Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL) has delivered the 250th fuselage for the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter from its state-of-the-art facility in Hyderabad.
The company said that these fuselages are manufactured for customers around the world, including the US. Army, and most recently, the six are on order with the Indian Army.
“This milestone reflects TBAL’s continuous dedication to bolstering India’s defence capabilities and advancing the nation’s indigenous manufacturing prowess,” the company said.
“The joint venture between Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) employs over
900 engineers and technicians, leveraging cutting-edge robotics, automation, and advanced aerospace concepts in its manufacturing processes,” it added.
TBAL’s 14,000 sqm facility serves as a global sole source supplier for Apache fuselages, with over 90 per cent of the parts used in the Apache aerostructure assemblies are manufactured in India through more than 100 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) suppliers, the statement said.
AH-64 Apache attack helicopter is capable of delivering a variety of weapons which include air-to-ground Hellfire missiles, 70 mm Hydra rockets and air-to-air Stinger missiles.
Apache also carries one 30 mm chain gun with 1200 rounds as part of the area weapon sub-system.
“To add to the lethality of the helicopter, it carries fire control radar, which has a 360° coverage and nose-mounted sensor suite for target acquisition and night vision systems,” the Defence Ministry earlier in a release dated September 3, 2019, said.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
A group of unidentified supporters of Congress have been booked for allegedly creating a ruckus at Mahakaleshwar temple in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain during the visit of the newly appointed state chief of the party, Jitu Patwari, police said on Wednesday.
According to officials, a case under sections 294, 323, 506, and 34 of the IPC, and also under relevant sections of the MP Shri Mahakaleshwar Mandir Adhiniyam, 1982, has been registered against them at Mahakal Police station.
Notably, Patwari visited Mahakal temple on Tuesday afternoon along with party workers and supporters to offer prayers. During his visit, a group of party supporters argued with employees of the temple management committee, they said.
The unidentified party supporters allegedly tried to enter the temple from ‘Nagada Dwar’ and manhandled duty staff deployed there. They also abused and threatened the staff with dire consequences, as per the FIR.
Ujjain Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Jayant Singh Rathore said, “Congress President Jitu Patwari visited the Mahakal temple on Tuesday to offer prayers here and he was accompanied by his party’s supporters.”
He said that while entering the temple, some of the party supporters misbehaved with the security staff of the temple management committee and also used abusive language.
At that moment, a commotion occurred, and the glass installed on the premises of the temple broke. Nonetheless, no one was hurt due to the breaking of the glass, ASP Rathore said.
“After that, on the complaint of the temple management committee, a case has been registered against unknown persons (Congress supporters), and further investigation into the matter is underway,” the ASP added.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
On Tuesday (19th December), communal tension erupted in the Moradabad district of Uttar Pradesh as a mob of Muslims clashed with Hindu devotees over the construction of a temple boundary. The situation escalated to the point where stones were hurled by these Muslims at the police attempting to control the matter. In response, the police have taken legal action by filing an FIR against 34 individuals, including Abdullah and Rahis, resulting in the arrest of five people. To quell the unrest in the village, additional forces have been deployed.
According to reports, the incident is from the Moodhapande police station area in Moradabad. In Raunda, there stands a revered symbol of the Hindu faith, the Mata Chamunda Devi temple. Devotees have long sought to improve the dilapidated boundary wall surrounding the sacred site. On 25th November 2023, as devotees were engaged in the construction of the boundary wall, members from the Muslim community arrived and expressed their protest. Subsequently, law enforcement intervened, bringing an immediate halt to the ongoing construction work.
The construction work for the boundary wall of the temple resumed on Tuesday (19th December). During this time, a mob of Muslims assembled at the site, vehemently opposing the ongoing construction. Notably, the protest included Muslim women. In response to the opposition, a declaration was made to initiate construction at their religious site if the temple’s construction was not halted. The situation became tense, prompting the intervention of law enforcement at the scene.
Allegedly, amidst the heated dialogue, Muslims initiated stone pelting. This was captured in a viral video which is circulating on social media. In an attempt to quell the unruly behaviour, the police resorted to using force, leading to a clash with the stone pelters. Women constables were also targeted and struck by the thrown stones. Despite the adversity, the police managed to subdue the miscreants. Following a complaint filed by the outpost in-charge Sub-Inspector Surendra Kumar, an FIR has been officially lodged against a total of 34 individuals involved in the incident.
Abdullah and Rahis are the prime accused in this case. Action has been taken against all of them under the Criminal Act and indecency with the police team. So far 5 accused have been arrested. Many accused are absconding.
स्थानीय थाना पुलिस द्वारा शांति व्यवस्था के दृष्टिगत दो पक्षो के विरूद्ध निरोधात्मक कार्यवाही की गई है। प्रकरण के संबंध में पुलिस द्वारा सतर्क दृष्टि रखी जा रही है।
Witnessing the inter-community stress situation, the village saw the deployment of PAC (Provincial Armed Constabulary) forces alongside an augmentation of the police presence. A video provided to OpIndia by local journalist Sumit Tandon captures a tense situation where a group from the Muslim community engages in a heated argument with the inspector. Notably, numerous women actively participate in the discourse. The confrontational crowd is also seen issuing threats against the inspector, displaying a determination to aggressively proceed towards the Hindu faction.
The video captures disturbing conversations within the crowd assembled from the Muslim side, wherein discussions about physical violence can be distinctly heard. Representing the Muslim faction, a woman lawyer identified as Zaibunnisha acknowledged the existence of the temple but contended that the Hindu side is currently expanding it. Zaibunnisha, asserting her legal expertise, claimed that the temple’s original construction had concluded.
On Wednesday (20th December), people from the Jat community staged a protest against the Congress Party and its leader Rahul Gandhi after Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee allegedly mimicked Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Parliament premises. Gandhi who was also present at the spot could be seen using his phone to make a video of the mimicry act.
The Jat community protestors marched towards the Congress office in support of Dhankar and raised slogans against Gandhi. They also held placards demanding an apology from Gandhi and raised slogans like “Rahul Gandhi Murdabad” and “Rahul Gandhi Hosh me aao”. The video of the protest is making rounds on social media in which the enraged protesters can be seen marching towards the Congress office.
#WATCH | Delhi: Jat community holds protest march towards Congress Office in support of Vice President of India and Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. pic.twitter.com/UPp5RAdsuB
On Tuesday (19th December), while protesting outside Parliament against the mass suspension of opposition party MPs, Banerjee appeared to mimic Dhankhar’s walking style by leaning forward and making reference to suffering a spine. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who was also present at the spot, was seen recording Banerjee’s act using his phone.
Gandhi meanwhile responded to the protests and claimed that people were unnecessarily making a big issue out of the mimicry video. “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. But you are discussing that (mimicry),” he said.
#WATCH | Mimicry row | Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, "…MPs were sitting there, I shot their video. My video is on my phone. 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.… pic.twitter.com/JivmXmWrcc
Members of the Jat community met on Wednesday (20th December) to demand an apology from Banerjee. “This meeting has been called so that either TMC MP (Kalyan Banerjee) apologises to Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and also to millions of farmers across India, or we will call a bigger meeting today itself and protest against TMC,” Palam 360 Khap Pradhan, Chaudhary Surender Solanki said.
“It is unfortunate we talk about Congress, especially Rahul Gandhi, as their outlook towards the whole situation was very unprofessional and ridiculous…Our only demand is that we will not tolerate the insult of a farmer family,” he added.
Another member of the community, Sukhchain Singh, said, “Ever since the video went viral (of TMC MP mimicking Vice President Dhankar) we saw how being born in a farmer family, our Vice president was mocked by the TMC MP and MPs around him were enjoying the show.”
“This is an insult to our country’s farmers… We belong to a clan that has not forgotten its enemies for seven generations, and if all of them do not apologize to the Vice President, we will take revenge,” Singh said.
Earlier in the day, Banerjee justified himself in response to the Vice President’s mimicry incident. The TMC MP stated that he had no intention of offending the Rajya Sabha Chairman. Banerjee defended his action, calling mimicry an “art,” by citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi “doing mimicry in Lok Sabha” from 2014 to 2019.
“I have great respect for Jagdeep Dhankhar He belongs to my profession. He was our ex-governor. He is our Vice President. I just showcased a type of art. Even the PM did mimicry in the past in Lok Sabha itself. I can show it to you. We never took that seriously,” the TMC MP said. This is all after 143 opposition MPs were suspended from both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha during the winter session of Parliament.
Reportedly, a police complaint has also been filed on Tuesday (19th December) evening against Banerjee at the Defence Colony police station in the national capital.
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.
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.”
@AmitShah: The British made sedition law, under which a lot of freedom fighters went to prison, was still in application. For the first time, we have removed it.
Instead of sedition, we have penalised deshdrohi. Now that we're independent, anybody can speak against the… pic.twitter.com/JLh6on7gZ6
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.
Mob lynching is a disgusting crime and in the new law we are making a provision for death penalty for the crime of mob lynching. But I want to ask the Congress that you have also ruled the country for years, why did you not make a law against mob lynching?: Amit Shah in Lok… pic.twitter.com/SrUJLMX0RL
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.
VIDEO | "The motive of Indian Penal Code was to give punishment, not justice; in place of that Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, 2023 will come into effect in the country after the passage from the House," says Union Home Minister Amit Shah. pic.twitter.com/WXNFyX1yyv
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…”
#WATCH | Delhi: Home Minister Amit Shah in Lok Sabha says, "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…" pic.twitter.com/pqdN1O2Tmr
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…”
#WATCH | Delhi: Home Minister Amit Shah in Lok Sabha says, "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%… pic.twitter.com/kNYxFgUGF5
He stressed that ‘Tareekh pe tareekh’ had been going on for years and it made justice difficult for the poor.
#WATCH | Delhi: Home Minister Amit Shah in Lok Sabha says, "…For poor, the biggest challenge to get justice is the financial challenge…For years 'Tareekh pe tareekh' keep going. Police hold the judicial system responsible. The government holds the police and judiciary… pic.twitter.com/B2EFtlhMzP
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 —
FIR should be filed within 3 days of the complaint.
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.
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.
An investigation report and search and seizure report must be submitted to the court within 24 hours.
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
If one accepts a crime within 30 days, the punishment will be less.
#WATCH | Delhi: Home Minister Amit Shah in Lok Sabha says, "Now the accused will get seven days to file a plea for acquittal…The judge has to hold the hearing in those seven days and in a maximum time of 120 days, the case would come to trial. There was no time limit for plea… pic.twitter.com/7KzlLwnbPl
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.
#WATCH | Mimicry row | Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, "…MPs were sitting there, I shot their video. My video is on my phone. 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.… pic.twitter.com/JivmXmWrcc
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)
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.
Regular preventive orders issued under CrPC section 144 in all areas under the jurisdiction of Mumbai Police from 20th December 2023 to 18th January 2024. pic.twitter.com/55Gs4fPS54
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.
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.
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.
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.”
#WATCH | On TMC MP mimicry row, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee says, "…You wouldn't have come to know if Rahul ji had not recorded a video…" pic.twitter.com/t1gNmnI69p
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.
#WATCH | Mimicry row | Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, "…MPs were sitting there, I shot their video. My video is on my phone. 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.… pic.twitter.com/JivmXmWrcc
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.
