After the arrest of a Delhi government official accused of raping a minor for several months, NCPCR Chief Priyank Kanoongo slammed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Kanoongo expressed concern over Kejriwal’s approach and asked him what purpose does it serve him to save the accused in this heinous case.
Stating that this is not an ordinary case, Kanoongo claimed that the incident could be a “case of trafficking”. He flagged serious violations of the Supreme Court order and asserted that details of the minor are not available with the Child Welfare Committee.
He said, “According to our information, the father of the victim died in April 2020. At that time, it was the order of the Supreme Court that details of any minor whose parents have died should be uploaded on the Baalswaraj Portal. Later, Child Welfare Committee will decide where the child will stay and how rehabilitation will take place, as per the apex court order.”
He added that NCPCR was unable to reach the CWC for seeking details of the minor girl and Delhi was uninformed about the name of the victim which is a violation of the SC order. He inquired why the victim was living with her father’s friend instead of her biological mother.
Could be a case of trafficking
While speaking with Republic, Kanoongo expressed apprehensions that the present case of alleged rape of the minor girl is not an ordinary case rather it could be a case of trafficking, which needs thorough investigation. He claimed that the investigation may reveal that the child was being wrongly used for trafficking.
He said, “It could be a case of trafficking. The child was being wrongly used and several officials of the Delhi government are responsible for it. It is very pertinent that the officials get the data of those children, who lose their fathers as it is the Supreme Court’s order. Now, to exploit a child sexually by misusing the data raises a big question on the working procedure of Delhi Government.”
Targeting the Chief Minister, Kanoongo added, “It is important to notice that the FIR was registered on August 13. The Delhi Government was hiding the entire incident ever since then. When the matter came into the news, the Chief Minister started giving random statements on the incident. We are unable to understand what interest it serves to the CM in saving the accused official.”
On the question of DCW Chief Swati Maliwal’s protest demanding a meeting with the victim’s family, Kanoongo lambasted her claiming that it is nothing but a shameful act of using an unfortunate case to gain limelight.
Kanoongo also highlighted that the accused allegedly was connected with the minor victim through church whose role in this case is seemingly suspicious. Meanwhile, BJP has alleged that the rape-accused Delhi official Premoday Khakha was the ‘handpicked’ officer and OSD of an AAP Minister. They have alleged that he was close to the Aam Aadmi Party.
Days after Islamists attacked the Christian community in Jarnawala, a man was killed in the Punjab province of Pakistan over allegations of ‘blasphemy’.
The development was confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) by activist Faraz Pervaiz. In a tweet, he wrote, “Graphic Warning. #Punjab #Pakistan has become a hell for Pakistani minorities right now. Another alleged #blasphemy case, A Man shot dead without investigating or any evidence.”
Pervaiz informed that the victim’s house was looted and his belongings were thrown out. In the video shared by him, a frenzied mob could be seen gathered in the streets while gunshots could be heard in the background.”
Graphic Warning ⛔️ #Punjab#Pakistan has become a hell for Pakistani minorities right now. Another alleged #blasphemy case, A Man shot dead without Investigating or any evidence.
The activist also informed that a Church was yet again desecrated by Islamists belonging to TLP (Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan) in Jarnawala in the Faisalabad district of Pakistan.
The walls of the said Church were inscribed with praises for Allah and Prophet Muhammad. “If church removes it, there’s risk of sparking #blasphemy rumours, potential violence akin to #Jaranwala where 21 Churches 400 houses were burned down,” Faraz Pervaiz added.
It is important to note that Pakistan’s treatment of its minorities, particularly Hindus and Christians, is already under the scanner and is severely criticised multiple times in different international reports.
The extremists in Pakistan are also notorious for using spurious charges and unfounded allegations to whip up communal passions in the name of blasphemy and for targeting minorities, including Hindus and Christians.
This oppression, which is masked with the help of allegations of blasphemy, has become a hallmark of Pakistan, where mob attacks against minorities have become a routine affair, often aided and abetted by the legal systems and people in places of power and authority in the country.
Tripura Police on Monday seized 1.3 kgs of heroin worth crores of rupees and arrested three people at Churaibari in North Tripura district, police said.
“Law enforcement authorities have seized a staggering Rs 10 crore worth of heroin and apprehended three smugglers in a carefully orchestrated operation based on intelligence from the Superintendent of Police of North District. The operation unfolded on Monday morning at the Naka Point of Churaibari Police Station in Assam, leading to the arrest of three individuals and the discovery of a hidden stash of narcotics,” police said.
#WATCH | Agartala: Tripura police yesterday seized 1.3 kg heroin valued at Rs 10 crore and arrested three drug peddlers
Acting on secret information, we laid a checkpoint at Churaibari in the north Tripura district and intercepted the vehicle and recovered 1.3 kg of heroin,… pic.twitter.com/EIAGWFV73a
According to District Superintendent of Police Bhanupada Chakraborty, the operation was a culmination of meticulous planning following a tip-off regarding drug trafficking activities.
“On Monday morning, a vehicle bearing the license plate number MN 01 AK 3139 passed through police checking at the Naka Point of Churaibari Watch Post, only to be subjected to a thorough search later at the same location. The search revealed a concealed compartment on top of the vehicle, which contained a total of 1 kilogram and 300 grams of heroin concealed within a hundred soap boxes,” police said.
The individuals arrested in connection with the bust have been identified as Abdul Ali, Samar Krishna Das, and Prasenjit Das. The confiscated narcotics, valued at a staggering 10 crore rupees, underscore the magnitude of the illicit drug trade that law enforcement agencies are diligently combating.
A case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act was filed against the suspects, and was presented before the district court on Monday.
This initiative has led to a widespread crackdown on drug-related activities across various regions of the state.
(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 Monday (21 August), the Delhi Police arrested the Delhi government official Premoday Khakha who has been accused of raping a minor over several months. The senior government official was earlier booked under POCSO Act for allegedly raping his deceased friend’s minor daughter for several months, resulting in her pregnancy. The accused is a Deputy Director of the Women and Child Development (WCD) Department of the Delhi government. Subsequently, he has been suspended from his office.
Following the arrest, BJP’s Delhi secretary Bansuri Swaraj launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party claiming that it is favouring the rape-accused officer Premoday Khakha. Swaraj alleged that the accused officer Khakha had been assigned as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the then Delhi women and child development minister.
She raised these allegations while addressing a press conference in connection with this issue. During the press conference, Swaraj presented some documents, on the basis of which, she claimed that the accused was hand-picked as Minister’s OSD and is close to the party.
Swaraj said, “There is a word used here — desired — which means the accused was handpicked by the Aam Aadmi Party and is close to the AAP government. He was chosen as the OSD to the Minister.”
VIDEO | "When FIR was filed on August 13, why so much time was taken to suspend the official, and why minister Atishi is silent on the issue," says Delhi BJP leader @BansuriSwaraj on an alleged rape of a minor by Delhi government official. pic.twitter.com/gN8BygTmU3
Basuri Swaraj targets the AAP for not acting tough in matters of crime against Women and girl child
While speaking with media persons, Swaraj highlighted the case details and claimed that the BJP strongly condemns the heinous crime.
She said, “The Deputy Director of the Delhi government’s Women and Child Development (WCD) Department repeatedly raped a minor girl. The worst thing is the girl lost her father in 2020 and the official took her in as a guardian. He raped her when she was merely 14 years old. What is even more shocking is that during this time, the minor girl was impregnated and the officer’s wife gave her pills for abortion. Yet, the minor was raped even after the incident. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly condemns this incident.”
She also questioned the AAP government for not acting tough against the accused officer and his delayed suspension.
Going ahead, she cornered the incumbent AAP Minister of the WCD department Atishi Marlena for being silent on the issue. Swaraj further questioned DCW chief Swati Maliwal for obstructing the investigation and justice for the minor.
She said, “Swati Maliwal ji is responsible for ensuring justice for the minor, why is she sitting on a protest and obstructing the investigation.”
She added, “This is not a political matter. This is a matter that is shameful for the whole society. Bharatiya Janata Party is with the minor and her family in this difficult time.”
BJP targets the AAP government for appointing the accused as OSD to their Minister
In addition to Basuri Swaraj, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva shared the pictures of the purported documents which claim that Khakha was assigned as an OSD to the then WCD Minister. Taking to X, the BJP leader stated that Delhi demands answers from CM Arvind Kejriwal on why his government assigned the officer who raped a minor as OSD to their Minister. He further claimed that Khaka was assigned to the then WCD Minister Kailash Gehlot.
The officer charged with raping a minor was Kejriwal Govt's favourite. Had been handpicked to serve as OSD to the Minister of WCD.@SwatiJaiHind will do well to stop her drama and @ArvindKejriwal should answer why was the rapist officer handpicked to serve as his Ministers OSD.… pic.twitter.com/plKEPunAQO
After the document was uploaded in public domain, several social media users started raising questions and demanded that the AAP government come out clean on the allegations. They highlighted how an official who was “desired” and handpicked by an AAP minister end up committing atrocities against a minor without anyone noticing it.
Hey @AtishiAAP why are you lying? Isn’t that your definition of “Kattar Imandar”
While some social media handles claimed that accused Khakha was OSD during the tenure of Kailash Gehlot, others claimed that he served as OSD under Rajendra Pal Gautam. As per media reports and the purported documents accessed by Times Now, the accused Khakha was an OSD to the then-AAP Minister of the Women and Child Development (WCD) Department.
They should further clarify if he was OSD to Rajendra Pal Gautam or not. Because the letter in circulation (below) of his appointment is dated Mar 2022 when Rajendra Pal Gautam was the WCD minister, not Atishi. pic.twitter.com/FyMOvgAf6q
Nevertheless, netizens slammed the AAP, emphasising that they could not wish away the fact that Premoday was employed by their government in Delhi and had served as OSD to the WCD Department.
Click here, to know the full extent of the crime Khakha allegedly committed over the years. He was connected to the victim through the church. Replying on this case, NCPCR Chief Priyank Kanoongo informed, “The role of the Church, in this case, is suspicious.”
Further, Khakha accused of raping a minor girl for several months has reportedly been OSD to AAP Minister since March 2022. It must be mentioned that controversial AAP leader Rajendra Pal Gautam was the WCD Minister at that time. Previously, he served as assistant director, Litigation and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), in the Women and Child Development department.
He additionally held the position of superintendent or person-in-charge at the Juvenile Justice Board I & III and Observation Home for Boys II in Delhi. He also served as an assistant director in the Department of Women & Child Development. According to reports, his responsibilities included overseeing the implementation of the Integrated Child Protection Scheme in Delhi and acting as the head of the office for Delhi’s Juvenile Justice Board.
On 20th August, the Jammu and Kashmir Bank sacked its chief manager Sajad Ahmad Bazaz following an investigation by the Jammu and Kashmir Crime Investigation Department (CID), which found that Bazaz was a deep asset of Pakistan’s ISI. It was found that Sajad Ahmad was planted in the J&K Bank to propagate the agenda of the terrorist-separatist networks through articles in a leading regional daily at the behest of the ISI.
In the order issued by the bank’s managing director, it was said, “Whereas the undersigned is satisfied under Rule/Provision 12.29 in OSM that in the interest of the security of the state, it is not expedient to hold an enquiry in the case of Sajad Ahmad Bazaz, Chief Manager, Code no. 4484. Accordingly, I hereby dismiss Mr Sajad Ahmad Bazaz, Chief Manager, Code no. 4484 from service, with immediate effect.”
While being an employee of the bank, Sajad illegally worked as correspondent-cum-columnist for Greater Kashmir.
Questionable rise of Sajad in the bank
It was revealed during the investigation that the eligibility requirements for the post on which Sajad was posted were tailored for him. Moreover, Bazaz was given three promotions despite not having cleared the Certified Associate of Indian Institute of Bankers (CAIIB) exam to date. The requirement for a written test was also dropped.
During the investigations, it was reportedly found that eligibility prerequisites of the post were tailored to bring Bazaz in as applications were invited from the cadre of cashier-cum-clerks to apply for the newly created post of editor. Moreover, Bazaz was given three promotions despite not having cleared the Certified Associate of Indian Institute of Bankers (CAIIB) exam to date.
Sajad funded local newspapers using the bank money
Using his position in the bank, Sajad funded specific local newspapers and magazines through advertisements from the banks’ advertising funds. It was found Greater Kashmir received disproportionately high and favourable advertisement allotments than other news outlets between the years 2015 to 2023. The sudden rise of pro-Pakistan newspapers and magazines in the valley has been linked to instructions given to him by Pakistani agencies to assist in setting up media platforms to amplify the Pakistani and Jihadi narrative in an even more vitriolic manner.
Links to terrorists
Sajad was found to be operating around 68 bank accounts in the bank. He was in touch with Shabir Hussain Buch, a known aide of Mushtaq Latram, chief of the Al-Umar Islamic terror outfit, and a close associate of terrorist Masood Azhar, the Jaish e Muhammad chief.
Sajad’s articles revolved around economics, actually praising India and PM
Interestingly, when OpIndia checked his recent articles on Greater Kashmir, we noticed a pattern that he was writing a lot of pro-India articles. For example, in the most recent article titled ‘Strong at 77’, Sajad praised the central government for bringing a “cheerful atmosphere” on the occasion of Independence Day in Kashmir.
“The celebration of the Independence Day on a large scale in every nook and corner of the Jammu and Kashmir region is a testimony that widespread fear among populations across the region stands neutralized. And nobody can deny the credit of this irreversible change for betterment to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, whose accountability, transparency and merit (ATM) – driven governance is doing wonders in not only pulling Kashmir out of the turmoil successfully but simultaneously rebuilding it on modern lines as the undisputed crown of the country. Today, Kashmir is fast re-emerging as a region with tolerant traditions and pluralistic democracy,” he wrote.
“Notably, as per the World Bank’s Economic Outlook, the US is expected to grow at 1.4 per cent in 2024, while Germany at 1.1 per cent and Japan at 1 per cent. Conversely, India is projected to grow at 6.3 per cent in 2024, while China is to grow at 4.5 per cent… Remarkably, PM Narendra Modi, in his 10th Independence Day address, said that the country is on the cusp of a unique opportunity in which it can transform itself by 2047 as a developed nation,” he added.
In a detailed article on GST, he wrote, “Remarkably, since its inception, the Council in the context of rate rationalization has reduced the number of items (goods & services) under 28% GST slab from 226 to 37 items till now. The rate rationalization has become a focal point of the general consumers, and any change in percentage of rates directly impacts their spending.”
He added, “For the government, the GST Council is doing a wonderful job as it paves the way for a smooth and consistent flow of revenue to the government with minimum possible leakage.”
Praising GoI’s efforts for improving road connectivity, he wrote, “Meanwhile, in the last couple of years, Jammu & Kashmir is witnessing concerted efforts on the economic front to bring vibrancy in the economic landscape of the region. This time the focus has rightly been on the development of roads and tunnels.”
“The Government of India has given a big push to road infrastructure, and as disclosed by the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the Centre is spending Rs 1 lakh crore to build highways and tunnels in Jammu and Kashmir.”
He added, “Just a few days back, LG Sinha and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, reviewed the progress of the Z-Morh tunnel and Zojila tunnel projects. Notably, Z-Morh Tunnel, as per the tunnel authorities, would be completed by October 2023, after which Sonamarg would remain open throughout the year. The completion of these tunnels would be a shot in the arm of the local economy.”
In a geographically remote location like J&K, the road infrastructure assumes greater significance, and if we look at the past, the region has always been craving for good road connectivity,” he said.
It is evident that he kept his image clean and mostly praised the government directly or indirectly in his columns for Greater Kashmir.
Aliases unknown
On the contrary, as mentioned in the reports of his dismissal from the bank, it was mentioned he used aliases to propagate lies in his articles. It is unclear which media outlets he used to write and what kind of content he propagated via those portals. He now clearly used the bank’s money to fund propaganda media portals. If he used his skills in writing to help those portals to get good content, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that he used his pen to create unrest in the valley by spreading ISI propaganda.
Sajad gameplan and PFI’s 2047 document
In July 2022, Bihar Police made shocking revelations about an 8-page now-banned Islamic terror outfit PFI document that talked about teaching a lesson to India’s “coward Hindus”. The 8-page PFI document underlined the PFI goal for the years ahead. In the document named ‘India Vision 2047’, PFI has circulated internally among its cadre that they aim to dominate the ‘coward Hindus’ and subjugate them completely and this goal will be achievable even with 10% of Muslims rallying behind PFI.
In stage 2 of the plan, the now-banned Islamic terror outfit PFI openly called for violence against Hindus. It was mentioned how they could use concepts such as judiciary infiltration, National Flag, Constitution, Ambedkar and more to safeguard themselves from the eyes of the law.
Shockingly, the PFI document says that arms training must be given to their PE cadre under the garb of Yoga classes and the Healthy People Healthy Nation campaign.
If we match the concepts of PFI with what Sajad has been doing in his articles, it is clear that by keeping his image clean, he was building trust among the readers and people of Kashmir. The alleged aim was to get into local circles and peddle his propaganda using aliases. Gaining access to circles of nationalists through his writing would help him gather more information that he could pass on to ISI.
ISI’s long-running agenda fuels by “pro-India” looking stooges
In March 2017, an article on OpIndia explained how ISI had started a war against India. In a parliamentary report in Pakistan, it was claimed that India invoked gross human rights violations in Balochistan. So Pakistan wants India to refrain from talking about Balochistan. Coincidentally, the same “suggestion” was given to Modi by many. Starting from opposition members like Salman Khurshid and many journalists who turned into foreign affairs experts in a matter of minutes.
Interestingly, media and oppositions support elements like Umar Khalid and his entourage screaming “Aazadi” slogans directly help Pakistan in building its narrative of “Kashmir’s right to self-determination”.
What better way to achieve it than by actually appearing to be pro-India, writing for a portal like Greater Kashmir, to gain access to circles from where he needs to gather info? This is exactly what Sajad had been doing. Once he gains entry, it would be easy for him to get info on Hindu-Muslim faultlines, the Kashmir narrative, etc., to pass it on to ISI. Now that his long-running propaganda is busted looking for other moles like Sajad in the valley is essential.
The latest Bollywood movie named ‘Oh My God 2’ (OMG2) starring Pankaj Tripathi, Akshay Kumar, and Yami Gautam is being massively criticized for several reasons. Be it the censor board’s decision to issue an ‘A’ certificate to it or the involvement of the messenger of Lord Shiva in a movie that openly sees to discuss sex and myths revolving around it. The movie written and directed by Amit Rai is a masterpiece to say as it attempts to decently clear off the dust on the topic which is, unfortunately, a subject of taboo in India, sex education.
OMG2 was released on August 11 this year and has crossed the Box office mark of Rs 100 crore by earning Rs 113.67 crore within 2 weeks of its release. Although the movie has been issued an ‘A certificate’ and has been put in the category of Adults only, the audience’s validation of the subject has proven to be the ultimate reward.
Caution: This review contains spoilers.
Critical acclaim is important… But audience validation is the ultimate reward… #OMG2 puts up a SOLID SHOW in Weekend 2… To withstand a GOLIATH like #Gadar2 is a humongous achievement… [Week 2] Fri 6.03 cr, Sat 10.53 cr, Sun 12.06 cr. Total: ₹ 113.67 cr. #India biz.… pic.twitter.com/SP2eJZx2iM
‘UA’ in the certificate issued by the Censor Board stands for ‘Unrestricted with Caution’, which means parental guidance is required for viewers under the age of 12. The Big ‘A’ meanwhile stands for ‘Adults Only’, which prohibits anybody under the age of 18 to watch the film in theatres. Ironically, Amit Rai’s directorial OMG2 which has been declared an adults only film fails to attract its target audience, the school, junior college-going youngsters due to the ‘A certificate’.
Actor Aarush Varma who plays the onscreen son of Pankaj Tripathi in the movie criticized the decision of the Censor Board to issue ‘A certificate’ to the film and said that the target audience of the movie, the teenagers are only being kept away from such an important issue.
“This is my first film and it is sad that I can’t watch myself on the big screen given my age and the ‘A certificate’ issued to the movie. One bad decision by the board is not allowing me and people of my age group to learn something very important. The target audience is being kept away from the movie. The vision of the movie itself was to make people and teenagers understand the importance of sex education. I want to enjoy this film with people of my age group,” he said.
OMG 2 actor Aarush Varma says he is sad because he can't watch his first film in theatre after CBFC's 'A' certification to the Akshay Kumar-starrer movie. #OMG2#AkshayKumar#OTVNewspic.twitter.com/K87coBn3rR
Kanti takes the help of old scriptures to save his son’s life
The movie revolves around Vivek (Aarush Varma) who is the son of Kanti Sharan Mudgal (Pankaj Tripathi). He is from a very ordinary yet religious family who believes in Mahakaal Baba of Ujjain. The simple and sweet life of Kanti Sharan Mudgal, who owns a shop of religious items within the Ujjain temple, however, turns upside down after his son is caught, masturbating in one of the school’s washrooms.
The son gets rusticated from the school on the grounds of ‘immoral behavior’, Kanti is asked to vacate the shop premise from within the temple and his wife and daughter are socially boycotted. Vivek then starts showing symptoms of depression and also tries to kill himself.
Vivek (Aarush Varma) shown attempting suicide
Kanti investigates the matter on his individual level to learn that his son Vivek was put into the said situation and was not properly guided by the school authorities or the doctors towards sex. He also blames himself for the situation and hence files a case against himself, the school, one of the doctors, and a medical store from where Vivek was getting medicines without prescriptions.
Kanti during the course of the court case, with the help of a messenger of Mahakaal Baba (Akshay Kumar) argues that had his son been given proper sex education at school, had he been properly guided over masturbation, he would have not practiced it in a wrong way out of peer pressure in the school washrooms. Kanti during several court sessions also highlights:
How teenage students are not guided over sex, which is an essential part of life
How teenagers are forced to google search their curiosities and find answers to their questions on their own
How they are misguided by weird internet searches, ill-informed acquaintances, and greedy doctors
How chapters on the human reproductive system are ignored at school levels, furthering lack of knowledge and fueling negative curiosity among students.
While the school and the attorney (Yami Gautam) representing the school, doctor, and the concerned medical store demeans the importance of sex education, Kanti refers to several old scriptures and Hindu texts to prove that whatever his son did was wrong but it can’t be termed as ‘vulgar’. He praises the Sanatan Dharma and says that it is the oldest and most progressive and modern of all the religions to have described the emotional fulfillment of life in such a decent and respectful manner.
He goes on to press on the need for openness in communication on such sensitive topics to avoid total sex illiteracy which most of the time also leads to untoward incidents harming women’s dignity. Kanti obviously wins the case and forces the defendants to pay the compensation amount of Rs 101 from the school, Rs 51 from the doctor, Rs 21 from the medical store, and Rs 11 from the roadside unsafe medicine seller to offer it to Mahakaal Baba. Moreover, he also pays the compensation amount of Rs 101 to Mahakaal Baba and seeks forgiveness for failing to become friends with his teenage son.
While the end of the movie is widely predicted and known to almost all, the movie attracts audiences for its decent way to provoke thoughts on the importance of sex education at the school level. Further, though the movie revolves around such a sensitive and crucial topic, it takes the help of no vulgar scenes or cheap dialogue which can make viewers uncomfortable. The movie is a complete family treat and needs to be watched specifically by youngsters.
Sex Education: A need in modern times
It is important for parents here to understand and accept that their children who these days have easy access to internet content need to be guided and directed properly over consensual sex. The children after attaining one particular age need to be introduced to the importance and sensitivity of the subject. They need to be made to believe that consensual sex and several other things revolving around it demand respect and proper treatment for leading a healthy life.
Many schools and institutes even today avoid providing basic information about human reproductive organs or systems to students. Though some relevant and necessary chapters are included in the school syllabus, teachers at various levels even today disregard such chapters and pass them on for self-study. This leads to fueled curiosity and misconceptions among the students.
The subject has become taboo in India since many think that it would be ‘shameful’ to teach students about sex and related activities. Many also think that teaching students this in their adolescent years might drive them to promiscuity and irresponsible behavior. But it is important to note that even if teachers of parents fail to officially teach students about consensual sex, the National Institute of Health asserts that many Indian youth, irrespective of their age and sex, favor the introduction of sex education/family life education at school level, preferably from standard 8th onwards.
This is no attempt to promote or force parents or teachers to mandatorily impart sex education. But the need today is to see and look into the fact that no ‘to be adult’ boy or a girl is being misguided or misinformed about the issue.
As per the National Institute of Health, imparting sex education to young students and making them aware of family life education can help in
Developing emotionally stable children and adolescents who feel sufficiently secure and adequate to make decisions regarding their conduct without being carried away by their emotions
Providing sound knowledge not only of the physical aspects of sex behavior but also its psychological and sociological aspects, so that sexual experience will be viewed as a part of the total personality of the individual
To develop attitudes and standards of conduct which will ensure that young people and adults will determine their sexual and other behavior by considering its long-range effects on their own personal development, the good of other individuals, and the welfare of society as a whole
Sanatan Dharma: The oldest and the most progressive
Sanatana dharma is another name for Hinduism, which is the oldest religion in the world. The scriptures of this religion grant humans with logical minds complete freedom to make decisions based only on their own free will. Sanatan Dharma is considered to be the most progressive of all religions as it offers to openly discuss and respect sensitive issues including consensual sex in a very decent manner.
According to the reports, Hinduism’s extensive explanation of reproduction in its scriptures is meant to help followers of the religion function in society as prospective humans who have received a rare human birth. It is believed that the previous punya earned by a ‘Jiva’ in numerous capacities leads to birth as a human being.
Humans see themselves to be different from one another. They individually strive for a lot of things in life, including (a) dharma—ethics; (b) artha—security; (c) kama—bodily pleasure; and (d) moksha—liberation, in order to overcome their weaknesses.
Kama here represents the various types of pleasure that are sensual. All life forms use whatever sensory organs are available to them to seek out what is pleasurable. It is believed that the search for pleasure in humans is more sophisticated. Every person has a personal, subjective universe in which they categorize things as either desirable, unattractive, or neutral.
However, in the current system of modern education, students who live in hostels are exposed to computers, information technology, television, cell phones, and other advanced technologies, which makes it difficult for them to maintain interpersonal relationships. They get deviated from culture, and lack or have a poor understanding of information about sex. Often, out of ignorance and lack of a sense of responsibility, youngsters get involved in sex-related activities that go wrong further leading to drug abuse, suicides, and unlawful conduct. Students’ difficulties, which require sufficient care, are unfortunately met with either scorn or dismissal from families, authorities, and teachers.
Given this, the schools, teachers, and parents should make every effort to incorporate the following programs into the main system of education which include ethical teaching from the scriptures, performing rituals at home and school, worship, prayers, meditation, contemplative readings, appreciation of art and creative relationships, participation in team and recreation, and energizing nature.
Indian culture heavily reflects the importance of sex education. Those who assert differently are ignorant. The goal of sex education is to teach individuals how to behave in a way that they currently do not. It is not to teach people what they do not know. The goal of sex education is to change a person’s overall behavior.
Again, Hinduism recognizes the value of happiness within limits. Any quest for joy that disregards dharma is strongly condemned since it may result in momentary happiness but ultimately leads to suffering.
Reports mention that our tolerance and openness towards sex came to an end sometime in the 14th century as a result of foreign invasions. Later, the Britishers transformed the education system and are said to have introduced restrictions on overall communication.
Bollywood movies on sex education and their reception among audience
Prior to OMG2, several Bollywood movies like Janhit Me Jaari, PadMan, Shubh Mangal Savdhan, Shubh Mangal Jyada Savdhan, Vicky Donor, Badhai Ho, etc have attempted to speak on topics around sex and sexuality which to date is a subject of taboo in India. Though these movies earned less at the Box office, they were widely received by audiences who praised the makers for spreading social awareness among the people.
Janhit me Jaari a project of Rs 12 crores, earned Rs 5.12 crores at the Box office, Pad Man earned Rs 207.73 crores worldwide, Shubh Mangal Jyada Savdhan earned Rs 86 crores while Vicky Donor a project of Rs 15 crores earned Rs 68.32 crores at the Box Office.
One similar local Marathi movie named ‘Balak Palak’ released in 2013, starring actress Sai Tamhankar and Kishore Kadam also highlights the importance of family life education among children aged between 12-17. The movie was produced by Bollywood actor Ritesh Deshmukh and managed to earn Rs 12 crore lifetime.
Pad Man and Balak Palak to focussed on sex education
The plot of OMG2 is no different than OMG
While the movie remains a must-watch by the family together given the sensitivity of the topic, OMG2 is a less attractive treat as the presentation of the topic carries the same plot as that of Oh My God, which starred Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar. The plot of the story repeats as Kanti finds himself in a problem and manages to fight his own case with the help of an unknown individual whom he later realizes is a Messanger of God.
Also, the most trending song named ‘Har Har Mahadev’ of the movie could have been positioned better at an appropriate timing in the movie. As reported earlier, inside the courtroom in the film, a woman is asked to tell how she and her husband consummated their marriage. A sister explains why her brother’s masturbating was appropriate. A Shiva devotee describes the attractiveness of his opposing counsel’s buttocks. ‘How a child is born’ is also a point of debate in court. Young men and women in the crowd could be seen shouting that they masturbate. One can wonder here is whether the film intended to discuss sex education or simply exploit the subject because the West is doing so.
However, OMG2 remains an overall great product and a must-watch. It raises some uncomfortable questions, just like the first movie, hits hard on some issues, and makes the audience laugh in several scenes. Bollywood needs healthy cinema like this.
The mystery surrounding the death of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose remains a global topic of debate to this day. But one of the most crucial yet concealed topics in the story has been the whereabouts of the enormous INA treasure which was collected under the leadership of Bose from Indians across South East Asia to fight the Allied powers which included the British. OpIndia has unearthed that Nehru had agreed to distribute part of that fund to Pakistan. Here are the details of what could possibly have been the first scam under the Nehru-Gandhi Congress in Independent India.
On 2nd May 1953, eight years after Netaji’s death, the West Bengal Legislative Assembly passed a resolution urging the Nehru government to probe the matter of the funds which belonged to Netaji and his Azad Hind Fauj. “This Assembly is of the opinion that the Central Government be requested to take steps to investigate regarding the funds reported to be left by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and his Azad Hind Government.” The resolution had the support of the West Bengal government led by Bidhan Chandra Roy.
Five months later, on 18th October 1953, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru wrote to the Bengal CM in response to the resolution saying that a further investigation is neither needed nor possible. The contents of his letter are as follows:
“My dear Chief Minister,
My attention has recently been drawn to a resolution passed by the West Bengal Legislature on May 2nd to the following effect:
‘This Assembly is of the opinion that the Central Government be requested to take steps to investigate regarding the funds reported to be left by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and his Azad Hind Government.’
As a matter of fact, we have taken many steps to investigate this matter during the last few years. The investigation was started by me personally when I visited Malaya early in 1946. Since then many other steps have been taken both in Malaya and in Tokyo. I enclose a note giving such information as we possess on this subject.
I do not think any further investigation is needed or is possible.“
Enclosed with Nehru’s letter were details on the whereabouts of the financial assets of Netaji, INA, and associated organisations. Following the end of the last war in the Far East in World War 2, a significant amount of gold, jewellery, and other valuables which were seized from the officials and individuals connected with the INA and Indian Independence League (IIL) were held in Singapore by the Custodian of Enemy Property.
According to the notes shared by Nehru with the West Bengal CM, “Pakistan had claimed a part of the said assets and it was agreed that the same should be divided between India and Pakistan in the ratio of 2:1.” Read The full content of the note attached with the correspondence as follows:
“Indian National Army and Indian Independence League Funds:
Soon after the termination of the last war in the far east, some quantity of gold, jewellery, and other valuables, was seized from the officials and others connected with the INA and IIL in the South East Asia countries. These are at present held in Singapore by the Custodian of Enemy Property.
According to the information furnished by the government of Singapore in 1950, these assets were valued at straits dollars 147,163.00 as follows:
a) Gold and jewellery: $40,243.00 b) Currency notes of the face value of $57,803.53 but valued in 1950 at: $106,920.00
Total: $147,163.00
Intimation has recently been received from our representative in Malaya that the Piastra has been revalued and that some of the currencies will not fetch anything. It is therefore difficult to assess the exact value of these assets.
“There were protracted negotiations with Pakistan, as she claimed a part of these assets. In the end, it was agreed that the assets should be divided between India and Pakistan in the ratio of 2:1. We asked out representative in Malaya on the 27th of April and also Mr. Ramani who was associated with this matter from the very beginning to take further action and to obtain the release of the assets from the Singapore government. Mr. Blythe the official administering the colony, said in May 1953 that the matter would have to go before the legislative council as the custodian of enemy property had no right to hand over any amount to any person or body. He also wished to write to the secretary of state for the colonies regarding Pakistan’s share. The amount will accrue to India will be amalgamated with the IRC funds, as soon as it is obtained from the government of Singapore,” the documents read.
Declassified documents show that on 30th June 1950, Nehru noted a certain amount of gold that was deposited in the Indian Overseas Bank Ltd by an Indian merchant named Hardial Singh in Singapore.
Nehru noted, “Later, I was told that Indian merchant Mr Hardial Singh of Singapore, had some gold belonging to the INA or the old ‘Azad’ Hind Government. I suggested that this sum be handed over to the Trust I had created. There was some difficulty and then I spoke to Lord Mountbatten who was Supreme Commander for South East Asia then. He agreed not only about this sum but about other sums also of a like nature that might be recovered.”
The note shows the active role that Mountbatten played till the last day of the British Raj in deciding the financial matters for Nehru. The same is cause for suspicion as to whether Nehru was still in consultation with the British over the handling of INA and IIL funds and Netaji’s treasure.
Contents of a letter by diplomat VMM Nair, in which the then PM’s note was attached, show that the Nehru government decided on the accumulation and transfer and use of the INA/IIL funds keeping in mind “Pakistan’s share”. A part of that letter is as follows:
“Our Representative has now informed us that the Indian Overseas Bank is prepared to deliver the gold to him on the production of a letter of authority from the PM. The question at issue is whether we should accept this offer because it appears from a letter that we received as early as November 1946 from the Indian office, in London, that this gold has been included in the list of INA/IIL funds held by the Custodian of Enemy property in Singapore. Our office in Singapore has also stated that the deposit in the bank in the name of PM was made under intimation to the Custodian. Therefore, even assuming that the bank is now prepared to give the gold to us, the Singapore government might, if they come to know of it, object. Further, since it has been decided that the assets of the INA/IIL funds should be divided between India and Pakistan in the ratio of 2:1, Pakistan might claim a part of this gold in which case it might lead to embarrassment if we were to take charge of it in its entirety now.”
The situation which was enabled by Nehru’s 2:1 INA/IIL fund-sharing plan with Pakistan seemed to have put the entire government machinery at work regarding “Pakistan’s share”. Meanwhile, Nehru had declared that the matter of the gold, “which was in a sense given to me and deposited by me in the bank in 1946” – be treated as a matter separate from that of the “other INA funds”.
A day later, on 12th November 1953, Nehru replied to diplomat VMM Nair’s correspondence asking about the value of the gold received from Hardial Singh.
The value of the gold was estimated at Rs 37,956.
The documents available on netajipapers.gov.in show a letter by Nehru immediately after the above letter on the gold estimate. Nehru’s letter is, however, dated 12th January 1955. In this correspondence, he reiterates that he has no objection to the amount being used in consultation with Pakistan. It is not clear whether Nehru was referring to the above-mentioned amount but the documents available point to the same. Here is the content of Nehru’s letter:
“This is a trivial matter which has already taken up a good deal of our time. The sum involved is small and we have no objection at all to its being used in consultation with Pakistan or, in the alternative, for Pakistan’s share, if any, to be handed over to them for such use as they may like to put it to.
It is perfectly true that we have accepted the position that gold forms part of the old INA and IIL. There is nothing tacit about it. It is quite implicit. I need not go into the past history of this matter as I have noted this before.
I think that our Representative in Malaya might discuss this matter directly with the Custodian or with his boss and tell them that our sole interest in this money is that it should be properly utilised. That is why some kind of a trust fund was created for educational scholarships. We are perfectly prepared to associate Pakistan with it or to give Pakistan’s share to it. There need be no difficulty about these matters. I have no objection to the assurance being given in writing by the bank as desired by the Custodian.”
When the British left, India’s GDP was at an abysmal low, the agrarian crisis had broken the country’s backbone, poverty and famine was rampant, and the economy was in the doldrums thanks to Nehru’s socialism. Every rupee, or much less at the time, would have saved a life. But Jawaharlal Nehru had no qualms about proposing that the funds of India’s very own movement of freedom fighters, the INA – not be built at the behest of the Raj for a change – should go to Pakistan, a country formed by splitting the Indian land and on the blood of Indians.
On Monday (August 21), the police arrested a Delhi government officer named Premoday Khakha in connection to the rape of the minor daughter of his deceased friend.
Khakha worked as a Deputy Director in the AAP-led government’s Women and Child Development (WCD) Department. Citing sources, journalist Pallavi Ghosh informed that the rape accused served as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the WCD Minister.
Sources say the wcd officer accused of rape was handpicked to become Osd to wcd minister in delhi govt – this is how close it gets pic.twitter.com/rqEUaJJ4Dl
An order [pdf] of the Delhi government, dated June 16, 2022, also mentioned Premodaya Khakha as an OSD to the Minister of Women and Child Development. Incumbent AAP Minister Atishi Marlena has cried foul over the matter and dismissed allegations of working with the rape accused.
Interestingly, his LinkedIn profile of Khakha also highlights his role as the OSD to the Government of Delhi since March 2022. It must be mentioned that controversial AAP leader Rajendra Pal Gautam was the WCD Minister at that time.
They should further clarify if he was OSD to Rajendra Pal Gautam or not. Because the letter in circulation (below) of his appointment is dated Mar 2022 when Rajendra Pal Gautam was the WCD minister, not Atishi. pic.twitter.com/FyMOvgAf6q
Premoday Khakha connected to the victim through Church
A glance at the social media profile of the rape-accused officer reveals that he is a devout Christian. Premoday Khakha has posted several pictures of his visit to Churches. A Facebook display picture, uploaded by him, reads, “Jesus is Lord…over the World”
Priyank Kanoongo, the Chief of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), informed, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim came in contact with the family of Premoday Khakha through a Church. She had been living with the accused since April 2020.”
He pointed out the procedural lapses that took place in handing over the custody of the child to the accused. The NCPCR Chief added that the name of the victim is missing from the list of orphans, filed by the Delhi government, as mandated by the Supreme Court of India.
“The role of the Church, in this case, is suspicious,” he added.
The two families initially came into contact in 1998 while attending Sunday services at the Amazing Grace Church in Shahdara, East Delhi. However, they connected stronger over several similarities in lifestyle. Both families belonged to Ranchi in Jharkhand and they both adhered to the Lutheran Church.
When they relocated to Delhi, they explored a Lutheran church and found Amazing Grace Church instead, which was established in 1992 by Ajit Kumar Horo, a Ranchi resident, at his home in Bihari Colony in Shahdara.
After having himself given up looking for a Lutheran prayer place in the Capital, Horo is said to have formed the church.
The small, close-knit church has been around for more than 30 years, but even after moving twice—from Shahdara to Mukherjee Nagar in 2002 and again to Burari in 2015—it only has 30 families as members. The church today operates from a two-story building in Himgiri Enclave residential colony.
Incomplete caste details
Premoday Khakha was initially appointed to the post of Welfare Officer in the Social Welfare Department of Govt. of NCT of Delhi on 12.10.1998. This posting was on a post reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST). He had produced his ST certificate then.
In 2011, he approached the court against the Delhi government because his application for the post of Superintendent was rejected. The rape accused had submitted incomplete caste details in the format that was prescribed by the government.
The Court had upheld that he had not furnished full information and therefore, the cancellation of his candidature was legitimate.
Hiding in plain sight
According to the LinkedIn profile of Premoday Khakha, he has been working with the Delhi government since 1998. He has held several positions, including Probation Officer, Superintendent, and Deputy Director in the past 25 years at the ‘Women and Child Development Department.
Popular OSINT handle, The Hawk Eye, wrote, “In all probability, he might have exploited the victim’s feelings & vulnerabilities very cleverly & so she remained silent under immense trauma for 3yrs!”
In all probability he might have exploited the victim's feelings & vulnerabilities very cleverly & so she remained silent under immense trauma for 3yrs!
Here, Khakha is delivering welcome address to a 3 days workshop organised on Juvenile Justice Act and POCSO in Aug'22.
The handle shared images of Premoday Khakha, giving a welcome address on a 3-day workshop about the Juvenile Justice Act of 2015 and the Prevention of Child Sexual Offences Act of 2012.
Record of harassment and financial irregularities at the workplace,
Premoday Khakha was accused of sexual harassment of children during his tenure as the superintendent of ‘Observation Home for Boys, Sewa Kutir Complex’.
In a letter dated March 5, 2019, the Joint Registrar of the Delhi High Court sought the transfer of Khakha from the children’s home until an enquiry is completed into the matter by the Juvenile Justice Committee.
The letter explicitly mentioned that the accused should not be transferred to a children’s home or given a position where he could influence the enquiry in any way.
Superintendent Premoday Khakha was accused of sexual harassment of children
In another letter dated March 7, 2019, it came to light that Premoday Khakha was accused of harassing female workers at the ‘Observation Home for Boys, Sewa Kutir Complex’.
“Since the complaint contained to some allegations of harassment to the female staff of OHB-II, it was decided to assign the matter to Deputy Director (WEC) for a personal interaction with the female staff whose names were mentioned in the complaint,” the letter read.
Screengrab of the letter
Reportedly, a complaint was also lodged against the Delhi government official over financial irregularities in FY 2019-19 in ‘Boys-II, Sewa Kutir, Kingsway Camp’.
It was filed by Welfare Officer, Brijkishore Pandey, and the Joint Registrar of Delhi High Court had sought a response from the Department on August 27, 2019.
Letter from the Joint Secretary of the Delhi High Court
From the above letters, it became evident that the Delhi government did not act against Premoday Khakha and the Joint Registrar of the Delhi High Court had to intervene in the matter.
Despite allegations of sexual harassment at the workplace, the accused was not only promoted to the position of the Deputy Director of the WCD but also allegedly made the OSD to the Minister of the Women and Child Department.
Premoday Khakha accused of raping minor, wife gave abortion pills to victim
On 1st October 2020, the victim’s father passed away, after which she used to stay stressed. The deputy director brought her to his house. During her stay at his house, he raped her multiple times between November 2020 and January 2021.
When the victim got pregnant during that period, his wife asked her to keep quiet. The couple’s son brought medicine from the market to abort the child, which she gave to the victim.
The incident came to light after the victim was admitted to St Stephen’s Hospital to treat an anxiety attack last week. During counselling at the hospital, the victim revealed that the Deputy Director of WCD raped her several times.
#WATCH | The now-suspended rape-accused Delhi government official and his wife have been detained by Police.
The official has been booked for allegedly raping his deceased friend's minor daughter for several months. pic.twitter.com/WN7YSqEi5E
The hospital informed Burari Police Station and an FIR was registered. The victim is not in a position to submit her statement in front of a Magistrate under Section 154. The police have questioned the accused and FIR has been registered under Sections 376(2), 506, 509, 323, 313, 120B, and 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and POCSO Act.
The victim is currently studying in class 12th in a school situated in the civil lines area.
Between March 2022 and June 2023, Saudi Arabian border guards allegedly killed hundreds of Ethiopian migrants, and asylum seekers who tried to enter their nation through the Yemeni border. A new report by Human Rights Watch has levelled these serious allegations against Saudi border guards. In the 73-page report titled “They Fired on us like Rain”, HRW has shared graphic testimonies of those who somehow came out of harm’s way alive to share their harrowing experience.
According to a report issued by Human Rights Watch today, Saudi border guards have been responsible for the deaths of several hundred Ethiopian migrants and asylum seekers attempting to cross the Yemen-Saudi border during the period spanning from March 2022 to June 2023.
One 14-year-old survivor Hamdiya said, “We were fired on repeatedly. I saw people killed in a way I have never imagined. I saw 30 killed people on the spot. I pushed myself under a rock and slept there. I could feel people sleeping around me. I realized what I thought were people sleeping around me were actually dead bodies. I woke up and I was alone.”
As per the HRW report, Hamdiya shared her story after she arrived in the Yemeni capital, Sana’a with the help of other migrants. Further, on the basis of the testimonies of ten other interviewees, the HRW report claimed that around 1,278 migrants attempted to cross the border in 11 large groups. Out of them, they claimed that at least 655 migrants were killed.
One survivor told HRW that there were more than 170 people in his group and 90 of them were killed.
Nadia Hardman is a researcher in the refugee and migrant rights division at HRW. While speaking to Euronews, she said, “There are definitely many more deaths because it’s impossible to get an accurate figure. It’s an inaccessible area and we are interviewing people who have just fled a scene of absolute horror, they’re devastated.”
The HRW report claimed that Saudi border guards allegedly even used “explosive weapons” to kill many migrants at close range. As stated in the HRW report, the interviewees gave varied responses on the use of explosive weapons. Some described explosive weapons “like a bomb,” mortar or rocket launchers being fired from the “back of cars.”
Some of the survivors alleged that in some instances, Saudi border guards first asked survivors in which limb of their body they preferred to be shot, before shooting them at close range in that limb.
HRW researcher Hardman claimed that earlier the incidences of killing were irregular but it now seemed that it is widespread and systematic.
She said, “HRW has been documenting killings since 2014, but they were irregular and infrequent. When we started investigating, we didn’t expect this to be so gore. We didn’t expect to say that (the killings) are widespread and systematic and could amount to a crime against humanity because the scale is incredible.”
Saudi Arabia denies HRW’s serious allegations
However, Saudi Arabia has outrightly denied these allegations. The Saudi government stated that it took the allegations seriously but strongly reject the UN’s characterisation that the killings were systematic or large-scale, as reported by BBC.
In its reply, the Saudi government said, “Based on the limited information provided, authorities within the Kingdom have discovered no information or evidence to confirm or substantiate the allegations.”
The heavy influx of migrants
Yemen is currently facing one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally, where the majority of its people depend on aid for their survival. An armed conflict began in Yemen in 2014, and since then it is alleged that both the government and the Houthi armed group have detained migrants in poor conditions.
Further, it is alleged that Houthi forces often “extort bribes” from the migrants “abusing people until they could pay an exit fee”.
In its report, HRW highlighted that in 2014 it reported instances of abuses, including torture of migrants in detention camps in Yemen. These camps were operated by traffickers who aimed to extort money from the migrants.
In 2018, HRW highlighted instances where Yemeni guards tortured and allegedly raped Ethiopian and other migrants and asylum seekers from the Horn of Africa at a detention centre in Aden. These guards reportedly worked in collaboration with smugglers to deport migrants in large groups to dangerous conditions at sea.
Further, the HRW report highlighted that in 2021, many migrants, the majority of whom were Ethiopian migrants were burned to death after Houthi forces launched projectiles into an immigration detention centre in Sana’a, which they controlled, causing a fire.
(Image Source – Euronews)
Furthermore, for many years, Ethiopian migrants have been taking the dangerous “Eastern Route” or “Yemeni Route” to move from the Horn of Africa, crossing the Gulf of Aden and Yemen, and eventually reaching Saudi Arabia. Over 90 per cent of these migrants using this route are Ethiopian. While migrants from Somalia, Eritrea, and occasionally other East African countries also utilize this route, Ethiopians make up the majority. Notably, there has been a rise in the number of women and girls taking this route in recent times.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah appealed to people in Uttar Pradesh to vote BJP to all 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh in the ensuing 2024 Lok Sabha polls, which he said will be a fitting tribute to the late party stalwart Kalyan Singh.
Addressing a gathering in Aligarh on the second death anniversary of Kalyan Singh, a prominent OBC leader and Chief Minister of the state said, “Let the lotus (BJP’s election symbol) bloom on all the 80 seats in UP in 2024, this will be your true tribute to Babuji.”
The BJP is organising ‘Hindu Gaurav Diwas’ in Aligarh as a mark of respect for the former chief minister whose birthplace is Aligarh and who passed away on August 21 in Lucknow in the year 2021.
Kalyan Singh was chief minister during the time of the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition.
The Union Minister lashed out at the previous Congress regime in the state for stalling and diverting the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya since the time of Independence. However, he said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not delay the ‘Bhoomi Pujan’ of the temple.
Shah further said, “Today I have come to pay my homage to a senior BJP leader, a devotee of Ram, a person who pioneered the welfare of the backward.”
Shah said that the late leader had told him that he had achieved his life’s goal the day the foundation stone of the Ram Temple was laid.
“I was in the hospital due to Corona that day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Shri Ram Mandir. That day I called Babu Ji, and he told me that his life’s goal has been fulfilled,” the union minister said in his address.
“Kalyan Singh ‘Babuji’ insisted on three goals. The first was to speed up the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi movement, the second was the welfare of the poor and the third was the welfare of the backward society without disturbing the social harmony,” Shah said.
“Since Independence, the Congress party was stalling the issue of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi, was diverting it, but PM Modi, after the decision of the court on the issue of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi, without delay performed the Bhoomi Pujan of Ram Temple,” Shah said.
Lauding the efforts of PM Modi, the union minister said, “Today we are happy that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, in the beginning of 2024, we will get to see Lord Ram sit in his grand temple after 550 years.”
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, both Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya, Brajesh Pathak and BJP state unit chief Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary were present on the occasion.
Earlier today, Amit Shah took to the microblogging app X, to post in Hindi, “For the first time, Kalyan Singh ji started a fear-free and corruption-free governance in Uttar Pradesh. Babuji was a huge banyan tree, under whose canopy the organization flourished in Uttar Pradesh and the BJP reached the masses. His unique contribution to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement cannot be forgotten. Babuji, who dedicated his whole life to the country and countrymen, will always be a source of inspiration for the workers. Hundreds of salutes to him on his death anniversary.”
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
