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Students protests continue at Hyderabad Central University: Read about the controversy over 400 acre land that Congress govt wants to auction

Rukma Rathore
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Students protests continue at Hyderabad Central University: Read about the controversy over 400 acre land that Congress govt wants to auction

Following a weekend filled with protests, students at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) took to the streets in two locations on 1st April, amidst a heavy police presence. Students marched from one place to another, chanting slogans in protest against the auction of the 400 acres of land in Kancha Gachibowli. Telangana’s Congress government has reportedly chosen to auction 400 acres in Hyderabad’s famed IT Hub where demand for strategically positioned huge land parcels have soared over the last years with multiple corporations setting up headquarters.

The dispute has now reached the high court as students and even environmental activists are contesting the decision to clear the property for an IT park, claiming that the area is ecologically important. Meanwhile, earthmoving machines have been deployed to clear out the land, amid raging protests. Around 500 students from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) gathered at the university’s main gate for a “Dharna” that started at 10:30 am as 150 members of different student organizations agitated in front of the university’s administration building simultaneously.

They asked for a permanent border wall to prevent encroachment on university property. Additionally, they are demanding that all government orders (GOs), land surveys, legal papers, and correspondence from the Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) pertaining to the auction be made publicly available. Students are also calling for legal action against administrators who broke university rules without the Executive Council’s consent.

A PhD student and ABVP member Nishanth Reddy voiced, “The university administration has been silent for the past three days. They have not addressed our concerns. We, the students, who are not even the actual stakeholders, are fighting for this land, while the real stakeholders remain inactive.” Students have expressed displeasure with the heightened security measures, reporting that police are seeking identity cards from everyone merely passing around the campus.

Reddy added, “Telangana police have taken over security in the past few days citing law and order issues. Those without ID cards are being denied entry to the university, and now even students heading to their respective departments are being asked to produce their ID cards.” More than 500 students attended the demonstration at the university’s main gate, which lasted till the evening. The Gachibowli police arrested members from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha who tried to participate in the protest.

Students begin indefinite protest, opposition fumes against Telangana govt

The University of Hyderabad Students Union (UoHSU), which demands that police officers and earthmoving equipment be removed from the campus, has declared an indefinite protest and a boycott of courses starting on 2nd April. Teachers and students were encouraged to participate in the campus demonstration and skip lessons, according to UoHSU Vice President Akash.

The UoHSU and other student associations jointly issued a statement accusing the university administration of “betraying” students by allowing the state government to clear the land next to the institution at Kancha Gachibowli. The “brutal police crackdown” on nonviolent protesters was also denounced by them. The students wanted a written guarantee that the land would be officially registered under the university’s name.

On 30th March, a heated confrontation broke out at the varsity as Telangana police arrested students on campus and limited their freedom of movement. Students were unable to enter the east campus of School of Economics due to barricades that had been erected. According to Gachibowli police, at least 53 students were placed under arrest as a precaution and later released. The authorities were trying to clear the site in spite of protests from students who asserted that earthmover machines had invaded the east campus during an auction process.

An official stated, “The protesting students obstructed the government officials while they were doing their work and some of them assaulted police personnel. Cases will be booked against them.” UoHSU and Joint Action Committee organised a peaceful rally towards the area to protest the action. They charged that police used aggressive detentions, “manhandling” multiple students as they protested while exercising their democratic right, and more than fifty students were arrested.

Meanwhile, the excavators have been working in Kancha Gachibowli despite the strong protests of the students. Peacocks, spotted deer, and other birds reportedly sent disturbing signals as the excavators rolled in, leveling the ground and removing trees.

Opposition parties have joined the chorus in pressing the Telangana government to rescind its plan to develop the environmentally sensitive property, as the dispute has gained political traction. Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) mocked “The Congress’s ‘Mohabbat ki Dukaan’ has now reached Hyderabad Central University.” Rahul Gandhi came under fire from the party for acting contrary to his preaching. BRS also slammed the arrested of agitating students and journalists.

The government’s move was criticized by BRS working president K T Rama Rao, who argued that it was “mindless” and would deny Hyderabad a crucial lung space. He asked why the state’s Congress government was attempting to seize the 400-acres land in Kancha Gachibowli by clearing the area of trees with hundreds of bulldozers and excavators.

According to him, the suburbs of Gachibowli, Nanakramguda, and the Financial District had quickly transformed into concrete jungles for construction, leaving just UoH and the surrounding land bloc for western Hyderabad. He questioned what was wrong if the students wanted to do an environmental impact assessment study on the 400-acre tract of land.

Rama Rao questioned why the government should target the environment and demolish the current city for future generations when an enormous 14,000 acres of land are easily available in “Future City” for IT parks and other economic activity.

On 2nd April, a delegation of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmakers, headed by Alleti Maheshwar Reddy, the party floor leader for the Legislature was expected to visit the location. Several police officers have been stationed close to the MLA’s residence. Maheshwar Reddy complained that the police had denied him permission to leave his home. Furthermore, he received no notification from the police clarifying why he was being stopped.

He further charged that the police also barred other leaders and MLAs from the saffron party from leaving their homes. BJP leader Payal Shankar was detained as he was en route to Hyderabad University to participate in the agitation on 1st April.

“Since when did the government become a real estate dealer,” state BJP chief spokesperson N V Subash questioned. He denounced the police response as “an unacceptable assault on democratic rights” and backed the protests. He pointed out that Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, a Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader at the time, had resisted a similar move by the Congress government in 2007–08 to surrender the land to a developer in Delhi. “What changed now? Is the Chief Minister abandoning his past stance just to fill empty coffers, please the Gandhis, and fund their freebies agenda,” he asked.

State asserts ownership of land, students refute claims

The conflict dates back several decades. The 400 acres, according to Hyderabad Central University, are a portion of the 2,324 acres that were granted to it in 1975. However, in 2022, the high court declared that there was no official record attesting to the land’s transfer to the institution. The government’s land ownership was eventually confirmed by the Supreme Court, which supported the decision.

Students and environmentalists contend that the property is an ecologically sensitive zone in spite of this verdict. More than 455 species of plants and animals, including peacocks, deer are believed to call it home. Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, activists from the non-governmental organization Vata Foundation have petitioned for the site to be designated as a national park. They want it to be classified as a “deemed forest.”

The Telangana government has insisted that the 400-acre plot of land next to the institution was state property. The government claimed that some real estate companies and political figures had deceived students by claiming that the land had been given to the state in 2004 and then reaffirmed in 2006. Revenue records make it very evident that the area is not classified as forest land, officials maintained.

The Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) declared that it had legally established its ownership in court and issued a warning that any disagreement would be considered contempt of court. The government further stressed that a land survey was carried out in July 2024 with the university’s approval, during which time limits were decided upon in front of the institution’s representatives.

The varsity denied the Telangana government’s claim in a counterstatement, contending that no formal survey took place out in July 2024. The university stated that the revenue authorities did not conduct a survey on campus to mark the 400 acres of land that the state government reclaimed in 2006. UoH Registrar Devesh Nigam conveyed, “The only action taken thus far has been a preliminary inspection of the land’s topography.”

Moreover, he refuted the government’s statement that the university had approved of this land designation. Official authorities, however, disputed the university’s assertions, pointing out that records indicate the land in question in Kancha Gachibowli was transferred to the state government in 2004.

A Revanth Reddy, recently alleged in the assembly that public interest lawsuits were being launched in court over the land’s planned development and university students were being incited. The government wants to encourage investment, IT parks, and large-scale employment, he added, noting that the land is situated near the city’s IT hub’s Financial District. According to him, the land piece is unrelated to the university. Students, however, highlighted that the Mushroom Rock region close to UoH’s East Campus is part of the land.

Money to fund election freebies

According to the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC), the 400 acres in Kancha Gachibowli Village, which is part of Serilingampally Mandal in the nearby Ranga Reddy district, would be developed and put up for auction in phases to potential purchasers to generate revenue. It stated that the government was seeking proposals to choose a transaction advising consultant to optimize the master plan and support the auction of TGIIC’s land, formerly known as TSIIC.

The document stated that the auction is being held to raise money that the state government needs to fulfil some of the promises made by the ruling Congress prior to the elections. TGIIC intends to create a sustainable master plan layout that meets international standards for the 400 acres located in Kancha Gachibowli’s Sy No 25(P). The proposals were to be submitted by 15th March, according to TGIIC.

‘Waqf Amendment Bill would protect the rights of women, Christians, and Tribals’: Kiren Rijiju in Parliament

OpIndia Staff
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‘Waqf Amendment Bill would protect the rights of women, Christians, and Tribals’: Kiren Rijiju in Parliament

Amid the ongoing discussions over the Waqf Amendment Bill in parliament, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju delivered a sharp and captivating speech, raising significant questions over those opposing the Bill. He asked, “Why can’t non-Muslims be part of the Waqf Board?,” adding that it is not a matter of religion but of transparency and justice.

Hauls opposition over the coals

Launching a scathing attack on the opposition, he accused them of “spreading the false narrative that the government will take over mosques.” He firmly stated, “We all come from different states and union territories, but above all, we are Indians first.” Rijuju dispelled misleading notions of the expropriation of religious places of worship, clarifying that the Bill aims to protect the rights of fellow citizens.

The government’s clear stance on disputed properties

He categorically asserted that “state governments have been given the authority to ensure that registered properties remain untouched. However, if a property is disputed and pending in court, how can the government intervene?”

Referring to past incidents, he brought up the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) controversy, saying, “When CAA was introduced, some people spread rumours that it would strip Muslims of their citizenship. Today, the law is in place, and their claims have been proven false. But did they ever apologise?”

“Rights of women and children are protected”

Rijiju emphasised, “Whenever a Muslim creates a Waqf, they first ensure that the rights of women and children in the family are safeguarded.” He further clarified, “Waqf can only be created on properties where the owner has 100% ownership.”

“Those who suppress women are creating the loudest noise today for their empowerment“

Adopting an aggressive tone, he remarked, “The very people who have worked to suppress women in society are the ones shouting the loudest here today!” He highlighted that “based on JPC recommendations, the authority to investigate disputed Waqf properties has now been given to officials above the collector level.”

“No one’s land will be declared Waqf Property forcefully anymore!”

He pointed out a significant amendment, stating, “The provision allowing any land to be arbitrarily declared as Waqf property has been removed.” He added, “This provision was misused to grab land, but not anymore!” underscoring the safeguards accorded by the Bill to the tribals.

“The Christian community is also backing the Bill”

In a strong warning to the opposition, Rijiju declared, “Today, the Christian community and churches across the country are demanding the swift passage of this bill because Section 40 was being misused.” Referring to Kerala, he warned, “If the opposition stands against this bill, they will face the anger of Kerala’s Christian community.”

He condemned the past declaration of Waqf ownership over a 1,500-year-old temple in Tiruchandurai, a Gurudwara in Yamunanagar, and land belonging to 600 Christian families in Kerala, asserting, “Now, they will get their land back!”

“The Opposition still has time!”

In his concluding remarks, he made an emotional appeal: “There is still time for the opposition to support this bill. Prime Minister Modi has given a simple man like me the opportunity to do this noble work. Millions of poor people will bless us, and I want everyone to be part of these blessings!”

Money trail in IAS Sanjeev Hans case leads to Rs 11 crore cash haul in Patna: All you need to know about the officer and the ED case

Aditi
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Money trail in IAS Sanjeev Hans case leads to Rs 11 crore cash haul in Patna: All you need to know about the officer and the ED case

From the suspension of IAS officer Abhishek Prakash in connection with a bribery case to the recent raids of the ED in a money laundering case involving IAS officer Sanjeev Hans, the Indian bureaucracy has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

In an investigation relating to a money-laundering case involving a 1997-batch Bihar IAS officer, Sanjeev Hans, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) seized whopping amounts of cash during raids conducted at seven locations in Patna, Bihar, on Thursday (27th March). According to reports, the amount seized by the ED was so huge that it took 7 hours for the ED officials to count the entire amount using cash counting machines.

As per reports, last week, the ED seized cash worth ₹11.64 crore during the raids of premises linked with senior Bihar government officials in Patna. The agency raided properties linked to Tarini Das (chief engineer at the Bihar Construction Department), Mumukshu Chaudhary (joint secretary in the Finance Department), Umesh Kumar Singh (executive engineer in the Urban Development and Housing Department), Vikash Jha (deputy general manager at the same corporation), Ayaz Ahmed (deputy project director at Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd), Sagar Jaiswal (deputy general manager of projects at Bihar Medical Services and Infrastructure Corporation Ltd), and Saket Kumar (executive engineer with the Bihar Construction Department).

Image via X

Sanjeev Hans, former principal secretary of the state energy department, is currently lodged in Beur Central Jail in Patna. He was arrested last year by the Special Vigilance Unit of the Bihar Police after evidence against him surfaced. Hans is facing allegations of amassing wealth and properties disproportionate to his earnings during his postings in Bihar from 2018 to 2023.

What is the case against Hans?

The allegations against Hans first emerged in January 2023 when a lawyer accused him, along with Rashtirya Janata Dal (RJD) MLA Gulab Yadav, of gangrape, blackmail, coercion and forced abortion. The woman had filed this petition in the year 2021 after which the bench sought a preliminary inquiry report on the matter from the Patna police. Still, the report was not submitted, failing which the court dismissed the case. The case was dismissed by the Patna High Court in September 2023 but the financial transactions of Hans and Yadava came under the scanner.

Later on, an FIR was filed by the Special Vigilance Unit against Hans for alleged possession of disproportionate assets. While probing the allegations of rape against him, the authorities found some dubious transactions. The current ED-led money laundering investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) stems from the FIR.

The ED seized assets worth ₹23.72 crore linked to Hans’ associates in December 2024. The assets included land in Nagour and flats in Delhi and Jaipur, allegedly acquired with illegal funds. These properties were bought in the name of close associates of Hans, including Praveen Chaudhary, Pushpraj Bajaj and Bajaj’s family members, to conceal the real ownership. The central agency also recovered gold jewellery worth ₹1.25 crore, luxury watches worth ₹65 lakh, silver bullion worth ₹ 11 lakh and shares valued at ₹60 crore held in proxy accounts. More than 70 bank accounts having suspicious deposits worth ₹6 crore were also seized during the investigation. The central agency alleged that Hans had influential links in the Bihar government who shielded him. His role as chairman of the Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited is also reportedly being probed by the ED as he allegedly awarded contracts worth ₹3,300 crore in exchange for kickbacks.

The ED investigations against Hans, an IIT-Delhi alumnus, and his associates have uncovered and deep nexus of corruption, illicit wealth, and abuse of power. Hans, once known as a bright officer, held influential positions in the Bihar government. He also served in the central government from 2004 to 2029 in various positions. He was elevated to the position of principal secretary in 2020,. He has been under the scanner of the authorities for the past two years after evidence against him pointed towards disproportionate wealth, misuse of power, and large-scale corruption.

Congress gave Waqf Boards unchecked power in 1995. Here’s how the 2024 Amendment fixes it

OpIndia Staff
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Congress gave Waqf Boards unchecked power in 1995. Here’s how the 2024 Amendment fixes it

In 1995, the Congress-led government passed the Waqf Act, a sloppily drafted and recklessly implemented legislation that opened the floodgates for Waqf Boards to claim temples, schools, graveyards, and even entire villages and government properties. Congress did not stop there and granted more powers to Waqf in 2013 before the Bharatiya Janata Party-led (BJP) NDA came to power at the Centre.

What started as a system for managing endowments turned into an unaccounted empire with lakhs of acres of prime land under its purview. However, now with the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the Modi government is trying to set things right.

End of “Waqf by user” – no more land grabs by praying once

The original Act allowed Waqf creation not just through a declaration or endowment, but also by “user”. It meant that land could be claimed as Waqf simply because someone had been using it as such. This is what led to absurd claims like declaring entire villages or farmland as Waqf property.

The amendment is going to end this madness. Waqf can now only be formed through declaration or endowment. Further, the donor must be a practising Muslim for over five years. Crucially, female heirs cannot be bypassed, which is a big step towards ending the misuse of religious endowments to sideline women from inheritance.

Government land cannot be converted into Waqf

The 1995 Act was silent on Waqf claims over government property. It allowed opportunistic grabs by Waqf Boards. The 2024 Amendment fixes this loophole. If a government property is claimed by Waqf, the Collector will resolve the matter. If the land is proven to be government land, it cannot be declared Waqf.

The Waqf Board no longer decides what is Waqf

Under the old law, the Waqf Board had the power to determine if a property was Waqf – basically judge, jury, and beneficiary. That power has been scrapped in the Amendment Bill. It will stop hundreds of cases where Boards arbitrarily declare private or community properties as Waqf.

Surveys are now aligned with revenue records, not Waqf fantasies

Earlier, surveys were done by Survey Commissioners. These surveys were conducted in isolation from land revenue records. However, the amendment has allowed District Collectors, who are part of the land revenue system, to conduct surveys as per state revenue laws. It means fewer fairy tales and more facts.

Inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf Boards

As per the 1995 setup, the Central Waqf Council had only Muslim members. Now, the amendment has allowed two non-Muslims, and other members like MPs, judges or eminent persons don’t necessarily have to be Muslims.

While scholars in Islamic law, Waqf Board chairpersons, and others are still included in the Amendment Act as representatives, the government has put a condition that the board must have at least two women. This applies not only to the central board but also to state boards, where the government will nominate two non-Muslims and ensure representation from Sunni, Shia, Bohra, Agakhani, and backward-class Muslims, along with two Muslim women.

Waqf Tribunal now answerable to courts

Earlier, the decisions of Waqf Tribunals could be challenged in High Court under rare and special provisions. However, now anyone can appeal in the High Court within 90 days of the declaration of the property as Waqf. It restores judicial oversight and introduces a basic check that should’ve existed from the beginning.

Also, the Muslim law expert is removed from the Tribunal’s composition. The panel will now be headed by a District Court judge, with a joint secretary-level officer from the state government as a member.

Central Government takes the reins on audits and rules

The 1995 Act gave State governments the power to audit accounts. It often meant selective action or none at all. However, now the Central Government is empowered to make rules regarding registration, accounts, audits, and more.

Separate boards for sects now include Bohra and Agakhani

The earlier Act allowed separate boards for Sunni and Shia if Shia Waqf exceeded 15%. The Amendment expands this to include Bohra and Agakhani communities, acknowledging their distinct identity and endowment management needs.

Conclusion

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is not just a minor tweak. It is a major overhaul. Congress gave Waqf Boards unlimited power without checks. Though it does not erase the harm done, it might just stop the next temple, farmland, or village from quietly becoming someone else’s “eternal donation.”

97 lakh suggestions received, Deoband and Jamaat among consultees, 10 cities visited: How the JPC worked for Waqf Amendment Bill

Anurag
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97 lakh suggestions received, Deoband and Jamaat among consultees, 10 cities visited: How the JPC worked for Waqf Amendment Bill

On 2nd April, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was tabled in the Lok Sabha after implementing changes proposed by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). The JPC undertook a massive public outreach exercise that has rarely been seen before. Reportedly, the committee received a staggering 97,27,772 memoranda from citizens and organisations. The consultations, which included prominent Muslim organisations such as Darul Uloom Deoband, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, and Jamaat factions, spanned 10 cities across India. These consultations covered legal, administrative, and communal concerns associated with Waqf property governance.

A bill born out of mismanagement and public concern

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was introduced on 8th August 2024, alongside the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, and aims to overhaul the existing Waqf Act, 1995. The bill was introduced after years of complaints regarding illegal land grabs, poor accounting, misuse of Section 40 (used to claim non-Waqf land as Waqf), and lack of judicial oversight. After its introduction in the House, it was sent to the JPC for examination. Twenty-one Lok Sabha members and ten Rajya Sabha members were roped in to examine the bill. The current law in place is far from ensuring transparency and had become a tool for encroachment and bureaucratic overreach.

Consultations with leading Muslim bodies

The Committee’s consultations were extensive. Thirty-six sittings were held, starting from 22nd August 2024. Some of the key organisations consulted were Darul Uloom Deoband, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Zakat Foundation of India, All India Pasmanda Muslim Mahaaz, Muttaheda Majlis-e-Ulema led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Anjuman-e-Shiateali Dawoodi Bohra Community, Muslim Rashtriya Manch, Muslim Women Intellectual Group, All India Sunni Jamiyatul Ulama, various Shia Muslim intellectual groups, and civil rights bodies linked to AIMIM.

The meetings highlighted deep concerns about mismanagement across Boards and called for reforms, especially around title verification, tribunal functioning, and surveys.

Ten cities, thousands of insights

The Committee visited 10 cities across three separate schedules to directly engage with the stakeholders. These meetings were held in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru in the first schedule between 26th September and 1st October 2024. The second schedule of meetings was held between 9th November and 11th November 2024 in Guwahati and Bhubaneshwar. The third and final schedule of meetings was held between 18th January and 21st January 2025 in Patna, Kolkata, and Lucknow.

During these visits, the Committee interacted with 25 State Waqf Boards, local civil society groups, and legal experts. The aim of these meetings was to understand regional variations in how Waqf properties are recorded, managed, and litigated.

A rare instance of legal and communal alignment

The consultations resulted in significant consensus over several issues, including the removal of Section 40. Notably, this section had been misused in cases such as an entire village being claimed as Waqf property, farmers being blocked from selling land, and educational department lands being dragged into Waqf disputes. Out of 30 States/UTs, data was given only by eight States, where 515 properties have been declared as Waqf under Section 40.

Another major change involved empowering revenue officials, not just Waqf appointees, to conduct property surveys. This will align Waqf governance with mainstream land management.

Report finalised, Parliament to act next

The clause-by-clause consideration was completed in the 37th sitting of the Committee, held on 27th January 2025. The final report was submitted to the Lok Sabha Speaker on 31st January 2025.

With such widespread consultations involving religious institutions, activists, law universities, bureaucrats, and millions of citizens, the bill is expected to bring about a more accountable and equitable regime for Waqf properties in India.

The case of Dilwar Hussain Mozumder: Alleged ‘Journalist’ arrested under SC/ ST Act by Assam police hailed as ‘free speech crusader’

Dibakar Dutta
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The case of Dilwar Hussain Mozumder: Alleged ‘Journalist’ arrested under SC/ ST Act by Assam police hailed as ‘free speech crusader’

The arrest of a so-called ‘journalist’, Dilwar Hussain Mozumder, by Assam police has stirred quite a controversy not just in the State but the rest of the country. The usual suspects have thrown their weight behind him and are now hailing Dilwar as a free speech crusader.

For the unversed, Dilwar Hussain Mozumder was arrested on 25th March this year on charges of criminal intimidation and verbally abusing a Bodo tribal man with derogatory remarks. The so-called ‘journalist’ was quoted as saying – ‘Boro Jati Hoi Tumi Besi Kora‘.

The incident occurred when he went to ‘question’ the managing director of Assam Cooperative Apex Bank, accused of a multi-crore scam, in Guwahati.

Grounds for the arrest of Dilwar Hussain Mozumder

Dilwar Hussain Mozumder was booked under Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) Section 351(2) and the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

“The accused’s actions amount to an offence under Section 3(1)(r) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, as the remarks were made to intentionally insult, humiliate, and offend the dignity of the complainant, who belongs to a Scheduled Tribe,” the police report stated.

Dilwar runs a propaganda portal dubbed ‘The CrossCurrent’ and claims to be a ‘journalist.’ He is also the Assistant General Secretary of the Gauhati Press Club.

At the same time, he practices as an ‘advocate’, which is strictly against the rules of the Bar Council of India (BCI).

The so-called ‘journalist’ was granted bail on 26th March this year after his arrest a day earlier. A police complaint was filed against Dilwar by Dambaru Saikia, the Managing Director of Assam Cooperative Apex Bank.

Dambaru Saikia accused Dilwar of attempting to steal crucial bank documents, leading to the arrest of the so-called ‘journalist’ yet again on 27th March. He was granted bail a day later.

Dilwar had to remain in judicial custody on 28th March. On the following day, he was released on a surety bond of ₹20000.

On Tuesday (1st April), the Assam Police detained Toibur Rahman Mazumdar, the elder brother of Dilwar Hussain Mozumder, from Doboka in Hojai district of the State. The accused is said to be a teacher at a government school.

Usual suspects support Dilwar Hussain Mozumder

As expected, the usual suspects have extended their overwhelming support for the so-called ‘journalist.’ The Press Club of India posted a 2-page statement about Dilwar’s arrest.

“We condemn the Assam Police’s highhandedness in the matter,” it said.

There were protests by other ‘journalists’ in Guwahati, demanding the immediate release of Dilwar Hussain Mozumder.

Himanta Biswa Samra slams so-called ‘journalist’

On Tuesday (1st April), Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma spoke about the case of Dilwar Hussain Mozumder during a press conference.

He said, “Dilwar Hussain’s brother is an established mati dalal (land broker). He was arrested in 2021, and a chargesheet was filed against him. But even after the chargesheet, he has been teaching in a school; the government had not even suspended him.”

“That shows how deeply they are working below the government. Dilwar is also a dumper businessman; he has no qualities of a journalist. Go to Hojai and ask – the whole family is known as land brokers,” Sarma emphasised.

The Assam CM has previosuly pointed out that the State government does not recognise Dilwar as a ‘journalist.’

“Just because some Dilwar says that there are irregularities (in the ACAB), does it mean that there are irregularities? That a dying bank is now successful today, that ATMs and new technology have been brought to this bank, these things Dilwar does not know. Assam’s misfortune is that the people of Assam believe whatever Dilwar says. And we are against people like Dilwar. The BJP was born to end people like Dilwar,” Sarma had earlier stated.

Pastor Praveen Pagadala death: CCTV, eyewitness suggest drunk driving accident, Christian organisations claim foul play. All we know so far

OpIndia Staff
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Pastor Praveen Pagadala death: CCTV, eyewitness suggest drunk driving accident, Christian organisations claim foul play. All we know so far

On 25th March, Christian Pastor Praveen’s dead body was discovered next to his Royal Enfield motorcycle in Kondamuru near Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh. According to media reports, he was travelling from Vijayawada to Rajahmundry on the night of 24th March after attending an event at a church in Kovvur. His dead body had visible facial injuries and bloodstains.

Praveen Pagadala’s death has sparked political, communal and media tensions in the state. Christian organisations have claimed foul play and called it a “religiously-motivated murder”. However, CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts suggest otherwise, pointing to a series of events that indicate a possible case of drunk driving.

Claiming foul play in the matter, prominent community leaders and political figures, including BRS Youth Wing leader Ganjipeta Raju, have claimed that the placement of the bike on top of the dead body and bloodstain patterns around the scene point towards a planned murder. It has been claimed that the pastor was killed for his religious beliefs. A CBI probe under the supervision of a High Court judge has been sought in the matter.

A case has been registered at the East Godavari Police Station. The police are waiting for the post-mortem and forensic reports. However, several Telugu news channels have released CCTV footage showing him buying alcohol at two different liquor stores, once in Kodad and later in Eluru.

Speaking to the media, East Godavari SP D. Narasimha Kishore said that the pastor’s wife has recorded her statement in Hyderabad. Five police teams have been deployed to expedite the investigation.

Based on the CCTV footage and police inputs, the timeline of his being last seen is as follows:

  • At 4:45 PM, the pastor was seen at a Gollapudi petrol station, where employees noted that he was unable to speak properly.
  • At 5:13 PM, he was captured on CCTV at Mahanadu Junction.
  • At 5:30 PM, he met with an accident at Ramavarappadu and was taken to a nearby traffic booth by SI Subbarao and others.
  • Between 5:30 and 8:20 PM, he was seen resting near a roadside railing.
  • At 8:47 PM, he left for Eluru, where he again bought alcohol and was captured on CCTV.

One of the earlier incidents that evening involved a minor crash near Paritala, damaging his motorcycle’s headlight and safety rod. Later, in Vijayawada, Traffic SI Subbarao stated that Praveen fell off his bike, appeared disoriented, and was advised not to continue his journey. However, Praveen did not listen to the police and travelled further.

Political angle and ongoing probe

Christian groups have claimed that Praveen was receiving death threats from “communal outfits” and added that no formal police confirmation on this claim has been made public.

Andhra Pradesh Police are investigating the matter from all angles. The police stated that the investigation is pending. They have neither ruled out an accident nor confirmed foul play. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has ordered a comprehensive investigation to ensure transparency, in light of the protests and accusations.

The incident has attracted sharp reactions from different sections of society. While initial reports suggest that Praveen died in a road accident as he was drunk, Christian groups have vowed to continue their protests until justice is delivered. They have demanded a special law to ‘protect pastors’ in India.

‘Poor and Pasmanda Muslims will benefit from the Waqf Amendment Bill’, says JPC chief Jagdambika Pal

ANI
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‘Poor and Pasmanda Muslims will benefit from the Waqf Amendment Bill’, says JPC chief Jagdambika Pal

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Jagdambika Pal who was the Chairman of the JPC on the Waqf Ammendment bill on Wednesday said that the Bill, which is going to be tabled in the Parliament for passing, would benefit poor and Pasmanda (backward) Muslims.

Labelling it as a “historic day”, Pal said that the hard work of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), which took stakeholders in several states in confidence, has paid off. He added that JPC meetings were held and opposition was heard for eight hours every day.

“Our hard work has paid off…The government is coming with the bill in an amended form today. This is definitely a historic day. Today, with the passing of this bill, the poor and Pasmanda Muslims are going to benefit…We have conducted the JPC meetings in the last six months. We have heard them (opposition) 8 hours every day,” Pal, Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) chairman for the Waqf Amendment Bill, told ANI.

Speaking on the opposition to the bill, the BJP MP accused the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) of “politicising” the issue.

“Whether it is our opposition or the All India Muslim Personal Law Board appealing to wear black bands in Mosques during the prayer on Ramzan, they are politicising the issue,” he said.

BJP leader Mohsin Raza on Wednesday expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the Waqf Amendment Bill is set to be moved in the Parliament, saying that passing of the amendments to Waqf Act would be the biggest “Eidi” for marginalised Muslims.

“On behalf of all the downtrodden and backward Muslim brothers and sisters of the country, I thank Prime Minister Modi for this Waqf Amendment Bill. This will be the biggest ‘Eidi’ from PM Modi for backward Muslims,” Raza told ANI.

Meanwhile, Congress MP Kiran Kumar Chamala stood firm in opposition, saying that they would oppose the bill if it tried to “de-establish” a particular community. He said the government has agreed to hold an eight-hour debate in Lok Sabha today amid the ongoing budget session.

The issues, he added, raised by the opposition members must be considered and not “bulldozed” as it happened in the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for the Waqf Amendment Bill.

“Definitely, we will oppose this bill if something in it is against a particular community or trying to de-establish that community. They (the government) have given us eight hours today to discuss it. Our final agenda is that when there is a discussion, the issues raised by the opposition or the ruling should be considered because this is a democratic platform; they should not bulldoze as they did in the JPC,” Chamala told ANI.

As the parliament is set to convene again today, the legislative business suggests that Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju will move the Waqf Amendment Bill of 2025, which aims to amend the Waqf Act of 1995, for passing.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress are issuing whips to their MPs to ensure their presence in the House.

With the parties in the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance and the Opposition INDIA bloc showing no signs of bipartisan consensus building, the outcomes may be decided on the majority numbers on the floor.

The bill will be tabled after today’s Question Hour for consideration and passing. Following that, an 8-hour discussion will be held, subject to an increase.

The bill was presented in the Lok Sabha in August of last year, following which a Joint Parliamentary Committee was formed under Jagdambika Pal’s leadership for further consideration.

The bill aims to amend the Waqf Act of 1995 to redress the issues and challenges in regulating and managing Waqf properties.

The Amendment Bill seeks to improve the administration and management of waqf properties in India. It aims to overcome the shortcomings of the previous Act and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards by introducing changes such as renaming the Act, updating the definitions of waqf, improving the registration process, and increasing the role of technology in managing waqf records.

The Waqf Act of 1995, enacted to regulate Waqf properties, has long been criticised for issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments.


(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Punjab Police thwart a possible terror attack, Pak-ISI-linked operative arrested

ANI
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Punjab Police thwart a possible terror attack, Pak-ISI-linked operative arrested

In a significant development aligned with the ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security in Punjab, as directed by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Counter-Intelligence (CI) unit in Amritsar has successfully thwarted a potential terrorist attack.

This was achieved through the apprehension of an individual linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency, during which a hand grenade was also recovered, as shared by Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, on Tuesday.

According to the release issued, the arrested accused has been identified as Jaiveer Tyagi alias Jawed, a native of the village Baroli in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh (UP), currently residing in Ludhiana.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that CI Amritsar team has received an input revealing the abroad-based individual identified as Sehlam, who is working for Pakistan’s ISI, along with his cousin identified as Jaiveer Tyagi, has been hatching a conspiracy to target the government infrastructure through terror attacks in various cities to disturb peace and harmony in the state.

The input further revealed that Jaiveer Tyagi had also retrieved the consignment of hand grenade from the area of Amritsar and is waiting for his other accomplices near Tara Wala Pul in Amritsar to commit a major crime, he said, adding that acting swiftly on credible inputs, police teams from CI Amritsar launched an intelligence led operation and apprehended accused Jaiveer Tyagi after recovering one hand grenade from his possession.

The DGP said that further investigations revealed that the arrested accused, Jaiveer, had been residing in Ludhiana for the last 14-15 years and was in contact with Sehlam through encrypted messaging apps. The probe has also revealed that, on Sehlam’s instructions, the accused Jaiveer had procured the grenade, he said, adding that further investigations are on to establish forward and backward linkages in this case.

A case has been registered under Section 25 of the Arms Act, Sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act, and Sections 61(2) and 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) in Amritsar.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Madhya Pradesh: Muslim professor at Govt college caught on CCTV desecrating Lord Krishna Rangoli, booked

OpIndia Staff
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Madhya Pradesh: Muslim professor at Govt college caught on CCTV desecrating Lord Krishna Rangoli, booked

An incident of religious bigotry exhibited by a government college professor came to the fore in Madhya Pradesh’s Dewas district, where a Muslim assistant professor was booked by local police for wiping off a Rangoli depicting Radha-Krishna and the national flag—an act that was caught on CCTV. The professor, identified as Jujair Ali Rangwala, also faces accusations of posting offensive WhatsApp statuses.

Rangwala, an assistant professor of chemistry at the Government Arts and Commerce College in Kannod, was charged based on a complaint from the college administration. The CCTV footage has since gone viral on the internet.

As per reports, Jujair Ali Rangwala has been booked under Sections 298 and 196 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for damaging a sacred object and promoting enmity between communities.

“An FIR has been registered based on the acting principal’s complaint, and we have recommended to the higher education department that the professor be removed from his duties at the college,” said Rituraj, Dewas district collector, acknowledging the development and stating that immediate action was taken once the matter came to light.

The incident was brought to the authorities’ attention by students affiliated with the RSS’s student wing, the ABVP, who submitted CCTV footage allegedly showing the professor deliberately stepping on the Rangoli. They also provided screenshots of his controversial WhatsApp statuses, including posts related to India’s recent Champions Trophy victory.

While the WhatsApp posts were recent, the exact date of the CCTV footage remains unclear. The acting principal, Prem Pal, confirmed that the footage was from the college premises but noted uncertainty about when it was recorded. “We have filed an FIR against the assistant professor at Kannod police station,” he added.

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