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‘You will be part of the Tihar club’: Sukesh Chandrashekhar sends another letter bomb alleging Arvind Kejriwal is mastermind behind extortion in Delhi jails

OpIndia Staff
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‘You will be part of the Tihar club’: Sukesh Chandrashekhar sends another letter bomb alleging Arvind Kejriwal is mastermind behind extortion in Delhi jails

Scammer Sukesh Chandrashekhar has written another letter from jail, this time alleging that the money which was being extorted from jail was allegedly planned by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, according to a report in India Today.

It is notable that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has requested permission from Vinai Kumar Saxena, the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, to file a case against former minister Satyendra Jain alleging that he and prison officials extorted crores of rupees from high-profile prisoners, including Sukesh. The CBI says that Jain had extorted and received ₹10 crore from Sukesh Chandrashekhar in various tranches during 2018-21 as protection money.

Sukesh has sent out the new letter in response to Arvind Kejriwal’s claim that the CBI should file a formal complaint and conduct a thorough inquiry. The letter stated, “Firstly, Kejriwal ji, if you do not have any association, please welcome this development of CBI Investigation instead of blame games and talking about my integrity. Have the guts to have a one-on-one narco test with me as suggested before.”

He declared that the courts would decide whether he is the biggest conman or thug in the nation or not and the Delhi Chief Minister has no right to make such claims. He pointed out, “Look at yourself first. Three of your main associates are in jail for looting public money and corruption. Anytime soon, you will also be a part of the Tihar Club. You are the main mastermind.” 

The conman alleged to have all the documentation necessary to back up his accusations against the AAP supremo in the letter. “Don’t worry, there is enough evidence to name you and get you and your associates convicted.” According to Sukesh, the “Delhi Chief Minister and his associates have been sending threats and offers” in an attempt to intimidate him into silence. He further accused that he was also offered a Rajya Sabah seat by Arvind Kejriwal.

Sukesh is incarcerated at the Tihar jail in Delhi in relation to an extortion case for Rs 200 crore. Following his imprisonment in the extortion case of the previous year, Sukesh sent a number of missives criticising Arvind Kejriwal and his party. One of his numerous letters asserted that he had given protection money to the minister Satyender Jain, who was sentenced to prison for Rs. 10 crore and then to the Aam Aadmi Party for another Rs. 60 crore.

Arvind Kejriwal, however, has denied these accusations and argued that the con artist adhered to the Bharatiya Janata Party instructions and that the ruling party should pick him as its national president.

From Mahadev betting app scam to cow dung scam: A saga of scandals haunts Congress govt as Chhattisgarh goes to polls

Gopal Tiwari
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From Mahadev betting app scam to cow dung scam: A saga of scandals haunts Congress govt as Chhattisgarh goes to polls

As the vibrant state of Chhattisgarh braces for a pivotal moment in its democratic journey, the echoes of discontent resonate through the political landscape. With the first phase of assembly elections having concluded, the second phase looms large on the horizon, scheduled for November 17, encompassing 70 crucial assembly seats. In the backdrop of this electoral fervour, the ruling Congress government, led by Bhupesh Baghel, finds itself navigating treacherous waters, dogged by a litany of alleged scandals that have become emblematic of its tenure from 2018 to 2023.

The political discourse is agog with accusations ranging from a Mahadev betting app scandal to the surreal spectre of a cow dung scam. The Congress administration stands accused of orchestrating a symphony of malfeasance, including a liquor scandal, irregularities in transfers, deceptive practices in the formation of Gram Sabha members, controversies surrounding essential commodities like rice, and the ominous shadows cast by a mine-related freight scandal. As the state remains at the crossroads of democracy, the public sentiment appears to be shifting, fueled by palpable frustration and a burgeoning disquiet that threatens to reshape the political landscape.

Bhupesh Baghel’s term remained controversial from start to end

When Bhupesh Baghel assumed the mantle of Chief Minister in Chhattisgarh, speculations swirled about a purported power-sharing arrangement, with reports indicating a scheduled transition after 2.5 years to TS Singhdeo. However, contrary to these expectations, Baghel held the reins for the entire five-year term, weathering political impasses. Singhdeo’s role transitioned to that of deputy chief minister in the final months, sparking curiosity about the dynamics at play.

Political circles are rife with discussions on why Singhdeo seemingly acquiesced to this deviation from the initially anticipated power-sharing agreement. While the specifics remain known to a select few, prevailing political discourse suggests that Baghel employed strategic manoeuvres to secure an extended tenure. The Bharatiya Janata Party contends that Chhattisgarh became a financial bastion for the Congress, with Baghel allegedly utilising his position to orchestrate scams and fundraise for the party.

In this exposé, we delve into a comprehensive compilation of serious corruption allegations against the Bhupesh Baghel government, shedding light on a tumultuous tenure that has left many questions lingering.

The Mahadev Betting App Scam

The Mahadev app is an online betting platform that operates illegally and launders the money it receives from users who are not located in India. The Mahadev betting application was created by four people including key accused Saurabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal from Madhya Pradesh and it gradually replaced at least 10 similar illicit betting apps that were being used all over the country. The Mahadev Betting App scam allegedly involves high-profile names including politicians from Chhattisgarh and celebrities. Mahadev Online Book (MOB) has networked from its UAE headquarters to India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Pakistan.

The BJP has persistently asserted that Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel is not only implicated in the alleged scam but is directly involved. Adding fuel to the controversy, the purported mastermind and owner of the implicated Mahadev betting app released a video in which he claimed to have personally delivered a staggering Rs 508 crore in cash to Bhupesh Baghel. According to the self-proclaimed financier, this substantial sum was purportedly utilized in election-related activities, and he asserts having a meticulous account of every rupee disbursed.

The Mahadev betting app case, currently valued at a staggering Rs 15,000 crore, is under investigation, with allegations of money laundering prompting the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to register a case. The scale of this potential financial malfeasance remains shrouded in uncertainty, with ongoing investigations seeking to unravel the depth of the alleged scam. Notably, individuals closely associated with Bhupesh Baghel are now behind bars in connection with this intricate web of accusations.

In the midst of this controversy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during an election rally, directly questioned Bhupesh Baghel, asking him to disclose the precise utilisation of the contested funds. PM Narendra Modi asked, “The Chief Minister’s close aides are behind bars. These mathematicians of Congress will have to tell how much share the CM has received in this, what is the share of the money going to other Congress netas and how much money has gone to the Delhi darbar?”

PM Modi took a veiled jibe at Rahul Gandhi saying that “some great sages of the Congress have developed an interest in math”. “The Congress which is so interested in teaching math, today I want to ask them some questions,” PM said. The PM said that more than Rs 508 crore were allegedly distributed in the Mahadev Betting App scam.

On 3rd November, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) revealed some findings from its investigation alleging that regular payments were made in the past and around Rs 508 crore has been paid by Mahadev App Promoters to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. The ED received credible inputs and conducted successful search operations on November 2 in Chhattisgarh in which Rs 5.39 crore in cash was intercepted in the poll-bound state.

The Chhattisgarh PCS Scam

In a startling revelation within the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (PSC) scam, positions such as deputy collector and DSP were allegedly bestowed upon relatives, including sons and daughters of officers and political leaders. Notable beneficiaries of this purported favoritism include the daughter of Congress leader Rajendra Shukla and the daughter-son-in-law of Sudhir Katiyar. The Chhattisgarh High Court expressed astonishment at the selection of individuals closely connected to ruling party Congress leaders and officials. Subsequently, the Bilaspur High Court in Chhattisgarh intervened, issuing a stay order on the appointments of 18 such officers pending further investigation.

In response to a petition filed by former minister and BJP MLA Nanki Ram Kanwar, the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (PSC) found itself under scrutiny. Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha, presiding over the case, issued a notice to the Chhattisgarh PSC, seeking a detailed response.

The High Court, further delving into the matter, revealed that not only were officials under investigation, but also that five close relatives of Chhattisgarh PSC Chairman Taman Singh Sonwani had secured positions through the commission. Perturbed by these findings, the High Court mandated an inquiry into the appointment process involving 18 key positions, kins of influential people spanning from the chairman to officers and close relatives of ruling party leaders.

The Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam

The Chhattisgarh liquor scam was unearthed months before the ongoing state assembly elections. The illicit activities, which transpired between 2019 and 2022, took centre stage in the public discourse. The Chhattisgarh liquor scam, which unfolded between 2019 and 2022, implicates high-profile bureaucrats and political executives in collusion with distillery firms, reflecting a staggering financial embezzlement amounting to ₹2,161 crores. Initiated under the Congress government’s rule, the scam involved businessman Anwar Dhebar, brother of Congress Mayor Aijaz Dhebar, conspiring to defraud the Chhattisgarh Excise Department. Anil Tuteja, an IAS officer, played a pivotal role in running the syndicate.

The scam unfolded through three primary mechanisms: illegal commissions for liquor purchases, sale of unaccounted bootleg alcohol from authorised stores, and extortion of bribes from foreign liquor manufacturers. The Enforcement Directorate’s investigation, initiated in November 2022, exposed a systematic and deep-rooted corruption network. The accused, including Anwar Dhebar, Anil Tuteja, and Arunpati Tripathi, faced arrests, and properties worth ₹121 crores were attached. The Supreme Court granted interim bail to Anwar Dhebar, while the Chhattisgarh High Court rejected bail pleas for key accused in May 2023, underscoring the severity of the Congress party’s involvement in the orchestrated Chhattisgarh liquor policy scam.

The Chhattisgarh Rice Scam or the NAN scam

Within the Public Distribution System (PDS), provisions were established to allocate 5 kg of paddy per individual. However, a report by the Controller and Auditor General (CAG) revealed the misappropriation of Rs 600 crore in this distribution. Simultaneously, media sources alleged a rice scam of approximately Rs 5000 crore under the Bhupesh Baghel government. In May 2023, the BJP called for Bhupesh Baghel’s resignation, asserting his involvement in the purported Rs 5,000 crore rice scam. Despite these accusations, Bhupesh Baghel and his associates maintained a stoic silence on the matter.

In 2015, when the BJP was in power in Chhattisgarh and Dr Raman Singh was the Chief Minister, Congress had alleged that the government was distributing sub-standard quality grains under the Public Distribution System and that officials had received kickbacks from rice millers to allow this. The Nagrik Apurti Nigam is the nodal agency in Chhattisgarh responsible for procuring and distributing food grains under PDS.

The BJP government had launched a probe into what came to be known as the NAN scam and subsequently, 27 people were booked by the BJP govt – Anil Tuteja and Alok Shukla being the prime accused. ACB later started a money laundering probe as well and a chargesheet was filed in 2015. After this, Congress came to power in Chhattisgarh.

After Bhupesh Baghel took the reigns, an SIT was formed to probe the scam because the prime accused, Anil Tuteja, had alleged that the investigation was unfair. Since then, various pieces of evidence have come to the fore, proving that Bhupesh Baghel was personally shielding the prime accused, Anil Tuteja, and was instead trying to implicate Raman Singh in the scam.

In 2020, Tuteja got bail and immediately, he was appointed by the Baghel govt again. Tuteja was the Joint Secretary for Commerce and Industries and Shukla became the Principal Secretary in charge of Education and other departments. While Congress was first to bring up the scam in 2015, ample evidence was later recovered that proved that it was actually the Congress government functionaries and the Chief Minister himself was shielding the prime accused Anil Tuteja.

OpIndia accessed the WhatsApp chats of the accused Anil Tuteja

OpIndia has accessed WhatsApp chats of Anil Tuteja-IAS Officer, presently Joint Secretary Industries and his Son Yash Tuteja, which was retrieved by Income Tax consequent to its raids conducted in Chhattisgarh, wherein his mobile phone was seized in February 2020. These Whatsapp chats now in possession of OpIndia contain the messages exchanged between the Tutejas and senior IPS officers in the State namely, SRP Kalluri, Kalyan Elesela, G.P Singh and Arif Sheikh. The chats clearly demonstrate that the entire criminal justice delivery system in the State is being abused, misused and mutilated at the behest of Anil Tuteja and his son Yash Tuteja. 

The chats accessed by OpIndia prove that the Congress government functionaries at the behest of the Chief Minister and prime accused Anil Tuteja were fabricating evidence and threatening witnesses to implicate Dr Raman Singh and his wife. In fact, the chats also show that Anil Tuteja was acting as the head of the NAN investigation where he himself was the prime accused and was coordinating the transfer of IPS officers, promotions and other favours doled to those who were willing to participate in these nefarious designs. Further, those who did not comply were being given punishment-posting or worse, being implicated in false cases themselves.

The Chhattisgarh coal levy scam

The Chhattisgarh coal levy scam refers to an alleged illegal extortion racket involving politicians, bureaucrats, and businessmen in Chhattisgarh. The scam allegedly took place between 2018 and 2023, during the tenure of the ruling Congress government led by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel.

According to the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is investigating the case, a cartel of individuals was allegedly extorting an illegal levy of Rs 25 per tonne of coal transported in Chhattisgarh. This levy was reportedly collected from coal mine owners and transporters, and the proceeds were then laundered through a network of shell companies.

The ED has estimated that the scam may have generated up to Rs 3 crore per day, or over Rs 1,000 crore in total. Several individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, including two Congress MLAs, an IAS officer, and several businessmen. The ED is continuing its investigation into the case, and further arrests are expected. The scam has caused significant damage to the reputation of the Chhattisgarh government and has raised questions about the integrity of the state’s mining industry.

The Chhattisgarh Cow Dung Scam

The Chhattisgarh government under Bhupesh Baghel stands accused of orchestrating a scam involving not only misappropriation of funds of cow dung but also encroachment upon the grazing land. This is a scam amounting to a staggering Rs 1300 crore. The BJP has vehemently criticised this alleged misconduct, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the issue directly during election rallies. The enormity of the scam is underscored by the fact that it involves substantial financial irregularities under the guise of cow dung management in Chhattisgarh.

In July 2023, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state of Chhattisgarh accused the state government led by CM Bhupesh Baghel of engaging in a monetary scam involving the trade of cow dung. BJP MLAs Narayan Chandel and Saurabh Singh stated that the cow dung scam was even bigger than the fodder scam that involved the embezzlement of about Rs 9.4 billion from the government treasury of Bihar.

In this way, the Congress government in Chhattisgarh committed scams in multiple sectors. No wonder Narendra Modi said in an election rally, “Congress has not missed any opportunity to loot Chhattisgarh, but I assure you that after the formation of the BJP government in the state, such scams will be strictly investigated, and those who loot your money will be sent to jail.”

Conclusion

In Chhattisgarh, a barrage of accusations has emerged, ranging from irregularities in the government distribution of chana ration to allegations of improper utilisation of central government funds, nepotism, and alleged neglect of tribal areas. Bhupesh Baghel faces charges of diverting scam proceeds from Chhattisgarh to the upper echelons of the Congress leadership, purportedly aiding their deployment in election campaigns across other states.

This strategy is believed to be a key factor enabling him to retain power for a full five-year term. The ongoing assembly elections will serve as a litmus test to determine how the electorate responds to a government marred by corruption allegations and whether they choose to hold the accused accountable at the polls.

RBI asks Bajaj Finance to stop issuing loans under ‘eCOM’ and ‘Insta EMI Card’ for violation of digital lending guidelines

OpIndia Staff
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RBI asks Bajaj Finance to stop issuing loans under ‘eCOM’ and ‘Insta EMI Card’ for violation of digital lending guidelines

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on November 15 asked Bajaj Finance to stop sanction and disbursal of loans under its two lending products with immediate effect. As per a notification issued by RBI, Bajaj Finance has been asked to stop issue loans under ‘eCOM’ and ‘Insta EMI Card’ lending products.

The central bank said that the action has been taken for non-adherence to the extant provisions of Digital lending guidelines of the Reserve Bank of India, particularly non-issuance of Key Fact Statements to the borrowers under these two lending products and the deficiencies in the Key Fact Statements issued in respect of other digital loans sanctioned by the company.

The action has been taken under section 45L(1)(b) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, a press released by the RBI said.

RBI added that these supervisory restrictions will be reviewed upon the rectification of the said deficiencies to the satisfaction of it.

In August last year, RBI had issued digital lending guidelines in a bid to crack down on frauds and unlawful activities in the digital loans segment. The guidelines comprise norms to protect the borrowers. Digital lending platforms including banks and NBFCs are required to comply with these guidelines.

The ‘eCOM’ service of Bajaj Finserv offers e-commerce business loans, while the ‘Insta EMI Card’ lets buyers to buy products from e-retail sites on EMI.

Rahul Gandhi tries to appear ‘Hindu’ while Priyanka handles the Muslim appeasement department by peddling Hamas talking points

Pragya Bakshi Sharma
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Rahul Gandhi tries to appear ‘Hindu’ while Priyanka handles the Muslim appeasement department by peddling Hamas talking points

The second phase of voting in Chhattisgarh and polling in MP is scheduled on 17th November whereas Rajasthan and Telangana are set to cast the ballot on 25th and 30th this month. The Gandhis, meanwhile, are attempting to appease both Hindus and Muslims. On 13th November, Rahul Gandhi shared a documentary-like video of his recent visit to Kedarnath Dham.

The 5 minute 13 second-long video shows the Congress scion sitting and conversing with sadhus, paying obeisance to Baba Kedarnath, donning the Tripund tilak and more. The entire video is coloured in a saffron that was once used by the Congress party to peddle the “saffron terror” narrative in the country.

In the video, Rahul Gandhi is centred around the many Hindu symbols in and around the temple as if affirming his “Hindu” identity. A part of the video shows Rahul having a conversation with a sadhu who has taken a vow of silence for the pas 11 years.

He asks the Sadhu, “Kyun kiya yeh aapna? (Why have you taken this vow?)” to which the sadhu replies in writing that “Yeh toh Kedar Baba hi jaane (Only Kedar Baba knows this).”

The sadhu baba then writes to Rahul, “Aap mere paas the nahin aaye, Kedar Baba aapko yahan lekar aaye hain (You have not come to me, Kedar Baba has got you here).” Rahul replies with a know-it-all, “Haan haan main jaanta hoon,” an assertive affirmation of sorts to appeal to the Hindus that he understands them.

Rahul Gandhi’s journey to establish himself as a Muslim-loving practising Hindu began in November 2017, that is 6 years ago when the Congress pitched him as “Janeudhari Hindu”. But naturally, no one, at least not the common Hindu, is not buying it so far. That is because, for one, given the Congress’ history with the experiment they did with Hindus by coining the term “saffron terror” in the Malegaon Blast case.

Not to mention that this hatred for Hindus in the Congress has always gone hand in hand with their blind and unconditional love for Islamists and the Muslim votebank. And because blood is thicker than water, this reflects in Rahul’s statements too time and again.

For example, in 2010, according to a cable by the then US ambassador to India Timothy Roemer, Rahul Gandhi felt that “the bigger threat (to India) may be the growth of radicalised Hindu groups, which create religious tensions and political confrontations with the Muslim community.”

The cable dated 3rd August 2010 was reportedly leaked by Wikileaks. It talked about a “candid conversation” between Roemer and Rahul Gandhi at the dinner hosted by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for visiting Secretary of State Hillary Clinton two weeks earlier.

Interestingly, the cable further mentions Rahul Gandhi’s response to Roemer’s query about Lashkar-e-Taiba’s (LeT) activities in the region and immediate threat to India. Gandhi reportedly downplayed the response saying that “there was evidence of some support for the group among certain elements in India’s indigenous Muslim community”.

But further added that the risk of a “home-grown” extremist front, in reaction to terror attacks from Pakistan or from Islamist groups in India, was a growing concern and demanded constant attention. Roemer added that Rahul Gandhi “was referring to the tensions created by some of the more polarising figures in the BJP such as Gujarat CM Narendra Modi.”

In 2014, Rahul Gandhi said that the very people who visit temples and worship Gods and Goddesses molest people in buses.

Even if one were to give the pre-2017 Rahul Gandhi a benefit of the doubt, he has defeated his own purpose time and again. For example, in 2018, he said he understands the Hindu religion better while also saying that he is not a “Hindutvawadi” leader.

Then, in 2021, Rahul raked up the controversy again by saying that there is a clash between two words in India’s politics, one being Hindu and another being Hindutva. Rahul said that these two words have two different meanings. “I am a Hindu, not a Hindutvawadi,” Rahul had said.

While attempting to project himself as a devotee, Rahul maintained the streak of insulting the Hindu faith as recently as in September this year. Rahul shared the stage in Paris with Hindu-hating author and columnist Christophe Jaffrelot.

These are some of the many reasons why Rahul Gandhi’s stint to convince the Hindu voter base of his faith holds no merit. But the attempts at appeasement continue nonetheless even as his sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, is campaigning to appease the Muslim voter base.

On 14th November, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra used Children’s Day to demonise Israel’s attack on Hamas in Gaza.

“On #ChildrensDay, today, let us remind ourselves that we have failed the thousands of children that are being massacred in Palestine every moment. They deserved better from humanity. We must all raise our voices and demand an end to the horrendous violence being committed against them,” Priyanka wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

The death of children in Gaza is being used by Hamas to further its narrative of victimhood and to justify its terrorist attack on Israel on 7th October. Priyanka’s passionate condemnation of Israel’s war on terrorists has been ongoing ever since Israel began its crackdown on Hamas.

But the Congress leader did not post a single word condemning Hamas on 7th October when at least 1,400 people in Israel were butchered by the terrorists and at least 200 captured. Safe to say, the brother-sister duo have been campaigning to appease both communities but is failing to impact one while speaking for the other for all the wrong reasons.

World Cup 2023: Virat Kohli surpasses Sachin Tendulkar to become the first cricketer to hit 50 ODI centuries

OpIndia Staff
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World Cup 2023: Virat Kohli surpasses Sachin Tendulkar to become the first cricketer to hit 50 ODI centuries

Star Indian batsman Virat Kohli left Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar behind after scoring a sensational century in the semi-final against New Zealand during the 2023 World Cup, becoming the first cricketer to hit 50 centuries in one-day internationals. Kohli had previously matched Tendulkar’s record for the most ODI centuries on November 5 against South Africa at Eden Gardens.

Here’s the moment when Kohli hit his 50th century:-

Virat Kohli has already notched up six centuries in 2023, reinventing himself after a brief period of lean patch. This recent hundred against New Zealand marks his fifth century in all ODI World Cups and his third in the current tournament. Kohli’s journey in World Cup centuries began with a hundred on debut against Bangladesh in 2011, and he continued the trend with another century against Pakistan in 2015. Despite an impressive batting performance in the 2019 World Cup, Kohli couldn’t secure any centuries during that tournament.

Kohli started off cautiously after Indian captain Rohit Sharma provided a blistering start to the team, racking 47 in just 29 balls, with 4 sixes and 4 boundaries. Gill, on the other hand, kept the tempo up, solidifying the foundation set by Sharma. However, he got retired hurt in the middle overs, which led to the arrival of Shreyas Iyer in the middle. Iyer and Kohli paced up a robust partnership to take India to 327-2 before Kohli held out to the deep square leg in his quest to up the ante.

Virat Kohli has become the third Indian, joining Sourav Ganguly and Rohit Sharma, to register centuries in knockout matches of the ODI World Cups. Ganguly achieved this feat with an unbeaten 111 off 114 balls against Kenya in the 2003 World Cup semifinal, while Rohit Sharma accomplished it by smashing 137 against Bangladesh in the quarterfinal of the 2015 World Cup.

In this edition of the World Cup, Virat Kohli has displayed sensational form, setting himself apart by breaking numerous records previously held by Sachin Tendulkar. The 35-year-old Kohli now boasts the records for the highest run tally in a single edition of an ODI World Cup and the most fifty-plus scores in any ODI World Cup. Additionally, during his remarkable performance in the first semifinal, Kohli surpassed Ricky Ponting, securing the third position in the list for the most runs in one-day internationals.

“Noise pollution is killing our sleeps”: Actress Rubina Dilaik urges people to stop bursting firecrackers, netizens react

OpIndia Staff
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“Noise pollution is killing our sleeps”: Actress Rubina Dilaik urges people to stop bursting firecrackers, netizens react

On Wednesday (15th November), television actress and Biggboss season 14 winner Rubina Dilaik ‘reminded’ people that the festivities of Diwali are over while lamenting over firecrackers being burst since 10th November, saying that it is causing air and noise pollution. Taking to X, the “Shakti: Astitva Ke Ehsas Ki” serial fame actress said that it is enough now adding that noise pollution is killing her sleep.

“To whomsoever it may Concern! Diwali is OVER, Stop bursting crackers…..since 10th November, non stop crackers are being burnt till 3am in the morning……. ENOUGH NOW…. Air pollution toh hai hi …. Noise pollution is killing our sleeps…..,” Dilaik posted.

However, Rubina Dilaik’s X post on Diwali and the firecracker bursting did not go well with netizens as they called out the actress for being vocal about noise and air pollution on the Hindu festival of Diwali but remained conspicuously silent on environment and pollution-related issues for the rest of the year.

One X user named “Randomsena” wrote, “Stop using AC in your rooms. Stop using BMW/Audi Cars for personal use. 365 din Maze lengi or ab gyan pel rahi hain.”

Another one wrote, “Have seen your Village House in Chopal(Himachal) whole house is made of Trees. You have cut down trees to made Wooden House now giving Gyaan to everyone about Pollution.”

Another X user wrote, “Would u please stop using this luxurious cars which pollute nature? Have u ever concerned millions of the cow killings eid & order your festivals? Or would u condemn the 31 dec celebrations fire & sounds? If you never opens mouth for other issues but only talking about hindus?”

One X user shared the actress’s old pictures where she can be seen lighting sparklers and crackers being burst in the background.

Meanwhile, Rubina Dilaik shared the screenshot of some comments on her Instagram profile urging her to delete her “Anti-Hindu propaganda post” and wrote, “Don’t come and comment on my Instagram….. its NOT GYAN , Mr. Intelligently Dumb Vipul Shrisath! Aapse se zyaada hum tyohaar manaatein hain, par doosron ko takleef dekar nahi…”

In another post, the actress asserted that Diwali is festival of lights and that bursting of crackers is not mentioned in Ramayan as she wrote, “Diwali, is a festival of lights , celebration of Shree Ram returning to Ayodhya !Well, Ramayan mein bursting crackers for 10days was never mentioned , So all you Pseudo Hindu propaganda agents , Go and find someone ELSE to highlight your paid accounts and fake ids Dare Not!”

Reacting to Dilaik’s assertion that bursting firecrackers on Diwali is not mentioned in Hindu scriptures, Bombay High Court lawyer Ashutosh Dubey quoted Skand Purana to establish that bursting of firecrackers is actually mentioned in Hindu scriptures.

“Ms.@RubiDilaik Indeed Firecrackers have been Integral to Dīpāvali Festivities. The Skanda Purana says Diwali should be celebrated by holding Ulkas in our hands. This will show path to our ancestors. What are “Ulkas”? The meaning of this word has changed with time. GV Tagare translates it as “firebrands”. [Firecrackers in their early form were firebrands] It mentions that fireworks were burst during Lord Rama’s homecoming. It mentions crackers which burst and shine in the sky (gaganantarvirajitan). The great Maharashtrian saint and Shivaji Maharaj’s Guru, Samarth Ramdas also describes various kinds of fireworks burst by Lord Rama’s army in his Ramayana. These firecrackers include havaiya, nala, phula (phuljhari), ghosha etc,” Dubey posted.

This comes a day after several actors including Neha Sharma, Jiya Shankar and Fahmaan Khan received backlash over sharing an old post on NDTV to propagate a conspiracy blaming Diwali for poor air quality in Delhi and Mumbai.

‘Carrying out precise operation against Hamas in Al Shifa hospital, providing incubators, medical supplies to patients’: IDF says

ANI
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‘Carrying out precise operation against Hamas in Al Shifa hospital, providing incubators, medical supplies to patients’: IDF says

Israel Defence Forces have confirmed that they are carrying out precise, and targeted operation in a specific region in Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza. The operation is being carried out based on intelligence information and an operational necessity.

“The IDF is conducting a ground operation in Gaza to defeat Hamas and rescue our hostages. Israel is at war with Hamas, not with the civilians in Gaza. Forces include medical teams and Arabic speakers, who have undergone specified training to prepare for this complex and sensitive environment, with the intent that no harm is caused to the civilians being used by Hamas as human shields,” the IDF said in an official statement.

In recent weeks, the IDF has publicly warned time and again that Hamas’ continued military use of the Shifa hospital jeopardizes its protected status under international law, and enabled ample time to stop this unlawful abuse of the hospital.

“Yesterday, the IDF conveyed to the relevant authorities in Gaza once again that all military activities within the hospital must cease within 12 hours. Unfortunately, it did not,” the IDF statement added.

In addition, the IDF coordinated large-scale hospital evacuations and kept lines of communication open with hospital administration.
“We call upon all Hamas terrorists present in the hospital to surrender,” the IDF said.

The Israel Defence Forces on Tuesday announced that it is coordinating the transfer of incubators, baby food, and medical equipment from Israel to hospitals in the Gaza Strip, reported The Times of Israel. Arabic-speaking personnel have been deployed to ensure the supplies reach patients and are not misused by Hamas.

Shifa and other hospitals in Gaza City have complained of fewer supplies and patient deaths due to the Israel-Hamas war, which has pressured Israel to put more effort into protecting Gazan civilians caught in the crossfire, The Times of Israel reported.

The IDF has also shared a video of the Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT’s) spokesperson on X, stating that the war is against Hamas and not the people of Gaza. “The pediatric ward at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City needs assistance. Israel is ready to assist,” she said.

The spokesperson further said, “We made a formal offer to health officials in Gaza to transfer incubators into the Gaza Strip to assist the pediatric ward of Shifa Hospital. Extensive efforts are underway to ensure that these incubators can reach babies in Gaza without delay.”

The IDF further stated in its post that Israel is doing everything to minimize harm to civilians and facilitate the transfer of medical supplies and food.

Moreover, according to the latest development, the Israeli troops of the 7th Armored Brigade and Golani Infantry Brigade have captured several Hamas governmental buildings in the Gaza City neighbourhoods of Sheikh Ijlin and Rimal.

Among the sites captured by the troops are the Hamas parliament, its government complex, and the police headquarters.

(This news report is published with inputs from ANI)

Andhra Pradesh: Sacred tank of Venugopala Swamy temple in Chittoor used for the conversion of Hindus to Christianity, local church members booked

OpIndia Staff
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Andhra Pradesh: Sacred tank of Venugopala Swamy temple in Chittoor used for the conversion of Hindus to Christianity, local church members booked

On Tuesday (14th November), the Andhra Pradesh Police filed a police complaint against members of local churches in the city of Chittoor for using the sacred Hindu Temple tank to convert local Hindus to Christianity. The complaint was filed after some of the locals complained that the church authorities had performed baptism on Hindus at the Pushkarini of Venugopala Swamy temple on Monday (13th November).

The incident is said to have happened in the Karvetinagaram village of Chittoor district. The video of the said incident has gone viral over the internet in which people can be seen gathered around the Skanda Pushkarini of Venugopala Swamy Temple. Notably, the temple is administered by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state spokesperson P. Bhanuprakash Reddy took cognizance of the incident and demanded appropriate legal action against the church authorities. The leader directed the local police to identify the church individuals who were seen performing baptism on Hindus in the sacred Hindu temple tank while converting them to Christianity.

According to a report by Deccan Chronicle, Reddy visited the temple on 14th November and sought action against the accused. He suggested that pastors be prosecuted under GOs 746 and 747 for violating the sacredness of religious places. He demanded that all TTD and Hindu shrines undergo a comprehensive security audit. “Stringent security measures must be implemented to maintain public order and communal harmony,” he said. 

According to Bhanuprakash Reddy, the BJP has filed a complaint with TTD executive officer A.V. Dharma Reddy in this matter. He emphasized that the EO has assured them that those accountable for the attempted religious conversion at the Devasthanam temple will face legal action.

At present, the Karvetinagaram police have filed an FIR (Cr. No: 87/2023) against the local church authorities based on the complaint filed by the local Hindus. Further investigations in the case are underway.

‘I am greatly relieved that 400+ Hindu peasants gunned down, balance slightly righted’: How Nehru justified killing of Hindus protesting against Noakhali massacre

Paurush Gupta
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‘I am greatly relieved that 400+ Hindu peasants gunned down, balance slightly righted’: How Nehru justified killing of Hindus protesting against Noakhali massacre

In November 1946, over 400 Hindu peasants in Bihar were killed in an indiscriminate Police firing. The peasants had been protesting against Muslim excesses in West Bengal’s Noakhali where according to documented evidence Hindus were massacred, thousands in number. According to International media reports of that time, the Hindu pogrom which was covered as ‘Bihar Communal Riots’ claimed the lives of thousands of Hindu peasants, hundreds of whom were killed in Police firing. 

As per an Australian media report available (notably several documents, reports, and letters have been concealed or erased from records), officials estimated that more than 400-500 people were killed in one village in Bihar alone which excluded casualties from police firing. However, the media reports added that some Muslim refugees were also killed in some places. 

The report added that the Viceroy Wavell had conferred the Interim government leader, Jawaharlal Nehru, the same day when hundreds of Hindu peasants were massacred in Police firing.

(Australian media report about Hindu peasants death in Police firing)

However, letters (pdf) exchanged among the top government functionaries of that time reveal that the Prime Minister of the Interim government Jawaharlal Nehru, who went on to become the First Prime Minister of India, was particularly “relieved” by the fact that more than 400 Hindus were shot point blank by Police. 

In one such letter that he wrote to Padmaja Naidu, dated 5th November 1946, he expressed strange relief. Notably, Padmaja Naidu was the daughter of Sarojini Naidu and went on to serve as the 4th Governor of West Bengal from November 1956 to June 1967. 

Nehru initiated his letter by stating, “..After the excessive strain of the last two days I had a feeling of reaction and relaxation…”

Explaining the entire episode, he wrote, “This evening I returned by air from Bhagalpur. On arrival I learnt that the military had fired on a peasant mob in the rural areas some miles from here, and about 400 had been killed. Normally such a thing would have horrified me. But would you believe it? I was greatly relieved to hear it! So we change with changing circumstances as layers of fresh experience and feeling cover up the past accumulation.”

While speculating about the crimes of Hindus, the Interim government’s PM Nehru blamed Hindu peasants of Bihar for their deaths by hundreds in firing by security forces. 

(Credits – Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund, Volume 15 Series 1, page 65 in print, 104 in pdf)

He added, “I have had horror enough during the past two days. Something incredible has happened here, or something that I would have refused to believe in, a few days ago. Hindu peasant mobs have behaved in a manner that is the extreme of brutality and inhumanity. How many have been done to death by them I do not yet know, but it must be a vast number. To think that the simple, unsophisticated, rather likable Bihar peasant can go completely mad en masse upsets all my sense of values.”

Without mentioning the Hindu pogrom in West Bengal’s Noakhali, he claimed that Hindus had had an unabated run in Bihar to retaliate. In the letter, he further stressed that a right balance has been struck by giving go ahead for security forces to kill Hindus en masse. He continued saying, “For a few days they had it their own way, with few checks or hindrances. And so when the news came that they have been stopped at last in one place and that 400 of them had died, I felt that the balance had been very slightly righted.”

In another reference to the incidence, he tried to guilt trip Hindu peasants and called on them to give up self-defence by invoking their righteousness, as per excerpts from his speech at a public meeting at Monghyr dated 5 November 1946 which was published in ‘The Searchlight’ on 9th November 1946. 

He said, “Do you propose to repeat the unfortunate happenings in Bengal by killing the Muslims in Bihar? Is this the way in which you are showing your culture and civilisation of which you are so proud? .. You should be ashamed of your acts of lawlessness. I urge upon you to cry a halt even now and restore peace.”

Credits – Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund, page 61 in print and 100 in pdf

His earlier warnings for example one issued on 4th November underscores the allegations that the police firing on Hindu peasants was carried out at the behest of the Interim government which was led by Nehru himself. 

While delivering a Speech at Poonpoon on 4th November 1946, he said, “I wish to make it clear that the Government will take the most stringent measures to quell the disturbances. If the rioters do not repent for their acts and behave properly, the Government will not show any mercy towards them and they will be fired upon and bombed from the air if necessary.”

He added, “It is very shameful for you to resort to acts of lawlessness.” He argued that instead of slogans like ‘Mahatma Gandhi ki Jai’ or ‘Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Ki Jai’, Hindus should sacrifice their own lives to protect their Muslim brethren. 

Credits – Selected Works of Jawaharlal Nehru, Vol 15 series 1, page 59 in Print and 98 in pdf 

He went further to call Hindu peasants traitors for speaking against atrocities of Muslims in the wake of Noakhali massacre and putting up hindrance to not let Noakhali repeat in Bihar’s Patna or elsewhere. 

He further sermonised, “By these acts you have proved traitors to your country and placed serious obstacles on the path of Swaraj. I want an assurance from you that you will give adequate protection to the Muslims even at the cost of sacrificing your all instead of thinking and acting in terms of retaliation for the happenings in East Bengal.”

According to the Hindustan Standard and The Hindu newspapers of 6th November 1946, he made similar kind of remarks humiliating and guilt tripping Hindus in the wake of Noakhali massacre on the same day at Nadaul and Jahanabad.

In one of his speeches at Gaya, he was asked a question “Why did you not go to Noakhali?”He responded by counter questioning saying that he had done his part and was doing his best for East Bengal, but what have the public and others done about it?  

Conspicuously, two weeks after his open admission and expressing relief about police firing on hundreds, if not thousands of Hindu peasants in Bihar, he sent a letter to then Bihar CM Krishna Sinha aka Sri Babu (he remained Bihar CM till 1961). In this letter, he dictated to the Bihar government to clear his name and assume responsibility for asking forces to open fire on Hindu peasants and also peddle that the casualties were on “limited scale” considering what had been transpiring back then. 

He said, “I have received a large number of letters stating that the Bihar Government had refused to indulge in firing and that it was only when I insisted upon it that this was agreed to. Some people imagine that I really took part in the firing. It is also usually stated that the casualties were very great. No doubt, you must have received many such communications, and the newspapers have also written much to this effect.” 

Page – 94 in Print and 134 in Pdf

Regarding his visits to Noakhali and Patna, Bihar and differing responses, Nehru rationalised it by arguing that he went to Bihar to meet his colleagues in personal capacity but had none in Noakhali to visit there in person. 

He said, “It does not seem to be realised by people that there is a vast difference between my going to Noakhali and my going to Patna. I went to Patna to meet old colleagues and discuss the situation with them and I stayed on at the request of those colleagues. It was not the Central Government inter-vening or overruling you. I couldn’t go in that capacity to Noakhali.” 

Dictating the Bihar government on what to do to absolve him, he said, “As for the firing, so far as I know, it was on a limited scale and, considering all that had happened, this firing was obviously not in excess of the situation. Indeed it erred on the other side. I was told that the total casualties would in no event exceed 250. That figure is by no means a big one considering everything.” 

Explaining in detail, he further added, “If you agree with me, I suggest that a brief statement might be issued contradicting the report that the Bihar Government had refused to order firing and that I had personally ordered it. You could say that this and other reports are entirely unfounded and that your Government had asked for the military as early as 31st October and when they actually came they were given full discretion to meet the situation. As for me I stayed there at your invitation and I did not interfere in any way with your work or decisions. As for the firing I had nothing to do with it.” 

Page – 95 in Print and 136 in print

However, the liberal leader allowed the Bihar government to not remain bound by his word but rather to use their own statements, better-worded ones. 

Former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja seen laughing at racist, derogatory comments against Neena Gupta and cricket legend Viv Richards

OpIndia Staff
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Former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja seen laughing at racist, derogatory comments against Neena Gupta and cricket legend Viv Richards

Pakistani cricketers have been making headlines for all the wrong reasons recently. Following the harsh criticism Pakistani cricket coach and former player Abdul Razzaq received for making disparaging remarks about Indian actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and her daughter, another video that has gone viral on social media features racist remarks made against West Indies cricket legend Vivian Richards in the presence of ex-cricketer and former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ramiz Raja.

The clip was from a cricket-based program broadcasted on Suno News in Pakistan. It showed two hosts, a male and a female, and two panellists including Ramiz Raja along with a pair of comedians one of whom was attempting to mimic the country’s journalist Hasan Nisar while the other was trying to imitate Lollywood actress Bushra Ansari.

When the female host asked the woman comic if she followed cricket or not, she answered, “I do watch cricket matches and my heart broke when Vivian Richards went into a relationship with Neena Gupta. I wrote a couplet then. “Jo ladkiyan khud ko kehti hain malika-e-aliya, Unko fir milta hai Mr Kaliya.” The lines roughly mean “the girls who consider themselves the queen, eventually end up with a black man.”

The hosts and the comics then laugh like idiots on the racist and stupid statement. One host says on the issue, “But this is old news”.

Notably, Pakistan TV shows are infamous for their offensive and outrageous content where celebrities particularly those from India are humiliated and mocked amidst the appreciation and loud cheer from the audience.

Abdul Razzaq apologised and claimed that his “tongue slipped” after his comment where he drew a shocking parallel between marrying Aishwarya Rai and the Pakistan Cricket Board drew intense backlash recently. He charged, “I’m talking about their (PCB’s) intention here. When I was playing, I knew that my captain, Younis Khan’s intentions were good. I took confidence and courage from that, and thanks to Allah, I could deliver for Pakistan cricket.”

He added, “Right now, a lot of talk here is surrounding the Pakistan team and the players’ performances in the World Cup. I think we do not have the intention to polish and develop the players. If you think that I will get married to Aishwarya Rai and then have good and virtuous kids, then that can never happen. So you have to correct your intentions first.” Meanwhile, other Pakistan cricketers including Shahid Afridi and Umar Gul were amusing themselves with his offensive words.

Abdul Razzaq was witnessed boasting about his multiple extramarital affairs on a TV show in another viral footage. “All my relations have been from both sides. It is not like only I proposed. I had five or six affairs. Such relationships come with validity. They expire after a year or two. It feels amazing in the beginning, but the results are not great.” When asked whether it was before he tied the knot, he very smoothly answered, “Even after the marriage,” to an applauding audience.

Nenna Gupta was in a relationship with former West Indies cricketer Vivian Richards in the late 1980s. Though they never married, they have a daughter named Masaba Gupta born in 1989 who is a successful fashion designer and has her own brand of apparel and cosmetics.

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