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Bhim Sena Chief Nawab Satpal Tanwar arrested for issuing bounty to cut Nupur Sharma’s tongue, had said he would make her do ‘mujra’

OpIndia Staff
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Bhim Sena Chief Nawab Satpal Tanwar arrested for issuing bounty to cut Nupur Sharma’s tongue, had said he would make her do ‘mujra’

The Delhi Police has arrested Bhim Sena Chief Nawab Satpal Tanwar after he announced a bounty of Rs 1 crore and threatened former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma for her innocuous comments on Prophet Muhammad. The Special Cell’s Cyber Cell unit arrested Tanwar from his residence on Thursday.

The arrest of Tanwar comes days after the Gurgaon Police had booked him for his threats and comments against Nupur Sharma. He was booked for promoting enmity between different groups, abetment, intentional insult and criminal intimidation.

The Delhi Police said that Tanwar had earlier too issued bounties and made threats. “We took cognisance of the video. The man is heard making life-threatening remarks and is trying to spread hatred. We arrested Tanwar from Gurgaon. He has been booked under IPC sections 506 (criminal intimidation), 509 (insult modesty of a woman) and 153A (promoting enmity between different groups)”, Cyber Cell police said to Indian Express.

According to reports, the police are now interrogating Nawab Satpal Tanwar.

What had Nawab Satpal Tanwar said threatening Nupur Sharma

On June 8th, Nawab Satpal Tanwar issued threats to Nupur Sharma for “insulting Prophet Muhammad”. In his statement, Tanwar said, “Bharatiya Janata Party’s Nupur Sharma has done blasphemy in the name of Nabi. Nupur Sharma has hurt crores of Muslims living in the country. Nupur Sharma has hurt crores of Indians. Nupur Sharma has insulted the country across the world. Nupur Sharma has insulted Prophet Muhammad. Nupur Sharma’s crime is not forgivable. She deserves to be hanged.”

He added, “Bhim Sena Chief Nawab Satpal Tanwar announces Rs 1 crore reward for whoever brings tongue of Nupur Sharma. Nupur Sharma is insulting Indians across the world. Nupur Sharma is working on the behest of the BJP and RSS. Nupur Sharma is the real mastermind of Kanpur violence. Modi Government and Yogi Government must arrest her immediately and throw her in jail. However, no legal action is being taken against her. This is why I, Bhim Sena Chief Nawab Satpal Tanwar, announce a reward of Rs 1 crore for whoever brings tongue of Nupur Sharma.”

Earlier, Tanwar had made insulting comments against Nupur Sharma as well and said that he will make her do “mujra” in front of him.

He had said, “I trust myself. If the government of this country, the government of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath and Narendra Modi are not capable of taking action against Nupur Sharma, they should hand over her to Nawab Satpal Tanwar. I will make her do mujra in public. I will make her do mujra in front of me. Then I will punish her as I like. Bring her to Satpal’s court. If Nupur Sharma is presented in Satpal’s court, the whole country will see that dancer doing mujra in front of Nawab Satpal Tanwar.”

Defence Ministry extends entry age for Agnipath scheme by 2 years for 2022, says it is one-time waiver

OpIndia Staff
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Defence Ministry extends entry age for Agnipath scheme by 2 years for 2022, says it is one-time waiver

Amid the violent protests against the Agnipath scheme for recruitment into armed forces, the Ministry of Defence has decided to extend the maximum age of candidates by two years for the year 2022.

A press release issued by the Press Information Bureau said, “The Government has decided that a one-time waiver shall be granted for the proposed recruitment cycle for 2022. ​Accordingly, the upper age limit for the recruitment process for Agnipath scheme for 2022 is increased to 23 years.”

The press release said that taking cognizance of the fact that no recruitment could take place in the last two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the government has decided to grant a waiver for the proposed recruitment cycle for 2022.

However, it is only an one-time waiver for the current year, and from the next year onwards, the age limit for the recruitment of Agniveers under the Agnipath scheme will be minimum 17½ and maximum 21 years, as announced under the scheme.

The Agnipath scheme was announced by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh on June 14, under which youths will be recruited into the armed forces for a four-year period. After the four-year service period, Agniveers will get preference in PSUs, and State Governments’ jobs, and will be paid a one-time ‘SevaNidhi’ package amounting to ₹11.71 Lakh.

Agniveers will be eligible to apply for regular commission after the four-year period, and around 25% of them will be enrolled in Armed Forces as regular cadres.

The move is seen as an effort to control the burgeoning pension bill for the defence forces, as the Agniveers will not be paid pensions after their four-year service term.

There have been violent protests against this scheme by job aspirants in Bihar and some other states, who are demanding the continuation of the existing army recruitment policy. The protestors in Bihar even burnt down trains.

‘They are not fit for the Army’: General VK Singh on violence by youths against the Agnipath scheme

OpIndia Staff
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‘They are not fit for the Army’: General VK Singh on violence by youths against the Agnipath scheme

Ever since the Agnipath scheme was announced by the Central Government, it has landed in controversy over the recruitment of Jawans into the forces. Aspiring candidates in Bihar and other surrounding states in North India took to violent protests and agitations against the recruitment scheme on Thursday, disrupting the law and order in the region. The protests were particular violent in Bihar, where several trains were burnt by the violent mob. Reacting to the violence by so called aspiring candidates for the defence forces, Union Minister and former Indian Army chief Gen. V K Singh (R) has stated that such behaviour showcased by the youths is not fit for the army.

Central Minister Gen. V K Singh, who retired as the Chief of Army staff before joining active politics, has condemned the violent protests that spread across cities in Bihar over the recruitment issue regarding Agnipath.

In an interview with India Today Editor Rahul Kanwal, Singh commented, “I don’t think anybody who is shouting like this, is even fit for the Army. If I was at the helm of affairs, I won’t take any one of them,” categorically calling out the way so called army aspirants in Bihar protested. The Minister of State for Civil Aviation said that if anybody wants to come to the Army and has the feeling for the Army, ‘they would not be protesting’.

Hinting at a possible political conspiracy behind the violent demonstrations, Singh added, “If they are protesting, there must be something else which is telling them to protest or guiding them to protest.” VK Singh highlighted that while the chief Ministers of UP and Haryana have extended support to the scheme stating that the ‘Agniveers’ will be given priority in state police recruitments after they complete their 4-year term in the defence forces, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot and the state of Bihar should do the same, to tame the confusion.

Singh underlined that the scheme is being misrepresented while there is no cause for the protests at a time when it is not even gone on the floors.

Earlier in the day, a rioting situation occurred in Bihar’s Jehanabad where young men claiming to protest against the Central Government’s Agnipath scheme indulged in vandalism and arson. In an incident, the mob ran so violently that it set a parked train on fire in Bihar’s Chhapra. Besides this, law and order situation has been seriously affected in the districts of Bulandshahar, Chhapra, Arrah, Buxar and Saharsa where students were flocking to the railway stations with sticks and stones with an intent to disrupt the railway traffic.

The Agnipath scheme

On June 14, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with the chiefs of three armed forces, launched the Agnipath scheme for the recruitment of youth in the armed forces. The ‘Agniveers’ will be provided with a regular salary for the duration of 4 years and a lumpsum amount of Rs 11.71 lakhs as a Seva Nidhi package.

While the scheme only acts as an additional option for those willing to join the Armed Forces, and in no way, does it hamper the traditional mainstream recruitment process, it seems the young men running riots in Bihar are either ignorant about the scheme or have been motivated by some political forces to indulge in violent protests.

‘Don’t spoil your own future’: Mosques and Muslim leaders appeal the Muslim community to not indulge in violence after Friday prayers

OpIndia Staff
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‘Don’t spoil your own future’: Mosques and Muslim leaders appeal the Muslim community to not indulge in violence after Friday prayers

While police forces in various states are anticipating violence by Islamists after Friday Jumma prayers tomorrow demanding action against former BJKP spokesperson Nupur Sharma, several mosques and Muslim religious leaders in various cities have called on Muslims to maintain peace. The appeal came ahead of the Friday Namaz that will take place on 17th June 2022. Since the last two Fridays, mobs of Islamists have executed so-called protests against Nupur Sharma for her allegedly derogatory remarks on Prophet Muhammad. The protests eventually took a violent turn as the mob pelted stones at police personnel and citizens and riots took place in different cities on 3rd June and 10th June.

‘They don’t have money for bail’ – Syed Ahmed Bukhari

Syed Ahmed Bukhari, the Imam of the Jama Masjid in Delhi said that people should keep a close watch on the antisocial elements who want to make riots in the country. He said, “The violent protests in the country that took place in the last week should not have happened. People should take permission from the police and administration before carrying out any agitation. The insult of the prophet hurts the sentiments of the people, but this is not the way to register the protest. It should be done in a peaceful way. It was wrong to include kids and youths in those protests. People started pelting stones. Then police forces opened fires and two youths were killed. Many others are injured. Cases are booked against many people. Many others are jailed. A large number of those are poor and don’t have money for the bail. One should think of all these things before making such ruckus.”

He further said, “Even I could have taken a mic to speak a few words of protests, but I avoided it. Because people are emotional and the speech can add to the worse. I don’t know from where the people suddenly appeared outside the Jama Masjid the last Friday. It was the police and administration who brought the situation under control.”

‘The conditions are not well right now’ – AIMPLB member Maulana Syed Athar Ali

All India Muslim Personal Law Board member Maulana Syed Athar Ali of Mumbai also addressed Muslims. Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi has called for a shutdown in protest against Nupur Sharma and in solidarity with the Muslims whose religious sentiments are allegedly hurt.

When asked about his stand on the shutdown call, Maulana Syed Athar Ali said, “I appeal to the people that the conditions are not well right now. If we come to the streets now, there is a possibility that a few anti-social elements provoke and spread some violence. Tomorrow is Friday and we don’t want that history to repeat. I appeal to the people and want to tell them that whatever protest the Muslim community wants to register, there are a whole lot of organizations including the AIMPLB to put our things on a proper platform. People should look up to them and support them and appreciate their efforts and cooperate with them. We must not come to the streets because in these situations it is very dangerous to come to the streets. I think some anti-social elements are waiting for us to come to the streets so that they will spread the violence. Therefore people should not come to the streets and register their protest by some other means.”

Peace calls in Prayagraj

Maulana Kari Mufti Ahmed Matin Kasmi of the Jama Masjid in Prayagraj issued a notice for the Muslims appealing them to not indulge in violence after the Friday prayers tomorrow. In an appeal issued by the mosque, he said, “All the people of Allahabad are hereby appealed to be aware and not fall for any trap or conspiracy; especially on 17th June 2022. Everyone should cooperate with the administration and should obey the law.”

The notice further says, “It is the collective responsibility of all of us to maintain the law and order of the city and to take care of the trade and employment within the city. All the parents are appealed to take responsibility and see that their kids don’t involve in any unwanted illegal or immoral activities. Parents should make sure that their kids and youth are not brainwashed by things told by others. Think about the future. Don’t spoil your own future by your own deeds.”

Anjuman Intezamia Ranchi appeals to people to pray in the nearby mosque

Mukhtar Ahmed is the general secretary of the Anjuman Intezamia of Ranchi who have also issued a similar notice. He issued an appeal to the Muslims in Ranchi in which he said, “Anjuman Intezamia appeals to the people that on Friday 17th June 2022, all should stay at their respective homes and offer prayers in the mosques nearby their homes. All are appealed to go to their homes after the prayers and not spread any fake news or rumor on social media. Don’t take out any procession so that unwanted incidents are avoided. Section 144 is imposed in the city and everyone should take note of this.”

Similar appeals in Saharanpur

Saharanpur is considered one of the most sensitive cities in Uttar Pradesh. The management committee of the Waqf Jama Masjid Kalan issued an appeal to the people in which it said, “On 10th June 2022, a few boys, aged less than 20, started raising slogans and reached the clock tower via Bazar Shahid Ganj of Saharanpur. This sudden act by them has caused pain to the responsible citizens of Saharanpur. Therefore, the management committee of the Waqf Jama Masjid Kalan has taken a decision that the Friday prayers of 17th June 2022 should be offered in the mosques in the nearby localities. There should not be any big crowd in the Jama Masjid.”

It is notable that on the last two Fridays, there have been many violent protests by the Islamists in cities like Kanpur, Prayagraj, Ranchi, and Howrah. Two rioters were killed as the police had to open the fires on the mob of stone-pelting Muslims in Ranchi.

Mumbai police refuse to file FIR against Mohammed Zubair, say no need of multiple FIRs against same person

OpIndia Staff
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Mumbai police refuse to file FIR against Mohammed Zubair, say no need of multiple FIRs against same person

On 15th June 2022, Mumbai police refused to file an FIR against Alt News co-founder Mohammed Zubair for his insulting social media posts against Hindu deities. When the complainant Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha media cell member Deep Ved argued that there are complaints registered against Mohammed Zubair in other parts of the country too, the police officials dodged him by saying if the complaints are already being registered across the country, what is the need to file another FIR in Mumbai.

Deep Ved is a youth living in the Borivali area of Mumbai who works with Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha. He went to the Borivali police station on 15th June 2022 with a 19-page complaint that included 17 pages of the evidence prints of Mohammed Zubair’s social media posts. The posts included Zubair’s derogatory posts referring to Hindu deities and reflected his perverted view as he dog-whistled Islamists to attack former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma.

While speaking to OpIndia, Deep Ved said, “I was observing Mohammed Zubair’s social media handles for quite some time. The Allahabad High Court recently dismissed a writ petition filed by Mohammad Zubair challenging the FIR filed against him on June 1 for using derogatory language against Hindu saints. Considering the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh, I knew very well that the FIR will not be quashed. I was very sure that Mohammed Zubair will take some weird steps after this and accordingly he deleted his Facebook page overnight. Therefore, I collected all the screenshots and links of the things he had posted. I had saved them all well in advance.”

Deep Ved added, “Until when are we going to tolerate this? If we see this properly, it is not about me as an individual. Even in the case of Nupur Sharma, it was Mohammed Zubair only who instigated people by posting an edited video. Editing such videos and trimming and cropping them in a suitable manner is a thing he is skilled at. It is his old style and he has done such things even in the past. This time he did it in a way that our country had to face an embarrassing moment on the international level. Nupur Sharma got so many death threats and rape threats. Mohammed Zubair is the only responsible person for that and he is the main culprit.”

About the FIR, Deep Ved said, “I went to file the FIR in individual capacity. I had a 19-page file with me. 17 pages were the prints of the posts from Mohammed Zubair’s social media handles which we had archived. I separately wrote a 2-page complaint letter explaining the whole matter. I approached the police officer named Kalyan Patil in the Borivali Police Station. He looked through the file and asked me why I want to file the FIR. I told him that Mohammed Zubair has committed a crime and Allahabad High Court holds that an FIR can be filed against the things he posted. Mohammed Zubair has deleted his Facebook page after the decision of the Allahabad High Court, which means that he has tampered with the evidence, which is again a separate crime. So it should be filed. Kalyan Patil suggested submitting it on the next day and said that FIR cannot be filed.”

Deep Ved further informed, “When I insisted to file the FIR, Kalyan Patil took me to the Inspector’s cabin where I met Inspector Namdev Jadhav and explained to him the whole case. Even Inspector Jadhav told me that no FIR can be filed against this. I told him that people in other parts of the country are filing cases against him for the things he has done. In response, Inspector Namdev Jadhav asked me why do you want to file an FIR here when there are cases being filed against him in the whole country?”

The Mumbai police alleged Deep Ved of filing the case with a political intention. Deep Ved said, “The police said that you are filing this with a political intention. Why are you doing politics out of this? I replied to them that this is no politics. I have come here to the police station to register an FIR as a responsible Hindu citizen of the country in which I happen to majority. I am not pelting stones to protect my own Dharma in my own country. Nor am I raising slogans that include death threats. I am not executing riots. I am following the legal procedure of filing an FIR. Then the officer told me to come on the next day and that he will inquire. I don’t know what will he inquire when there is no evidence.”

Pointing toward the double standards of the Maharashtra police, Deep Ved said, “It is the same Mumbai police and Maharashtra police who have filed multiple FIRs at different places in the same case based on different complaints by people at respective places. They have done this against a 21-year-old student Nikhil Bhamre and an actress named Ketaki Chitale for posting something which according to the complainants is against Sharad Pawar. Why they are advising me now that there are FIRs being filed at other places in the country. If people in Uttar Pradesh have religious sentiments, so do I. If their sentiments are hurt, similarly Zubair’s posts hurt my sentiments. Nupur Sharma’s case is not his first incident and I have included his old posts as well.”

Deep Ved is also getting threats since he went to file an FIR against Mohammed Zubair. He said, “I am getting threats on my phone and social media. My number is leaked. But I will go and try to file this complaint once again. I will not let Zubair go free from Maharashtra. I will make him come to the Mumbai court at least once, come what may. Zubair has to be behind the bars and I will put my efforts to make sure that he is called by the Mumbai court.”

It is notable that apart from filing multiple FIRs at various police stations against several youths for allegedly defaming Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray and others in Maharashtra ruling coalition, multiple FIRs also have been filed against Nupur Sharma in multiple police stations in the state.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma assures action against Congress workers who attacked Guwahati ACP, says police have video recording

OpIndia Staff
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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma assures action against Congress workers who attacked Guwahati ACP, says police have video recording

The Congress party workers and leaders flocked to the streets and sparked mayhem in various parts of the country on Wednesday, as Rahul Gandhi joined the Enforcement Directorate’s interrogation for the third day in a row. Himangshu Das, the assistant commissioner of police (ACP) of Guwahati City Police was injured in an attack by Congress protesters who hit the streets of Guwahati on Wednesday as part of this nationwide protest. After the Guwahati cop was injured in an attack by Congress members in the city, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma assured actions against the perpetrators.

According to reports, a Congress worker had hit the Guwahati ACP with a bamboo stick as he tried to clear a busy road that the irate Congress supporters had blocked as part of their protest against the grilling of their out on bail leader Rahul Gandhi by the Enforcement Directorate.

Pictures taken at the protest site captured ACP Himanshu Das with blood flowing down his face.

“There was a Congress protest, wherein we also arrested some persons. During the same, I received a minor injury which was taken care of with little treatment,” the ACP reportedly told the media after the incident.

‘We have video recordings’, Assam CM assures action against Congress workers who attacked ACP

Following the incident, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma assured that those who attacked the officer will face consequences. The state police will take action against those who attacked Himangshu Das, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Dispur, the Assam Chief Minister stated in a speech in Diphu on Wednesday.

“Police have taken up a case. We have the video recording. Action will be taken as per the law against the person who has committed this. We have taken action against other criminals,” said Himanta Biswa Sarma. 

In what transpired on Wednesday in Guwahati Assam, a scuffle broke out between Congress workers and the Guwahati police team. As police officers attempted to restrain them, some workers were spotted clutching the party flag and using it aggressively to break through the barricades. The same bamboo flag pole was used to attack the Guwahati Assistant Commissioner of Police, who was attempting to bring the situation under control. The ACP was seen bleeding from the left side of his face, dangerously close to his eye.

On Wednesday, the Congress supporters launched a multi-city protest against the central agency that summoned Rahul Gandhi for questioning in the National Herald scam. The protest turned violent in the national capital as well as many parts of the country with Congress workers resorting to vandalism and hooliganism. In fact, the party workers indulged in arson and burnt tyres on the streets of Delhi to protest. The police had detained as many as 150 Congress workers, including senior party members like Randeep Surjewala, Jairam Ramesh, Gaurav Gogoi, Deepender Singh Hooda, Ranjeet Ranjan, Jeby Mather, Imran Pratapgarhi, Youth Congress chairman B V Srinivas, and National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) chief Neeraj Kundan for creating ruckus on the streets of the national capital.

Rahul Gandhi to skip Jumma appearance for ED questioning, shifts blame on deceased senior Congress leader Motilal Vohra

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi has sought more time to appear before the ED for questioning in the National Herald scam. He has cited his mother and co-accused, Sonia Gandhi’s health as the reason. Sonia Gandhi, also the party president, too, is summoned by the ED for questioning on 23rd June. Days after the summons, Sonia Gandhi said she had tested positive for coronavirus and was then subsequently admitted to Sir Ganga Ram hospital.

As reported by Republic, Rahul Gandhi may now appear before the ED for the fourth day of questioning on Monday, June 20.

Earlier it was reported that during the questioning, Rahul Gandhi has thrown now-deceased senior Congress leader and Gandhi family loyalist Motilal Vora under the bus and said it was Vora who was in charge of financial dealings and that he had no knowledge of the same.

As per a report by Times of India, Rahul Gandhi told the ED officials that former Congress Treasurer was responsible for all transactions related to the acquisition of Associated Journals Limited (AJL) by Young Indian. AJL publishes National Herald, the party’s mouthpiece masquerading as a newspaper.

Marathi actor Ketaki Chitale who was jailed for writing an ‘objectionable’ post against Sharad Pawar gets bail but to still remain in custody: Here is why

OpIndia Staff
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Marathi actor Ketaki Chitale who was jailed for writing an ‘objectionable’ post against Sharad Pawar gets bail but to still remain in custody: Here is why

Marathi actor Ketaki Chitale, who has been in jail for more than a month has got bail from a court in Thane. The actress would, however, continue to remain in jail as she has 20 more cases against her in connection with the same post on Facebook.

Ketaki Chitale was arrested on 14th May 2022 for sharing an allegedly derogatory post on Facebook against NCP supremo Sharad Pawar. 

According to news agency ANI, the Thane court granted bail to the Marathi actor in a case registered against her under the SC/ST Act. She has been granted bail on a surety amount of Rs 25,000. However, she’ll remain in jail as she is accused in another case in which the bail hearing is on June 21.

The case in which the 29-year-old actor was granted bail was filed against her under the SC/ST Act. The case was registered against Chitale on March 3, 2020, with the Rabale police based on a complaint filed by a final-year law student then for posting allegedly derogatory comments on Buddhism. The police had arrested the actor under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The 29-year-old actress was arrested on May 15 for a Facebook post where she had shared a verse, allegedly written on Pawar, calling him a person who hates Brahmins. Soon after the post, the actress got several cases registered against her under charges of defamation and promoting enmity between 2 groups. A case under the SC-ST Act has also been filed against her. The cases have been filed in multiple police stations in Mumbai and its suburbs. The aforementioned 2020 case 2020 under the SC-ST Act had also been opened against her.

Ketaki Chitale was charged under sections 500 (defamation), 501 (printing or engraving matter known to be defamatory), 505 (2) (making, publishing or circulating any statement, rumour, or report promoting enmity, hatred, or ill will between classes), 153 A (spreading disharmony among people), of the Indian Penal Code. 

Ketaki Chitale argued on her own in court without a lawyer to present her case. She was produced before the holiday court on Sunday 15th May 2022, in the morning itself. The police had informed the court that custody was required to further investigate the so-called objectionable post.

The Thane court in Maharashtra had sent Marathi actor Ketaki Chitale to police custody till 18th May 2022.  A week later, on May 27, the court rejected the bail plea and extended her judicial custody of Chitale for another 14 days. As per reports, the Magistrate court had stated that bail cannot be granted to the actress because the alleged ‘crime’ of sharing a social media post against NCP chief Sharad Pawar is of serious nature.

UP govt increases security around mosques to prevent violence after Friday prayers, to use drones, conduct flag march and drills

OpIndia Staff
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UP govt increases security around mosques to prevent violence after Friday prayers, to use drones, conduct flag march and drills

The Yogi Adityanath government has increased security measures in various areas in Uttar Pradesh ahead of Friday Namaz on June 17 to prevent violence. The action has been take after the violence that Islamists had unleashed in various parts of the Uttar Pradesh, as well as many other states in India, on June 10, after the Friday Namaz, in protest against former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma.

The Uttar Pradesh government has reportedly sounded a high alert in all the districts and there will be tight security during Friday prayers tomorrow. Uttar Pradesh police have identified 24 districts in the state as hyper-sensitive. All these districts will have a higher degree of vigilance. Areas in and around mosques in Lucknow, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Agra, Mau, Sambhal, Meerut, Ambedkarnagar, Bahraich, Ayodhya, Gonda and Saharanpur will be kept under watch too. Drones would be used to conduct surveillance in these areas.

The additional director general (law and order) Prashant Kumar said elaborate arrangements have been made for Friday prayers on June 17.

Identify anti-CAA and NRC rioters, members of the PFI: Instructions to all district police chiefs

The DGP headquarters sent a set of instructions to all district police chiefs to prevent violence on June 17th. This includes compiling a record of persons arrested for law and order offences during previous public protests, including the anti-CAA and NRC riots, and maintaining tabs on their whereabouts.

The directive also specifies identifying members of the Popular Front of India (PFI) and its frontal organisations, as well as taking preventative action against them and determining whether or not they have a criminal record.

Police in Lucknow, Kanpur and Saharanpur said the district administrations have imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) for not allowing gatherings on roads and in public places.

“People have been advised to go back home after the prayers at the mosques. We have also asked local religious leaders to ensure that there is no untoward incident. Peace committee meetings are also being regularly,” said a senior Uttar Pradesh police officer.

Meanwhile, in Gorakhpur, the police have started conducting flag marches and mock drills ahead of tomorrow’s Friday Namaz. ANI quoted Vipin Tanda, the SSP Gorakhpur as saying, “We’re talking to all religious heads. We’re patrolling the city to maintain peace. With preparations at hand, we do not think anyone will try to break the law & order.”

According to a report by India Today, owing to the June 10 incident of violence, the Lucknow police have also enhanced security at Lucknow’s Teele Wali Masjid ahead of Friday prayers. Last Friday, an Islamist mob had gathered at Teele Wali Masjid after their Namaz to protest against ex-BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma. The protest had taken a violent turn, with Islamists reportedly shouting “Allah Hu Akbar” and indulging in stone-pelting, arson and vandalism. The incident raised the eyebrows of the Lucknow district administration, prompting them to deploy heavy security forces ahead of tomorrow’s (June 17) Friday prayers.

Lucknow Commissioner, DK Thakur was quoted as saying, “On June 10, a crowd raised Allah Hu Akbar slogans at Teele Wali Masjid. Police forces were deployed to bring the situation under control but the situation became tense in other areas. We have tightened the security and we have also appealed to the religious leaders to maintain peace.”

Moreover, a police official at DGP headquarters in Lucknow also informed that 130 companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) have been deployed in different districts to maintain law and order ahead of the June 17th Friday prayers.

“The state police social media cell is doing round-the-clock monitoring of different social media platforms to contain content inciting communal sentiments and action is being taken against those involved in such things,” he said.

Yogi Adityanath govt asks authorities to auction houses of absconding accused if they don’t surrender

On June 10, Islamist mobs ran riot in numerous parts of the country following the Friday Namaz. In some places, the enraged mob set fire to Nupur Sharma’s effigy and posters, while in others, stones were thrown, injuring cops and citizens, and causing property damage.

While continuing to crackdown on June 10 violence, the UP government ordered the state police to auction the illegally constructed residential properties of the absconders who refuse to surrender in the Prayagraj violence case. On June 10, like in many other cities in UP, violent protests were staged by Islamists in the city of Prayagraj after the weekly prayers. The city saw heavy stone-pelting on the police forces by Islamists who demanded strict action against ex-BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma for her alleged blasphemous remarks.

Furthermore, the Uttar Pradesh police have made 357 arrests from nine districts in the state in the June 10 incident. It includes 20 in Firozabad, 41 in Ambedkar Nagar, 40 in Moradabad, 85 in Saharanpur, 97 in Prayagraj, 55 in Hathras, 6 in Aligarh, 5 in Jalaun and 8 in Kheri.

Rainbow-coloured toys confiscated in Saudi Arabia: Authorities say they ‘contradict the Islamic faith and promote homosexuality’

OpIndia Staff
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Rainbow-coloured toys confiscated in Saudi Arabia: Authorities say they ‘contradict the Islamic faith and promote homosexuality’

Saudi Arabian officials have recently seized rainbow-coloured toys and children’s clothes, arguing that they promote homosexuality. The country’s Commerce Ministry posted a video on Twitter showing officers removing similar products from a retail mall in Riyadh.

Rainbow-coloured ribbons, skirts, hats, and pencil bags were among the stuff, the bulk of which appeared to be intended for children.

It is worth noting that homosexuality invites capital punishment in Saudi Arabia, which is infamous for its strict interpretation of Islamic Sharia law, which serves as the cornerstone of the whole judicial system. Consensual same-sex sexual activities are punished by death or flogging, based on the seriousness of the case, according to the country’s application of Islamic law.

“We are giving a tour of the items that contradict the Islamic faith and public morals and promote homosexual colours targeting the younger generation,” said an official from the commerce ministry of Saudi Arabia.

Although there are no laws restricting sexual orientation or gender identity in Sunni Muslim-ruled Saudi Arabia, sexual relationships outside of marriage, including gay intercourse, are prohibited.

In April, the kingdom stated that it had demanded that “LGBTQ undertones” be deleted from the most recent Marvel film, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, but that Disney had refused. As a result, the film was not shown in Saudi theatres. As part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s social makeover, which is shaking up the old monarchy, Saudi Arabia lifted a decades-long ban on all theatres in late 2017.

Authorities in neighbouring Qatar claimed in December 2021 that rainbow-coloured pop-its and other toys had been confiscated from retailers for having messages that violated Islamic values.

National Herald case: Rahul Gandhi to skip Jumma appearance for ED questioning, seeks more time

OpIndia Staff
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National Herald case: Rahul Gandhi to skip Jumma appearance for ED questioning, seeks more time

Senior Congress leader and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi has sought more time to appear before the ED for questioning in the National Herald scam. He has cited his mother and co-accused, Sonia Gandhi’s health as the reason. Sonia Gandhi, also the party president, too, is summoned by the ED for questioning on 23rd June. Days after the summons, Sonia Gandhi said she had tested positive for coronavirus and was then subsequently admitted to Sir Ganga Ram hospital.

As reported by Republic, Rahul Gandhi may now appear before the ED for fourth day of questioning on Monday.

Earlier it was reported that during the questioning, Rahul Gandhi has thrown now-deceased senior Congress leader and Gandhi family loyalist Motilal Vora under the bus and said it was Vora who was in charge of financial dealings and that he had no knowledge of the same.

As per a report by Times of India, Rahul Gandhi told the ED officials that former Congress Treasurer was responsible for all transactions related to the acquisition of Associated Journals Limited (AJL) by Young Indian. AJL publishes National Herald, the party’s mouthpiece masquerading as a newspaper.

Motilal Vora passed away in December 2020 at age 92. Young Indian and AJL are both companies which are controlled by the Gandhi family. During the questioning,  Rahul Gandhi has denied having any knowledge of loans or the accommodation entries made by the Young Indian and put the blame squarely on shoulders of Motilal Vora, a Gandhi family loyalist who is no more.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul Gandhi together hold 76% stake in the Young Indian. Of the remaining 24%, deceased Motilal Vora and another Congress loyalist Oscar Fernandes held 12% each.

In April this year, the ED recorded statements of Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and current treasurer of Congress Pawan Bansal, who are also office bearers in AJL and YI. The summons to Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi were issued after that.

However, the Congress workers have taken to streets since Monday to protest against the summons by ED. In fact, the party workers indulged in arson and burnt tyres on streets of Delhi to protest. Now the questioning will likely be resumed on Monday.

There were apprehensions that the Friday questioning may coincide with the Jumma namaz where Islamists across India have been taking to streets, pelting stones and running riots since past three weeks now over ex-BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma’s statements on Prophet Muhammad. That the violent Congress workers and rioting Islamists may worsen law and order situation in the country was a concern raised by many.

National Herald case

The National Herald scam is one of the most notable legal cases in Indian history, as the Gandhis are directly accused. The Mother-Son duo of Congress President Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul, along with their aides – Oscar Fernandez, Motilal Vora and Sam Pithroda are alleged to have been involved in massive ‘cheating and breach of trust’ in the acquisition of Associated Journals Ltd (AJL) by Young Indian Pvt Ltd (YIL). Assets worth crores of rupees had been allegedly transferred for purposes other than originally intended for a paltry sum. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi got unconditional bail in December 2015.

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