Home Blog Page 4458

Mutant variants of coronavirus detected in 18 states, says Health Ministry, yet to confirm cause behind sudden rapid spread

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Mutant variants of coronavirus detected in 18 states, says Health Ministry, yet to confirm cause behind sudden rapid spread

The Health Ministry in a statement today stated that the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) through its genome sequencing showed a new “double mutant variant” of the Coronavirus along with several variants of concern (VOCs), including foreign variants, are spreading in India.

The INSACOG is a collection of 10 National laboratories designated by the Health Ministry in order to carry out genomic sequencing and analysis of circulating COVID-19 viruses and correlate epidemiological trends with genomic variants.

“Since INSACOG initiated its work, 771 variants of concerns (VOCs) have been detected in a total of 10787 positive samples shared by states/UTs. These include 736 samples positive for viruses of the UK (B.1.1.7) lineage. 34 samples were found positive for viruses of the South African (B.1.351) lineage. 1 sample was found positive for viruses of the Brazilian (P.1) lineage. The samples with these VOCs have been identified in 18 States of the country.” the Health Ministry said.

The INSACOG laboratories were responsible for the genome sequencing and analysis from the samples of arriving international travellers, contacts of those positive for VOC and community samples from most of the states.

“The analysis of samples from Maharashtra has revealed that compared to December 2020, there has been an increase in the fraction of samples with the E484Q and L452R mutations. Such mutations confer immune escape and increased infectivity. These mutations have been found in about 15-20% of samples and do not match any previously catalogued VOCs. These have been categorized as VOCs but require the same epidemiological and public health response of “increased testing, comprehensive tracking of close contacts, prompt isolation of positive cases & contacts as well as treatment as per National Treatment Protocol” by the states/UTs,” the Health Ministry added.

The Health Ministry shed more light on additional VOCs, “From Kerala 2032 samples (from all 14 districts) have been sequenced. The N440K variant that is associated with immune escape has been found in 123 samples from 11 districts. This   variant was earlier found in 33% of samples from Andhra Pradesh, and in 53 of 104 samples from Telangana. This variant has also been reported from 16 other countries including UK, Denmark, Singapore, Japan and Australia. As of now these can be at best said to be variant under investigation.”

In its press release, the Health Ministry made clarified, “Though VOCs and a new double mutant variant have been found in India, these have not been detected in numbers sufficient to either establish a direct relationship or explain the rapid increase in cases in some states. Genomic sequencing and epidemiological studies are continuing to further analyze the situation.”

Gaushala scam in Rajasthan: Over 62 lakh worth of government grant paid to six cow shelters without a single cow

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Gaushala scam in Rajasthan: Over 62 lakh worth of government grant paid to six cow shelters without a single cow

The Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department of Rajasthan have unearthed an alleged Gaushala Scam worth crores of rupees. As per the reports, the during verification drive in Jaisalmer, the department found that 12 out of 25 cow shelters were taking grant from the central and state government, but they did not have even a single cow. The department has initiated a probe in the case.

Over 62 lakh paid to six cow shelters without a single cow

As per reports, the directors of the 12 cow shelters where not even a single cow was found were taking grant from the state and central governments under different schemes. Out of these 12, six notified the department that they had 1814 cows and received over Rs.62 lakhs in the last year alone. The department has issued notice to all cow shelters and demanded an explanation.

  • Kothari Uththan Sansthan’s Gaushala had received Rs.14,29,200 last year by claiming they were taking care of 416 cows. Not a single cow was found.
  • Janj Vikas Sansthan‘s Gaushala had received Rs.12,07,800 last year by claiming they were taking care of 345 cows.
  • Rata Baba Gaushala Vikas Sansthan‘s Gaushala in Lakha village had received Rs.6,48,000 last year by claiming they were taking care of 201 cows.
  • Aman Gaushala in Mangliyon ki Dhani, Chandhan had received Rs. last year by claiming they were taking care of cows.
  • Gul Raushan Gaushala in Jaisurana had received Rs.11,61,000 last year by claiming they were taking care of 333 cows.
  • Chanane Vikas Evam Seva Sansthan‘s Gaushala in Jaisurana had received Rs.10,78,200 last year by claiming they were taking care of 315 cows.

Lack of facilities in the shelters

As per the reports, the department found that there was a gross lack of basic facilities in the majority of the cow shelters. As per the rules, all cow shelters must have an arrangement for shade, food and water. These cow shelters are majorly used for the old, sick and stray cows. However, the department was able to find proper facilities in only four shelters. In 20 shelters, there was not even an arrangement of shade.

The declining number of cows in the shelter

The department noticed that the number of cows was on the decline in many shelters. According to a report in Hindi daily Dainik Bhaskar, in some of the shelters, only 10% of cows were there compared to the last year.

  • In Khawaja Gareeb Nawaz Gaushala, the department found only 26 cows compared to 273 last year.
  • In Vrindavan Gaushala, there were only 77 cows compared to 208 last year.
  • In Mohammad Gaushala, there were 205 cows last year, but this year the number declined to 72.
  • In Pannodharay Gaushala, the number of cows declined from 203 to 71.
  • In Aaidaan Gaushala, there were only 30 cows compared to 325 last year.
  • In Jaisan Kadri Gaushala, the department found only 230 cows compared to 535 last year.
  • In Deen Mohammad Gaushala, there were only 170 cows compared to 381 last year.
  • In Jannat Gaushala, 80 cows were found instead of 418.
  • In Sikandar Gaushala, only 50 out of 455 cows were found.

Department initiated probe

The Department of Animal Husbandary and Dairying has initiated a probe in the case. Dr Umesh Wargantiwar, Senior Veterinary Officer, said, “As per the government’s guidelines, officers were doing verification of the number of cows in the shelters in Jaisalmer for tagging. During the verification, the officers were shocked to learn that in many shelters, there were no cows and remaining did not have proper arrangements.” He further said that report on six cow shelters has already been sent to the senior officials, and the report on the rest of the cow shelters will be sent soon.

Dr Manoj Mathur, Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry department, said, “According to the regulations when a cow shelter applies for the grant, the department checks land papers and bills to check their eligibility for the grant. The money must be used for the welfare of the animals.” He further added that if the officers find any lack of facilities during the verification process, they guide the cow shelter directors about the steps they should take for improvement.

Bombay HC directs Mumbai Police to give three days prior notice to Arnab Goswami before any coercive action in the TRP case

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Bombay HC directs Mumbai Police to give three days prior notice to Arnab Goswami before any coercive action in the TRP case

Today the Bombay High Court allowed Arnab Goswami’s petition against Mumbai Police’s investigation into the Television Rating Points (TRP) scam to be admitted, whilst also granting the Republic TV Editor protection against police arrest.

The Bombay High Court Division Bench of Justices SS Shinde and Manish Pitale gave directions to the Mumbai Police, requiring them to send a three-day advance notice to Arnab Goswami prior to taking any coercive actions against him in the course of the investigation. Arnab is free to approach the court against any such notice by the Mumbai Police. This will act as protection against any arbitrary arrest of Goswami.

The Bench noted the seriousness of Goswami’s allegations, observing that “Serious malafides have been alleged by the petitioner (Arnab Goswami).”

The Chief Public Prosecutor representing the Mumbai Police informed the court that Mumbai Police will complete the investigation within 12 weeks. The court adjourned the case to June 28, and framed the following questions as issues of the case to be decided.

1. Whether the prayers made for quashing of FIR can be entertained in the absence of the petitioners being arraigned as accused.

2. In the absence of the petitioners being made as accused in respect of the FIR, whether the petition can be entertained for transfer of investigation to the CBI and direction not to take any coercive steps against the petitioner as also their employees and agents.

3. Whether the respondents (Mumbai Police) can be permitted to keep the sword of investigation hanging over the heads of petitioner for indefinite period without them being arraigned as accused.

4. Whether the Investigating officer can continue the investigation by invoking the widely worded clause of “suspect”

5. Whether the prayers in the Writ Petition can be entertained only on the grounds of serious malafides against the petitioners, when they are admittedly not accused in the FIR.

However, the court refused to stay the proceedings against Arnab Goswami and his channel. The court said that since neither the channel nor Goswami are made accused yet and there is no clarity from the investigating agency on the status of whether they will be made accused or not, the investigation would not be stayed at this stage. Earlier the court had expressed unhappiness over the police investigation in the case, saying that despite investigating the matter for over three months, the Mumbai Police had not unearthed any evidence against Republic channel.

It may be noted that the Mumbai Police continues to probe Republic TV in the TRP case despite having no evidence against the network. The original complaint and the FIR had both named India Today as the channel bribing households with BARC viewership tracking devices to watch their channel, but from the beginning, Mumbai Police chose to prosecute Republic TV instead. Recently Enforcement Directorate had also said that India Today had bribed to increase its viewership, while the central agency didn’t accuse Republic Network of doing so.

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan tests positive for Covid-19

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Bollywood actor Aamir Khan tests positive for Covid-19

Amidst the rising number of Covid-19 cases in the country, with Maharashtra being the number one contributor, several celebrities and leaders are testing positive for the infection. The latest name among the infected is of actor Aamir Khan. His spokesperson has issued a statement that he was tested positive for the infection. He said, “Mr Aamir Khan has tested positive for Covid 19. He is at home in self-quarantine, following all the protocols, and he’s doing fine. All those who came in contact with him in the recent past should get themselves tested as a precautionary measure. Thank you for all your wishes and concern.”

The actor has informed his staff and all those who came in his contact in recent days to take the test and necessary precautions. He urged everyone to follow the guidelines provided by the government. The actor has been busy with the shooting of his upcoming film Laal Singh Chaddha and will resume the shooting after recovery.

Khan recently left social media

After his 56th birthday, actor Aamir Khan had announced on all his social media pages that he is quitting the platforms.

Aamir Khan’s last post on social media before quitting all platforms.

He said, “Hey guys, thank you so much for all the love and warmth on my birthday. My heart is full. In other news, this is going to be my last post on social media. Considering that I am SO active anyway, I have decided to drop the pretence. We will continue to communicate as we did before. Lots of love, always.”

Recently while talking to paparazzi in Mumbai on why he left social media he said he was anyway never active and will continue to communicate with everyone like before but without social media. He said, “I live in my own world and have no presence on social media. I don’t even post anything.”

He further added, “I am not saying goodbye as I am around. We used to communicate before social media too. And now media will have bigger role to play in helping me communicate with my audience, as I will be reaching out to them through the press. I think you guys should be happier now.”

According to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Mumbai reported 3,512 new COVID-19 cases on March 23, taking the total to 3,69,426.

FIR filed against social media users for allegedly objectionable posts against NCP chief Sharad Pawar

OpIndia Staff
-
0
FIR filed against social media users for allegedly objectionable posts against NCP chief Sharad Pawar

The Pune Rural Police has filed an FIR against unidentified persons in connection with an alleged objectionable tweet about the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar.

The FIR was filed at Baramati Taluka Police station based on the complaint registered by one Abhijit Bhanudas Jadhav, an NCP functionary. A police officer privy to the details of the case revealed that the complainant had approached the police station over an objectionable tweet posted by a user after Sharad Pawar’s recent press conference and about a reply to that tweet.

“The content in both the tweet and reply is of objectionable nature. We have launched a probe into these accounts,” said the police officer as quoted by The Indian Express. The FIR was filed under Indian Penal Code sections pertaining to creating or promoting enmity, hatred or ill-will between classes.

According to BJP leader Suresh Nakhua, social media user Vedashree is one of the persons against whom the FIR is lodged. Vedashree had quoted a tweet posted by columnist Shefali Vaidya in which she had mocked Sharad Pawar after he was caught like a deer in a headlight when journalists questioned him about Deshmukh attending a press conference while being in hospital.

Vedashree had tweeted, “Look at his frustration, as if he has been made to sit on a hot pan…thoroughly enjoyed it.” It is also alleged that the other person against whom the complaint is lodged by the NCP functionary could be author Shefali Vaidya, who has been a vocal critic of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government. However, it is not certain Ms Vaidya has been named in the complaint.

Vedashree’s tweet

Quoting the video of Sharad Pawar’s press conference where he was confronted with conflicting facts about Anil Deshmukh, Ms Vaidya had posted a tweet asking how much is he going to lie.

Social media users raise questions after facts do not add up with Sharad Pawar’s claims

After former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh alleged that tainted police officer Sachin Vaze had a meeting with Anil Deshmukh wherein he was asked by the Home Minister to extort money from business owners in Mumbai, NCP chief Sharad Pawar had come in the defence of Deshmukh, alleging that he was in the hospital from February 6-16 and was later under quarantine from February 16 to 27.

Addressing the media amid a political storm over former Mumbai police chief Param Bir Singh’s corruption allegations against the home minister, Pawar said, “Anil Deshmukh was in the hospital from February 5 to 15 and from February 15 to 27, he was in home isolation in Nagpur.”

Pawar was caught off-guard when the journalists told him that Deshmukh had attended a press conference during the said time period. During the press conference, when journalists and reporters informed the NCP chief that Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh had organised a press conference on February 15 and that he was not in a hospital, Pawar appeared baffled as he reiterated his statement that Deshmukh was hospitalised during the said period. Pawar then went on to chastise the reporters for diverting the issue.

Several other discrepancies were also highlighted by social media users, further raising questions over the veracity of claims made by Sharad Pawar in the press conference.

Maha Vikas Aghadi government’s appallingly low tolerance to dissent and its penchant for suppressing Freedom of Expression

Ever since the Maha Vikas Aghadi came to power in Maharashtra, it has displayed little tolerance for criticism and dissenting views. Freedom of Expression of citizens has been suppressed as the politicians have demonstrated eager alacrity to prosecute people for criticising and mocking them. Those who have dared to raise their voice against the government and their leaders have been attacked and assaulted. Complaints have been filed against them so they can be legally prosecuted.

Recently, in a despicable incident, Shiv Sena goons assaulted a senior citizen for allegedly criticising Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. The video was uploaded by one Prashant Jagtap, who identifies as ‘Shivsainik’ and handles the party’s social media. In the said clip, the goons could be seen surrounding the victim from all sides and blackening his face with ink. The victim has been identified as Shirish Katekar, who is an RSS Swayamsevak from Pandharpur in Maharashtra.

In September 2020, a Navy officer was assaulted by Shiv Sena goons in Maharashtra for sharing a cartoon on WhatsApp. The WhatsApp forward was allegedly a satirical cartoon featuring Uddhav Thackeray and his allies Sharad Pawar and Sonia Gandhi.

The Maha Vikas Aghadi government also went to great lengths to prosecute social media users Sameet Thakkar and Sunaina Holey for making seemingly innocuous remarks that raised the hackles of the Maha Vikas Aghadi leaders.

In 2019, just after the Maha Vikas Aghadi government came to power in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena goons beat up a man and tonsured his head for criticising Uddhav Thackeray.

Supreme Court dismisses Param Bir Singh’s plea seeking CBI investigation against Anil Deshmukh

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Supreme Court dismisses Param Bir Singh’s plea seeking CBI investigation against Anil Deshmukh

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court of India rejected the petition by former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh, seeking a CBI probe into the allegations of ‘abuse of power’ against sitting Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh. He had also challenged his ‘arbitrary transfer’ from the post of Mumbai CP in his petition filed on Monday.

As per reports, a 2-Judge Bench comprising of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Hrishikesh Roy noted that the allegations and counter-allegations are serious in nature. “We do acknowledge the matter is serious. But power of article 226 is wide. The High Court can deal with it,” the Bench said. While dismissing his plea, the Supreme Court granted Param Bir Singh the liberty to approach the Bombay High Court.

In his petition, Param Bir Singh said that his transfer through an order on March 17 was a violation of Article 14 (Equality before law) and Article 21 (Protection of life and personal liberty) of the Constitution. He added that his transfer violated the ‘established principle of stability of tenure of civil servants.’ The petition read, “It is submitted that this Hon’ble Court in the case titled T.S.R. Subramanian v. Union of India, reported in (2013) 15 SCC 732, it was held that such transfers are against the public interest.”

It further added, “The transfer of the Petitioner from the post of Police Commissioner, Mumbai has been done without any justifiable reasons and only upon the whims of the political executive.” Param Bir Singh also argued that Maharashtra Home Minister interfered frequently with police investigations and displayed ‘malicious intent’ to extort money from various restaurants and other establishments in Mumbai.

“This shows interfering in the investigations and directing the same to be conducted in a particular manner, and corrupt malpractices in posting/transfers of officers, cannot be countenanced or justified in any democratic State,” he said. The petition emphasised, “These acts of political interference are illegal & unconstitutional and Courts in our country including the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India have in the past come down heavily on such acts of interference in police investigations.”

Letter of Param Bir Singh to Maharashtra CM and counter-allegations

The Mumbai cop had created a lot of stir after writing a letter to CM Thackeray on the 20th of March. He said in his letter, “Sachin Vaze, who was heading the Crime Intelligence Unit of the Crime Branch of Mumbai Police was called by Shri Anil Deshmukh, Hon’ble Home Minister, Maharashtra, to his residence several times in the last few months and repeatedly instructed to assist in the collection of funds for the Hon’ble Home Minister.”

Anil Deshmukh had promptly denied the allegations and claimed that Param Bir Singh was making false allegations to avoid legal consequences over his own involvement. 

Chief Justice SA Bobde recommends Justice NV Ramana as his successor after his retirement

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Chief Justice SA Bobde recommends Justice NV Ramana as his successor after his retirement

On Wednesday, Chief Justice of India SA Bobde recommended Justice NV Ramana as his successor as the Chief Justice of India. CJI Bobde is set to retire on April 23.

According to the reports, the Chief Justice of India has sent his formal recommendation to the Government of India to appoint the second senior-most judge in the Supreme Court – NV Ramana, as the next CJI. The development comes after the centre had asked the CJI to recommend his successor less than a month before his retirement.

Currently, Justice NV Ramana is the most senior judge in the Supreme Court after CJI Bobde. Born on August 27, 1957, Justice Ramana has tenure till August 26, 2022.

Justice Ramana has earlier served as the permanent judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court in June 2000. He served as Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court before being elevated to the Supreme Court in February 2014. If appointed, Justice Ramana will be the 48th Chief Justice of India.

Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde was sworn in as the 47th Chief Justice of India in November 2019, succeeding Justice (retired) Ranjan Gogoi.

Procedure for the appointment of the Chief Justice of India

The outgoing Chief Justice of India traditionally appoints the Chief Justice of India on the day or before his/her retirement. There are no exact provisions in the Constitution of India to appoint the Chief Justice of India. As there are no constitutional provisions, the procedure relies on custom and convention.

The procedure to appoint the next CJI is laid out in the Memorandum of Procedure (MoP) between the government and the judiciary. As per the Memorandum of Procedure (MoP), the sitting chief justice writes a recommendation for his successor.

The procedures for the appointment of members of the higher judiciary states that the appointment to the office of the Chief Justice of India should be of the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court considered fit to hold the office.

The rules stipulate that the law minister would seek the recommendation of the outgoing Chief Justice of India for the appointment of the next CJI at an appropriate time. The Chief Justice of India then recommends the name of the second senior-most judge as per the convention.

Based on the recommendation of the CJI, the law minister puts it before the Prime Minister who advises the President in the matter of appointment.

“Whenever there is any doubt about the fitness of the senior-most Judge to hold the office of the Chief Justice of India, consultation with other Judges…would be made for the appointment of the next Chief Justice of India,” the procedure further states.

Except for the law minister seeking the recommendation from the incumbent CJI and forwarding it to the Prime Minister, the government has no say whatsoever in the appointment of the CJI.

After her ‘Bengali vs Outsider’ rhetorics, Mamata Banerjee gets Congress ally Hemant Soren to campaign for her

OpIndia Staff
-
0
After her ‘Bengali vs Outsider’ rhetorics, Mamata Banerjee gets Congress ally Hemant Soren to campaign for her

On Tuesday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee informed that Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren will campaign for her party in the poll-bound state. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) supremo had earlier ditched its ally Congress and vowed his support to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the run-up to the crucial State Legislative polls.

As per reports, Hemant Soren will be campaigning for the TMC today (March 24) in the Purulia and Bankura constituencies. Both of them have a ‘sizeable population’ of Adivasis (tribals). The development comes days after Mamata Banerjee and her fellow party member Derek O’ Brien had initiated a debate around ‘Outsiders Vs Bengalis’.

‘Outsider vs Bengali’ rhetorics of the TMC

In a bid to rake up Bengali sentiments, the Trinamool Congress had attacked several BJP leaders by dubbing them as ‘outsiders’ in the land of Bengalis. In November last year, Mamata Banerjee urged people to ‘resist outsiders’. She remarked, “If some goons from outside come to our state and terrorise you, all of you should unite and resist them. I promise we will stand by you. We believe in peace. But few people come to the state only during the elections to terrorise others. We won’t allow them to have a free run here.”

In December last year, she again reignited the debate around ‘Bengali vs Outsider.’ She said, “Remember, BJP is not a party of Bengal but it is a party of Delhi and Gujarat. They should return to those states. Don’t trust the BJP or believe them. If you want to fight elections in Bengal, do it without bringing outsiders.” She continued to take potshots ahead of the election with ‘outsider jibe’ as well.

On March 21, Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien attacked Home Minister Amit Shah by calling him an ‘outsider’. In a tweet, he said, “A resident of Gujarat with a resident of Madhya Pradesh by his (right) side, releases a manifesto and then makes a full speech in Hindi to create a #ShonarBangla.” His ‘outsider’ jibe was despite the fact that Derek O’ Brien himself has Irish descent and therefore Anglo-Indian.

Earlier this month, the BJP slammed the Trinamool Congress for inviting its political allies from other States to campaign for the party. “The chief minister and her nephew have been calling the BJP as an outsider. But now they are inviting other parties to Bengal to counter the BJP. Are they not outsiders? Actually, the TMC is afraid and knows very well that it is going to lose this election,” BJP spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya emphasised.

West Bengal election scheduled from March 27

The West Bengal State Legislative polls will be conducted in 8 phases. The elections will commence from 27 and the counting will be done on May 2. Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora informed that the second phase will be conducted on April 1 for 30 constituencies, followed by the 3rd Phase on April 6. The 4th phase will be conducted on April 10, followed by 5th and 65th phase on April 17 and April 23 respectively. The last phase of polls will take place on April 29.


After Allahabad University VC, UP Minister Anand Swarup Shukla complains about loud Azaan on mosque loudspeakers

OpIndia Staff
-
0
After Allahabad University VC, UP Minister Anand Swarup Shukla complains about loud Azaan on mosque loudspeakers

After the Vice-Chancellor of Allahabad Central University, Professor Sangita Srivastava objected to the loud noise of loudspeakers at a mosque near her residence, Uttar Pradesh Minister of State (MoS) for Parliamentary Affairs Anand Swarup Shukla wrote to Ballia District Magistrate on Tuesday saying that the volume of loudspeakers at mosques should be fixed according to court orders.

Not able to perform government duties due to loudspeaker noise: Shukla

According to reports, Shukla said that he faced problem in performing everyday duties due to the noise of loudspeakers. “Namaaz is offered five times in a day, and throughout the day. As a result of it, I face problems in doing Yoga, meditation, puja and discharging government duties”, Shukla wrote in his letter referring to the Kajipura Madina Masjid in his constituency. He added that the loud sound coming from the mosque obstruct the studies of students in nearby schools.

Loud volume affects students, senior citizens: Shukla

“Religious publicity takes place through loudspeakers. Information regarding donations for the construction of mosques is disseminated in an extremely loud volume. This has an adverse impact on students, elder citizens and the health of patients. The common public is facing extreme noise pollution”, Shukla added.

Shukla said that the volume of loudspeakers at mosques should be fixed in accordance with the order of the Allahabad High Court and unnecessary loudspeakers should be removed.

Allahabad Central University VC had complained against Azan on loudspeaker

Earlier this month, Professor Sangita Srivastava had complained to the District Magistrate, the Commissioner of Police, the Inspector Genera and other officials about the Azaan played on loudspeakers at a mosque near her residence. She said that the sound of Azan disrupted her sleep early in the morning that in turn affected her work throughout the day. The Azaan on loudspeakers did not stop ever after her complaint. However, the management committee of the mosque concerned reportedly changed the direction of one of the two loudspeakers and reduced their volume.

‘Producer wanted to sleep with me’: Ankita Lokhande shares her experience of facing ‘casting couch’ in film industry

OpIndia Staff
-
0
‘Producer wanted to sleep with me’: Ankita Lokhande shares her experience of facing ‘casting couch’ in film industry

On Monday, actress Ankita Lokhande narrated her experience with the ‘casting couch’ in the Hindi film industry. She is the former partner of the deceased actor Sushant Singh Rajput and was the star of Ekta Kapoor’s hit TV show Pavitra Rishta.

Ankita has been one of the most popular and highest paid TV actors before she ventured out for movies.

In an interview with Bollywood bubble, the ‘Pavitra Rishta’ fame actress said that she encountered predatory men twice during her career. Ankita Lokhande recounted that her first experience with the ‘casting couch’ was when she very young, in her late teens. She was called for an audition in a South Indian film. She was asked to ‘compromise’ and sleep with the producer’ to bag a role in the film.

The actress emphasised, “I feel I am a very strong personality. I don’t let anybody look at me also like that. I’m like ‘Don’t you dare to do that.’ Yes, I have faced it once, no, I think I have faced it twice.” Ankita Lokhande recalled being ‘naive’ and asking “Which type of compromise does your producer want? Do I have to go to parties or dinners?”

Video Courtesy: Youtube/

On realising that the offer was to sleep with the producer, she told the person, “I think your producer wants a girl to sleep with, not a very talented girl to work with.” The man apologised and said that he would try to give her the role in the movie. However, a miffed Ankita Lokhande clarified, “Even if you try casting me now, I’m not interested in your film.” Following that, she left the place.

Her second encounter with the casting couch took place after she had already become a popular actress in the TV show ‘Pavitra Rishta.’ She said, “When I got back again into films, I felt it again, just shaking hands with that person. I don’t want to take names, he was a big actor.” Lokhande added, “I got those vibes, and I quickly got my hands away from him. I knew it, ab mera yahaan nahi hoga (it will not work out for me), because it is a give and take thing. I understood and I left from there because it was not for me.”

The actress made her Bollywood debut with Kangana Ranaut’s film ‘Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi’ in 2019. She was also seen in a supporting role in ‘Baaghi 3’.

1...4,4574,4584,459...7,655Page 4,458 of 7,655