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Bajrang Punia left stadium in huff, refusing to play another match and the dope test after losing semi-finals of Paris Olympic Qualifiers: The fall and fall of the wrestler

Shraddha Pandey
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Bajrang Punia left stadium in huff, refusing to play another match and the dope test after losing semi-finals of Paris Olympic Qualifiers: The fall and fall of the wrestler

Arrogance is the last trait a sportsman should exude. However, when arrogance takes over a sportsperson’s mind, it has dire repercussions. A classic case of this was seen on Sunday (10th March) when wrestler Bajrang Punia was eliminated from the Paris Olympics qualification race. For the last few months, Punia has been engaged in everything other than wrestling. The star wrestler was a prominent face of the Wrestlers’ protest last year against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its former Chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Sharma accusing him of sexual harassment.

As reported earlier, Punia suffered a crushing 1-9 defeat against Rohit Kumar in the men’s freestyle 65kg semifinal. Earlier, Punia had barely managed to avoid elimination in the opening bout itself. He won his first bout against Ravinder (3-3 on criteria) after the latter had conceded a caution point in the bout. 

Notably, the ongoing selection trials are being organised by the IOA ad-hoc panel. The winners at the ongoing selection trials will get the opportunity to compete at the Asian and World Olympic Qualifiers. So far, India has earned only one quota for the Paris Games through Antim Panghal (women’s 53kg).

From seeking exemption from trials to losing by a huge 1-9 margin, Bajrang Punia’s performance dwindles

It is pertinent to mention here that Punia for the last few months has been training in Russia on his own money. However, his defeat against Kumar by a huge margin suggests that the wrestler has failed to regain fitness since he has largely been engaged in protest, not practice.

Frustrated over his elimination, Punia left the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in haste. Moreover, the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) officials tried to collect the sample for a dope test, however, the wrestler did not stay back even for a third-fourth place bout.

It is worth noting that wrestler Rohit Kumar who defeated Bajrang Punia lost to Sujeet Kalakal in the final match. Interestingly, Kalakal contested the decision to grant Punia direct access to the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games without trials in court last year. However, he lost the case.

In July last year, the Delhi High Court dismissed the plea filed by ace wrestlers Antim Panghal and Sujeet Kalakal. The plea had challenged the exemption granted to wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat which allowed their direct entry into the Asian Games. In an interview last year, wrestlers Vishal Kaliraman and Antim Panghal said that while she was working hard and training, wrestlers like Vinesh Phogat were busy in protests while raising questions over ‘trial-free entry to Phogat and Punia in the Asian Games.

Justice Subramonium Prasad claimed that the unanimous decision of the ad-hoc committee was not arbitrary or perverse. Claiming that the two athletes are among the top 10 wrestlers in the world, it is not arbitrary to classify them as ‘elite athletes’. 

Months later, Iranian Rahman Amouzadkhalili defeated wrestler Bajrang Punia by a significant 8-1 margin in the Asian Games semi-finals raising questions over the Indian wrestler’s preparedness for the crucial tournament.

In the bronze medal match at the Asian Games in Hangzhou in October 2023, India’s Bajrang Punia was defeated by Japan’s Kaiki Yamaguchi 10-0 owing to technical superiority. The Indian wrestler was allowed to represent his country in the Asian Games without any tryouts, and his 10-0 defeat dashed India’s bronze medal hopes.

The Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) ad-hoc committee granted exemptions to Punia and Phogat from the trials for the men’s freestyle 65 kg and women’s 53 kg categories. This decision was met with stiff opposition from coaches, and current and former athletes.  

On the one hand, the wrestler is alleged to have regularly sought exemptions from trials for important championships; on the other hand, his disappointing showing demonstrates his critics’ point that Punia was seeking exemptions out of fear of failing to win the qualifiers. The wrestler’s alleged tantrums, such as not playing the match for third place or staying back for a dope test, highlight why he was unwilling to engage in the trials against wrestlers who were constantly practising rather than engaging in protests and politics.

Bajrang Punia was a member of the Wrestlers group that protested against the then WFI head Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. In April 2023, they went to Jantar Mantar and sought a probe into charges of sexual harassment of female wrestlers by Bharatiya Janta Party MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh while serving as head of the Wrestling Federation of India. Later, the Delhi Police filed two FIRs against Singh.

While the protesting wrestlers had claimed that their protest had nothing to do with politics, it was seen that several Congress leaders including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Deepender Hooda and former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda assured absolute support to them. In May last year, Brij Bhushan Singh had claimed that a “conspiracy” was hatched against him by Deepender Hooda and Bajrang Punia.

Moreover, several disparaging slogans were raised during the wrestlers’ protests last year. During the protests, slogans such as ‘Modi Teri Kabar Khudegi’ and anti-India ‘Azadi’ were reportedly raised.

It should not be forgotten that similar outrageous slogans have been used by protestors in several previous protests. Azadi slogans are commonly used at anti-CAA protests, Shaheen Bagh protests, farmers’ protests, and other JNU protests.

As the protesting wrestlers were continuously accused of seeking exemptions from trials, hundreds of junior wrestlers gathered at Jantar Mantar on 3rd January this year to express their discontent with losing a critical year in their careers.

The protest was aimed at rebel Indian wrestlers Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, and Bajrang Punia, whom the junior wrestlers blamed for ruining a year of their lives. As we reported earlier, the protesting wrestlers raised slogans against Malik, Phogat, and Punia. Junior wrestlers, like Antim Panghal, have consistently asserted that only the best wrestlers from India should represent the country in the world championships including the Olympics and that this should be determined by selection trials rather than offering trial exemptions to certain wrestlers.

Bajrang Punia’s defeat in trials suggests that the wrestler should redirect his focus from protests and politics to practice. Moreover, given his recent tantrums, he also needs to work on his attitude as a sportsman. Fortunately, Punia had to compete in trials rather than being granted an exemption this time; otherwise, he could have repeated his previous devastating defeats at the World Olympic qualifiers.

Wife of BJP booth President attacked in West Bengal, victim says she was molested by 300 Muslims, BJP shares video, police deny communal angle

OpIndia Staff
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Wife of BJP booth President attacked in West Bengal, victim says she was molested by 300 Muslims, BJP shares video, police deny communal angle

On Friday (8th March), the wife of the BJP booth President was attacked in Altapur village in the Karandighi sub-division in Uttar Dinajpur district of West Bengal.

In a video shared by the X (formerly Twitter) handle of ‘BJP West Bengal’, the victim was heard saying, “A mob of 300-400 Muslims landed at my house. I was talking to them through the window and pleading them to leave us alone.”

“They did not listen and broke the window and our door. They took away our belongings such as suitcase, almirah, TV, bed and even utensils for keeping rice.

“They also broke the idols of Goddess Durga and Goddess Manasha,” she narrated while breaking down in tears. “My son was attacked. They broke his leg. My daughter’s hand was fractured. They threw bricks at me. I was bleeding from my ears,” the victim recounted.

“They tore my clothes and removed everything. There was not a single Hindu. All of them were Muslims,” she emphasised.

The woman wept inconsolably and added, “My husband is BJP’s booth President. Party meetings are conducted at my home. One such meeting took place yesterday. Since the time my husband contested elections, we were being threatened.”

“I have nothing left. They destroyed everything. All of this happened because we support BJP…My husband has gone into hiding because of the fear of Muslims. They targeted me since he was not around,” she narrated.

While reacting to the disturbing incident, BJP MP from Hooghly Locket Chatterjee, tweeted, “Persecution of Hindus continues unabated in West Bengal, from Sandeshkhali to Karandighi. The Chief Minister consistently shifts blame onto Hindus. West Bengal residents await justice. #NoVoteToMamata”

On Saturday (9th March), BJP MLA Dr Ashok Kumar Lahiri met the victim at the hospital.

In a tweet, he informed, “Yesterday night (8th March) at around 1 o’clock, TMC-sponsored goons attacked the wife and family members of BJP booth President Rajkumar Das in Altapur in Karandighi Vidhan Sabha constituency.”

“Today, I met her (the wife of Rajkumar Das) at the Raihganj district hospital. I demand strict punishment for the culprits,” tweeted Dr Ashok Kumar Lahiri while sharing visuals from his hospital visit.

In the meantime, the BJP has shared a 2019 video of Mamata Banerjee, acknowledging that her politics is based on Muslim appeasement.

“Je goru dudh dei, tar lathi kheta hoi (We will have to tolerate the kick of the cash cow that gives us milk),” the West Bengal CM had infamously said.

The incident comes in the backdrop of sexual violence committed against women by Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his aides Uttar Sardar and Shibu Prasad Hazra in Sandeshkhali village in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.

Police deny communal angle

Four days after the incident, the Raiganj police claimed that there was no ‘communal angle’ in the case.

In a tweet on Tuesday (12th March), it said, “Efforts are being made from certain quarters to distort facts and spread disharmony about a recent incident in Uttar Dinajpur. Fact is, an altercation and scuffle between two neighbouring families over supply of irrigation water resulted in injuries on both sides.”

“There was no communal overtone whatsoever to the incident. Stern legal action is being initiated against those seeking to ignite communal passions through blatant falsehood,” the Raiganj police warned.

Maaro be*en ke lo*do ko: Videos of irate Muslim mob after police officer stopped Namaz on road in Inderlok viral, Police says ‘locals escorted police’

OpIndia Staff
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Maaro be*en ke lo*do ko: Videos of irate Muslim mob after police officer stopped Namaz on road in Inderlok viral, Police says ‘locals escorted police’

On 10th March, Delhi Police took on X (formerly Twitter) to “dismiss” claims made by netizens about a video that has gone viral where police officials were seen being pushed by a mob after officer Manoj Tomar had stopped people from offering namaz on the road. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), North Delhi, quoted journalist Anupam Mishra who said that the incident took place on Saturday (9th March) were now-suspended Sub Inspector (SI) Manoj Tomar was attacked by a mob.

DCP wrote, “This is wrong information. The mentioned SI is not present in this video. The video is not of yesterday (Saturday) but of Friday, 8th March, when protestors had gathered in Inderlok. Locals escorted police officers to the police post after which a scuffle took place.”

Muslim mob called to attack the police

In the viral video shared by Mishra, a large mob was seen pushing the police personnel towards the police post. One of the persons present at the scene was heard abusing the police saying, “This is the one. This is the one. Beat them. This is the one.” Soon after the mobsters started beating the police personnel which was visible in the video. Towards the end, a couple of the persons present at the scene were seen pushing police personnel in the opposite direction.

The irate Muslim mob was also seen abusing the police personnel while getting aggressive. In the video that has gone viral, one can hear some in the Muslim mob yell, ‘Yehi hai be*en ke lo*de. Maaro be*en ke lo*do ko. Maaro iski be*en ki ch*t. yehi hai la*di ka.’

DCP dismissed the post by Anupam Mishra claiming that the SI mentioned was not there. The DCP categorically avoided commenting on the attack by the Muslim mob against the police personnel present there. The dismissal by the police shocked netizens who in turn questioned the police about their stand.

Netizens react to ‘Locals escorted police officers’ comment

Anupam Mishra quoted DCP and wrote, “DCP North Delhi accepts that the video is from the Friday incident but insists that SI Manoj Tomar is not present in the “scuffle” between the police and the hostile crowd. However if you listen to the video, you can hear people saying “yahi hai $$$$, maro saale ko”.”

Source: X

X user Mike_maitreya wrote, “Here is the product of the hallowed IPS farce somehow justifying the radical blood-thirsty mob as helpfully escorting uniformed cops to their station.. Crush Street power, set an example, shoot a few cockroaches, break some legs..”

Source: X

X user Sahana said, “I was under the wrong impression that it was a crime to assault a policeman in uniform. Thank you for letting citizens know that it is not assault but escorting the police officers like this.”

Source: X

Another X user said, “So, Delhi Police aka Denial Police accepts that video is indeed from Inderlok area and shows Namazis, the lords of Indian roads, manhandling Police officers. Few years back when they got into scuffle with Lawyers, Delhi Police employees staged a protest. But these are Namazis so no cop is objecting”.

Delhi police suspended SI Manoj Tomar for ‘kicking’ Namazis encroaching road for prayers

Notably, this video was from 8th March, as per the police. The mob, which has been referred to as protesters by DCP in the post on X, had gathered to “protest” against SI Manoj Tomar who had “kicked” a Muslim man who was among the Namazis offering prayers on the road. SI Tomar had to use force as they were not paying heed to SI Tomar’s repeated request not to pray on the road and cause inconvenience to commuters.

A video of several Muslims offering namaz on the road in the Indralok area of Delhi surfaced online. In the video, an officer arrives and kicks a man offering namaz and angrily asks him to move. However, a longer version of this video had also surfaced in which it is seen that the Muslims offering namaz on the road were warned multiple times by the Delhi police before this incident took place. Netizens extended their support to the officer who tried to prevent Namaz from being offered on the road.

The video that went viral on 8th March was a 34-second snippet. Later, a longer video of the incident emerged which was a 1 minute 44 seconds clip showing Delhi police warning the people not to offer namaz on the road. However, the Muslims seen in the video continued to prepare themselves to offer namaz on the road disregarding the police warning. After this, the police officer is first seen pushing them away and then kicking two of those who offered namaz despite repeated warnings.

The viral video showing SI Tomar kicking the Namazi went viral leading to his suspension for three months. Delhi Police officials said, “In the incident at Inderlok today, the Police Post in-charge, who was seen in the video has been suspended with immediate effect. Necessary disciplinary action is also taken.”

Outreach by PM Narendra Modi to Russian President Putin helped prevent first nuclear attack since Hiroshima and Nagasaki: What a CNN report says

ANI
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Outreach by PM Narendra Modi to Russian President Putin helped prevent first nuclear attack since Hiroshima and Nagasaki: What a CNN report says

As the Russia-Ukraine conflict raged in 2022, the United States started “preparing rigorously” for a potential nuclear strike by Moscow against Kyiv, in what would have been the first nuclear attack since the US dropping atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki nearly eighty years before, CNN reported citing two senior administration officials. The report stated that outreach from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other countries also played an important role in averting the crisis. 

The Biden administration was specifically concerned Russia might use a tactical or battlefield nuclear weapon, the officials said. 

Amid the fears, the US sought to enlist the help of non-allies including India, to discourage Russia from such an attack, as reported by CNN. 

“One of the things we did was not only message them directly but strongly urge, press, encourage other countries, to whom they might be more attentive, to do the same thing,” the senior administration official said. 

US officials say that outreach and public statements from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and others helped avert a crisis. 

“I think we believe showing the international community the concern about this, particularly the concern from key countries for Russia and the Global South, was also a helpful, persuasive factor and showed them what the cost of all this could be,” CNN quoted a senior administration official as saying. 

“I think the fact that we know, India weighed in, China weighed in, others weighed in, may have had some effect on their thinking,” the senior administration official added. “I can’t demonstrate this positively, but I think that’s our assessment.” 

Regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India has always condemned civilian killings and called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. 

In a major statement, PM Modi told President Putin that “this is not the era of war” on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Uzbekistan last year. The statement was even made to the G20 communique under the presidency of India. 

During this period from late summer to fall 2022, the National Security Council convened a series of meetings to put contingency plans in place “in the event of either a very clear indication that they were about to do something, attack with a nuclear weapon, or if they just did, how we would respond, how we would try to preempt it or deter it,” the senior administration official said. 

Notably, late summer 2022 was also proving a ‘devastating period’ for Russian forces in Ukraine. Ukrainian forces were advancing on Russian-occupied Kherson in the south, the city which had been Russia’s biggest prize since the invasion. 

As these Ukrainian forces advanced, entire Russian units were in danger of being surrounded. The view inside the administration was that such a catastrophic loss could be a “potential trigger” for the use of nuclear weapons, according to CNN. 

Also, at the same time, Russia was allegedly circulating a new “false flag story” about a Ukrainian dirty bomb, which US officials feared could be intended as a cover for a Russian nuclear attack. 

In October 2022, Russia’s defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, made a series of phone calls to defence officials in the US, the UK, France and Turkey, telling them that the Kremlin was “concerned about possible provocations by Kyiv involving the use of a dirty bomb.” 

But, it is pertinent to note that at no time did the US detect intelligence indicating Russia was taking steps to mobilize its nuclear forces to carry out such an attack, CNN reported. 

“We obviously placed a high priority on tracking and had some ability at least to track such movements of its nuclear forces,” a senior administration official said. “And at no point did we ever see any indications of types of steps that we would’ve expected them to take if they were going down a path toward using nuclear weapons.” 

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

“Rajiv trapped in drunken stupor, Sonia was bar dancing in Italy”: BRS posts cartoon in response to Congress’ post against KCR, K Kavitha & KTR

OpIndia Staff
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“Rajiv trapped in drunken stupor, Sonia was bar dancing in Italy”: BRS posts cartoon in response to Congress’ post against KCR, K Kavitha & KTR

The BRS and Congress have indulged in a vicious war of words and a war of morphed images on X, formerly Twitter.

The Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) on 10th Sunday (10th March) shared an image on X from the Bollywood song ‘Kajraare Kajraare’. But there’s a catch.

The image showed Rajiv Gandhi instead of Abhishek Bachchan at the back and Sonia Gandhi, dressed in a rather exposing blouse, instead of Aishwarya Rai in the front.

The image was captioned, “We told Chilakki to stop these petty morphings on KCR who fought with his life for Telangana! We also warned that if you don’t stop, we can morph more on your Sonia and Rahul. However, you don’t hear that the dog’s tail is crooked…experience it!”

In addition to sharing the morphed images, the BRS also threatened the Congress that if they don’t stop posting images about BRS leaders then they will share a video too.

The post further read, “We don’t need to tell who Bapati is who used to do bar dances in Italy…The whole world knows that he was trapped in a drunken stupor…If he does more, we will send the full video…They can’t chew and swallow!”

BRS’ tweet was in response to a post by the Telangana Congress showing K Kavitha sitting atop a pink car and KCR standing next to the car along with other BRS leaders.

The caption to this image read, “What is the story of this Kalvakuntla gang who robbed the car by speaking cheap words…whatever they have done…if they do good deeds, they will say that they have done them…their bad deeds will rub the blood of all the people…!”

“If you do good deeds, people will take your blood away… Don’t send it away… Try not to use cheap words and cheap pretences and be a good opposition… otherwise, that status will also be lost. Be safe…!!” the post read.

The Congress was the first to post a morphed image in response to the BRS Working President KTR’s allegation that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy gave jobs to citizens which were given by KCR to begin with.

Meanwhile, several BRS supporters on X expressed support for the morphed image of Sonia and Rajiv Gandhi.

One supporters said, “Plz use the original face of Sonia Gandhi..when you want to counter !! They used original faces..not the AI one’s.”

Another user said, “nice song chosen.”

“It’s derogatory! The Congress cartoon is satirical but not derogatory. The artist you hired is not creative. Please cut the salary,” wrote another user.

Such jibes between opposing are likely to escalate as 2024 Lok Sabha elections approach.

Mamata Banerjee bats for illegals ahead of 2024 elections? West Bengal CM opposes NRC, says ‘won’t let anyone be taken to detention centres’

ANI
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Mamata Banerjee bats for illegals ahead of 2024 elections? West Bengal CM opposes NRC, says ‘won’t let anyone be taken to detention centres’

Assuring the people of West Bengal of vehemently opposing the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state, Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) Supremo Mamata Banerjee on Sunday that she won’t let anyone to the detention center. 

She also slammed the BJP for the situation in Manipur. Addressing the crowd at Brigade Parade ground, Banerjee asserted, “Before the elections, they (BJP) will promise to implement CAA… After the elections, they (BJP) will take everything from you and try to drive you out of Bengal. But we (TMC) will provide you shelter, we won’t let anyone among you go to the detention center. We (TMC) won’t allow NRC to be implemented.” 

Banerjee also criticized the BJP’s handling of the situation in Manipur, stating, “In Bengal, people continue to arrive regardless of the circumstances. What was the BJP’s response when Manipur was burning? How many BJP leaders went there? How many BJP leaders extended assistance to the woman who was paraded naked?” 

The West Bengal CM further asserted that her party will contest elections in multiple states in the upcoming Lok Sabha election. 

“TMC will contest the election against BJP, Congress, and CPM in West Bengal. TMC will fight alone here in Bengal. TMC will also fight in Assam, Uttar Pradesh. For one seat, there has been a discussion with Samajwadi leader Akhilesh Yadav. We will also fight in Meghalaya,” she said. 

The Trinamool Congress on Sunday announced its candidates for all 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal for the upcoming general elections. The list was announced by the party at Brigade Parade ground on Sunday. The ruling party in Bengal sprung a surprise by fielding former Indian cricketer Yusuf Pathan from Berhampore constituency. Another former Indian cricketer Kirti Azad will contest from Bardhaman Durgapur. 

Abhishek Banerjee, the nephew of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will contest from Diamond Harbour. Mahua Moitra, who was expelled from Lok Sabha in the Winter session last year has been given a ticket from Krishnanagar constituency. 

Meanwhile, Mukut Mani Adhikari who recently quit the Bharatiya Janata Party has also been given ticket from Ranaghat Lok Sabha seat. Shatrughan Sinha is set to again contest from Asansol, a seat he had won earlier in 2022 bypoll. TMC has fielded Jagadish C Basuniya from Cooch Behar, Prakash Chik Baraik from Alipurduar, Nirmal Ch Roy from Jalpaiguri, Gopal Lama from Darjeeling. 

Krishna Kalyani has been fielded from Raiganj whereas Biplab Mitra and Prasun Banerjee will contest from Balurghat and Malda Uttar respectively. The party also announced to field of Shahnawaz Ali Raihan from Malda Dakshin. From Jangipur, Khalilur Rahman has been given the ticket to contest the polls. Abu Taher Khan has also been given ticket from Murshidabad, Biswajit Das from Bongaon and Partha Bhowmick from Barrackpore. 

TMC leader Saugata Roy is set to contest from Dum Dum, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar from Barasat, Haji Nurul Islam from Basirhat, and Pratima Mondal has been given ticket from Joynagar constituency. 

From Mathurapur, Bapi Halder will contest whereas Saayoni Ghosh has been fielded from Jadavpur seat. The ruling party also fielded Mala Roy from Kolkata Dakshin, Sudip Bandhopadhyay from Kolkata Uttar and Prasun Banerjee from Howrah. 

Meanwhile, Sajda Ahmed will contest from Uluberia, Kalyan Banerjee from Serampore, Rachana Banerjee from Hooghly and Mitali Bag from Arambagh seat. TMC further announced that Debangshu Bhattacharya will contest from Tamluk, Uttam Barik from Kanthi , Deepak Adhikari (Dev) from Ghatal, Kalipada Soren from Jhargram and June Malia from Medinipur. 

From Purulia, Shantiram Mahato has been fielded whereas Arup Chakrabarty will contest from Bankura. Sujata Mondal from Bishnupur, Dr Sharmila Sarkar from Bardhaman Purba , Asit Kumar Mal from Bolpur and Satabdi Roy from Birbhum have also been given a ticket by TMC. 

The Trinamool Congress kicked off the campaign for the upcoming elections through its show of strength. In the previous Lok Sabha polls, the TMC won 22 seats while the BJP sprung a major surprise, winning 18 seats. 

The Congress won the remaining two seats. In 2019, the BJP-led National Democratic (NDA) won a total of 303 seats, leaving the grand-old party behind at 52 seats. 

The Lok Sabha polls are expected to be held in April-May this year.

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

ED registers money laundering case against Former DMK leader and Tamil Film Producer Jaffer Sadiq, the accused mastermind in Rs 2000 crore International drug racket

OpIndia Staff
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ED registers money laundering case against Former DMK leader and Tamil Film Producer Jaffer Sadiq, the accused mastermind in Rs 2000 crore International drug racket

On Sunday (10th March), the Enforcement Directorate (ED) registered a money laundering case in the recently busted International drug racket involving the arrested accused mastermind Former DMK leader and Tamil Film producer Jaffer Sadiq, news agency PTI reported. 

The probing agency has filed the case under the provisions of the stringent Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) after taking cognisance of a bunch of FIRs. This also includes the one in which the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) arrested the former DMK politician Sadiq on Saturday (9th March). According to the NCB officials, Sadiq is the kingpin of the International drug racket and was involved in the smuggling of about 3,500 kgs of pseudoephedrine with a street value of more than Rs 2,000 crore.

According to reports, the financial watchdog, ED, will probe if money earned from the illicit narcotics trade was laundered to create movable and immovable assets by the accused. The sources said that the investigation will run parallel to the NCB probe.

Following his arrest, Jaffer Sadiq reportedly made explosive revelations before NCB officials. Sadiq who was absconding for several weeks, told NCB officials that he gave Rs 7 lakh to DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. 

As per reports, Sadiq told the authorities that he gave Rs 5 lakh to Udhayanidhi Stalin as funds to help during the flood last year, and the remaining Rs 2 lakh was given as funds for the party.

According to media reports citing sources, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s son, Udhayanidhi Stalin could be called in for questioning in connection with the case.

BJP mounts attack on DMK

Earlier in the day on Sunday, the Bhartiya Janata Party launched a scathing attack against Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) stating that it has now become “Drug Marketing Kazhagam“.

It also asked Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin to explain his relationship with the Former DMK leader arrested in the International drug racket case.  

BJP also charged MK Stalin’s daughter-in-law with directing a film produced by the accused.

BJP Mahila Morcha chief Vanathi Srinivasan slammed MK Stalin over the illicit drug case accusing that his daughter-in-law directed a film produced by Jaffer Sadiq. She also claimed that the accused was close to Udhayanidhi Stalin.

She said, “Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi, daughter-in-law of Chief Minister M K Stalin has directed a film produced by Jaffer Sadiq. All his social media posts show how close he was with Tamil Nadu sports minister (Udhayanidhi Stalin), son of M K Stalin.”

Vanathi Srinivasan further added that Sadiq used his political connections for his alleged drug business.

She added, “It seems that while being an office-bearer of the ruling party (DMK), he developed a very strong network with the police. In one picture, DGP is seen presenting some kind of award to this accused.”

BJP leader Tom Vadakkan said, “Stalin and company have reduced the DMK government (in Tamil Nadu) into a Drugs Marketing Kazhagam.”

Film produced by Sadiq under agency’s scanner

A senior NCB officer, asking not to be named, earlier today said, “We are probing if drug money was used in his (Sadiq’s) production company. It looks like his production company was a front to launder money. He was on the run for the past two weeks.” 

The agency said, “The accused (Jaffer Sadiq) earned huge amounts of money through drug trafficking and invested it in multiple industries like film, construction, hospitality etc.” 

According to the central probing agency, a Tamil film named ‘Mangai’ was “entirely funded” by Jaffer Sadiq from drug money. He also constructed a hotel in Chennai.

According to the agency, Sadiq allegedly used to get ₹1 lakh per kg “cut” (commission) from the smuggling of narcotics.

The NCB in Delhi busted the sprawling drug trafficking network on 15th February this year, however, the officials shared this information on Saturday (24th February). Three accused hailing from Tamil Nadu were arrested and the agencies seized 50 kilograms of pseudoephedrine, a key chemical used in the production of methamphetamine. It was revealed that the Tamil film producer Jaffer Sadiq is the mastermind of the racket who went absconding.

Lucknow: Mob pelts stones at police and officials during demolition of illegal structures at Akbarnagar over rumours that people were trapped under collapsed building

OpIndia Staff
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Lucknow: Mob pelts stones at police and officials during demolition of illegal structures at Akbarnagar over rumours that people were trapped under collapsed building

On 10th March the removal of unauthorized buildings caused an uproar in Lucknow, the Uttar Pradesh capital because of a rumour that some persons were buried under the debris of a demolished structure. People began throwing stones as the police team and other members of the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) were forced to flee the scene in order to protect their lives. A large number of police personnel have been stationed there in light of the circumstances and everything is now under control.

According to the High Court’s directives, the authorities showed up in Akbarnagar, armed with Poclains and JCBs to demolish the illegally built structures. One of the building’s demolition was initiated by the machinery. However, when the crew was dismantling the building, it quickly collapsed into debris. The video of the collapse of the building went viral on social media.

After that, soon a rumour was spread that there were people in the building and they were buried beneath the crumbling structure began to circulate in the meantime. When word got out, locals flocked to the scene and began making a commotion. People refused to accept that there was nobody under the rubble, despite the administration’s assurances that the structure was completely vacated before it was hit with the machines. The furious mob reacted violently and started pelting stones at the officials and chased them off the location.

Simultaneously, the building’s wreckage also struck another dwelling which further infuriated the agitators. The Lucknow Development Authority team was accused of recklessness by the demonstrates. Some people charged that the LDA team’s irresponsibility prompted the accident to take place. However,

The situation grew extremely tense and the squad that went to destroy the building found themselves compelled to leave the area to avoid getting injured. The equipment was left behind. Later the higher-ups hurried to the scene with a sizable police force as soon as they learned about the disturbance and explained to the protestors that nobody was under the collapsed structure. After the cops reached the spot, the situation was normalised and the traffic has also been opened.

No one has been hurt in the stone-pelting, and no casualties have been reported as a result of the demolition. The situation is reportedly calm at the moment. A significant number of police officers have been dispatched to the scene in light of the current circumstances.

Three commercial structures are being demolished in Akbarnagar in Lucknow on court orders, according to the VC of LDA Dr Indramani Tripathi who was present at the location. People were sent back to their homes after a clarification but stones were pelted. He said that seven people had been issued Pradhan Mantri Awas immediately and no one sustained any injuries.

The manner in which stones were thrown at the officials is eerily similar to the riots that transpired in Uttarakhnad’s Haldwani where officials arrived to take down the illicit mosque and madrasa at the direction of the high court but a Muslim mob resorted to violence in protest of the action which resulted in the death of at least five people and hundred others were wounded including 250 policemen and policewoman. 

Haryana: Liquor trader Sunder Malik shot dead in Sonipat on camera, gangster claims responsibility

OpIndia Staff
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Haryana: Liquor trader Sunder Malik shot dead in Sonipat on camera, gangster claims responsibility

On Sunday (10th March), a liquor trader was fatally shot outside a dhaba in Haryana’s Sonipat. The deceased has been identified as Sunder Malik. The entire incident was caught on camera. As per reports, the Sonipat Crime Branch is investigating the case. 

At the time of the incident, the 38-year-old liquor trader was sleeping inside his SUV parked in the parking lot of a Dhaba in Muthal. At around 8:30 am, Malik was dragged out of his car and fatally shot by assailants. 

The CCTV footage of the incident has surfaced in which two men can be seen firing indiscriminately at Sunder Malik in the parking lot behind Gulshan Dhaba. According to reports, the assailants are linked with the Neetu Dabodia gang. Around 35 rounds of bullets were fired at Sunder Malik in the incident. 

In the CCTV footage, two attackers can be seen holding guns and dragging Sunder Malik out of his car. In the ensuing attack, Malik tries to escape but after getting hit, he stumbles to the ground. However, wounded Malik managed to pin down one of the attackers. But the other gang member present there fired multiple rounds at Malik, leaving him dead on the spot.  

A gangster from Haryana, Himanshu alias Bhau, has claimed responsibility for the shooting of Sunder Malik, India Today reported. Last year, Interpol issued a Red Notice against Himanshu. He is believed to be staying outside India.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police in Sonipat, Gaurav Rajpurohit said, “We received info of firing at Gulshan Dhaba (in Murthal) in which one person died. Police reached the spot and took up an investigation. More than 20 rounds of bullets were fired. The crime team is carrying out the investigation. 7-8 teams have been formed. CCTV footage is also being monitored. The deceased was a liquor trader…”

He added that two to three people were seen getting out of a Honda City car before they shot Sunder Malik. He added that seven police teams are investigating the shooting and the accused will be arrested soon.

Rajpurohit also dismissed speculations that the shooting took place due to a gang war. He said police are contacting Sunder Malik’s family to probe his criminal background.

As per reports, the deceased Liquor trader Sunder Malik is facing severe allegations, including charges related to murder and attempted murder. He was recently granted bail and released from jail.

The incident occurred mere weeks after the killing of Haryana Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) chief Nafe Singh Rathee and a party worker by unidentified assailants who fired multiple rounds at their SUV in Bahadurgarh near Delhi last month. Earlier this week, police announced the arrest of two suspected shooters from Goa in connection with the Rathee murder case.

Lok Sabha elections: TMC fields former cricketer Yousuf Pathan against WB Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury in Berhampur

OpIndia Staff
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Lok Sabha elections: TMC fields former cricketer Yousuf Pathan against WB Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury in Berhampur

On 10th March, the Trinamool Congress announced 42 candidates for Lok Sabha elections on all seats of West Bengal. One of the names that stood out in the list was former cricketer Yusuf Pathan who will contest general elections from Berhampur Lok Sabha constituency. Yusuf Pathan had also played for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. Notably, Berhampur is Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury’s stronghold.

Interestingly, TMC claims that Ranjan was the reason behind the collapse of alliance talks with Congress. Ranjan consistently attacked the TMC-led West Bengal government in his statements which, according to TMC, led to the talks falling flat. Congress reportedly sought 8-9 seats in West Bengal for the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, but TMC was ready to give more than two seats, which Congress had won in the previous elections.

Following TMC’s announcement of candidates for all 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the party repeatedly asked for a “respectable” seat share for the General Elections. He said, “The Congress has always maintained that such an agreement has to be finalised through negotiations and not by unilateral announcements. The Indian National Congress has always wanted the INDIA group to fight the BJP together.”

I.N.D.I. Alliance collapsed in West Bengal

With the announcement of candidates for all 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal, the I.N.D.I. Alliance fell apart in one more state. The alliance formed by the opposition parties to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections has repeatedly failed to show any strong desire to defeat the BJP-led NDA alliance. While TMC is playing solo in West Bengal, AAP is playing solo in Punjab. Interestingly, the Communist Party of India (CPI) fielded senior leader Annie Raja from Wayanad, Kerala in February 2024 for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Wayanad is Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s constituency and is contesting Lok Sabha elections again from there.

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