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Congress leader Salman Nizami calls ‘The Kashmir Files’ actor Anupam Kher an ‘Islamophobic’, ‘bigot’ after he wishes Ramadan Mubarak

OpIndia Staff
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Congress leader Salman Nizami calls ‘The Kashmir Files’ actor Anupam Kher an ‘Islamophobic’, ‘bigot’ after he wishes Ramadan Mubarak

As the Islamic month of Ramzan started on April 2, Bollywood actor Anupam Kher took to his official Twitter account on April 3 to wish his fans and followers. “Ramadan Mubarak to all. Love, peace and prayers always,” tweeted the actor. Anupam Kher’s benevolence in wishing all of his Muslim followers ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ irked Congress leader Salman Nizami, who went on to hurl abuses at the actor.

In response to Anupam Kher’s Tweet, Salman Nizami wrote, “Coward, hypocrite, Neech, Islamophobic, bigot, hatemonger. Get lost!”

Congress leader Salman Niazi’s penchant for abusive and derogatory language toward actor Anupam Kher

Congress leader’s disparaging words aimed at Anupam Kher came as no surprise. On several occasions in the past, Nizami has used extremely vulgar and offensive language against the veteran actor. Last year, in April Nizami, had insulted the actor by calling him a ‘political pimp’. He had Tweeted, “Anupam Kher is a political pimp — first he reaped benefits over bodies of Kashmiri Pandits. Now seeking to do same over pyres of Covid victims. Coward!”

In 2019, when Anupam Kher had lauded the Modi government for the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, then too the Congress leader took to social media to humiliate Anupam Kher. “Hypocrisy thy name is Anupam Kher,” Nizami had Tweeted.

From blaming women for sexual assaults to playing down killings of migrants in Kashmir: Salman Niazi’s past antics

Salman Nizami, a Congress leader from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is often seen on Twitter sharing anti-BJP rants and spreading fake news. In fact, only last year, the Congress leader had played down the killing of UP-Bihar migrants in Kashmir by Islamic terrorists.

In October 2021, two migrants from Bihar were shot dead while one was critically injured. While people are condemning these attacks and demanding strict action against the terrorists, Congress leader Salman Nizami said, “Two more killings, this time innocent labourers from Bihar. I condemn it- a cowardly terror act. Total Civilian killings in last 7 days touches 12. What has BJP achieved by revoking Article 370 in J&K except bloodbath? Let’s be together & establish peace & harmony!”

He is in fact, the same Congress leader who had asserted in 2013 that “Only attractive women are raped.” In another 2013 Tweet, Nizami is seen claiming, “Women provoke sexual assault by their appearance. Sexual attractiveness is the primary reason why a rapist selects a victim.” Not just the attractiveness of women, Nizami has also blamed women for getting raped. As per Nizami, women who ‘dress provocatively’ are asking for trouble.

After the old tweets were widely shared on social media today, Nizami has deleted them and has been blocking people who are asking him about the tweets. It is pertinent to mention here that the disgusting tweets were made only weeks after Nirbhaya was gang-raped and murdered on the 16th of December, 2012. He made these tweets when the country was still recovering from the shock of the heinous crime and mourning the tragedy.

Interestingly, Salman then took to Twitter to offer a rather ridiculous explanation for his terrible tweets. He said that the tweets from 2013 were in response to other politicians and he was a “journalist” at the time. Salman seems to think that being a journalist sure gives you a pass to talk a lot of rubbish.

South Delhi Mayor orders closure of Meat shops during Navratri, requests CM Kejriwal to stop the sale of liquor during this period

OpIndia Staff
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South Delhi Mayor orders closure of Meat shops during Navratri, requests CM Kejriwal to stop the sale of liquor during this period

On April 4, South Delhi Municipal Corporation Mayor, Mukkesh Suryaan has ordered the closure of meat shops in South Delhi during the Hindu festival of Navratri. The decision was taken keeping in view the sentiments of the public during Navratri when a strict vegetarian diet is followed by the devotees during the nine days of the festival.

In an order dated April 4, South Delhi Mayor Mukkesh Suryaan has said, “During the auspicious period of Navratri, devotees to Goddess Durga observe fast for nine days with a strict vegetarian diet and abstaining from the use of non-veg food items, alcohol, and also certain spices. The area in the city is also coloured in consonance with the festival,” the letter read.

The letter signed by Suryaan mentions that while during the nine days, people go to temples to pay their respect to the Goddess Durga, many often restrict the use of onion and garlic in their diets. “The sight of meat being sold in open or near temples makes them (the people) uncomfortable,” Suryaan observes.

“Their religious belief and sentiments are also affected when they come across meat shops or when they have to bear with the foul smell of the meat on their way to offer their daily prayers to the Goddess. Moreover, some meat shops dump waste in gutters or beside the road, which the stray dogs feed on. It is not only unhygienic but also an appalling sight for passersby,” adds the letter.

The letter says that such events can be restricted if the meat shops are closed down during the period of the Navratri festival in the area under the jurisdiction of the South Delhi Municipal Corporation. It further states that closing meat shops near temples is also necessary to maintain cleanliness in and around temples. “Keeping in view the sentiments & feelings of the general public necessary directions may be issued to the officers concerned to take necessary action for the closure of meat shops during the nine-day period of the Navratri festival extending from 2nd April 2022 to 11th of April 2022,” Suryaan passed the order through the letter.

Taling to News agency ANI, the mayor said, “During Navratri, 99% of households in Delhi don’t even use garlic & onion, so we’ve decided that no meat shops will be open in South MCD; the decision will be implemented from tomorrow. Fine will be imposed on violators.” Mayor Suryaan announced that licenses to meat shops will be issued under such specific conditions hereafter. “I’ve also written to the Chief Minsiter (Arvind Kejriwal) to withdraw their discount on alcohol during Navratri, and if possible, stop the sale of liquor for nine days too,” added Mukkesh Suryaan.

SDMC’s decision comes days after Gaziabad mayor Asha Sharma revised her original order to ban sale of meat in the city during navratri. Gaziabad, which comes under the perview of Uttar Pradesh, would follow state government’s orders restricting meat shops to be situated beyond a 50-metre radius of religious places while banning slaughter of animals inside the shop. 

Delhi: FIR against ‘journalist’, news portal for spreading misinformation about the Hindu Mahapanchayat event

OpIndia Staff
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Delhi: FIR against ‘journalist’, news portal for spreading misinformation about the Hindu Mahapanchayat event

The Delhi Police has filed a first information report (FIR) against ‘journalist’ Meer Faisal ( Twitter handle @meerfaisal01), and a news portal “Article 14” (@Article14live), on Monday, April 4, 2022, for disseminating false information via Twitter. The false information was shared regarding The Hindu Mahapanchayat event organized by the Save India Foundation at the Burari ground in Delhi on Sunday.

The FIR, according to reports, was registered under section 505 (2) (Statements conducing to public mischief) of the Indian Penal Code at Delhi’s Mukharjee Nagar police station. The FIR read that the social media users could have incited enmity, hatred, and ill-will between two groups. 

“An FIR under Indian Penal Code’s Section 505 (2) has been registered at Mukherjee Nagar Police Station against some Twitter handles for tweets in circulation having content which could incite enmity, hatred, and ill-will between two communal groups. The investigation in the case has been taken up,” said deputy police commissioner (northwest) Usha Rangnani.

Delhi Police Tweeted that due legal action is being taken against those who are spreading rumors/misinformation using various platforms including social media.

The action was purportedly taken by Delhi police in response to Meer Faisal’s tweet on the 3rd of April. Meer Faisal, a regular contributor to leftist publications like The Wire, The Quint and Al Jazeera, had claimed that he and four other Muslim journalists were ‘assaulted’ at the event by a Hindu mob.

News portal Article 14 had also tweeted yesterday, “5 journalists, 4 of them Muslim,1 on assignment for @Article14live, have been taken by police to the Mukherji Nagar police station in Delhi after a mob at #Hindu#dharamsansad (for which the police had declined permission) discovered their religion, attacked them & deleted videos”.

Interestingly, similar claims were also made by The Quint reporter Meghnad Bose regarding the detention of Muslim journalists that went viral on social media.

The Quint Journalist Meghnad Bose who claimed to have reported the event informed that Muslim Journalists named Meer Faisal and Mohd Meharban were ‘assaulted’ by a Hindu Mob at the event. He also termed the gathering as an ‘anti-Muslim hate speech event’ taking place in Delhi.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, North-West Delhi, was quick to state facts to refute Meghnad Bose’s claims. She tweeted, “Some of the reporters, willingly, on their own free will, to evade the crowd which was getting agitated by their presence, sat in PCR Van stationed at the venue and opted to proceed to Police Station for security reasons. No one was detained. Due police protection was provided.”

The DCP also went on to say that for spreading misinformation, due necessary action shall be initiated against such persons.

“Only Kashmir makes me angry”: Home Minister Amit Shah in parliament, video goes viral

OpIndia Staff
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“Only Kashmir makes me angry”: Home Minister Amit Shah in parliament, video goes viral

A video has gone viral over the internet in which Home Minister Amit Shah can be seen stating in parliament that he only gets upset when it comes to Jammu and Kashmir. The video has piqued the interest of netizens, with many sharing it and expressing that Kashmir is very important to Indians.

The video was recorded today in the Parliament, while Home Minister Amit Shah was introducing The Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, 2022 on the floor of the Lok Sabha. He presented the bill and delivered his remarks. Following the introduction, many members, including Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chaudhary, asked questions. Following that, Shah answered their questions in a louder voice so that everyone could hear.

Following his statement, a member inquired as to why he becomes enraged whenever Adhir Ranjan speaks to him or asks him a question. Shah said that this is his natural voice and that he communicates in this manner. “My voice is like this, and I never get upset with anyone except when it comes to Kashmir.”

Here is the original video where the whole discussion can be seen.

Amit Shah’s mention of his anger when it comes to Kashmir requires a reference here. When Shah said that he gets angry when it comes to Kashmir, he was referring to the discussion in the Parliament regarding the repeal of Article 370.

During a discussion in the Lok Sabha on August 6, 2019, Union Home Minister Amit Shah made a significant comment about Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. “Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India,” he remarked. ” And Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) also comes under Kashmir border… we can even die for Kashmir,” Shah stated angrily.

While speaking in the parliament today, Shah was referring to this incident when he got angry during the discussion on Jammu & Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Mumbai: ST workers forced to defecate in the open after the MVA government fails in providing them with basic amenities

OpIndia Staff
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Mumbai: ST workers forced to defecate in the open after the MVA government fails in providing them with basic amenities

A video of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) employees defecating on the road next to Mumbai’s BMC office building has emerged on social media. The State Transport or simply ‘ST’ workers have gone on strike against the department since October last year with the demand to absorb the MSRTC into the aegis of the state government.

Today, in a video posted by Twitter user Satish Pophale from Akola, Maharashtra, people squatting in open on the road in front of the BMC building in Mumbai can be seen. As captioned by Pophale in his tweet, reportedly agitated ST employees can be seen sitting in a protest while slogans against the government can also be heard. From what can be known, the visuals posted on Twitter are from Monday morning after which police action against the protestors also took place.

ST workers defecate in the open after the MVA govt pays no heed to their demands seeking basic amenities at Azad Maidan

The afore place came days after the ST workers demanded the Uddhav Thackeray-led government for making arrangements for basic amenities such as toilets and drinking water for protesters who had gathered at the Azad Maidan for the demonstrations.

Since Azad Maidan had no toilets and availability of potable water, the ST workers had asked the government to make them available for them amidst the ongoing protests. However, the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, on the contrary, had on March 31 reportedly warned the protesters to resume their jobs or risk being permanently removed. The protesters, nevertheless, have continued their demonstrations against the state government.

However, as the Maharashtra government continued paying no heed to their demands, the ST workers on Monday took to the streets outside the BMC building near Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus(CST) seeking toilet and other basic facilities for the protesters. Many of the protesters then defecated in open in front of the BMC building, videos of which had now gone viral on the internet.

Why are the MSRTC workers on strike?

Thousands of MSRTC employees in the state of Maharashtra are leading protests against the state government with a demand to include the department under the state government. This action would entitle the workers to avail of benefits that are granted to the state government employees. The protestors initially took to strike which lasted for more than a hundred days in a stretch, starting from October 28. During the strike, much of the transport service remained closed within the state while the state government faced a financial brunt of Rs 1600 crore because of the continued strike.

As of March 10, out of 82,498 MSRTC employees, 54,396 were still participating in the strike while others had resumed their duties.

Asianet uses Hindu festival name for a crime involving Muslims, changes headlines after outrage: Details

OpIndia Staff
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Asianet uses Hindu festival name for a crime involving Muslims, changes headlines after outrage: Details

On April 2, Asianet Hindi published a report about a woman who had complained against her father-in-law and husband. Though the woman and accused were Muslims, Asianet net decided to use Hindu Festival Navratri’s name instead of Ramzan, which is a Muslim festival that is happening simultaneously. The headlines remained the same for two days, and it was changed only after the outrage on April 4.

Asianet English changed title after uproar.

The Google News section still shows “Navratri” in the title. It takes a few hours for Google News to catch up with the changes in the title. That means the title was changed only a few hours before this report was published.

Screentshot of the report in Google News. Source: Google News

Victim files complaint against father-in-law Rashid Khan

Notably, Asianet does not mention the name of the accused but mentions that the woman had ‘Nikah,’ i.e. Muslim wedding. A report in News 18 mentioned the name of the accused as 65-years-old Rashid Khan. As per reports, the complaint was filed in Damoh, Madhya Pradesh. The victim got married in 2020, and Rashid made her uncomfortable from the very beginning, due to which she used to keep a distance from him.

Slowly, he allegedly started sexually abusing her whenever he got a chance. She further claimed her father-in-law raped her when they were alone at home and threatened consequences if she ever told anyone about it. The husband favoured his father instead of standing for the wife. After allegedly being abused for months, she gathered courage and filed a complaint against her father-in-law.

When the husband came to know about it, he scolded her. He threatened to force her to sleep with his father. She claimed his husband alleged she had an affair with someone in Jabalpur that she denied.

Woman Police Station in charge Sushma Shrivastav said in a statement that a woman had filed a complaint against her father-in-law. She added that her husband did not support her, after which she had come to file a complaint with her parents.

Asianet changed the title after uproar

Asianet Hindi kept the title with Navratri in it for two days and changed it only after netizens noticed and criticized the media house for the blunt misinterpretation of the matter.

Netizens criticized Asianet leading to a change in the title of the report. Twitter user Prakash said, “Unrighteous jihadi Muslims do indecent acts, and you print “It happened in Navratri”. What are you trying to say?”

Another user Prabodh Rai questioned what Muslims have to do with Navratri.

Media houses misreport reports with images

This is not the first time media houses misreported matters where criminals were Muslims, but the images depict if the crime was committed by a Hindu. On multiple occasions, media houses have used photographs of Hindu saints to report crimes done by Muslims. It is not limited to Indian media, but International media also indulge in such mischievous acts. In June 2021, NYP was caught using an image of a Hindu saint in a crime committed by a Muslim cleric.

In 2018 Dainik Jagran called an accused in a harassment case “Tantrik Sufi baba” in the headline. He, in the content, was identified as later identified as Aftab.

In the same year Hindi News18 in its article carried the headline, “Tantrik arrested for committing misdemeanour with a minor, under the pretext of chasing away ghosts”. The Tantrik was later identified as Hafiz Sajid.

Delhi riots case: Surinder, Nitin and Shiva accused of attacking one Azam Ansari acquitted by court for want of evidence

OpIndia Staff
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Delhi riots case: Surinder, Nitin and Shiva accused of attacking one Azam Ansari acquitted by court for want of evidence

The Karkardooma District Court in Delhi has discharged three men namely – Surinder Soni, Nitin and Shiva of all the offences that were charge-sheeted by the police over accusations under the Delhi riots case. The three were accused of having attacked a 34-year-old Azim Ansari, while upon their dismissal today the court observed that no sufficient evidence is recorded upon which charges can be upheld.

During the hearing, Justice Virender Bhat asserted that it would be a sheer waste of time if the charges are to be framed against the three accused upon consideration of the evidence on the basis of which they have to be acquitted later on. While the anti-Hindu riots broke out in February 2020, a person named Azim Ansari had suffered injuries and was admitted to a hospital. Sub-Inspector Amit Kumar was asked to initiate action on the incident.

SI Kumar obtained the CCTV footage of the attack on Ansari whose statement was also recorded. After the analysis, it was concluded that a person named Surinder Soni who was holding a stick is behind the attack. When Soni was detained, he disclosed the names of Shiva, who was carrying a pistol and other Nitin who was having a sword. A witness named Anuj who was also shown the CCTV footage identified the associate rioters as Nitin and Shiva.

Apart from Ansari, who was in the hospital while recording the statement and the witness Anuj, there were no other witnesses who confirmed the presence of all three accused. The Karkardooma Court observed that while a stone had hit the complainant Ansari amidst the rioting, his identification of Surinder Soni appeared to be immensely doubtful even at this stage. “There is no other witness, who has identified, either directly or indirectly the said accused to be one of the members of the unlawful assembly,” observed the Aditional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Bhat.

The court also observed that Surinder Soni’s disclosure statement where he named Nitin and Shiva cannot be termed as evidence. While giving the judgement, the court relied on Masalti & Ors. v. State of UP judgement, which mandates that there should be at least two prosecution witnesses to identify the role and involvement of the accused in the incident in question. “There is no sufficient evidence on record on basis of which charges can be framed against the three accused,” the single-member bench stated.

While concluding the judgement, all the three accused Surinder Soni, Nitin and Shiva were discharged of all the offences and their bail bonds were released.

Former Bengaluru Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao, who was removed from the post after bribery allegations, joins AAP

OpIndia Staff
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Former Bengaluru Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao, who was removed from the post after bribery allegations, joins AAP

B Bhaskar Rao, the former Bengaluru Police commissioner who was removed from the post after allegations of bribery against him in July 2020, has joined Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). On Monday, Bhaskar Rao joined AAP in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia.

Bhaskar Rao, a 1990 batch Karnataka cadre IPS officer from Bengaluru, has served in the Indian police force in various capacities for over 30 years. After allegations of bribery against him from the then Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka CN Ashwath Narayan, Rao was removed from the post of Additional Deputy General (ADG) police and Bengaluru Police Commissioner with immediate effect. He was then transferred to the Bengaluru division of internal security as the Additional Director General of Police in the Railways department.

In September 2021, Bhaskar Rao resigned from his post citing personal reasons. He formally left the office after the Karnataka Government accepted his resignation on Friday. On Monday, Rao joined Aam Aadmi Party in the presence of Manish Sisodia and other party leaders at the AAP National Headquarters in Delhi.

“I am very impressed with the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal, looking at the administration of Delhi in last 6 to7 years. My mission is to bring the good governance of Arvind Kejriwal to south India, especially in Bengaluru.There’s no dearth of anything but quality leadership in Karnataka,” said Bhaskar Rao during the function.

Rao’s induction into AAP has come when the Greater Bengaluru Municipal Corporation (BBMP) elections are to be held later this year. According to sources, the party has already started preparing for the general assembly elections which are to be held next year. AAP hopes to make gains in the state by projecting the face of Bhaskar Rao, who has won several accolades during his long tenure in the Indian police force.

Bharatnatyam dancer Zakir Hussain, who was denied entry to Srirangam temple, accused of sexual misconduct: Details

OpIndia Staff
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Bharatnatyam dancer Zakir Hussain, who was denied entry to Srirangam temple, accused of sexual misconduct: Details

The incident of a Bharatanatyam dancer Zakir Hussain being denied entry to Srirangam temple drew a lot of commentary and advice to Hindus on secularism from the usual quarters. 

In December, Hussain was stopped at Srirangam temple by Rangarajan Narasimhan, who pointed out to HR&CE rules against allowing entry to non-Hindus in Srirangam temple and remonstrated to the temple HR&CE authorities that Hussain be evicted from temple premises.

Later, the Government of Tamil Nadu appointed him advisor for all 17 district music schools under the government’s Arts and Culture Department.

Now, allegations of misconduct and sexual harassment have raised their head against him. As per a report that appeared in Dinamalar, a Tamil daily, an instructor at the Karur District Government Music School has approached the Director, Arts And Culture Department of Tamil Nadu with the following complaint:

“I belong to a family of traditional arts performers. On the morning of 28th February 2022, Mr Zakir Hussain came to our music school for an inspection. He spoke to me in an insulting fashion in the presence of many of my colleagues. Later, he called me alone to the Head Instructor’s office and closed the door. He placed his hands on my shoulder and waist and offered to teach me some finer aspects of dance. He also said – ‘ I am going to conduct a 3-day workshop for all of you in April. I will instruct you there.’ I left the room as I could not stand the nature of this conversation. I felt suicidal and depressed afterwards. I have shared all that I could through a letter. I hope you will ensure a secure atmosphere for all women dance teachers by acting upon my complaint.’

The report goes on to quote one Mr Ayyanar, who is described as being the President of the Union of Tamil Nadu Arts And Culture Teachers and Employees Union:

“There are reports of such misconduct against Mr Zakir Hussain not just from the lady instructor at Karur District Government Music School but from other districts as well. The workshop in April will have participation exclusively by women teachers. We are not sure if this will be secure for them. This decision must be relooked. We also wish to draw the attention of the Honorable Chief Minister, Mr M K Stalin and ensure that justice is done.

Mr Gandhi IRPFS, Director, Arts And Culture Department of Tamil Nadu, has confirmed receipt of the complaint.

Bangladesh: Policeman Nazmul Tareque hurls abuses, tries to run bike over college teacher for wearing a ‘bindi’

OpIndia Staff
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Bangladesh: Policeman Nazmul Tareque hurls abuses, tries to run bike over college teacher for wearing a ‘bindi’

In an incident of hate crime in Bangladesh, Lata Samaddar, a female teacher of Tejgaon College in Dhaka was reportedly harassed in broad daylight by a policeman in the capital’s Farmgate area simply for wearing a traditional bindi on her forehead. According to reports, the policeman hurled abuses at her after seeing a bindi on her forehead.

When the teacher protested, the policeman tried to run her over with his motorbike, causing her to fall and sustain serious injuries.

The incident reportedly happened on Saturday (April 2) morning. Biplob Kumar Sarkar, the deputy commissioner of the Tejgaon Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police informed on Monday, April 4 that the constable identified as Nazmul Tareque has been taken into custody. The accused policeman was reportedly identified based on the registration number of his motorcycle provided to the police by the victim.

Bangladeshi author Tasleema Nasreen took to Twitter today to condemn the incident. The author shared pictures of how many “freethinking men and women from all communities have been wearing bindis & protesting against the harassment.”

News of the incident spread quickly on social media, drawing a severe backlash. Members of various women’s rights organisations took to the streets to protest against the despicable act. Extending their solidarity with Lata Samaddar, members of these outfits asked the authorities to identify the policeman and bring him to book.

Suborna Mustafa, a parliamentarian from the ruling Awami League (AL), also expressed her outrage in the Jatiya Sangsad (parliament) on Sunday. She demanded strict and prompt action against the harasser.

“Is there any clause in the constitution and the law that says a woman cannot wear bindi on her forehead?” the parliamentarian and famous actress blasted.

Speaking to Prasar Bharti Special Correspondent in Dhaka, parliamentarian and social activist Aroma Dutta termed the unfortunate incident as more than harassment. “It is preventing people from practising their own culture as women have worn Bindi and jewellery for thousands of years in this country. Such incidents are not expected in a secular state like Bangladesh,” said Aroma Dutta. She, however, added that the incident reflected an individual’s mindset rather than the mindset of Bangladesh’s law enforcement agencies in general.

I am a Hindu and it is normal to wear a bindi: Bangladesh Teacher harassed by a policeman for wearing bindi narrates her ordeal

The incident took place on Saturday morning at around 8.30 am when Lata Samaddar, a lecturer in Theatre and Media Studies Department at Tejgaon College, was passing by the policeman at Shezan Point in the area.

Lata Samaddar filed a complaint about the incident at the Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station. In the complaint, Lata Samaddar wrote, “When I was walking towards the college, a middle-aged bearded man hurled abuse at me saying ‘Why are you wearing a ‘teep’ (bindi)?’ I turned around and found the man sitting on a motorcycle in a police uniform.”

“As I protested, he started the bike and tried to run me over. I tried to move away but got injured severely by falling down,” she added in the complaint.

According to the Daily Star, she went to three on-duty traffic cops after the incident, who advised r to file a complaint against the accused.

According to the teacher, a number of people were watching the incident but chose not to intervene. Because the man was wearing a police uniform, they may have kept a safe distance from any unwanted attention, stated Lata.

“I want exemplary punishment for the man. Who is he to decide whether I should wear a bindi or not. Such an incident needed to be protested. Let women be safe from such communal and fundamentalist people,” Lata added. She broke down in tears after reaching her college.

“I wonder where we are. I am a Hindu and it is normal to wear a bindi. Not only me, anyone can wear bindi. Several people earlier made bad comments for wearing ‘shankha’ (conch shell bangles), but I paid no heed. Their comments and those uttered by the uniformed person today are quite similar,” she said.

Targeted attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh have become quite common in recent years. In a Muslim-majority nation where they constitute less than 10% of the total population, Hindus remain vulnerable to attacks by radical Islamic terrorists. OpIndia has documented several such cases of persecution and ill-treatment meted out to the minority community.

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