Home Blog Page 3080

AAP passes off a Bangladeshi Islamic cleric as an Indian freedom fighter. Here is what happened

OpIndia Staff
-
0
AAP passes off a Bangladeshi Islamic cleric as an Indian freedom fighter. Here is what happened

The Aam Aadmi Party-led-Delhi government has put up a flex board in Jamia Nagar in Delhi wherein it passed off an Islamic cleric from Bangladesh as an Indian freedom fighter. As per reports, the contentious banner was hung by AAP in Jamia Nagar ahead of the 75th Independence Day celebrations.

The Arvind Kejriwal-led party reportedly wanted to portray freedom fighter Mahmud Hasan Deobandi but ended up featuring Bangladeshi cleric Maulana Mahmudul Hasan on the flex board.

Mahmud Hasan Deobandi (1851-1920) was an Indian scholar and the founder of the Jamila Millia Islamia University. He was reportedly the first student of Darul Uloom Deoband.

Maulana Mahmudul Hasan (left), Mahmud Hasan Deobandi (right), images via The Daily Star and India Today

Maulana Mahmudul Hasan (1950-present), on the contrary, is an Islamic scholar and public speaker from Bangladesh. He is a native of Charkharicha village in Mymensingh district. He was elected as the Chairman of Bangladesh Qawmi Madrasa Education Board (Befaq) in 2020.

While speaking about the matter, veteran journalist Kanchan Gupta tweeted – This Arvind Kejriwal says “We are the offspring (aulad) of Bhagat Singh.” His sidekicks claim “We are the true patriots. Of course.”

“That’s why they showcase a Bangladeshi Maulana, born in 1950 in East Pakistan, as an Indian freedom fighter. No, it is not an error,” he emphasised. Despite being months since the incorrect banner was originally put up, the Delhi government did not bother to make the necessary changes.

After media reports highlighted the ‘blunder’ by the party, AAP removed the Bangladeshi cleric from the poster, leaving an ugly gap in between.

The poster was put up ahead of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to be celebrated on August 15, 2022, to coincide with India completing 75 years of Indian independence.

In addition to the celebrations on 15th August, on August 14, the black day would be observed as Vibhishika Memorial Day or ‘Partition Horrors Remembrance Day’ as announced by PM Narendra Modi last year.

The partition was outlined in the Indian Independence Act 1947 and resulted in the dissolution of the British Raj. According to official numbers, at least 2 million lives were lost during the partition and nearly 20 million people were displaced. The unofficial numbers are much higher than the official ones.

Pakistan: Cabinet approves ordinance to sell government assets bypassing laws to repay loans

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Pakistan: Cabinet approves ordinance to sell government assets bypassing laws to repay loans

On July 21, in what is seen as a desperate move, Pakistan’s cabinet under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved an ordinance named Governmental Commercial Transactions Ordinance 2022 to bypass all procedures to sell government assets to foreign countries. The step has been taken to prevent the country from defaulting on loans. Pakistan’s President Arif Alvi is yet to sign the ordinance.

Reports suggest that the ordinance would also allow the government to skip regulatory checks, including six relevant laws named the Companies Act, 2017, Privatisation Commission Ordinance, 2000, Public Procurement Regulatory Authority Ordinance, 2002, Public-Private Partnership Authority Act, 2017, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan Act, 1997, Securities Act, 2015 or any other law to approve the sale.

The Express Tribune reported that with this ordinance, the government would be able to sell the land meant for the two LNG-fired power plants to a foreign country. The machinery installed at the plants will be included in the sale. Through this ordinance, the government will be empowered to issue binding instructions to the governments of the provinces for land acquisition. The ordinance also barred the courts from entertaining any petitions against the sale of government assets, including land, companies etc., to foreign countries.

The government is planning to sell stakes in oil and gas companies along with government-owned power plants to the United Arab Emirates. It will help Pakistan to raise $2 billion to $2.5 billion. Notably, in May, UAE refused to provide cash deposits to Islamabad as the country had failed to return the previous loans. Instead, Pakistan asked UAE to establish its businesses for investments.

Furthermore, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has also placed a condition on the neighbouring country that its case would be taken by the board only if Pakistan managed to raise $4 from friendly countries. Meanwhile, the value of the Pakistani Rupee is falling at a stagnant rate. In the last week, it has fallen by 8.3 per cent, the steepest fall since November 1998.

The Express Tribune further added that a Cabinet Committee on the Inter-Governmental Commercial Transactions would be formed once the ordinance is passed. With the ordinance, the government will be immense power to control land at any location in the country and sell it to a foreign state. Neither court nor any investigation agency will be able to challenge the sale. However, according to experts in Pakistan, the court will not accept such clauses.

As per reports, such conditions and the price discovery mechanism to be used according to the ordinance will result in controversies as there will be an absence of transparency.

Imran Khan objected to the ordinance

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has raised serious objections over the ordinance. As the reports of the ordinance being passed by the Pakistani cabinet broke, the former PM took on Twitter and lashed out at the government.

Calling the current regime an “imported government”, he said, “How can imported government brought to power through US conspiracy, led by crime minister, who’s family along with (PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali) Zardari have volumes written on their corruption, be trusted with the sale of national assets (and) that too (through) bypassing all procedural (and) legal checks.”

He further accused the government of plundering Pakistan for the last 30 years and the present economic crisis. He said, “These thieves should never be allowed to sell our national assets in the devious manner they are attempting. The nation will never trust them with our national assets.”

PM Shehbaz alleged Khan had suffered a memory loss and gave him a few “reminders”. He said, “One, as per Transparency International report, corruption increased during his rule. Even transfers/postings were on sale in addition to big scams. Two, the people are paying the price of how he mismanaged the economy.” In the third point, he accused Khan of deeply hurting the global prestige of Pakistan and its relations with “friendly” countries.

He added, “Four, he has lost a sense of balance in his lust for power, which is evidenced by his habitual recourse to lies, propaganda [and] blatant twisting of facts.”

Love Jihad in Jharkhand: Naeem Mian poses as Sandeep Singh to marry Hindu woman, rapes her minor sister

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Love Jihad in Jharkhand: Naeem Mian poses as Sandeep Singh to marry Hindu woman, rapes her minor sister

A new case of love jihad has been reported in the Bolba police station area of Simdega district in Jharkhand where Mohammed Naeem Mian initially lured a Hindu female into a love trap by hiding his religion and then married the girl. Naeem Mian also raped the minor sister of the woman and recorded the act, and is now threatening to make the video viral.

Naeem Mian escaped when the woman went to the police to narrate her ordeal and registered a case. The cops have been looking for the accused.

Mohammad Naeem Mian, a Simdega local, trapped the girl from the Bolba police station area in a love trap by posing as Sandeep Singh. Following that, they both married in court and started living together after the judicial marriage. They now have a child as well.

According to reports, accused Mohammad Naeem Mian recorded a video after raping the lady’s younger sister (a minor), and he is consistently threatening to make the video viral. Both sisters are terrified of him due to this. The lady in charge of the local police station has received information regarding the entire incident, and the police are investigating it.

After the FIR was registered in the case, the accused escaped after locking his residence. The local police are attempting to apprehend him. An FIR has been filed against the accused in Simdega Mahila Police Station under IPC sections 376, 419, 323, 504, and 341. According to police, searches are being undertaken to apprehend Mohammad Naeem Mian.

Another incidence of love jihad was recently reported in Jharkhand, in which a Muslim man working as a labourer in a factory in Delhi enticed and married a Hindu young woman from Azamgarh. After eight years of marriage, the woman discovered that her husband is a Muslim. Shahzad Ansari, the accused Muslim labourer, comes from the Kumba Khurd village in the Sagma block of Jharkhand’s Gadhva district.

Qatar: Armed men slaughter 29 ‘unclean’ dogs at one go in Doha. Here is what we know so far

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Qatar: Armed men slaughter 29 ‘unclean’ dogs at one go in Doha. Here is what we know so far

On July 10, a total of 29 dogs were mercilessly gunned down by armed men at an industrial complex near Doha in Qatar. Besides, three other dogs including two pregnant ones were also wounded.

As per reports, the killings were orchestrated by 4 miscreants, who have now been identified by the police. The accused had initially threatened guards at the industrial complex and then proceeded to shoot the four-legged animals with their hunting rifles.

While speaking about the matter, an activist informed that the dogs had run in the direction of the shooters in the hopes of being fed. The activist added, “But the men started shooting at random.”

Reportedly, the shooters told the security guards that the dogs bit one of their sons. However, this claim has been rubbished by the activist. “The compound is sealed off with high fences and no child could enter to play near the dogs,” the activist emphasised.

In an Instagram post, animal rights group ‘Paws Rescue Qatar’ wrote, “On the first day of eid a group of men (but let’s call them monsters) threatened security guards with guns and entered a secure factory area.”

“Security team were rightfully scared as two of the men were holding guns. The security team tried to stop the men from shooting a group of beautiful friendly neutered dogs, but they realised that they were also putting themselves in danger also,” it added.

The animal rights group questioned the prevailing gun culture and the associated violence. It said, “If these monsters can kill so easily and threaten men what will they do next. Stand up for our strays. Stand against gun violence of any form.”

The motive behind the gruesome killing of dogs in Qatar

As per reports, the motive behind the slaughter of 29 dogs could not be established. Although the shooters had claimed that the dogs bit one of their sons, the probability of such an event seems implausible.

It must be mentioned that a large number of Muslims, who form the religious majority in Qatar, regard dogs as ‘unclean’. Activists have often complained that laws, meant to protect domestic animals, are not enforced in the Gulf country.

In recent times, dogs, and birds including flamingoes have been killed in target practices by men with hunting rifles. “The issue here is why people are allowed to use hunting rifles and guns against animals. As far as we are aware no case has ever led to a successful prosecution,” an activist had asked.

AAP, Congress and several others share manipulated media to mock PM Modi during farewell of outgoing President, Ramnath Kovind

OpIndia Staff
-
0
AAP, Congress and several others share manipulated media to mock PM Modi during farewell of outgoing President, Ramnath Kovind

Trimmed video footage of outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind’s farewell event was circulated by a number of people, including top leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress, to make a mockery of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The video was shared by several leaders including Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh from AAP stating that PM Modi disrespected President Kovind.

Sanjay Singh conveyed through the video that PM Modi is disrespecting President Kovind as his term is over now. It should be noted that Sanjay Singh has a lengthy record of peddling fake news and sharing clipped footage. Recently, he spread fake news by saying that caste is being used as a factor in army recruitment for the first time in history. In January, Sanjay Singh shared another clipped video of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on which he was exposed by netizens.

Another AAP spokesperson Sarvesh Mishra shared the same video stating that PM Modi disrespected President Kovind.

All India Parisangh, an organisation led by Congress leader Udit Raj shared the video making casteist remarks. Their post reads, “Modi Ji doesn’t even take salutations to the Dalit President.”

Another Congress spokesperson Vipin Yadav propagated the same video through his Twitter handle.

Congress MLA from Uttar Pradesh Virendra Chaudhary also shared the clipped video labelling PM Modi as ‘Camerajeevi.’

The video clip that has been shared by the Congress and AAP leaders is a trimmed one intended to defame the Prime Minister by showing him disrespecting the outgoing president. The trimmed video has been taken from the farewell event organised for retiring President Kovind who was greeting guests at the function. Here is the official video of the function.

It can be seen in the video that there is no point where PM Modi ignores President Kovind. Instead, he greets him with fervour as president Kovind approaches him. Soon after greeting PM Modi, President Kovind can be seen speaking to someone standing in a row behind PM Modi. Around that time, PM Modi looks towards his right when the clipped video was taken.

After that, PM Modi along with officials and Vice President Venkaiah Naidu join President Kovind on the way outside the Central Hall of the parliament.

Amnesty indulged in 47 NGO-like activities using foreign funds without FCRA clearance, fanned 1984 Sikh massacre during 2017 elections, ED says

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Amnesty indulged in 47 NGO-like activities using foreign funds without FCRA clearance, fanned 1984 Sikh massacre during 2017 elections, ED says

Enforcement Directorate has alleged that Amnesty International UK routed more than Rs 51 crore to Amnesty India in violation of FCRA to “fund anti-national activities in the guise of export of services”. ED has accused the so-called NGO in its prosecution complaint, which is equivalent to a charge sheet, at a special court in New Delhi. Two of the projects named ‘Kashmir: Access to Justice’ and ‘Justice for 1984 Sikh Massacre’ of Amnesty India were marked by ED in the complaint.

The chargesheet was filed by ED on July 9 against Amnesty International India Pvt Ltd (AIIPL), Indians for Amnesty International Trust (IAIT), and former AIIPL CEOs G Ananthapadmanabhan and Aakar Patel, accusing them of money laundering. As per the chargesheet, the Indian chapter of Amnesty International was founded by the name Amnesty International India Foundation Trust (AIIFT) in 1999. When Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) came into effect in 2011-12, the NGO was granted permission to receive foreign funds, but it was revoked soon after the authorities got ‘adverse inputs’ from government agencies.

Following the steps taken by the government, Amnesty International set up a non-profit organisation named IAIT in 2012 and a for-profit commercial entity, AIIPL, in 2013. At that time, AIIPL was known as Sector Research Consultancy & Support Services (India) Pvt Ltd. Ideally, IAIT was supposed to get funds from domestic sources only to carry out human rights-related activities.

On the other hand, AIIPL was supposed to do the same work in exchange for a fee marked as ‘export of services’ via reports, campaigns and more. Throughout the existence of these two entities, a similar set of office bearers operated them in the same building. There was only one major client of AIIPL, which was Amnesty International UK. Notably, IAIT had bought a 99.8 per cent stake in AIIPL, and the remaining share was held by the trustees of IAIT.

In 2015, Amnesty International UK used the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) route to invest Rs 10 crore in AIIPL. Out of the funds received by AIIPL, nine crores were put in a fixed deposit (FD). Based on the FD, IAIT gained an overdraft limit of over Rs 14 crore from a bank, and the funds were used for NGO activities. In the following years, AIIPL received over Rs 36 crores, including the money deposited in FD from Amnesty International UK in exchange for “export of services”.

According to ED, the process used by Amnesty to receive funds was nothing but a way to avoid FCRA regulations and continue NGO activities under the disguise of commercial activities. As per the investigation agency, the money received by IAIT and AIIPL falls under criminal activities as per the law.

On the other hand, the NGO has claimed they had done nothing wrong as the same format was being followed by them in other countries, that is, setting up two entities, one for-profit and the other not-for-profit, to carry out its activities.

As per the agency, there were 47 projects taken by the NGO. Out of these, 12 projects that AIIPL did for Amnesty International were marked as ‘Technical Services’. Apart from those, six were linked to Kashmir, two were linked to the 1984 Sikh Massacre, six linked to the coal section, three to women-related matters, two related to migrants issues, eight linked to human rights awareness, three on ‘ready to report’ and four linked to undertrial matters.

The highest funding came for three projects. ‘Access for Justice’ in Kashmir received GBP 46,867 or Rs 44.5 lakhs, the Human Cost of Coal Research Project received USD 90,000.00 or Rs 71.5 lakhs, and Mobile Developing and field testing technology received CHF 80,000.00 or Rs 64.8 lakhs.

ED further noted that the aim of AIIPL was to generate public outrage using media pressure and build pressure on political parties. They used media, TV and radio along with RTI to mobilise public support for its campaigns. Interestingly, ED also mentioned that Amnesty made sure that the 1984 Sikh massacre became one of the key issues of the 2017 Punjab election manifesto.

Speaking about the Kashmir campaign, ED mentioned that one of the contracts read, “Groups like Human Rights Watch have said that courts-martial in India are highly biased and subject to corruption. The Supplier, i.e. M/s AIIPL, will seek to obtain details of court-martial proceedings and analyse them to determine if they are transparent, independent, impartial, aligned with international standards for fair trial proceedings, and constitute an effective remedy for victims of rights violations.”

According to the agency, the contract language in all the services was in line with the NGO activities for which an FCRA license is required if foreign funding was being received. The ED statement read, “When the FCRA License was earlier cancelled during the year 2011-12 by Govt. of India due to the adverse inputs received from Intelligence agencies, the same activities are being run in the guise of commercial activities. This is highly suspicious when national interest is concerned. The money is routed from the M/s Amnesty International United Kingdom to M/s Amnesty International India Pvt Ltd in India to fund anti-national activities in the guise of export of services, which is nothing but the supply. Of report if any and doing campaigning, mass gatherings etc.”

ED imposed over Rs 61 crores penalty on Amnesty India

On June 9, it was reported that ED had filed a prosecution complaint against the NGO and its related entities. The probe by ED against the so-called human rights organisation had started following a case against it that was filed by the CBI for violation of FCRA rules. The CBI had booked Amnesty International India Pvt Ltd, Indians for Amnesty International Trust, Amnesty International India Foundation Trust and others under Section 120(B) of the IPC and Sections 11, 35 & 39 of FCRA (Foreign Contributions Regulatory Act), 2010.

On July 8, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) issued a show-cause notice to Amnesty India International Pvt. Ltd and its former CEO Aakar Patel for violating the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). Besides, the central agency has also imposed a penalty of ₹51.72 crores and ₹ ten crores on Amnesty India and Patel, respectively. Reportedly, Amnesty International (UK) had received large sums of money through its FCRA non-compliant companies in India.

In October 2018, the central agency opened an investigation into Amnesty International based on a case registered by the CBI against AIIPL, IAIT, Amnesty International India Foundation Trust (AIIFT), and Amnesty International South Asia Foundation (AISAF) under Section 120-B (criminal conspiracy) and FCRA (Foreign Contributions Regulation Act).

Aakar Patel was stopped from leaving India

Earlier in April, Aakar Patel was stopped from boarding a flight to the USA at the Bengaluru airport. The former Amnesty India chief had tweeted that he was put on an exit control list. Patel claimed that he had obtained his passport through a court order.

He added that a CBI officer informed him that he is on a Look Out Circular because of the case against Amnesty International India regarding the FCRA violations. He was later granted temporary relief by the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi yesterday. And the CBI has stated that they would challenge the court order.

Amnesty has a history of anti-India activities

On several occasions, Amnesty International and its Indian chapter have been found to be involved in anti-India activities. In a report published in OpIndia in 2019, the connections between Amnesty International India, the British government, and radical Islamists were exposed. The organisation has a history of meddling with the internal affairs of India. It has constantly been trying to falsely project India as a violator of human rights and the ‘oppressor’ of Muslims.

On several occasions, Amnesty India and its former head Aakar Patel kept peddling blatant lies and fake news to portray India negatively. It also campaigned for the arrested Urban Naxals in the Bhima Koregaon violence case. Therefore, its actions are clearly tantamount to foreign interference in the domestic issues of India, and it is only appropriate that strict action is taken against it.

Neeraj Chopra creates history, wins silver medal at World Athletics Championships

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Neeraj Chopra creates history, wins silver medal at World Athletics Championships

On July 24, India’s Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra won the silver media at the finals of the men’s javelin throw at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon. His best throw was 88.13 meters, which he had registered in the fourth attempt. Anderson Peters of Grenada won the gold with the best throw of 90.54 meters, and Jakub Vadlejch of the Czech Republic won bronze with a best throw of 88.09 meters.

With this medal, Chopra became the first Indian man and second India to win a medal at World Athletics Championships. Before him, long jumper Anju Bobby George had won a bronze medal in 2003.

Chopra’s first attempt was a foul, and he registered 82.39 meters in the second attempt. In the third attempt, he threw 86.37 meters, followed by 88.13 meters in the fourth attempt, which put him up for the silver medal. Notably, he had topped the Group A qualification round. He qualified for the finals with 88.39 meters, his third career-best throw.

In a statement, Chopra said, “While conditions were not good & the wind speed was too high, I was confident I would perform well. I am satisfied with the result, I am happy I was able to win a medal for my country. The competition was tough, competitors were throwing on a good average, and it became challenging. I learned a lot today. The hunger for gold will continue. But I have to believe we cannot get gold each time. I will do what I can, focus and concentrate on my training.”

He added, “It might have looked easy but Anderson must have put in huge effort to cross 90 metres. He is world lead this year, throwing very good throws, several above 90 meters. I am happy he has worked so hard. This is good for me too, I have good competition. I didn’t feel pressured by the fact that I am an Olympic champion. I believed in myself even after the third throw. I made a comeback and won silver, it felt good. I would try to change the colour of the medal next time.”

PM Modi and others congratulated Chopra

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Neeraj and wrote, “A great accomplishment by one of our most distinguished athletes! Congratulations to Neeraj Chopra on winning a historic Silver medal at the #WorldChampionships. This is a special moment for Indian sports. Best wishes to Neeraj for his upcoming endeavours.”

Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur said, “Neeraj Chopra continues his winning streak! Wins silver in Men’s javelin throw at @/WCHoregon22 with his best throw of 88.13m, becoming the 1st Indian male and 2nd Indian to win a medal at the World Championships! Neeraj has now won medal at every Global event!”

Friends and family broke into celebrations to celebrate Neeraj Chopra’s achievement.

Neeraj had won the maiden gold for Indian athletics in Tokyo Olympics last year. After shooter Abhivan Bindra, who had won gold in 2008 in Beijing Olympics, Neeraj was the second Indian to win an individual gold in the games.

Amritsar airport security nabs passenger Md Danish for molesting IndiGo air hostess

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Amritsar airport security nabs passenger Md Danish for molesting IndiGo air hostess

On Saturday (July 23), the security deployed at the Amritsar airport nabbed a passenger for molesting an air hostess onboard a flight.

As per reports, the accused was identified as Mohammed Danish. A resident of Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, Danish had boarded an IndiGo flight (6E 6075) from Lucknow at 6:15 am.

The flight was bound for Srinagar with a 1-hour halt in Amritsar. During the journey, the passenger got into a heated argument with an air hostess and then resorted to sexually inappropriate behaviour.

When things turned ugly, the victim notified the Amritsar control room about the matter. When the flight landed at the Sri Guru Ramdas Ji International airport, security officials barged into the flight and nabbed Danish.

An official complaint was filed against the accused with Amritsar Airport Sub Inspector Pargat Singh, following which a case was registered against the accused by the airport police under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 509 (intending to insult the modesty of any woman).

A probe was soon initiated into the incident. Given that IPC Section 509 is a bailable offence, Danish was soon released on bail. Owing to the chaos that transpired at the airport, the Srinagar-bound flight was delayed for about 15 minutes.

WHO declares monkeypox outbreak a global health emergency 

OpIndia Staff
-
0
WHO declares monkeypox outbreak a global health emergency 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Saturday declared the alarming rise of monkeypox cases in more than 70 countries around the world an “extraordinary” situation and declared it as a global emergency, 

The rare designation means the WHO considers the scale of the current outbreak as an ominous enough threat to global health and one that warrants a coordinated international response to prevent the virus from spreading further and potentially precipitating into a pandemic.

Although the declaration does not impose mandates on national governments, it serves as an urgent call for action to the member states toward an outbreak that is on its march to becoming a pandemic. Moreover, WHO cannot impose mandates on member states and are required to report events that pose a threat to global health.

While monkeypox has been prevalent in several parts of Africa for decades, it has, so far, not been known to spur infections beyond the continent until May, when health authorities detected dozens of cases across Europe, North America and other places.

However, the declaration of a “global emergency” means the outbreak of monkeypox is an “extraordinary event” that could or has spilled over into more countries and requires an all-encompassing response to stem its spread. 

Even so, the emergency declaration only serves as a plea to the countries around the world to mobilise their efforts toward fighting a disease outbreak that could potentially yield catastrophic results. But past announcements have elicited mixed reactions as UN health agency has largely been ineffective in getting countries to act. 

Nevertheless, the announcement was made after WHO’s expert committee met this week to assess the threat monkeypox posed for the world. Last month, too, the committee had met to discuss the matter. However, they had then said that the worldwide monkeypox outbreak did not yet amount to an international emergency. 

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the W.H.O.’s director general, however, on Saturday countermanded a panel of advisers, who could not reach a consensus, and proclaimed monkeypox a “public health emergency of international concern.”

“We have an outbreak that has spread around the world rapidly through new modes of transmission, about which we understand too little, and which meets the criteria for a public health emergency,” Dr. Tedros told reporters.

As per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, upwards of 16,000 cases of monkeypox have been logged in 74 countries since about May. To date, deaths due to monkeypox have only been reported in Africa, where a more dangerous version of the virus is in circulation, chiefly in Nigeria and Congo.

However, in the last few months, monkeypox cases have been reported in several countries, including in Europe and North America, triggering concerns among WHO authorities about the outbreak turning into a global pandemic.

‘Had Partha Chatterjee entered BJP washing machine, ED would not have arrested him’: TMC after the minister’s arrest in recruitment scam

OpIndia Staff
-
0
‘Had Partha Chatterjee entered BJP washing machine, ED would not have arrested him’: TMC after the minister’s arrest in recruitment scam

After West Bengal Industry Minister Partha Chatterjee was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the West Bengal SSC recruitment scam and a huge amount of cash was recovered from the residence of an aide of the minister, Trinamool Congress Party held a press conference and alleged that Bharatiya Janata Party is politically influencing the central agency. TMC also criticized West Bengal’s BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari in this press conference. The press conference was held at the party headquarters in Kolkata and addressed by Firhad Hakim, Aroop Biswas, and Kunal Ghosh.

Talking about the case of over Rs 21 crore and other valuables worth over Rs 1 crore recovered from a flat of actor Arpita Mukherjee, close aide of Partha Chatterjee, the party denied any link with her. Kunal Ghosh said that Arpita Mukherjee is not related to TMC in any way, and thus the party and the government has nothing do with the black money recovered by ED. The TMC leader instead demanded to complete the probe soon so that the source of the money can be revealed. ‘From where so much notes came must be probed’, TMC leader Kunal Ghosh said.

The Trinamool Congress said that despite the arrest of minister Partha Chatterjee, he will be not be removed from the party of the state government now. The TMC leaders said in the press conference that if he is found guilty after the probe, then appropriate action will be taken against him. Kunal Ghosh said that the party has full faith on the law.

However, the TMC leaders completely avoided the matter of SSC recruitment scam, and instead accused BJP of using the ED for political witch-hunting. Firhad Hakim said, the probe in the scam was ordered two months ago, and had Partha Chaterjee entered the ‘washing machine of BJP’, ED would not have arrested him.

West Bengal’s Minister of Transport, Urban Development and Municipal Affairs and Housing Firhad Hakim said, “In today’s situation, it seems like ED is being run by BJP. If Suvendu Adhikari is saying that a lot of things are going to be found in the future even before ED is giving any statement. It means that ED is politically influenced by BJP.”

He further said, “We again say that if found guilty under the law, the TMC will take strict action and TMC has no relation with Arpita Mukherjee. Whoever joined the BJP, gets cleared by its washing machine. BJP has been baffled by the success of the 21 July martyrs day crowd and now BJP is accusing by showing pictures. If this is the case there are so many instances where the accused person’s pictures are seen with BJP leaders. Why no action was being taken against the Narada scam accused Suvendu Adhikari?”

The TMC also claimed that photographs showing Partha Chatterjee and Arpita Mukherjee together dos not mean that Chatterjee is linked to cash found at her house. To probe their point, they also displayed photographs showing PM Narendra Modi with Vijay Mallya and others accused of scams.

The TMC leaders also slammed the Congress party for praising the ED over the probe against Partha Chatterjee. The TMC leaders said, if the ED can be good for the probe in Kolkata, how can the the agency be bad in Delhi for interrogating Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

Arpita Mukherjee, a close aide to West Bengal Minister Partha Chatterjee, was detained after unearthing Rs 21 crore in cash at her residence. Partha Chatterjee was presented before the Bankshall Court in Kolkata after he was arrested. The Enforcement Directorate detained Partha Chatterjee on 23rd July 2022 in connection with the suspected teacher recruitment fraud in West Bengal.

TMC leader Partha Chatterjee’s arrest took place just one day after the huge cash was found in Mukherjee’s residence. The ED is following the money trail in the scandal as the CBI is investigating the suspected anomalies in the School Service Commission (SSC) recruitment. While in custody, Partha Chatterjee experienced chest pain symptoms and was rushed to the SSKM hospital in Kolkata.

1...3,0793,0803,081...7,677Page 3,080 of 7,677