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USA Today, ‘fact-checker’ with Facebook, fails to ‘fact-check’ own content, removes 23 articles after their reporter fabricated sources: Details

OpIndia Staff
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USA Today, ‘fact-checker’ with Facebook, fails to ‘fact-check’ own content, removes 23 articles after their reporter fabricated sources: Details

After an internal investigation revealed that the writer who authored the items misattributed comments and, in some cases, faked interviews and sources, USA Today pulled 23 news stories from its website on Thursday. Gabriela Miranda, a breaking news reporter who quit the publication a few weeks ago, is alleged to have exploited falsified sources. Ironically, USA Today is Facebook’s ‘fact-checking partner’.

In 2020, USA Today had announced that it was enhancing its “fact-checking” network and partnering with Facebook. “As a media organization with unparalleled local-to-national reach, we take our commitment to providing people with truthful information very seriously, and fact-checking is integral to the journalism being done by USA TODAY and in Gannett newsrooms across the country” Maribel Perez Wadsworth, Gannett’s news leader and Publisher of USA TODAY had said. “We also recognize that the distribution of false information on social media is a concerning issue that warrants attention in today’s world, so joining Facebook’s fact-checking program to identify misinformation felt like a natural step for us. We are proud to partner with Facebook on a program with such an important mission.”

Now, USA Today, a ‘fact-checker’ with Facebook, has failed to ‘fact-check’ its own stories. A list of the pieces that were removed was released by USA Today, along with a narrative of the investigation into Miranda, which began with an “external correction request” a few weeks ago. Later, the audit was broadened to include a wide spectrum of her work, with a focus on trending topics and popular stories.

The notification on the USA Today website reads, “After receiving an external correction request, USA TODAY audited the reporting work of Gabriela Miranda. The audit revealed that some individuals quoted were not affiliated with the organizations claimed and appeared to be fabricated. The existence of other individuals quoted could not be independently verified. In addition, some stories included quotes that should have been credited to others.”

Miranda formerly worked for the Gainesville Times, where she covered education and Hispanic issues. She worked for a student magazine Red & Black while attending the University of Georgia, where she graduated in 2021.

The publication promised to enhance its approach for anyone who wishes to file complaints or seek revisions. It also promised to contact institutions if they are mentioned in the piece and to take reasonable procedures to verify source material at all times.

On Thursday, USA Today had a video conference with its staff to discuss the inquiry. Nicole Carroll, the editor-in-chief of USA Today, oversaw the meeting, which included a briefing on some of the issues raised by Miranda’s pieces. According to a person briefed on the investigation, USA Today decided during the investigation that Miranda made attempts to deceive investigators by creating phoney proof of her news content, including interview tapes.

A different story-fabrication issue erupted in 2004 when USA Today accused Pulitzer Prize finalist and writer Jack Kelley of inventing stories and plagiarising content from other magazines. Kelley had resigned and later apologised.

Maharashtra: 26-year-old assaulted for sharing Whatsapp story in support of Nupur Sharma, Nisar, Nouhid, Wasim, Altaf Shaikh, six others booked

OpIndia Staff
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Maharashtra: 26-year-old assaulted for sharing Whatsapp story in support of Nupur Sharma, Nisar, Nouhid, Wasim, Altaf Shaikh, six others booked

The Maharashtra Police on Thursday registered a case against Nisar Sayyad, Nouhid, Wasim Pathan, Altaf Shaikh, and six other unidentified persons for assaulting a 26-year-old person named Narendra Sriram in Solapur. Shriram was brutally assaulted by the accused after he shared a message on social media in support of ex-BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma.

According to the reports, Narendra Sriram on June 11 had changed his Whatsapp status story to support Nupur Sharma who has been criticized globally for her alleged ‘blasphemous’ remarks. Some of his Whatsapp friends responded furiously to the story and abused him for extending support to Sharma. In an attempt to resolve the matter, Shriram apologized for his actions.

As the matter seemed resolved, Shriram’s friends June 13 caught him near his house and assaulted him. The Police stated that Sriram managed to save himself by running away from the spot. Later he complained against Nisar Sayyad, Nouhid, Wasim Pathan, Altaf Shaikh, and six other unidentified persons who had abused and assaulted him. The Police registered an FIR against the accused and arrested three of them in the case.

It is important to note that this is not the first case where a person has suffered for supporting an ex-BJP spokesperson. Earlier a 24-year-old ABVP activist was arrested for sharing a FB post in support of Sharma. Karthi Thandamuthur who had shared Nupur Sharma’s video on Facebook and had captioned it, “I’ll repeat this every day…Nupur Sharma only repeated what’s written… what wrong did she say?”

The Tamil Nadu Police arrested Karthi and charged him for promoting religious enmity. The Police booked him under section 153A of the Indian Penal Code and section 67 of the Information Technology Act

Also, a similar incident was reported in Maharashtra’s Thane district where Saad Ashfaq Ansari, an engineering student had extended his support to Sharma. In an Instagram story, Ashfaq had written, “A 50-year-old man marrying a 6-9-year-old kid is clear child abuse. And I don’t know how you people support this. Will you give your 6-year-old daughter to a 50-year-old man? (think about it).”

Saad, for his Instagram story, was assaulted and abused by a Muslim mob and was later arrested by the Bhiwandi police amid the ongoing blasphemy row. Police also arrested him for his extended support to Nupur Sharma by referring to her as a ‘brave lady.’

Several FIRs have been registered against Nupur Sharma for her remarks against Prophet Muhammad. Recently, the Bhiwandi Police and also the Kolkata Police have issued summons against Sharma to question her. Mumbai police have also summoned her asking her to appear on June 25. Similarly, Mumbra police in Thane have also asked her to appear on June 22.

SP leader portrays victims of factory blasts as aspirants committing suicide over the Agnipath scheme, deletes later: Here is what happened

OpIndia Staff
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SP leader portrays victims of factory blasts as aspirants committing suicide over the Agnipath scheme, deletes later: Here is what happened

The Samajwadi Party is adding fuel to the fire of unrest and chaos caused by the violent protests over the Agnipath scheme. On Thursday (June 16) night, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Rachna Singh passed off victims of a factory blast as aspirants committing suicide over the newly launched government initiative.

In a tweet, she wrote, “I am requesting those students, aspiring and preparing to join the army, to not commit suicide. The (Modi) government will have to take back its decision and it will be a victory for the youth. Don’t lose hope.”

Screengrab of the tweet by Rachna Singh

She had posted images of young men, covered in blood and bruises, and suggested that they caused self-harm after being disappointed with the army’s recruitment drive. The contentious tweet was shared 249 times and liked by 787 users after which, it was deleted by the SP leader.

What is the Truth?

On close investigation, Opindia found that the time stamp on the second image read ‘2022/6/4 14: 44’ i.e. the picture was captured on June 4 this year at 2:44 pm.

Given that the Agnipath Scheme for recruitment in the Indian Armed forces was launched only on June 14, 2022, it became clear that the images could not have been the result of ongoing protests.

Expanded screenshot of the 2nd Image posted by Rachna Singh

According to a popular Twitter user (@Befitting Facts), the victims did not sustain injuries while committing suicide but during an explosion at a chemical factory in the Hapur district of Uttar Pradesh.

“A video has surfaced in the aftermath of a blast in a chemical factory in Hapur… Watch the disturbing images from the incident,” read a Twitter post from @TheUpNews On June 7.

In the video, the same young men were spotted who were earlier shown with bruises and burns. As such, the claim made by the Samajwadi Party leader Rachna Singh turned out to be false.

At a time, when students have taken to violence and vandalism in the garb of protests, the Samajwadi party is not leaving any stone unturned to milk the opportunity for political gains.

Agniveer Recruitment Scheme: Here is all you need to know about the age criteria, salary, facilities, process and more

OpIndia Staff
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Agniveer Recruitment Scheme: Here is all you need to know about the age criteria, salary, facilities, process and more

On June 15, the Government of India announced the Agnipath Scheme for the recruitment of youth in the Indian Armed Forces. There have been a lot of speculations and confusion about the newly launched scheme. This list of FAQs based on the information provided by the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces will help in understanding the scheme better.

What is Agnipath Recruitment Scheme?

It is a new HR Management scheme for the Indian Armed Forces. The candidates recruited via this scheme will be called Agniveers. Once enrolled, they will be governed under the Acts of the respective Armed Forces, Army, Navy and Air Force. They will get a distinct rank in the respective Armed Forces that will be different from the existing ranks.

Every Agniveer will be required to sign documents accepting the terms and conditions of the Agnipath Scheme. If the Agniveer is under the age of 18 years at the time of enrolment, then the parents or guardian will sign the document.

The recruitment under the Agnipath scheme will be initially for four years. After that, based on the requirements and policies of the respective Armed Forces, up to 25% of Agniveers from any particular batch will be given an offer to join as regular cadres based on their performance during their four-year engagement period at the Armed Forces. The remaining 75% of Agniveers will go back to society.

What are the eligibility criteria and terms for enrolling for Agnipath Scheme?

  • The candidate must be between the age of 17.5 years to 21 years.
  • It is open for all classes pan India.
  • All candidates must pass the medical test as per the guidelines laid down by the respective Armed Forces.
  • Agniveers will get training as per the requirement of the respective Armed Forces.
  • Agniveers enrolled under this entry are liable to be assigned any duty in organizational interest at the discretion of the respective Armed Forces.

Will there be any insignia on Agniveers’ uniforms to distinguish them?

To encourage and recognize the dynamism of youth, a distinctive insignia will be worn by Agniveers on their uniform during their engagement period.

Will Agniveers be eligible for awards and honours?

They will be entitled to honours and awards as per extant guidelines governing the subject for the respective Armed Forces.

What about the assessment of the Agniveers during the service period?

The Armed Forces will endeavour to maintain a centralized high-quality online database of ‘Agniveers’ and will follow a transparent common assessment methodology. An objective system to ensure fair and impartial assessment will be introduced. Skills attained by Agniveers will be systematically recorded. Broad guidelines will be framed before the appointment of the first batch of Agniveers, and the same, along with any subsequent changes, will be circulated.

Will Agniveers get yearly leaves?

Though the leaves will be granted exclusively at the discretion of the Armed Forces, they will be eligible for 30 leaves per year and sick leave based on medical advice.

Will Agniveers get a medical facility?

During their engagement as Agniveer in the Armed Forces, they will be entitled to the medical facility at Service Hospitals as well as CSD provisions.

Can Agniveer leave the Armed Forces before completion of tenure?

As per the regulations, they will not be allowed to leave the Armed Forces before completing their tenure of four years. However, in exceptional cases, the Competent Authority may allow it on a case-to-case basis.

What will be the pay, allowance and other benefits for Agniveers?

Every month, Agniveers will get Rs 30,000/- salary for the first year, and it will increase in subsequent years. 30% of the salary will be deducted as a Contribution to the Agniveer Corpus Fund. The amount accumulated by the Agniveers at the completion of the tenure will be matched by the government, and Agniveers will get approx Rs 11.5 lakhs in hand as a Seva Nidhi package. The amount that Agniveers get under Seva Nidhi will be tax-free.

Apart from the salary and Seva Nidhi package, Agniveers will get non-contributory life insurance of Rs 48 lakh that would be paid to the family in case of death of Agniveer in the line of duty. Agniveers will not pay any amount towards Provident Fund (PF). Notably, there are speculations that PF will be deducted above contribution to Agniveer Corpus Fund, which is false.

Is there any provision of compensation in case of disability or death?

In case of disability, based on the certification by the medical authority, Agniveer will get a one-time ex-gratia disability package of Rs 44 lakh for 100% disability, Rs 25 lakh for 75% disability and Rs 15 lakh for 50% disability. Agniveer will also get full payment for the non-served period from the four-year service, including the Seva Nidhi package for both served and non-served periods.

In case of death, Rs 48 lakh from the life insurance along with the Seva Nidhi package for the served period will be paid to the family of Agniveer if the recruit dies of natural causes. If Agniveer died during the line of duty, riots, violence, attacks by terrorists, anti-social elements, enemy, during peacekeeping operation or during aid to civil power etc., they will get pay for the non-served period, ex-gratia Rs 44 lakh, Seva Nidhi Package for served and non-served period.

What about those candidates who have passed the medical and physical test for recruitment in Armed Forces and currently waiting for exams?

All the recruitments in Armed Forces will be via Agniveer only. Those candidates have to reapply based on their eligibility.

What will happen to Agniveers after four years of service?

25% of Agniveers will get a call from Armed Forces for recruitment as a regular cadre. The remaining will rejoin society. Notably, PSUs, government agencies, paramilitary forces, and state governments have come forward and promised they would give preference for jobs to Agniveers who complete their four years of service in the Armed Forces.

In association with IGNOU, the Armed Forces will provide graduation degrees to Agniveers that will help them if they want to go for higher studies after completion of four years of service.

Is the Agniveer scheme open for women?

Yes, during the announcement of the scheme, it was pointed out that it would be open to women as well..

After Al Qaeda, ISIS threatens Hindus and Sikhs over Nupur Sharma’s comments on Prophet Muhammad, 10-minute video features PM Modi too

OpIndia Staff
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After Al Qaeda, ISIS threatens Hindus and Sikhs over Nupur Sharma’s comments on Prophet Muhammad, 10-minute video features PM Modi too

Amidst the death threats issued to Nupur Sharma over her innocuous remarks on Prophet Muhammad, the terror outfit Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) has released a 10-minute video about India and the ex-BJP spokesperson. Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) is an affiliate of ISIS that functions in South East Asia and Central Asia.

In the video titled, ‘The polytheists are the brothers of the polytheists’, the Islamic terror organisation has threatened to attack Hindus over the ongoing blasphemy row and demolition of a part of a mosque in the Jahangirpuri area of Delhi.

An independent news handle, the Khorasan Diary, wrote, “Islamic State Khurasan Province (ISKP) has begun a news bulletin service through its mouthpiece AlAzaim foundation. The first news bulletin is focused on India and the issue of blasphemy.”

The terror organisation has also threatened to conduct attacks against India wherever possible. According to the Khorasan Diary, the ISKP propaganda video also featured an Indian suicide bomber named Kalukettiya Purayil Ijas.

The Islamic State of Khorasan Province had criticised the Taliban and its leader Mullah Yaqoob for his interview with CNN News 18 and the meeting of Taliban’s Finance Minister Amir Muttaqi with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Joint Secretary JP Singh.

The disturbing video also threatened to carry out attacks on Sikhs. “It then features Narendra Modi and the attacks on Sikhs in Afghanistan followed by animations of a suicide bombing. Ending with a message to conduct attacks very soon.”

ISKP is an offshoot of the Islamic State terror group that operates in Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. Khorasan refers to a historical region comprising of Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan and Turkmenistan, the territories once controlled by a caliphate.

ISKP operates from the eastern province of Nangarhar, strategically located between the drug and of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The terrorist group was first formed in 2015 after several dissatisfied fighters of the Afghan Taliban and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan joined the Islamic State, swearing to create a caliphate.

It also influenced several radical Islamists studying in madrasas in Afghanistan and Pakistan, who travelled to the war-torn country to join the most extreme jihadist terrorist groups in the world.

Al-Qaeda threatened India with suicide attacks

On June 6 this year, another dreaded terrorist group, Al Qaeda, issued a letter threatening suicide attacks in Delhi, Mumbai, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat to “fight for the honor of the Prophet”.

It warned, “We shall kill those who affront our Prophet and we shall bind explosives with our bodies and the bodies of our children to blow away the ranks of those who dare to dishonor our Prophet.” The letter went on to say that Hindutva terrorists were currently occupying India.

Al Qaeda further warned, “We say with the help of Allah the almighty, the saffron terrorists should now await their end in Delhi, Bombay, UP, and Gujarat. They shall find refuge neither in their homes nor in their fortified army cantonments. May our mothers be bereaved of us, if we do not avenge our beloved Prophet.”

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.

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