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An innocent child was ‘lost’: Indian-origin Irish PM downplays kidnapping of Jewish kid by Hamas from Israel, refuses to call out terror outfit

OpIndia Staff
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An innocent child was ‘lost’: Indian-origin Irish PM downplays kidnapping of Jewish kid by Hamas from Israel, refuses to call out terror outfit

On 26th November (local time), Indian-origin Prime Minister of Ireland Leo Varadkar downplayed the kidnapping of Israeli civilians in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

In his post, he referred to the 8-year-old kidnapped Irish-Israeli child named Emily Hand as “lost” and not abducted by Hamas.

He wrote, “This is a day of enormous joy and relief for Emily Hand and her family. An innocent child who was lost has now been found and returned, and we breathe a massive sigh of relief. Our prayers have been answered.”

Notably, Sky News quoted Varadkar saying, “A little girl was snatched from her home and held captive for almost seven weeks. She spent her ninth birthday as a hostage. We hope she will soon heal and recover from the traumatic experience in the loving embrace of her family.” Here too, Varadkar avoided naming Hamas.

Emily was abducted by Hamas terrorists from Israel during the terrorist attack on 7th October. She was taken to Gaza and was released as part of the first exchange between Hamas and Israel where Hamas has released 50 hostages and Israel has released 150 Palestinian criminals and terrorists from the prison.

The abduction of Israeli child Emily Hand

Emily Hand, who lives in Kibbutz Be’eri, turned 9 on 24th November in captivity. She was among 13 Israelis freed on Saturday (), and one of the first 50 to be freed by Hamas. Following her release, she was reunited with her father Thomas.

In a statement, her family said, “Emily has come back to us. We can’t find the words to describe our emotions after 50 challenging and complicated days. We are overjoyed to embrace Emily again, but at the same time, we remember all the hostages who have yet to return. We will persist in doing everything in our power to bring them back home.”

Reports suggest that when Hamas attacked Israel on 7th October, Emily was sleeping at her best friend’s house. Following the attack, she lost contact with her family.

Initially, it was believed that her body was found by the family. however, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) later informed the family that they found evidence she was among the hostages held in Gaza.

Emily’s father hails from Dun Laoghaire, Dublin. Her family members in the Irish capital celebrated her birthday as part of a campaign for her release.

Israel-Hamas War

On 7th October, Hamas terrorists attacked Israel resulting in the death of at least 1,400 Israelis and foreign nationals. Israel launched a counter-attack on Hamas aiming to finish the Palestinian terrorist organisation.

After air strikes for over a month, Israel launched a ground attack in the Gaza Strip to weed out Hamas terrorists. Notably, Hamas created safe establishments under residential areas and hospitals to shield itself from Israeli attacks that IDF has to clear to ensure the terrorist organisation is wiped off from the face of the earth.

Currently, there is a ceasefire going on. As per the agreement, Hamas released 10-13 hostages every day totalling 50 Israeli hostages abducted during the 7th October attack. OpIndia’s detailed reports on the Israel-Hamas war can be checked here.

Four students dead and 64 injured in stampede at tech festival at Cochin University of Science and Technology: Here’s what happened

OpIndia Staff
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Four students dead and 64 injured in stampede at tech festival at Cochin University of Science and Technology: Here’s what happened

On Saturday, November 25, four students lost their lives in a stampede during an open-air tech festival ‘Dhishna’ at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) in Kerala’s Kochi. The tragic incident unfolded during singer Nikhita Gandhi’s concert on Saturday leaving around 64 injured and four critical.

The deceased victims have been identified as Athul Thampi from Koothattukulam, Paravur native Ann Ruftha, Sara Thomas from Thamarassery and Alwin Joseph from Palakkad. Except for Alwin, the other three are CUSAT engineering students.

According to reports, around 2,000 people, including students from other colleges and local residents attended the second day of the annual tech festival sponsored by the School of Engineering, CUSAT.

On Sunday, the autopsies of the four deceased victims will be conducted at Kalamassery Government Medical College and Ernakulam General Hospital.

What led to the stampede

The media reports coming from the stampede site suggest that the tragic incident unfolded due to poor crowd management. Reports say that gate passes were required for access to the show. The entry gates were opened at around 5:30 pm and were supposed to be closed at 7:30 pm. However, when it began to rain, many who were waiting outside rushed inside the auditorium to seek shelter, resulting in the stampede. When the people waiting outside the gate forced their way into the auditorium, students standing on the stairs fell to the ground and were trampled by the crowd. It is worth noting that the auditorium at CUSAT having a capacity of 2,000 had single entry and exit gates.

Aravind K S, a third-year integrated MSc student of CUSAT who managed to escape the stampede said, “I was standing right next to the gate that leads into the auditorium. The event was supposed to start at around 6:45 pm and the volunteers were letting the students in but at around 7 pm somebody suddenly opened the gate completely. The crowd of students had been pushing on the gate, the effect was that those standing in the front side, mostly girls were pushed ahead and lost their footing resulting in them tripping and falling on the steps leading to the auditorium.”

“I got pushed but managed not to fall. It was mostly girls who were standing in the front row and they were the ones who had fallen,” the CUSAT student continued.

According to ADGP M R Ajithkumar as quoted by Onmanorama, “the auditorium was only partly full during the stampede.

Three-member team to probe stampede

State Higher Education Minister R Bindhu appointed a three-member team to investigate the stampede incident, which includes the principal secretary of higher education and the vice-chancellor and registrar of Cochin University. The minister has directed that an in-depth inquiry be conducted and a report be submitted.

Meanwhile, Kerala Assembly Leader of Opposition (LoP) and Congress leader V. D. Satheesan said, “It was unfortunate. 46 people were hospitalized, and four died… In the initial stage, four students were very serious… Now two students are in a stable position. It was a stampede… It was a small place that was not enough to accommodate this many students… It should be investigated… 46 (people) are here, 16 are in other hospitals, and two are in the ICU unit…”

Meanwhile, the chief minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan expressed shock over the incident and announced measures to ensure appropriate treatment for the injured. “The entire state is in shock over the stampede that unfolded at CUSAT University in Ernakulam. Heartfelt condolences go out to the family members of the four students who lost their lives. Immediate and enhanced treatment facilities have been arranged for the injured. P. Rajeev, the Minister for Industries, and R. Bindu, the Minister of Higher Education, have departed for Ernakulam to assess the situation directly. A thorough investigation into the incident will commence without delay,” the Kerala chief minister posted on X.

Singer Nikhita Gandhi “Heartbroken” over stampede at her concert

As mentioned above, the tragic incident transpired at the music concert of singer Nikhita Gandhi. The singer took to her Instagram to express her condolences over the incident and called it “unfortunate”.

“Heartbroken and devastated by what took place this evening in Kochi. Such an unfortunate incident took place before I could even leave for the venue for the performance. No words are possibly enough to express this profound grief. My prayers go out to the families of the students,” her post on Instagram read.

Uttarakhand: Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami saves a tourist who met with car accident in Nainital, shares video on Instagram

OpIndia Staff
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Uttarakhand: Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami saves a tourist who met with car accident in Nainital, shares video on Instagram

On Saturday (25th November), Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami shared a video from his Instagram handle to share that he happened to save a tourist whose car underwent an accident in Nainital in Uttarakhand.

Shami asserted that he and a group of individuals managed to extricate the person from the car, which was descending a slope, just in time to avert a potentially grave incident.

The cricketer celebrated for his ability to dismantle opposing batters with his formidable bowling, unexpectedly transformed into a rescuer for an unidentified individual.

Mohammed Shami wrote in the caption of his Instagram post, “He’s so lucky god gave him 2nd life. His car fell down from the hill road near Nanital just in front of my car. We took him out very safely.”

Hailing from a modest background, Shami, the cricketer, disclosed in a recent interview that he has operated motorcycles, cars, tractors, buses, and even trucks.

Mohammed Shami’s native place is in the Amroha district of Uttar Pradesh. He was touring Nainital with his friends when he saw this accident and helped the distressed person.

Mohammed Shami said in his recent interview with PUMA that he likes to tour and travel. He said, “I like travelling, and fishing. I like driving a lot. I like driving bikes and cars. But after playing for India, I have stopped driving bikes. What if I get injured? I drive a bike on highways, maybe sometimes in the village when I go to meet my mom.”

Now, when he was on one such journey, Mohammed Shami helped out a person trapped in an accident. Mohammed Shami has been in the news for the past month because of his impeccable performance in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in which he emerged as the bowler to take the most number of wickets. He claimed 24 wickets in the tournament.

How often you fixed news for your agenda: Former Pakistani cricketer Danish Kaneria slams Rajdeep Sardesai, reminds him of Mukesh Ambani’s interview

OpIndia Staff
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How often you fixed news for your agenda: Former Pakistani cricketer Danish Kaneria slams Rajdeep Sardesai, reminds him of Mukesh Ambani’s interview

A war of words erupted between former Pakistani cricketer Danish Kaneria and India Today ‘journalist’ Rajdeep Sardesai on X over the latter’s interview with Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot.

Danish Kaneria woke up on Sunday (26th November) and decided to remind Sardesai of the years-old embarrassment he faced at the hands of businessman Mukesh Ambani. He also took a swipe at Sardesai for misusing the term “Mysore Pak” to attack him.

“How often has Rajdeep fixed the news to align with his agenda or that of his masters? Misusing the term ‘Mysore pak’ like he does with his journalist title! BTW, I watched your full interview with Mr Mukesh Ambani,” Kaneria posted on X.

Kaneria’s comments came in response to Rajdeep Sardesai calling him a ‘spot/match fixer’ and claiming that the former Pakistani right-arm leg spinner has joined the ‘Mysore Pak IT Cell’.

“When a Pakistani spot fixer/match fixer becomes part of the Mysore Pak IT cell. Go get a life @DanishKaneria61. Next time watch the full half hour interview, not the 60 seconds that your IT cell Chief tells you to tweet. Shameless,” Sardesai wrote.

The spat between Danish Kaneria and Rajdeep Sardesai started on Saturday (25th November) after Danish Kaneria reacted to a video of Sardesai conducting an interview of Rajasthan CM and Congress leader Ashok Gehlot.

In the video, Rajdeep Sardesai is seen sitting with CM Gehlot and singing a song while asking the latter a question. “When bathroom singer became journalist,” Kaneria posted on X.

Notably, the IndiaToday TV presenter towards the end of his interview with Gehlot asked if the CM was interested in Hindi songs. “When Ashok ji is alone with family at home, not surrounded by anyone, What does he like to listen to?” Sardesai asked a hard-hitting question.

Gehlot said he liked listening to old songs. Dissatisfied with a half-hearted answer, Sardesai tweaked his question. He asked, “I am trying to know that there must be something about Ashok Gehlot that the people don’t know.”

When Mukesh Ambani told Rajdeep Sardesai ‘I don’t take you seriously’

Back in March 2017, India Today Conclave published a 6-minute interview of Rajdeep Sardesai with business tycoon Mukesh Ambani. Sardesai introduced him as the most powerful person in the country.

When he asked Ambani how he felt when he introduced him the way he did, Ambani said, “I don’t believe that. I do not take you seriously.” Sardesai, humiliated by the ‘most powerful person’, could only say, “Are yeh kya baat hui (What are you saying).”

Meet Devika Rotawan: Witness in the 26/11 terror attack who testified against Ajmal Kasab at the age of 11

OpIndia Staff
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Meet Devika Rotawan: Witness in the 26/11 terror attack who testified against Ajmal Kasab at the age of 11

The 26/11 attacks, which occurred in Mumbai in 2008, were a series of coordinated terrorist attacks by Pakistani terrorists. Striking multiple locations, including iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, the Islamists killed 166 people and injured hundreds.

Ajmal Kasab was the only terrorist who was caught alive. Devika Rotawan – a nine-year-old girl at the time of the attack – was the youngest witness in the case against Ajmal Kasab. It was Devika Rotawan who confirmed the identity of Ajmal Kasab in the courtroom.

With the Mumbai terror attacks marking their 15th year, Devika Rotawan has turned 24 and still struggles on various fronts in her life.

The shooting at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai

Devika Rotawan does not need an anniversary to remember the Mumbai terror attacks. The memory of that night is etched in the minds of her whole family. Devika had lost her mother in 2006 due to some prolonged illness. At that time, she was 7 years old.

Her father would sell dry fruits to support the family. But he too had to give more time to hospital visits as Devika also had many health issues in her childhood.

On the night of 26/11, at around 9:30 p.m., Devika, her father, and her brother were waiting for their train to Pune at the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai when they heard an explosion followed by gunshots.

Kasab revealed startling details in his narco test analysis
Ajmal Amir Kasab on CST(Image Source: Hindustan Times)

In mere moments, they witnessed individuals being shot, collapsing in distress, while others fled to preserve their lives. Numerous lifeless forms sprawled across the scene, blood still streaming, encapsulating the harrowing chaos of the situation.

A bullet suddenly hit Devika Rotawan in her right leg. Devika collapsed. Her father and brother also got down to help her. But in that moment of crisis, she happened to have a clear gaze at the gunner who continued to shoot the people at random. He was Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Ajmal Kasab.

Later, when the trials against Ajmal Kasab began Devika Rotawan appeared as the youngest witness in the case and confirmed the identity of the terrorist in front of the court.

Her testimony gave her nationwide attention through the media reports. A picture of her in the media received a lot of coverage in which she was seen reaching the court with the help of crutches.

The aftermath of the attack

Devika had to stay at the hospital for 65 days to recover from the bullet injury. She resolved to become an IPS officer to fight against the evil in the society. But her schooling had frequent gaps. Before the attacks, those gaps were due to illness.

After the attack, it was because of the leg injury. She resumed school at the age of 11. But soon after that, she faced three years contracted TB. After going through another round of hospital visits, she recovered from it in 2014. Now, she is a final-year student in a BA course at Chetna College in Bandra in Mumbai.

Devika going to appear in court for testimony. Image Source: The Better India

The family which first lived in a chawl in a Bandra slum, shifted to a rented 1BHK flat in a residential building in Santacruz. They are still fighting a legal battle to get their own home from the state government.

Devika has two elder brothers. One of them lives in Pune with his family. The other one is handicapped and he lives in Mumbai with Devika and her father. Despite his disabilities, he works at a stationary shop to support his family.

The current plight of Devika Rotawan

Devika Rotawan wanted to become an IPS officer. But life has already burdened her with a lot of responsibilities to support her family as her father is ageing. She gets little time to prepare for exams and has no separate support for preparations. She is currently looking for a job.

When asked about people pointing fingers at her for moving away from her aim which she once told in public, Devika Rotawan said, “They don’t know the struggle I have been through all these years. Amid the struggle to survive, there has been no room to prepare for civil service exams.”

Ajmal Kasab, 26/11 attacks, and terrorism

As a witness, Devika Rotawan had a close look at the Indian judiciary system. She came to know of the flaws at a very young age.

Describing her agony she said, “Ajmal Kasab was living well in prison, whereas our life outside was a struggle. Just because my father and I were among the witnesses who identified Kasab, we were looked at differently. People feel we are facing some death threat and it might harm them if they are associated with us in any way. Finding a house, a school and even expecting support from relatives was difficult.”

She added, “When I was on the witness stand and Kasab sitting close to the judge, I wanted to throw a crutch at him or shoot him. Now I know how important it was to have him alive to know more details. There is still no peace. Kasab was just one person sent for the job. What are we doing about the masterminds? Unless all such activities are stopped, there is no guarantee that there will not be another terror attack.”

It is notable that Ajmal Kasab was hanged on 21st November 2012. She said, “A lot of people supported us, a lot of people did not, some supported us just for exhibition. My wounds haven’t healed in these 15 years. They are as fresh as ever. I am still struggling.”

Conclusion

As the 26/11 terror attacks complete 15 years, we as a society need to identify the sufferers and witnesses like Devika Rotawan who still struggle for something as basic as a house.

Completing one’s aspirations still seems like a long-lost dream when no agency is helping them to get a follow-up to ensure the due state aid. Devika Rotawan’s testimony confirmed Kasab’s identity leading him to his fate of the death penalty through a judicial process.

The struggle of the Rotawan family for survival continues to this day.

Election Commission sends notice to KT Rama Rao ahead of Telangana polls: What happened

ANI
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Election Commission sends notice to KT Rama Rao ahead of Telangana polls: What happened

The Election Commission of India (ECI) issued a notice to Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader KT Rama Rao in connection with alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in the run-up to the impending Telangana elections in 2023.

ECI has also sought an explanation from the BRS leader by 3 PM on November 26, 2023, regarding his announcement of job recruitment at T-Works (government institution), and directed that the ministers shall not combine their official visit with electioneering work and shall not also make use of official machinery or personnel.

The election commission in its notice said that Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala has complained that Rao had visited the T-works Office in Hyderabad and interacted with a large number of youth employed in the office on November 20.

“The Commission has received a complaint dated November 21, 2023, from Randeep Singh Surjewala, Member of Parliament, Indian National Congress wherein it has been alleged that K. T. Rama Rao, Star Campaigner for BRS on November 20 visited the T-works Office in Hyderabad and interacted with a large number of youth employed in the office,” the notice said.

The election commission stated that acting on the complaint, a factual report was taken from the CEO, Telangana in the matter. The report said, “A meeting was conducted at T-works Raidurgam by Student Tribe (A Unit of Colosseum CQ Solutions Pvt. Ltd.) represented by Charan on November 20, between 11:30 am and 1:00 pm at and attended by KT Rama Rao.”

“Video Surveillance Team has covered the meeting and submitted a report under the CUE sheet to the video viewing team for viewing the captured video. The video viewing team has reported that in the said meeting it was discussed about the government jobs in Telangana, re-vamping of the TSPSC Board and also some remarks about the government of Telangana in the recruitment of government jobs,” it added.

The commission stated that the Model Code of Conduct for The Guidance of Political Parties and Candidates states that the party in power whether at the Centre or in the State or States concerned, shall ensure that no cause is given for any complaint that it has used its official position for the purposes of its election campaign and in particular the ministers shall not combine their official visit with electioneering work and shall not also make use of official machinery or personnel.

“The Commission is, prima facie, held that by visiting a government institution and using the platform of T-works for political activities and combining your official visit with political/ private visit, you have violated the above-said instruction of the Model Code of Conduct; and therefore, the Commission gives you an opportunity to explain your stand in respect of the above visit and use of a Government Institute for political purposes by 3:00 PM on November 26, 2023,” the notice of ECI read further.

The state of Telangana is set to undergo assembly polls on November 30. The ruling BRS, Congress and BJP are the main contestants in the state. The counting of votes will take place on December 3.

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

Delhi: Bike Taxi Association writes to LG complaining against Delhi government’s new electric vehicle scheme, claims 50,000 jobs at risk

OpIndia Staff
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Delhi: Bike Taxi Association writes to LG complaining against Delhi government’s new electric vehicle scheme, claims 50,000 jobs at risk

Around 50,000 bike taxi drivers in Delhi have collectively written a letter to Delhi Lieutenant Vinai Kumar Saxena and the Delhi government. They have expressed concerns about their possible job losses because of the approval of the Delhi Motor Vehicle Aggregator and Delivery Service Provider Scheme, 2023.

The scheme has made it mandatory for aggregators providing passenger services to transition exclusively to electric two-wheelers for new vehicles. Transition to electric vehicles is seen as one of the steps needed to solve the air pollution problem in the national capital region.

Notably, the Delhi LG VK Saxena has granted his approval to the scheme and the policy is likely to be notified soon. However, the Bike Taxi Associations have expressed concerns that the scheme poses an imminent challenge for bike taxi operators. 

The Apna Bike Taxi Association has sent an open letter to Lt Governor V K Saxena and the Delhi government, as reported by news agency PTI. In their open letter, they have issued an appeal to the authorities to address their grievances which according to them have gone unheard so far.

The letter has highlighted the serious challenges posed by the Delhi government’s New ‘Electric Vehicle scheme’. According to the Bike Taxi Association, it is not feasible for all taxi drivers currently using petrol motorcycles to switch to electric two-wheelers. They have further argued that neither there are enough electric bike taxis in the market nor all drivers have enough money to make the mandatory switch.    

The letter read, “We feel that the government should understand that if someone is riding a petrol motorcycle, how can they suddenly get an electric bike? Neither are there electric bike taxis available in the market nor do we have the money to buy them.” 

The recent development follows a prior letter written by over 1,500 bike taxi drivers to the LG. In the previous letter, the drivers urged the Lieutenant Governor to grant them the same timeline for transitioning to electric vehicles as has been allowed for their counterparts in delivery services.

The earlier letter stated, “We request that the policy remains the same for all bikes, if a bike is allowed on the road to undertake commercial work like delivering goods, food, groceries, etc, then it should also be allowed as a bike taxi as well. If the argument is to convert to EVs, we request that we be given the same parity and timeline to convert to EVs as has been afforded to the delivery sector”.

The policy

Delhi Motor Vehicle Aggregator and Delivery Service Provider Scheme, 2023, was cleared by the Delhi government on October 18, which was approved by the LG on 25 November. Under this policy, the entire vehicle fleet of all the aggregators, delivery service providers and e-commerce entities in Delhi has to transition to electric by April 1, 2030.

The policy has mandated 100% electric vehicles in the new fleet for two-wheeler aggregators, while staggered transition has been allowed for three-wheelers, four-wheelers and delivery service providers. Aggregators with three-wheelers have to achieve the target of 10% EVs in their new fleet within six months of the implementation of the scheme, 50% in 2 years and 100% in four years. The aggregators with four-wheelers have to achieve the target of 5% EVs in new fleet in six months, 50% in three years and 100% in five years.

Similarly, for delivery service providers the target for two-wheelers and three-wheelers is 10% in six months, 50% in 2 years and 100% in four years. For four-wheelers run by delivery service providers, the target is 5% EVs in new fleet in six months, 50% in three years and 100% in five years. The policy targets an all-electric fleet of aggregators and delivery services by 1st April 2030.

The policy states that an “aggregator shall be allowed to operate bike taxi (two-wheeler taxi) services, provided that any vehicle being on-boarded as part of the fleet by from the date of commencement
of this scheme shall be Electric Vehicles only”. Therefore, it can be seen that two-wheeler aggregators have been asked to transition to 100% EVs at once for newly added vehicles, while delivery service providers have been allowed 4 years to achieve 100% electric EVs in their fleet.

However, this must be noted that existing vehicles already part of the fleet of the aggregators and delivery service providers will be able to continue to operate, and the electric vehicle rules apply only for vehicles added to the fleet after the scheme is enforced. However, all existing fuel-run vehicles (Petrol/CNG/Diesel propelled) operated by them will have to be removed by 1st April 2030,

BTech student Lareb Hashmi, who attacked bus conductor for ‘insulting the Prophet’, suspended by his college

OpIndia Staff
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BTech student Lareb Hashmi, who attacked bus conductor for ‘insulting the Prophet’, suspended by his college

On 25th November (Saturday), the United College of Engineering and Research suspended its first-year engineering student, Lareb Hashmi who brutally hacked a bus conductor with a cleaver on Friday morning. The criminal incident took place in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj after a dispute over a ticket fare broke out. Additionally, Prayagraj Police has clarified that the reports doing rounds of the conductor’s death are fake. 

As per reports, the victim was identified as Harikesh Vishwakarma. He was rushed to hospital for medical treatment as he had suffered grievous injuries to his neck and body. Taking to X, Police Commissionerate Prayagraj shared official details about the case clarifying that the injured conductor is receiving treatment at SRN Hospital in Prayagraj. It stressed that reports of his death doing rounds on social media are fake.

Regarding the disciplinary action against the murder accused Hashmi, the College principal (Dean) HP Shukla said that Hashmi was a quiet student who often sat alone. According to the Dean, Hashmi often did not respond to questions and never engaged in conversations with others. However, the college faculty never thought such an incident would occur.

Meanwhile, the university students staged a protest following the criminal incident and demanded strict action against Hashmi. The students stressed that their parents were concerned for their safety and were not allowing them to attend college following the brutal incident involving one of their students. 

They also alleged that the college authorities were responsible for the incident. Several Hindu outfits also staged a demonstration at the college demanding that strict action should be initiated against students with extremist ideologies.

According to police officials, Hashmi attempted to evade the arrest and entered a college campus. From there he recorded and uploaded a video confessing to the crime of attacking the conductor. However, in his confession video, Hashmi ‘justified’ the brutal attack and alleged that the victim had committed ‘blasphemy’. 

In a confession video, Hashmi could be heard saying, “(The bus conductor) was abusing Muslims. So I attacked him with a cleaver. He will not survive. He will be dead soon. From India to France, whoever insults our Prophet will be exterminated.” 

“We are ready to die for you and go to jail, O Prophet Muhammad. Dear Muslims, rise about this world’s materialism and be ready to sacrifice your life for the Prophet,” Lareb Hashmi went on to abuse the victim with the choicest of expletives.

However, he was caught in an encounter after being shot in the leg. Following his arrest, the police officials cleared the air and denied his allegations. The police said a 20-year-old man, identified as Lareb Hashmi, reportedly attacked a bus conductor in Uttar Pradesh state’s Prayagraj with a cleaver following a dispute over ticket fare. 

While speaking about the matter, DCP (Yamunanagar) Abhinav Tyagi informed, “Following the incident, the accused was arrested by the police and a case under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code was registered. Further investigation is underway.”

Rahul Gandhi is Pappu, does not know history, he should apologise for Nehru forcibly merging Telangana and Andhra Pradesh: BRS leader KTR Rao

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Rahul Gandhi is Pappu, does not know history, he should apologise for Nehru forcibly merging Telangana and Andhra Pradesh: BRS leader KTR Rao

Telangana Minister and BRS leader KTR Rao on Saturday hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on his visit to poll-bound Telangana’s Nizamabad district and called him ‘Pappu’ who does not know the history of Telangana.

The BRS leader launched a scathing attack on Rahul Gandhi and said that before asking for votes, the Congress leader should apologise to the people of Telangana for forcibly merging Telangana and Andhra Pradesh from 1956 to 2014.

“Rahul Gandhi does not know the history of Telangana, he is ‘Pappu’. The place where Rahul Gandhi had come today, was the same Nizamabad where Rahul Gandhi’s great grandfather Nehru ji had forced marriage between Andhra and Telangana. Before asking for votes from the people of Telangana, Rahul Gandhi should apologise for forcibly merging Telangana and Andhra Pradesh from 1956 to 2014 till the formation of Telangana,” Rao told ANI.

Telangana was formed out of Andhra Pradesh in 2014. The long journey to a separate State began in 1952 and culminated on June 2, 2014, when K Chandrasekhar Rao took oath as the first Chief Minister of the new State.

Telangana Minister KTR Rao slammed Rahul Gandhi and said he feels sorry for the knowledge of Telangana the Congress leader has.

“The people here are fully aware of the history of Congress. For the knowledge Rahul Gandhi has about the history of Telangana, I feel sorry for him. If Rahul Gandhi talks about corruption today, people will laugh because the Congress party itself is immersed in corruption,” the BRS leader said.

Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi addressed a public meeting in Nizamabad district and took aim at K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) and said that KCR and all his family members in the Bharat Rashtra Samithi are corrupt, and most money-making ministries are in the hands of KCR’s family.

“The most money-making ministries are in the hands of KCR’s family. Most of the money is made on land, liquor and sand, and all of them are under the control of KCR and his family members,” said Rahul Gandhi.

“If you (KCR) were not corrupt, then these three ministries would not have been in the hands of your family. Your MLAs take a cut of Rs 3 lakh under the Dalit Bandhu scheme. You are diverting money from the SC/ST sub-plan,” he added.

Further addressing the people present at the public meeting, the Congress leader said, “In the last two years, you have seen ‘Dorala’ government, a family government. For the next 10 years, you will get to see the ‘Prajala’ government.”

The state of Telangana is set to undergo assembly polls on November 30.

The ruling BRS, Congress and BJP are the main contestants in the state. The counting of votes will take place on December 3. 

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

It was a big thing when PM Modi came to the dressing room to motivate us after defeat in the ODI World Cup final: Suryakumar Yadav

OpIndia Staff
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It was a big thing when PM Modi came to the dressing room to motivate us after defeat in the ODI World Cup final: Suryakumar Yadav

Indian batsman Suryakumar Yadav has expressed gratitude towards ‘Men in Blue’ supporters and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his inspirational remarks to the players following the team’s devastating loss to Australia in the ODI World Cup 2023 final. He recounted the latter’s visit to the Team India dressing room after the big loss in the final encounter of the championship.

Suryakumar Yadav mentioned, “As you all know, it has been 4-5 days since the World Cup finished. We are all disappointed. It felt really good seeing the support of our fans in India and across the world. I would like to say that at the end of the day, this is a sport and it teaches us a lot including how to move forward. I would just like to request you to keep backing us.”

He added, “As you all witnessed after the loss, we were in the dressing room and our country’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji came there and met everyone and gave us motivation. He said that it’s a sport and winning and losing is a part of it, ups and downs do come. He asked us to take it in our stride. It will surely take some time to get over the defeat but his inspirational words for 5-6 minutes meant a lot. As a country’s leader, coming to the dressing room to motivate a sports team was a big thing for us. We heard him really well and spent time with him. We will try to follow his suggestions.”

The 33-year-old from Mumbai assured, “We will try to put a better performance in upcoming tournaments. Next year, there is going to be another ICC (Indian Cricket Council) event. We will play with all of our passion just like we did this year and hopefully emerge victorious.” The 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is going to be organised in the West Indies and the United States from 4 June to 30 June next year. 

The side captained by Pat Cummins crushed the host country by six wickets on 19 November in Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium and shattered a million hopes. The players were devastated and found it difficult to accept the setback. However, in a heartfelt gesture PM Modi visited the Indian dressing room to encourage and console them. 

He met with all the players and conveyed, “It keeps happening, you have won 10 continuous matches. It keeps happening. Smile, the whole country is watching you,” while holding hands with captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Cricketers like Mohammad Shami and Ravindra Jadeja thanked him for the kind action.

Suryakumar Yadav often referred to as Mr. 360 because he hit sixes in all directions of the ground is currently leading the Indian side in the five-match T20 series against Australia. The first match was played on 24 November and the former won by two wickets. The following game is slated to take place on 26 November.

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