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Rioters chant Allahu Akbar, torch vehicles, attack cops after anti-immigration activist burns copy of Quran in Sweden: What we know so far

OpIndia Staff
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Rioters chant Allahu Akbar, torch vehicles, attack cops after anti-immigration activist burns copy of Quran in Sweden: What we know so far

On Thursday (April 14), a frenzied mob went on a rampage in the Swedish town of Linköping after Danish anti-immigration party Stram Kurs announced to burn a copy of the Quran on the following day.

Amidst chants of ‘Allahu Akbar’, the masked men attacked police vehicles and set them ablaze. According to independent researcher Hugo Kamman, a total of 4 police officers were injured during the attack. Two people have been arrested so far in connection to the case.

The cops eventually withdrew from the area, thereby encouraging rioters to continue the orgy of violence in other Swedish cities of Norrköping, Rinkeby, Stockholm and Orebro. “The mood has been aggressive and there have been attacks against police at the scene,” remarked police spokesperson Asa Willsund.

Violence in Orebro

On Friday (April 15), riots broke out in the Swedish city of Örebro during which a violent mob attacked the police and engaged in arson attacks. As per a report published by Reuters, the rioters pelted stones, broke through police cordons and set 4 vehicles on fire.

Reuters reported that at least 4 cops and a private individual were injured during the attack. According to the police, the officers were suspected to have suffered from arm fractures. According to independent researcher Hugo Kamman, the rioters also stole a police vehicle and were roaming around the city in that car.

“The fact that this is allowed to happen is a severe indictment of the Swedish police leadership’s failure to assert the rule of law,” he stated in a tweet. Violence was also reported in the Stockholm suburb of Rinkeby and Navesta in Norrköping over the scheduled Quran burning event.

Rioter in action in Orebro in Sweden, image via Kicki Nilsson/ TT News Agency/ Reuters

While responding to the violence, Swedish prime Minister Magdalena Andersson said, “I strongly condemn the violence that is now being directed at the police and the general public in Örebro. Yesterday and during the night we saw similar scenes in Linköping and in Norrköping. Several police officers have been injured while working in their service to defend democratic rights “

The Quran burning event by Stram Kurs

The chief of the Danish anti-immigration party, Rasmus Paludan, had announced to burn a copy of the Quran in the Muslim-dominated neighbourhood of Linkoping. While a large mob of 200 odd Muslims had gathered to protest against the act of ‘blasphemy’, Stram Kurs chief went ahead and set the book ablaze.

Thereafter, the frenzied mob began pelting stones at the police, closed the road for vehicular movement and carried out arson attacks. Mikail Yuksel, the founder of the Party of Different Colors in Sweden, has accused Paludan of provoking Muslims by indulging in blasphemous acts outside mosques and in Muslim-majority areas.

He had claimed, “In Sweden, which defends human rights, freedom of religion and conscience with the highest pitch, the Qur’an is burned in the neighbourhoods of Muslims under the protection of the police.”

It must be mentioned that the party was given permission to hold the Quran burning event by the police, which later disbanded it due to the deteriorating law and order situation.

While reacting to the violence, National Police Chief Anders Thornberg said, “We live in a democratic society and one of the most important tasks of the police is to ensure that people can use their constitutionally protected rights to demonstrate and express their opinions…The police do not get to choose who has this right, but must always intervene in case of violation.”

Ramsus Paludan and 2020 Sweden riots

In August 2020, riots broke out in the city of Malmo in Sweden after a member of the ‘Stram Kurs’ group burnt a copy of the Quran. The burning of the Quran was a part of an anti-Islam protest which took place in the city, following the arrest of Rasmus Paludan.

Paludan is the leader of a Danish anti-immigration political party ‘Hard-Line’ and was supposed to hold a meeting in the city. Authorities had informed that Paludanone was banned from Sweden for two years due to concerns about him breaking Swedish law. As such, he was stopped at the border and was denied entry into Malmo.

In response, Paludan had put up a post on Facebook that read, “Sent back and banned from Sweden for two years. However, rapists and murderers are always welcome!” He was supposed to take part in an anti-Muslim rally and had earlier urged his supporters to burn the Quran.

In a viral video, a member of the ‘Stram Kurs’ group was seen setting spraying gasoline over a copy of the Quran and then setting the book on fire during the day. The man was seen pointing toward the burnt Quran and condemning Islam in Swedish.

The incident triggered radical Islamists, who then hit the streets and unleashed violence. While the rioters first protested against the actions of the group, they soon resorted to burning tyres and pelting rocks at the police. In 2019, Paludan had set a Quran on fire after wrapping the book with a piece of bacon.

Live event of singer Satinder Sartaaj in the USA, organized by blacklisted Pakistani Rehan Siddiqui canceled after letter to Amit Shah

OpIndia Staff
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Live event of singer Satinder Sartaaj in the USA, organized by blacklisted Pakistani Rehan Siddiqui canceled after letter to Amit Shah

A live concert by Punjabi singer Satinder Sartaaj which was to be held on April 17 in Houston, Texas, has been canceled after Rajya Sabha MP Kirodi Lal Meena wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah requesting immediate action to stop the concert. The event was organized by Pakistani-origin ‘event manager’ Rehan Siddiqui, who has been blacklisted by the home ministry on terror-related allegations.

In his letter to the Home Minister, Meena stated that the proceeds from such events were utilised by Rehan Siddiqui for anti-India activities, particularly in Kashmir. According to reports, the concert updates were deleted from websites after it was abruptly cancelled.

Rehan Siddiqui, a Pakistani living in Houston, was blacklisted in 2020 on the advice of the Consulate General of India in Houston. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, Shiv Sena MP Rahul Shewale had mentioned Rehan Siddiqui’s suspected anti-India activities. Rahul Shewale was then contacted by G Kishan Reddy, Minister of State for Home Affairs, who informed him that the matter had been investigated and that the Ministry of External Affairs had notified that 3 people including Rehan Siddiqui have been blacklisted based on the Consulate General of India in Houston’s recommendations.

The letter to Shewale further added that the Indian Embassy in Washington, DC, and the Indian Consulate General in Houston were also asked to engage with prominent influencers, cultural bodies, and genuine ‘Bollywood affiliated’ local agencies to ensure that appropriate information is conveyed to Indian actors and artists so that they can decouple themselves from such anti-national elements.

Who is Rehan Siddiqui?

It was reported in February 2020 that Rehan Siddiqui was on the radar of Indian authorities when it was uncovered that Siddique organizes Bollywood events and uses the proceeds to support anti-India operations overseas, especially with a focus on Kashmir.

Rehan runs a radio station on which he constantly promotes terrorist activities in Kashmir and promotes falsehoods. Rehan Siddiqui has vast expertise in the music and radio industry and is said to have organized over 400 successful concerts with many of Bollywood’s top performers.

The Indian diaspora in the United States has been outspokenly opposed to Siddiqui’s gatherings, demanding the authorities prevent Bollywood superstars from attending events organized by an ‘ISI agent.’ They have requested that Bollywood superstars be barred from appearing in performances organized by Siddiqui. They further claimed that Siddiqui and other Pakistani immigrants were organizing anti-CAA rallies in Houston as well as pro-Khalistan protests by the local Sikh population. Siddiqui’s radio station has also been accused of spreading anti-India propaganda in the aftermath of the Pulwama tragedy and the Balakot attacks.

Gujarat Congress backs rioters who attacked Ram Navmi procession, oppose bulldozing of properties: What MLA Gyassuding Shaikh, Imran Khedavala said

OpIndia Staff
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Gujarat Congress backs rioters who attacked Ram Navmi procession, oppose bulldozing of properties: What MLA Gyassuding Shaikh, Imran Khedavala said

On Saturday, the Congress party in Gujarat raised its voice against the state government that bulldozed the illegal properties owned by rioters involved in attacking the Ram Navmi procession. Congress stated that the demolition of properties by the state government was not based on legal procedures and that it was unconstitutional.

According to the reports, Congress MLA Gyassuding Shaikh and Imran Khedavala appealed to the revenue minister Rajendra Trivedi on April 15. They alleged that the state had failed to serve notices to the owners of the properties before demolition and asked the Minister to stop bulldozing the shops near the dargah in the Sakkarpura area of Khambat.

“The action by the district collector is based on allegations and there is no legal procedure involved. Demolition should be stopped immediately”, the duo said adding that the party will have no problem if the state takes action after the accused are declared as culprits by the court.

On 10th April, the Rath Yatra of Ram Navami started from a temple in Khambhat and arrived at the place near a local dargah. According to the police, hundreds of rioters were hiding inside the dargah and as soon as the Rath Yatra reached there, the miscreants started pelting stones at the chariot.

On 15th April, the local administration and the police brought a bulldozer to this spot and razed off all the shops just outside this dargah. There were around five to six shops. When the police force arrived, the shops were open and operating, but with the help of the police force, these shops were vacated and demolished by bulldozers.

The police said that the shops were illegally built and there were complaints about criminal activities being coordinated through these shops. Moreover, the boundary wall of the dargah is also said to be illegal and the police will soon demolish the wall too. It is also being said that demolishing these shops near the dargah is just the beginning and illegal shops and properties elsewhere in the Khambhat town will also be demolished soon.

So far, the Police have arrested 11 accused, including 3 Maulvis for deliberately targeting the Ram Navami celebrations. Reports mention that the violence was pre-planned and that the Maulvis had arranged for people from other parts of the state to disrupt peace and harmony in Khambhat. The Police have also suspected foreign funding in the case. Investigations are underway.

Sarpanch shot dead by terrorists in Kashmir, 4th Sarpanch to be killed in 2022

OpIndia Staff
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Sarpanch shot dead by terrorists in Kashmir, 4th Sarpanch to be killed in 2022

Manzoor Ahmad Bangroo, Sarpanch of Goush-bugh village in Kashmir has been shot dead by terrorists on Friday, April 15th. Bangroo was elected as an independent candidate and wasn’t affiliated with any political party. This is the 4th such incident in the Valley this year when a Sarpanch has been killed by terrorists.

According to ANI, Bangroo was attacked by the terrorists at an orchard at Goush-bugh village of Pattan in Kashmir’s Baramulla district. He was rushed to the hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.

Expressing condolences on Bangroo’s death, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir Manoj Sinha said, “Perpetrators of this despicable act shall be punished. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family in this hour of grief.”

BJP spokesman Altaf Thakur also condemned the brutal murder of Bangroo. He said, “Gruesome act, terrorists have no religion and mercy even during the fasting month of Ramzan.”

Police have registered a case under the relevant sections of the law and have started an investigation. A police spokesperson told that they have cordoned off the area and are conducting searches to identify and locate the perpetrators.

Rise in targeted attacks in Kashmir

This murder comes as the valley is witnessing an increase in the number of targeted attacks. This is the second incident of targeted killing in Kashmir this week. Earlier this week, local Rajput Ankit Singh was murdered by terrorists in Kulgam region of Jammu & Kashmir.

In another incident of a targeted attack earlier this month, one of the 2 remaining Hindu families in Chotigam village of Shopian district was shot by terrorists. Luckily, the target Bal Krishan Bhat survived the attack despite being shot.

Twitter board adopts ‘poison pill’ strategy to thwart Elon Musk’s offer to buy the company: What it means

OpIndia Staff
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Twitter board adopts ‘poison pill’ strategy to thwart Elon Musk’s offer to buy the company: What it means

In a bid to thwart attempts by billionaire investor-inventor Elon Musk to take over the company, Twitter Inc. has adopted a measure that would shield it from hostile acquisition bids.

Two days after Elon Musk made an offer to buy 100 per cent shares of Twitter Inc. to take the company private and make it a bastion of free speech, Twitter Inc.’s board has come up with a new plan to ensure that no one takes control of Twitter through the open market accumulation of shares.

The company has adopted the ‘poison pill’ strategy in which the rights will become exercisable if anyone acquires ownership of 15% or more of Twitter’s stock in a transaction not authorised by the board. The micro-blogging tech company implemented a limited-duration shareholder rights plan to protect itself from billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk’s $43 billion cash takeover offer.

The plan seeks to ensure that anyone taking control of Twitter through open market accumulation pays all shareholders an appropriate control premium.

“The Rights Plan does not prevent the Board from engaging with parties or accepting an acquisition proposal if the Board believes that it is in the best interests of Twitter and its shareholders,” the company said.

A poison pill defence strategy allows existing shareholders the right to buy more shares at a discounted price, which dilutes the ownership interest of the hostile party. Poison pills are common among companies when faced with hostile takeover situations.

According to Twitter officials, Twitter went for this strategy to buy time so that they could analyse and negotiate any deal. They may still accept Elon Musk’s offer, an insider was quoted as saying.

Elon Musk offers to buy Twitter, Saudi Prince reject

On Thursday, the Tesla Inc. chief executive officer Elon Musk offered to buy Twitter at $54.20 a share in cash, valuing the social media company at $43 billion. In his SEC disclosure, Musk had said he has made his “best and final” offer after accrued a stake of more than 9% in Twitter earlier this year.

In response, Twitter’s board met on Thursday to review Musk’s proposal to determine if it was in the best interest of the company and all of its shareholders.

However, hours after Tesla CEO Elon Musk had offered to buy 100% shares of Twitter, Saudi Arabian billionaire businessman al-Waleed bin Talal had refused to sell his stake of 5.2% in the micro-blogging platform. Talal cited the future growth prospects of Twitter and low share value for turning down the offer of Elon Musk.

Amidst all the noise, Vanguard funds, an American investment advisor registered in Malvern, Pennsylvania, replaced Elon Musk as Twitter’s highest shareholder on Friday. Vanguard funds have increased their holding in Twitter to 10.3% of the social media giant’s stock, making it the largest shareholder of the company.

Sacrilege accusations against Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann as he enters Gurudwara in drunken state, SGPC and SAD seek apology, AAP refutes

OpIndia Staff
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Sacrilege accusations against Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann as he enters Gurudwara in drunken state, SGPC and SAD seek apology, AAP refutes

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) alleged on Friday, April 15, that the Punjab chief minister and AAP leader Bhagwant Singh Mann had entered Takht Damdama Sahib in a drunk state on the occasion of Baisakhi, which was celebrated across the country on April 14. The organisation has demanded an apology from the Punjab Chief Minister for the same. The SGPC is in charge of the management of Sikh shrines in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh.

In a statement issued in Amritsar, SGPC senior vice president Raghujit Singh Virk stated that the chief minister visited a highly revered spiritual site of the Sikh community while under the influence of alcohol and “violated the Sikh rehat maryada (code of conduct).”

He demanded that Mann admit his mistake and apologise to the entire Sikh community.

“The conduct of CM showed that he did not extend the due respect and honour to the Guru Ghar. In this way he lowered the prestige of the constitutional office of CM, too,” the release added.

Along with the Committee, Shiromani Akali Dal chief and Punjab former Dy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal also accused Bhagwant Mann of sacrilege as he entered the revered shrine in an inebriated state. Congress has also chastised Bhagwant Mann for the same.

Sukhbir Singh Badal told the media in Bathinda on the occasion of Baisakhi at Talwandi Sabo on Thursday, “It is intolerable that a CM comes to a Takht inebriated. I didn’t want to criticise this government for the first six months but I couldn’t take it silently when I came to know about his coming to the Sikhs’ revered place in a drunken state. He has done it twice now. He even went to the Bargari morcha in an inebriated state and people had to turn him out. Now that he is a chief minister, he expected him to know his maryada.”

Badal also Tweeted on April 14, “I didn’t want to speak for some time & wanted to give a free rein to the new govt, but @BhagwantMann’s actions were however intolerable today. This was not the first time, he has earlier also visited Takht Sri Damdama Sahib in an inebriated condition besides Bargari dharna site.”

Another Akali Dal leader, Virsa Singh Valtoha, has pleaded with the highest Sikh temporal authority, the Akal Takht, to take action against Bhagwant Mann.

Valtoha demanded a medical examination of the CM. He said, “If the test proves me wrong, then the SAD will tender a public apology and face any punishment. But if the allegations turn out to be true, then a case under Section 295-A (deliberate and malicious acts to outrage religious feelings) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) should be registered against the chief minister.”

The ruling AAP in Punjab has, meanwhile, refuted the allegations. It hit back at the Shiromani Akali Dal saying that they were indulging in mud-slinging since they were rejected by the people of Punjab in the Assembly elections.

AAP’s national spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha lashed out at SAD for accusing Mann of sacrilege. “There are some fired bullets of Punjab politics whose time is up. They’re unable to digest their loss in 2022 polls. So, they speak nonsense & go for character assassination,” Chadha lashed out at Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal for casting aspersions on the Punjab CM.

Bhagwant Mann aka Pegwant Mann’s ‘drinking’ incidents

Interestingly, this is not the first time such allegations are being meted out at Bhagwant Mann. In fact, Bhagwant Mann is known in the political circle as “Pegwant Mann” for his alleged addiction to drinking alcohol. The Lok Sabha MP from Sangrur has come under the scanner several times in the past for his indecent behaviour.

From funerals to Parliament sessions, comic-turned-politician Bhagwant Mann has displayed his theatrics in an intoxicated condition.

It all started when his fellow parliamentarians accused Bhagwant Mann of arriving at Parliament after consuming alcohol. In 2015, former AAP leader Yogendra Yadav had alleged that Mann attended Parliament sessions drunk.

“I discovered it first in July 2014 when AAP had a meeting of all its Lok Sabha candidates. Mann was sitting next to me and was smelling of alcohol. I mentioned it to Arvind Kejriwal, and he nodded. Around this time, I heard rumours that Mann was going to the Lok Sabha sessions drunk,” said Yadav.

In October 2015, at the bhog ceremony of the Faridkot firing victims, Mann was asked to leave the stage after Jagtar Singh, former granthi of Dabar Sahib, Amritsar, had found him drunk. The incident caused AAP national embarrassment. Videos had emerged then whereon Mann was seen being heckled and chased out of a gurdwara by the villagers in Faridkot’s Bargari village because he was drunk.

A video released on Facebook then showed Mann being chased away by local residents. “Daaru peeke aaya hai daaru (He is drunk),” some people are heard shouting in the video. The AAP leader had then too refuted the allegation.

In November 2016, Mann had also allegedly turned up at the funeral of Manmeet Alisher in an inebriated condition. The family had asked Mann to leave the premises since he misbehaved with them and the journalists present at the venue.

Again in 2018, Bhagwant Mann had gone to address in an election rally at Gol Diggi in Bhatinda. When it was Mann’s turn to speak, Mann could not even stand. He was seen blowing flying kisses to the people before collapsing on the dais. He managed to get up somehow and, after blowing some more flying kisses, he started speaking.

NCP organises Iftar party in Pune temple, to allow Muslims to do aarti on Hanuman Jayanti, MNS to organise Hanuman Chalisa recital

OpIndia Staff
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NCP organises Iftar party in Pune temple, to allow Muslims to do aarti on Hanuman Jayanti, MNS to organise Hanuman Chalisa recital

The Nationalist Congress Party organised an Iftar party inside a Hanuman Temple in Maharashtra’s Pune to appease the Muslim community ahead of Ramzan.

According to reports, NCP leader Ravindra Malvadkar had organised the Iftar party at Sakhalipeer Talim Rashtriya Maruti Mandir in Pune at 6:30 PM on Friday. The Muslims in attendance broke their fast on Friday by eating prasad on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti organised by the NCP in Pune.

Speaking to the media, Malvadkar said he has been organising such Iftar parties inside Hindu temples for the last 35 years.

“We have been doing it for the last 35 years, Pawar sahib (Sharad Pawar) has taught us not to become casteist and instead asked us to become a Rashtravaadi,” added Malvadkar. 

The NCP leader claimed that they would offer dates to Hindus instead of Modak on the Ganpati festival, which also comes in the month of Ramzan and Muslim people here are offered Modak to break Roza.

The Iftar parties inside Hindu temples by the NCP are being seen as a counter to Raj Thackeray’s recent demand to remove loudspeakers at the mosques.

Responding to Raj Thackeray’s call to remove loudspeakers, the NCP leader said the MNS leader was trying to break the national unity through his appeals, and he should speak on the issues that are concerned common people as they are already facing other issues, such as inflation. 

“Raj Thackeray must understand that even God Hanuman used to help people. If in the name of Hanuman, you are chanting Hanuman Chalisa and the communal harmony is being disturbed, then it is not good,” Malvadkar said. 

NCP to allow Muslims to do aarti at Hindu temples

Besides, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will also allow Muslims to perform Hanuman aarti in Pune on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti on Saturday, April 15. All state-level NCP leaders will be present at the aarti.

The Pune NCP Chief Prashant Jagtap, who has organised the Hindu-Muslim event, claimed that Hindus and Muslims have been staying together for hundreds of years, however, some political parties are trying to disturb the atmosphere, which is not good.

“Everyone prays to Lord Hanuman. Hanuman Jayanti is on Saturday. On this occasion, we’ve organised an aarti by Muslims who are also doing Roza nowadays. The NCP will organise an Iftar party after the Hanuman aarti,” Jagtap said.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray is scheduled to visit Pune to attend Maha Aarti at Hanuman temple and will also chant Hanuman Chalisa with MNS workers in the city on Saturday.

Earlier, in his public rally in Thane, he had asked the government to remove loudspeakers from mosques before May 3 and said that his party workers would play Hanuman Chalisa in front of mosques if the government did not take action.

In his Gudi Padwa speech, the firebrand politician Raj Thackeray also said that if the police properly check the mosques and madrasas in the slums of Mumbai, they will get to know many things. He also underlined the changing demographics of Mumbai and other places of Maharashtra and alleged that so many Muslims from Pakistan and Bangladesh have come and settled here.

Maharashtra unit of Popular front of India issues threats

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra unit of Islamist organization Popular front of India has also joined the row over loudspeakers in mosques. The radical outfit has issued a threat saying that if loudspeakers were removed from the mosques then they won’t spare anyone. A video has appeared on social media in which a member of PFI is seen issuing threats that if loudspeakers are removed from the mosques then there will be tougher situations in the state. 

In this video, the PFI member says, “I appeal to Mumbra police that they should maintain the law and order in the same way that they have done till now. Some people are willing to disturb the harmony. They are bothered by azaan and loudspeakers as well as our madrasas and mosques. I have only one message for those people, we want peace. Popular Front of India has a slogan that says every laborer is our brother. Likewise we have other slogans too. The other slogan says don’t provoke us. If you provoke us then we will not spare you. If you try to touch a single madrasa, mosque, or any loudspeaker on any mosque, the PFI will lead the fight from the front.”

Meanwhile, Mumbra police registered an FIR against Abdul Mateen Sheikhani of PFI under IPC section 188 and sections 37(3) and 135 of Maharashtra Police Act for an illegal gathering where he allegedly gave inciting speech.

IPL: Sunrisers Hyderabad continue their winning run as they beat Kolkata Knight Riders for a 3rd successive win

OpIndia Staff
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IPL: Sunrisers Hyderabad continue their winning run as they beat Kolkata Knight Riders for a 3rd successive win

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) was one of the least fancied teams going into this year’s IPL, and after losing their first 2 games, that reputation felt justified. However, the team has rebounded spectacularly well with 3 wins in a row, including the comfortable win today against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Chasing 176 for a win, SRH reached the target in 17.5 overs with 7 wickets to spare. Powered by Rahul Tripathi’s 37 balls 71 and Aiden Markram’s 36 balls 68, SRH made short work of a challenging target set by KKR.

Earlier in the day, having won the toss, Sunrisers Hyderabad put KKR in to bat. Despite losing their top order early, KKR rode on Nitish Rana’s half-century and Andre Russell’s explosive 49 off 25 balls to reach a very competitive 175 in their 20 overs. For Hyderabad, Natarajan was the standout bowler taking 3 for 37 off his 4 overs, ably supported by Umran Malik who took 2 for 27 from his allocated 4 overs.

Natarajan was the highest wicket-taker for Hyderabad on the night (Image source: IPL on Twitter)

In response, Hyderabad lost their openers Abhishek Sharma and Kane Williamson early, but then they had a 94 runs 3rd wicket partnership at over 10 runs an over between Rahul Tripathi and Aidan Markram. Tripathi was particularly aggressive as he punctuated his innings with 6 sixes and 4 fours before being dismissed by Russell.

Tripathi set the chase up for Hyderabad with a belligerent 71 (Image source: IPL on Twitter)

However, Markram didn’t let the momentum slow down after Tripathi’s dismissal and guided Hyderabad to a comfortable win with 2.1 overs to spare. The win puts SRH level on points with KKR though Kolkata is still ahead on the basis of their superior net run rate.

Hyderabad next faces Punjab Kings on Sunday, while Kolkata’s next game is against Rajasthan Royals on Monday.

Lost but not defeated: Bengali actor Rudranil Ghosh is taking on the Mamata regime, one poem at a time

Dibakar Dutta
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Lost but not defeated: Bengali actor Rudranil Ghosh is taking on the Mamata regime, one poem at a time

Tollywood actor Rudranil Ghosh, who contested against the Trinamool Congress (TMC) from the party’s bastion of Bhabanipur in the 2021 Vidhan Sabha elections, is taking the internet by storm through his poems.

Although he lost out to his rival Sovandeb Chattopadhyay by over 28,000 votes, the seasoned actor has not stopped holding Mamata Banerjee and her party leaders accountable to the public. Ghosh has been sidelined by the TMC-controlled Bengali film industry after he joined hands with the BJP in January last year ahead of the assembly elections in the state.

Despite facing all the odds, the poet in him has not died. Rudranil Ghosh is now taking the Mamata Banerjee government head-on, using satire and his excellent oratory skills. Such has been the impact of his masterful satire that his videos are now being widely shared to mock and question the TMC regime.

Mamata Banerjee and her attempt to intimidate the media

On April 11 this year,  West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee threatened the media for allegedly defaming her government through ‘consistent’ coverage of negative stories. She made the contentious remarks during the inauguration of the revamped Milan Mela in Kolkata.

Mamata Banerjee asked people to watch TV serials instead of news channels. “Watch Star Jalsa, Zee TV serials. People are anyway in a state of mental pollution. Do not spend too much time watching, listening to the news (given that they cover only negative things about the government),” she said.

She further blamed the ‘irresponsible’ media for supposedly distorting the image and perception of the State of West Bengal. “I will not allow this to happen and even sacrifice my life for it,” she announced.

The West Bengal Chief Minister warned, “Agun lagale kintu aagun sobar ghore lage. Ami agun chai na shanti chai (When you light a fire, it will burn down every house including yours. I don’t want fire but peace).” She also claimed that source-based reporting by journalists is illegal.

Banerjee further said, “In Bengal, we tolerate things but it doesn’t mean that you will cross all limits. Bengal is soft, TMC is soft, isn’t it?” She then went on to threaten companies against providing ads to non-friendly media companies. “With your ad money, they increase their TRP and show negative things such as murders all the time”, the West Bengal CM added.

Rudranil Ghosh exposes the state of journalism in West Bengal

A day later on April 12, Bengali actor Rudranil Ghosh took potshots at Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress government over its attempt to censor the press. In a satirical poem published on his Facebook page, the BJP leader tore into the high-handedness of the State government, and its attempts to impose curbs on the media.

“Khobor dekho na tumi sob jene jabe, serial dekho tumi shanti toh pabe. Bhalo Bhalo joto kichu khobor dekhao, bodole bigappan anudan pao (Do not watch the news, else you will get to know everything. Watch serials instead, it will give you peace. Highlight good news stories on your channels and get ads in return),“ the actor took a dig at Banerjee’s comments.

He continued, “Tini mane sob thik, tini mane bhalo… tini jodi bole din, sada hoi kalo (She is fine, she is great…If she commands, then white becomes black).

Ghosh also pointed out how coverage of critical news stories might take journalists to their graves. “Youtuber joto rajjo charo…mitha news kore shanti karo…news channel jude kharap khobor…shimana chariya gela, samne kobor (All Youtubers, leave the State immediately. You have been usurping peace through fake stories. All news channels are covering bad news. Stay in limits or your end will be near).

He added, “Mobile haatha niye sajo reporter, sotti ta dekhano ki khub dorkar (You pretend to be a reporter by just carrying a mobile phone in your hand. Is it necessary to show the truth?)

Rudranil Ghosh then made references to the murder of anti-TMC activist Anish Khan, and the alleged rape and murder of a 14-year-old girl by a TMC leader’s son in Hanskhali, and the arson attack in Bogtui village in Birbhum that claimed 8 lives. “Pure jak Anish era, houk Hanskhali, pure jak Bogtui, houk koul khali,” he stated.

“Tini jodi bole den choto ghotona, meina nao, chepa jao, sob rotona…Mukh khulai ora kere neba kaaj, chup kore sobai, nai toh awaaz….(If she trivializes an incident by labeling it as ‘small’, then, concede that it is the truth. Everything else is a rumor. If you open your mouth, then, they will snatch away your job. This is why everyone is silent and there is no cry of protest),” he lamented.

Rudranil Ghosh pointed out how criticism of the Mamata regime can impact your livelihood and existence in the State of West Bengal. “Sob kichu valo aacha ai Banglai, kharap ta kuje pela tika thaka dai(Everything is perfect in Bengal. If you discover something bad, then, it will be difficult for you to survive here).”

In the concluding sentence, “Kharap ja hoi kichu North Korea ai, bolo sobe Kim Jong-un er jai“, the BJP leader conceded that there is nothing wrong in Bengal but in North Korea. While adding that once can’t criticise the Supreme leader, Ghosh hailed dictator Kim Jong-Un as a ‘hero.’

Taking on Anubrata Mandal after he evaded CBI summon citing health concerns

Earlier on April 7 this year, Ghosh took potshots at TMC leader and Chairman of West Bengal State Rural Development Authority, Anubrata Mandal. He was summoned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with a cattle smuggling case.

However, Mandal had cited ill-health to defer in-person summons and had instead asked the central agency officials to meet him at the SSKM hospital in Kolkata. The TMC leader complained about numbness in the chest and shortness of breath, after landing in Birbhum on April 5.

Mandal is also accused in a coal smuggling case. Rudranil Ghosh, therefore, created a parody version of the famous poem ‘Benimadhab’ by Joy Goswami. Titled ‘Anumadhab’ after Anubrata Mandal, the actor mocked the TMC leader for making ‘lame excuses’ to evade investigation.

He recited,“Anumadab haspatal e tomar buke betha, oxygen e tann porecha ukrhe gecho neta (Anumadhab, I learnt that you are in hospital. There is a pain in your chest. Heard that you are suffering from a deficit of oxygen)

“Ami ekhon Nizam palace, ekhon CBI, Anumadhab aaj o ami sudhu tomai chai,” the BJP leader narrated the poem from the perspective of a woman, madly in love with Anubrata Mandal despite all the cases pending against him.

“Palliya berao amar thaka keno baron baar, amar thaka priyo tomar Gorur karbar (Why do you run away from me like this? Is it because the cattle ‘smuggling’ business is dearer to you than me?)“, Ghosh took potshots again at Mandal.

He inquired, “Jani tumi buk pocket e bhore rakho police, goru, koila, Anumadhob Punjabi te daag lagena, hoi na keno moila? (Although you keep the police, cow, and coal in your picket, why doesn’t your kurta get stained or dirty?)”

Rudranil Ghosh took a dig at Mamata Banerjee and accused her of laundering the ‘dirty linen’ (covering up cases) of Anubrata Mandal. “Jani tomar kapor kacha tomar kacher didi, daag na lagar guru saban ghosche nirobodhi (I know your favorite. ‘Didi’ washes your dirty linen. She continuously rubs your clothes with washing powder to ensure that they do not appear dirty.)”

While slamming Mamata Banerjee yet again, he added, “Tumar didi shilpi manush, sobai taka chine, ek phone e te aagun, fagun, jibon , mritu, kene (Your sister is a well-known artist, who can buy fire, life and death with just one call.)

Towards the end of his satirical poem, Rudranil Ghosh impersonating the lover of Anubrata Mandal, inquires, “Daktar aar ukil keno tumai ghire rakhe, diba ratro police keno paharate thake (Why are you always surrounded by doctors and lawyers ( referring to his recent hospitalization) Why do police guard you at all times?“

Screengrab of a newspaper cutting about Rudranil Ghosh not being ‘apologetic’

Anubrata Mandal, who was once a star campaigner for TMC, spoke out against the party in public in 2019 over the collection of ‘cut money’ by its functionaries. He had declined to speak against dubious allegations of BJP’s black money, as touted by the high command of the TMC, in July of that year.

“She (Mamata Banerjee) brought to the fore the word ‘cut-money’ following which people (read TMC functionaries and public representatives) are returning some amount. It is creating a perception that the party runs on cut money. I also didn’t like countering the cut-money issue with black money,” Mandal had remarked.

Rudranil Ghosh was once a student leader and was affiliated with the Left parties before defecting to the TMC. He joined the BJP in January 2021 and contested the Vidhan Sabha polls from the Bhabanipur constituency but with no success.

Despite this, Rudranil Ghosh is making a mark for himself in the Bengal for being outspoken against the incumbent government in West Bengal. His videos are gaining traction and are being widely shared on Facebook and Whatsapp. At a time, when Mamata Banerjee wants journalists and the film industry to crawl, the actor with a spine is standing up to the regime, one poem at a time.

Kerala-based Islamist outfit PFI’s link emerges in communal violence that erupted in Rajasthan’s Karauli on Hindu New Year: Report

Gopal Tiwari
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Kerala-based Islamist outfit PFI’s link emerges in communal violence that erupted in Rajasthan’s Karauli on Hindu New Year: Report

In a shocking revelation, it is learned that the Islamist organization Popular Front of India (PFI) is allegedly involved in the communal violence that engulfed Karauli in Rajasthan earlier this month. During a Hindu New Year celebration rally in Karauli, a mob of Islamists attacked the procession resulting in large-scale violence in the area.

According to reports, PFI wrote to Rajasthan’s chief minister Ashok Gehlot and warned about possible violence due to Hindu processions passing through a Muslim-dominated locality. The president of PFI’s Rajasthan unit, Mohammad Asif, sought adequate police protection from Rajasthan’s CM Ashok Gehlot. With this letter, the Kerala-born organization PFI made its first public appearance in Rajasthan.

After Mohammad Asif wrote a letter to the chief minister and other government officials in the state, PFI released a press note on 1st April 2022 and shared information about the same. The press release stated, “From 2nd to 4th April, a saffron rally is being organized by RSS and its affiliated organizations in various districts, tehsils, and towns of the state to mark the Hindu New Year. Popular Front of India Rajasthan state president Mohammad Asif issued a press statement in this regard. He also wrote to the Chief Minister and the State Director of Police to ban the slogans that spread religious frenzy in the rallies, save the communal harmony of the state, maintain law and order and ensure peaceful conduct of these events.”

The press release further added, “In such rallies, often people from outside join the local people and raise provocative slogans and disturb the communal harmony of the local town. Instead of allowing the route for such a rally in the minority-dominated areas, it is demanded that an alternative route be set up and the entire information and accountability of the organizers and the saffron rally should be held peacefully. The State President appeals to the entire society to keep alert to the conspiracy of the fascist Sangh Parivar and its affiliated organizations and maintain mutual brotherhood and law and order in the state.”

Press release informing about the letter written by PFI state president to Rajasthan’s chief minister.

Through this letter, PFI tried to put the onus of responsibility on Hindus in advance in case of any mishap. Taking religious processions on any suitable routes in a town is not prohibited by any law. When the Hindu New Year processions were passing through a Muslim-dominated area in Karauli in Rajasthan, a mob of Islamists pelted stones at the procession and this turned into riots in which many vehicles and shops were vandalized. Now when this press release appeared, questions are also being asked about how PFI knew about the probable communal tensions in the Muslim-dominated localities before the incident took place.

Intelligence officers in Kerala who are tracking PFI for the last many years said that the expansion of this group is really intriguing and claimed that its saviour tag has attracted many Muslim youths in various parts of the country.

Radical Islamist outfit PFI and its dangerous antecedents

The Popular front of India calls itself a neo-social movement allegedly committed to empowering people belonging to the minority communities, Dalits, and other weaker sections of the society. However, it finds its roots in the banned terrorist organization SIMI (Students Islamic Movement of India). Many Islamic outfits emerged in 1992 after the disputed structure on the site of the Shri Ram Janam Bhoomi was demolished. These organizations were focused on exploiting the sentiments of the Muslims in India and mobilising them to strengthen their organisation structure. One such organization Islamic Seva Sangh (ISS) was founded by a cleric Abdul Nasser Madani. He was arrested and jailed in the Coimbatore bomb blasts case and ISS was banned by the Indian government.

Most leaders of ISS then moved to the terrorist organization SIMI which was later banned as well in 2001. After SIMI was banned, these leaders formed another organization named National Development Front. In 2006, this organization merged with two other organizations to form the Popular Front of India. Many of its frontline leaders are from Kerala and have been a part of SIMI in the past.

According to reports, the Modi government would soon ban the notorious Islamic outfit Popular Front of India (PFI), which has been accused of violence and communal tensions that erupted in parts of the country in the first two weeks of April 2022. According to sources, this decision might come as soon as next week.

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