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Actor Parambrata Chatterjee downplays Islamist attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, says such attacks help ‘Hindutvawadis’: Read details

Dibakar Dutta
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Actor Parambrata Chatterjee downplays Islamist attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, says such attacks help ‘Hindutvawadis’: Read details

On Saturday (October 16), popular Bengali actor Parambrata Chatterjee courted controversy after he tried to draw parallels between the ongoing pogrom against Hindus in Bangladesh and the supposed atrocities against Muslims in India. In a desperate attempt at monkey balancing, he alleged that the condition of Hindus in Bangladesh is no different from that of Muslims in India.

In his contentious Facebook post, he said, “I am usually not active on Facebook but since Navami morning, I am hearing stories of Muslim extremists attacking some Durga Puja pandals in Bangladesh. My post is based on the issue.” The Bengali actor then went on to tell his audience about the secular credentials of his ‘Muslim spot boy’ named Nasir Gazi. Parambrata recounted how Gazi would wish him during Durga Puja, and remind him to visit temples while travelling abroad.

Furthermore, the actor told his audience of his Muslim carpenter named Sonwar Ali, who didn’t forget to wish him on Navami. He also claimed that his Muslim Bangladeshi friends had shared pictures of Durga Puja pandals and idols on social media. “There are multiple puja committees in India and Bangladesh where members are Muslims,” he added. Through his post, Parambrata Chatterjee portrayed that Muslims are not only tolerant and secular but accommodative of other faiths.



“I am saying all this because the few incidents in Bangladesh have created an image of hate (in India), meant to provoke people. If these incidents make you believe that Hindus in Bangladesh are unsafe, then, similar incidents have happened in India for the past 7 years (with the complicit silence of politicians). Those incidents in India will easily give an impression that Muslims are unsafe here. Despite all this, there is harmony and love for each other,” Parambrata claimed.

He added, “Fascists exist in all religion and they have been existing for the past 1000s of years. When radicals and fundamentalists take birth in a religion, it is responsibility of the co-religionists to mitigate their influence. I request my Bangladeshi friends to openly condemn the incidents that took place in Noakhali and Comilla without any hesitation. Appeal to the government to put the perpetrators behind bars. A positive message was also given by PM Sheikh Hasina. These incidents happen each year and I don’t like this.”

Parambrata Chatterjee then alleged that such incidents in Bangladesh help ‘Hindutvawadis’ to create a communally charged environment, and spread vitriol for political gain. He then told the Hindus to familiarise themselves with the practices of the second largest majority in India and not limit themselves to Eid Mubarak and eating Biriyani. He concluded, “We can do nothing about it. The history of our subcontinent is very complex and chequered… Some proud sword-bearing Hindus will miss the objective of the post…I expect similar reaction from upholders of Sharia in the Muslim Faith.”

After siding with the radical Islamists in his Facebook post, he reiterated his message on Twitter. He claimed, “Attack on religious minorities, be it in India, Bangladesh or anywhere in the world, irrespective of which community is minority where, has to be condemned unequivocally, and perpetrators need to be brought to justice. Here’s a small writeup on Facebook.”

Screengrab of the tweet by Parambrata

While taking a ‘moral high ground’, the Bengali actor alleged to be the recipient of public wrath especially from both Hindu fanatics and radical Islamists. “But for those who’re not yet blinded by hatred, request them to read the post carefully. It intends to talk of rationality and hope, doesn’t spare one over the other.”

Netizens slammed Parambrata Chatterjee for drawing false equivalence and monkey balancing

The Hindu Bengali community, which was aggrieved at the sight of their co-religionists being killed and attacked in Bangladesh, did not mince any words to slam the actor.

In a tweet, one Sounak Sengupta wrote, “I know your movies don’t make a lot of money. So, you are desperately trying to keep your career afloat by this display of pseudo intellectualism (atalami) and appeasement (tel mara) of Bangladeshi viewers.”

Screengrab of the tweet by Sounak Sengupta

A Twitter user (@Da_Bong_munde) stated, “You are irrationally rational and master of shifting goalposts. Instead of condemning a pogrom (yes not a riot), you are balancing this issue.

Screengrab of the tweet by @Da_Bong_Munde

Another Twitter user, Kartick Dutta, added, “How long will you continue this pretentious behaviour? To call spade a spade, (you will) only need courage, which is completely lost in you.”

Screengrab of the tweet by Kartick Dutta

BJP leader challenges Bengali actor for a debate on Hindu pogrom in Bangladesh

Following his attempt to trivialise and downplay the atrocities committed against Hindus in Bangladesh, BJP spokesperson Debjit Sarkar lambasted him for siding with the Islamists. In a tweet, Sarkar stated, “I want to challenge Bengali Parambrata who is justifying the death of 7 Bengalis, destruction of ISKCON and other temples, mass rapes including that of a 10-year-old, and vandalism of 1000 Durga Puja pandals and idols vandalised.”

Screengrab of the tweet by Debjit Sarkar

When the Bengali actor did not turn up for the challenge, the BJP spokesperson pointed out, “It’s been 12 hours since I challenged for a debate on his stance regarding the ongoing pogrom against Hindus in Bangladesh. This tweet is to remind him about the same. Channel of your choice. Time of your choice. Bangali Vs BangALI. #StopBangladeshiHinduGenocide.”

Screengrab of the tweet by Debjit Sarkar

Violence in Bangladesh against Hindus under the garb of blasphemy

Brutal attacks, vandalism, looting, and arson had returned to haunt Hindus in Bangladesh’s Noakhali district, as close to 150 households were reportedly attacked and at least three killed in a violent clash on Wednesday (October 13). A day later, a frenzied mob of radical Islamists attacked the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) temple in the Noakhali district in the Chittagong Division of Bangladesh. The Bangladesh unit of ISKCON lamented that the sculpture of its founder, AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, was burnt down during the arson attack on the temple.

The violence and vandalism took place after a Facebook rumour claiming ‘insult to Quran’ at a Durga Puja pandal went viral. Videos emerged on social media where a mob of enraged Muslims were seen pelting stones and vandalising makeshift Durga Puja pandals and attacking Hindu families in Bangladesh’s Chandpur area. A social media user from Bangladesh stated that the Islamic mob was calling for the burning of a local ISKCON temple. Bangladeshi social media users had stated that under the guise of attacks, rampant loot and molestation of women have also taken place. 2 persons have been found dead in the Chandpur area.

Following the incident, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ordered the criminals, behind spreading communal attacks and propaganda, to be identified and punished as an example. Meanwhile, back in New Delhi, the external affairs ministry said that it was in touch with the high commission officials and noted the strict action be taken by the Bangladesh government. Since the incident, the Bangladesh police have made over 100 arrests and the probe is still underway.

Complaint filed against AIIMS Delhi students who had performed a derogatory Ramleela skit

OpIndia Staff
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Complaint filed against AIIMS Delhi students who had performed a derogatory Ramleela skit

A complaint has been filed by the Kalinga Rights Forum against AIIMS Delhi students for a derogatory Ram Leela skit performed by them on the occasion of Vijayadashami. A video of the skit had emerged on social media where the actors were singing Bollywood songs and using derogatory language in the Ramleela skit, distorting the story of Ramayana.

A tweet by the Forum said, “Filed Complaint with @CPDelhi @LtGovDelhi Director @aiims_newdelhi for Strict action against Communal and offensive Play in the guise of Ramleela organised in campus of @aiims_newdelhi as a premeditated effort to hurt religious sentiments of Hindus on occasion of Vijayadashami”

The group also sought strict actions against all those individuals who were involved in the play for hurting the religious sentiments of the Hindus. It said, “Sought Stringent actions against students/individuals involved in planning, executing & acting in the street play hurting religious sentiments of Hindus and uploading this offensive “Ramleela” as per IPC Sections 295A, 153A, 153, 298, 297, 505, 66 IT ACT, 67A IT ACT”

Furthermore, the group also looked for the identification of advisory members of the students’ council. It said, “Also Sought Identification of Advisory members of the Students’ Council (that plans various cultural activities for students), & hold them liable for criminal offence including above mentioned IPC Sections & MCI Regulations for Professional Ethics, Etiquette and Ethics 2002 Act.”

This comes after a group of AIIM Delhi students performed an offensive play based on Ram Leela. The video of the derogatory Ram Leela skit went viral on social media and the netizens started demanding the arrest of the accused students using the hashtag #ArrestAIIMSCulprits on Twitter.

The video of the objectionable act which was performed by AIIMS students was uploaded by 2020 Topper Soyeb Aftab on his Youtube channel ‘AIIMS Insider.’ After the social media outrage, Aftab made the video private. Nevertheless, several people had already downloaded the contentious video clip from his account before Aftab could hide it.

Following social media outrage over the offensive skit, AIIMS Student Association had issued an apology for the same.

Virat Kohli says he will share tips on how to celebrate a ‘meaningful’ Diwali, netizens hit back, say he needs tips on captaincy and how to win IPL

OpIndia Staff
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Virat Kohli says he will share tips on how to celebrate a ‘meaningful’ Diwali, netizens hit back, say he needs tips on captaincy and how to win IPL

Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli announced on social media that he will be sharing “personal tips” in the coming days on how to celebrate a “meaningful” Diwali. People were not pleased with the message as last year, Virat Kohli had campaigned against firecrackers and they anticipated that he would share a similar message this year as well.

People on social media hit back saying that Kohli should focus on the upcoming T20 World Cup instead of preaching sermons on how to celebrate Diwali.

Others said that it is Virat Kohli who needs tips on winning ICC trophies and the IPL, apart from his own captaincy.

Others lamented that while captains of other teams are preparing for the T20 World Cup, the Indian captain is busy with social media campaigns.

People also said that he should first win trophies rather than lecture others on how to celebrate festival.

People, in general, are fed up of sermons by celebrities on Hindu festivals.

Virat Kohli is yet to win an ICC trophy as a captain and has never won the Indian Premier League. He has quit the captaincy of Royal Challengers Bangalore and will step down as the captain of Indian T20 team following the World Cup.

Kashmir police says the reports of a directive to shift all non-locals to police stations and army camps are fake

OpIndia Staff
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Kashmir police says the reports of a directive to shift all non-locals to police stations and army camps are fake

Kashmir police have refuted the reports that the IGP has directed the DIGs in the state to shift all non-locals to police stations and army and CAPF camps in the wake of repeated terror attacks on non-Kashmiri labourers from other states working and living in the union territory.

The Kashmir police have termed the alleged urgent order as totally baseless and fake order. “There is no such order. It’s a fake one,” the IGP Kashmir told news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

Earlier, it was reported that the IGP of Kashmir police has issued the advisory, asking that all non-locals in the union territory should be secured. According to the highly unprecedented directive, all Kashmir zone police establishments were asked to shift the non-locals to police stations and army camps immediately.

The alleged communication by the IGP read, “All non local labourers in your respective jurisdictions be brought to nearest police / CAPF / Army establishments / camps just now. Matter is most urgent.”

The Fake urgent communication from IGP Kashmir to all DIGs

The communication had “Most Urgent” mentioned on the top, and it said “Matter is most urgent” in the message, besides asking to shift the non-Kashmiris to security bases “just now”.

The reports of the directive by IGP Kashmir came hours after terrorists had entered a house in Wanpoh in Kulgam district where labourers from Bihar were staying and fired on them from close range. Joginder Reshi Dev and Raja Reshi Dev were killed in the attack, while Chunchun Reshi Dev was injured and shifted to hospital.

Continuing with the targeted attack on non-locals in Kashmir, two persons from Bihar and UP were killed yesterday in Srinagar and Pulwama.

Note: The story has been updated with new information

Vandalised Wikipedia page refers to Arvind Kejriwal as ‘Lavnasur’: All you need to know about how the AAP chief got the moniker

OpIndia Staff
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Vandalised Wikipedia page refers to Arvind Kejriwal as ‘Lavnasur’: All you need to know about how the AAP chief got the moniker

The Wikipedia page of the list of Chief Ministers of Delhi was earlier vandalised today. The vandalised page addressed incumbent Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as ‘Lavanasur’. Since then, the page has been rectified and Lavnasur can no longer be found on the page.

Why is Arvind Kejriwal called Lavnasur
The Wikipedia page calls Arvind Kejriwal ‘Lavnasur’

Amusingly enough, when one Googles ‘Lavnasur’, photographs of Kejriwal pop up in search images.

Why is Arvind Kejriwal called Lavnasur
Arvind Kejriwal photographs pop up when one Googles ‘Lavnasur’

Lavanasura is actually a character from the Ramayana, a demon was killed by Shri Ram’s brother Shatrughan, the youngest of Rama’s brothers. Lavanasura was a tormentor of the innocent and his notoriety was widespread. As a child, he used to kill his play mates and eat them. He used to disrupt the sacrifices of Sages and unleash terror across the land.

Here’s why Arvind Kejriwal is called ‘Lavnasur’

Not many people know it, but Arvind Kejriwal was awarded the ‘Lavnasur’ moniker by a popular Twitter user. The user, who goes by the username @Being_Humor on Twitter, spoke to OpIndia regarding why he gave that particular name to the Delhi Chief Minister.

According to @Being_Humor, Kejriwal, like Lavanasura, torments people with his antics and generally gives people a hard time. The fact that the name sounds funny and sounds like a slang in general also convinced him to gift the AAP supremo the moniker.

When he threw the name at him initially, it was well received by the masses on social media. And since then, it has stuck. And before long, when someone googled ‘Lavnasur’ on Google, Kejriwal’s photograph began to pop up due to the nature of algorithms.

Questioned regarding if Arvind Kejriwal really deserved the ‘Lavnasur’ tag, he responded, “Yes, because it is the truth.”

The nickname has also led to endless memes on social media.

Why is Arvind Kejriwal called Lavnasur
Kejriwal is called ‘Lavnasur’

And it has culminated with the vandalism of the page on Wikipedia. Arvind Kejriwal is also famous for his ‘U-Turns‘ which has also made him the subject of much mockery online.

Terrorists enter residence of labourers from Bihar in Kashmir and shoot at them, two killed and one critically injured

OpIndia Staff
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Terrorists enter residence of labourers from Bihar in Kashmir and shoot at them, two killed and one critically injured

In yet another terrorist attack on non-locals in Jammu and Kashmir, two labourers were killed while a third one was critically injured in Kulgam district in South Kashmir. The incident took place in Wanpoh area in Laram Gangipora in Kulgam, where the terrorists entered a house where the workers from other states were staying and fired on them. Three persons from Bihar were hit in the attack, of which two have lost their lives.

The two deceased have been identified as Joginder Reshi Dev and Raja Reshi Dev, while the third victim Chunchun Reshi Dev has been admitted to GMC Anantnag for treatment after the attack. Chunchun Reshi Dev, son of Teju Dev from Bihar, was injured in the back and arm, and his condition is stated to be stable, according to GMC Anantnag Medical Superintendent Dr Iqbal Sofi.

Kashmir police have informed that police and security forces have cordoned off the area to catch the terrorists, and further details will follow.

Continuing with the targeted attack on non-locals in Kashmir, two persons from Bihar and UP were killed yesterday in Srinagar and Pulwama.

Pakistan bans a Chinese firm for a month for using forged documents in the bidding for a nuclear power project

OpIndia Staff
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Pakistan bans a Chinese firm for a month for using forged documents in the bidding for a nuclear power project

In a daring move, Pakistan’s National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) has blacklisted a Chinese firm and barred it from participating in all tenders/bidding processes for a month for using forged documents. Dawn newspaper reported that NTDC which is a state-owned subsidiary of the Ministry of Energy (Power Division) blacklisted a Chinese company for submitting forged documents during the bidding of a government project.

However, there is no explanation for a short term ban if the company was caught forging documents to grab contracts and also the name of the company has not been disclosed. The copy of the debar order has been served to the NTDC managing director (MD), chairmen of the Water and Power and Development Authority and Pakistan Engineering Council, the MDs of National Engineering Services Pakistan and Public Procurement Regulatory Authority, the Central Power Purchasing Agency-Guarantee chief operating officer (CEO) as well as the CEOs of all power distribution companies.

“The Chinese firm is hereby blacklisted and barred from participating in all NTDC bidding/tender process with immediate effect for a period of one month on account of submitting forged and fake documents,” Dawn has quoted a letter issued a couple of days ago from the office of the NTDC general manager.

While the name of that Chinese firm has not been mentioned, from the letter it is assumed the said company was blacklisted for a short while in a case related to Nuclear Power Plants.

“However, this office order will have a prospective effect in terms hereof and shall not be applicable on the existing contracts under execution (if any),” the letter, under title ‘Blacklisting of the Chinese Firm/Tender No. NPP-04M (R)-2020 for procurement of insulator hardware assemblies including Pre-RTV-Coated 160kN Disc Insulator (Anti-Fog Type, Porcelain or Glass) for 500kV D/C Quad Bundle Transmission Lines for Power Evacuation from K-2/K-3 Nuclear Power Plants’, reads.

A lot of Chinese firms are engaged in infrastructure development in Pakistan like road, power and construction.

So far there is no information about any reaction of China to the ban of a Chinese firm by Pakistan. Earlier, in July, 13 people including nine Chinese engineers had died when a bus carrying construction workers in northwest Pakistan’s mountainous region was attacked. They were involved in Dasu dam power project. China had demanded 48 million dollar as compensation as well as security cover for the project.

‘Tu cheez badi hai mast’: AIIMS Student Association apologises for derogatory Ramleela skit after social media outrage

OpIndia Staff
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‘Tu cheez badi hai mast’: AIIMS Student Association apologises for derogatory Ramleela skit after social media outrage

On Sunday (October 17), the student association of All India Institue of Medical Science (AIIMS) tendered an apology after a video of a derogatory Ram Leela skit went viral on social media. The development came after netizens began demanding the arrest of the accused students using the hashtag #ArrestAIIMSCulprits on Twitter.

In a statement, AIIMS Student Association said, “Video clip of a Ramleela skit by some students of AIIMS has been circulating on social media. On behalf of the students, we apologise for conduct of this skit which wasn’t meant to hurt anyone’s sentiments. We’ll ensure that no such activity takes place in future.”

The video

The objectionable act was performed by AIIMS students, the video of which was uploaded by 2020 Topper Soyeb Aftab on his Youtube channel ‘AIIMS Insider.’ Following social media outrage, he made the video private. However, several people had downloaded the contentious video clip from his account before Aftab could hide it.

Screengrab of the ‘AIIMS Insider’ Youtube channel where the contentious video was uploaded

Vile portrayal of Ramayana by AIIMS students

Popular news channel Sudarshan News had posted the clips on its Twitter feed. At the very onset, the student performing the character of Lord Ram could be heard as saying, “I am committed to Sita for life. If you (Shurpanakha) are so lustful (tharki), here is my brother.” The girl playing the character of ‘Shurpanakha’ then went on to objectify Laxman and sang the popular Bollywood song, “Tu cheez badi hai mast mast“. With lewd gestures and Bollywood songs, the sanctity of Ramleela was stripped in the opening act itself.

In the subsequent act, one actor pretended to be the vicious NDTV journalist Ravish Kumar and referred to Lord Ram as ‘launda (chap)’. Another AIIMS student called the Lord as ‘chora‘ who beheaded Shurpanakha. The ‘Ravan’ in the skit then threatened to abduct the lugai (a rustic reference to Maa Sita) of Lord Ram. While they mocked the Hindu epic of Ramayana, other AIIMS students, watching the skit, cheered and hooted in unison.

Furthermore, there was a scene wherein the King of Ayodhya, Raja Dasharatha, danced to the tune of ‘Sorry Darling’ in a bid to convince Kaikeyi. The essence of the Hindu epic was shredded as the audience broke into fits of laughter. In the ‘woke version of Ramayana’, Kaikeyi referred to Raja Dasharatha as love and directed him to send Lord Ram to exile in the Amazon forest. The contentious video ended with the logo of Unacademy Vlogs at the centre.

MP police puts ‘wanted’ posters for Congress leader’s son accused of rape of party worker, increases cash prize

OpIndia Staff
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MP police puts ‘wanted’ posters for Congress leader’s son accused of rape of party worker, increases cash prize

Madhya Pradesh Police has increased the cash prize on the head of Karan Morwal, son of Congress’ Badnagar MLA Murli Morwal who has been absconding from the past seven months in an alleged rape case where the victim is a functionary of Youth Congress.

Earlier police had announced a cash prize of Rs 5,000 on his head which has been increased to Rs 15,000. Meanwhile, on Saturday, assistant inspector Rashmi Patidar and assistant sub inspector Mamta and 10 other police personnel of Indore police station pasted posters of the accused at different places at Badanagar. Similar lookout posters have been pasted in Ujjain and other parts of Indore. The police team also raided his residence as well as farm house besides questioning Karan’s close friend Rahul.

Two police men pasting lookout poster about Karan Morwal. Picture grab Times Now

In April this year, the victim lodged a complaint with Indore police. She said that in February Karan drugged and raped her repeatedly on the pretext of marrying him.  But later on he refused to marry and further threatened her. FIR was lodged on April 2 under section 376 (rape), 376(2)N (rape for more than one time), 376 (2) J, 506 (criminal intimidation) and 294 (obscene act at public places) of IPC. Madhya Pradesh High Court had rejected his bail petition the local police has move petition for attachment of his properties.

Victim said that on February 14 the accused came to Indore and he took her to Hotel Pride. She said that she became unconscious after drinking the cold drink that the accused had offered her. He took her to her flat in an unconscious state and raped her. Victim said that when she realized she was raped, the accused told her that she should not worry as he intends to marry her. Later on he further raped her on the pretext of marriage.

Despite the case being serious in nature the MLA Murli Morwal has been accused for not persuading his son to surrender. Attempts were also made by some senior Congress leaders to settle the case by persuading the victim. Times Now even named Congress MLA Vishal Patel had tried to settle this case.

He admitted to trying to ‘sort’ the issue between the victim and rape accused Karan Morwal instead of ensuring that the girl gets justice.

Delhi Police busts ‘sextortion’ racket that blackmailed people on social media using fake women profiles, one Hakmuddin arrested

OpIndia Staff
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Delhi Police busts ‘sextortion’ racket that blackmailed people on social media using fake women profiles, one Hakmuddin arrested

Delhi Police has reportedly busted a case of sextortion and blackmail where the members of a gang sent Facebook requests and lured men and young people by posing as women. The members of the gang initiated vulgar chats with the victims and later trapped them in vulgar videos.

According to the Cyber Cell of Delhi Police, the members of the gang operated from Bharatpur Rajasthan using phone numbers issued from Assam and sent friend requests to people all over the country using fake profiles of women.

The police said that the gang members would trap the victims in vulgar chats after their friend requests were accepted. Later the victims were also lured into obscene video calls which were recorded. The gang members then threatened the victims with the recorded vulgar video chats and to make them public if they did not pay the money they demanded.

Delhi Police Cyber Cell received 9 complaints relating to ‘sextortion’ and blackmail. The police have arrested Hakimuddin, a resident of Bharatpur, Rajasthan in connection to the case while three other members of the gang are on the run.

One of the complainants revealed that he received a Facebook friend request and later the sender wanted his WhatsApp number. After that, the complainant received a morphed vulgar video of him and was threatened to pay up if he did not want the video to be uploaded on the internet. The victim then had to pay ₹1,96,000 to the blackmailer.

The police busted the gang by chasing the money trail through the bank accounts the complainant had deposited money in. Accused Hakimuddin was arrested after police investigations into his phone number locations and social media accounts.

According to reports, the victims of the gang included doctors, retired police officers and teachers. KPS Malhotra, DCP of the Cyber Cell noted, “Most gangs operating from Bharatpur follow the same modus operandi. In some cases, to threaten the victims, the accused sometimes pose as police officers and even change their display photo on social media to convince them”.

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