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Death penalty for mob lynching, sedition law repealed: Lok Sabha passes new Criminal Law Bills

OpIndia Staff
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Death penalty for mob lynching, sedition law repealed: Lok Sabha passes new Criminal Law Bills

On Wednesday (20th December), the Lok Sabha passed the new Criminal Law pills and replaced the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and Indian Evidence Act. Union Home Minister Amit Shah informed the Lok Sabha that the sedition Law had been repealed and mob lynching has been penalised with death.

Following the Home Minister’s address and voting, the three bills were passed by the Lok Sabha by voice vote. He introduced the three amended criminal law bills in Lok Sabha last week that will replace the IPC, CrPc, and Indian Evidence Act. 

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Sedition repealed, the new bill penalises those who speak against the country

During his address, Shah noted that the sedition law was brought in by the Britishers and was used against many of our freedom fighters.

While announcing the law’s repeal, the Home Minister said, “The British made sedition law which had left our freedom fighters in jail for decades had been misused by the other governments. For the first time, the Modi government has decided to totally remove section 124- sedition.” 

The government has brought Deshdroh instead of Raajdroh, the Minister noted.  

“Anyone can criticise the government. No one will go to jail for criticising the government. But no one can speak against the country,” Amit Shah said.

‘Why didn’t you brought a law’, Home Minister lambasts opposition on the hue and cries over ‘Mob lynching’

The Home Minister also told the Lok Sabha that “mob-lynching” had been included as an offence in the New bills. Slamming the Congress party, Shah stated that the opposition used ‘mob lynching’ to abuse the BJP, but they forgot to make laws on it. 

“Mob lynching is a disgusting crime and in the new law, we are making a provision for the death penalty for the crime of mob lynching. But I want to ask Congress that you have also ruled the country for years, why did you not make a law against mob lynching? You used the word mob lynching just to abuse us, but forgot to make laws when you were in power,” Amit Shah said in Lok Sabha.

New Bills keep people at its centre, imparts Justice rather than punishment

He noted that the motive of the Indian Penal Code was to give punishment, not justice. He added the British-era laws were aimed at protecting foreign rule whereas the new bills are people-centric. Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, 2023 will come into effect in the country after the passage from the House, the Home Minister told Lok Sabha. 

The Home Minister further asserted that the new criminal law bills are in consonance with the spirit of the Constitution and have been brought keeping in mind the well-being of the people of the country.

He said, “Under the leadership of Modiji, I have brought bills that lay emphasis on Indianness, the Indian Constitution, and the well-being of the people. The laws are being changed in the spirit of the Constitution.” 


Shah emphasised that the new legislations will replace British-era laws. Taking a jibe at the opposition leaders, the Minister stated that some people used to say that we do not understand them. I tell them that if you keep your mind as an Indian, then you will understand. But if your mind is of Italy, you will never understand.

Regarding the alterations, he noted, “In CrPC there were 484 sections, now there will be 531 sections in it. Changes have been made in 177 sections and 9 new sections have been added. 39 new sub-sections have been added. 44 new provisions have been added…”

BJP fulfils its election manifesto, lists Ram Mandir and host of achievements

Shah stated that the BJP-led Centre was the “first government” to fulfill promises outlined in its electoral manifesto. He highlighted achievements such as revoking Article 370, removing AFSPA in most northeastern areas, constructing a Ram Temple in Ayodhya, repealing triple talaq, and providing 33 percent reservation to women. 

He emphasised, “We said that in Ayodhya we will make Ram Mandir as soon as possible, and on January 22 Lord Ram’s idol will be installed there. This is PM Modi’s government which delivers what they say. We said that we would give 33% reservation to women in the Parliament and assemblies. Congress came to power many times and kept giving dates but we delivered it and with a majority of votes to empower women…”

He stressed that ‘Tareekh pe tareekh’ had been going on for years and it made justice difficult for the poor.

Regarding rape provisions in the New Criminal Bills, Home Minister highlighted, “We have said investigations should be done on the basis of forensic science… especially in rape cases, etc, it is important that such investigations are carried out using forensic science and the latest technology.” 

He added, “Now after these laws, there will be a uniform system of judicial magistrates. A lot of offences were not given importance in the old laws… many offences were kept far back in the legislation. We have brought offences like rape, gang rape, murder, and kidnapping to the forefront.” 

Timeline incorporated as per the New Bills

As per an India Today report, the Timeline as per New Criminal Laws as informed by the Union Home Minister would be — 

  1. FIR should be filed within 3 days of the complaint. 
  2. Timeline for chargesheet defend— till now the police could seek longer time to file a chargesheet claiming there is a pending investigation– cannot keep a chargesheet pending beyond 180 days. 
  3. Earlier chargesheets had to be filed within 60–90 days but many chargesheets were not filed citing “re-investigation”. Under the new bill, police specifically need a court order for conducting any further investigation and MUST file the chargesheet within the prescribed time limit. 
  4. An investigation report and search and seizure report must be submitted to the court within 24 hours. 
  5. Earlier the medical report was given after days… now in a rape case, the medical report must be given within 1 week. 

Other major changes as informed by the Union Home Minister in his Lok Sabha address 

  1. If one accepts a crime within 30 days, the punishment will be less.
  1. Trial in absentia can be done. It will also help with getting these people back to India to face punishment.
  2. The bills will encourage the use of technology in giving justice to people. 
  3. If an undertrial has completed 1/3 of the imprisonment period, they can get bail. 

No discussion on MP suspension, Adani, Rafale, only focused on mimicry incident: Rahul Gandhi attacks media

ANI
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No discussion on MP suspension, Adani, Rafale, only focused on mimicry incident: Rahul Gandhi attacks media

Hitting out at the media for not discussing the suspension of members extensively, Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said that the media is entirely focused on showing the mimicry incident and not highlighting the pain and agony of the suspended MPs, adding that What can be done if the “media is totally running on one line”.

Addressing reporters in New Delhi, Rahul Gandhi said, “MPs were sitting there, I shot their video. My video is on my phone. The media is showing it. Nobody has said anything.150 of our MPs have been thrown out (of the House) but there is no discussion on that in the media. There is no discussion on Adani, no discussion on Rafale, no discussion on unemployment.”

“Our MPs are disheartened and sitting outside. Please show their side also. What can we do if you are totally running on one line,” he added.

The controversy erupted after suspended Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee, during the protest with other suspended MPs at Parliament’s Makar Dwar, was seen mimicking the Vice Presiden Jagdeep Dhankhar, while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was seen filming the Trinamool MP using his phone.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dialed Jagdeep Dhankhar to express his anguish over the theatrics of a member in the ‘sacred’ Parliament complex.

Taking to his official handle on social media handle X, Vice President Dhankhar said he received a telephone call from Prime Minister Modi during which he said he had been at the receiving end of such insults for twenty years and counting but doing the same to a Constitutional office in the Parliament was unfortunate.

Replying to Prime Minister Modi, the Rajya Sabha Chairman said none of the insults will make him change his path adding that he is committed to upholding the values that he holds dear.”I told him- Mr. Prime Minister, the antics of a few won’t prevent me from performing my duty and upholding the principles enshrined in our Constitution. I am committed to those values from the bottom of my heart. None of the insults will make me change my path,” Dhankhar posted.

Meanwhile, weighing in on the mimicry row, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday claimed it was a ploy to deflect public attention from the suspension of 141 MPs from the Parliament.

The members were suspended for raising a ruckus and disrupting proceedings in both Houses over their demand for a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the Parliament security breach incident of December 13. 

(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: Section 144 imposed till 18th January, preventive orders include restriction on use of drones among other flying objects

OpIndia Staff
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Mumbai: Section 144 imposed till 18th January, preventive orders include restriction on use of drones among other flying objects

The office of Commissioner of Police (CP), Greater Mumbai has issued preventive orders under CrPC Section 144 in all areas falling under its jurisdiction from Wednesday (20th December) to 18th January 2024.

The order issued on 18th December comes ahead of Christmas and New Year festivities.

The order by the CP office raises alarm over likelihood of use of drones, remote-controlled micro-light aircraft, para-gliders by terrorists/anti-national elements.

The order states that VVIPs could be the target and such elements might endanger the life of public at large, destroy public property and cause disturbance to law and order in Brihanmumbai Police Commissionerate area.

“It has become necessary that certain restrictions should be put on the activities of such elements across the Brihanmumbai Police Commissionerate to prevent probable sabotages through such drones, remote controlled micro-light aircraft, para-gliders, for which some preventive and proactive measures needed be taken to prevent the same,” the order reads.

Except for aerial surveillance by the Mumbai Police or by specific permission in writing by the Deputy Police Commissioner, no flying activities of drone, remote-controlled micro-light aircraft, para-gliders, Para Motors, Hand gliders, hot air balloons, etc are allowed.

Those found in violation of these orders will be punished under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.

Similar security measures are undertaken every year by the Mumbai Police. From 3rd December to 17 December 2022, Section 144 of the CrPC was imposed to prevent unlawful gatherings and rallies.

Restrictions were imposed from 30th December 2021 to 7th January 2022 in view of Covid-19 and to ban New Year celebrations in public and private places.

The charade of ‘secularism’: DU Professor accused of inciting Delhi anti-Hindu Riots by a witness cries hoarse as Hindus legally want their temple back

Anurag
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The charade of ‘secularism’: DU Professor accused of inciting Delhi anti-Hindu Riots by a witness cries hoarse as Hindus legally want their temple back

On 19th December, Delhi University’s Hindi professor Apoorvanand expressed dismay over Allahabad High Court’s judgment dismissing the Masjid Committee challenge in the Gyanvapi-Kashi Title Dispute. In the judgment, the court said that the Places of Worship Act does not bar civil suits. In his post on X, Apoorvanand noted, “The CJI could have stopped it. Instead, he, using his clever logic, opened the floodgates to drown secularism in India. He will be remembered for it for a very, very long time if this country, as have known it and which made him lives.”

Source: X

Allegations of Involvement in inciting violence in anti-Hindu Delhi Riots

Apoorvanand is not just a “secular” Hindi professor from Delhi University. He has been named in anti-Hindu Delhi riots by accused Gulfisha and witness GAMA accusing him of being involved in the larger conspiracy leading to the violence in February 2020. In the chargesheet filed by Delhi Police in the matter, the witness, GAMA, pointed out that one of the accused, Gulfish and her team, including Devangana, Natasha, Shahdab, Suhail, and Tasleem, instructed the youth and women of the area, to collect chilli powder, sticks, empty bottles, acid and stones. Notably, these items were used as weapons against the Delhi Police during the riots.

Source: Court documents accessed by OpIndia

Burqa-clad women led by Gulfisha and her team blocked the road near Jafrabad Metro Station. Devangana, Natasha, and Kalpana Kaur incited the women present at the scene and delivered provocative speeches. Later in April, Suhail, one of the accused, called one of the witnesses named XXXX in the chargesheet. Suhail asked the witness to keep Gulfisha Gul and Shahdab in their house for a day.

Here, the witness mentioned Apoorvanand, who had promised that if the police caught Gulfisha and Suhail, he would arrange for lawyers and money. He further asked them not to name Devangana, Natasha, and the girls from the “Pinjara Tod” organisation who instigated the violence. GAMA added that by learning about the conversation, it was clear to them that Apoorvanand and others were allegedly involved in inciting the violence in Delhi.

Gulfisha made similar allegations in her statement. In an OpIndia report on that matter based on a Zee News report, it was mentioned that according to Gulfisha, Delhi University professor Apoorvanand has been the mastermind behind the conspiracy to incite riots in Delhi. A Burqa-clad Khwateen team had been prepared for the riots. Gulfisha claimed that Apoorvanand had issued them an advance heads-up presaging riots.

Furthermore, Gulfisha added that Professor Apoorvanand lavished praises on the students after riots ensued in the national capital. However, he asked them not to name him or the ‘Pinjra Tod’ group if they were caught by the police for stoking riots. The professor had sent us a message for the riots, following which we were asked to collect stones, empty bottles, acid, and knives and the Khwateen members were asked to stuff dry red chillies, Gulfisha said.

She added that Apoorvanand told them that the  Jamia Coordination Committee(JCC) was going to organise a movement at 20-25 places across Delhi, and the purpose of the movement was to portray the Indian government as an oppressive regime that discriminates against Muslims. “This will only happen if riots occur under the guise of the protests,” Gulfisha quoted Professor Apoorvanand.

Apoorvanand has a history of anti-Hindu sentiments

Apoorvanand has a history of anti-Hindu rhetoric. In May 2019, left-wing propaganda portal The Wire published an op-ed by Apoorvanand where the author called the Hindu slogan “Jai Shri Ram” an “expression of hooliganism”. Apporvanand, in his article, extended support to the bizarre incident when West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had referred to ‘Jai Shri Ram’ chants as abuses hurled at her.

He further insulted the Prime Minister of India by calling him an ‘instigator’. The hate is so strong that Apporanand fails to remember that while insulting the PM, he also disregards India’s most eminent position of authority.

Moreover, the professor, in his hatred, went a step ahead and referred to Veteran BJP leader LK Advani as a ‘bahurupiya’ (imposter). He believed that ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans were used as a political narrative by the BJP to create Muslim hatred amongst the Hindus.

In April 2023, he came out in support of Muslims and claimed that the idea of “Ghazwa-e-Hind” was evoked by Hindutvavadis to justify their violence and no Muslim talks about it. In a post on X quoting Yogendra Yadav, where he talked about the ideas of Khalistan, Gazwa-e-Hind and Hindu Rashtra, Apoorvanand said, “Found it disappointing that while discussing Khalistan and Hindu Rashtra, it is thought necessary to bring GEH. Has any Indian organisation, or any individual given a call for it like the earlier two? GEH is evoked by Hindutvavadis to justify their violence. No Muslim talks about it.”

Source: X

There are several social media posts and op-eds where Apoorvanand expressed his anti-Hindu sentiments.

The attempts to hide behind the veil of selective secularism must be condemned

India is a diverse and pluralistic society. It is often forced on Hindus to believe that the principles of secularism in such a society serve as a cornerstone for fostering harmony and understanding among different religious communities. However, we often witness instances where those who have been accused of being involved in inciting violence against Hindus find opportunities to cloak themselves in the rhetoric of secularism, especially at a time when Hindus are legally seeking the restoration of their temples.

In India, everyone has the right to practice the religion freely and without fear of persecution. It is one of the fundamental tenets of the Constitution of India. Hindus, like any other religious group, have the legal right to reclaim and rebuild their places of worship that were once subjected to acts of vandalism or violence in the past. The matter of Gyanvapi is a legitimate pursuit that is guided by legal frameworks. It is essential to recognise and respect the path Hindus have chosen as it represents the true nature of secularism and the law-abiding heart of the Hindu community.

Sadly, individuals like Apoorvanand, who have a tainted history of allegedly promoting violence against Hindus, are attempting to champion the cause of secularism. It has to be noted that no one can use secularism as a convenient shield that can be raised and lowered based on personal or political expediency. If you are committed to the cause, you must stay committed to equality, religious freedom and coexistence. Otherwise, you are not but a hypocrite.

Individuals like Apoorvanand do not hold any moral high ground to assert their so-called commitment to secular ideas. By showing bias, they undermine the very principles they purport to uphold.

Notably, the call for the restoration of Hindu temples is not an affront to secularism. It is a legitimate exercise of religious rights as per the law of the land. Those who want to comment on such matters should first learn to distinguish between genuine efforts to protect religious freedoms and attempts to break the fabric of a plural society like India.

Those who have been involved in inciting violence against Hindus should be held accountable for their actions. They should not be allowed to hide behind the veil of selective secularism.

We will kill you: Zeeshan, Abujar, Nasir and others assault, throw caste slurs at a Dalit youth in Lucknow, try to stab him

राहुल पाण्डेय
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We will kill you: Zeeshan, Abujar, Nasir and others assault, throw caste slurs at a Dalit youth in Lucknow, try to stab him

On 17th December, several persons attacked a Dalit family in Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow following a dispute among children. The case pertained to the Thakurganj police station area where a scheduled caste man named Akash Kumar from Bari Balaganj lodged a complaint in which he stated that anti-caste slurs were hurled and attempts were made to stab him by the accused Zeeshan, Abujar, Nasir and their accomplices.

Taking to OpIndia, the victim identified himself as a Dalit resident in a region where Muslims are in the majority. He mentioned in the complaint that an argument between his family and kids from Zeeshan’s household transpired over an issue, that was resolved through negotiations. However, as he was standing near the Ambedkar pond at around 3:30 pm on the fateful day, the perpetrators reached there and started to fight with him.

Meanwhile, he started moving towards his place when Zeeshan started abusing and threatened, “I’ll kill all of you chamars.” His acquaintances went after Akash Kumar and started pounding and assaulting him as soon as Zeeshan uttered the derogatory words.

Abujar and Nasir pulled out a knife they had concealed and tried to stab Akash Kumar as he struggled to defend himself. Zeeshan once more urged his friends to kill the Dalit man. The horrifying occurrence has left him with significant injuries. A formal case has been filed by the police against Zeeshan, Nasir and Abujar along with several other unidentified individuals, based on the complaint. 

OpIndia has obtained a copy of the First Information Report (FIR). All the offenders have been booked under Sections 147, 323, 504 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code along with sections 3(1)(d) and 3(1)(d) of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Station House Officer Thakurganj revealed to OpIndia that the accused have been issued challans under Section 151. He added that Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Sunil Kumar Sharma is looking into the matter.

We live in Muslim-dominant area

Akash Kumar disclosed that there are a lot of Muslims living close to his home and not many Hindus in the interview with OpIndia. He unveiled that this was not an isolated instance and he faces multiple problems from the Muslim side daily. He disclosed that a child from his family also had serious head wounds on the day of the occurrence. He highlighted that the knife would have penetrated his stomach if his hand hadn’t gotten in the way during the attack. He voiced his expectation that the police would punish the offenders severely in response to his complaint.

Local Muslim leader forcing reconciliation

Akash Kumar conveyed that a local leader of the area named Salim has been repeatedly pressuring him to withdraw the case. He contests the councillor election from their area. However, Akash Kumar divulged that he refused to drop the lawsuit and told Salim what the settlement would have been had he died that day.

Mamata Banerjee refuses to condemn Kalyan Banerjee’s mockery of Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, throws Rahul Gandhi under the bus instead

OpIndia Staff
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Mamata Banerjee refuses to condemn Kalyan Banerjee’s mockery of Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, throws Rahul Gandhi under the bus instead

A day after Kalyan Banerjee was seen mimicking and ridiculing Indian Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee came to the defence of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader on Wednesday (20th December).

Far from condemning Kalyan Banerjee, the TMC supremo squarely blamed Congress scion Rahul Gandhi. “We respect everyone. There is no question of disrespecting anyone. It was a causal, political mockery. Anyway, you would have not known if Rahul ji did not make a video,” Mamata Banerjee was heard telling reporters.

On being asked whether she condones the mockery of Jagdeep Dhankhar, she dodged the question and remarked, “I will only talk about issues about Bengal.”

It must be mentioned that Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress is a member of the I.N.D.I. Alliance propped by the Congress party in the hopes of defeating the Narendra Modi-led-BJP government in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

But she did not think twice before throwing Rahul Gandhi under the bus and protecting her own party member Kalyan Banerjee. Interestingly, it was not Rahul Gandhi who disseminated the video on social media although he was seen videotaping it in his individual capacity.

It was the media that captured Rahul Gandhi, making a video from a different angle, and shared it on their respective channels. Mamata Banerjee mistook the amplification of the ridiculous act of her MP Kalyan Banerjee as Rahul Gandhi’s fault.

In his defence, Rahul Gandhi claimed, “MPs were sitting there, I shot their video. My video is on my phone. The media is showing it…Nobody has said anything.”

The Congress scion, who was seen laughing at the mockery of the Indian Vice-President, tried to deviate the discussion to other political issues.

“150 of our MPs have been thrown out (of the House) but there is no discussion on that in the media. There is no discussion on Adani, no discussion on Rafale, no discussion on unemployment. Our MPs are disheartened and sitting outside. But you are discussing that (mimicry),” he said.

Congress wants Caste Census but says Caste is needless when their alliance MPs are caught insulting the Vice President

OpIndia Staff
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Congress wants Caste Census but says Caste is needless when their alliance MPs are caught insulting the Vice President

On Tuesday (19th December), Opposition members of Parliaments (MPs) were seen mocking Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. Expressing his anguish and pain over these shameful happenings in the Parliament, the Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said he was feeling personally hurt by the targeting of his farmer and Jat background. Reacting to this, the Congress president Malikarjun Kharge said on Wednesday that caste should not be dragged into every issue and used to incite people. Notably, the Congress party has batted for caste census for its political gains, and now targeting the Vice President as he expressed his disappointment over the insult.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said, “One should not talk like this. One should avoid provoking people. Chairman said the insult that happened was caste-based and that farmers were also insulted, but my caste is also always attacked and I don’t say anything.”

The entire I.N.D.I. alliance, in partnership with Congress and Rahul Gandhi, is advocating for a caste-based census and the concept of ‘proportional representation based on population.’ The unveiled caste census data in Bihar has set the stage, and against this backdrop, Rahul Gandhi consistently emphasised that a Congress government will conduct a comprehensive nationwide caste census, urging the Modi government to reveal its results.

Rahul Gandhi claims that caste-related statistics were recorded during the 2010-11 census. The Congress government remained in power until 2014. However, the census data was released in 2011. Now, the question arises: did Congress refrain from releasing the caste census data because they feared losing their vote bank? If not, then why were these figures not disclosed until 2014? The sudden recall of this census by Congress raises political questions.

The recent love and affection of Congress for OBCs is politically motivated. Rahul Gandhi’s assertion regarding Congress advocating for the welfare of the OBC community is contradicted by historical facts. The Congress has consistently opposed the interests of the OBC community, particularly evident in their stance on reservations, often citing the Mandal Commission. Notably, the commission was established during Morarji Desai’s Janata Party government in 1979, with its report published in 1980.

Despite this, during Indira Gandhi’s tenure from 1980 to 1984 and Rajiv Gandhi’s term from 1984 to 1989, the Mandal Commission recommendations were not implemented. It was only in 1990, under the Janata Dal government, with support from the BJP, that the Mandal Commission recommendations were finally put into effect. Thus, Rahul Gandhi’s claim is once again found to be inaccurate in light of historical events.

Even in the recently concluded assembly elections, Congress made the caste census their main issue. Now, Rahul Gandhi has recorded the mimicry of India’s Vice President done by TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee. While ignoring the gross disrespect shown towards the post of the Vice President, Mallikarjun Kharge is trying to insist that caste should not be brought into the discussion.

‘I will make you a SHO if you sleep with me’: DSP Faiz Ahmed Khan suspended over sexual harassment of a female inspector in Bihar

OpIndia Staff
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‘I will make you a SHO if you sleep with me’: DSP Faiz Ahmed Khan suspended over sexual harassment of a female inspector in Bihar

On 18th December, Faiz Ahmed Khan, the Deputy Superintendent of Police in the Kaimur district of Bihar, was placed under suspension for sexually harassing a female inspector. He is accused of offering to have a physical relationship with her to advance her career and be promoted to the rank of Station House Officer (SHO).

The accused was assigned to Mohania as the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), according to reports. Senior officials received a complaint against him from the victim stationed in the Kaimur area which stated that Faiz Ahmed Khan was sending her lewd messages on WhatsApp regularly in which he enticed her and promised a promotion in exchange for sex. She was transferred after some time, however, he continued to harass her to engage in illicit relations with him.

The female police officer also produced evidence in addition to her charges against the perpetrator. Lalit Mohan Sharma, the superintendent of police for Kaimur District established an inquiry committee to look into the allegations. The Internal Monitoring Committee comprised the chairperson, female police station in-charge Poonam Kumari, Senior Deputy Collector Savita Kumari, Sub Inspector Shraddha Suman, Sub Inspector Shubhangi, Constable Sandhya Kumari and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) College Professor Seema Patel.

The panel reviewed the evidence and took statements from both parties. The culprit used to erase the WhatsApp conversations and messages to avoid being caught. Nevertheless, the assertions were confirmed to be true in the final investigative report.

The SP then forwarded the report to Shahabad range Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Naveen Chandra Jha. The latter recommended the offender’s suspension and mentioned that departmental action be initiated against him as well as he should be transferred out of Mohania. Afterwards, the government intervened and suspended Faiz Ahmed Khan. A notification in this regard has also been released by the Government of Bihar’s Ministry of Home Affairs.

Notably, a woman constable accused Inspector Rajkumar of sexual harassment in the Bhabhua district of Kaimur in September of this year. The charges led to his suspension.

Man who harassed South Korean vlogger in Pune arrested after video goes viral

OpIndia Staff
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Man who harassed South Korean vlogger in Pune arrested after video goes viral

On Tuesday (19th December), the Pimpri-Chinchwad City Police arrested the man who was caught on camera harassing a South Korean vlogger in Maharashtra’s Pune. The accused identified as Bharat Unchale, originally from Bidar in Karnataka, was seen inappropriately hugging South Korean vlogger Kelly in a market on the outskirts of Pune in the video shared by the Youtuber. The video went viral on social media sparking public outrage with netizens demanding strict legal actions against the accused.  

Confirming the arrest, ACP Satish Mane said that the arrest was made after the video was widely shared on online platforms. The accused was arrested on Tuesday after the Pimpri Chinchwad police’s crime branch tracked him down in the Ravet area. 

Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissioner Vinoy Kumar Choubey confirmed that the incident occurred in Ravet, on the city’s outskirts. 

Deputy Commissioner of Police (zone 2), Kakasaheb Dole, stated, “An offence is being registered against this person based on a suo motu complaint. Once the FIR is registered, we can share more details.”

Notably, in the video that soon went viral, Kelly could be seen interacting with locals and greeting them with ‘Namaste’. In the video, an unidentified intruder can be seen forcefully grabbing and wrapping his arm around her neck. 

Subsequently, he is joined by another man, as caught in the video. Interacting with each other, one man is seen instructing the other to stay closer. The alleged harasser could be heard saying, “Don’t stand so far. Hold her like this.” 

Even as Kelly tries to keep her distance, the man persists, visibly making her uncomfortable. The vlogger notes, “I have to run from here… They really like to hug.”

However following her ordeal, Kelly urged his viewers not to judge Indians based on the acts of a few bad individuals. She stressed, “Wherever you travel, you can meet bad people. This is everywhere. So, I wanna say, please don’t judge every Indian. In my experience, India is such a good place to trip.”

Extending their support to the South Korean vlogger, several social media users expressed regret and apologised in the comment sections on YouTube. One user wrote, “As an Indian citizen I apologise to you Kelly for that rascal, who behaved with you in that way.” The second, expressing concern for her safety, advised, “Kelly, ensure strangers do not touch or hug you. Stay healthy and safe.”

With a subscriber base of around 1.69 lahks, Kelly has gained popularity as a solo female traveller, documenting and sharing her experiences on the video-sharing platform.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident, a Russian tourist was recently harassed by a petrol pump employee in Jaipur, as reported by NDTV on 19th December. As per reports, the Russian tourist was travelling with her Indian friend who is a Delhi-based travel vlogger known as ‘On Road Indian’ on YouTube. 

The entire incident caught on camera by the YouTuber reportedly took place when the worker was filling petrol in their two-wheeler. The Indian vlogger began filming as soon as he realised there was misbehaviour towards his Russian friend who was sitting behind him.

The report further added that the Russian tourist named Viktoriia then proposed filing a police complaint. After a while, the police arrived, and the Indian vlogger narrated the entire situation. The police officer instructed the man to apologise, after which the petrol pump employee complied. Additionally, she asked the officer to note down the man’s name for future reference in case of any similar incidents.

Meanwhile, several similar incidents have been reported in the past in which several accused have been arrested for harassing foreign vloggers. 

In October 2023, A Russian YouTuber was harassed while filming in Delhi’s Sarojini Nagar. After the Russian girl talked to the youth while shopping for sarees, he continued to follow her and then asked for her friendship, saying he was ‘bored’ with Indian friends and he found her ‘sexy’.

Delhi Police caught three people, including a juvenile, concerning the molestation and abuse of a 22-year-old Japanese girl on the day of Holi in March this year. The unfortunate instance took place in the National Capital’s Paharganj region. The accused also belonged to the same area. They were captured touching her and smearing colour on her face as one of them cracked an egg on her head and shouted “Holi Hai, Holi Hai.”

In April 2023,  the Rajasthan Police arrested a mentally ill person Deepak Jalani for harassing a Korea-based blogger in the city of Jodhpur. The accused allegedly flashed genitals at her on camera when she was shooting a blog of herself and capturing the beauty of the city.

Last year in December, Mumbai Police arrested Mobeen Chand Mohammad Shaikh and Mohammad Naqeeb Sadrealam Ansari for harassing a Korean woman vlogger in Khar. During the vlogger’s live stream from the roads in Khar, she was repeatedly groped and molested by the two accused. 

‘Congress is demanding funds from us, they don’t even have money for samosas’: JDU MP Sunil Kumar Pintu calls INDI meeting a complete failure

OpIndia Staff
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‘Congress is demanding funds from us, they don’t even have money for samosas’: JDU MP Sunil Kumar Pintu calls INDI meeting a complete failure

Sunil Kumar Pintu, a Member of Parliament from Janata Dal-United (JDU), the party of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has declared the meeting of the INDIA alliance inconclusive and utter failure. He stated on Wednesday that no decision was reached in the opposition parties’ meeting that was held in Delhi.

“All the opposition leaders at the INDI meeting anticipated a tangible outcome, but this gathering also ended without substantial results. In the past, these meetings used to include tea and samosas. But yesterday, the Congress party said they were facing financial constraints and requested everyone to contribute either Rs 138, Rs 1380, or Rs 13,800 to support them. Consequently, yesterday’s meeting was limited to just tea and biscuits, and the samosas didn’t make the cut,” Pintu said.

Sunil Kumar Pintu serves as a JDU MP from the Sitamarhi Lok Sabha seat.

The statement by JDU MP came days after Congress launched an online crowdsourcing campaign, ‘Donate for Desh’, asking its supporters to donate money to the grand old party. However, the campaign provided yet another instance of the Congress party’s famed incompetence, for they forgot to book the domain before launching the campaign. The BJP booked one of the domains while the other one was acquired by OpIndia, clicking on which took one to their respective donation pages.

Earlier yesterday, several opposition leaders assembled in New Delhi for the INDI Alliance meeting to discuss the future strategy to take on the BJP in the upcoming general elections in 2024. The focus of the meeting was to zero in on the PM candidate for the alliance and to fast-track the seat-sharing discussion for the Lok Sabha elections. 

Initially set for December 6, the meeting was rescheduled due to the unavailability of key leaders, including Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of Bihar, and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s name was proposed by alliance members, most notably by TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, as the Prime Ministerial candidate for the INDI Alliance. Kharge, however, has refused to be the alliance’s PM face, stating that the opposition should first focus on winning the election and wait for the results before arriving at their PM nominee. 

As per reports, the Trinamool Congress Party and several other alliance partners set December 31 as the deadline for the seat-sharing talks, which has been an Achilles heel from the start, given the competing interests among the opposition parties to be a part of an alliance with other opposition parties but simultaneously expand their political sphere of influence beyond their respective regions.

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