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‘Many removed, notices sent to several others’: Govt responds to petition in Allahabad HC about illegal mosques, mazars built on Govt land

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‘Many removed, notices sent to several others’: Govt responds to petition in Allahabad HC about illegal mosques, mazars built on Govt land

The Central Government and the State Government told the Allahabad High Court on Wednesday that several mosques and mazars illegally constructed in several public places in Uttar Pradesh have been demolished while notices have been issued to several others, reported Law Beat.

The govt was responding to a PIL filed by Jan Udghosh Sewa Sansthan and others in the Allahabad HC seeking the removal of a mosque and a mazar illegally constructed on encroached land including parks, railway stations, bus stands, flyovers, bridges etc.

The govt further told the HC bench that other parties who received such notices have filed impleadment applications in the current PIL.

Furthermore, the respondents—the Central and State governments—asked the court for more time to record the aforementioned developments. Accepting the same, the court adjourned the case and ruled that it be rescheduled for February 15, 2023.

Notably, the current PIL filed in the Allahabad Court by petitioner Jan Udghosh Sewa Sansthan asserted that unauthorised mosques, mazars, and dargahs are being built across the country in public places such as parks, railway stations, bus stops, flyovers, bridges, and so on, with the intent of capturing more and more land illegally.

Citing many illegally constructed mazars and mosques in Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, Muzaffar Nagar, Meerut, Mathura, and Bareilly as examples, the petitioner claimed that these activities are being carried out in collusion with the local authority.

The plea further alleged that these illegally constructed places are also being used for illegal activities and spreading unnecessary superstition. 

“From the narration of facts placed on record, it is also clear that such construction is being raised with the officers in charge of the administration as without their consent and connivance such type of construction at public places could not have been raised,” the plea read.

As a result, in addition to demanding serious punishment against individuals responsible for such illegal constructions, the petitioner asked the court to order the Centre and State governments to conduct a survey to identify all such unauthorised constructions and take measures to remove them.

In response to the plea, the Allahabad HC had in November last year sought a response from the Central and the State government.

Allahabad HC orders removal of illegal mosque, mazar from historic Chandrashekhar Azad Park in Prayagraj

Notably, in October 2021 also the Allahabad High Court had ordered the immediate removal of a mosque and a mazar illegally constructed inside the Chandrashekhar Azad Park at Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. “We want the park free of all encroachments,” the Court said in its order while hearing a petition filed by petitioner Jitender Singh.

The petitioner stated that the existence of this park was under threat as some members of the Muslim community had illegally constructed artificial graves and were trying to convert a structure into a mosque. He added that the accused wanted to convert the park into a graveyard and mosque.

Railways issues notice to remove illegal Mazar, Mosque from Agra Cantonment Railway land

As part of the drive to remove illegal encroachments from Railway land, the Indian Railways had in April last year, issued notices to several religious structures built on the land owned by the Agra Cantonment railway board. 

One such notice issued to the Imam of the Noori Masjid asked him to shift the Mosque to some other place and free the government land. The notice added that several temples, mosques and mazars have come up illegally on the Railways land, and all of them are being removed.

1262-page chargesheet filed in Morbi Bridge collapse case, Overa MD Jaysukh Patel named as accused

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1262-page chargesheet filed in Morbi Bridge collapse case, Overa MD Jaysukh Patel named as accused

On Friday, the Morbi police in Gujarat submitted a chargesheet in the Jhulto Pul suspension bridge accident case identifying Jaysukh Patel, managing director of OREVA Group’s Ajanta Manufacturing Private Limited (AMPL), as one of ten suspects accused of culpable homicide not amounting to murder. At least 135 people died and over 180 were injured on 30 October 2022 when an overcrowded pedestrian suspension bridge over the Machchhu River in Morbi in Gujarat collapsed.

According to the reports, the defendants are expected to get copies of the chargesheet by January 30. Jaysukh Patel has been named as an accused in the 1,262-page chargesheet, joining the nine others who have previously been detained, including two Oreva Group executives. The nine defendants are in judicial prison, while Patel remains free, a magisterial court issued an arrest order against him. The police who are investigating the case stated the possibility that Patel is free and has not yet left the country. On January 24, the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Morbi, MJ Khan, issued an arrest warrant against Patel under section 70 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). Earlier on January 20, Patel filed an anticipatory bail plea at the Morbi sessions court, and the hearing was adjourned till February 1.

Around 367 persons have been named as witnesses in the chargesheet. The investigating officers stated that Patel has been charged as an accused since all deals and communications relating to the bridge’s maintenance, operations, and administration were directly in his purview, as evidenced by the discovery of papers from Oreva’s headquarters in Morbi bearing his signature.

According to the police, the final Forensic Science Laboratory report is still pending and hence has not been attached to the chargesheet. In October 2022, the authorities registered an FIR under Indian Penal Code sections 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide not amounting to murder), and 114 (abettor present when the offense is committed) against the relevant agencies responsible for maintenance and supervision of the bridge, along with others whose names may emerge during the course of the investigation, without explicitly mentioning anyone.

As a result, nine persons were arrested, including AMPL managers Deepak Parekh and Dineshbhai Dave, two ticket-booking employees, three security officers stationed at the bridge, and two private contractors who worked on the bridge between March and October last year. Parekh and Dave were in charge of the production units at Morbi and Samakhiali, respectively.

Days after 135 people were killed in the bridge disaster, the police asked the magisterial court in November to add charges under sections 336, 337, and 338 of the IPC (hurt and injury due to negligence), and the court had permitted the same. According to a police official, the chargesheet has been lodged against the ten suspects under IPC sections 304, 308, 114, 336, 337, and 338.

Patel had applied to the Morbi district and sessions court earlier this month for protection from arrest. However, the judge postponed his anticipatory bail motion until February 1 after the prosecution requested more time to respond to the case.

The British-era suspension bridge collapsed only 5 days after it was reopened following renovations. The bridge was a tourist attraction, and at the time of the incident, reportedly over 500 people were on the bridge, far exceeding the capacity of 125. It has been alleged that the Oreva officials allowed the bridge to be overcrowded as they had sold too many tickets. It also has been found that the bridge was reopened by the company in a hurry without a required fitness certificate, and the authorities were not informed about the reopening.

Preliminary probes have found that the bridge’s cables were rusted, its anchors were broken, and the bolts that connected the cables with the anchors were loose. Moreover, heavy flooring was used in the renovation and the rusted cables could not take the load. It has also been found that the daily wage labourers working as guards were not told about the maximum number of people to be allowed on the bridge at a time.

An annoyed Ranbir Kapoor throws away a fan’s phone, video goes viral

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An annoyed Ranbir Kapoor throws away a fan’s phone, video goes viral

In a recent viral video, Ranbir Kapoor can be seen being agitated by a fan’s phone. The fan initially attempted to take a few photos, but it appeared that they did not turn out well. The admirer made another effort at taking photos since he was unsatisfied. Though Ranbir smiled for the camera, it seems he was irritated at the repeated attempts by the fan who kept asking for posing more.

Ranbir asked the fan if he is done. Then he took the phone from the fan’s hands and threw it away.

Many online users have voiced their displeasure with Kapoor’s actions, and some have demanded that the actor apologise. Others have noted that Kapoor is a public figure and that he ought to be more mindful of his conduct and how they can be viewed by his followers and the general public.

A netizen asked him if he was feeling okay?

Another, stated that it is his arrogance.

Karan Talwar took a dig at his past.

Another handle by the username True Khabri was not impressed by the actor’s behaviour.

Some viewers’ even commented that it appears to be a marketing push for a particular brand of phones.

 

A user tweeted claiming the video to be an ad shoot.

The event has also prompted a larger discussion about how celebrities treat their fans. Many have noted that although celebrities have a right to privacy, they also owe it to their fans to be kind and respectful to them.

This is not the first incident where the Brahmastra actor is seen behaving in an angry manner. He was seen on camera in 2016 pushing a fan who was attempting to take a selfie with him. However, Kapoor afterwards expressed regret for his behaviour and claimed that he had acted out of fear.

Gautam Adami drops to 7th position on world’s richest people list as shares of Adani Group companies crash by 20%

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Gautam Adami drops to 7th position on world’s richest people list as shares of Adani Group companies crash by 20%

Gautam Adani, the richest man in Asia and India, had a dramatic decline in his wealth on Friday, as he dropped to seventh place on the list of the world’s wealthiest people. In the first trading hours of Friday, 27th January 2023, Adani’s fortune decreased by more than $22 billion to around $97 billion, according to the Forbes Real Times Billionaire Index. Bill Gates, the pioneer of Microsoft, who had a wealth valued at $104 billion, is now ranked above Adani.

When the Adani Group Stock prices experienced a significant surge last year, Adani climbed to the second spot on the rich list. He held on to the third place for a while before being recently supplanted ($122 billion) by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. With a fortune of $215 billion, Bernard Arnault of Louis Vitton leads the list of the wealthiest people, followed by Elon Musk, the owner of Tesla, SpaceX, and Twitter, whose wealth was recently estimated at $170 billion.

As the conflict between the Adani Group and the US-based activist investor group Hindenburg Research heated up on Thursday, Gautam Adani’s position on the wealth list dropped as a result of the drop in share prices of Adani Group firms, which dropped by up to 20% on Friday.

The Hindenburg Research report on Adani Group

US-based activist investor Hindenburg Research has claimed in a report that Adani Group was involved in a “brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud scheme over the course of decades.” Hindenburg Research claimed that it has conducted an investigation on the company for the last two years and that it has documents to prove its claims.

The group also accused the company of improper use of offshore tax havens and said that the company’s debt is very high. Hindenburg Research Report accused Adani family members of creating and managing “a vast labyrinth of offshore shell entities” in tax havens like Mauritius, Cyprus, and the UAE. The report claimed that some of these entities were used for market manipulation. Moreover, the report has also alleged over-invoicing in coal import by Adani group companies, along with other private and public sector companies.

The group claimed that the research involved interviewing multiple individuals, including former senior executives of the Adani Group, examining thousands of documents, and conducting due diligence site visits in nearly a dozen countries, Hindenburg Research said.

“Even if you ignore the findings of our investigation and take the financials of Adani Group at face value, its seven key listed companies have 85% downside purely on a fundamental basis owing to sky-high valuations,” said the forensic financial research company in its report. This report was published on 24th January 2023.

Adani Group issues rebuttal, Hindenburg stands by its claims

On Wednesday, 25th January 2023, the Adani Group trashed the Hindenburg Research report as a ‘malicious combination of selective misinformation and stale, baseless and discredited allegations’. The Group stocks lost Rs 46,000 crores in market cap after Hindenburg claimed that the Indian giant had participated in a clear stock manipulation and accounting fraud scheme over decades.

The Adani Group said in its media statement, “We are shocked that Hindenburg Research published a report on 24 January 2023 without making any attempt to contact us or verify the factual matrix. The report is a malicious combination of selective misinformation and stale, baseless, and discredited allegations that have been tested and rejected by India’s highest courts.” However, despite the response given by the group, the price of the Adani Group shares kept falling resulting in the sharp decline of Gautam Adani’s position in the world’s richest people’s list.

However, Hindenburg Research has stood by its report, claiming it has all the documents needed to prove its charges. They have also challenged Adani Group to file a lawsuit against them in the USA. In a statement issued on Twitter, it said, “In the 36 hours since we released our report, Adani hasn’t addressed a single substantive issue we raised. At the conclusion of our report, we asked 88 straightforward questions that we believe give the company a chance to be transparent. Thus far, Adani has answered none of these questions.”

Claiming that Adani has resorted to bluster and threats instead of answering questions, they said that they welcome the threat of legal action by Adani Group, but wanted the case to be filed in US.

“If Adani is serious, it should also file suit in the U.S. where we operate. We have a long list of documents we would demand in a legal discovery process,” Hindenburg Research said.

Bangladesh: Islamists vandalise Saraswati idol, attack Hindu worshippers, Farook and 5 others nabbed

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Bangladesh: Islamists vandalise Saraswati idol, attack Hindu worshippers, Farook and 5 others nabbed

On Thursday (January 26) night, a group of 9-10 Islamists disrupted the Saraswati Puja and vandalised the idol of the Goddess after being told not to click pictures and videos.

The incident took place at Naraich village in Mohanganj upazila in the Netrakona district in the Mymensingh Division of Bangladesh. So far, a total of 6 accused, namely, Nishad, Farook Mia, Apu Mia, SM Munna Khan, Sabikul Mia and Anon Mia, have been identified.

They are said to be juveniles and residents of the nearby Hatnaiya village. According to Antar Sarkar of the Naraich Village Youth Association, the Islamists landed at the Puja mandap at around 9:30 pm on Thursday during the time of Puja Aarti.

They began clicking pictures and videos, following which the organisers forbid them from doing so. This agitated the accused, which resulted in a heated argument with the organisers.

Soon after, they attacked the Hindu worshippers gathered at the puja mandap and destroyed the idol of the deity in the process. During the assault, two Hindus named Hriday Biswas and Shayan Sarkar were grievously injured.

They were rushed to the Mohanganj Upazila Health Complex for immediate medical attention. Upon receiving information about the incident, the police rushed to the spot to pacify the situation.

A police complaint was filed with the Mohanganj police station by a Hindu devotee named Rubel Sakar. So far, the police have apprehended 6 accused in the case and efforts are underway to arrest the rest.

While speaking about the matter to Ajker Patrika, Upazila Executive Officer Chhabbir Ahmed Akunji said, “I am going to visit the scene. Legal action is being taken against the accused. More security measures will be implemented to avoid any such untoward incident during upcoming pujas.”

This is not the first time that such an incident has come to light. On January 23 this year, an Islamist named Akram vandalised several idols of Goddess Saraswati in Purbadhala Bazaar in the Netrakona district in the Mymensingh Division of Bangladesh.

Earlier this month, the Bangladesh National Hindu Grand Alliance informed that a total of 154 religious minorities, including Hindus, were killed in the country between January and December 2022.

‘Criticism is Shuddi Yagna for a harmonious democracy’: PM Modi during Pariksha Pe Charcha 2023 in Delhi

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‘Criticism is Shuddi Yagna for a harmonious democracy’: PM Modi during Pariksha Pe Charcha 2023 in Delhi

On January 27, PM Narendra Modi interacted with students, teachers and parents during the 6th edition of ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ 2023 in Delhi. PM Modi, during his interaction with the students, answered various questions ranging from positive criticism, time management, addiction to mobile and social media, pressure, exam preparation, use of unfair means and cheating during exams. 

While addressing the students’ queries at the event held at Talkatora Stadium, PM Modi explained how ‘criticism is integral to democracy.’ The PM was responding to a student who asked him how he tackles challenges and criticism.

The PM answered that criticism is salient for Democracy and it helps to improve. “I have a conviction that criticism is an absolute condition and a Shuddhi Yagna for a harmonious democracy and I believe in the principle that criticism is important for a successful democracy. ”

“Who critiques and with what intention is important. There is a difference between allegation and criticism, the latter is valuable, the former is a vendetta,” the PM added.

PM Modi further replied that it is very important to know the source of criticism. There is a very thin line between criticism and obstruction. Parents must criticize in a constructive, positive way. However, people who are habitual of criticising, don’t bother much about what they are saying. 

Replying to a student who inquired about how to avoid distractions due to social media, PM Modi said, “First it is important to decide whether you are smart or the Gadget. You should know that Gadgets are not smarter than you. This is a subject of great concern in the country. We should not become slaves of Gadget or technology.”

PM Modi further discussed the importance of time management by referring to mothers and their time management skills. He told the students that they should learn time management skills from their mothers. “Have you ever observed your mother’s time management skills? A mother never feels burdened by the immense work she does. If you observe your mother, then you will understand how to manage your time well,” the PM explained.

Warning the children again using unscrupulous means during examinations, PM Modi advised, “Some students use their creativity for cheating in examinations but if those students use their time and creativity in a good way they will achieve heights of success. We should never opt for shortcuts in life, focus on ourselves.”

The Prime Minister also advised students on how to deal with stress. He said that they generally face pressure during the exam season, but they must focus on hard work. At this point, PM Modi also offered some critical advice for parents who frequently pressurise their children owing to societal demands. He said that “the expectations of family members are obvious, but to manage the social status, pressurizing the children is not right.”

PM Modi while addressing the candidates said that we should be proud of our country as we have the world’s oldest language. “Be extrovert apart from being focussed. India is a country full of diversity and we should be proud of it. Every language is a window to thousands of years of experience and wisdom.” 

While answering the question ‘how to learn different languages and why it is important?’ PM Modi said that we should be proud of our legacy and heritage.

He encouraged the students by advising them to work smart. “Some people do only hard work, some do smart work, some do nothing. The students who put in lots of effort during examinations: I am assuring you your efforts will never go to waste. You have heard the story of the thirsty crow. How he drank water? What should we call it- hard work or smart work?”

A student from Gurugram asked PM Modi how despite being an average student can he focus on his studies. PM Modi motivated the student by replying, “Congratulation, for knowing that you are average. Many below-average students think that they have more calibre. It’s important to know yourself and make a correct assessment of yourself. Most people are average, but some average people do extraordinary work through their effort.”

He further added, “How should average students focus on their studies? Identify your capabilities and be confident about them. Such students outperform themselves.”

Notably, after concluding his session ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha 2023’ PM Modi also interacted with specially-abled students at the Talkatora Stadium. 

Before the commencement of the sixth edition of ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha 2023’ PM Modi interacted with a few students at an exhibition. 

Pariksha Pe Charcha is an annual event conducted by PM Narendra Modi to address issues of students on examination pressure, study-related stress, time management, and other related queries. This year, a record 39 lakh students registered for participation in Pariksha Pe Charcha including students from almost 150 countries, teachers from 51 countries and parents from 50 countries. The registrations are nearly 15 lakh higher than last year, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan informed.

‘NSUI did not seek permission, such behaviour won’t be tolerated’: DU proctor says won’t allow screening of propaganda BBC documentary

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‘NSUI did not seek permission, such behaviour won’t be tolerated’: DU proctor says won’t allow screening of propaganda BBC documentary

The controversy around the BBC propaganda documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s role as a head of state during the 2002 Gujarat riots has now reached Delhi University. On Friday, January 27, Rajni Abbi, the proctor of Delhi University said that the varsity will not allow the screening of the BBC documentary on the campus.

After receiving information that the Congress-affiliated student body National Students Union of India (NSUI) has planned to screen the propaganda documentary at the Arts faculty, DU proctor Abbi wrote to Delhi Police.

“We wrote to the Delhi Police about this. They will take action. Proper police deployment would be done. We cannot allow such a screening,” Rabbi told PTI.

“As per the information we have, NSUI plans to screen this documentary at the Arts faculty. No permission has been sought for it. We won’t permit such behaviour,” Abbi said adding that the government had outlawed the documentary.

Meanwhile, the Congress-affiliated National NSUI and the Bhim Army Student Federation have announced that the screening will be held at 5 p.m. on North Campus, outside the Arts faculty.

Apart from DU, the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) of Presidency University in Kolkata has additionally sought permission to screen the banned documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the 2002 Gujarat riots on January 27 at 4 pm.

The SFI at Presidency University claimed it had submitted an email to university officials to reserve the badminton court on campus, where the video would be screened on a large screen. The university administration has yet to react to the request.

This comes after the screening of the propaganda BBC documentary titled “India: The Modi Question” was halted at Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University and Jamia Millia Islamia university on January 25. The SFI’s plan to screen the controversial docuseries at Jamia Millia Islamia University in Delhi also didn’t materialise after the university administration refused permission for the screening. Several SFI members were detained by police for the same.

Notably, India had recently denounced the controversial BBC documentary series on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, described as a ‘propaganda piece’ designed to push a discredited narrative. “We think this is a propaganda piece designed to push a particular discredited narrative. The bias, lack of objectivity, and frankly continuing colonial mindset are blatantly visible,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said during a weekly media briefing. On Saturday, the Center issued orders to Twitter and YouTube to block links to the BBC documentary “India: The Modi Question.”

Congress leader Rashid Alvi demands evidence of the surgical strike, earlier Digvijaya Singh had raised aspersions on the Pulwama attack

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Congress leader Rashid Alvi demands evidence of the surgical strike, earlier Digvijaya Singh had raised aspersions on the Pulwama attack

Rashid Alvi, a senior leader of the Congress, has asked for evidence of the surgical strike after Congress stalwart Digvijaya Singh had demanded the same. In favour of Digvijaya’s statement, Rashid Alvi stated that the government should display the surgical strike video, they profess to have in their possession. If they don’t have the footage, they should make an apology for lying.

Rashid Alvi reportedly stated that we have faith in our army and surgical strike, according to the news agency ANI. Our troops are our pride. Of that, we are certain. But it is naive to trust the BJP-led government at all. He argued that the government maintains that the footage is available. In light of what Digvijaya Singh just said, if a video exists, show it. Apologies if there isn’t one. This question is raised when the government claims to have the video.

Our dispute is not with the army, Rashid Alvi stated. The army never issued a statement on the subject. However, Amit Shah, who said that 250–300 people were killed, is the subject of our query. Sushma Swaraj who isn’t among us anymore had said, that we struck at such a place where no one could die. Since he claims that 400 people have perished, we have a question for the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh. Whom to believe, they’re all part of the government. Fauj is not the army wing of the BJP. The army has our trust. Each and every citizen is proud of them.

Rashid Alvi questioned where the problem is in Digvijaya Singh’s demand to reveal the video. “Just show us the visual evidence. What is wrong with it if he has called for an investigation into the Pulwama case?”

Rahul Gandhi disassociated himself from Digvijaya Singh’s assertion when he was questioned about it. He claimed that we do not want proof because we have faith in the army. Rashid Alvi stated, “I haven’t seen or heard Rahul’s statement on this.” I don’t wish to offer any commentary. Party officials are permitted to speak their own minds.

On January 24, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi dissociated himself from comments made by Digvijaya Singh, a senior party official, that questioned the 2019 surgical strikes.

On Tuesday, Congressman Digvijay Singh had questioned the surgical strike. He added that in Pulwama, 40 of our CRPF troops were killed. PM Modi refused the CRPF leaders’ plea to evacuate all of the men. How could such an error occur? He claimed to have carried out a surgical strike but offered no evidence. BJP simply promote lies.

BBC documentary row: Leftist groups screen banned propaganda series at multiple universities, ABVP responds with screening The Kashmir Files

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BBC documentary row: Leftist groups screen banned propaganda series at multiple universities, ABVP responds with screening The Kashmir Files

The controversial BBC Documentary “India: The Modi Question” was screened at Jadavpur University in Kolkata and University of Hyderabad by the Students Federation of India’s (SFI) members on Thursday. The screening came after failing to do so at Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University and Jamia Millia Islamia University. In Hyderabad, ABVP members screened the movie ‘The Kashmir Files’ in the campus in retaliation.

SFI, the student’s wing of the CPI(M), screened the documentary at Jadavpur University in Kolkata on Thursday without any incident. Neither the police nor the administration interfered with the screening, and there were no opposition to the screening from any student group. Reportedly around 200 students watched the documentary film.

Similarly, the Students Federation of India (SFI) screened the film at the University of Hyderabad campus in Hyderabad on Thursday. It was the second display of the documentary in the university, as earlier Fraternity Movement in UoH campus, a students’ group, had organised the screening of the documentary on January 21 without any permission. SFI’s unit in the university tweeted that more than 400 students turned out for the screening.

The documentary was also screened at Puducherry University by the SFI.

On the other hand, RSS’s student wing Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) screened the ground-breaking movie “The Kashmir Files” at the University of Hyderabad on Thursday, in retaliation to the screening of the documentary by SFI.

SFI plans to screen the documentary in more universities, including at JNU and Jamia where it failed to do so earlier. There are also plans to screen it at Delhi University and Ambedkar University. The SFI has also requested permission to show the documentary on Friday at Presidency University in Kolkata. On February 1, the video will also be shown by members of Presidency University’s visual arts organization, according to Moitreyo Sarkar, one of the organizers.

Earlier on Wednesday, the planned screening at the Jawaharlal Nehru University had failed after the JNU administration turned off the electricity and the internet. Due to the inability to organize the showing, the students afterwards staged protests and claimed they were attacked while viewing the video on their mobile devices. Stone pelting was alleged during the protest.

Similarly, on Thursday, the SFI’s plan to screen the documentary at Jamia Millia Islamia University was foiled as the university administration refused permission for the same. 13 SFI members from the university were detained in Delhi on Wednesday for causing a disturbance in protest against the refusal of permission.

According to a statement from the university, Jamia Millia Islamia cancelled classes on Friday at the request of both students and teachers. The administration stated in a memo that all university offices, including the departments, centres, and schools, will operate normally.

On January 27, All India Student Association (AISA) organised protests at Delhi’s Ambedkar University in support of students at Jawaharlal University and Millia Islamia University. The group denounced the ‘police brutality’ meted out to JNU and Jamia students who attempted to screen the contentious BBC Narendra Modi documentary, but could not after they were denied permission.

“End Police Brutality On Students! End Arbitrary Detention And Targeting Of Students From Jamia!” AISA said in a poster.

The screening of the documentary is taking place at various places after the Centre’s last-week directive to remove numerous YouTube videos and Twitter posts that contained links to the documentary.

The Indian government has banned videos of the BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which it has labelled a propaganda effort. As per Indian laws and regulations, videos and tweets containing links to the BBC programme have been blocked, according to I&B ministry consultant Kanchan Gupta.

‘Goonjega toh sirf Jai Shri Ram’: Actress Kangana Ranaut takes a dig at ‘love trumps hate’ comment over Pathaan’s box-office performance

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‘Goonjega toh sirf Jai Shri Ram’: Actress Kangana Ranaut takes a dig at ‘love trumps hate’ comment over Pathaan’s box-office performance

Shahrukh Khan’s film ‘Pathaan’ has been released in theatres on January 25. Many supporters of the actor have lauded the opening response received by the film as a ‘victory of love over hatred’. Actor Kangana took a dig at the narrative being peddled, stating that it is India’s love and inclusiveness that despite being a Hindu-majority country, a movie such as Pathaan that shows Pakistan and ISI in good light goes on to become a success at the box office.

Ms Ranaut came up with a pinpointed question asking to clarify whose love has triumphed over whose hatred. Ranaut has also said that Pathaan can be just one film, but only Jai Shri Ram will echo forever in the country.

In a string of tweets, Kangana Ranaut said, “All those who are claiming Pathan is a triumph of love over hate, I agree but whose love over whose hate? Let’s be precise, who is buying tickets and making it a success? Yes, it is India’s love and inclusiveness where eighty per cent of Hindus live and yet a film called Pathan…”

“which shows our enemy nation Pakistan and ISI in good light is running successfully, it is this spirit of India beyond hate and judgments that makes it great… it is the love of India that has triumphed hate and petty politics of enemies,” Ranaut tweeted.

She further added, “But all those who are having high hopes please note… Pathan can be just one film, only Jai Shri Ram will echo here. Jai Shri Ram.”

Kangana Ranaut added, “I do believe Indian Muslims are patriotic and very different from Afghan Pathan. The crux is India will never be Afghanistan, we all know what is happening in Afghanistan, it’s beyond hell there, so an apt name for the movie Pathan according to its storyline is the Indian Pathan.”

Earlier, during the wrap-up party of her new film Emergency, Kangana Ranaut had said that a film like Pathaan doing good is a good sign for the Hindi film industry. Emergency is a film based on the era when Indira Gandhi imposed an emergency in India. Satish Kaushik and Anupam Kher are among the other actors in the film.

While interacting with the media at the wrap-up party of this film, Kangana Ranaut said, “Looking at the difficult phase the industry is going through and the financial problems faced by the industry, we hope that all of us come together and make some good films and present them before the audiences so that people support the industry once again. I heard that Pathaan is doing good. Films should do good in a similar way. I feel that Hindi cinema is lagging behind and every person among us is trying his best at his level. We are also trying.”

Kangana Ranaut said, “We completed this film Emergency rising above all the difficulties. People supported us a lot. Satish Kaushik and Anupam Kher are important pillars of this film. Yes, we faced some problems. You all know there are some evil people everywhere. But we got more of better people and this is a success that we finished the shoot. In fact, it is the first milestone of success. I hope this film reaches you as soon as possible.”

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