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‘We use Arabic, it is our language’: Kuwait-based designer company slams Pakistanis for ‘Sar Tan Se Juda’ slogans against a girl wearing Arabic dress

OpIndia Staff
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‘We use Arabic, it is our language’: Kuwait-based designer company slams Pakistanis for ‘Sar Tan Se Juda’ slogans against a girl wearing Arabic dress

Following a near-lynching incident of a Pakistani girl wearing an Arabic print dress, and her facing threats of ‘sar tan se juda’, the Kuwait-based company that designed the dress lambasted Pakistanis for sending them “disturbing” messages and dragging them into the episode. 

Instagram handle semplicitakw shared a story in which it reminded Pakistanis that the brand uses Arabic texts in different fonts ‘everywhere’, hinting about the dress that triggered an Islamist mob. Notably, the mob had assaulted the woman while chanting slogans of ‘sar tan se juda’ because they believed she committed ‘Gusthaki’ by wearing a dress with Arabic calligraphy. 

In their post, the Kuwaitian company wrote, “Dear pakistani people, We have nothing to do with the recent incident that happened to the innocent girl. We are based in Kuwait company (sic) And we do NOT ship worldwide. Please stop following and messaging since its (sic) really disturbing.” 

Pointing toward the use of Arabic on the dress based on which Islamist mob considered it an act of Gusthaki, the company added, “We use arabic words and letters in different fonts everywhere since its our language!” 

Meanwhile, according to the Instagram handle, the dress had been in the public for almost over 48 weeks, that is nearly a year. Notably, Kuwait is also an Islamic country where the company had unveiled and sold its dresses but the outrage erupted in Pakistan. Pakistanis got outraged over the presumption of Arabic texts being some ‘Quranic verses’ which according to Islamists would be wrong to print on dress casually and attracts ‘Gusthaki’ or blasphemy which is punishable by death in Pakistan.

Several netizens also slammed Pakistanis over the incident and putting a woman’s life in danger for the random use of Arabic and considering anything written in Arabic as Quranic verses or its adulteration.  

Pakistani journalist in exile Taha Siddiqui wrote, “Even the designer is fed up!,” along with a poster on which the text read, “The designer of Arabic print dress that became controversial doesn’t want Pakistani followers.”

A Pakistani digital outlet, Dialogue Pakistan shared a purported chat with the designer company in which it clarified the meaning of the Arabic texts written on that dress that sparked outrage.

According to their claim, the Kuwaiti brand said “haya” means life, and “halwa” translates to beautiful. 

Islamist mob threatened the woman’s life chanting Sar Tan se Juda slogans before being rescued by Police

As per reports, the incident took place in Lahore, Pakistan. The Islamic fanatics mob, led by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan members, thought that the colourful Arabic text on the white dress was Quranic verses, and therefore she committed blasphemy, which is punishable by death in Pakistan.

The woman was spotted wearing the dress by the fanatics while she was dining at a restaurant in Ichhra Market in Lahore. A large group of people assembled soon after, who surrounded her, and hurled abuses and threats. Some of the crowd surrounded the woman, leaving her frozen in fear, while some bystanders attempted to protect her from lynching by the bloodthirsty mob. As per the videos of the incident that went viral, the mob can be heard chanting the hateful slogan ‘Sar Tan se juda’ which bay for the head of the alleged blasphemer. 

Meanwhile, as the situation escalated, police arrived at the scene and escorted the woman out from the spot. In the viral videos, a female police officer can be seen escorting the woman, who was covered in a burqa by the cops. Several Pakistanis lauded the act of the Policewoman arguing that she should be awarded for her brave act of saving the woman from the Islamist mob. 

In the wake of the protest by the Islamist mob, the woman was forced to apologise. 

Nonetheless, initially, media reports had claimed that the dress was from Saudi Arabian label Shalik Riyadh, which was launched during Ramazan in 2022. “The best Ramadan 2022 collection has arrived,” Shalik Riyadh had captioned while posting an image of the dress on Instagram. However, as per an Instagram post by semplicitakw, the said dress was reportedly designed by a Kuwaitian company. 

‘Privileges are not above the law’: Delhi customs responds to journalist Yana Mir’s tantrum on bag checking incident at IGI airport

OpIndia Staff
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‘Privileges are not above the law’: Delhi customs responds to journalist Yana Mir’s tantrum on bag checking incident at IGI airport

In response to Kashmiri journalist Yana Mir’s outrage about a ‘bag checking’ incident at Delhi’s IGI airport, Delhi customs department responded by saying, “privileges are not above law”. Customs department also stressed that bag scanning of international passengers is done ‘routinely’.  

Notably, earlier in the day on Monday (26th February), Kashmir-based Journalist Yana Mir had shared a video on X (formerly Twitter) alleging mistreatment by the Delhi customs officials when she arrived at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport. According to her claim, the customs officials asked questions as if they considered her a “brand smuggler”. 

Taking to X, Mir shared a post along with the video of the bag scanning that had gone viral. In the post, she wrote, “How I was welcomed back to India: Madam scan your bag, open your bag, why you have Louis Vuitton shopping bags? Did you pay for them? Where are the bills???? What Londoners think of me: INDIAN MEDIA WARRIOR. What Delhi customs thinks of me: Brand Smuggler.” 

Replying to her post, the Delhi customs informed that she wasn’t co-operating, and creating a “fuss” about bag checking. The department also shared video footage to support its claim.

To her post, the Delhi Customs (Airport and General) replied, “Bag scanning of international passengers is done routinely. While other paxs (passengers) put their luggage inside the scanner without any fuss Ms Yana Mir felt needlessly offended. Staff remained courteous throughout. Privileges are not above law. Footage tells the story.”

In another reply, it added, “Ms Yana Mir didn’t cooperate at all when requested to get her bags scanned. Her luggage was ultimately picked up by airline staff and Customs officer for scanning as seen in the footage.”

Notably, Yana Mir is a Kashmir-based journalist, she had recently made headlines for her remarks, “I am not Malala and I am safe in my country” at the UK’s Parliament building. Incidentally, in her post targeting Delhi’s customs department, she claimed that London residents consider her Indian ‘media warrior’ because of her remarks made at the UK Parliament. 

At the event, she had said, “I am not a Malala Yousafzai. I am not a Malala Yousafzai, because I will never have to run away from my home country. I am free, and I am safe in my country India, in my home in Kashmir, which is part of India.” 

The recent outrage on the baggage checking incident happened on her way back to India when she arrived at Delhi’s IGI airport.  

Supreme Court stays criminal proceedings against Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai, says his remarks are not deemed as hate speech

OpIndia Staff
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Supreme Court stays criminal proceedings against Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai, says his remarks are not deemed as hate speech

On 26th February, the Supreme Court of India stayed criminal proceedings against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Tamil Nadu chief, K Annamalai, in the matter related to alleged hate speech against a Christian Missionary NGO. Reportedly, Annamalai remarked during an interview that Christian Missionaries had filed a petition in court against the use of firecrackers in Diwali. His remarks led to legal challenges and accusations of “inciting communal disharmony”.

Presiding the matter, Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Dipankar Datta issued a notice to stay the trial court proceedings against Annamalai. The decision of the apex court to stay the proceedings came after a detailed review of the translated remarks in question. While dictating the orders, Justice Khanna stated, “It is not hate speech…it will not be…”.

The controversy leading to the court case against Annamalai stemmed from an interview where the BJP leader pointed out that a Christian Missionary NGO had filed a petition in the Supreme Court of India to ban firecrackers. His statement led to a controversy as the Christian Missionary NGO claimed Annamalai attempted to foster communal unrest. Annamalai filed a plea in the Madras High Court to quash the case against him in the trial court. However, the High Court refused to accept the plea and highlighted the importance of assessing the psychological impact of such statements on the “targeted community”.

However, the Apex court emphasised the need to interpret the speech carefully and the legal consequences. The matter will be next heard on 29th April 2024.

Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra and J Sai Deepak represented Annamalai in the apex court. They argued that the interview expressed concerns and did not violate peace or incite hatred between the communities.

An individual identified as Piyush had filed a complaint with the DGP, Home Secretary, and the Commissioner of Police, Salem, against Annamalai, arguing that the BJP leader’s comment might lead to communal tensions.

Based on his complaint, a case was registered against Annamalai under Sections 153A and 505(1)(b) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Annamalai challenged the case against him and the entire proceedings, contending it would be against his freedom of speech and expression. Furthermore, he also claimed that the complaint was filed 400 days after the interview was published on YouTube. The Magistrate and High Court observed an offence under the relevant sections.

Zerodha founder Nithin Kamath suffers mild heart attack: Doctor says sleep deprivation, over-exercising may be the reason

OpIndia Staff
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Zerodha founder Nithin Kamath suffers mild heart attack: Doctor says sleep deprivation, over-exercising may be the reason

Nithin Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, disclosed in a tweet on Monday (February 26, 2024) that he suffered a mild stroke six weeks ago. He added that he went from “having a big droop in the face and not being able to read or write, to having a slight droop but being able to read and write more.”

Kamath tweeted on Monday, “Around 6 weeks ago, I had a mild stroke out of the blue. Dad’s death, lack of sleep, weariness, dehydration, and overwork are all plausible causes.”

“From being absent-minded to more present-minded. So, 3 to 6 months for full recovery. I wondered why a person who’s fit and takes care of himself could be affected. The doctor said you need to know when you need to shift the gears down a bit. Slightly broken, but still getting my treadmill count,” Kamath added in the tweet.

Meanwhile, many of the social media users wished well for the Zerodha founder and CEO and asked him to take care of and wished for faster recovery. Former managing director of BharatPe, Ashneer Grover said, “Dude, take care. Most likely you are deeply affected because of the passing away of your dad – it got me too after my dad’s demise – I simply collapsed one day. Take a break!”

Deepak Shenoy, CEO at Capitalmind advised, “My goodness, this has been a super tough time for you Nithin, take it easy, and wish you the best to be healthy and smiling soon!”

Notably, one of the doctors from the Apollo Hospital, Hyderabad, Dr Sudhir Kumar, suggested over-exercising could primarily be the reason for the stroke. “At age 44, one of the fittest persons, Nithin Kamath suffered a minor stroke, but glad to note that he is making a swift recovery, and I wish him a superfast and complete recovery. He has rightly recognized 5 likely risk factors that could have caused his stroke: Stress (of losing his father), Sleep deprivation, Over-exercising (over-working out), Exhaustion (related to work commitments and workouts), and Dehydration,” he said.

“It is important to exercise in moderation (and not over-exercise), ensure adequate sleep, and cut down on work (if one is over-working). Exercising and being fit are good, as has been proved by Nithin Kamath. Despite suffering from a stroke, it was a milder one, and he is on the road towards complete recovery,” he added.

‘Can’t stretch Article 21 to protect those threatening national sovereignty & integrity’: Karnataka HC dismisses bail plea by ISIS terrorist charged under UAPA

OpIndia Staff
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‘Can’t stretch Article 21 to protect those threatening national sovereignty & integrity’: Karnataka HC dismisses bail plea by ISIS terrorist charged under UAPA

The Karnataka High Court while denying bail to an ISIS terrorist has said that Article 21 cannot be stretched too long to afford protection to persons who have least concern for rule of law and pose threat to sovereignty and integrity of the nation.

The HC said this while dismissing an appeal filed by ISIS terrorist Mazin Abdul Rahman who is charged with sections 120B, 121, 121A of IPC and sections 18, 20 and 38 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Rahman, who is accused of being associated with the banned terrorist outfit Islamic State (IS), had approached the HC to challenge the order of the special court refusing bail to him.

A division bench of Justices Sreenivas Harish Kumar and Vijaykumar A Patil stated, “Article 51(A)(a) obligates every citizen of India to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the national flag and the national anthem. Clause (c) mandates every citizen to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India. These are fundamental duties of every citizen.”

The court further added, “The appellant being a citizen of India is obligated to perform his duties and instead if he becomes a member of an organisation conspiring to wage war against India and show defiance to the Constitutional mandates, it is surprising that he tries to invoke Constitutional jurisdiction of this court.”

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on 11th January 2023 arrested ISIS terrorist Mazin Abdul Rahman along with Nadeem Ahmed KA in connection with the Shivamogga ISIS conspiracy case.

The accused argued that except for the allegation of his involvement in conducting recce, there are no allegations that indicate his involvement in anti-national activities.

The prosecution opposed the appeal submitting that the intention of the accused was to wage war against India. He accused several encrypted communication platforms and received several incriminating materials.

Upholding the denial of bail to the IS accused, the court ruled that “the accusations in the charge sheet do not appear to be imaginary, rather they are the result of analysis of the data found in the devices recovered from the possession of the appellant.”

“It is our considered view that Constitutional powers cannot be exercised when materials produced before the court prima facie show or indicate threat to unity, integrity and sovereignty of our country, instead it is the duty of the Constitutional Courts to protect the nation and its society from such people who indulge in anti national and anti societal activities. Without the nation there is no Constitution,” the court said.

West Bengal: Five Hindu temples vandalised in Howrah on Shab-e-Barat, youths wearing skull cap spotted in CCTV, locals protest

OpIndia Staff
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West Bengal: Five Hindu temples vandalised in Howrah on Shab-e-Barat, youths wearing skull cap spotted in CCTV, locals protest

On Sunday (25th February) night, five Hindu temples were vandalised in Bankra town in Howrah district of West Bengal. The development was confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) by BJP leader Suvendhu Adhikari.

In a tweet, he informed, “Last night miscreants vandalised 5 Sanatani Temples at Bankra; Howrah. The locals as a mark of protest are blockading rail lines. I am requesting Shri Praveen Kumar Tripathi (IPS); Commissioner of Howrah city police and DGP of West Bengal
to arrest the culprits as quickly as possible.”

“Also kindly take steps to restore normalcy in the area and persuade the agitators to continue their rightful protests without blocking public transport. The continuous reluctance of the WB Police to take action against miscreants who indulge in vandalism of Sanatani Temples has emboldened them to target the Sanatani Community over and over again,” Suvendhu Adhikari further emphasised.

The development coincides with the Shab-e-Barat celebrations which took place on Sunday (26th February).

In visuals shared by Suvendu Adhikari, it could be seen that the temples were vandalised. A CCTV footage of the incident showed young boys sporting skull caps reportedly involved in vandalism.

After the matter came to light, local Hindus staged a protest on Monday (26th February) morning. The angry demonstrators also blocked the rail lines, demanding an immediate arrest of the culprits.

A large contingent of police was deployed in the area to contain the law and order situation.

Violence in Sandeshkhali

On 8th February this year, hundreds of women in Sandeshkhali took to the streets to protest against land grabbing, non-payment of wages and sexual violence committed by Trinamool Congress goon Sheikh Shahjahan and his two aides Shiba Prasad Hazra and Uttam Sardar.

The women attacked Shahjahan’s illicitly obtained properties and set fire to a poultry farm owned by Shiba Prasad Hazra. They also surrounded the Sandeshkali police station and demanded the immediate arrest of the trio. The agitation in the village lasted for 3 days.

During that time, the TMC goons retaliated and the police acted as mute spectators. In several cases, the cops themselves resorted to harassment of the women. It had come to light that the residents were the subject of sexual violence by the TMC for a long time.

On 10th February, the local police imposed Section 144 in various areas in Sandeshkhali and also banned the use of the Internet in 16 panchayats scattered over the two blocks of Sandeshkhali-I and Sandeshkhali-II.

In a bid to pacify the angry villagers of Sandeshkhali, the TMC leadership suspended Uttam Sardar from the party for six years. The suspended TMC leader and Zilla Parishad member was subsequently arrested in the Sandeshkhali police station area.

The Mamata Banerjee-led-TMC government arrested a former CPI(M) MLA named Nirpada Sardar in connection to the case on 11th February. BJP leader Vikas Singh, who happens to be the Convenor of the Basirhat Lok Sabha constituency, was also arrested in connection to the women’s protest against TMC goons.

On 17th February, the police arrested TMC leader Shibu Prasad Hazra over land grabbing and sexual exploitation of women in Sandeshkhali. The primary accused Sheikh Shahjahan, is still on the run from the law enforcement authorities.

Legendary Ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas passes away at 72

OpIndia Staff
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Legendary Ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas passes away at 72

On Monday, 26th February, veteran singer Pankaj Udhas passed away. The legendary Ghazal singer was 72 years old. His family members conveyed the news of his demise. In a statement to the media, they wrote, “With a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padmashri Pankaj Udhas on February 26, 2024, due to a prolonged illness.”

Pankaj Udhas was born on May 17, 1951, in Jetpur, Gujarat. He began his career in 1980 with the release of Aahat, a Ghazal album. He soon became synonymous with ghazal music in India. In Bollywood, the ghazal singer performed the legendary song Chitthi Aayee Hai for Sanjay Dutt’s film ‘Naam’.

Pankaj Udhas recorded several albums and held numerous live concerts over the years, boosting his standing among fans. Pankaj Udhas was honoured with India’s fourth-highest civilian award, the Padma Shri. Udhas is accredited with popularising Ghazal singing across the country.

Taking to his Instagram account, popular singer Sonu Nigam wrote, “One of the most important part of my childhood, is lost today. Shri Pankaj Udhas ji, I will miss you forever. My heart cries knowing that you are no more. Thank you for being there. Om Shanti.”

Stay on Mamata’s aide Shahjahan Sheikh’s arrest cancelled; TMC leader Ajit Maity, whom locals thrashed with slippers, arrested: Latest in Sandeskhali case

OpIndia Staff
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Stay on Mamata’s aide Shahjahan Sheikh’s arrest cancelled; TMC leader Ajit Maity, whom locals thrashed with slippers, arrested: Latest in Sandeskhali case

Sandeshkhali in West Bengal’s 24 Pargana (North) has been on the boil for a couple of weeks. It grabbed media attention after a mob of Shahjahan Sheikh supporters brutally attacked the Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials on January 5, when the latter went to conduct a raid at the TMC leader’s house as part of an investigation into the ration scam. The tension escalated when several locals, especially women, took to the streets to protest against the rampant incidents of sexual assault and land grabbing being carried out by absconding TMC leader and Mamata Banerjee’s close aide Shahjahan Sheikh and his goons.

Calcutta HC rebukes WB authorities, cancels stay on Shahjahan Sheikh’s arrest

In the latest development, the Calcutta High Court on Monday cancelled the stay on the arrest of TMC leader and Sandeshkhali villain Shahjahan Sheikh.

Reprimanding the West Bengal authorities for their alleged inaction regarding the allegations, noting that the incidents were reported four years ago, the court said that the absconding TMC leader should be arrested.

“It is surprising to note that incidents in the area were reported to state police four years ago and that it has taken four years for the cases to mature into 42 chargesheets”, the High Court said.

The court further asserted, “A wrong impression has been created as if an interim order of stay of arrest has been given. There is nothing on record to say that such a stay is in place. Therefore he should be arrested.”

The court also asked officials to issue a public notice in newspapers informing that legal actions had been initiated against Shahjahan Sheikh.

Locals ransack TMC panchayat leader Shankar Sardar’s house

On Monday, fresh protests broke out in several areas of West Bengal’s troubled Sandeshkhali, after locals ransacked the properties of TMC leaders, accused of tormenting the villagers for a very long time.

According to a senior police official, angry residents of Sandeshkhali’s Bermajur area attacked a few houses with sticks to vent their resentment towards Shankar Sardar, the local TMC panchayat head, accused of land grabbing.

The angry women protestors told the media that Shankar Sardar forcefully acquires their land and houses. “He snatches away our Aadhar cards and other documents and takes away our land and property. We want him arrested,” a woman protestor said.

Reportedly, Shankar was not at home at the time of the attack but his family members were beaten up by the villagers.

However, Shankar’s family denied the charge.

TMC leader Ajit Maity, whom Sandeshkhali locals thrashed with slippers, arrested

In another important development, Ajit Maity, a TMC leader and a close aide of absconding Shahjahan Sheiks, was arrested following massive protests against him by women in trouble-torn Sandeshkhali. It may be recalled that on Friday, February 23, visuals emerged of angry Sandeshkhali villagers, including women breaking through fences; and physically heckling and thrashing Ajit Maity. The women were seen using slippers to beat the TMC leader. Prior to this, the protestors had also ransacked the TMC leader’s house.

Amusingly, after the beating the TMC leader, who is accused of being involved in land grabbing and extortion, locked himself up in someone else’s house. Despite the owner asking him to leave Maity did not come out for the next four hours.

Villagers in Bermajur also tried to prevent police vehicles from passing through the area. A woman protester told news agency ANI, “We did not stop them initially. We just wanted to talk to them about why they were detaining our boys without any charge. They did not listen. The police vehicle ran over a woman’s feet. We want to talk to them.”

On February 25, following the massive protest by locals demanding his arrest, the Trinamool Congress removed Ajit Maity from his post of party’s Anchal President. Pertinent to note that Maity is a TMC MLA from Paschim Medinipur’s Pingla Assembly constituency. Maity’s removal from the post was also confirmed by West Bengal Minister Partha Bhowmick who is on a visit to violence-hit Sandeshkhali.

West Bengal police, in a damage control mode, free playground grabbed by TMC strongman Sheikh Shahjahan

Notably, only three days ago reports emerged on how TMC strongman Sheikh Shahjahan had grabbed an entire playground for two years, preventing the local youths from playing in the public ground. Sheikh Shahjahan and his goons had illegally occupied the Rishi Aurobindo Mission ground in the area, constructed a wall around it preventing entry of people by locking the gate, and hosted sports tournaments on it. However, as the protests led by women against the TMC goons intensified in Sandeshkhali, the ground was freed, in a damage control move by the government.

The lock was broken and Sheikh Shahjahan’s name was removed from the gate and the wall built around the encroachment before returning the parcel of land to the locals after a long time.

The residents of the hamlet were furious with the illegal confiscation but couldn’t protest out of fear as they were intimidated and assaulted otherwise. As a result, they were forced to endure everything in silence.

Sandeshkhali protest

On 8th February this year, hundreds of women in Sandeshkhali took to the streets to protest against land grabbing, non-payment of wages and sexual violence committed by Trinamool Congress goon Sheikh Shahjahan and his two aides Shiba Prasad Hazra and Uttam Sardar.

The women attacked his illicitly obtained properties and set fire to a poultry farm owned by TMC leader Shiba Prasad Hazra. They also surrounded the Sandeshkali police station and demanded the immediate arrest of the trio. The agitation in the village lasted for 3 days. On 17th February, the police arrested Shibu Prasad Hazra over land grabbing and sexual exploitation of women in Sandeshkhali. The primary accused Sheikh Shahjahan is still on the run from the law enforcement authorities.

Tripura’s top forest officer suspended for naming lion pair as Akbar and Sita after VHP’s complaint: Details

OpIndia Staff
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Tripura’s top forest officer suspended for naming lion pair as Akbar and Sita after VHP’s complaint: Details

The Tripura government suspended Prabin Lal Agrawal, the state’s principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife and ecotourism), on Saturday (24th February) following a controversy over the naming of a zoo couple of lion and lioness as Akbar and Sita, respectively. The suspension came after the VHP filed a suit with the Calcutta High Court, stating that the names hurt the religious sentiments, of the community. 

According to the reports, on 12th February, the lion and lioness were transported to North Bengal Wild Animals Park in Siliguri from Tripura’s Sepahijala Zoo as part of an animal exchange initiative.

Agrawal, a 1994 batch IFS officer, was then Tripura’s top wildlife warden. When he sent the lion couple to Siliguri, he wrote their names as Akbar and Sita in the dispatch registry.

This provoked a public outcry, prompting the VHP’s Bengal unit to file a PIL at the Calcutta High Court’s Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench on 21st February. The High Court judges ruled that the lion pair’s names be changed.

However, the Bengal Forest Department explained that the names were provided by Tripura, and any changes were the responsibility of the Tripura Zoo officials. VHP then filed a writ suit before HC, arguing that the names were illogical and involved blasphemy.

The Calcutta High Court had expressed displeasure at the naming of the big cats and had asked the authorities to change the names.

The court asserted, “Mr Counsel, will you name your own pet after some Hindu God or Muslim Prophet? I think, if any one of us had been the authority, none of us would have named them Akbar and Sita. Can anyone of us think of naming an animal after Rabindranath Tagore? Sita is worshipped by a larger section of this country. I also oppose naming the lion after Akbar. He was an efficient, successful and secular Mughal Emperor.”

“You could have named it Bijli or something like that. But why give such names of Akbar and Sita,” the Court further questioned.

In response, the Tripura government sought clarification from Agrawal, who denied referring to the lion couple as Sita and Akbar. An investigation discovered that the names were submitted by Tripura wildlife officials during the animal exchange programme, which resulted in Agrawal being suspended.

Multi-floor buildings, showrooms and madrasas built on illegally occupied land: Bulldozer action in Lucknow’s Akbarnagar after CM Yogi holds meeting

OpIndia Staff
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Multi-floor buildings, showrooms and madrasas built on illegally occupied land: Bulldozer action in Lucknow’s Akbarnagar after CM Yogi holds meeting

In yet another action against illegal encroachment, the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA), Lucknow Municipal Corporation (Nagar Nigam) and the police initiated bulldozer action on illegal constructions in Lucknow’s Akbarnagar. Several marked illegal houses and shops are being bulldozed on Monday (26th February). Notably, several houses, madarsas and shops have been illegally constructed in Akbarnagar I and II on the Kukrail River.

In the visuals coming from the demolition site, the Lucknow Nagar Nigam and LDA teams are undertaking the second phase of the demolition drive amidst police presence ensuring law and order. Notably, the authorities are clearing the illegal constructions as the beautification work of riverbed areas around Lucknow is underway.

Notably, the illegal houses and shops belonging to those who have not filed a plea in the high court challenging LDA’s action are being razed. A Jagran report says that there are 1068 residential illegal constructions in Akbarnagar I and II. Many big illegal houses up to four storeys and madrassas have been built in it.

Bulldozer action after high-level meeting

The authorities are clearing illegal construction in Akbarnagar after a high-level meeting of several officials including Divisional Commissioner Dr Roshan Jacob, DM Surya Pal Gangwar, Municipal Commissioner Inderjit Singh, LDA Vice President Dr Indramani Tripathi was held on Saturday (24th February). Following the meeting, the legal section examined the documents related to the Akbarnagar illegal encroachment case.

High Court had allowed demolition action against illegal constructions of those who have not appealed against it

On 21st February, the Allahabad High Court permitted the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) to take action against illegal occupants who have not moved high court.

A division court of Justice Vivek Chaudhary and Justice OP Shukla issued the ruling, which diluted a single bench order issued on 21st December last year, that stopped the state and LDA from dispossessing all Akbarnagar occupants.

While hearing writ petitions filed by 800 occupants, the division bench stated: “It is made clear that the LDA is free to take action against persons who have not approached this court.”

Notably, around 101 illegal showrooms have been built on the two sides of Ayodhya Road. The LDA had on 13th October 2023 issued orders under Section 27(1) of the Uttar Pradesh Urban Planning and Development Act, 1973 to demolish the illegal structure, which was stayed by the High Court. Recently, the High Court granted the LDA permission to demolish such illegal structures that had not filed a plea with the High Court.

On 25th December last year, it was reported that the LDA had demolished several illegal houses in Akbarnagar. Before this, the High Court had stayed the demolition drive till 22nd January 2024. A report says that nearly 2500 illegal houses mostly belonging to Muslims were bulldozed back then.

The order was following the Gomti Riverfront Project, which was approved by the CM Yogi Adityanath-led government in 2017 and focuses on beautifying riverbed areas surrounding the capital including Akbarnagar I & II.

Before ordering demolition, the Lucknow Development Authority declared settlements in Akbarnagar I&II to be illegal encroachments and ordered their eviction in August.

Meanwhile, several residents of Akbarnagar filed a writ petition claiming ownership saying that they have been residing there for around 40 years However, the LDA contended that Akbarnagar residents cannot claim ownership of a riverbed.

Petitioners claim to be ‘poor’, LDA submits list of 72 millionaires to the High Court

Interestingly, while several petitioners had informed the high court that they were poor, the Lucknow Development Authority submitted a list of 72 millionaires in the area who have been illegally occupying the govt land to the high court.

According to GST and income tax returns data, the daily income of the owners of these showrooms constructed after encroaching the Kukrail River ranges between Rs 15 and 20 lakh. Their documents suggested an annual turnover of up to Rs 3 crore, Jagran reported. Notably, the high court bench had earlier asked the petitioners to file their GST and income tax returns and the property details. Subsequently, 13 petitioners filed the information as asked while others sought time for the same.

The owners of these alleged illegal showrooms have five to six bungalows in numerous localities, including Gomti Nagar. Notably, Gomti Nagar is one of the posh areas of Lucknow.

Notably, the Uttar Pradesh government is taking strict action against illegal encroachments across the state. On 14th February, the Bareilly Development Authority (BDA) conducted a demolition drive to clear illegal colonies in the area. Five illegal colonies were being constructed in Zulfikar village near Pilibhit road. The BDA team arrived at the encroachment site and bulldozed the illegal colonies.



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