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Hashtag #ArrestAarfaKhanam continues to trend on top after Congress leader Aarfa Khanam promoted cow slaughter on Eid-Al-Adha

OpIndia Staff
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Hashtag #ArrestAarfaKhanam continues to trend on top after Congress leader Aarfa Khanam promoted cow slaughter on Eid-Al-Adha

The hashtag #ArrestAarfaKhanam has been trending on top on X for over 24 hours, amassing approximately 500,000 posts, as netizens demand action against Okhla-based Supreme Court advocate and Congress leader Aarfa Khanam for a now-deleted Eid-Al-Adha post that hurt religious sentiments of Hindus.

The controversy began when Khanam shared a post on X related to Eid-Al-Adha, which was clearly offensive to Hindu sentiments. She posted an illustration of a Muslim kid in skullcap with a cow, with the message Eid-Ul-Adha Mubarak on it. It clearly meant that the cow was being taken for slaughter as part of the Bakrid or Eid-Ul-Adha, the Islamic festival where animals are sacrificed in the name of the messenger of Allah.

Screenshots of the deleted post spread rapidly, fuelling outrage and prompting the hashtag to surge to the top of India’s trending topics by Saturday afternoon.

X users urged the police to register an FIR against Aarfa Khanam for hurting Hindu sentiments.

In response to the outrage, Khanam issued a public apology on Saturday, claiming that she had no intention of hurting the sentiments of any religion including Hindus. She said that she removed the post immediately after she realised her ‘mistake’.

She posted, “On the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, a post was shared with me from x account, which had no intention of hurting the sentiments of any religion or community. But if that post has hurt anyone – especially the sentiments of any member of the Hindu community – then I sincerely apologize for that. I have full respect for all religions and beliefs. As soon as I realised my mistake, I removed it immediately. My intention was only to share festival wishes and not to hurt anyone’s religious sentiments. Let us all join together to promote harmony, peace and mutual respect.”

She accompanied the apology with a video message, reiterating her lack of intent to offend.

But, despite the ‘apology’ and saying the post was a mistake, she reposted several posts claiming that the image was not offensive.

Complaints have been lodged against Khanam by several people in different places. However, there is no update on any police action on her so far.

FIR filed against HDFC Bank MD and CEO by Lilavati Hospital Trust over loan default case, bank says earlier legal actions including minority rights petitions were dismissed

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FIR filed against HDFC Bank MD and CEO by Lilavati Hospital Trust over loan default case, bank says earlier legal actions including minority rights petitions were dismissed

An FIR has been filed against HDFC Bank’s MD and CEO by a certain Mehta family that defaulted on a bank loan provided back in 1995. The private lender informed stock exchanges on Sunday evening, as it vowed to continue all lawful remedies to recover the dues from the defaulter.

In 2001, Splendour Gems Limited, owned by the Mehta family, defaulted on loan facilities granted in 1995 by HDFC Bank along with the other consortium banks, the HDFC Bank informed stock exchanges.

Despite a recovery certificate issued by the Debt Recovery Tribunal in 2004 and subsequent enforcement actions, the dues remain substantially unpaid, the bank said.

The outstanding dues towards HDFC Bank, including interest, amount to approximately Rs 65.22 crore as on May 31, 2025.

“In response to ongoing recovery proceedings, members of the Mehta family have initiated multiple legal actions and complaints against HDFC Bank and its senior officials. These include criminal complaints, minority rights petitions, and representations to regulatory authorities–all of which have been dismissed or are under legal challenge. HDFC Bank firmly believes that these allegations are retaliatory in nature and have mala fide intention solely at evading repayment of long-standing dues,” the bank said in its statement.

Mehta Family, once again, through Lilavati Kirtilal Medical Trust, has filed a complaint against HDFC Bank’s MD and CEO.

HDFC Bank unequivocally “rejects and strongly condemns the malicious and baseless allegations levelled and maintains that these allegations are completely false, outrageous and constitute a gross misuse of the legal process.”

HDFC Bank firmly believes that “these actions (by Mehta family) are a deliberate attempt to obstruct and undermine legitimate recovery proceedings related to substantial long-outstanding dues owed by Splendour Gems Limited.”

“Having exhausted all legal avenues without success, these individuals have now resorted to launching personal attacks against HDFC Bank and its MD and CEO in a clear attempt to malign their reputation and intimidate HDFC Bank into halting its recovery actions. These actions appear to be a calculated distraction from their own failures and liabilities,” the bank added.

In the statement, HDFC Bank reiterates its commitment to the highest standards of corporate governance.

HDFC Bank said it has robust internal controls and compliance mechanisms to ensure adherence to legal and regulatory requirements.

“HDFC Bank’s governance framework is designed to uphold transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in all its operations. HDFC Bank believes in fostering a culture of ethics and integrity ensuring that the highest standards of corporate governance are maintained. HDFC Bank’s commitment to ethical conduct is reflected in its policies, procedures and actions,” HDFC Bank said.

“HDFC Bank will continue to pursue all lawful remedies to recover public funds and address the retaliatory actions taken by the Mehta family as well as to defend the reputation and integrity of the Bank, its Directors and other employees. HDFC Bank remains dedicated to upholding its reputation for corporate governance and ethical conduct,” HDFC Bank concluded its statement.

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

World Malayalee Council promotes tourism in Azerbaijan, which stood with Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, after Afridi was welcomed by another Kerala group in Dubai

OpIndia Staff
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World Malayalee Council promotes tourism in Azerbaijan, which stood with Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, after Afridi was welcomed by another Kerala group in Dubai

The World Malayalee Council (WMC), an organization representing the global Malayali diaspora, has sparked controversy by announcing its 2025 Global Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, on June 28-29. The decision has drawn sharp criticism due to Azerbaijan’s support for Pakistan during India’s Operation Sindoor, the counter-terrorism military operation in May 2025.

World Malayalee Council is holding its 14th Biennial Conference in Baku, and the promotion for the event on its website looks like a tourism promo for the country. The ‘Exciting WMC global conference package’ includes Luxurious Hotel Stay, Guided City Tour, Daily Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, Airport Transfer, E Visa, Gala Dinner with Fellowship, Sight Seeing at Iconic Landmarks Like Fountain Square, Fire Temple, Blazing Mountains, Boulevard Walking Tour, Old Baku Walking Tour Etc., DJ Party, Arabic & Western Dances. Basically, it sounds like the promo for a tour package to Azerbaijan, not a conference.

Azerbaijan, alongside Turkey, had publicly backed Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives, and condemned India’s retaliatory strikes under Operation Sindoor. Azerbaijan issued statements of solidarity with Islamabad and reportedly supplied arms to Pakistan, prompting many Indians to boycott tourism to both nations. Pakistan also used a larger number Turkish weapons against India, including drones.

Despite this, the WMC is actively promoting the conference, urging Malayalis worldwide to “visit and experience Azerbaijan”. This prompted outrage against the organisation, with critics saying that WMC is promoting tourism to Azerbaijan when Indians are calling for boycott of the country for supporting Pakistan.

Social media platforms, particularly X, have been abuzz with outrage. A post by user @junjunjitweets

called the WMC’s decision “shameful,” accusing the group of aligning with an “anti-India state” and urging a boycott of the event.

Another user The Rightwave wrote that Azerbaijan’s foreign policy has always been written in favour of Pakistan, whether it is on the Kashmir issue or on the terrorism issue. They suspected that Pakistan is targeting Malayalis for their diplomatic success.

It has been argued that the organization’s decision to host the conference in Azerbaijan could sway public opinion and undermine the ongoing boycott of nations perceived as hostile to India.

The WMC’s influence within the Malayali community is significant, as evidenced by the attendance of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at one of its events in August 2024. The CM had attended the the inauguration of the 14th Biennial Global Conference of World Malayalee Council in Thiruvananthapuram.

This controversy follows a similar incident last month involving Cochin University B.Tech Alumni Association (CUBAA), which faced backlash for inviting Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi to a cultural event in Dubai on May 25, 2025. Afridi, known for his anti-India remarks, had criticized Indian security forces after the Pahalgam attack, calling them “inefficient” and leading a car rally celebrating Pakistan’s “victory” post-Operation Sindoor.

The CUBAA ater apologized after widespread outrage, claiming Afridi’s appearance was “unannounced and unsolicited.”

Israel vows to prevent Greta Thunberg’s boat from reaching Gaza, defence minister tells ‘anti-Semitic Greta and her fellow Hamas propaganda spokespeople’ to turn back

OpIndia Staff
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Israel vows to prevent Greta Thunberg’s boat from reaching Gaza, defence minister tells ‘anti-Semitic Greta and her fellow Hamas propaganda spokespeople’ to turn back

Israel has issued a clear warning against the ship Madleen carrying Swedish controversial activist Greta Thunberg and 11 other pro-Palestinian campaigners to Gaza Strip. Israel has said that the vessel will not be allowed to breach the naval blockade.

Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that the Israel Defence Force has been ordered to stop the flotilla “at any cost”. He labelled it a reckless act of provocation masquerading as humanitarian aid. The ship is currently approaching Gaza’s coast from Egyptian waters.

The so-called Freedom Flotilla left Sicily last week claiming to deliver relief supplies to Gaza, which include flour, medical kits and baby food. However, Israeli officials and analysts say the voyage is more about political optics than genuine humanitarian concerns. Minister of Defence, Israel Katz, went further and called the passengers “anti-Semitic propagandists”. He specifically named Thunberg in his rebuke, calling her anti-semitic.

Source: X

He wrote in Hebrew, “I have instructed the IDF to act to prevent the “Madeleine” hate flotilla from reaching the shores of Gaza – and to take whatever measures are necessary to that end. To the anti-Semitic Greta and her fellow Hamas propaganda spokespeople, I say clearly: You should turn back – because you will not reach Gaza. Israel will act against any attempt to break the blockade or assist terrorist organizations – at sea, in the air, and on land.”

The defence minister also posted a photo of him with senior military officials.

Ship of activists or ship of agitators?

Apart from Greta, among the most controversial figures on board is French MEP Rima Hassan. Notably, she had previously defended Hamas’s 7 October terror attack on Israel as “legitimate” and has been barred from entering Israel for promoting the BDS campaign and glorifying violence. Despite these red flags, Hassan was warmly embraced by the flotilla, whose organisers say they aim to “break the silence in the face of genocide.”

Meanwhile, Thunberg has continued her shift from climate activism to far-left and Islamist international causes. She has accused Israel of committing genocide and called on the world to act. The 21-year-old so-called activist is being used as a poster child for a dangerous, one-sided narrative and possibly has little understanding of the regional complexities.

Madleen is sailing under a UK flag. However, the UK govt rejected Israeli requests to prevent the boat from reaching Israeli waters. While the ship has saliled from Egypt towards Gaza coast, Israeli Navy is expected to block the vessel if it enters Israel’s territorial waters.

Israel draws the line

The IDF has confirmed plans to intercept the vessel before it enters Israeli waters, with Shayetet 13 commandos on standby. Any resistance will be met with firm action, the army said, and all passengers will be detained and deported.

Israeli sources say previous attempts by similar flotillas resulted in violence and propaganda wins for Hamas. The current voyage, they argue, is no different, a highly orchestrated media spectacle using humanitarian language to shield radical agendas.

DRDO’s Vehicle R&D unit transfers technologies of nine defence systems to 10 industries from public and private sector

OpIndia Staff
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DRDO’s Vehicle R&D unit transfers technologies of nine defence systems to 10 industries from public and private sector

In a significant step towards empowering private and public sector units in defence manufactory, the DRDO is transferring technologies related to nine crucial systems to 10 industrial units. The technologies are being transferred by the Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE), a DRDO laboratory located in Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra.

The licensing agreements were handed over in the presence of Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat during an event organised at VRDE on June 07, 2025. The technologies transferred to the industry are as follows:

  • Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) Recce Vehicle (Tracked) Mk-II transferred to Bharat Electronics Limited, the public sector aerospace and defence electronics company.
  • Mounted Gun System technology transferred to Bharat Forge Limited of Kalyani Group.
  • Anti-Terrorist Vehicle – Tracked Version, technology transferred to Metaltech Motor Bodies Private Limited, a Delhi based company specialising in customized vehicle bodies.
  • Technology for Full Trailer of 70t Tank Transporter for Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun Mk-1A has been given to four companies- BEML Limited, Tata International Vehicle Applications, SDR Auto Private Limited and John Galt International.
  • While Bharat Electronics Limited has given the tech for Expandable Mobile Shelter.
  • Another Tata group company Tata Advanced Systems Limited received the technology for Vajra-Riot Control Vehicle.
  • Public sector BEML has been given two more technologies, Unit Maintenance Vehicle for Main Battle Tank Arjun and Unit Repair Vehicle for MBT Arjun.
  • Two other companies, Dass Hitachi Limited and Goma Engineering Private Limited, have been allotted the technology for Multi-Purpose Decontamination System.

DRDO’s Vehicles Research & Development Establishment also signed an MoU with COEP Technological University, Pune to jointly work on cutting-edge technologies and emerging areas.

Speaking on the occasion, DRDO chairman Dr Kamat complimented DRDO and the industry for the exceptional performance of indigenous systems during Operation Sindoor. He also suggested the industry to plan for surge capacity. He appreciated the efforts of VRDE in providing high-end technological solutions for land systems and weapon platforms.

Canadian investigative journalist assaulted by Khalistan supporters in Vancouver, warns of rising extremism

OpIndia Staff
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Canadian investigative journalist assaulted by Khalistan supporters in Vancouver, warns of rising extremism

On 8th June (local time), independent Canadian investigative journalist Mocha Bezirgan was assaulted, threatened, and had his phone snatched by pro-Khalistani elements while covering a rally in Vancouver, British Columbia. Bezirgan is known for his sharp coverage of Khalistani elements in Canada. He took to social media platform X to narrate his ordeal and later spoke to ANI about the incident. While speaking to the news agency, he called it “thuggery” and a direct attack on press freedom.

In his post on X, he wrote, “Today in Vancouver at a Khalistan rally, a foreign activist who has been doxing my whereabouts approached me for an “interview.” But he refused to keep his distance from my face and began making threats of violence if I were to touch him. I kept walking away from him but his harassing behavior wouldn’t stop. He grabbed my phone out of my hand and continued his harassing behavior even after a police warning. He is a foreign activist from Britain and self admittedly not a Canadian citizen, interfering with my ability to do my job as a citizen journalist covering a topic concerning Canadians and the upcoming G7 meeting in Alberta.”

‘Still shaking’ – Bezirgan recounts incident

In a telephonic interview with ANI, Bezirgan said, “It just happened two hours ago and I am still shaking.” He added, “They acted like thugs, crowding in on me, grabbing my phone, trying to stop me recording.” He had been covering a rally organised by pro-Khalistani elements in downtown Vancouver when the incident occurred.

In a post on X, he wrote, “I’ve been surrounded by a group of Khalistanis who grabbed my phone out of my hand and threatened me. Naturally I’m a bit shaken but not deterred.” He reiterated that such intimidation tactics are now routine at Khalistani gatherings.

In another post, he wrote, ““What’s up now bro!?” Here’s the view from my main camera of two Khalistani thugs blocking my exit as I try to get away from a serial harasser who can’t keep his distance from me. These intimidation tactics won’t stop me or influence my editorial independence.”

Rising extremism and political patronage

Bezirgan said that while the movement does not represent the larger Sikh community, it has increasingly resorted to vandalism, intimidation, and violent rhetoric. He said, “This is a movement headed by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). They mobilise the same people through local Gurdwaras for protests in Ontario, British Columbia, the US, UK, and even New Zealand.”

He further warned that organisations including the World Sikh Organisation (WSO) offer political cover within Canada. He said, “Their executives include current and former MPs and ministers, who have spread influence across Canadian institutions.”

Canadian leaders under scrutiny

Bezirgan criticised political figures across party lines as they failed to condemn these violent extremist groups. He added, “Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, the NDP, and some Liberal MPs recently attended a Nagar Kirtan in Surrey, BC, which had significant Khalistani influence. They shared the stage with Santokh Singh Kelha, a convicted conspirator in an airline bombing.”

He also condemned the glorification of political violence and noted that pro-Khalistani groups openly celebrate the assassins of former Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi. He added, “They say they are the descendants of her killers and are openly discussing ambushing and killing Prime Minister Modi. This is not just free speech, it is incitement.”

Bezirgan urges political accountability

He highlighted the Canadian media’s silence and the state’s inaction and said, “It is disturbing that politicians continue to associate with such extremists despite their violent history. As a citizen, I expect my representatives to distance themselves from such individuals.”

Bezirgan stressed that ignoring the problem would further embolden extremist elements and worsen Indo-Canadian ties. He pointed out that this was not the first time he had been attacked by pro-Khalistani elements. In a March 2024 protest in Edmonton, Alberta, he was attacked outside the High Commission of India.

PM Modi to attend G7 summit despite tensions

The assault on Bezirgan came days before the G7 summit, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to represent India. PM Modi confirmed on 6th June that he would be participating in the summit following an invitation from Canadian PM Mark Carney during a telephonic exchange.

Notably, Khalistani elements, including Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, have warned of plans to ambush PM Modi during his visit to Canada, raising serious concerns about the security of the Indian Prime Minister in a country where such elements are provided shelter.

Bangladeshi man who participated in ‘student protests’ turns out to be a voter in West Bengal, has connections with TMC, accused claims innocence

OpIndia Staff
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Bangladeshi man who participated in ‘student protests’ turns out to be a voter in West Bengal, has connections with TMC, accused claims innocence

A Bangladeshi man named Newton Das, who participated in the ‘student protests’ that led to the undemocratic ouster of Sheikh Hasina as Prime Minister, has turned out to be a voter in the Indian State of West Bengal.

The revelations were first made by TV9 Bangla in a report published on Saturday (7th June). The name of the Bangladeshi national has featured in the electoral roll of Kakdwip town in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.

While the Vidhan Sabha constituency of Newton Das is Kakdwip, the Parliamentary constituency happens to be the reserved seat of Mathurapur. His brother Tapas Das (who lives in India) had conceded that Newton is a Bangladeshi citizen.

According to TV9 Bangla, the accused had reportedly come to India to study. He had since returned to Bangladesh.

In the meantime, Newton Das managed to secure voting rights in West Bengal under the administration of the ruling Trinamool Congress government.

His brother Tapas Das confirmed, “He (Newton Das) must be a voter in Bangladesh. He was born there. He had come to India after Covid-19 outbreak to settle some land disputes. I do not know where he lives now. I don’t know how he became a voter here.”

Kakdwip Panchayat member has confirmed that Newton Das is a local voter, but claimed not to know about the latter’s ties to Bangladesh.

The accused got into trouble after pictures of him participating in the 2024 student protests in Bangladesh surfaced online. He was seen posing with sticks and flags during the demonstrations held against the Sheikh Hasina government.

BJP (West Bengal) President Sukanta Majumdar tweeted, “Another shining example of the so-called “Egiye Bangla Model”! The same Newton who was seen wielding a stick during Bangladesh’s quota reform movement is now a registered voter in Kakdwip, West Bengal!”

He added, “Thanks to the special encouragement of the failed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the ruling party of
TMC has taken a leading role not just in the chop industry, bomb-making industry, and the cut money industry — but also in the thriving “illegal infiltration industry.” Without Trinamool Congress, the people of Bengal could never have truly understood the extent of this model.”

“Thousands of Bangladeshi “Newtons” voting in Bengal—courtesy of Mamata Banerjee’s infiltration theory and appeasement politics. With illegal voters and these lathi-wielders miscreants as her support base, she’s not running West Bengal… she’s scripting a blueprint for Greater Bangladesh,” the BJP leader concluded.

In the meantime, a picture of Newton Das with Trinamool Congress leader Subhashish Das has surfaced on social media. The TMC leader from Sundarbans was seen celebrating the birthday of the accused.

While talking to TV9 Bangla, Subhashish Das claimed to have ‘no knowledge’ about the Newton’s Bangladeshi citizenship and eventual participation in ‘student protests.’

The accused Newton Das has ‘cried foul’ over the matter. In a video released on social media, he claimed to be an Indian citizen.

Newton alleged that he visited Bangladesh to settle land disputes after being made the heir in 2024, and his visit somehow ‘coincided’ with the student protests.

“I have been a voter in Kakdwip since 2014. I also participated in the 2016 Vidhan Sabha election. However, I lost my voter card in 2017 but successfully got a new card by 2018 with the help of our MLA,” the accused claimed.

Earlier in May 2022, it came to light that a Trinamool Congress candidate named Alo Rani Sarkar who contested the 2021 West Bengal Vidhan Sabha election is a Bangladeshi national.

Two Hindu girls, who went missing from their homes in Delhi, found at Haridwar railway station with two Muslim men

OpIndia Staff
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Two Hindu girls, who went missing from their homes in Delhi, found at Haridwar railway station with two Muslim men

Government Railway Police (GRP), Uttarakhand rescued two Hindu girls at Haridwar railway station on Saturday (8th June) night. The girls, who are sisters, were spotted at the railway station accompanied by two Muslim men.

As per Jagran, one of the sisters is a minor while some sources suggest that both of them are minors. The two Muslim men, along with the sisters, were suspiciously roaming around at the railway station. Haridwar GRP SHO Anuj Singh said they were caught during the ongoing checking at the railway station due to the Chardham Yatra. When they were interrogated, they would not provide any satisfactory answers, and were brought to the police station.

On questioning, the police found that the sisters were Hindu and the two men were Muslims. The girls were reportedly lured by the Muslim men who brought them from Delhi to Haridwar for sightseeing. It was revealed in the preliminary investigation that the girls are residetns of Chhawala police station area of Delhi.

After contacting the Delhi Police, the GRP found out that a case of kidnapping has already been filed by the parents of the girls at Chhawla police station. The parents of the girls along with Delhi police personnel reached Haridwar on Sunday (9th June). The girls were handed over to their family while the Muslim men were detained by the Delhi police.

What is the Nepal-Patanjali land deal in which 93 people including ex-Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal have been booked for corruption

OpIndia Staff
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What is the Nepal-Patanjali land deal in which 93 people including ex-Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal have been booked for corruption

On 5th June, the anti-corruption watchdog of Nepal filed charges against former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal and 92 others, including former ministers and bureaucrats, over a controversial land acquisition deal involving Patanjali Yogpeeth Nepal. This is the first time a former head of government in Nepal has been formally accused in a corruption case.

Allegations over land purchase during Madhav Nepal’s tenure

According to the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), in 2010, under Madhav Nepal’s leadership, the cabinet allowed Patanjali Yogpeeth to acquire 815 ropani of land, which is equal to 41.5 hectares, in Kavrepalanchok district. The land pocket exceeded legal limits. The land was intended for medicinal herb farming and hospital construction. However, it was allegedly sold at inflated prices to another firm, Kashthamandap Business Homes Pvt Ltd. The CIAA has claimed that the deal was in violation of Nepal’s land ceiling laws.

According to the investigation, 593 ropani were actually acquired, out of which 353 ropani 15 aana of land was sold. The transaction allegedly resulted in a loss of NPR 18.58 crore, or Rs 13 crore, to the state.

Prominent names among 93 accused

The chargesheet has been filed at the Special Court in Kathmandu. It includes notable figures such as former law minister Prem Bahadur Singh, former land reform minister Dambar Shrestha, and former chief secretary Madhav Prasad Ghimire. Patanjali’s Nepal chief Shaligram Singh has also been named in the chargesheet as an accused.

The CIAA has demanded that Madhav Nepal pay NPR 18.58 crore in damages. If convicted under the Corruption Prevention Act, 2002, he could face up to 17 years of imprisonment.

Former PM Madhav Nepal denies allegations

Responding to the charges, Madhav Nepal said, “I have not done anything illegal nor indulged in any corruption concerning the Patanjali land deal causing any loss to the state.” Madhav’s party, the CPN (Unified Socialist), called the charges a “political vendetta” against a sitting opposition leader.

The CIAA also stated that Dambar Shrestha, the then land reform minister, moved the proposal to allow the land exemption under direct instructions from Prime Minister Nepal.

Patanjali denies wrongdoing, calls allegations political

Indian yoga guru Baba Ramdev-led Patanjali strongly denied any wrongdoing. In a statement to Reuters, Patanjali’s spokesperson SK Tijarawala said, “Patanjali has not acquired any government land. It is unfair to drag our name in local political vendetta actions and proceedings.” The company insisted that all land transactions were carried out privately and in full accordance with Nepalese laws.

Court proceedings to begin soon

A formal notice has been issued by the court to Madhav Nepal. He has to appear before the bench in 15 days. A hearing date will be scheduled thereafter. Among the 93 named, some individuals are reported to be deceased, but the case continues to draw major attention in Nepal as it will be a test of political and legal accountability in the country.

Goa CM Pramod Sawant assures that Medical College CMO won’t be suspended after health minister’s suspension order triggers protests and outrage: Here is what happened

OpIndia Staff
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Goa CM Pramod Sawant assures that Medical College CMO won’t be suspended after health minister’s suspension order triggers protests and outrage: Here is what happened

Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant assured on Saturday (8th June) that Dr Rudresh Kurtikar, Casualty Medical Officer (CMO) at Goa Medical College, will not be suspended after an immediate suspension was ordered against him by the state Health Minister Vishwajit Rane. The Chief Minister wrote on X that he reviewed the issue at Goa Medical College and held discussions with the Health Minister, adding that Dr Kurtikar will not be suspended.

What was the incindent

State Health Minister Vishwajit Rane visited the Goa Medical College on Saturday for an inspection after a complaint was filed against CMO Dr Kurtikar alleging that he refused an injection to a patient who visited the casualty ward of the hospital. On reaching the hospital, Rane lashed out at Dr Kurtikar, scolded and humiliated him in front of hospital staff and the people present there and ordered his immediate suspension.

“You learn to control your tongue. You are a doctor. Don’t force me to act. Put your hands out [of the pocket] when you are standing in front of me. I generally don’t lose my cool, but you have to behave yourself. However loaded [burdened] you are, you will talk properly to the patients and guide the patients…Remove the mask when I am speaking to you,” Rane said shouting at the CMO and refusing to let him speak. “These doctors don’t understand. Unless you understand…you are here to serve humanity. You are not here with your bloody ego,” Rane said.

Rane asked the Medical Superintendent present on the spot to immediately relieve the CMO from his duties while threatening the latter that he would not be reinstated as long as he remained the Health Minister.

Video triggers outrage, doctors protest

A video of the incident went viral on social media drawing widespread criticism towards the manner in which the Health Minister interacted with the CMO. It is being reported that the woman who was refused the injection is a relative of the minister. Moreover, she came for a vitamin injection which can be taken at pharmacies or at the OPD, and it does not require visit to the emergency section of a hospital. These facts intensified the outrage against the minister.

Goa Association of Resident Doctors issued a statement conemning the minister’s actions, saying that the “Casualty Medical Officer was subjected to shocking public humiliation, followed by an arbitrary suspension.” They further added, “The act of recording this distressing episode and disseminating it to the media constitutes a grave insult to the entire medical fraternity.”

The association demanded immediate revocation of the suspension order and a fair inquiry, a public apology from minister Rane, and end to VIP culture. GARD stated that if their demands are not met in 48 hours, they will escalate their protest.

Condemning the incident, the Goa branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) said that it was “deeply disturbed” and “profoundly disturbed” by the incident, terming it as “an emotional assault” the CMO. “We strongly condemn this arbitrary and high-handed behaviour that has humilated and victimised a dedicated medical professional in full view of the public and media,” the IMA Goa state president, Dr Dattaram Dessai said in a press note demanding the CMO’s reinstatement. The association said that the grievance should have been addressed through “a fair, transparent, and structured enquiry”.

The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) also expressed “deep anguish and unflinching condemnation” over the mistreatment of the CMO by the Health Minister. “Such abuse of power undermines medical ethics & patient care. We demand immediate apology, independent probe, and zero tolerance for VIP overreach!” the association wrote on X.

The association wrote a letter to the CM Sawant placing their demands, including a public apology by the Health Minister, an independent inquiry into the misuse of authority and harassment of on-duty doctors, and enactment of a “zero-tolerance policy against VIP bullying”.

Minister refuses apology, says his tone and words could have been better

After receiving backlash for his behaviour, the Health Minister posted on X claiming that he acted in defence of a helpless, elderly woman. later said that his “tone and words could have been more measured”. “I’m not above reflection or criticism. I take full responsibility for how I communicated and I assure you, such an approach will not be repeated,” Rane wrote on X.

Refusing to offer an apology, Rane added, “However, what I will not apologise for is standing up for a patient who was denied care. Doctors hold a noble position in society, and most of them at GMC serve with great dedication. But when arrogance seeps into duty, when compassion is replaced with indifference, it is my responsibility to take action.”

Rane also posted what was narrated by the family of the woman denied the injection, which says that she has been taking the injection at the OPD, but went to the Casualty yesterdat because the OPD was closed for Eid. As per the statement, the CMO told her that Casualty is not for injecitons, and asked her to go to urban health centre.

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