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Bihar Violence: Hindu women accuse police of entering their homes forcefully, union minister Giriraj Singh says Nitish Kumar is CM of Muslims only

Strong reactions have come up from Union Ministers Anurag Thakur and Giriraj Singh on the violence that erupted in various districts of Bihar on Ram Navami and afterwards. Taking a dig at Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, Giriraj Singh said that the Bihar CM should declare himself as the Chief Minister of Muslims exclusively. Meanwhile, Anurag Thakur asserted that the recent violence that transpired in various districts of the state demonstrates the return of the ‘jungle raj’ in Bihar. Moreover, several Hindus have also accused the Bihar administration of torturing them.

Hindus in the Nalanda district of Bihar have alleged that the police had harassed them. Some women have come out with statements alleging that the police broke down their doors. The women said that the police had used a ladder to enter their home and took away the men and that since then the situation has taken such a turn that any Muslim has been able to do the same and try to kill them. With the absence of men, women have also spoken about the lack of food and other essentials in their households.

Additional SP of Nalanda Police stated that Section 144 has been put into effect and that more force has been deployed in the district. Anurag Thakur has criticized Nitish Kumar for the lawlessness in the state. Thakur asserted that Bihar is witnessing a Jungle Raj in the name of law and order. He has compared CM Nitish Kumar’s rule with Lalu Raj.

On the other hand, Nitish Kumar has been urged by Union Minister Giriraj Singh to proclaim himself as the Chief Minister of Muslims exclusively. Giriraj Singh also reminded CM Nitish that even Hindus vote for him. Additionally, he alleged that Bihar’s administrative authorities lacked coordination. Giriraj Singh asserts that without the media, people would not have been aware of the true state of affairs in Bihar.

Giriraj Singh took a swipe at Nitish Kumar by saying that the violence has even spread to his home district. He asserted that the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government has failed to provide security to the general public.

Pakistan launches propaganda in support of Kashmiri ‘journalists’ arrested for anti-India activities

On April 1, Jammu & Kashmir Counter Disinformation Centre (JKCDC) detailed multiple campaigns being run by Pakistani handles in support of so-called Kashmiri ‘journalists’ arrested by security agencies for their involvement in anti-India activities.

The accused, including Irfan Mehraj, Fahad Shah, Aasif Sultan, and Sajad Gul, are being projected as innocent journalists arrested by security agencies as they reported on “India’s atrocities”. These so-called journalists were arrested under various charges, including funding terrorist groups, receiving illegal foreign funds and criminal conspiracy, among others.

One of the hashtags used by the Pakistani handles is “clampdown_on_journalists_in_iiojk”. Upon analysis, we found that the hashtag was used in over 300 posts on March 31 alone.

Hastag clampdown_on_journalists_in_iiojk’s engagement on March 31. Source: Talkwalker.

133 of these posts originated from Pakistan as their IP addresses indicated. Over 120 tweets had a United States IP. In the top 10 engaging accounts for the hashtag on March 31, Areeba Kiani was listed by TalkWalker analysis for Twitter.

Top accounts tweeting propaganda hashtag clampdown_on_journalists_in_iiojk. Source: Talkwalker.

Details about so-called ‘journalists arrested by Indian agencies

Irfan Mehraj

On March 20, National Investigation Agency arrested “journalist” Irfan Mehraj in connection to a terror funding case. In a statement, the central agency stated that Mehraj was a close associate of ‘activist’ Khurram Parvez and a member of the Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Societies (JKCCS).

“Investigation revealed that the JKCCS was funding terror activities in the valley and had also been in (the) propagation of secessionist agenda in the Valley under the garb of protection of human rights,” NIA informed.

He is one of the favourite anti-India elements that the intellectuals and left liberals have attempted to save. They have tried multiple times to paint a good picture of him and claim he was arrested illegally by the Indian security agencies.

Fahad Shah

On March 16, NIA framed charges under sedition and UAPA against Peerzada Fahad Shah of The Kashmir Walla. Peerzada Fahad Shah has been charged under sections 13 and 18 of the UAPA, IPC sections 121 and 153B and sections 35 (accepting a foreign contribution in contravention of provisions of FCRA, or any order or rule therein) and 39 (violation of FCRA by a company tantamount to a contravention by the persons in-charge or responsible for the business of such company) of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act.

In February 2020, he was detained by the Jammu and Kashmir Police for anti-national activities and sharing provocative content on the social media platform Facebook.

Sajad Gul

Sajad Gul, a Kashmiri journalist, was arrested in January 2022 for whipping up anti-India sentiments by uploading a protest video with anti-national slogans raised by some women after wanted terrorist Saleem Parray was eliminated in Shalimar Srinagar. Gul was arrested for instigating people to “resort to violence and disturb public peace.”

“…the said person under the garb of journalist [sic] is habitual of spreading disinformation/false narratives through different social media platforms to create ill will against the government by provoking general masses to resort to violence and disturb public peace and tranquillity,” the statement released by the police read. He was charged under Sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 153B (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration) and 505B (fear or alarm to the public) of the Indian Penal Code.

Aasif Sultan

 ‘Journalist’ Aasif Sultan was arrested in Jammu and Kashmir in 2018 for similar offences under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act or UAPA, a stringent anti-terror law. Sultan was arrested for harbouring known terrorists, and charged with murder, attempt to murder and other crimes.

In 2016, after Indian forces took down terrorist Burhan Wani, Sultan published a report eulogising the terrorist, asserting that Wani was more dangerous for India “in his grave than in his living room.” Sultan was recently booked under the Public Safety Act after police said he worked for the banned terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen.

Muslim mob assaults UP businessman for playing Hanuman Chalisa and threatens to cut him into pieces, case registered against Taufiq and 12 others

In the Banda district of Uttar Pradesh, a businessman named Siddhant Tiwari alleged that on Friday, March 31, he received death threats after he played Hanuman Chalisa on the music system in his house. Tiwari has released a video, wherein he is seen appealing to Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath to provide him security. He also said that pieces of meat were thrown at his house.

Based on the complaint lodged by Siddhant Tiwari, the police have registered a case against two accused named Toufiq and Sanu, who are absconding. Police launched a probe into the matter. The reported incident took place in the Aliganj Chowki Hathi Khana area of ​​Kotwali city. 

Siddhant Tiwari, the victim, resides with his family at Hathikhana in the Aliganj Chowki area. In his complaint, Siddhant Tiwari said that on Friday evening he was playing Hanuman Chalisa on the sound system after worshipping in his home-built godown. At about this time, a group of 15 to 20 Muslims arrived at his home, began vandalising the house and also smashed the sound system. He added that as the attackers were leaving, they threatened to kill him he dared to play Hanuman Chalisa again.

“You will play Hanuman Chalisa again, we will cut me into pieces, people will not find you,” they threatened him, according to Tiwari.

Siddhant Tiwari stated that he was alone in the house’s warehouse at the time of the incident and was scared after getting the threats from such a large group, and remained silent throughout. He said that had he tried to intervene, they would have cut him into pieces. According to Siddhant Tiwari, the perpetrators also hurled meat pieces in front of his residence.

Tiwari said that he has been playing Hindu religious songs for years, and this is the first time that Muslims attacked him for this. Following the incident, he filed a complaint with the police.

Meanwhile, Vishwa Hindu Parishad has also demanded stringent action against the accused in the incident. They also took out a protest march, demanding that the culprits should be brought to book.

Taufiq and Sanu’s names have emerged as the main accused. There are 12 total accused against whom the police have registered a case. All of them have been subject to legal action under IPC sections 147, 452, 504, 506, 427, and 153A.

In the video, victim Siddhant Tiwari also questioned whether playing Hanuman Chalisa is a crime as he appealed to CM Yogi to ensure his safety. “What crime have I done by playing Hanuman Chalisa?” Tiwari asked.

In reply to a tweet by VHP’s Chandra Mohan Bedi, Banda Police informed that a case has been registered in the matter and necessary action is being taken.

Varun Dhawan slammed for lifting and kissing American model Gigi Hadid, Dhawan defends it, Gigi calls it her ‘Bollywood moment’

Gigi Hadid, a supermodel, was one of several celebrities who attended the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) opening on Friday and Saturday, in Mumbai. Last evening, she attended a small concert organised inside the premises for the guests.

She was called up on the stage by Bollywood star Varun Dhawan. He held her hand as she ascended the short set of stairs. As she stood next to him, he picked her up and spun her before bringing her back to her feet. He then gave her a peck on the cheek. Amid resounding applause, Hadid then went off the stage.

However, Indian viewers did not appreciate the actor’s gesture and said that he could have done without it. One netizen questioned Varun’s actions while another hoped he asked for Gigi’s ‘consent.’

Source: Viral Bhayani’s Instagarm Account

A user called his behaviour ‘cheap and creepy.’ Another person observed that it seemed as though Gigi was his cousin. One noted that she is not a Bollywood actress who is familiar with the actor and it ‘didn’t look good.’

Source: Viral Bhayani’s Instagarm Account

Divyam Jain commented that Varun ‘should have known better.’ Someone wrote that this video is a prime example of ‘second-hand embarrassment.’ Another remarked that the kiss was unnecessary.

Source: Viral Bhayani’s Instagarm Account

A netizen stated that such incidents bring shame to our nation. One described it as ‘cheap harkat’ (action). Another even referred to it as ‘sexual harassment.’

Source: Viral Bhayani’s Instagarm Account

In response to criticism, Varun defended his conduct and said Gigi’s appearance on stage was pre-planned. He did not specify, although, whether the kiss was also a component of the plan or something he did on a whim.

Meanwhile, Hadid also shared a story on her Instagram account and called this little song and dance sequence her ‘Bollywood moment’.

Gigi Hadid’s Instagram story

The NMACC was founded to use costume, performing arts, and visual arts to present a sensory journey across India’s rich cultural history. It is located inside the Jio World Centre in Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex. A 2000-seat grand theatre, a 4-story art house, a pavilion, a museum-like convertible space of 52,627 square feet for art displays and exhibitions, and a studio theatre are all part of the infrastructure.

Along with Gigi Hadid, Zendaya and Tom Holland, other notable Hollywood stars included Law Roach, Penelope Cruz and Nick Jonas who attended its grand opening.

Howrah violence: BJP state chief Sukanta Majumdar stopped from visiting Shibpur, says West Bengal CM is the CM of only one religion

Police prevented Dr Sukanta Majumdar, the president of the West Bengal BJP, from visiting Shibpur in Howrah on Sunday morning because section 144 has been imposed in the area following violence during Rama Navami. The BJP leader stated that the current state of affairs in Howrah is not normal and called for a CBI investigation into the violence. He alleged that while BJP leaders are not allowed to visit the area, TMC leaders are visiting the violence-hit area unobstructed.

Sukanta Majumdar was stopped by police near the second Hooghly Bridge while trying to visit the Shibpur area in Howrwah where violence had taken place after a Rama Navami procession was attacked on Thursday. He had a heated argument with the police over the denial of permission to visit the place.

When cops told him that he can’t go ahead due to restrictions under Section 144, he asked why minister Arup Roy was allowed to go. “Arup Roy has additional constitutional rights?” he asked.

During a conversation with the media, he asserted that he will inform the West Bengal governor Dr C.V. Ananda Bose of the situation on the ground. He emphasised that many residents of the city are frightened.

He said, “While we are being stopped, TMC ministers are visiting the region in violation of Section 144. Law and order have entirely collapsed. Police are working for one community, under the instructions of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Bengalis should be aware that the CM solely works for members of one religion and not the entire state.”

Referring to the recent murder of BJP leader Raju Jha, he charged, “People are being shot dead in broad daylight.” He added, “We will meet the governor once he returns, but until then, I will call him to update him on the situation.”

He insisted that the Central and State governments ought to consult each other regarding the stationing of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in Howrah.

Sukanta Majumdar met the victims of the recent Howrah violence while visiting a temple in Howrah before his unsuccessful visit to Shibpur.

Earlier, while talking about Raju Jha’s killing by unidentified gunmen in Purba Bardhaman, he maintained, “We will visit there and talk to people before making any decision.” He described it as a rare occurrence and likened it to gangster activity, adding to the mounting evidence of the collapse of West Bengal’s law and order system.

Trinamool’s state secretary and spokesperson Kunal Ghosh defended the police, saying that as a minister Arup Roy has the authority to go to restricted areas, but the BJP state president does not have such authority.

Violence erupted in Howrah, West Bengal during Ram Navami celebrations on Thursday and Friday. Stones were thrown at the processions, shops and cars were set on fire, and both public and private property was vandalised by the rioters. The state’s Criminal Investigation Directorate (CID) is currently conducting an inquiry into the violence. Two cases have been registered and 38 perpetrators are already taken into custody in connection with the probe.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind submits an intervention application to oppose the recognition of same-sex marriages

On April 1, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, via advocate HR Shamshad, submitted an intervention application in the Supreme Court to oppose pleas seeking recognition of same-sex marriages. Calling it an assault on the family system, the Islamic organisation said that it would be an attack on the family system rather than making a family through the process of marriage.

In its application, the organisation said, “Islam’s prohibition of homosexuality has been categorical from the dawn of the religion of Islam itself. The position of Islam with respect to the prohibition on homosexuality is undisputed and established.” It further added that Muslims see marriage as a social-religious institution between a biological male and a biological female. Any interpretation of the marriage other than that would be considered non-adherent.

Jamiat Ulema said, “It is complete contravention of the established understanding of the concept of marriage in all personal laws, i.e. between a biological man and a biological woman, and thus intends to rake up the very core, i.e. the structure of a family unit in prevailing in the personal laws system.”

It further added that the legislative policy of marriage in India’s legal system is between a biological man and a biological woman. Calling same-sex marriage a free-floating system, the organisation said allowing it would destabilise the institution and dilute the concept of marriage.

It added, “Since the atheistic worldview had a decisive influence on the present alterations in the ideas of sexual morality, it must not be allowed to create any space within the religiously governed personal laws of communities.”

The organisation said that the role of father and mother in Islam is complimentary but not interchangeable. Notably, the petitioners in favour of the concept of same-sex marriage are relying on the changing legal regime in other countries. On the contrary, Jamiat said the “radical non-religious worldview” cannot be imposed on established, inseparable, and core principles of religions.

The application read, “The concept of marriage between two opposite sexes is like the basic feature of the concept of marriage itself which leads to the creation of a bundle of rights (maintenance, inheritance, guardianship, custody). By these petitions, petitioners seek to dilute the concept of marriage, a stable institution, by introducing a free-floating system and the concept of same-sex marriage.”

Pointing out the LGBTQ+ movement in the western world, the organisation said, “Since the atheistic worldview had a decisive influence qua the present alterations in the ideas of sexual morality, it must not be allowed to create any space within the religiously governed personal laws of communities.”

Since Supreme Court decriminalised same-sex relationships in 2018, several individuals and organizations have sought intervention from the apex court to interpret the Hindu Marriage Act, Special Marriage Act, Foreign Marriage Act, and other laws to provide provisions for same-sex marriages.

Not to forget, the Centre has also opposed the demand for the recognition of same-sex marriage in the country. On March 12, in its affidavit in the apex court, the Centre opposed the plea seeking legal recognition of same-sex marriage, saying that living together as partners by same-sex individuals, which is decriminalised now, is not comparable with the Indian family unit and they are distinct classes which cannot be treated identically.

Furthermore, a group of former judges also wrote an open letter not to pursue the matter in court. They believe that legalising same-sex marriage would violate Indian culture and tradition. The statement says that vested interest groups are working towards the legalisation of same-sex marriage, and the Supreme Court is considering the matter. The issue has gained momentum recently after being referred to a constitutional bench. 21 retired judges signed the letter.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the matter on April 18.

BJP releases ‘Congress Files’ episode one to expose corruption over the years, puts the figure at Rs 48,20,69,00,00,000

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday released the first episode of ‘Congress Files’ over allegations of corruption during its tenure.

The official Twitter handle of BJP tweeted, “The first episode of Congress Files, see how one after the other corruption and scams took place under the Congress rule”.

In the video message titled “Congress means corruption”, the BJP stated, “Congress has looted Rs 48,20,69,00,00,000 from the public in 70 years of its rule. That money could have been utilised for so many useful areas of security and development”. 

“Using this much amount, 24 INS Vikrant, 300 Rafale jets, and 1000 Mangal Missions could have been made or purchased. But the country had to bear the cost of Congress’ corruption, and it lagged behind in the race of progress,” the video message added. 
BJP further attacked the Congress party and termed its tenure from 2004-2014 as a “Lost Decade”. 

“Keeping the whole 70 years aside, if we only look at the last tenure of 2004-14, it was a ‘Lost Decade’. The government was led by Manmohan Singh, who turned a blind eye to all the corruption that kept on happening under his rule. In those days, papers were filled with the news of corruption, looking at which the heads of every Indian hung in shame,” the video message read.

“Coal scam of Rs 1.86 lakh crore, 2G Spectrum scam of Rs 1.76 lakh crore, MNREGA scam of Rs 10 lakh crore, Commonwealth scam of Rs 70,000 crore, a bribe of Rs 362 crores in the helicopter deal with Italy, 12 crores bribe for the Chairman of Railway Board,” it further added. 

At the end of the video message, BJP stated, “This is only the jhanki (trailer) of Congress’ corruption, the movie is still not over.”

Prior to this, Congress had attacked BJP over the Adani issue, and released multiple sets of questions under the campaign of ‘Hum Adani Ke Hain Kaun’. Congress had alleged that BJP granted “monopolies” to the Adani group in various projects. 

Indian cricketing legend Salim Durani passes away, PM Modi leads the tributes

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed grief over the death of 88-year-old former India cricketer Salim Durani.

PM Modi shared a heartfelt message on Twitter,saying, ” Salim Durani Ji had a very old and strong association with Gujarat. He played for Saurashtra and Gujarat for a few years. He also made Gujarat his home. I have had the opportunity to interact with him and was deeply impressed by his multifaceted persona. He will surely be missed.”

“I had the opportunity to interact with the great Salim Durani Ji on various occasions. One such occasion was in January 2004 at a programme in Jamnagar, in which a statue of the great cricketer Vinoo Mankad Ji was inaugurated. Here are some memories from the programme,” PM Modi tweeted.

Apart from PM Modi, fellow political leaders Shashi Tharoor and JP Nadda, too, came forward to express their grief.

“Saddened by the news that cricket legend SalimDurani has passed away. Born in Kabul too early for the white-ball era in which he’d have thrived, the volatile genius was a crowd-pleaser&public favourite: ‘No Durani No Test’ posters went up when he was dropped against England. RIP,” said Shashi Tharoor in a tweet.

“Deeply saddened by the news of Salim Durani Ji’s demise. He was a true icon of Indian cricket known for his immense skill and played a vital role in some of our most historic victories. My thoughts & prayers are with his family and friends during this tough time. Om Shanti,” said JP Nadda in a tweet.

The cricketing fraternity also paid rich tributes to one of Indian cricket’s tallest and most respected figures. ‘Master Blaster’ Sachin Tendulkar, fellow batting stalwart VVS Laxman, former India women’s captain Mithali Raj and BCCI secretary Jay Shah paid their respects to Durani.

“Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Salim Durani ji. A really warm and loving person. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. Rest in peace,” Sachin wrote in a tweet.

“India’s first Arjuna Award winning cricketer and a man who hit sixes on public demand, Salim Durani. Om Shanti. Heartfelt Condolences to his family, friends and loved ones,” said VVS Lakman in a tweet.

“Just heard the sad news of Salim Durani ji passing away. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends,” said Mithali Raj in a tweet.

“Gutted to hear about the passing away of one of Team India legends Salim Durani. Today, we have lost one of Indian cricket’s crown jewels. Condolences to his family. RIP Salim Durani ji,” said Jay Shah in a tweet.

In a career spanning more than a decade, Durani not only produced several beautiful, yet breathtaking moments on the cricket field but also on the big screen.

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

1 dies in firing between two groups in Bihar Sharif, 6 injured in Sasaram bomb blast: Violence continues in several places in Bihar

In Sasaram, Bihar Sharif, and Munger districts of Bihar, reports of fresh violence have emerged following violence during the Ram Navami processions. According to reports, on Saturday, April 1, a bomb blast left six people injured in Sasaram in Rohtas district, who were taken to a Banaras Hindu University Hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, a person was reportedly injured during gunfire in Bihar Sharif.

The gunfire between two groups took place after the rioters yet again targeted a religious place in Bihar Sharif in Nalanda district on Saturday. In the Paharpura area in the Laheri police station jurisdiction, miscreants vandalized and set on fire a place of worship. After this, two groups opened fire on watch other, which resulted in the death of a youth and the injury of three others.

Notably, the violence that started at 8:00 pm on Saturday night resulted in the death of Gulshan Kumar, a resident of the Paharpura locality and son of Ravindra Prasad. He was then taken to the hospital where he later passed away. The injured persons are being treated at the Sadar Hospital.

Senior officers along with large police forces arrived at the location after getting reports of the gunfire and brought the situation under control. More than 80 people have been arrested after identifying the miscreants. 9 additional companies are being sent to the city for reinforcements.

Clashes also took place in 2-3 other places in Bihar Sharif on Saturday night. On the other hand, DM Shubhankar and SP Ashok Mishra of Nalanda have both declared the atmosphere in the area as normal. However, a curfew was imposed in the are by the administration, while restrictions under section 144 have been imposed on the entire city.

Internet services have also been suspended in the area. People have been appealed to stay indoors and not pay heed to rumours, and police have said that action will be taken against those who spread rumours.

In Munger, two groups came face to face on Saturday night regarding idol immersion. Following this, violent clashes and stone-pelting ensued. The police arrived at the scene as soon as they learned about the situation and had to do a lathi charge to bring the situation under control.

Bomb blast in Sasaram

In Sasaram in Rohtas, six people were injured in a bomb blast in the Sherganj locality in Sasaram late evening on 1st April. The Bihar police, however, have claimed that it was not an incident of communal violence. Bihar Police said that a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team was sent to the spot to investigate the matter after receiving information about the incident of a bomb blast in Sasaram of Rohtas. “The blast was reported at a shanty and a scooty has been recovered from the area. Prima facie it does not appear to be a communal incident,” the police said.

The police further said that the six injured persons were handling illegal explosives when the incident happened. The police have not released the names of injured persons so far. Two persons have been arrested in the matter.

Speaking about the blast, the District Magistrate of Rohtas district, Dharmendra Kumar said, “In Sasaram, there was a bomb explosion. The injured have been referred to Varanasi’s BHU Hospital. We are now conducting an investigation from all angles. The cause of the explosion remains unknown as of yet.”

On Sunday (April 2, 2023) in the wee hours, Bihar Police tweeted, “Yesterday at 9 pm, during the verification of the information about the injuries of 6 persons, it has been found that they themselves were hurt during unlawful explosive handling. The forensic team is conducting its investigation in the private home’s premises, where the blast occurred. 2 arrests have been made. Force magistrates are deployed. Don’t pay attention to rumours.”

Police identified it as illegal handling of explosives. It is assumed that the explosion happened when the bomb was being made. It is notable that Sasaram is in the grip of violence since Ram Navami. The attack on the Ram Navami procession set off a wave of violence that has not subsided.

An earlier tweet from the Bihar Police stated, “Information about the occurrence of a bomb blast was received in Sasaram, Rohtas, and after investigation, it was found that the site is a hut. Also, a scooter was recovered there. The FSL team is on its way to the scene to investigate.

The Bihar Police stated in another tweet, “Prima facie it does not appear to be a communal incident. Ignore any rumours. Cooperate with the police and the government in maintaining peace.

According to a Bhaskar report, the Rohtas district office in Sasaram’s Saffulaganj area saw violence again on Saturday evening. The cops then conducted a thorough search operation while raiding the houses. Following this, eight more people have been arrested.

The administration has ordered to keep the schools and colleges closed till 4 April in Sasaram because of the volatile situation.

Delhi: PWD bulldozes illegal dargah encroaching footpath in the Nizamuddin area

An illegal construction of a dargah near the Nizamuddin area of Delhi was bulldozed on Friday, 31st March 2023, by the Delhi PWD. A large number of Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel were deployed for security during the action. With tight security arrangements, the PWD team used bulldozers to demolish the illegal construction near the mosque in the Hazrat Nizamuddin area opposite Mathura Road.

The demolished structure was known as the Dargah of Syed Abdullah Bhurai Shah Baba. Yusuf Beg, the caretaker of this alleged Mazar, said, “This tomb is about 500 years old. This is from the time when there was neither a road nor a footpath. I talked with the DM recently. At that time he asked us to remove some parts. We removed the 13-meter part. Still, this action was taken. The PWD team removed the tin shed, and demolished two rooms and walls.”

According to PWD, a notice was issued to remove the encroachment by this Mazar. The bulldozers demolished the structure of the dargah and rooms where the caretaker lived so that the footpath can be used by pedestrians. However, the tombs have been kept intact. The caretaker of the Dargah said that the land belongs to the Waqf board, while the DM says that they need this space for footpaths. Notably, Delhi Development Authorities and the Waqf board are already having a dispute regarding the land behind the demolished dargah.

The PWD department is carrying out an encroachment demolition drive in Delhi for the last few days. Recently, the stairs encroaching the footpath in front of the under-construction Congress headquarters on the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Road were also bulldozed by PWD.