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Bengaluru: Kannada media channels hound women, shoot derogatory videos on New Year’s Eve, attack them over clothes and demeanour

OpIndia Staff
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Bengaluru: Kannada media channels hound women, shoot derogatory videos on New Year’s Eve, attack them over clothes and demeanour

On 31st December, as the city of Bengaluru in Karnataka celebrated the New Year with laughter, lights, and music, the Kannada news media channel chose to follow and film women outside the pub without their permission. Moreover, the Kannada media channels also posted chastising videos on social media with inappropriate captions with the alleged intention to defame the women.

News media channels like News First Kannada, Public TV, and Zee Kannada posted videos in which the cameraman zoomed in on women‘s outfits, faces, and bodies outside pubs. The women tried to cover their faces with their palms and requested the media persons to not shoot them but the latter didn’t stop. They captured the inappropriate videos of the women as they left the pub and posted those videos online inviting immoral comments.

The videos of preying on women were documented in the police presence outside the pubs on MG Road, Church Street, and Koramangala in Bengaluru.

The channel’s coverage featured one unrelenting footage of a drunken woman being carried into an auto rickshaw. The woman according to the media reports was unable to actively question or control the camera crew’s activities. The thumbnail for the video reads, “Look at the woman in an auto falling on anyone in sight.”

In another video posted by NewsFirst Kannada, one of the women could be seen getting molested while her partner engaged in a brawl with the suspected molester. The Kannada media channel sensationalized the incident as it posted the video with the caption, “Lover beats up man for molesting ‘his’ woman.” 

Several other videos with captions like, “The woman is pouncing on everyone,” “Drunken girl’s whims,” “Drunk woman creates ruckus in Koramangala,” and “Woman not even in the condition to walk,” etc were published by the NewsFirst Kannada media channel. 

Similar footage was also shown on other Kannada news networks, such as Public TV and Zee Kannada News. However, though these media houses used visuals that were less persuasive of the women’s faces in comparison, the thumbnails used were quite nasty. “Drunk woman passed out on the road,” “Woman full tight male-friends full tired,” and “Drunk woman loses consciousness on the road” were among the captions published on videos posted by Public TV.

Images- The News Minute

All of these videos’ comment sections quickly overflowed with offensive commentary on the women’s clothing, “insinuating and inviting lewd behavior.”

DCP South East CK Baba took cognizance of the event and said that police would probe into the matter if someone came forward and filed a police complaint. Some of the videos posted by News First Kannada were deleted.

A similar incident was reported in November from Chennai

Earlier, a similar incident was reported from the city of Chennai in Tamil Nadu. In November 2023, some of the local media channels in the state of Tamil Nadu crossed their limits and targeted young women for personal revenge. Local media channels like Thanthi TV, Polimer News, NewsTamil 24×7 and others had chased young women, harassed them, and shot their derogatory videos after a group of 5 men levelled scandalous allegations against the pub in Chennai for denying entry to them.

Many people were shocked and outraged by Thanthi TV, Polimer News, and News 24×7’s coverage. The shots repeatedly focused on the women’s clothing, with the cameras purposefully taking close shots of their bodies. Despite the women’s clear discomfort, the camerapersons could be seen hounding them, the majority of whom covered their faces with a scarf or dupatta. The camera repeatedly attempted to get close-up shots of the women’s faces.

The headlines flashed by the local media channels including Thanthi TV also targeted women as they screamed, “All-night alcohol party busted by police; half-dressed women ran out during the incident.”

In one video, a woman is seen urging a cameraman to stop filming her and threatening to sue him. To which the cameraman responds angrily, “Go ahead, Get lost.” Thanthi TV edited their post on X as public outrage grew on social media but failed to make it less offensive. “Here’s what the ladies did at night, and how the police arrived at the scene quietly,” the headlines read. 

The coverage attempted to portray women wearing whatever they wanted at a pub as an ‘immoral’ activity that had to be stopped by police. The other local media channels also showed women in the wrong picture. However, later the police who arrived at the spot took cognizance of the event and termed the matter to be an event of revenge.

Transport associations, bus and truck drivers protest against new law on hit-and-run cases that has jail term for 7-10 years

ANI
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Transport associations, bus and truck drivers protest against new law on hit-and-run cases that has jail term for 7-10 years

The Transport Association and drivers staged a protest against the new law on hit-and-run cases in Maharashtra’s Nagpur. The new law attracts a 7-10-year prison sentence for drivers falling foul of it. As a result of this protest, people at petrol pumps faced long queues.

Meanwhile, similar protests over the new hit-and-run law were staged across states. Private bus and truck drivers on Monday enforced a ‘chakka jam’ (traffic jam) across the state of Madhya Pradesh in protest against the new law. Drivers enforced a ‘chakka jam’ on Pithampur Highway in Dhar by putting obstacles on the road.

Members of an organisation representing the drivers also staged a protest on the streets of Bhopal at the Board Office intersection.

Gyansingh Yadav, a cab driver who was also among the protesters on Monday, couldn’t hold back his tears.

“The likes of myself, who drive cabs for a living, could still be home at night. But the truck drivers often don’t get to meet their loved ones for 15 days or more. We are not against any government or law but I feel some amendments should be made, especially about the penal provisions against drivers. The new law attracts a 10-year prison term for errant drivers. I feel it should be reduced to 1-2 years,” Yadav told ANI on Monday.

A similar protest also broke out in the Chhattisgarh capital, Raipur, where bus drivers staged a demonstration against the new central law.

With the buses anchored in their sheds, regular commuters and interstate passengers bore the brunt of the protests.

“We are poor people. Penal action should be taken against the owners of our vehicles. This law is unfair on us and we’ll continue to be on strike till our demands are met,” a bus driver said.

The ongoing strike has impacted the movement of about 1,000 buses across Chhattisgarh.

Under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), which replaced the Indian Penal Code, drivers who cause a serious road accident by negligent driving and run away without informing the police or any official from the administration can face punishment of up to 10 years or a fine of Rs7 lakh. Earlier, the punishment in such cases was two years in the IPC.

In the Winter Session of Parliament, the Union Government passed the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, 2023, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, 2023 and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill, 2023.

Private transport operators claim the law discourages drivers and may lead to unjust punishments. They claim that the drivers could be subject to mob violence when they attempt to transport the injured to hospitals and demand the repeal of the law.

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

Vadodara: Muslim student attacks a Hindu boy with a blade, his family breaks into the school and assaults students for complaining

Krunalsinh Rajput
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Vadodara: Muslim student attacks a Hindu boy with a blade, his family breaks into the school and assaults students for complaining

A shocking case has come to light from a school in Vadodara where an altercation between students of fourth graders led to a tense situation. Reportedly, a commotion broke out when a Muslim student stabbed a Hindu student with a sharp blade. 

Following the incident, the victim student accompanied by his friends registered a complaint to the school principal. Later, the parents of the minor student who was accused of stabbing another student came to the school. However, they didn’t approach the principal but rather went straight to the classroom. As per reports, the parents of the minor accused allegedly strangulated one student and thrashed three students who had submitted a complaint to the principal in this matter. 

This incident took place in Jeevan Sadhana School which is located in the Nagarwada area of ​​Vadodara. A fourth-standard Muslim student studying in this school had injured a Hindu student with a blade over a minor altercation. After the incident, when some of the students complained to the school principal, the parents of the accused minor student who hit the blade were called to the school. However, instead of coming and explaining the aggressive act of their child, the parents publicly beat up his friends who had taken the side of the aggrieved student.

OpIndia contacted the parents of one of the students who were beaten up regarding this whole incident. During the conversation, he said, “When the Muslim student (we are not mentioning the name as the child is a minor) used the blade, my son and his three other friends complained to the principal, then his guardian was called by the school. Then two members of the Muslim student’s family rushed into the school and instead of meeting the principal, entered the classroom straight away.”

The parent of the victim student told OpIndia, “Going to the class, the parent asked the kid who stabbed the blade, “Bol tera naam kisne principal ko bataya.” (Tell us, who gave your name to the Principal) They slapped one of my son’s friends and strangled another while they dragged my son to the principal’s office during class.” 

Meanwhile, the incident sparked outrage. Subsequently, parents of other students started gathering there and local Hindu organisations also reached the school to demand strict action in this case. 

OpIndia also spoke to Vadodara city Bajrang Dal co-coordinator Prataparao Mohite to get information on this matter. He said, “As soon as we received information about the incident, we promptly reached the school. However, when we attempted to speak with the administrators, we were prevented from doing so as the gate was closed. Meanwhile, parents of students studying in the school had also gathered. Parents gathered there, and various organisations and the media, all entered the school. We collectively demanded an explanation from the school trustee regarding the incident.”

According to Mohite, when the school administrators were asked about the incident while they were accompanied by the media, the administration behaved rudely with them and threatened to throw them out. 

He told OpIndia, “Administrators were saying that we are not allowed to come to school, then where do their laws go when some outsider man comes to school and beats up students? The school administrators attempted to downplay a grave incident, such as a student being stabbed on the premises.”

Seeing the uproar, the school was finally forced to file a police complaint against the accused parent. Consequently, the police filed a case against the 2 parents of a Muslim student who had entered the school and thrashed friends of the victim student. Later, the parents of the accused minor student were sent to jail. Currently, the Vadodara police are investigating the matter based on the CCTV footage and the questioning of the victim student.

Ground Report: Read how Ayodhya’s Dashrath Samadhi Sthal was refurbished by Yogi Sarkar, temple pujari says earlier govts paid no attention

राहुल पाण्डेय
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Ground Report: Read how Ayodhya’s Dashrath Samadhi Sthal was refurbished by Yogi Sarkar, temple pujari says earlier govts paid no attention

In the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the idol of Ram Lalla will be installed within the sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on 22nd January 2024. The entire nation will be in the festive spirit of Diwali on this particular occasion. Since the last week of December 2023, the OpIndia team has been stationed in Ayodhya. In the series of field reports, we desire to inform readers not only about the unsung sacrifices of Hindus but also about the forgotten places that are related to Lord Ram. The Raja Dasharatha Samadhi Sthal is one of these sites.

Raja Dasharatha Samadhi Sthal is the place where the last rites of King Dashrath were performed. King Dashrath died after Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and Lakshmana entered 14 years of exile in Dandakaranya. The OpIndia team visited Dasharatha Samadhi and its premises on Saturday, 30th December 2023 to learn that the temple received proper developmental attention only after CM Yogi came to power in Uttar Pradesh.

The cremation place of King Dashrath is situated near Pura Bazaar along the Ayodhya-Azamgarh road. This location is roughly 12 kilometers away from Ayodhya. This location is known as Bilvahari Ghat in the Puranic texts. It is roughly 1.5 km north of the major highway and goes through a heavily populated area with a diverse population. The flood plains of the Sarayu river start just after the Temple premises. Adjacent to the temple is the expanse of the Saryu River.

A memorial has been built where King Dasharatha’s last rites were performed

There is a temple inside where Lord Rama and King Dashrath are worshiped daily. Further, a platform-like monument has been built at a height. Sandeep Das, the priest and successor of the temple, said that King Dasharatha was cremated and his ashes were stored where the memorial now stands. Additionally, Sandeep Das informed OpIndia that the Saryu River’s mainstream was then directly adjacent to the shrine. But over time, it shifted somewhat to the north. The Saryu River still runs alongside the temple during the rainy season.

The memorial is surrounded by numerous antique weaponry. According to Sandeep Das, those weapons haven’t corroded in decades. The Pind Daan, symbolically offered by Ram, Lakshman, and Bharat, is situated atop the memorial. There is also a Shivalinga built on it. The priest claimed that in addition to Lord Ram, the entire lineage of Ikshayaku kings were Mahadev worshippers. The feet of the four sons of King Dasharatha are symbolically carved on the monument towards the feet.

Nobody was cremated here before the last rites of Maharaj Dashrath were performed

Das meanwhile also narrated the story behind why King Dashrath’s cremation took place in such an isolated place. Das said that during the death of the king, Lord Ram, Lakshman, and Goddess Sita were in exile while Bharat and Shatrughan were in their maternal home. Bharat and Shatrughan came to Ayodhya after hearing the news of their father’s death. Then Bharata, acting as king, called a meeting of his cabinet. He asked to find a place for his father’s cremation where no one else’s cremation had taken place before in history.

Priest Sandeep Das claims that King Bharat and his ministers took a very long time to locate an area of this sort. The mortal remains of King Dasharatha were safeguarded during this period. After much searching, a location at Bilwahari Ghat was eventually discovered where no cremation had previously taken place. Sandeep Das added that after completing his exile and conquering Lanka, Lord Rama also visited the funeral site of his father and performed the necessary rituals there as per Vedic customs.

The genealogy of Lord Ram is carved in the temple

When the OpIndia team visited the temple, it was found that another temple of Shani Dev is also present in the premises. On the walls of the temple, there are plaques of Chalisa of various gods and goddesses along with Ramcharitmanas and Ramayana. The genealogy of Lord Ram was also seen carved on these plates. This lineage starts from Lord Brahma and ends with Lord Rama.

In the genealogy of Lord Rama, before him respectively Dasharatha, Aja, Raghu, Dirghavahu, Khashtravad, Vishwas, Vishwasah, Livil, Dasharath, Moolak, Ashmak, Saudas, Sudas, Sarvkaam, Rituparna, Ayutayu, Sidhudeep, Ambarish, Nabhag, Shruti, Suhotra, Bhagiratha, Dilip, Anshuman, Asamanjas, Sagar, Bahu, Vrik, Ruruk, Vijay, Chachu, Harita, Rohitashva, Harishchandra, Satyavrat, Tryaruni, Tridhanva, Suman, Hartasya, Hayashva, Prishadashva, Anarashya, Trasadadasyu, Purukutsya, Amit, Nikumbh, Haryaashva, Daddhaashva, Kuvalyaashva, Vrihadashva, Shashwat, Yuvnashwa, Chandra, Vishtarashva, Prithu, Anena, Kukutstha, Puranjaya, Vikukshi, Ikshayaku, Vaivasvat, Vivasvan, Kashyap, Marichi and Lord Brahma’s names have been mentioned.

According to this inscription, the Suryavansh started during the time of King Vaivaswat, who is believed to be the 5th generation of Lord Brahma. According to the same list, Raghukul started from the era of King Raghu, 60th generation. King Raghu is considered to be the most glorious king of the Suryavansh. His name has also been mentioned many times in scriptures. The couplet “Raghukul Riti Sada Chali Aayi, Pran Jaay Par Vachan Na Jaay” was composed based on this name.

CM Yogi Adityanath and PM Modi ensured the development of this place

The temple’s priest, Sandeep Das, informed us that King Dasharatha’s cremation site has been maintained and revered for many generations. He referred to the location as historical and sacred and charged that earlier administrations had neglected it. According to Sandeep Das, no one had ever considered working towards the maintenance of Dashrath Samadhi but the Yogi and Modi governments did. The road leading to and from the temple was in extremely poor condition earlier, in addition to the issue of the temple not having enough water or light.

On the grounds of the temple, a small Dharamshala has now been constructed. This location is used for pilgrims who have nowhere else to stay, as well as for religious ceremonies and auspicious occasions. The road that currently runs beside Dasharatha Samadhi will shortly be made wider. Sandeep says that the present government will further develop the temple and give it elements grandeur. He became emotional and wished well for Modi and Yogi. 

We would like to inform you that the OpIndia team has been in Ayodhya since the last week of December 2023. From this point on, we shall tell you in great detail about several lesser-known yet holy locations in Ayodhya, in addition to the unsung sacrifices and forgotten incidents of the Ramjanmabhoomi movement. We have introduced the readers to the families of the unsung martyrs of the Ram Janmabhoomi Mukti Movement in the last two publications. The upcoming update in this series will be published shortly.

Ahead of Pran Pratishtha, Sony Entertainment releases ‘Shrimad Ramayan’ serial

OpIndia Staff
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Ahead of Pran Pratishtha, Sony Entertainment releases ‘Shrimad Ramayan’ serial

The atmosphere in India is filled with the chants of Ram Naam. Celebrations are galore across the country. Every art on Shri Ram ever imagined has been brought to life. The 22nd January Ram Lalla consecration and Ram Mandir inauguration ceremony in Ayodhya is going to be a timeless affair, larger than life.

With just days to go for the much-awaited ceremony, Sony Entertainment has released a new Ramayan series titled “Shrimad Ramayan” on 1st January.

The show will air every Monday to Friday on Sony TV at 9 PM. The serial is based on the historic Hindu story of Ramayana.

The role of Shri Ram is being played by Sujay Reu and the role of Sita Mata is being played by actress Prachi Bansal. Hanuman Ji’s role is being played by Nirbhay Wadhwa and Lakshman by Basant Bhatt.

Bollywood actor Nikitin Dheer is playing Ravan. Dheer has also played a role in the movie Chennai Express.

The serial has been created by Siddharth Kumar Tewary. “Shrimad Ramayan” series is replacing the show Kaun Banega Crorepati 15 which aired its final episodeon 29th December 2023.

The cast had embarked on a pilgrimade to Ayodhya, the birthplace of Shri Ram, before the show was telecast. The team visited Ram Janmabhoomi site, Kanak Bhavan and Hanuman Garhi.

Speaking about the visit, Tewary said, “Our visit to Ayodhya brings a tangible depth to our series, infusing it with the historical resonance of this revered city, thereby enhancing the narrative of ‘Shrimad Ramayan’.”

The entertainment industry, which is largely distant from the Indian and Hindu culture and roots as far as its art is concerned, has brought about significant changes in its content.

There has been a sudden rise of such content in the industry which caters to the Hindu religious sentiments. This shows that the industry has guaged the mood of the nation and is perhaps acknowledging importance the Hindu sentiments too.

SC agrees to hear Vedanta Group’s plea over the closure of the Sterlite Copper Unit in Tamil Nadu

OpIndia Staff
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SC agrees to hear Vedanta Group’s plea over the closure of the Sterlite Copper Unit in Tamil Nadu

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court agreed to entertain the plea from the Vedanta group concerning the shutdown of its Sterlite copper unit in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu.

Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud along with Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, acknowledged the arguments presented by senior advocate Shyam Divan, representing the Vedanta group firm. Divan emphasized the necessity for the matter to be heard.

The Chief Justice of India said that he would notify the counsels involved once he confirms whether any constitutional bench matters are scheduled for a hearing during the day.

Previously, the Supreme Court had mentioned that it instructed the registrar to assign “two specific dates” for the hearing of the Vedanta group’s plea.

In May of the previous year, the Supreme Court had directed the Tamil Nadu government to make suitable decisions in compliance with its April 10 directive. This directive permitted the Vedanta group to undertake maintenance activities for its Sterlite copper unit in Tuticorin under the oversight of a local-level monitoring committee.

In its order dated April 10, 2023, the Supreme Court additionally granted permission for the removal of the remaining gypsum at the plant and facilitated the provision of necessary manpower as per the company’s request.

It was observed that the district collector had not endorsed actions such as conducting a civil and structural safety integrity assessment study within the plant premises, the removal and transportation of spares and equipment, and the evacuation of in-process reverts and other raw materials left idle.

The Supreme Court observed in its order dated April 10 that concerning actions not endorsed by the district collector, C S Vaidyanathan, senior counsel representing the State of Tamil Nadu, asserted that the state government would reevaluate whether additional or supplementary directions should be issued in that regard.

In a previous hearing, the representative for Tamil Nadu mentioned that measures had been initiated to execute the directives outlined in a specific paragraph of the April 10 order. This paragraph stipulated, “As regards those actions which have been permitted to be carried out by the communication dated March 6, 2023, we allow necessary consequential steps to be taken.”

“We instruct that the state of Tamil Nadu must make all necessary decisions in accordance with the observations outlined in paragraphs four and five of the order dated April 10, 2023, on or before June 1, 2023,” stated the bench.

The highest court had subsequently scheduled the hearing for final resolution on August 22 and 23 of the preceding year.

On May 22, 2018, a tragic incident occurred where at least 13 individuals lost their lives, and many others were injured as the police fired upon a large gathering protesting pollution allegedly stemming from the copper smelting unit.

Responding to the violent protests regarding pollution concerns, the Tamil Nadu government, on May 28, 2018, directed the state pollution control board to seal and “permanently” close the mining group’s plant.

Bangladeshi Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus sentenced to 6 months in prison: What happened

OpIndia Staff
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Bangladeshi Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus sentenced to 6 months in prison: What happened

On Monday (1st January), a labour court in Dhaka found Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus guilty of violating the labour laws of Bangladesh. He was convicted, sentenced to 6 months of simple imprisonment and fined Tk 30000 (~$260).

As per reports, Yunus and three other directors at ‘Grameen Telecom’ violated labour laws by failing to create a welfare fund for the workers in the company. The 83-year-old economist is known for pioneering microfinancing (giving loans less than $100) to the poor in Bangladesh.

The labour court Judge, Sheikh Merina Sultana, noted that 67 Grameen Telecom employees were supposed to be made permanent in the company which did not happen. As per the company’s stated policy, it is supposed to share 5% of the dividends with the staff, which failed to materialise.

Yunus and his colleagues were each sentenced to 6 months of simple imprisonment. However, they managed to secure immediate bail from the court. They have 30 days to appeal against the labour court verdict.

It must be mentioned that the Nobel laureate is currently facing 100 other charges for graft and labour law violations in Bangladesh. While speaking to the media, Muhammad Yunus said, “We are being punished for a crime we did not commit.”

“It was my fate, the nation’s fate. We have accepted this verdict, but will appeal this verdict and continue fighting against this sentence,” he emphasised. Lawyers of Yunus have described the case as ‘meritless, false and ill-motivated.’

While speaking about the matter, prosecutor Khurshid Alam Khan said, “We think business owners will now be more cautious about violating labor laws. No one is above the law.”

Past corruption allegations against Muhammad Yunus

The 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner founded Grameen Bank in 1983 to lend small loans to the poor. He had previously drawn the ire of Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina for ‘sucking blood’ of the poor.

Yunus is being investigated over charges of corruption and fund embezzlement for more than a decade. He was earlier fired as Managing Director of his bank for violating retirement regulations of the Bangladeshi government.

He was also on trial for receiving money in 2013 for receiving money without government permission.

OpIndia impact: Proposed plan for Qabristan in Hindu locality canceled in Pune’s Kondhwa. Read details

Siddhi Somani
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OpIndia impact: Proposed plan for Qabristan in Hindu locality canceled in Pune’s Kondhwa. Read details

In an update to the case from Pune’s Kondhwa region where a government plot was being converted into a Muslim burial ground in the middle of a Hindu residential area, it has come to the fore that the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has canceled the permission for the construction of the proposed Qabristan.

This is days after OpIndia exclusively reported the matter detailing the concerns of local residents after NCP MLA Chetan Tupe and BJP’s Yogesh Tilekar who had earlier requested the PMC to allow the construction of a burial ground for the minority community in a Hindu crowded locality.

BJP’s Yogesh Tilekar, after realising the concerns of the residents, pursued the matter and appealed to the PMC to cancel the proposed construction of the Qabristan in a Hindu-majority residential area.

In an official letter copy to the BJP’s Tilekar who has served as the former MLA of the locality, PMC on 28th December stated that the amenity space on survey no. 44 plot which houses a jogging track at present shall not be converted into a Muslim burial ground. “The permission allotted to construct a burial ground in the given space stands canceled,” the official letter read.

Copy of the official letter obtained by OpIndia

Tilekar in May 2023 had submitted a letter to the PMC advocating for the construction of a ‘Qabristan’ on survey no. 44 land. The letter had stated that making a burial ground on survey no. 44 space would be feasible for the Muslim community given the maximum population that resides in the Kondhwa region of Pune is Muslims. The leader had failed to realize that the said space was in a crowded area and that around 12000 to 15000 Hindu families resided in apartments built around the space. The PMC on 16th May 2023 then approved the proposal based on the letter submitted by Tilekar.

However, Tilekar later backtracked from the suggestion, reportedly after realizing the problems of the Hindu locals and after he was informed about the issues in the area. Several Hindu residents residing in the locality raised objections against the construction of a burial ground for the minority community and said that the said space was allotted by the PMC for the construction of a playground. The Hindu residents also stated that there were several temples in the locality and that a ‘Qabristan’ being established very close to these temples might cause harm to the religious sentiments of the residents.

The residents also complained that the construction of burial grounds in a crowded locality would pose a threat to the health of residents residing near the said government land. There are several residential apartments close to the ground and many of them have windows and balconies opening towards the plot that was going to be converted into a Muslim burial ground.

Tilekar, after learning this, wrote to the PMC in October 2023 and requested the authorities to cancel the permission for the construction of the burial ground. The PMC is said to have taken the final decision on 28th December, canceling the permission for the construction of Qabristan in the Kondhwa region of Pune.

BJP’s Yogesh Tilekar exclusively talked to OpIndia and confirmed that the permission for the Muslim burial ground had been denied by the PMC. “I was anyway going to get it done. I am happy that I could be of help to the Hindu residents here,” he said.

BJP’s Yogesh Tilekar (L) submitting letter to PMC demanding cancellation of permission for Qabristan (Image obtained by OpIndia)

Earlier, he had told OpIndia that he was misinformed about the survey no. 44 spaces and the ongoing project of playground construction on the land. “I didn’t know the land was already allotted by the PMC for a playground construction. Neither did the local Muslim representatives tell me nor the PMC. The letter I sent in May 2023 pressed for a burial ground on survey no. 44 space. However, after I learned that the maximum of population residing around the survey no. 44 space is Hindu, I sent another letter demanding the cancellation of the allotment of the land for a Muslim burial ground,” Tilekar said while talking to OpIndia.

The letter of cancellation that Tilekar sent to the PMC on 23rd October 2023 clearly states that the survey no. 44 amenity space is located in a crowded area and most of the population that resides in the societies around the space is Hindu. “I first thought that the area housed a large Muslim population but I was misinformed. Most of the population residing in the locality is Hindu,” the letter reads.

Letter exclusively obtained by OpIndia

Rs 49 lakhs already spent for construction of playground, space still vacant

The entire incident was exposed after an RTI activist Dr Paritosh Zaware Patil residing in the Raviraj Colorado Co-op Housing Society (next to survey no 44 amenity space) filed an RTI demanding details of the location. It came to the fore that the PMC had already allotted the land for the construction of a playground and that the government had already spent Rs 43 lakhs for construction. Surprisingly, the land still is vacant and so had been trapped under the controversy over the Muslim burial ground construction.

The land was allotted for the construction of the playground in the year 2017 and in 2019 grant of Rs 43 lakhs for the purpose was also obtained. The project of construction of the playground was given to some Salim Construction in the year 2019 and Rs 49 lakhs had been spent for the purpose. “The land is still vacant and no playground has been constructed here. There’s just a jogging track inside. They want to make a Muslim burial ground here. This is a crowded locality and we don’t want our children to see things that are inappropriate for them,” Dr Patil had confirmed.

However, Patil talked to OpIndia on 2nd January and confirmed that the PMC had taken back its decision to allot the land for the Muslim burial ground. “We are happy that the decision has been taken back. We are not against the Muslim community. All we want is to keep our health and our children safe. Even if there was a request to build a Hindu burial ground there, we would have opposed similarly,” he reiterated.

Patiil and the other Hindu residents called OpIndia specifically and thanked us for highlighting the voice of residents in the issue. The community also hailed Tilekar listening to the residents, and being considerate of their concerns.

The detailed report filed on 14th December 2023 explaining the entire case can be read here.

Maharashtra ISIS module: How ‘Educated’ radicals with good jobs wanted to spread terrorism in India, NIA chargesheet reveals

OpIndia Staff
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Maharashtra ISIS module: How ‘Educated’ radicals with good jobs wanted to spread terrorism in India, NIA chargesheet reveals

Shocking details have been revealed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in its charge sheet filed against six ISIS terrorists. The 4000-page charge sheet has been filed in the court of NIA Special Judge AK Lahoti.

In the charge sheet based on statements of 16 witnesses, the NIA detailed the activities of six arrested ISIS terrorists namely Tabish Siddiqui, Zulfikar Ali Barodawala, Sharjeel Shaikh, Aakif Nachan, Zubair Shaikh and Dr Adnanali Sarkar.

All six were arrested during NIA’s crackdown at different days on the Maharashtra ISIS module operating in Pune and Thane.

Accused are well-educated, had plush jobs & are “technically sound”

According to the charge sheet, the arrested terrorists are “technically sound”. Two of them were employed at senior positions in corporate firms.

Barodawala worked as a senior project manage in a multinational company with an annual package of Rs 31 lakh, Zubair Shaikh worked as a senior associate, technology angular on RPA (Robotics Process Automation) with a tech-based company. Sharjeel worked as a retainer in an IT firm.

This detail bears a scary resemblance to arrests made in the Hizb-u-Tahrir terror case too. Of the over 10 terrorists arrested by the Madhya Pradesh anti-terror squad (ATS), one was a gym trainer, a teacher, an auto driver, tailor, computer technician, businessman and software engineer.

Tabish Siddiqui

In 2015, Tabish came in contact with Barodawala. As per the charge sheet, the NIA first found access to an ISIS email ID was through the ISIS magazine.

Tabish sent an email to the terrorist group on 31st July 2016. On 25th February 2017, a reply was received that read, “good job update your contact details number and address we will be in touch.”

Between 2015 and 2017-18, Tabish and Barodawala had many meetings. They later took “Bayath” (pledge of allegiance) towards the Khalifa of ISIS.

ISIS eyeing Kashmir

The NIA has said that Tabish (33) visited Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir in 2018 and stayed there for a week. Tabish sent an email to ISIS to update the latter on the situation in Kashmir and elaborated to them the plan to establish ISIS in Kashmir.

“Do It Yourself (DIY)” kits

Tabish, as per the NIA charge sheet, had shared a PDF file of a “do it yourself (DIY)” kit titled “efficincy pdf” with an email ID belonging to ISIS.

Tabish shared information on how to achieve the efficient intensity for a particular volume of white powder or any good explosive substance.

“Tabish was using virtual number and Virtual Private Network (VPN) for communication with co-accused and Islamic State contacts on Telegram, WhatsApp etc,” the NIA said.

Tabish also sent ISIS content to his contacts through Telegram app and Facebook messenger. He was in touch with his ISIS handlers including a “Formula One” from February 2023.

Tabish had plans to travel to join ISIS. He had reporedly prepared content and Urdu translations for publication in a magazine run by ISIS.

Another piece of content titled “Istishadi Operation” was prepared claiming that it denotes a suicide operation. His targets were mostly gullible Muslims.

Terrorist magazines including “Voice of Hind” and “Voice of Khurasan” were also recovered from the arrested accused.

Several meetings held to hatch violent conspiracies

As per the NIA, the accused planned to commit terrorist activities across India in support of ISIS. Meetings were held for this purpose in Padgha-Borivali of Thane district between 2021-22.

The NIA said, “It is evident from the statement of witness that accused A-2, A-4 and A-6 (Zulfikar Barodawala, Sharjeel Shaikh and Akif Nachan) and others (including Shamil Nachan, who is accused in another NIA case) had several meetings in Chhoti Masjid, Padgha-Borivali, wherein they used to plan recruitment of gullible Muslim youth for the Islamic State (ISIS), furthering the activities of Islamic State propagating the ideology of Daesh i.e. ISIS and to carry out violent jihad on the land of Al-Sham.”

Investigations have reportedly exposed a complex web of individuals committed to propagate the extremist and violent ISIS ideology in India. The accused intended to strike fear among the people of India.

Funds were also being raised and the accused were recruiting and training some youth to make IEDs and small arms.

Poor youth targeted to make them join ISIS

One of the most sensational arrests in the Pune ISIS module case was that of Dr. Adnan Ali Sarkar, who was a practicing anaesthesiologist.

He was arrested on 27th July 2023 after an NIA team conducted a raid at his Kondhwa residence in Pune, just weeks after the arrest of Tabish Nasser Siddiqui of Mumbai, Zubair Noor Mohammed Shaikh alias Abu Nusaiba of Pune, and Sharjeel Shaikh and Zulfikar Ali Barodawala of Thane.

Documents recovered from his flats revealed that Adnan was recruiting vulnerable youths. It had details of linking poor youth with terrorist organisations.

Was the Jewish Community Center on target?

Photographs of Jewish Community Center in Mumbai were recovered from four accused exposing that Jews in India were also under the target of Islamic Sate.

Security of Chabad House in Colaba was increased by the Mumbai Police. The Chabad House was one of the targets attacked in he 26/11 terror attack.

The terrorists intended to conduct aerial blasts through drones, conducted mock bomb blasts

One of the most shocking revelations is that the terrorists conducted bomb blast tests in the forests of Pune, Kolhapur and Satara. They lived in tents in the forest and learned the technique of aerial blast through drones.

The web of the Pune ISIS module case

In July 2023, the Pune Police arrested Shahnawaz and two people from MP, Mohammad Imran Khan and Mohammad Saki in connection with the theft of a two-wheeler in Pune. Shahnawaz managed to escape.

Further probe revealed a larger Pune ISIS terror module case. Three terrorists namely Talha Liaquat Khan of Pune and Rizwan Abdul Haji Ali and Abdullah Faiyaz Shaikh of Delhi were in the Pune Police’s most wanted list.

Shahnawaz was then caught by the Delhi Police in October last year. It was revealed that Shahnawaz’s wife was a Hindu named Basanti Patel who converted to Islam and was known as Mariyam. The search for Mariyam and her sister is ongoing.

Shahnawaz too was a graduate from Nagpur’s NIT with a Btech in mining. According to the NIA, Shahnawaz has links with the Barodawala, who is reportedly the mastermind and financer of the Pune ISIS terror module.

Barodawala provided training and money to Mohammad Imran, Yunus and Shahnawaz. Moreover, Akif Atiq Nachan, the IED expert, had hidden Imran and Yunus. Mohammad Imran is a graphic designer.

Akid had stayed in the Kondwa flat of Imran and Yunus for several days in order to train them. He gave bomb-making training in 2022 and showed how an IED is made. Agencies are on the lookout for some other people who were part of the training too.

A reward of Rs 5 lakh was put on Imran’s head by the NIA in the case registered in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. Additionally, a case was filed against Imran and his two associates at the Kothrud police station. Later, a case was filed against all accused under UAPA.

The extensive charge sheet exposes how ISIS has been launching all-out operations in India by consolidating all terrorist groups. It has also unleashed a web of darker radicals who are pursuing the dangerous trend of self-radicalisation.

I am not inclined: Gujarat High Court indicates no relief for ‘activist’ Teesta Setalvad, who manufactured the narrative of ‘mass graves’ after Gujarat riots

OpIndia Staff
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I am not inclined: Gujarat High Court indicates no relief for ‘activist’ Teesta Setalvad, who manufactured the narrative of ‘mass graves’ after Gujarat riots

On Monday (1st January), the Gujarat High Court indicated that it was not inclined to grant any relief to controversial ‘activist’ Teesta Setalvad in the 2005 mass grave digging case.

The matter came up for hearing before Justice Sandeep Bhatt. He noted, “After going through the record, I am not inclined. You have to satisfy (the court).”

Advocate Yogesh Ravani, representing Teesta Setalvad, claimed that it was a case of ‘political victimisation.’ He said, “It is the prerogative of the lordship. We will try to convince the court because no offence is made out. Ultimately, it is political victimisation.”

Justice Sandeep Bhatt then pointed out, “It is a very broad word used nowadays (sic). The case has been adjourned till 9th January 2023.

The Background of the Case

In December 2005, media reports stated that a mass grave purportedly comprising the human remains of 21 Gujarat riot victims had been dug up along a riverbank in Lunawada village in Gujarat’s Panchmahal district.

Rais Khan, an activist with Teesta Setalvad’s NGO Citizens for Justice and Peace, allegedly unearthed the graves without authorisation from officials on the morning of December 27. Some of the victims’ families were also present with him.

Following the discovery of the remains, Teesta Setalvad appeared on CNN IBN to disclose the finding, causing a sensation across the country. Following that, the National Human Rights Commission took cognizance of the discovery and requested a report from the state government.

An FIR was also filed against twelve people for unlawfully exhuming remains from the municipality’s “official” burial place. Rais Khan was also named in the FIR for assisting locals in excavating these dead bodies. The other 11 accused were local tribals and victims’ families who had commenced the digging.

Khan later informed the police that the exhumation took place on the directive of Teesta Setalvad, following which the latter’s name was included in the FIR. The controversial ‘activist’ had filed a petition in the case in 2017.

It must be mentioned that the unveiling of the mass grave site caused a stir across the nation. According to an affidavit from a journalist cited in the book ‘The Truth About Teesta Setalvad,’ Setalvad manufactured the narrative of the mass graves to create a sensation.

She immediately used her media contacts and leveraged them to advance her goal. According to the book, Teesta led the public into believing that the Gujarat government was involved in the mass burial of religious minority group members.

An excerpt from an affidavit submitted by a journalist who was present during the exhumation of the graves is cited. The Journalist’s words show how far Teesta went to twist facts and manufacture lies in order to back her bogus claims.

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