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Delhi LG writes to CM Arvind Kejriwal about the pathetic state of hospitals under the Health Department, Kejriwal blames officials in his reply

OpIndia Staff
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Delhi LG writes to CM Arvind Kejriwal about the pathetic state of hospitals under the Health Department, Kejriwal blames officials in his reply

Following the recent scathing remarks by the Delhi High Court on the dismal state of government hospitals in Delhi, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on 3rd February wrote a letter to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. In his letter, the Delhi LG expressed “deep disappointment” at the “pathetic” state of Delhi hospitals. He cited the High Court’s remarks and media reports of unfortunate deaths of patients on account of the lack of availability of critical healthcare infrastructure in the Delhi state-run hospitals.   

However, instead of assuming responsibility for the matter, the Delhi CM has chosen to blame bureaucrats instead. A day later on 4th February Sunday, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal replied to the LG’s letter blaming two senior secretaries for the poor health care in Delhi. He also sought the replacement of both the senior secretaries in his response letter. 

Notably, the latest exchange of letters comes after the Delhi High Court last week made strong remarks on the state-run Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital. It had slammed the Delhi government during a hearing of the 2017 public interest litigation on the non-availability of ICU beds and ventilator facilities in government hospitals.

LG draws concerns about deep-rooted rot in Delhi’s healthcare

The Delhi LG Vinai Kumar Saxena, in his letter, noted that Delhi being the country’s capital deserves a world-class healthcare system that prioritises the well-being of its citizens. Slamming the AAP government, he added that the current system is plagued by systemic dysfunction and neglect. 

Taking a jibe at the AAP leader’s tall promises and failing to deliver on the same, the LG wrote, “I am writing to express my deep disappointment and concern with regard to the pathetic state of hospitals under the Health Department of GNCTD. Even as tall claims to the contrary have been made consistently by you and your ministers, recent media reports highlighting the scathing observations made by the Hon’ble Delhi High Court on the dismal state of affairs in Delhi’s government hospitals, have brought to the fore, a rot that seems to have become deep-rooted.” 

He added, “The Court’s remarks, highlighting and fixing of inadequate infrastructure. manpower shortages, inefficient patient management, and potential financial mismanagement paint a deeply troubling picture. These issues are not merely administrative oversights; they are direct violations of the Fundamental duties of the government, as indeed the Fundamental Right to health, and cast a long shadow of disrepute on the Nation’s Capital.” 

Further in the letter, the LG stressed, “Such matters are heinous in nature and expose the actual state of public health as well as Dethi’s public health services. I advise you and the Hon’ble Heath Minister of GNCTD intake up this issue and put in serious measures to rectify the prevailing situation.” 

He concluded the letter by asking the Delhi CM to submit a factual report on the state of health infrastructure in major Delhi government hospitals to him at the earliest. 

CM Arvind Kejriwal blames officials in his reply letter to Delhi LG

In his reply to Delhi LG’s letter, Arvind Kejriwal blamed Health Secretary Deepak Kumar and Finance Secretary Ashish Verma for the poor state of health infrastructure in the state, asking him to replace the two secretaries at the earliest. He claimed that the two govt officials openly defy the orders of their ministers. Arvind Kejriwal also claimed that the finance secretary had stopped payment for various healthcare services and schemes.

In his reply letter, Kejriwal claimed, “The insubordination and refusal of the Finance Secretary, and Health Secretary to obey the orders of their Ministers has brought Delhi’s Health system to this state.” 

The letter reads, “I have repeatedly requested you to replace these two bureaucrats with better officers as these are very critical departments. I am sure that there must be some compulsion at your end because of which you are unable to do that despite promising me many times that you would replace them.” 

Pakistan: Probe launched against former PM Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan over alleged “anti-state” speech

ANI
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Pakistan: Probe launched against former PM Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan over alleged “anti-state” speech

Aleema Khan, sister of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, has been summoned by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on charges of “anti-state” speech, The Express Tribune reported.

FIA has initiated an inquiry against her for allegedly “creating a divide” between the people and the Pakistani armed forces and summoned Aleema on February 6 at 11 am (local time).

The notice, issued by Assistant Director Investigation Ejaz Ahmed Sheikh, states that a FIA section officer, at the request of the Ministry of Interior, has initiated an inquiry against Aleema.

The notice stated that Aleema has been charged with “creating divisions between the people and the army by criminal conspiracy and anti-state speech” and has to appear at the FIA Headquarters in Islamabad, the Express Tribune reported on Saturday.

The notice was issued under Section 160 of Pakistan’s Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and mentioned that Aleema has to ensure her presence at the inquiry, or legal action will be taken.

Aleema received the notice at her Lahore residence.

Imran’s sister also skipped the summons issued by the FIA Cyber Crime Wing for allegedly spreading “fear and panic” in society.

The notice issued in this regard directed Aleema to appear at the FIA Cybercrime Reporting Centre on Saturday at 11 am to provide clarification.

Earlier, the FIA had also summoned 65 people, including various journalists and social media activists, for allegedly running a malicious campaign targeting judges and institutions, the Express Tribune reported.

According to details, the FIA had been “fully mobilised against running negative campaigns containing insulting and wrong information against the chief justice, senior judges and state institutions on social media”.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) founder, who was ousted in a no-confidence move in April of 2022 and is incarcerated at the Adiala jail, is undergoing a list of legal troubles.

An Accountability Court (AC) in Pakistan handed down a 14-year jail sentence to Imran Khan and his wife in the Toshakhana case.

A trial court also handed seven-year sentences each to former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the “un-Islamic nikah” case.

Earlier on January 30, a special court constituted under the Official Secrets Act sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and ex-Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to ten years in prison in the cypher case.

PTI’s poll prospects slated for February 8 were further eroded after the Pakistan Supreme Court in January upheld the Election Commission of Pakistan’s decision to take away the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf’s ‘bat’ symbol.

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

Bengaluru: BJP protests outside Congress MP DK Suresh’s residence over ‘South Indian states will become a separate country’ remark, removed by police

OpIndia Staff
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Bengaluru: BJP protests outside Congress MP DK Suresh’s residence over ‘South Indian states will become a separate country’ remark, removed by police

On Sunday (4th February), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members held a protest outside Congress MP DK Suresh’s residence in Bengaluru. The BJP members protested against DK Suresh’s recent ‘South Indian states will become a separate country’ remark.

Protesters were heard raising ‘Vande Mataram’, ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’, and ‘down down DK Suresh’ outside his home in Sadashivanagar. According to police, the protesters were quickly removed from the scene and taken to a bus. It is worth noting that DK Suresh is the brother of Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President, DK Shivakumar.

Meanwhile, the police said, “A group of members from the BJP had gathered outside the residence of the Congress leader. They tried to stage a protest there against his statement over the demand for a separate nation for southern states. However, our officials removed them from the spot and took them into custody. The situation is under control.”

Reacting to the BJP protests, DK Suresh said, “…I happily welcome their protests. May god bless them” adding that anyone in a democracy has the right to protest and freedom of speech.

The Congress MP from Bengaluru Rural Lok Sabha constituency further accused the BJP of ‘distorting’ his controversial remarks. The Congress MP said, “I never said this country has to be divided, they (BJP) are moving in that direction, they are trying to do politics… Media which is showing my statement has to go through it and speak. I don’t know whether it is the media’s mistake or the BJP’s or mine. I believe that media is the fourth estate in a democracy, if you say no we are in favour of one side, and I can’t do anything. Suresh reiterated that the BJP is distorting his statement.

Taking to X, DK Suresh alleged that the BJP members “attacked” his house in the name of protest as he wrote, “The #BJP has attacked my house today in the guise of a protest. I wish them well, everyone is free to protest but it is purely futile. The same effort & time if channeled for the well-being of the state – would be constructive for all.”

It all began on 1st February when Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Interim Budget for 2024. While reacting to the budget, Congress leader DK Suresh accused the centre of not releasing funds to South Indian states. He also went on to say that in future, South Indian states may demand a separate country for themselves and become a separate nation.

During a media interaction, he said that the money collected from Southern states is being used in Northern states. The Congress MP further warned that if this alleged ‘injustice’ continues, they (Southern states) will be forced to demand a separate country.

Uttar Pradesh: 15 persons including two govt officials arrested in mass marriage fraud; visuals of brides garlanding themselves had gone viral

OpIndia Staff
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Uttar Pradesh: 15 persons including two govt officials arrested in mass marriage fraud; visuals of brides garlanding themselves had gone viral

In a strict crackdown on alleged mass marriage fraud, around 15 people, including two government officials, have been arrested in Uttar Pradesh for their alleged involvement in the fraudt. As per reports, it is believed that fake marriages were done to avail funds from the UP government’s mass marriage scheme. 

The scam related to Hindu marriages came to the fore from the Baliya region of Uttar Pradesh where 568 girls were reported to have tied marital knots without grooms for money. As per the reports, the incident took place on 25th January, and the girls who pretended to be brides executed the marriage rituals alone, without their prospective husbands. The videos showing brides at a mass wedding event garlanding themselves had gone viral on social media. In the viral videos, some men could also be seen dressed as grooms and hiding their faces. An FIR in the case was filed against 9 people including the ADO. 

As per officials, 568 couples got married at the event. However, it was later found out that several persons were paid to pose as brides and grooms. As per the allegations made by local residents, both men and women were paid around ₹ 500 and ₹ 2,000 to pose as brides and grooms. 

Vimal Kumar Pathak said, “Some Women had no one. They were wearing the varmala (garland) themselves. We came to know that people are being paid between ₹ 500 to ₹ 2,000.”  

Speaking to NDTV, a 19-year-old man stated that he was offered money to pose as a groom. Raj Kumar said, “I went there to see the wedding. They made me sit there. They said that they will give me money. Many were being made to sit.”  

BJP MLA Ketki Singh, who was the Chief Guest at the community wedding, stressed that she suspected wrongdoing there and a complete investigation is being conducted in this matter. She said, “They informed me just two days before the event. I had suspected there was something fishy. But now a complete investigation is being done.”  

According to the UP government website, the government provides ₹ 51,000 under this scheme, of which ₹ 35,000 goes to the girl, ₹ 10,000 for purchasing wedding materials, and ₹ 6,000 for the event.

Officials asserted that the scam was busted before any money could be transferred to the accused. They said, “We immediately formed a three-member committee to investigate the matter and verify all the beneficiaries. Till the time the complete investigation is not done, no benefits will be transferred to beneficiaries.” 

Earlier as well, the UP government had come down heavily on alleged fraud being pulled to siphon off money by exploiting the UP government’s mass marriage scheme. An investigation into irregularities in Kanya Vivaah Yojna in Ghaziabad busted 156 fake marriages. 

Hyderabad: Police arrest two for printing fake money, accused claim that they were inspired by ‘Farzi’ web series

OpIndia Staff
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Hyderabad: Police arrest two for printing fake money, accused claim that they were inspired by ‘Farzi’ web series

On Saturday (3rd February), the Telangana police arrested two men for printing fake Indian currency notes and circulating them in Hyderabad.

As per reports, the accused were identified as Laxminarayana and Pranay. The cops seized over 800 fake notes of Rs 500 denominations as well as material assembled to print fake currencies. 

The police informed that it had recovered fake money worth over Rs 4 lakh from the duo. The accused men were inspired by the Shahid Kapoor-starrer web series ‘Farzi’ which depicts the hero running a fake currency racket.

Laxminarayana and Pranay were later taken into police custody.

Police Inspector of Allapur Police Station Anjaneyulu said, “The prime accused is Laxminarayana. We have seized 810 fake Rs 500 notes from his possession which was intended to be circulated… Printer, scanner, and other things were seized. He was previously involved in a gold cheating case. After being inspired by the ‘Farzi’ web series, he decided to print fake notes and circulate them in the market. One of his friends Pranay had already circulated fake notes worth Rs.3,00,000 a few days back. Both the accused have been arrested and sent to judicial remand.”

The main accused Vanam Laxminarayana has computer expertise and allegedly used a screen printer, green foil paper, JK Excel bond papers, cutters, and a lamination machine to pull off the crime, as per Police Inspector Anjaneyulu. 

After getting inspired by the ‘Farzi’ web series, he decided to print fake notes and circulate them in the market.

The investigation revealed that Laxminarayana, was previously involved in a mortgage fraud. He also involved Kumar in the crime by promising him a share of the profits. The other accused, Erukala Pranay Kumar was testing fake money at a fruit and vegetable market with Rs 20,000 in fake currency when he was arrested.

The Cyberabad Special Operations Team collaborated with the Allapur police and executed the arrests of the duo V Laxminarayana (37) and E Pranay Kumar (26). Both the accused hail from Warangal and reside in different areas within the city. The Special Operations Team acted on a tip-off to intervene and arrest the duo. 

As per reports, the duo were seeking potential buyers and aimed to exchange the counterfeit notes at a ratio of 1:4. However, their plans were foiled when the Special Operations Team received information which ultimately led to their arrest.

Bihar: Prisoners push police vehicle taking them to court for hearing after it runs out of fuel in Bhagalpur, official assures action

OpIndia Staff
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Bihar: Prisoners push police vehicle taking them to court for hearing after it runs out of fuel in Bhagalpur, official assures action

A police vehicle transporting inmates to court stopped in the middle of the road in the Bhagalpur district of Bihar as it ran out of fuel, after which the four prisoners were made to push the automobile, creating a humiliating situation for the state’s police force. The incident transpired when the Mahindra Scorpio broke down close to Kachari Chowk as it was taking the accused to a court for hearing under the supervision of police officials. The video of the instance soon became popular on social media.

The prisoners were held for drinking alcohol in the dry state and were being transported to Bhagalpur from Naugachia. Meanwhile, some reports suggested that they were selling alcohol. One police officer was in the driver’s seat and the other was keeping an eye on the detainees as they pushed the SUV. They were restrained with the help of a rope as the policeman demanded that they push the car in the middle of the busy road. The detainees pushed the vehicle for around 500 metres.

An investigation unveiled that the vehicle belonged to the excise department. The driver Sawan Kumar told the inmates that they would have to push the car as the fuel had been exhausted after which they followed his order and reached the gate of the court. The cops have refused to acknowledge their role in the incident, but the video clearly shows otherwise.

Pramodit Narayan Singh, Assistant Commissioner of the Central Prohibition Department stated that information about the occurrence was received through the media and assured that the matter would be investigated and the offenders would face action. Notably, the state has reported similar situations on several occasions with vehicles running out of fuel cited as the main cause.

According to accounts, senior police personnel have promised tough punishment for those behind the significant error. It was their responsibility to inspect the car before heading to the court with the defendants. Furthermore, there are reports that the police opened a probe into the case after the incident’s video went viral online.

NIA nabs Shahbuddin and two others in Tamil Nadu human trafficking case, illegal Rohingyas in India using Aadhar cards of dead people

OpIndia Staff
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NIA nabs Shahbuddin and two others in Tamil Nadu human trafficking case, illegal Rohingyas in India using Aadhar cards of dead people

Rohingya Muslims are illegally entering India from Bangladesh, taking Aadhaar cards and the identities of deceased persons to live here. Bangladeshi infiltrators are using the IDs of persons who have died in various parts of India to fake their identities.

In a recent investigation, probe agencies including the National Investigation Agency (NIA) found evidence against a human trafficking group that infiltrates and settles Rohingya Muslims in India.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed two charge sheets on Wednesday (31st January), identifying three Bangladeshi nationals in a case involving the trafficking of Rohingya and Bangladeshi people into India as part of an extensive network of traffickers.

The persons accused in the charge sheets are Mohammad Soriful aka Babu Mian., Shahabuddin Hossain, and Munna alias Noor Karim. The NIA said that the accused in the “Tamil Nadu Human Trafficking” case were actively involved in forging Indian documents to cover up their real identity. Notably, the investigation in this case has been ongoing since 7th November last year.

During the investigation, it was found that Babu, in collusion with other accused, allegedly used to traffic and receive trafficked Bangladeshi citizens. He had knowingly facilitated their unlawful stay in India without proper documentation. Reports say that the accused was also found to have employed and exploited the victims.

Babu S.K. was accused of forging his birth certificate and driver’s licence, as well as illegally obtaining numerous other Indian identity documents such as ration cards, Aadhaar cards, voter IDs, PAN cards, fake degrees, marksheets and passports. The accused trio was fabricating these documents for Rohingya Muslims who had been illegally brought into India.

According to a Dainik Bhaskar report, during the interrogation by the probe agencies, these three accused revealed that they used the documents of deceased Indian citizens to provide Rohingya Muslims with Indian identities. The NIA has received information about numerous such people from the accused. The full dataset is being investigated, and such infiltrators are being identified.

Meanwhile, the NIA has received information about Rohingya infiltrators in many states, including Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Assam, West Bengal, and Maharashtra.

Aadhaar card has been made mandatory for obtaining birth and death certificates since October 2023. The information will be forwarded to UADAI as soon as the deceased’s Aadhaar card is submitted for the death certificate. The deceased’s name will be removed from everywhere after his Aadhaar is deactivated.

The Bhaskar report says that Babu Mian and Munna used to provide identity-related documents to Bangladeshi infiltrators, as well as educational documents such as mark sheets, degrees, and other certificates, allowing Rohingyas to settle anywhere in India. However, they used to say that the documents should not be used for jobs.

Accused Shahabuddin Hossain worked in collusion with some government officials to collect the data of deceased persons. Babu Mian and Munna used these Aadhaar numbers and other information to update the records of infiltrators of similar age to themselves. Once the data was updated, they would alter the address. Following that, ration cards, PAN cards, and other documents were produced using the same Aadhar card.

Notably, the influx of illegal immigrants into India via Bangladesh has been ongoing at an alarming scale. Recently, it was reported that Bangladeshi nationals enter India by paying just Rs 15,000 and then use bogus documents to change their identities before settling and doing business here. In one such case in Rajasthan’s Ajmer, the police apprehended a Bangladeshi brother and sister. The duo had entered India illegally by paying Rs 15,000 to an agent.

On 30th January, three Rohingya men were sentenced to ten years of rigorous imprisonment for trafficking two Rohingya women from Bangladesh to Nuh, Haryana in 2021, and raping them. The three convicts have been identified as Mohammad Ayas, Hafeez Ahmed, and Mohammad Yunus. According to Nuh police, two women in their early 20s illegally sneaked into India from Bangladesh by giving Rs 25,000 to a person. 

Those in power after independence were ashamed of their own culture for political gains: PM Modi in Assam

OpIndia Staff
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Those in power after independence were ashamed of their own culture for political gains: PM Modi in Assam

On Sunday, February 4, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a massive crowd in Assam’s Guwahati after announcing projects valued at Rs 11,600 crore, where he launched a blistering criticism of opposition parties, including the Congress. PM Modi said, “After independence, those who were in power for years, even they could not understand the importance of the sacred places of worship. For political benefits, they started a trend of being ashamed of their own culture and background. No country can progress by forgetting and neglecting its history as well as cutting its own roots. I am satisfied that in the last ten years, the situation in the country has changed.”

The Prime Minister also declared that Assam state’s connectivity will be enhanced by the development projects inaugurated by him. “The inauguration of projects worth Rs 11,000 crore, will strengthen the connectivity of Assam, Northeast with other countries of South Asia. These projects will increase employment opportunities in the tourism sector”, he said.

He added that Assam has flourished under the double-engine administration. “Before the BJP government in Assam, there were only six medical colleges, whereas today there are 12 medical colleges. Assam is today becoming a major centre for cancer treatment in the Northeast”, the Prime Minister added.

According to the PM, nearly 7,000 people have given up their weapons and reintegrated into society in the past ten years and peace has returned to Assam. “A record number of tourists have visited the region in the past decade”, he emphasised that Maa Kamakhya Mandir has the potential to become the area’s top tourist destination.

The infrastructural improvements were launched at an event at the Veterinary College Playground in Khanapara in Guwahati, with funds from both the state and the centre administrations. The foundation stones were laid for several major projects, including the Rs 498 crore Kamakhya temple corridor, the Rs 358 crore six-lane road from the new Guwahati airport terminal, the Rs 831 crore FIFA-standard renovation of Nehru Stadium and the Rs 300 crore new sports complex in Chandrapur.

The Prime Minister additionally dedicated the second iteration of the “Asom Mala” roads. This phase will entail building 38 concrete bridges and improving 43 existing roads, totalling an investment of Rs 3,444 crore. On the night of 3rd February, Prime Minister Modi landed in Assam and spent the night at the Koinadhara State Guest House in the city. He conducted a roadshow along with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma earlier.

Watch the entire address below:

Lucknow: 70-year-old history sheeter Lallan Khan alias Gabbar Khan arrested for triple murder of his relatives in a land dispute

OpIndia Staff
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Lucknow: 70-year-old history sheeter Lallan Khan alias Gabbar Khan arrested for triple murder of his relatives in a land dispute

Two days after a triple murder took place in Lucknow’s Malihabad, the Lucknow police have arrested the main accused Lallan Khan, and his son Faraz. After committing the triple murder of their relatives, the accused had been absconding. As per reports, both accused were roaming around and planning to surrender but were caught by the Lucknow Police before that. 

Notably, on Friday evening (2nd February), 70-year-old Lallan alias Siraj, along with his son Faraz killed three people over a land dispute. Reportedly, Lallan Khan attacked the house of his nephew Farid Khan along with his son, driver, and another person. Lallan and his associates shot dead three people from a neighboring family. The accused fired five bullets from his licensed rifle which was fitted with a telescope.

(Triple murder in Lucknow’s Malihabad, Image Source – TV9 Bharatvarsh)

After committing the crime, the accused fled the crime scene. This incident took place in Mohammadnagar talukdari of Malihabad. The deceased victims included a woman named Farheen, her son, and her brother-in-law. Lallan Khan is the uncle-in-law (brother of her father-in-law) of the deceased Farheen. This dispute took place over a piece of ancestral land, the value of which is said to be around Rs 4 crore. The disputed land is in Mithenagar.

The incident was caught on CCTV footage and it soon went viral on social media. The police used the CCTV footage to identify the accused in this case. 

In the CCTV footage, 70-year-old Lallan Khan, along with his son, can be seen holding a gun and opening fire on three victims, later identified as his relatives. As per the footage, after Lallan Khan fired a shot, his son Faraz took the gun in his hand, went to the door of the house, and fired another bullet. After this, he again loaded the rifle and fired another shot. A total of three people including a child were killed in this firing.

As per reports, Lallan Khan alias Siraj Khan is a history sheeter and had terrorised the streets of Lucknow with guns. Fond of guns, Lallan used to call himself “Gabbar Khan”, riding horses, and soon earned notoriety with the same name. 

According to media reports, 18 criminal cases are registered against Lallan Khan. He is also a history sheeter of Malihabad police station. Despite being a history-sheeter, he possessed a huge cache of firearms and licensed weapons, also held a passport, and traveled abroad. 

According to a report, at one time, 24 cases were registered against Lallan Khan. It is said that in the 80s, Lallan Khan had earned notoriety in Lucknow and had terrorised the area. He used to ride on a horse and liked to call himself Gabbar Khan. However, the last FIR against Lallan was registered in the year 1999 as he avoided many cases because of his money, muscle power, and access.

In the year 1985, many weapons were recovered from his house which were kept on a carpet, and a photograph was taken with him. The police are also investigating how Lallan Khan’s license was issued despite so many cases and how it was being renewed continuously.

A cache of weapons was found in Lallan Khan’s house in 1985: Former DGP

Brijlal, who was SP City of Lucknow and former DGP of the state in 1985 said that when the house of Lallan alias Gabbar was raided back then, many weapons were found in his house. There were many weapons on the same license. Many illegal weapons were also found.

Recalling the raid, Brijlal added that at that time 30 guns were recovered from Lallan’s house. The weapons that the police had recovered from the house in the Chowki area were spread on the carpet and Lallan Khan was made to sit and his photograph was taken with the recovered weapons.

His Passport was issued in the year 2010 and he visited Poland

Lallan Khan is a resident of Malihabad and has three sons. Two of his sons have settled in Poland. His third son lives in Lucknow and he was involved in the triple murder case with his father. Lallan Khan himself has visited Poland. Now the police are also investigating how his passport was issued.

Massive protest erupts in Leh seeking statehood for Ladakh, sixth schedule inclusion and other demands

OpIndia Staff
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Massive protest erupts in Leh seeking statehood for Ladakh, sixth schedule inclusion and other demands

On Saturday (3rd February), a large number of people in Ladakh’s Leh district staged massive protest rallies and observed a complete shutdown demanding statehood to Ladakh and some other demands. They pushed their four demands: Ladakh’s statehood, its inclusion in the Constitution’s sixth schedule which grants it tribal status, job reservations for locals, and one parliamentary seat each for Kargil and Leh.

Videos circulating on social media showed a massive flock armed with placards and raising slogans demanding statehood.

The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) jointly organised the protests, which saw men and women march through Leh’s major city despite the frigid conditions. Since Ladakh became a Union Territory after it was split from Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, the LAB and KDA, which represent the two areas, have advocated for statehood and Sixth Schedule status. In August 2021, the LAB and KDA joined forces to increase their demands. On 23rd January, LAB and KDA submitted a memorandum to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs regarding their demands which include statehood for Ladakh, and status under the Sixth Schedule.

According to reports, the delegates also presented a draft bill to alter the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act of 2019 to grant Ladakh statehood.

Speaking to ANI, the Legal Adviser of Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance Haji Ghulam Mustafa said, “Ever since Ladakh has become a UT, Apex body and KDA have had a demand on the four-point agenda. All our powers which were people-centric have weakened. When we were a part of J&K, we had 4 members in the assembly and 2 in the legislative council. Now we have no representation in the assembly… This has always been our demand that the people of Ladakh should have representation in the assembly and that we should get statehood. The reason is, that Ladakh is a strategically very important place.”

“This is a tribal majority area and has all the features north-eastern states have… Along lines of the northeastern states, it is our demand that the provisions of the 6th schedule be implemented in Ladakh to protect its culture… Ever since Ladakh became a UT, there have been no gazetted job openings in the region, while in J&K two batches have already been commissioned and the third batch is going to get commissioned soon… Ladakh immediately needs to have a Public Service Commission of its own… People have observed a complete ‘bandh’. This tells us that the people of Ladakh demand that the region be empowered,” Mustafa continued.

The development comes after a high-level committee directed by Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai has been meeting with representatives from the two entities that represent Ladakh’s two regions, Leh and Kargil. During their last meeting on the 4th of December last year, the ministry asked that the two bodies submit a written list of demands.

The memorandum stated that while the Supreme Court had ruled that statehood would be restored in Jammu and Kashmir, such rules would not be extended to Ladakh, which will continue to be a Union territory.

The memorandum refers to precedents states including Mizoram, Tripura, Sikkim, and other northeastern states in pursuing statehood for Ladakh, noting that these states are likewise protected by the Sixth Schedule and Article 371 of the Indian Constitution.

Advancing the case for Sixth Schedule classification, the memorandum stated that tribal communities such as Balti, Beda, Bot, Boto, Brokpa, Drokpa, Dard, Shin, Changpa, Garra, Mon, and Purigpa make up a significant portion of Ladakh’s population.

In addition, it demanded a Ladakh Public Service Commission, claiming that prospects for gazetted postings for Ladakh students are now limited since there is currently no such provision.

It is worth noting that after Articles 370 and 35A were repealed, Ladakh became a Union territory without a legislature in addition to the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories on August 5, 2019.

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