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National Commission for Scheduled Castes summons Jamia Millia Islamia VC for denying reservation to SC/ST community

OpIndia Staff
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National Commission for Scheduled Castes summons Jamia Millia Islamia VC for denying reservation to SC/ST community

On May 18, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, Government of India, summoned Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia Professor Najma Akhtar to participate in an investigation initiated based on a complaint pertaining to the arbitrary scrapping of SC/ST reservation in recruitment to the teaching and non-teaching positions and promotions.

The complaint was filed by Bhupendra Pal Singh Chamar, International President, World Dalit Counsel, and State President, Akhil Bhartiya Chamar Mahar Jatav Mahasabha on May 11. Akhtar was asked to submit the facts and action taken on the allegations within seven days of the receipt of the notice.

Jamia VC was summoned by National Commission for Scheduled Castes

The commission added that in case Akhtar failed to reply in the stipulated time, the matter will be taken by the commission by exercising the power of the Civil Court conferred on it under Article 338 of the Constitution of India and issuing summons for her appearance in person.

OpIndia accessed the complaint filed against Jamia. In his complaint filed on May 11, Bhupendra said that his organisation came across the matter of abrogating the constitutionally mandated government of India scheme of Reservation for SC/ST community in a publicly funded, Central University i.e. Jamia Millia Islamia. Bhupendra said that the SC/ST community has been deprived of the rights in the University without any intervention from the Ministry of Education, University Grants Commission, or Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment of the Government of India.

He pointed out an advertisement published by the university on April 29, 2023, of non-teaching posts that violated the reservation roster of SC/ST. He further added that the university wilfully violated the UGC guidelines issued in October 2021 regarding the reservation roster.

The complaint read, “Evidently, the university did not follow the reservation roster on its flimsy, factious and self-assumed and executed status of Minority Status under Article 30 (1) of the Indian Constitution, charged up with the verdict of the National Commission of Minority Educational Institution in 2011. This verdict/order cannot be enforced as long as the JMI Act remains unamended. The claim of the university is bogus, misleading, and extremely atrocious towards the SC/ST community of the country.”

He pointed out that being a central university by an Act of Parliament, it is funded by the consolidated funds of India. He added that the SC and ST candidates were getting 15 percent and 7.5 percent reservations in the university till 2014 when the “Executive Council of the University unilaterally altered the substantive provisions of its parent statutes and abolished these reservation benefits without following the due process of law”.

He further pointed out that the National Council of Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI) declared JMI a minority institute under Article 30(I) in 2011 even though it was not being administered or run by a minority community. Since then, the reservation for SC/ST community was done away with in admissions and it was scrapped in recruitment and promotions in 2014.

Notably, in the complaint Bhupendra mentioned that the University has shut SC/ST Cell as well and there is no representative of the member of SC/ST in the promotion/selection committee. He said the steps taken by the university are affecting around 35,000 to 40,000 students of the SC/ST community.

The matter related to SC/ST reservation is sub-judice

In 2022, Jamia VC was summoned by the commission over a similar matter based on a complaint submitted by one Harender Kumar. In his complaint, Kumar, who belonged to Scheduled Caste, alleged that he had faced discrimination by the University authorities. Kumar was appointed as a guest computer teacher in a school run by the University. He alleged that he was illegally terminated from the University from his job following a conspiracy hatched against him by the top officials of the University.

Kumar said that a fabricated complaint was filed against him through a female teacher by the Principal of the school. It was alleged that Kumar was asked to do menial work such as making tea and washing the utensils for the Principal. He said, “The genesis of the complaint was deeply embedded in caste and religion-based discrimination.” When Kumar resisted doing such work as it was a public denigration of his identity, a conspiracy was allegedly hatched against him, and he was falsely accused of harassing a female employee of the school.

The case of abolishing reservation for SC/ST in appointment and promotion

Jamia Millia Islamia, which is a Central Government-funded University, is under the scanner for doing away with the reservation for SC/ST in appointments and promotions based on the complaint by Kumar. Notably, Jamia Millia Islamia has been avoiding appointments and promotions of candidates from the SC/ST community despite being a Centre-funded university.

There is a pending case in the Delhi High Court challenging National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI) order that granted Religious Minority Institute status to the University in 2011. The NCMEI had said in its order, “Jamia was founded by the Muslims for the benefit of Muslims, and it never lost its identity as a Muslim minority educational institution”. It added the University was thus, “covered under Article 30(1), read with Section 2(g) of the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions Act”.

The order was challenged in the Delhi High Court soon after the orders were passed. Despite the pending case, the University scrapped SC/ST reservations and approved religion-based appointments and reservations in 2014, citing the NCMEI order of 2011.

The Centre had opposed the NCMEI order granting Jamia minority status

In 2018, the Government of India submitted a fresh affidavit in the Delhi High Court against the affidavit submitted by the previous government and opposed the minority status given to Jamia Millia Islamia University by NCMEI. As per reports, in the fresh affidavit, the GoI cited the Supreme Court’s decision in the Azeez Basha Vs Union of India case of 1968. The Centre said that the first affidavit submitted by the previous government did not consider the said judgment. In the 1968 judgment, the apex court had said that a university incorporated under an Act of Parliament could not claim the status of a minority institute. 

Udaipur: Hindu woman forced to convert to Islam, wear burqa by one Md Asif, threatened to murder like Delhi cases for refusing

OpIndia Staff
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Udaipur: Hindu woman forced to convert to Islam, wear burqa by one Md Asif, threatened to murder like Delhi cases for refusing

On Thursday, a new case of forceful conversion has come to the fore from the Udaipur district of Rajasthan where a Hindu woman has registered a complaint against a Mulsim man for forcing her to convert her religion to Islam. The accused identified as Mohammed Asif is also said to have issued death threats to the woman.

According to a report by Zee Rajasthan, the Hindu woman stated in the complaint that she knew the accused and was friends with him. She said that she was threatened by the accused that she would be killed like just like the way Hindu girls were recently killed in Delhi.

The accused who is a resident of the Ayad locality in Udaipur developed a friendship with a Hindu woman. However, the woman later attempted to stay away from him and also tried to break his friendship with him. It is then when the accused issued her death threats and forced her to convert her religion to Islam. He also asked her to wear burqa and threatened to murder her like the one that happened in Delhi.

Recently, two dreadful murder cases were reported in Delhi. One is the Shraddha Walkar murder case and the other one was recently reported from the Shahbad Dairy area of the city.

Shraddha Walkar murder case

On November 14, the Delhi Police solved the six-month-old murder case of Shraddha Walkar and arrested Aftab Poonawala for murdering her, and then chopping her into 35 small pieces. Aftab executed the murder on May 18 and stored her body parts in the refrigerator. He then disposed of the body pieces in Delhi’s Mehrauli forest during the next 18 days.

The accused was arrested based on the complaint filed by Shraddha’s father on November 10. He stated in the complaint that the accused and the deceased had rented an apartment in Delhi and were staying in an unhealthy live-in relationship. He said that he had always opposed their relationship as Aftab used to physically assault Shraddha.

Shahbad Dairy murder case

On May 28, Mohammed Sahil stabbed a minor girl named Sakshi over 20 times and brutally murdered her. He also crushed her face with a large stone. He was seen wearing a Kalava (a sacred Hindu thread) on his wrist. Sakshi and Sahil were reportedly in a relationship and had an ugly fight a day before the murder. The victim was on her way to attend a birthday party of her friend’s son when Sahil stopped her and started attacking her with a knife. In the brutal attack, Sahil kept stabbing the victim repeatedly and later picked up a concrete block to crush her head.

Sakshi’s friend later revealed that Sakshi believed Sahil was a Hindu. A local journalist also disclosed the possibility that the girl was murdered after she knew that Sahil was a Muslim and not a Hindu. The Police arrested Sahil from Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, 24 hours after the murder. Now, after a crucial revelation by Sakshi’s friend, the police have stated that they will investigate the Love Jihad angle in the case.

Bihar: Saba Khatoon leaves her husband’s home just days after marriage because he stopped her from posting photos on Instagram

OpIndia Staff
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Bihar: Saba Khatoon leaves her husband’s home just days after marriage because he stopped her from posting photos on Instagram

A peculiar case has come to the fore from Hajipur in Bihar wherein a woman named Saba Khatoon, who is addicted to social media, left her husband’s house just days after their marriage, as her husband Illyas used to stop her from using social media. According to Saba Khatoon, she used to have frequent arguments with her husband and in-laws as she was always busy on her phone. Following a dramatic turn of events, the matter reached the Lalganj police station. 

Reportedly, around 14 days ago, Illyas, a Lalganj police station area resident had a nikah with Hajipur resident Saba Khatoon. After coming to her in-law’s house Saba used to stay busy with her phone and used social media applications like Instagram, Facebook etc. Illyas and his family were upset over Saba’s social media addiction as she would not pay attention to them and they started objecting to Saba’s behaviour. 

It is being said that after getting fed up with the repeated objections by her husband and in-laws, Saba called her maternal family there. Upon seeing tears in his sister’s eyes, Saba’s brother even pointed a gun at Illyas. The police reached the spot, confiscated the firearm, and arrested Saba Khatoon’s brother. Following this, Saba, instead of giving up her mobile and social media addiction, happily went back to her parents. 

Meanwhile, Illyas’s mother claimed that her son just asked Saba not to carry her phone with her all the time. However, their daughter-in-law was adamant about using her phone. Illyas’s mother further claimed that Saba’s family members arrived at her home and created a ruckus. 

On the other hand, Saba’s mother has claimed that for the last two or three days, her daughter’s phone was switched off. She then called Illyas, however, he also did not let Saba talk to her. When she called Saba’s mother-in-law, she said, “’You have no one of yours here. Everyone has died.” 

Moreover, Saba’s mother added that after Saba called and said, “Ammi take me away from here”.

According to the police, a case of a domestic dispute was reported at Lalganj police station, and a person was arrested for pointing a gun at his sister’s husband. It has been found that the couple was recently married. The girl is addicted to Instagram and frequently uploaded pictures on social media. Being a Muslim family, they were of a conservative mindset and forbade the girl from uploading pictures on Instagram. This led to an intense argument between the couple and then the girl called up her parents and brother. 

‘I am a Muslim, you know what I can do’: Hussain Sheikh rapes and threatens Hindu woman with acid attack, forces her to convert to Islam, arrested

OpIndia Staff
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‘I am a Muslim, you know what I can do’: Hussain Sheikh rapes and threatens Hindu woman with acid attack, forces her to convert to Islam, arrested

Navapura police in Vadodara, Gujarat have arrested one Muhammad Hussain Sheikh on charges of rape and intimidation. The victim, a married Hindu woman who lived in Hussain’s neighbourhood, alleged that the accused threatened her with her and her son’s life. He also threatened her with an acid attack and attempted to convert her to Islam.

The police have booked Muhammad Hussain Sheikh under IPC sections 376, 354(A)(D), 323, 506(2), 406 and 452, based on a complaint filed by the Hindu married woman.

The victim said in her complaint that Hussain repeatedly threatened to kill her child in order to coerce her into speaking to him. He raped her and also threatened her with an acid attack if she reported him to the police or her family. All her jewellery was also taken away by the accused, which he later sold.

The Hindu woman alleged that Hussain took her to a Dargah around 20 days after he sexually assaulted her, where she was offered sweets and rosewater and forced to wear a Tabiz (amulet) around her neck and black strings were tied to her legs. The victim said that this was an attempt to convert her to Islam.

According to the victim, Mohammed Hussain used to threaten her by saying, “I am a Muslim and you know what I can do. I’ll fix you and your child.” 

On the basis of the woman’s complaint, Navapura police arrested the accused Mohammed Hussain and sent him to jail. Although the Hindu woman also alleged that the accused compelled her to convert to Islam, the police denied the conversion allegation and did not invoke any sections of the anti-conversion law in the case. The police, meanwhile, recovered the jewellery of the victim which the accused sold.

Further investigation into the case is ongoing, said the police.

“Will hang myself if proven guilty…still stand by my statement”: Former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh

ANI
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“Will hang myself if proven guilty…still stand by my statement”: Former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh

Former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh on Thursday alleged that the protesting wrestlers are changing their “demands and language” continuously and added that he still stands by his statement that he will hang himself if even one of the allegation against him is proven to be true.

Several ace grapplers including Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik have been protesting against the WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh accusing him of sexual harassment and demanding his arrest.

 “First they (protesting wrestlers) had some other demand and later they demanded something else. They are changing their demands and language continuously. I had said that if even one case against me gets proven, I will hang myself…I stand by my statement”, said Brij Bhushan to media in Gonda.

Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chairperson Swati Maliwal on Wednesday issued a summon to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, New Delhi in a case pertaining to the wrestlers-WFI case where an identity of a minor wrestler who has accused Brij Bhushan of harassing her was revealed on social media.

In the letter to DCP, New Delhi, DCP Chairperson Maliwal wrote, “Now, a video is being circulated on social media wherein a person claiming to be the uncle of the minor survivor has revealed the identity of the survivor which is a criminal offence as per the POCSO Act.”

She further stated that the accused Brij Bhushan is highly influential and has not been arrested to date.

“The accused in the matter is highly influential and has not been arrested to date. The Hon’ble Supreme Court, considering the sensitivity of the case, and the direct threat to the survivors, especially the minor one, had directed the police to provide them security,” summon read.

The summon further pointed out that in such a scenario, the act of revealing the minor survivor’s identity has to be dealt with seriously.

In this regard, DCW chief Swati Maliwal has issued a summon to the Deputy Commissioner of Police of New Delhi District seeking registration of an FIR in the matter. The Commission has asked Delhi Police to provide a copy of the FIR along with details of the accused arrested in the matter.

The Commission has also asked Delhi Police to inform the reasons for not arresting the main accused Brij Bhushan Singh to date. Further, the Commission has asked Delhi Police to provide a copy of the enquiry report investigating whether the accused Brij Bhushan Singh is in any way linked to the act of revealing the identity of a minor survivor.

DCW Chief has asked DCP, New Delhi to appear before the Commission on June 2 along with an action taken report on the matter.

Wrestlers protesting against the Wrestling Federation of India’s president Brij Bhushan Singh should wait for the investigation to be completed, Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur said on Wednesday, asking the grapplers to trust the Delhi Police and the Supreme Court of India.

Union Minister also said that while the investigation is being done, wrestlers should not do anything which harms the sport and its players.

“The wrestlers should wait for Delhi Police to conclude their investigation and not take any steps that may cause harm to the sport or aspiring wrestlers. They should trust the police, SC and the ministry while the investigation is being carried out. We all are in favour of the sport and sportspersons and want the impartial investigation to be done and action to be taken against the ones found guilty,” said the minister.

Notably, the Leftist student organisations, the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and the Students Federation of India (SFI), the students’ wing of the CPI(M), have jointly declared a nationwide protest from June 4 in support of the wrestlers’ protest.

“DYFI and SFI demanded the immediate arrest of Brij Bhushan and to withdraw all false cases against the wrestlers immediately. Through this protest, we demand that the Prime minister should apologize for the police violence unleashed upon wrestlers,” said AA Rahim, national president of DYFI, the youth wing of the Communist Party of India (Marxist).

On Tuesday, Olympic medalist wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik alongwith Vinesh Phogat reached Uttarakhand’s Haridwar to immerse their all medals including Olympic ones in the river Ganga, as a mark of their protest. But farmer leader Naresh Tikait intervened and stopped protesting wrestlers from immersing their medals in the Ganga and said that there would be a Khap meeting over the issue.

The wrestlers later issued a five-day ultimatum to the authorities to act against the WFI chief.

On Sunday, India’s Olympic medallist wrestlers Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia along with Vinesh Phogat and Sangeeta Phogat were detained by Delhi Police while attempting to march to the new Parliament building where they planned to stage a demonstration. FIR has been filed under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 147, 149, 186, 188, 332, 353, Section 3 of the PDPP Act, said Delhi Police.

Earlier in the day, Delhi Police sources said that till now no supportive evidence has been found to arrest the WFI president in connection with the allegations levelled by wrestlers against him.

According to top sources, Delhi police will be filing its final report on the matter within 15 days. “Within 15 days we will be filing our report in the court. It could be in the form of a charge sheet or final report,” they said.

“Neither he (WFI Chief) is influencing the witness nor he is destroying the evidence,” they added.

Amid the continuing protest against Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the United World Wrestling (UWW) on Tuesday issued a statement condemning the detention of the wrestlers on Sunday.

UWW has also expressed “disappointment over the lack of results of the investigations” against the WFI chief and threatened to suspend the federation if WFI elections are not held within 45 days.

“UWW firmly condemns the treatment and detention of the wrestlers. It expresses its disappointment over the lack of results of the investigations so far. UWW urges the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations,” the world wrestling body said in a statement.

“UWW will request further information about the next elective general assembly from the IOA and the Ad-hoc Committee of the WFI. The 45-day deadline that was initially set to hold this elective assembly shall be respected. Failing to do so may lead UWW to suspend the federation, thereby forcing the athletes to compete under a neutral flag. It is reminded that UWW already took a measure in this situation by reallocating the Asian Championship planned in New Delhi earlier this year,” it added.

Earlier, on April 24, the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced that the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) will form an ad hoc committee to conduct the elections to the Executive Committee of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) within 45 days of its formation, to manage day-to-day affairs of the body, including the selection of athletes and making entries for the participation of players in international events. 

This committee will be functioning for an interim period till a new Executive Committee takes charge.

After prominent wrestlers came forward with allegations of sexual harassment against the WFI chief, earlier this year, Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur announced the formation of an oversight committee to probe allegations charges against him and some coaches.

Wrestling Federation of India assistant secretary Vinod Tomar is also named as an accused in the FIR filed in the matter.

The movement has gained traction, with leading Opposition leaders also supporting the grapplers.

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

Economy in best condition since 2013, 7.1% GDP growth: How India’s opposition, including Rahul Gandhi, fear mongered about India and how they have been proven wrong

Gopal Tiwari
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Economy in best condition since 2013, 7.1% GDP growth: How India’s opposition, including Rahul Gandhi, fear mongered about India and how they have been proven wrong

India’s gross domestic product (GDP) for the fiscal year 2022-2023 (FY23) exceeded expectations, growing by 7.2 per cent, surpassing the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) projected estimate of 7 per cent. According to the latest data from the National Statistical Office, the GDP growth gained significant momentum in the January-March quarter, expanding by an impressive 6.1 per cent.

This represents a notable improvement compared to the previous quarter, which had a growth rate of 4.4 per cent. It is worth mentioning that the growth rate during this period also exceeded earlier estimates, as the RBI initially projected a growth rate of 5.1 per cent. Furthermore, on an annual basis, the economy experienced growth rates of 13.1 per cent in FY23, with Q1 and Q2 growing at 6.2 per cent each.

As India surpasses its set targets and expectations in the GDP growth under the Modi government, it becomes necessary to recall how the opposition had fear mongered about the so-called economic crisis in the country and cast aspersions on the government for the alleged failure on the economic front.

Opposition questioning GDP before and during the COVID-19 pandemic period

Within one and a half months after Narendra Modi took oath as the Prime Minister of India for the second time, Delhi’s chief minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted on 4th July 2019, “Economic Survey presented in the Parliament today signals towards worrying signs for our economy. The GDP growth rate is virtually stagnant and all indicators point that we are in a slowdown.”

On 31st August 2019, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra tweeted, “It is clear from the GDP growth rate that the BJP government, which boasts of good days, has punctured the condition of the economy. There is neither GDP growth nor the strengthening of the rupee. Jobs are missing. Now make it clear whose handiwork is this to destroy the economy?”

On 30th November 2019, Akhilesh Yadav tweeted, “The BJP government will set a record of many ‘historic declines’ in the history of independent India… decline of GDP in the economic sector; Decline of harmony in the social sphere; The decline of morality of those in power in politics and the decline of expectations in the mental sphere.”

On 7th September 2020, TMC MP Mahua Moitra tweeted, “Biggest Ever Fiscal Stimulus Package (Not) of ₹20 lakh crore led to Worst Ever GDP contraction of -23.9% Impossible is nothing for Hon’ble FM!”

On 10th September 2020, Rahul Gandhi said, “The policies of the Modi government have caused the loss of crores of jobs and a historic fall in GDP. It (the Modi government) has crushed the future of India’s youth.”

On 25th February 2021, Shashi Tharoor tweeted, “The only GDP growth we have seen in Modi-ruled India is of Gas, Diesel & Petrol! The gas started early, as this 2014 video confirms.” Tharoor also shared a video in which Modi was talking about the promises of reducing petrol prices.

On 1st September 2021, Priyanka Chaturvedi tweeted, “GDP Q1: 2019-20: 5.4%, 2020-21: -24.4%, and 2021-22: 20.1%. GDP in Absolute Numbers: 2019-20: 35.7 lakh crores, 2020-21: 27 lakh crores, and 2021-22: 32.4 lakh crores. Recovery yes but a long way away from celebrating growth. Stop the chest-thumping already.”

In 2022, Raghuram Rajan said in a conversation with Rahul Gandhi that India would be lucky if it achieves 5 per cent GDP growth in 2022-23.

However, all these ‘predictions’ have been proved wrong with the latest numbers on the Indian economy.

Morgan Stanley’s recent report analyses India’s growth story

On 29th May 2023, Morgan Stanley published a report titled ‘India Equity Strategy and Economics : How India Has Transformed in Less than a Decade’. In that report, Morgan Stanley said, “This India is different from what it was in 2013. In a short span of 10 years, India has gained positions in the world order with significant positive consequences for the macro and market outlook.”

While noting top big changes in the last decade in India, the Morgan Stanley report mentioned how the corporate tax in India is about to stabilize at 15 per cent and how the infrastructure in India is growing at a pace like never before. Highways construction, broadband internet subscription, renewable electricty production, and railway electrification are the key areas focussed by the Modi government in the last 9 years of its rule and the results of this effort is now reflected in the economic growth.

After underlining the supply-side policy reforms, Morgan Stanley also took cognizance of the formalisation of the Indian economy. The growth story of India on this parameter is characterised by the record GST collection India is adding every month and the digital transactions constituting a higher percentage of the GDP thanks to the UPI revolution.

The report also forecasted India’s growth for the next decade and concluded that India will emerge as a key driver for Asia and global growth. Morgan and Stanley’s report observed that India’s growth in the next decade will be similar to China’s growth trajectory between 2007 and 2011. It also predicted that the GDP and the productivity growth differentials will swing in India’s favour as compared to China. furthermore, Morgan and Stanley’s report looked so optimistic about India’s economic growth that it confidently put forth that the new India will drive one-fifth of the global growth by the end of this decade.

Conclusion with key numerical data

Despite the ill-wishes of the opposition, India’s economy has performed well under Narendra Modi, especially in the second tenure. The GST collections were at an all-time high of Rs 1.87 lakh crore in April before dipping slightly to 1.57 lakh crore in May. GST collection remained above 1.4 lakh crore for the last consecutive 14 months.

India’s export has surged by 14% and the manufacturing PMI (purchasing manager’s index) is at 58.7 which is the highest in the last 31 months. In fact, the manufacturing PMI has now spent 22 consecutive months above the key level of 50.

In the week that ended on April 28, India’s forex reserves stood at a 10-month high of $588.78 billion. India’s retail inflation rate is marked 4.7%. This is the lowest figure in the last 18 months and falls well within the target range set by the central bank.

Dispatches of passenger vehicles are also an important indicator of economic growth. According to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, India’s domestic passenger vehicle dispatches saw a 13 per cent year-on-year (YoY) jump in April 2023, as demand remained robust across segments. Coal production figures are an indicator of industrial growth in the country. The coal production went up by 12% in the last year, while it increased by 23% overall in the four years of the second tenure of the Modi government.

It is because of the Modi government’s meticulous execution of good economic policies in the national interests – especially in its second tenure – that the country is seeing economic growth translating into these numbers. No wonder India has performed better on the economic front when the opposition was willfully expecting it to doom during and after the pandemic.

Sports Minister asks not to politicise wrestlers’ protest, lists several demands fulfilled, says action will be taken when chargesheet is filed against Brij Bhushan

OpIndia Staff
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Sports Minister asks not to politicise wrestlers’ protest, lists several demands fulfilled, says action will be taken when chargesheet is filed against Brij Bhushan

On June 1, Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur said the government of India has fulfilled wrestlers’ demands as required. He added that the government is handling the issue very sensitively.

He said, “We are handling this issue (wrestlers’ protest) very sensitively. Whatever the players demanded, we are doing all those things. The demanded enquiry, we got done. They asked for FIR, and Delhi Police filed it. They approached Supreme Court which asked them to approach District Magistrate. They demanded not to let Wrestling Federation of India officials be barred from performing any duties. That demand was also fulfilled. They demanded a subcommittee, and IOA made the subcommittee. Trials are being done by the subcommittee. Delhi Police is investigating the matter. Whatever they demanded has been fulfilled.”

He added, “I want to say that if a similar complaint is filed by any citizen of the country, the police investigate the matter. The action is taken after the investigation. In this case, as well, a fast-track investigation is underway. Several statements have been taken. Police will submit their report. Necessary action will be also taken once Delhi police file the chargesheet. They [wrestlers] should wait for the investigation to get over.

“To all those politicising this issue, I would like to say that the law is equal for everyone and all the players are important to us. Modi government has improved the facilities to encourage sportspersons. The government has given respect to the players and everyone knows it. However, when it comes to the police investigation, it is being done. The discussion on the chargesheet will be done once it is filed,” he said.

‘Will hang myself if proven guilty even in one case’

Former WFI Chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh also interacted with the media and asked them not to put up unnecessary questions. He said, “You [reporters] know that Delhi Police is investigating the matter. You are also aware that on January 18, they started their protests for the first time. They made a few demands and later demanded other things. I can only say that they are repeatedly changing their demands and language.”

“Earlier, I said if I am proven guilty even in one case, I will hang myself and I am sticking to the promise. No one will have to ask for it. Coming to what others are saying and what kind of ‘Panchayats’ they are organising, I have nothing to do with it. I have nothing to do with what anyone is saying. I am requesting you with folded hands, please wait for the police to finish their investigation. Whatever comes in the investigation, whatever path the judiciary shows me, I am walking on it.”Singh said. Earlier, he said in a Facebook Live session that if he is proven guilty even in one case, he would hang himself.

He added, “I am not going to get anything by reacting to what others are saying. I will face whatever court and Delhi Police decide for me. If I am found guilty in the investigation, the judiciary will take action. I am requesting you not to ask unnecessary questions.”

Wrestlers protest

Wrestlers’ protests first started in January 2023. The wrestlers claimed there was mismanagement in the federation and they were not being treated well. Later, they claimed Singh molested female wrestlers including minors. A committee was formed with PT Usha at the head. Wrestlers demanded the addition of Babita Phogat which was obliged by the government. They submitted the report in April 2023 which is yet to be made public.

In April 2023, wrestlers sat in protest again. This time they concentrated on claims of molestation. FIR was registered by the police under relevant sections of IPC and POCSO. While the protests should have ended following the FIR, they have turned into political protests. Opposition parties and farmer unions have extended support to the protesting wrestlers who are now demanding Singh to be jailed with immediate effect. They also tried to protest outside New Parliament Building as part of wrestlers’ protest but failed.

Bareilly: Salim and Shakeel thrashed by locals after they tried to take away two minor sisters, arrested

OpIndia Staff
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Bareilly: Salim and Shakeel thrashed by locals after they tried to take away two minor sisters, arrested

In the Bareilly district of Uttar Pradesh, locals thrashed two Muslim youths outside Dabhora Plywood Factory who were trying to take two minor sisters away. After beating up the accused youths identified as Salim and Shakeel, locals called the police, following this, a PCR arrived at the spot. The locals handed them over to the police along with the two girls. Both the accused have been arrested.

The matter pertains to Pipalsana Chaudhari village of Bhojipura police station precinct wherein accused Salim and Shakeel lured minor Hindu sisters to go along with them somewhere. However, a relative of the girls and some villagers noticed them as they were going and informed the family members of the girls. In no time, a crowd gathered at the spot and assaulted the accused youths. Later, upon informing Dial 112, a Police Response Vehicle and Bhojipura police reached the spot and took the accused Salim and Shakeel, and the two minor girls to the police station. 

An agitated crowd of locals alleged a love jihad attempt and demanded stringent action against the accused persons. Taking note of the situation, Inspector in-charge Ajay Pal Singh assured the locals that strict action will be taken against the accused. A case has been registered against Baheri’s Unai Makrooka village resident Salim and Shahi village’s Firozpur resident Shakeel. Both the accused persons have been arrested and sent to jail.

SP Rural Rajkumar Aggarwal said that two girls belonging to a different faith were being taken by the accused person. Police arrested both of the accused youths in this case. A case was registered at Bhojipura police station under sections 363/366/354 (a) and 7/8 of the POCSO Act. Salim from Unai village, Baheri police station area, and Shakeel from Firozpur village, Shahi police station area, were both jailed. 

On Wednesday, OpIndia reported a case of love jihad in Bareilly wherein one Mohammad Alim posed as Anand and raped a girl multiple times, and forced her to undergo an abortion. He also tried to convert her to Islam. Bareilly police today informed in a tweet that the accused person has been arrested.

The allegations are very serious: Punjab and Haryana HC rejects bail plea of Shrif who illegally transported cows for slaughtering

OpIndia Staff
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The allegations are very serious: Punjab and Haryana HC rejects bail plea of Shrif who illegally transported cows for slaughtering

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has denied bail to an accused named Shrif who was arrested for taking cows for slaughter. He was booked under the provisions of the Haryana Gauvans Sanrakshan and Gausamvardhan Act and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

The court noted that the accused was carrying cows in “pitiable” conditions and that the charges against him are “very serious.” Last year, a Bajrang Dal member complained that they had followed the automobile transporting the animals after receiving information.

Additionally, it was reported that when the complainant sought to stop him, he smashed his four-wheeler into the former’s vehicle and tossed cows at it in an effort to halt it. The complaint also mentioned that the cows were being taken to Rajasthan to be butchered.

Taking notice of the aforementioned allegations, Justice Gurbir Singh denied bail to the accused who has been imprisoned since November 2022.

The court stated, “The complainant and others chased the vehicle. Even stones were thrown at the complainant party and cows, which were being carried allegedly for slaughtering, were also thrown in their way to stop the complainant party to chase them. The trial of the case is yet to start.”

The charge that the registration of an earlier infraction under the same Act was concealed was also pointed out by the court. Justice Gurbir Singh observed, “There is apparent concealment of registration of an earlier case against the petitioner and there is no explanation of the same. So, the petitioner is not entitled for grant of relief in this petition only on the ground that he has concealed an important fact from this Court.”

The petitioner’s attorney alleged that although a challan had been filed in this matter, nothing has been recovered from his client. “Keeping in view the fact that the petitioner has tried to mislead the Court and the gravity of offence, I am of the view that the petitioner does not deserve the concession of regular bail, at this stage,” Justice Singh responded to his claim.

Vivek Gulati says he had to stop Hanuman Chalisa recital at his Gurugram cafe because of continuous anon complaints and police intervention: Ground Report

राहुल पाण्डेय
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Vivek Gulati says he had to stop Hanuman Chalisa recital at his Gurugram cafe because of continuous anon complaints and police intervention: Ground Report

In March this year, a video of the Hanuman Chalisa recital at a cafe in Gurugram grabbed a lot of attention. In the video, a group of youngsters could be heard reciting Hanuman Chalisa in a musical manner at a cafe with drums, guitars, and other musical instruments. This cafe named ‘Cake Desire’ is in the Sector 22 market of Gurugram and is owned by Vivek Gulati. Spiritual jamming was his brainchild, and he was leading the youth associated with it.

Vivek Gulati had then spoken to OpIndia, thanking those who had appreciated his initiative and expressing his willingness to carry his idea to places across the country, from Ayodhya to Rameshwar, in the future alongside his fellow artists.

Presently, the same cafe owner and his associated artists are surrounded by a slew of issues. On Thursday (May 25, 2023), Vivek Gulati shared his predicaments with the OpIndia team. He said that the police are under pressure to stop his programme due to the anonymous complaints they have been receiving against his initiative.

The Gurugram police began receiving complaints soon after the Hanuman Chalisa recital programme began in March of this year, according to Vivek Gulati, who added with a heavy heart that everything was great in the first few days but that the situation is no longer conducive to them.

He alleged that the police started visiting his cafe almost immediately after he and his fellow artists began the programme. Vivek explained that the cops arrived at the venue during the programme due to calls they received from several unknown numbers. He stated that some individuals complain to the police about noise and other issues, and every time they received such complaints, they responded by visiting his cafe and insisting on stopping the program. Vivek further said he had no idea who was doing this.

Shopkeepers in the area are also being summoned to the police station, the 40-year-old Vivek Gulati said.

The cafe owner further told us that approximately a week after his Hanuman Chalisa video went viral, cops began receiving complaints from unknown numbers. He lamented how the cops subsequently started either visiting his cafe at least once a month or summoning him to the police station.

Vivek told us that he has also acquired a no-objection letter from surrounding shopkeepers; despite this, the police continue to stop him every day. In fact, OpIndia accessed an audio in which the police could be heard instructing Vivek to appear before them along with people from the nearby area, within one hour.

Vivek Gulati, the owner of the cafe in Gurugram, says artists reluctant to perform due to police pressure

Further talking about the problems he has been facing, Vivek said that he has been working with artists belonging to humble backgrounds and they are now feeling afraid of recurrent police visits. As a result, many artists are reluctant to come to jam in his cafe.

The cafe owner described the situation as harassment and stated that it is damaging the future of young and enthusiastic artists because the popularity earned from jamming not only bolstered their confidence but also brought them many opportunities.

Packed and kept away all musical instruments: Gulat

Vivek led us to the location where all their musical instruments were stored. All of this was stacked in a corner of his own cafe’s basement. A lot of dust had accumulated on most of the instruments. When we questioned him why the instruments had been lying neglected in one corner of the cafe, Vivek stated that the police had strictly ordered them not to create any noise which is why he was not being able to conduct the programs.

Notably, the cops could be heard telling Vivek and other artists not to perform at the cafe in the audio OpIndia obtained. The police stated they could only do it after obtaining a formal licence from the relevant authority. Vivek was heard on the tape pleading with the police officers to allow them to continue their performance, claiming that his spiritual jamming programmes brought solace to the audience. In response, the cops were heard reprimanding Vivek, claiming that it was not his responsibility.

Chairs kept for audiences lying unused

A few chairs were piled up in one corner of Cake Desire Cafe. When we asked Vivek about it, he said it was the chairs which they laid for the audience. However, due to the frequent intervention of the police, not only the number of performers but also the number of spectators has decreased significantly, said Vivek, adding that no one wants to mess with the cops.

Vivek further alleged that a man claiming to be a customer entered the market and told him in a rather derogatory way, to turn off the music, among other things. However, Vivek was unable to ascertain the person’s name or identity.

Drunkards had started gathering around the cafe, says Vivek Gulati

Vivek, the owner of Cafe Cake Desire, claimed that before he began hosting spiritual jamming events, the location where he and his fellow artists used to recite the Hanuman Chalisa was a hangout for drunkards. According to Vivek Gulati, no one objected when the area became overflowing with notorious alcoholics, but after they cleaned it up and began holding the spiritual programme, objections began to pour in. However, Vivek Gulati dismissed police intervention as a mere responsibility.

Despite the pressure and stress, Vivek Gulati continues organising Hanuman Chalisa recitations alongside fellow artists. Vivek, on the other hand, stated that they are no longer doing these programmes with music and other paraphernalia, but rather in a simple way. Despite this, Vivek Gulati claimed that cops still come by from time to time to stop them from reciting the Hanuman Chalisa.

Significantly, when he had last spoken to Vivek Gulati in the month of March, we learnt about his religious beliefs. This time, when we visited his cafe named ‘Cake Desire’ in the Sector 22 market of Gurugram, we noticed that the small temple placed near the cash counter had many photos of Hindu deities and Sikh gurus.

When we spoke with some people near Cake Desire Cafe, they expressed disappointment that the cafe’s unique spiritual jamming sessions had to be terminated owing to anonymous complaints. However, because of the fear of the police, these people declined to talk on camera.

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