as the Inspector General of Police of Raiganj range. Despite more than 5 years remaining for the completion of his service, he tendered his resignation abruptly on Saturday (9th March).

A day later, he joined the TMC and was fielded as a candidate from Malda North.

Banerjee has earlier worked as the Superintendent of Police in Malda and South Dinajpur and DIGs of Balurghat and Malda. He had previously claimed to have resigned from service to pursue his ‘creative career,’ only to join the TMC the following day.

In September last year, he went on a tirade against the movie ‘The Kerala Story’ which depicted the plight of women from Kerala who travelled to Afghanistan to do ‘jihad.’

 “As an artist, I strongly protest against such things. Such things can never be part of any art. No responsible artist in India seems to support the making of such films. I don’t think such work can stimulate the industry. I am so strongly opposed to such films,” he told Anandbazar Patrika.

The TMC candidate has acted in several Bengali movies including ‘Desher Mati’, ‘Guddi’ and ‘Sona Roder Gaan’. Prasun Banerjee also directed a short film and documentary titled ‘Just across the River’ and ‘Paradise Lost’ respectively.

Delhi: Yasin Malik with aide Zubair leak nude pictures of Muslim ex-girlfriend online for dating man of ‘another faith’, claims she was ‘disrespecting her faith’

OpIndia Staff
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Delhi: Yasin Malik with aide Zubair leak nude pictures of Muslim ex-girlfriend online for dating man of ‘another faith’, claims she was ‘disrespecting her faith’

On Monday, March 11, Delhi police arrested Yasin Malik and Zubair Rao for leaking private pictures of a woman on social media, reported Hindustan Times. The victim was Yasin Malik’s ex-girlfriend. Infuriated that the woman was currently dating a youth belonging to another religion, Malik along with his aide Zubair created an Instagram account and shared her nude photographs and videos, which he had taken without her consent while they were dating.

While sharing the pictures, the accused wrote on the Instagram account that the woman was ‘disrespecting her faith’ by dating a man from another community.

Zubair Rao, according to the police, also threatened the girl and her family with dire consequences if she did not leave her job and stop talking to the other man. 

The arrest was made based on the complaint filed by the victim, who works as a housekeeping staff at a five-star hotel in New Delhi. Based on her complaint, a first information report was registered against Malik and Rao under the Indian Penal Code sections of sexual harassment, criminal intimidation, voyeurism, and insulting women’s modesty, and sections of the Information Technology Act.

In the FIR, the victim said that Malik and Rao objected to her relationship with a man because he was from a different community. “When Malik dated the woman, he took her nude photographs and videos without her consent. When they broke up, and she started dating the other man, Malik and Rao created an Instagram account where they shared her photos and videos. Malik also went to the woman’s house and threatened her and her family,” said deputy commissioner of police (southwest) Rohit Meena.

Under the condition of anonymity, a police official stated that the accused individuals claimed on the woman’s Instagram account that she was “disrespecting her faith” by dating a man from another community.

“Rao also threatened the woman. He asked her to leave her job and stop talking to the other man. We have arrested both suspects. They have been sent to judicial custody,” the officer said, adding that the accused also shared the woman’s photos and videos on WhatsApp groups of which she and her friends were members.

Delhi police alerted Meta India about the Instagram account and requested that the content be taken down.

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