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‘Hamas attackers laughed as they raped and killed Israeli woman on October 7’: Eyewitness narrates the tale of Hamas’s horror

OpIndia Staff
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‘Hamas attackers laughed as they raped and killed Israeli woman on October 7’: Eyewitness narrates the tale of Hamas’s horror

Months have passed since the horrific massacre of Israeli civilians by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas on 7th October 2023. However, the chilling tales of the horror unleashed by the Hamas terrorists on Israelis, especially women continue to emerge.

In an interview with CNN, one of the hostages, identified as Raz Cohen, recalled the sequence of events leading up to Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack. Five men emerged from a van and surrounded a woman, ripping her clothes off as they encircled her. One of them raped her and then murdered her with a knife. The Hamas terrorist raped her again, Cohen said in an interview with CNN. He claimed that the other men around the victim did not appear to be angry.

He narrated how a white van pulled up about 30 meters from his hiding spot and five men in civilian clothes got out. “They catch a girl and they started to pull her clothes off. After they pulled the clothes off, one of them started to rape her. It was something like 40 seconds. After he raped her, he take a knife and kill her, murder her. After he did it, he continued to rape the dead body. They always laugh. I think it was for fun. They murdered a lot of people for fun,” Cohen said.

Cohen had gone to the Nova music festival in southern Israel to see his girlfriend Maya when Hamas terrorists carried out one of Israel’s bloodiest attacks, killing over 1,200 people. He went on to say that after raping and murdering the woman, the group went after another man and woman and stabbed them with knives and an axe.

Cohen also claimed that in an attempt to save his life, he ran across the open desert, feeling trapped on a firing range with nowhere to hide and bullets coming from the left, right, and behind him.

“I ran in the open field, and I was very close to some girl. When I passed her, I heard that she fell on the ground. I looked back and I saw that she got shot in the head. I looked at the girl, but I couldn’t help her so I kept running away until I got to the bush,” he recalled.

A combat paramedic told CNN that he saw the bodies of two teenage girls in Kibbutz Be’eri and was certain at least one of them had been raped.

“Her pants are pulled down toward her knees and there’s a bullet wound on the back side of her neck near her head,” he recounted. “There’s a puddle of blood around her head and there’s remains of semen on the lower part of her back,” the combat paramedic said.

The need to form a Civil Commission on October 7th Crimes by Hamas Women to document cases of using sexual violence as a weapon against Israel demonstrates the scale of Hamas’s crimes against Israeli women. Israeli authorities collected over 60,000 video clips and over 1,000 statements about the assault, including accounts from witnesses who claimed to have seen women raped.

The horrific humiliation suffered by Shani Louk, a 22-year-old German-Israeli citizen, exemplifies Hamas terrorists’ hatred for non-Muslims, particularly Jews. She was abducted and taken to Gaza, where she was paraded naked with Hamas terrorists shouting “Allahu Akbar” during Hamas’ 7th October terror attack. She was later found dead in Gaza. Another incident occurred when a Hamas terrorist dragged 19-year-old Israeli soldier Na’ama Levy from the back of a jeep, her hands bound behind her back and copious blood spots between her legs, while Palestinian men mocked her.

Even after committing such horrific crimes, Hamas enjoys the support of Islamists and delusional liberals including lawmakers in various countries. Other than this, Pallywood actors are also operating relentlessly to garner sympathy for Palestine and fueling hatred against Israel for retaliating against Hamas.

In November last year, Israel released a document that showed that the Hamas terrorists had systematically planned to rape the Israeli women. The document contained an Arabic-Hebrew glossary with sexual terminology including “take your pants off”.

After much effort at evading an unequivocal condemnation of Hamas’s crimes against women, the United Nations finally on December 1 last year issued a statement denouncing Hamas’s crimes. “We unequivocally condemn the brutal attacks by Hamas on Israel on 7 October. We are alarmed by the numerous accounts of gender-based atrocities and sexual violence during those attacks,” the UN Women statement reads.

The widespread outrage over the UN body’s refusal to condemn rape and killings of Israeli women did compel it to issue a statement denouncing the same. However, the website highlights its efforts to gather funds “to protect and support women and their families in the Gaza crisis.” On their homepage, there is no mention of Israeli women, however, “the conflict in Gaza” and donation appeal for Palestinian women show up.

UN Women’s donation appeal for Palestinian women and families in Gaza (Source: UN Women website)

“UN Women has been supporting Palestinian women since 1997 to achieve their social, economic, and political rights. We remain present on the ground to provide support and assistance and will do so for as long as it takes,” the UN body’s “Gaza Crisis Appeal reads. Ironically, UN has always been there for Palestinian women since 1997, however, it took them more than a month to ‘realise’ that the brutal rape and killings of Israeli women warrant unequivocal condemnation.

ISRO successfully injects Aditya-L1 spacecraft in final Halo orbit to study the sun, PM Modi says India created another landmark

ANI
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ISRO successfully injects Aditya-L1 spacecraft in final Halo orbit to study the sun, PM Modi says India created another landmark

In a significant scientific milestone, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Saturday injected Aditya-L1 spacecraft – the first dedicated solar mission – into its final destination orbit.

Prime Minister Narenendra Modi and Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh were among leaders who hailed the achievement.

Aditya-L1 has reached Lagrange Point L1, about 1.5 million km from earth.

The PSLV-C57.1 rocket carrying the Aditya-L1 orbiter lifted off successfully from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, in September.

The successful launch of the maiden solar mission of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) came on the heels of the historic lunar landing mission — Chandrayaan-3.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India will continue to pursue new frontiers of science for the benefit of humanity.

“India creates yet another landmark. India’s first solar observatory Aditya-L1 reaches it’s destination. It is a testament to the relentless dedication of our scientists in realising among the most complex and intricate space missions. I join the nation in applauding this extraordinary feat. We will continue to pursue new frontiers of science for the benefit of humanity,” he said in post on X.

Jitendra Singh said Aditya L1 will discover the mysteries of sun-earth connection

“From Moon walk to Sun Dance! What a glorious turn of year for Bharat! Under the visionary leadership of PM @narendramodi, yet another success story scripted by Team #ISRO. #AdityaL1 reaches its final orbit to discover the mysteries of Sun-Earth connection,” he said in a post on X.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also congratulated the scientists and said India’s space journey is unstoppable.

“Wings of Fire! Congratulations to the dedicated scientists at @ISRO for successfully inserting Bharat’s first solar observatory #AdityaL1 into its intended destination. First the moon, now the sun… our space journey is unstoppable!

Aditya L1 has seven different payloads on board, to conduct a detailed study of the sun, four of which will observe the light from the sun and the other three will measure in-situ parameters of the plasma and magnetic fields.

The largest and technically most challenging payload on Aditya-L1 is the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph or VELC. VELC was integrated, tested, and calibrated at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics’ CREST (Centre for Research and Education in Science Technology) campus in Hosakote in collaboration with ISRO.

This strategic location will enable Aditya-L1 to continuously observe the sun without being hindered by eclipses or occultation, allowing scientists to study solar activities and their impact on space weather in real-time.

Also, the spacecraft’s data will help identify the sequence of processes that lead to solar eruptive events and contribute to a deeper understanding of space weather drivers.

Major objectives of India’s solar mission include the study of the physics of solar corona and its heating mechanism, the solar wind acceleration, coupling and dynamics of the solar atmosphere, solar wind distribution and temperature anisotropy, and origin of Coronal Mass Ejections (CME) and flares and near-earth space weather. 

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

Mumbai Tarun Bharat editor Kiran Shelar refuses to receive journalism award from Deshonnati editor Prakash Pohare for questioning existence of Lord Ram, audience chants Jai Shri Ram

Gopal Tiwari
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Mumbai Tarun Bharat editor Kiran Shelar refuses to receive journalism award from Deshonnati editor Prakash Pohare for questioning existence of Lord Ram, audience chants Jai Shri Ram

On Friday (5th January) Kiran Shelar – the editor of Mumbai Tarun Bharat – refused to receive the Darpankar Balshastri Jambhekar Memorial Award for Journalism (दर्पणकार बाळशास्त्री जांभेकर पत्रकारिता पुरस्कार) from Prakash Pohare – the editor of Marathi daily newspaper Deshonnati – who during his speech in this program questioned the existence of Lord Shri Ram and criticised the Ram Mandir to be consecrated on the upcoming 22nd January. Shelar then received the award from Sukrut Khandekar – the editor of the Marathi daily newspaper Prahar – who was also present as a guest in the program.

In Maharashtra 6th of January is celebrated as Journalists’ Day to commemorate the first publication of the English and Marathi periodical ‘Darpan’ started by Balshastri Jambhekar who is also called the pioneer of new Marathi journalism. He started ‘Darpan’ on 6th January 1832. The Mumbai Marathi Journalistic Writers’ Association (Established in 2001) celebrates its foundation day and gives an award to a journalist every year in memory of Balshastri Jambhekar on 5th January. This year the award was being presented to Kiran Shelar.

Balshastri Jambhekar is the pioneer of the Marathi journalism. Image Source: Nation Now

According to a report by Maha MTB, the program was organised in the Surendra Gavaskar Memorial Hall of the Mumbai Marathi Granth Sangrahalaya. A lit-fest of journalists and writers was also held on this occasion. Mumbai University’s former vice-chancellor Dr Bhalchandra Munagekar was chief guest of the program. Ciciliya Carvalho and Sukrut Khandekar were among the other dignitaries on the dais. Prakash Pohare was the president of this program. Chairman of the Mumbai Marathi Journalistic Writers’ Association Eknath Birwadkar and other office bearers of the association and many journalists, writers, and others were present for this program in the Dadar area of Mumbai.

Prakash Pohare. Image Source: Facebook handle of Prakash Pohare

All the guests presented their thoughts before the award ceremony. Prakasha Pohare also expressed his views. During his speech, he questioned the existence of Lord Ram and criticised the Ram Mandir as well as the grand preparations going on for the upcoming consecration ceremony of the temple in Ayodhya. Prakash Pohare then detailed the problems of Dalits, tribals, ‘have-nots’ etc.

Reacting to this, Kiran Shelar stood up and said, “The problems of this country raised by the earlier speakers are real and the existence of Lord Shri Ram is also real. So I don’t want awards from those who believe that Shri Ram is an imagination, I will not accept it. However, I don’t want to insult the pioneer of Marathi journalism Balshastri Jambhekar. Therefore, the Mumbai Marathi Journalistic Writers’ Association should decide whether to give the award or not.”

Kiran Shelar speaking at the award ceremony. Image Source: Maha MTB

Kiran Shelar’s stand on not accepting the award was greeted with a grand welcome from the audience, with a unified chant of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ from the people present in the auditorium. The audience also congratulated him for this stand rather than for the award. Finally, honouring the organisers’ request. Kiran Shelar received the award from Sukrut Khandekar – the editor of ‘Prahar’.

Kiran Shelar, while replying to the award, refuted many of the issues raised by Prakash Pohare. At the same time, he made his point by showing alternative ways, not just protesting the propositions by earlier speakers. Kiran Shelar said, “There are many ways of enlightenment in society today. A conscious society must reach out before the wrong tendencies reach the paths we haven’t seen so far. You have to look at those paths, you have to do your job honestly. There are obstacles to moving forward with your loyalty, but I’ve learned a lot from my 24 years of journalism experience. This is an award for my journey.”

He added, “As long as meaningful content is produced by writers and journalists, society’s appetite for better quality will not be quenched. Mumbai Tarun Bharat is a daily newspaper run by RSS volunteers. But all kinds of ideologies are for human welfare only. No one should discard them. Continuity in quality content creation must be maintained. The platform of the literary festivals is nowadays used for non-literary things. It should not happen with such a stage associated with journalism. The new generation should also be given a place on the platform.”

Kiran Shelar later detailed this incident in his Facebook post

Kiran Shelar informed about the whole sequence of events from his Facebook account later. He wrote in his post, “A month ago, Eknath Birwatkar, president of the Mumbai Marathi Journalistic Writers’ Association, came to the Office of Mumbai Tarun Bharat and asked me if I would accept the award given in the name of Balshastri Jambhekar. Late Yashwant Padhya started the Mumbai Marathi Journalistic Writers’ Association and ‘Mumbai Tarun Bharat’ and our editor at that time had a good relationship with the organisation. There was nothing to say no to. I was told this award was for new experiments in journalism. I agreed, too.”

Kiran Shelar added, “When the invitation letter was received, it was learnt that the award would be presented by Prakash Pohare, Sukrit Khandekar and Bhalchandra Munagekar. I didn’t think there was anything wrong with that at all. Munagekar gave his usual speech which was boring but at least he did not mock anyone. Prakash Pohare, however, slipped unceremoniously on Lord Shri Ram. The speech was completely contradictory and bizarre. Later, the comments he made on Lord Ram and Ram Mandir made me angry.”

Kiran Shelar further said in his Facebook post, “Sukrut Khandekar was sitting next to me. I told him that I did not think it was right to accept the award from him. I’m not going to accept it. Khandekar said ‘It was his personal stand. Not of the organising committee. This is an award named after Balashastri, you should not insult him.’ In fact, I am a system-abiding person and it is not in my nature to flare up just because I don’t like things that are going in a certain manner. Then I got up straight and took the mic and made my point.”

Describing what happened next, Kiran Shelar further wrote, “Our faith about Lord Ram is as real as the problems in this country presented by the speakers. So I don’t want an award from such a person. I said this straight away. Chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ started from the people sitting in the audience and there was an unprecidented ruckus. It was Khandekar who saved the face of the organisers at that time and gave me the award. I left the award there itself and got off the stage in a fit of rage and walked through the crowd. Some people were congratulating me, some were shouting slogans. My seven-year-old son Adamya Kiran Shelar clenched his fists and raised both his hands and chanted ‘Jai Shri Ram, Jai Shri Ram’. I smiled. We got out of there. The program ended too late.”

‘Questioning the existence of Lord Ram won’t work in front of me’, says Kiran Shelar

Kiran Shelar further clarified his stand about Lord Ram while he recalled the making of a journalist over the past 24 years of his working experience. He wrote in his Facebook post, “In fact, twenty-four years ago, I had decided not to leave ‘Mumbai Tarun Bharat’, no matter how big a package I got. That’s where I found my Ram. The respectful pay that the organization gives me, the support I get from colleagues and the freedom I get from my seniors are enough for this job. I don’t expect any award and it’s not in my nature to apply for it.”

He added, “In fact, I am a complete believer. But I am a man who seeks Ram in work (duty) rather than any ritual. I still believe that there are some good people even in the ideology I don’t believe in, and that they do a good job too. They should think about why people are no longer rallying behind them. Being a ‘Hedgewarite’, I have a lot of work to do and I can’t get over it.”

In the end he said, “I was so angry. Because we, as Hindus, respect everyone’s beliefs and faiths and you still question about the existence of Lord Ram. It won’t work. It’s not at all going to work in front of me.”

The leftist-liberal anti-Hindu bias of Marathi media and importance of Kiran Shelar

Notably, like every established national and regional media in India, the Marathi media brags and boasts a leftist-liberal anti-Hindu bias for the past so many years. It started with social reformers during the ninteenth century when it was aimed at bringing a so-called modern approach to the Marathi people. However, it went on to become more of an agency disseminating anti-Hindu thoughts on a regular basis over the last more than 100 years.

Stalwarts in the late ninteenth and early twentieth century like Lokmanya Tilak and Veer Savarkar are long forgotten by those in the Marathi media who claim to be progressive liberals. Having an essentially leftist bias they do not mention these names. Even if they do, they do so to demean, discredit, defame and misquote them in a way suitable to the narrative they want to peddle.

Questioning the existence of Lord Ram, criticising Ram Mandir, taking dirty jibes spit slurs at a Prime Minister who carries his Hindu identity on his sleeves, guilt tripping Hindus for demolition of disputed structure at Ram Janmbhoomi, abusing Hindu festivals, disrespecting Hindu traditions, and distorting the meanings assigned to various Hindu rituals is their standard operating procedure before these journalists resort to abuse Brahmins – the so-called traditional custodians of Dharma and worship rituals.

Girish Kuber once questioned the Christian way of assigning sainthood to Mother Teresa. He immediately withdrew the Loksatta editorial and furnished unconditional apology. Mukesh Machkar incited people to burn women from upper Hindu castes. Vishwambhar Choudhari and Nikhil Wagle‘s ‘Nirbhay Bano’ campaign against Narendra Modi has become a platform for anti-Hindu propaganda.

Asim Sarode‘s willful advocacy for the accused in the parliament security breach depicts the urban naxalism under the garb of constitutional activism. Niranjan Takle wrote a book on Justice Loya’s death wherein the only basis of arguments given to accuse Union Home Minister Amit Shah of conspiring the alleged murder of the late justice is hearsay and insinuation.

In fact, the inner core of the Marathi media is so intolerant towards Lord Ram that no other media gave the news of this incident as detailed as Kiran Shelar’s Mumbai Tarun Bharat and its web portal Maha MTB. Mruga Vartak who was also present for the ceremony reported this event for Maha MTB. OpIndia confirmed from her that representatives of many other media were also present there.

Against this backdrop, Kiran Shelar taking a firm stand and refusing to accept the award from the hands of a journalist who doubted the existence of Lord Ram is a ray of hope in Marathi journalism. Increasing the number of such journalists who vocally advocate the civilisational interests, respect others without compromising one’s own pride and faith and widespread reach, attention, and support of people to such journalists is the only way to turn this exception of being a Kiran Shelar into a norm in contemporary Marathi media.

Truck driver to ‘Betaj Badshah’ of Bangladesh border areas: Who is TMC’s Shahjahan Sheikh the mastermind behind attack on ED officials

OpIndia Staff
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Truck driver to ‘Betaj Badshah’ of Bangladesh border areas: Who is TMC’s Shahjahan Sheikh the mastermind behind attack on ED officials

On Saturday, January 6, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) issued a lookout notice for Shahjahan Sheikh, a block-level official of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). The move came a day after a team comprising officials of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), CRPF, and journalists en route to Shahjahan Sheikh’s residence in Sandeshkhali of North 24 Parganas district in West Bengal was attacked and their vehicles were targeted.

The ED team had reached to execute a raid on the residence of Shahjahan Sheikh as part of an investigation into the ration scam when a mob of 800-1000 people, purportedly the supporters of Sheikh attacked the ED team. The ED on Friday said that the mob attacked its officials “with an intention to cause death.”

Popularly referred to as ‘Betaj Badshah’, TMC’s Shahjahan Sheikh is an influential person in West Bengal’s Sandeshkhali, an area that is adjacent to the Bangladesh border.

Despite coming from an incredibly poor family and having no political background, the 53-year-old TMC leader’s name is now a force to be reckoned with in Sandeshkhali. Sheikh started off doing odd jobs to make ends meet. He worked as a truck driver, a conductor, sold vegetables etc, but along with all this, he continued to maintain contacts with influential people of Sandeshkhali.

He started as CPI(M) leader Moslem Sheikh’s right-hand man, collecting money for him. He subsequently started to dabble in local fishing and real estate. In 2004, Sheikh entered politics as a union leader in brick kilns in Sandeshkhali. He then joined the Left regime in 2006.

Shahjahan continued to bat for the Left when the state underwent a regime transition in 2011. However, he joined the Trinamool Congress in 2013 and rose to prominence quickly, under the mentorship of West Bengal Minister Jyoti Priya Mallick and the then-TMC national general secretary Mukul Roy.

Shahjahan Shiekh gradually grew very close to Mallick and since then his ascent through the ranks of authority has been relentless.

It is believed that Sheikh has played a significant role in the political party in power by aiding in the rigging of the Sandeshkhali area elections.

Additionally, Sheikh’s name has always kept coming up whenever the ruling TMC has clashed with the BJP party in the state.

In fact, in June 2019, violent clashes erupted in Sandeshkhali post the Lok Sabha elections where TMC goons had clashed with BJP workers in the area. The clash led to the death of three BJP workers including Pradip and Sukanta Mandal. TMC’s Shahjahan Sheikh was named as an accused in the FIR filed in connection with the murder of these two BJP workers but he had escaped any sort of police action.

Locals said that Sheikh has been involved in various illegal activities since 2006 but he has always surrounded himself with powerful people as a defensive tactic in case he gets charged with any wrongdoing. This is purportedly the reason why he got away in the BJP workers Pradip and Sukanta Mandal’s murder case.

Today, (January 6) BJP leader Amit Malviya took to X to share a video of the brother of the deceased BJP worker Pradip Mandal wherein he narrates how his brother was brutally murdered by TMC goons led by Shahjahan Sheikh. The BJP leader revealed how after the murder, Sheikh, who was the prime accused in the case, easily escaped action by fleeing to Bangladesh.

“Sheikh Shahjahan is no ordinary criminal. In 2019, he and his men, most of them illegal Rohingyas from Bangladesh, killed BJP workers Sukanta Mandal and Pradip Mandal… Their bodies were riddled with bullet, using sophisticated firearms, and chopped into several pieces. Shahjahan had then escaped across the border, while Mamata Banerjee’s police remained a mute spectator. But he is now, clearly, on borrowed time.” the BJP leader wrote.

The BJP leader shared another video wherein the TMC leader could be seen openly issuing veil threats against the law enforcement agencies and BJP leaders.

“Yesterday, Mamata Banerjee’s spokespersons came out in full force to defend Shahjahan Sheikh, the criminal, who ordered attack on ED officials and media in Sandeshkhali. In a public speech on 1st Jan 2024, Shahjahan claimed that CBI and ED wouldn’t be able to even touch his ‘hair’… He also asked everyone to pray so that he doesn’t get angry or else he will break the teeth of BJP workers and leaders, execute them after 2024 (since TMC controls Govt in Bengal) and rip the skin off their bodies. Sheikh Shahjahan has all the trappings of Anubroto Mondal, Mamata Banerjee’s pet henchman, who is now in jail… Shahjahan will meet the same fate, and soon,” Amit Malviya’s post read.

Meanwhile, the Border Security Force (BSF) and all airport authorities have been informed about the ED’s lookout notice for Shahjahan Sheikh. Sheikh has reportedly been on the run since ED officials were attacked close to his home, according to sources in the investigative agency.

Mob attacks ED team, journalists during raids on TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh in North 24 Parganas

On Friday (5th January), a team comprising officials of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), CRPF, and journalists was attacked and their vehicles were targeted in Sandeshkhali of North 24 Parganas district in West Bengal. The incident occurred when the ED team reached to execute a raid on the residence of Shahjahan Sheikh – a block-level official of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) – as part of an investigation into the ration scam.

According to reports, as the ED team attempted to enter Shajahan Sheikh’s house following multiple unanswered calls, a large group of men and women converged at the location, raising slogans. They also assaulted the officials and damaged their vehicles. The presence of Shahjahan Sheikh or his family members inside the house at that time could not be ascertained.

A news correspondent of News18 Bangla was also reportedly attacked. His car was also damaged and the camera of the journalist crew was also broken by these goons. Due to the assault by Shahjahan Sheikh’s supporters on the ED officials, the planned raid on the TMC leader could not be completed.

The BJP, meanwhile, alleged the involvement of Rohingyas in the attack.

Leader of Opposition in the state assembly, Suvendu Adhikari wrote on his X handle, “Horrific. The Law and order Situation in West Bengal is in shambles. ED Officials & CRPF Jawans brutally attacked in Sandeshkhali; North 24 Parganas district, while conducting Raid at TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan’s house. I doubt that Rohingyas are present among the anti-national attackers. I urge the Hon’ble Union Home Minister Amit Shah Ji, Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal, Director of ED and CRPF to take cognizance of this grave situation and take appropriate action to crush this anarchy. NIA should also probe this matter.”

Public Distribution System Scam

On 26th October, ED raided the residence of West Bengal Minister Jyoti Priya Mallick in Kolkata in connection to a corruption case related to ration distribution. Mallick is a senior TMC leader serving as the forest minister. Previously, he held the food minister portfolio. In response to the raid, Banerjee strongly criticised the central agency and accused the BJP-led government at the centre of using such actions as part of a “broader strategy” ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Interestingly, Mallick’s daughter Priyadarshini reportedly deposited Rs 3.37 crores in her bank account after the 2016 demonetisation. Being a school teacher, she draws an annual salary of 2.48 lakhs. During ED’s interrogation, she claimed to have earned the money as tuition fees. Furthermore, ED found a deposit of Rs 4.3 crores in the IDBI bank account of Mallick’s wife, Mandipa. ED arrested Mallick over an accusation of laundering Rs 95 crores using shell companies.

Paid 4.5 lakhs for tickets and everything is non-functional: Woman passenger shares her experience on-board Air India flight, video goes viral

OpIndia Staff
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Paid 4.5 lakhs for tickets and everything is non-functional: Woman passenger shares her experience on-board Air India flight, video goes viral

An Air India passenger, who recently took a flight from Delhi to Toronto with her husband and two kids, slammed the airlines for their dysfunctional services despite charging hefty prices for flight tickets. Notably, Shreyti Garg, an Instagram content creator, recently shared a post expressing dissatisfaction with the Airline’s services which is going viral on social media. So far, her post has garnered over 3 million plays on Instagram with several users also chipping in to share their unpleasant encounters on flights. 

In her post, Shreyti stated that virtually everything on their three seats was “non-functional”, their seats were broken and the in-flight entertainment system was faulty. Additionally, the overhead lights failed to work, forcing her to use her phone’s torchlight to assist her toddler, she added.

She also claimed that there was a safety hazard on the flight as well. According to her, a broken seat handle exposed wires that could have potentially harmed her toddler, however, she noted that she failed to take pictures of the broken seat handles. 

The captions on her post read, “This is the (referring to faulty, dysfunctional) service we got after paying 4.5 Lakh INR to @airindia. We were on Air India Flight from Delhi to Toronto travelling with our 2 kids (2.5 yo and 7mo)… We three were seated together and unfortunately, almost everything was nonfunctional. From broken seats to NO entertainment system.” 

She said that despite raising the complaint with flight staff, no corrective actions were taken by the staff. She added, “..I literally had to protect my toddler from getting hurt as all the wires were coming out of the system. And even after complaining to the crew/ staff multiple times, there was NO action taken. It seems they rebooted the system but still, everything was not working. We were left helpless with 2 kids and had to manage everything on our own.” 

Criticising the airline for costly tickets and dysfunctional services, she further stated, “@airindia firstly the pricing of tickets is already too high and on top of it, instead of making the journey smooth for the passengers you made it inconvenient for the parents travelling with the kids especially.” 

Several users pointed out that they too faced the same problems on their flight journey on this route. One user wrote, “This was the same case with me in Toronto Delhi sector none of screen was working, earlier I thought its a temporary issue but now I am sure it’s permanent.” 

Another user commented, “Absolutely agree. Had the same experience on our Air India flight back to Toronto.”

However, some users criticised Shreyti Garg claiming that those are some added benefits on the flight. A user wrote, “You paid for travel, not entertainment. Entertainment is an extra perk you get. Many people get confused with this kind of stuff. Probably because of lack of knowledge.”

While another user sarcastically commented, “Imagine thinking that it is the airline’s responsibility to entertain and look after your children on a flight. I wonder how parents ever travelled with children before onboard screens were installed.” 

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau’s aeroplane breaks down again during a vacation in Jamaica, the second time after in India

OpIndia Staff
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Canadian PM Justin Trudeau’s aeroplane breaks down again during a vacation in Jamaica, the second time after in India

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau’s aeroplane broke down for the second time in four months, this time during his visit to Jamaica. The Canadian Armed Forces had to send another plane to Jamaica, where Trudeau had gone to spend a vacation with his family after his plane had become ‘unserviceable’, a report published by CBC News said.

Earlier in September 2023, the Canadian PM was stuck in New Delhi for a day and a half after his aircraft developed snags. Trudeau was in India to attend the G20 Summit in New Delhi. However, his return was delayed for two days after pre-flight checks revealed mechanical failure.

Trudeau, compelled to use military planes for security purposes, embarked on a vacation to Montego Bay, Jamaica, with his family on December 26. Initially slated to return to Canada on January 4, a maintenance concern surfaced on January 2 during an aircraft inspection. The maintenance team swiftly addressed the issue, deploying on January 3 and successfully restoring the aircraft to operational status.

Trudeau’s plane safely returned to Canada on January 4. Both the aircraft that transported Trudeau to Jamaica and the one carrying the maintenance crew are part of the military’s more recent Challenger fleet acquired in 2020.

Trudeau’s overseas vacations have sparked controversy on several occasions. In 2016, a visit to the Aga Khan’s private island led to a determination by former ethics commissioner Mary Dawson that Trudeau had breached ethics rules prohibiting ministers from accepting gifts or other advantages.

Despite Trudeau’s assertion that the trip was within the rules due to his longstanding friendship with the Aga Khan, Dawson found that their contact had been minimal for decades before Trudeau assumed leadership of the Liberal Party.

Concerning the Jamaica trip, Trudeau’s office initially indicated that he would cover his family’s accommodations. However, it later clarified that Trudeau and his family were staying in Jamaica “at no cost at a location owned by family friends.”

One Nation, One Election: High-Level Committee invites suggestions from the public by 15th January

ANI
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One Nation, One Election: High-Level Committee invites suggestions from the public by 15th January

 The High-Level Committee relating to the holding of simultaneous elections in the country has issued a public notice inviting public comments on the issue.

“Notice for inviting suggestions from members of the general public for making appropriate changes in the existing legal administrative framework to enable simultaneous elections in the country,” stated the notice.

The suggestions can be posted on the committee’s website, onoe.gov.in or sent by email to [email protected], as stated in the notice.

Earlier, the High-Level Committee constituted held its preliminary meeting under the chairmanship of former President Ram Nath Kovind; Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah;Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal; former Leader of Opposition, Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad; former Chairman, 15th Finance Commission N. K. Singh; Dr. Subhash C. Kashyap, former Secretary General, Lok Sabha; and Sanjay Kothari, former Chief Vigilance Commissioner.

Harish Salve, Senior Advocate, joined the meeting virtually.

One Nation, One Election was constituted through a notification dated September 20, 2023. As per the Terms of Reference, the Committee was required to make recommendations for creation of an appropriate legal and administrative framework for holding simultaneous elections on a permanent basis, identification of necessary amendments to the Constitution and related election laws, preparation of common electoral rolls, logistics such as EVMS/VVPATS, etc.

Suggestions are invited in writing from members of the general public for making appropriate changes in the existing legal administrative framework to enable simultaneous elections in the country. All suggestions received by January 15, 2024, will be placed before the Committee for its consideration, as stated in the public notice issued. 

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

Jeffrey Epstein Case: Third batch of documents unveils more high-profile names, a Nobel Prize winner included

OpIndia Staff
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Jeffrey Epstein Case: Third batch of documents unveils more high-profile names, a Nobel Prize winner included

A third batch of court documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case was released on Friday (5th January), unveiling more high-profile individuals linked to the convicted sex offender. This latest disclosure, part of an ongoing legal battle, adds to the already controversial Epstein saga.

The 950-page documentation, made public on Wednesday and Thursday as part of a lawsuit by Virginia Giuffre against Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former girlfriend and collaborator, contains names previously redacted as J Doe versions in court files. The Friday release was of 1300 pages. Total number of pages has now surged to 2600. Key figures named include former US President Bill Clinton, Britain’s Prince Andrew, pop icon Michael Jackson, and illusionist David Copperfield. The documents stem from Giuffre’s 2017 settlement with Maxwell, where Maxwell was accused of defaming Giuffre by calling her a liar.

Specific allegations in these documents include details about Prince Andrew’s visits to Epstein’s private island and Johanna Sjoberg’s claims of meeting Michael Jackson and David Copperfield at Epstein’s residence. The documents, revealing interactions and visits to Epstein’s properties, underscore the widespread reach of his network which also includes an unnamed winner of a Nobel Prize in chemistry.

This third batch of documents is crucial in understanding the scope of Epstein’s connections with global elites. It complements the previously released batches, which have already implicated several high-profile individuals in Epstein’s notorious sex trafficking operation.

Significantly, the documents detail allegations against Prince Andrew and Bill Clinton, with specific instances described by Giuffre and other accusers. One of the documents includes Maxwell’s testimony confirming Prince Andrew’s visit to Epstein’s secret island in the US Virgin Islands. Johanna Sjoberg, another Epstein accuser, claimed to have met Michael Jackson and David Copperfield at Epstein’s Palm Beach residence and made allegations against Clinton.

The background of the case traces back to Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy financier who was arrested in July 2019 on federal charges of sex trafficking minors in Florida and New York. He died by suicide in his jail cell in August 2019, before his trial could commence. Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former girlfriend, was convicted in December 2021 for her role in aiding Epstein’s crimes, including trafficking and grooming underage girls.

Epstein’s case has garnered international attention due to its sensational nature and the involvement of powerful figures. His known properties, including his private island in the US Virgin Islands, a mansion in New York, and a residence in Palm Beach, Florida, have been focal points of the investigation. These locations are alleged to have been venues for the abuse and trafficking of minors.

The ongoing release of court documents stems from a larger legal process to uncover the full extent of Epstein’s criminal network. The unsealing of these documents represents a significant step in the quest for justice for Epstein’s victims. As the legal proceedings continue, further details are expected to emerge.

Ramotsav 2024: Yogi’s vision turns Awadh’s rural charm into a tourist magnet, Heritage Village Themed Home Stay Scheme near Ayodhya to be expanded

OpIndia Staff
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Ramotsav 2024: Yogi’s vision turns Awadh’s rural charm into a tourist magnet, Heritage Village Themed Home Stay Scheme near Ayodhya to be expanded

In line with the Yogi Adityanath government’s vision, Ayodhya is emerging as a prominent global destination for both tourism and spirituality. The Yogi Government’s Heritage Village Themed Home Stay Scheme aims to introduce guests from around the world to the rich tapestry of Awadhi culture within a rural setting. Visitors will have the chance to immerse themselves in the renowned hospitality, lifestyle, and cuisine of the region.

This initiative weaves together the elements of a rural atmosphere and modern residential amenities. From wood-flame-baked roti (chulhe ki roti) to leisurely bullock cart rides, the scheme provides a journey that connects with the serene traditions of the past while offering the conveniences of present-day living. The blend of these elements contributes to an enriched and expansive encounter with Awadhi culture.

In urban areas, children often miss out on experiencing their heritage, but the allure of encountering a rural environment remains strong. Addressing this, the Yogi Government has conceived the Heritage Village Themed Home Stay Scheme.

Remarkably effective, this initiative introduces children to unique experiences such as enjoying roti baked over a low flame of wood and coal – a delightful surprise for those raised in modern environments. Beyond nutritional benefits, the scheme offers a bullock cart ride, satisfying curiosity.

Preserving the natural environment and promoting rural tourism, this initiative showcases village culture with its mud houses, offering the present generation a unique opportunity for cultural awareness. Embracing both modern and traditional aspects, the scheme not only features in-demand recipes but also serves the authentic taste of local flavours in the cuisine.

Daulatpur will become the medium to give a new identity to Ayodhya

This scheme of the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department is being developed by the Ayodhya Development Authority near Samada Bird Sanctuary in Daulatpur on Rae Bareli Road, close to Kola Moiya Kapurpur in Sohawal Tehsil, approximately 12-15 km from Ayodhya.

This upcoming project aims to immerse visitors in village culture, offering a glimpse into rural life within charming mud houses. The allure of the rustic environment is expected to captivate tourists visiting Ayodhya. The ongoing renovations of houses cater to the preferences and needs of discerning travellers.

Currently, Abhinav Srivastava’s property has been transformed into a ‘Mud House’, featuring displays of natural elements. Guests can relish a unique dining experience under the shade of mango trees. The rental for a day is Rs 9,500, inclusive of two rooms, a lawn, sports facilities, and bathing arrangements for children in tube wells.

Ayodhya Development Authority identifies 18 other properties

Ayodhya Development Authority advisor Rakesh Singh said that these facilities have started on a property in Daulatpur. The influx of tourists to Ayodhya has witnessed a rapid rise. In addition to exploring prominent temples like Ram Mandir and Hanumangarhi, visitors from both the country and around the globe express a keen interest in bringing their children to experience the rural environment and gain awareness.

Expanding on this initiative, 18 other properties have been identified for further development. The district administration is actively providing comprehensive support to foster activities that promote rural tourism in these locations.

Mumbai Shocker: Man rapes and impregnates two minor daughters, was sexually assaulting them for three years; arrested

OpIndia Staff
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Mumbai Shocker: Man rapes and impregnates two minor daughters, was sexually assaulting them for three years; arrested

A 36-year-old father was arrested by the authorities in Mumbai’s Kurar over the charges of sexually violating his two minor daughters for the last three years and getting them pregnant, reported The Indian Express. The victims are identified as 13 and 14 years old. The younger daughter had also been brutally beaten by him using a belt when she resisted his abhorrent actions. They lost their mother around ten years ago after which the accused, who is a driver by profession, took a second wife.

The girls alerted their neighbours and grandmother about their ordeal, but nobody offered any assistance. The perpetrator eventually ended up in jail when the matter was reported to the police with the assistance of a non-governmental organisation (NGO). The two girls lost their mother about ten years ago, according to the authorities and were raised by an aunt in Nalasopara for five years before she too left following her marriage.

He used to rape them in the absence of their stepmother and threatened to kill the girls if they disclosed their horrifying situation to anyone. Their aunt had visited them recently when the two broke down and shared their trauma with her. The former was shocked and terrified by what she heard. She then informed a nearby acquaintance who subsequently made contact with a social worker who is also a Mahila Sangharsh Samiti member with the aid of another individual.

The social worker, who is the complainant in the matter unveiled, “The two told me their entire story while continuously weeping. They also told me that besides sexually abusing and assaulting them, their father also used to ask them to bring their friends home and convince them to give him pleasure. I took the girls to the police station. Their medical examination report indicated sexual assault. At the hospital, doctors also found out that the two are pregnant by over 50 days.”

The cops captured the offender in response to her accusations. Meanwhile, sections 376 (2)(f) (when rape is committed on a woman when she is under 12 years of age), 376 (2)(n) (repeated rape on the same woman), 504 (insulting someone intentionally to provoke them) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code, as well as sections 4 (penetrative sexual assault), 6 (aggravated penetrative sexual assault), 8 (punishment for sexual assault), and 12 (punishment for sexual harassment) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act, are invoked against him.

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