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Canada: Former Royal Canadian Mounted Police intelligence head found guilty of leaking state secrets that benefitted Hezbollah

OpIndia Staff
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Canada: Former Royal Canadian Mounted Police intelligence head found guilty of leaking state secrets that benefitted Hezbollah

On 22nd November, Cameron Ortis, who is the former head of Canada’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) intelligence unit, was found guilty of leaking state secrets. Ortis was convicted of three counts of violating Canada’s Security of Information Act and one count of attempted violation, breach of trust and fraudulent use of a computer. With his conviction, Ortis became the first person convicted under the said Act.

Notably, the charges against Ortis stemmed from one of the most significant security breaches in Canada that caused concerns among the Five Eye allies. He allegedly revealed classified information to three individuals in 2015 and tried to do the same in another case. In 2019, Ortis was arrested following an extensive investigation by RCMP. The case sent a shockwave through the intelligence community in the Western world.

At the time of his arrest, Ortis was serving as the director general of the National Intelligence Coordination Centre, a branch of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), which is described as a “clearing house” for internal intelligence and sensitive information. He had gained a high-level security clearance since beginning work for RCMP in 2007 as a civilian member of the force.

In his defence, Ortis claimed he offered secret material to entice the individuals into using an online encryption service that is called Tutanota. He claimed that he did what he did to provide aid to the Allied spy agencies. Furthermore, Ortis claimed that he was working to “protect the country from an undisclosed grave threat”. He argued that his life was significantly affected following his arrest.

Ortis leaked information to Hezbollah-linked criminals

In October 2023, The Bureau reported that Ortis shared information in 2015 that would have helped Altag Khanani, one of the major figures in global money laundering rackets and terror funding operations linked to the Lebanese Shia Islamic terrorist organisation Hezbollah.

According to several reports of The Bureau, Ortis shared RCMP plans with four individuals who were indulged in a multi-billion-dollar money laundering and terror financing network, including one man named Vincent Ramos. The Five Eyes targeted these networks in late 2014. Apart from Ramos, other personnel with whom Ortis shared information were Salim, Henareh, and Muhammad Ashraf. He tried to share information with one Farzam Mehdizadeh as well.

The investigation into Ortis’ actions began when RCMP analysed a laptop linked to the CEO of Phantom Secure Communications Vincent Ramos. The laptop was linked to encrypted cell phones that were used by organised crimes. It was found during the investigation that Ortis was in touch with Ramos and two businessmen under Candian investigation. Furthermore, it was revealed under RCMP’s Project Saturation that criminal organisations were using Phantom Secure’s devices.

According to prosecutors, Ortis asked Ramos for C$27,429 ($20,000; £16,000) in exchange for sharing information on police operations. However, there is no evidence that he received the payment.

Leaked information linked to Khalistani narco-terror module

Furthermore, the documents and plans leaked by Ortis also named Harmohan Singh Hakimzada, a pro-Khalistani Sikh individual who has been accused of being the kingpin of a narco-terror racket. Hakimzada family lives in the United Aram Emirates (UAE). Harmohan, his son Jasmeet and his wife Eljeet Kaur are named as key individuals in narco-terror funding by the Office of Foreign Assets Control department of the US Treasury. Their four companies with headquarters in India were named in the matter in 2019.

In August 2023, the National Investigation Agency attached properties of Varinder Singh Chahal, an accused in the narco-terror network and Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF). He was a close associate of Jasmeet Singh Hakimzada and KLF’s chief Harmeet Singh. Reports suggest that Hakimzada has a significant presence in foreign drug trafficking networks spread across the United States, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

Prosecutors sought 20-year jail term for Ortis

The prosecutors would be seeking a 20-year term for Ortis emphasising his lack of authority to disclose classified information to unauthorised personnel. Furthermore, Ortis’ bail has been revoked since the jury found him guilty of leaking classified information. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 2024.

OpIndia’s detailed report on Narco-Terrorism can be checked here.

Washington Post and BBC falsely claim the Dublin attacker was not an immigrant – here is the truth

OpIndia Staff
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Washington Post and BBC falsely claim the Dublin attacker was not an immigrant – here is the truth

On 25th November (local time), The Washington Post published a report claiming that the perpetrator of a stabbing attack in Ireland that led to riots in Dublin was not an immigrant but an Irish citizen.

Source: X

The report cited BBC’s unnamed sources that claimed that the perpetrator was an Irish citizen who lived in the country for 20 years.

As per the BBC’s report, the claims of him being a foreign national were “false” as the man lived in Ireland for 20 years and had Irish citizenship.

Source: BBC

However, the Washington Post published only the half-truth. In reality, the man was originally from Algeria and had been living in Ireland for the past two decades. He became an Irish citizen more than a decade ago. The attacker was reportedly living in Dublin City Council hostel accommodate before he attacked children with a knife on Parnell Square on 23rd November at noon.

As per the Daily Mail report, the attacker came to Ireland around 2003. In May 2023, he was caught by Gardai or the Irish police for having a knife in possession and damaging a car. The report suggested that though he was not “constantly causing trouble” the officers in the area knew him. Following his arrest after the knife attack, he was taken to an undisclosed hospital for treatment. Additional police force was deployed to ensure he did not get attacked if people found out he was lodged in which hospital.

Citing unnamed sources, Daily Mail said that Gardai was investigating the matter from all possible angles including mental health episodes, considering his problematic history. Furthermore, it was being explored if the arrested perpetrator has any links to Islamic extremism. However, Gardai sources said mental health issues were more likely to be the reason behind the attack.

Though the attacker lived in Ireland for 20 years and obtained citizenship, that does not deny the fact that he is originally from Algeria and had immigrated to Ireland. It has to be noted that he got Irish citizenship only a decade ago and had a problematic past.

Moreover, by highlighting that the man has been living in Ireland for 20 years, the leftist media has proved what it has been trying to disagree with for years now, that immigrants into European countries are not being assimilated with local culture, and continue to have hatred even after living there for decades.

Dublin knife attack and aftermath

On 23rd November, violence erupted in Dublin after an Irish man of Algerian origin carried out a knife attack. He injured four people including three children. The accused was a naturalised Irish citizen who lived in the country was 20 years. He was also injured as the passer-by tackled him down. Following the attack, the anti-immigrant protests ensured leading to violence across the country. Public transport was disrupted, vehicles were set ablaze, shops were looted and clashes with police were reported. Gardai blamed the “far-right” faction for the violence. A 5-year-old girl victim of a knife attack was reportedly in critical condition at the hospital.

Uttar Pradesh: Dalit eunuch forced to convert to Islam by Muslim transgenders, assaulted when refused; Kaushar Ali and two others booked

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Uttar Pradesh: Dalit eunuch forced to convert to Islam by Muslim transgenders, assaulted when refused; Kaushar Ali and two others booked

A case involving the forced conversion of a Dalit eunuch named Muskan to Islam has surfaced in the Muzaffarnagar region of Uttar Pradesh. She filed a police complaint against three other eunuchs including Preeti, Kaushar Ali and Guddu on 24 November. She reportedly suffered abuse for refusing to embrace Islam, according to the complaint.

The matter transpired in the Mansurpur police station area of Muzaffarnagar district. The victim who is a resident of Nawala village notified the authorities and mentioned that she is a Hindu and has always lived her life per Sanatan Dharma. However, some Muslim transgenders used to be angry with her over her religious practices particularly the three named accused.

She stated that Kaushar Ali masquerades as Geeta whereas Preeti is originally from Bihar and is a Muslim, but she has maintained a Hindu name. She disclosed that Preeti was originally a male and fathered two children. Later, he underwent surgery and turned into an eunuch. Guddu hails from Mewat.

Muskaan further asserted that the perpetrators have been pressuring her to become a Muslim for a number of years. She was tortured when she refused to comply. She highlighted in her complaint that on 24 November she was attacked by the culprits and several of their accomplices in an attempt to murder her.

She suffered multiple injuries in the assault and received stitches on her head by the doctors. She is now being shifted to Meerut for better treatment. Muskaan charged that the assailants also stole all her jewellery and other essentials.

The cops have opened an investigation and filed a case after receiving the complaint. However, no arrests have been made so far. While talking to OpIndia Muskaan pointed out that numerous cases are already filed against Kaushar Ali who has a criminal mindset.

The victim claimed that Preeti moved to Muzaffarnagar from Bihar where she stays in a rented house and antisocial elements congregate there every night to drink alcohol and use other substances. She voiced that the offenders are trying to take over her area.

Odisha: 21-yr-old girl murdered, cut into 31 pieces and buried in a forest, suspected to be killed by a man and his wife over extra-marital affair

OpIndia Staff
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Odisha: 21-yr-old girl murdered, cut into 31 pieces and buried in a forest, suspected to be killed by a man and his wife over extra-marital affair

On 24 November, the Raighar Police in the Nabarangpur district in Odisha excavated the dead body of a 21-year-old girl named Tilabati Gond from a forest close to Murumadihi village under Umerkote block. Shockingly, the body was reportedly discovered by them in 31 pieces during exhumation. The victim was a resident of Baghabeda village. Furthermore, salt was applied to the corpse to hasten its decomposition. It has been alleged a man with whom she had a relationship and his wife killed her as she was insisting on marrying him.

The deceased’s family stated that on 22 November she left her house saying that she was heading to the neighbourhood market. They became concerned when she did not return till late at night and reported the missing person to the local police. The police, townspeople and family members looked everywhere the following day for her, but to no avail.

In the meanwhile, some youths spotted the body buried in the ground the next day as the right foot was sticking out. Blood stains were also spotted on the ground. The victim was killed and buried close to Murumadihi village in a forest. The villagers called the cops right away. Following this, her father Luduram Gond registered a murder case on 25 November at the Raighar Police Station.

A scientific team and a squad from the Raighar Police Station made it to the forest. Thirty-one parts of the missing woman were excavated from a specific site after digging.

The instance is believed to have been the result of a fallout romantic relationship, according to a police source. A source unveiled that the victim spent almost the entire last two years romantically involved with Chandra Rout who was a married man. She went to his house which is around ten kilometres from her own on 22 November night and asserted that she wanted to tie the knot with him after which he and his spouse allegedly killed her devising a scheme to eliminate the girl for good. They then dismembered her body before carrying it to the forest and burying it there.

The couple from Murumadihi village has reportedly been taken into custody by the police and is being questioned at the police station. “A man named Chandra Rout and his wife killed Tilabati on Thursday night. The girl was in love with Chandra and always insisted he accept her as his wife. Since the man was married, he started ignoring her request,” alleged a villager.

He added, “On the fateful day, she came to his house and insisted on staying with him. The couple, in a bid to get rid of her, killed her and chopped off her body into pieces for easy dumping. When the police exhumed the body, it was found to have been cut into 31 pieces. We demand exemplary punishment to be handed down to the culprits and justice to the deceased woman’s family members.” Kesnath Gond, brother of the young girl pleaded, “We can’t say who has murdered her but we want justice.”

“A villager named Luduram Gond had lodged a complaint that his daughter had been murdered and buried. On the basis of his complaint, we launched an investigation and exhumed the body today. In this connection, we have detained two persons,” said the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Aditya Sen. The Raighar police have lodged a case (No-206/2023) in accordance with Sections 302 (murder) and 201 (evidence destruction) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and have sent the body for a post-mortem.

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)

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