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Kerala: Firdous Ali arrested in Ernakulam for raping an elderly woman

OpIndia Staff
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Kerala: Firdous Ali arrested in Ernakulam for raping an elderly woman

On Saturday (16th December), Firdous Ali, a native of Assam, was arrested by the Kadavanthara Police for the brutal rape and assault of an elderly woman near the Ernakulam North Railway Station in Kerala. The victim woman is in her 50s. She remains hospitalised following the heinous crime that occurred on 13th December.

According to the Kadavanthara Police, Firdous Ali, a resident of Assam, lured the victim, who was seeking a job at the North railway station, with promises of monetary assistance. The incident unfolded near the Ponnurunni railway track around 5:30 PM.

According to reports, accused Firdous Ali, who had recently been released on bail in a case registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, took the woman to a deserted area near the railway track. There he raped and assaulted her. Subsequently, he abandoned her by the railway track.

The victim woman was rescued by the local residents. She was found bleeding heavily with injuries to her genitals and bite marks on her body. She was promptly rushed to the Government Medical College Hospital in Ernakulam, where she is currently undergoing treatment. Despite the severity of the assault, her condition is reported to be stable.

Accused Firdous Ali was taken into custody on Saturday. During interrogation, he confessed to the crime. The police, led by Ernakulam Central Assistant Commissioner C Jayakumar, managed to track down the accused after his mobile phone, initially switched off, was later turned on. The Kadavanthara Police have invoked Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code against Firdous Ali in connection with the rape case.

‘Bhagwant Mann is the jail minister…Drug tablets are being sold inside the jails’: Navjot Singh Siddhu lashes out at Punjab CM over failure to check drug trafficking

OpIndia Staff
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‘Bhagwant Mann is the jail minister…Drug tablets are being sold inside the jails’: Navjot Singh Siddhu lashes out at Punjab CM over failure to check drug trafficking

Amid the Punjab and Haryana High Court pulling up the Punjab government on the steps taken to check drug trafficking, Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu alleged that under the watch of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, drug tablets are being sold in jails.

Sidhu also claimed that he is ready to leave politics if he is proved otherwise. “Law and order, drug mafia, jail. The High Court asked for a policy within a week. CM Bhagwant Mann is the jail minister. What did he do?… Drug tablets are being sold inside the jails… If I am proven a liar, I will leave politics,” Sidhu said, speaking to reporters on Saturday.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has recently sought a status report from the Punjab and Haryana governments on the steps taken after the BSF gave a list of 75 individuals suspected of involvement in drug trafficking to the Punjab Police.

The High Court took cognizance of a news article published in an English newspaper that mentioned that the Border Security Force (BSF) gave a list of 75 individuals suspected of involvement in drug trafficking to the Punjab Police.

Moreover, the High Court has made the Punjab and Haryana governments and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) parties in this case and has issued a notice and ordered them to file their replies.

According to the data released by BSF, BSF has seized around 755 kg of narcotics so far in the year 2023. 95 drones coming from Pakistan have been shot down. 36 Pakistani nationals have been arrested, of whom 15 rifles and 38 pistols have been recovered. In addition to this, nine Pakistanis who were trying to cross the border have been killed.

“The State of Punjab is directed to file a status report with respect to the steps being taken in pursuance of the report given to it by the BSF. The State of Haryana will also file a status report regarding the steps being taken in the state in the matter,” the court order read.

“NCB is also directed to file a status report giving details of the persons suffering from drug addiction in the States of Punjab and Haryana and what kind of steps can be taken, to make persons who till date are not in drug addiction, aware of the drug menace, and how they should be prevented from taking drugs, as the narcotic items recovered in the State of Punjab, as reported in the news paper, are huge,” it added.

Earlier on Monday, the Border Security Force (BSF) Special DG of Western Command said that it has given a list of suspected drug traders in the border areas of Punjab to the Punjab Police.

The BSF has also recommended their detention under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988.

Navjot Singh Siddhu released from jail

Earlier in April this year, Navjot Singh Sidhu was released from Patiala jail after serving a 10-month sentence for a road rage incident that resulted in a man’s death about 35 years ago.

Although he was awarded a one-year jail sentence in May 2022 in a 1988 road rage case, he was released two months early due to his good behaviour in prison.

On December 27, 1988, Patiala resident Gurnam Singh and Navjot Singh Sidhu got into a fight over a parking space. The former MP and his friend, Rupinder Singh Sandhu, dragged the latter out of his car and hit him. He later died in a hospital. The Congress leader was accused by an eyewitness of killing the latter with a strike to the head.

The duo had parked their Gypsy in the middle of the road near the Sheranwala Gate crossing in Patiala. When the elderly man reached the spot in a car, he asked them to make room for his vehicle which lead to a violent altercation between them.

(With inputs from ANI)

Odisha: Shri Mandir Parikrama Project in Puri complete, inauguration to be held in January 2024

OpIndia Staff
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Odisha: Shri Mandir Parikrama Project in Puri complete, inauguration to be held in January 2024

The Shri Mandir Parikrama Project in Puri has been completed. The newly built temple corridor will be inaugurated a week before the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The inauguration ceremony of Jagannath Temple Corridor is scheduled to be held from 15th January to 17th January 2024. Char Dham temples and over 1000 other Hindu shrines in the country will be invited for this program.

Invitations have also been sent to major Hindu temples across the world, and the King of Nepal. The project has cost Rs 943 crores. The Odisha government has compiled an exclusive guest list comprising prominent VIPs, corporate leaders, and celebrities for the upcoming grand event in Puri.

Shri Mandir Parikrama Project. Image source: Ommcomm

The Odisha government is set to unveil the Jagannath Temple Corridor in Puri through an elaborate ceremony. This corridor is named the Shri Mandir Parikrama Project because it serves the major purpose of seamless circumambulation of the temple by the devotees. It has been prepared at a cost of ₹ 943 crore. It has a green buffer zone of 7 meters and a pedestrian way of 10 meters.

Ranjan Kumar Das, chief administrator of the temple said, “We are inviting 857 temples in Odisha, and 180 major Indian temples including Vaishno Devi, Kamakhya Temple and Shirdi Sai temples will also be invited for the three-day inauguration event beginning from January 15. Four Holy Dhams as per Hindu religion and four other Dhams will be invited. We are sending the invitation to the King of Nepal, who enjoys special rights in Jagannath Temple. Invitations are being sent to major Hindu temples in other countries too.”

What is in the Shri Mandir Parikrama Project

The Shri Mandir Parikrama Project is designed to transform the rectangular corridor surrounding the 12th-century Jagannath Temple into a contemporary pilgrim centre, equipped with state-of-the-art amenities. These include a queue management system for 6,000 devotees, baggage screening facilities, a cloakroom capable of accommodating belongings for nearly 4,000 families, provisions for drinking water, restroom facilities, areas for hand/foot washing, information-cum-donation kiosks, shelter pavilions for shade and rest, multi-level car parking, a dedicated lane for shuttles and emergency vehicles, an integrated command and control centre, and a souvenir shop, among other features.

Details of the inauguration program

Ranjan Kumar Das informed that Lokarpan Yajna will be performed from 15th January to 17th January 2024. He said, “Recitation of Vedas will be done at the four gates of the temple. Rigveda for eastern gate, Yajurveda for southern, Samaveda for western and Atharvaveda for northern gate have been finalised.”

Uniform painting is underway for the prominent structures along the three-kilometre-long Grand Road, which links the Jagannath Temple and Mausima Temple. Additionally, all temples and subsidiary shrines will be adorned with vibrant lighting.

Officials have reported the completion of all civil works for the Shri Mandir Parikrama Project, with the remaining landscaping tasks expected to conclude by the end of this calendar year.

Project Timeline

In November 2019, the process of land acquisition for the Shri Mandir Parikrama Project commenced, involving more than 600 residents residing in the vicinity of the temple relinquishing 15.64 acres deemed crucial for the establishment of a security zone. The foundation stone for the project, aimed at transforming the area within a 75-meter corridor along the boundary wall of the Jagannath Temple into a modern pilgrim centre equipped with contemporary amenities, was laid by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in November 2021.

PM Modi to inaugurate Surat Diamond Bourse, which overtook the US Pentagon to become world’s largest office complex

ANI
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PM Modi to inaugurate Surat Diamond Bourse, which overtook the US Pentagon to become world’s largest office complex

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Surat in Gujarat and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday. On Sunday, at around 10:45 AM, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the new integrated terminal building at Surat Airport. Following this, at around 11:15 AM, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the Surat Diamond Bourse, a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office said.

Thereafter, PM Modi will travel to Varanasi, and at around 3:30 PM, he will participate in the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra. At around 5:15 PM, he will inaugurate Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2023 at Namo Ghat.

PM Modi will inaugurate the new integrated terminal building at Surat Airport. The terminal building is equipped to handle 1200 domestic passengers and 600 international passengers during peak hours and has provisions for further increasing the peak hour capacity to 3000 passengers, with the annual handling capacity increasing to 55 lakh passengers, the release said.

The terminal building, as it is the gateway to Surat City, has been designed with its local culture and heritage, ensuring that the essence should reflect both in interior and exterior, creating a sense of place for the visitors.

The facade of the upgraded terminal building aims to enrich the passenger experience with the rich and traditional woodwork of the old houses of the ‘Rander’ region of Surat City, the release stated.

The GRIHA IV compliant, new terminal building of the airport is equipped with various sustainability features like a double-insulated roofing system, canopies for energy savings, a low heat gain double-glazing unit, rainwater harvesting, water treatment plant, sewage treatment plant, the use of recycled water for landscaping and solar power plant, among others.

PM Modi will also inaugurate the Surat Diamond Bourse. It will be the world’s largest and most modern centre for international diamond and jewellery businesses. It will be a global centre for trading both rough and polished diamonds as well as jewellery.

Bourse will comprise a state-of-the art ‘Customs Clearance House’ for Import-Export; a jewellery mall for retail jewellery businesses; and a facility for international banking and safe vaults, the release said.

In Varanasi, the Prime Minister will participate in the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra at the Cutting Memorial School grounds in Varanasi. There, the Prime Minister will interact with the beneficiaries of various government schemes, such as PM Awas, PM SWANidhi, PM Ujjwala among others.

In line with his vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, the Prime Minister will inaugurate Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2023 at Namo Ghat. On the occasion, PM Modi will also flag off the Kanyakumari-Varanasi Tamil Sangamam train, the release said.

On Monday, at around 10:45 AM, the Prime Minister will visit Swarved Mahamandir, which will be followed by its inauguration in a public function at around 11:30 AM.

At around 1 PM, PM Modi will participate in the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra. Thereafter, in a public function, at around 2:15 PM, the Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 19,150 crores.

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

‘Dharavi tender was finalised transparently when MVA govt was in power’: Adani group responds to Uddhav Thackeray’s allegations against the redevelopment project

OpIndia Staff
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‘Dharavi tender was finalised transparently when MVA govt was in power’: Adani group responds to Uddhav Thackeray’s allegations against the redevelopment project

On 16th December (Saturday), Adani Group released a press statement asserting that the project for the redevelopment of the Dharavi slum in Mumbai was awarded to the Adani Group through a fair, open, and internationally competitive bidding process. The group highlighted that the tender conditions were finalised when the MVA government was in power.

The official response from the company came in the backdrop that Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former Maharashtra CM  Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday led a protest march of the party, alleging favour to Adani Group in connection with the Dharavi redevelopment project.

“It is unfortunate that a concerted effort is being made to disseminate misinformation about certain aspects of the project,” the press release said.

In its statement, the group noted, “The finalised conditions, including the obligations and incentives, which were known to all the bidders, have not been changed for the awardee post the tendering process. Hence, it is wrong to claim that any special benefits have been given to the awardee.” 

The group reiterated that all eligible tenement holders will be moved into their new homes in Dharavi itself. As per the tender conditions, even ineligible tenement holders will be provided accommodation under the Rental Housing Policy. The tender provisions also ensure that eligible residential tenements will receive 17% more area than other SRA projects in Mumbai, the statement added.

Meanwhile, addressing the protesters, Uddhav Thackeray alleged that the redevelopment project involves TDR irregularities worth more than Rs 100 crore, which is the “biggest scam in the world”. Leading the march from Dharavi to Adani office in Bandra, the former CM demanded that the government should redevelop the slum, not the Adani Group, and Dharavi residents should get the houses they deserve.

Regarding the TDR allegations, the Adani group stressed that the resettlement of Dharavikars is not affected by Transferable Development Rights (TDR). Also, the TDR from the project will be managed and monitored transparently through a specially created portal by the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) and the Government of Maharashtra, the group added in its press release.

CM Eknath Shinde also countered Uddhav Thackeray for his opposition to the project, saying that when Uddhav Thackeray became the CM under the MVA alliance, he had stalled many projects started by the earlier BJP-Shiv Sena government, which had impeded the development of the state.

Notably, in July, the Maharashtra government officially awarded the Dharavi Redevelopment project, spanning 259 hectares, to an Adani group firm.

The Maharashtra government has entered into a 99-year lease agreement with the Indian Railways and then it will be sub-leased on 30 years+30 years basis like any other government land in Mumbai to the housing societies. There is no change in this policy for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, the release added.

The official release has been issued through the Spokesperson of Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Ltd (DRPPL). In the statement, the Spokesperson added, “There is a general consensus, not only in Mumbai and Maharashtra but also across the whole of India, for transforming Dharavi and providing the people of Dharavi with better living conditions, adequate hygiene, education, and vocational training, healthcare, employment opportunities, essential amenities and a life of dignity.”

The DRPPL stressed that the Dharavi project assumes added significance because many earlier attempts have failed to deliver. 

“There is no gainsaying the fact that a transformational project like Dharavi needs support from all stakeholders, including from political parties cutting across ideologies and differences. This is a historic opportunity to build a new, state-of-the-art Dharavi which reflects the hopes and aspirations of Dharavikars,” the press release further added. 

It is important to note that in August 2023, the Maharashtra government filed an affidavit regarding the project in the Bombay High Court. The affidavit stated that the tender process for the Dharavi redevelopment project was “absolutely transparent” and “no undue favour” was given to the highest bidder, Adani Group.

India proposes to recreate a maritime voyage to Oman, stitched ship to sail from Mandvi to Muscat

ANI
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India proposes to recreate a maritime voyage to Oman, stitched ship to sail from Mandvi to Muscat

In a landmark development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tarik, have revealed an ambitious proposal to recreate a historic maritime voyage, reviving ancient trade routes between India and Oman.

The leaders fondly recalled the rich history of maritime trade that facilitated the exchange of goods and ideas for centuries.

“PM Modi and Sultan of Oman recalled the long history of maritime trade between India and Oman, enabling the exchange of goods and ideas across millennia. They reflected on the significant role played by dhows in facilitating trade and cultural exchanges, contributing to a longstanding and enriching history of interaction between the Indian subcontinent and the Arabian Peninsula, especially Oman,” a joint statement read.

The tentative plan outlines a journey that would see the ship setting sail from the port of Mandvi in Gujarat to Muscat, with the anticipated timeline set for sometime in 2025-26. Further voyages to other regions are also under consideration.

The leaders appreciated a proposal by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, to recreate a maritime voyage of a stitched ship, crafted with ancient know-how in India. The tentative plan is for the ship to sail from the port of Mandvi in Gujarat to Muscat sometime in 2025-26, followed by further voyages to other regions, the joint statement added.

Both leaders expressed confidence that this maritime voyage would “spotlight the ancient and historical connections between India and Oman, thereby strengthening the bedrock of mutual trust and people-to-people ties between the two nations,” the statement also read.

At the invitation of the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Sultan of Oman, paid his maiden state visit to India on December 16, 2023. Sultan Haitham bin Tarik was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu hosted a banquet dinner in honour of the Oman Sultan.

This visit is of special significance as it marks the Sultanate of Oman’s Sultan’s first visit to India in over 25 years since the late Sultan Qaboos’ visit in 1997. His Majesty’s visit follows the visit of the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, to the Sultanate of Oman in February 2018, the joint statement also said.

PM Modi and Sultan Haitham bin Tarik held closed consultations followed by delegation-level talks on Saturday. The meetings were marked by great warmth and friendliness. The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the excellent state of bilateral relations, which have stood the test of time, evolving into a strong and enduring partnership built on historical ties, mutual trust and respect, and shared interests, it added.

The two leaders noted with satisfaction the continued exchange of high-level visits, which have helped progress in the various areas of cooperation. Both leaders also held discussions on the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation, including political and security cooperation, defence, trade, energy security and renewables, healthcare, education, culture, and people-to-people relations.

On the sidelines of the visit, an India-Oman Joint Commemorative Postage Stamp was released, symbolising the long-standing cultural and people-to-people relationship between the two countries. The Joint Postage Stamp depicts traditional folk dances, artfully showcasing the cultural heritage of India and Oman and will be cherished by both philatelists and art enthusiasts in both countries.

Sultan Haitham bin Tarik also expressed his gratitude to India for inviting the Sultanate to participate in the G20 as a special guest country. He also appreciated India for the successful organisation of the G20 Summit and two editions of the Voice of Global South Summit, acknowledging India’s role in facilitating a platform for global cooperation and discussions on critical international issues.

The Sultan of Oman also commended India and Prime Minister Modi for the remarkable achievement of India’s G20 Presidency in bringing together and uniting countries with diverse worldviews and priorities to culminate in the adoption of the landmark New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration, according to the joint statement.

During the ongoing visit, as many as six MoUs were signed.

Both leaders expressed their confidence in the ample scope for the further development of bilateral relations. Sultan Haitham bin Tarik thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the warm and generous hospitality of the government and the people of India. His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik also extended a cordial invitation to Prime Minister Modi to visit the Sultanate of Oman, the joint statement read.

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

Largest ever outreach initiative: Modi govt’s Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra reaches over 2.50 Crore citizens across 68,000 Gram Panchayats in just a month

OpIndia Staff
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Largest ever outreach initiative: Modi govt’s Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra reaches over 2.50 Crore citizens across 68,000 Gram Panchayats in just a month

On 16th December (Saturday), Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with and addressed the beneficiaries of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra (VBSY) which recently completed its one month. During his address, PM Modi asserted that the ‘Modi ki guarantee’ vehicle is now reaching all parts of the country.

Notably, PM Modi had flagged off the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra on 15th November from Khunti, Jharkhand and it is the largest ever-outreach initiative of the Indian government. With the spirit of “Jan Bhagidari”, the initiative aims to ensure 100% saturation of government schemes. It will cover 2.60 lakh Gram Panchayats and 4000+ urban local bodies across the nation by 25th January 2024. 

During today’s event, PM Modi interacted with thousands of Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra beneficiaries from across the country. This was the fourth time that PM Modi interacted with various benefactors since the start of this yatra. A large number of Union Ministers, MPs, MLAs, and local-level representatives also joined the program.

During the programme, PM Modi noted that the VBSY could not begin earlier due to the Model Code of Conduct during elections. He urged the newly elected governments of the five states to rapidly expand the VBSY in their state. Consequently, the Prime Minister flagged off the VBSY in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Mizoram. 

Addressing the beneficiaries, PM Modi stated that in its one-month journey, the VBSY has reached thousands of villages as well as 1500 cities which include smaller cities and towns. 

Highlighting its Jan Andolan aspect, PM Modi asserted, “Even though Modi has flagged off the Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra, the truth is that today the countrymen have taken charge of it.”

PM Modi stressed that the government is focussed on reducing people’s issues as a family member. He also highlighted the assistance provided by the government during the coronavirus pandemic, including disbursal of thousands of crores of rupees into the bank accounts of 20 crore women, ensuring free covid vaccine, free ration for poor families, and assistance worth lakhs of crores to small businesses. 

PM Modi remarked, “Modi’s guarantee begins when expectations from others cease.”

PM Modi added that the government is committed to saving money for urban families, be it exemption in income tax or low-cost treatment. He highlighted the inclusion of crores of urban poor where the Ayushman Card has helped them save Rs 1 lakh crore on medical expenses. He also mentioned the Jan Aushadhi Kendras where medicines are made available at an 80 percent discount, thus saving more than Rs 25,000 crores for the poor and middle class living in cities.

PM Modi also informed the government’s decision to increase the number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras to 25,000. Concluding the address, PM Modi noted, “‘Modi Ki Guarantee’ vehicle is also empowering both youth power and women” and urged everyone to take maximum advantage of VBSY.

Here are the key statistics and achievements of the VBSY: (As of December 16, 2023; 1:00 PM) 

(Overall Report, Source – Official Press release by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting)
(From health check-ups to issuing Ayushman cards, the table shows stats of Yatra’s on-spot services and their impact)
(The tables show gram Panchayats with 100% Ayushman coverage, Har Ghar Jal connections, digitised land records, and ODF Plus status)

In a short span of just one month, the Yatra has reached more than 2.50 Crore citizens across 68,000 Gram Panchayats (GPs) in the country. Further, nearly 2 Crore individuals have taken Viksit Bharat Sankalp and over 2 Crore beneficiaries of Central Government Schemes have shared their experiences under the ‘Meri Kahani Meri Zubani’ initiative. 

I don’t feel safe here, can’t even go to a park without being harassed: Pakistani actress Ayesha Omar exposes the ugly truth of her country

OpIndia Staff
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I don’t feel safe here, can’t even go to a park without being harassed: Pakistani actress Ayesha Omar exposes the ugly truth of her country

Famous Pakistani actress and YouTuber Ayesha Omar recently opened up about the challenges women face in the country and related her own early experiences with harassment. She voiced her serious concerns about Pakistan’s lack of safe public spaces for women during a discussion on the Adnan Faisal Podcast. She brought attention to the problem of women feeling insecure on the streets and roads. She declared that she no longer felt secure in her native country and acknowledged the ongoing fear and uncertainty that exist there.

Furthermore, she is thinking of leaving the country due to the present state of the economy and the safety of women there. “I don’t feel safe here. I want to be able to walk on the road. It’s a basic human need to be able to walk outside in the open air. All these women in your office, can you guys walk on the street? Isn’t that sad? I don’t want to sit in a car. I want to cycle. Why can’t I ride a bike,” the celebrity lamented the poor status of women’s security in the Islamic Republic.

She explained the particular difficulties that Pakistani women confront and pointed out that men might never really understand the constant trepidation and stress that women experience on a daily basis. “Men can never understand what Pakistani women grow up with. As much as you try, you cannot. Because of the fear that a woman has in this country, sure, he who has daughters may understand. Being in a woman’s shoes and understanding that is impossible. You’re anxious every second.”

She emphasised that safety and freedom are fundamental human needs and expressed her sincere wish for a time when women are able to move freely within their nation without dread of abduction, rape or mugging. “When will the time come when I can roam freely in my country? Without the fear of being kidnapped, without the fear of being raped, without the fear of being mugged. It’s a basic human need. Freedom and safety.”

While admitting that crime exists in every nation, she argued for a shift in societal perceptions and the establishment of a safe environment in which people, especially women can stroll on the street without fear. She shared stories of being followed, catcalled and harassed in order to bring attention to the upsetting reality that many women encounter when trying to enjoy public settings.

“There is crime in every country in the world. But people can, at least, walk on the road. You can’t even go to the park without ten people following you or catcalling you. They say weird things, they try to touch you. What do you do? What do you do,” the Pakistani star questioned helplessly. “We can go to the enclosed places but not everyone can afford access to these alternative spaces,” she concluded. 

She unveiled that the cook of her neighbour had made unwanted attempts to touch her and went on to add that she feels frightened even in posh areas. The actor pointed out that the COVID-19 shutdown was the only time she felt comfortable walking around the city. She disclosed that her mother intends to depart the nation and that her brother who was born in Pakistan now resides in Denmark.

Watch the entire interview below:

Odisha: Kashmiri fraudster posing as PMO official from Jaipur arrested by STF

ANI
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Odisha: Kashmiri fraudster posing as PMO official from Jaipur arrested by STF

The Odisha Special Task Force (STF) arrested a Kashmiri fraudster who was also wanted by Kashmir Police in connection with cheating and forgery and has a non-bailable warrant pending against him.

The accused has been identified as Sayed Ishaan Bukhari, also known as Ishaan Bukhari and Dr Ishaan Bukhari.

As per an STF release, the accused was found to be impersonating a Neuro Specialist Doctor, an Army Doctor, an officer in PMO, a close associate of some high-ranking NIA officials etc.

The 37-year-old accused hails from Kupwada district in Jammu and Kashmir and is suspected to have anti-national links, the release said.

As per the release, it was also found that the accused has married at least 6-7 girls from various parts of India including Kashmir, UP, Maharashtra and Odisha. He was also active on various websites/ Apps and was in romantic relationships with many girls impersonating a doctor with international degrees.

“On getting reliable information, on December 15, a team of STF with the help of local police officials and in the presence of witnesses, conducted a raid at Neulpur, Dharmshala, Jajpur and arrested one Sayed Ishaan Bukhari @ Ishaan Bukhari @ Dr Ishaan Bukhari, 37 Years S/o. Sayed SaifeUddin Bukhari @ Peer Mohammad Muqbool At-85, Peer Mohalla, Handwara, Kupwara, Jammu & Kashmir-193221 At/Pr. Neulapur PS. Dharmasala Dist. Jajpur, Odisha for impersonation/cheating/ forgery and links with anti-national elements,” the release stated.

A case has also been registered by STF under Sections 419/420/465/467/468/471/120(B) IPC r/w. Sec. 66 C/66 D of IT Act, 2000.

During the raid, many incriminating materials including more than 100 documents were seized, the release stated.

JN Pankaj Inspector General, STF Odisha said that it was also found that he was in touch with suspicious persons in Kerala and some Pakistani nationals.

Numerous forged documents like medical degree certificates issued by Cornel University of USA, Canadian Health Services Institute, Christian Medical College Vellore etc. were seized. Some blank signed documents/ affidavits/ Bonds, numerous Identity cards, ATM cards, blank Cheques, Aadhar cards, visiting cards etc. were also seized, he added.

Further investigation is underway, the release added.

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

UP: Armyman’s sister abducted by Izmamul, Alamgir, Meraj Ansari, and Naushad Ansari in Kushinagar, father alleges forced religious conversion

श्रवण शुक्ल
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UP: Armyman’s sister abducted by Izmamul, Alamgir, Meraj Ansari, and Naushad Ansari in Kushinagar, father alleges forced religious conversion

On Friday (December 15), a 20-year-old girl was abducted in Uttar Pradesh’s Kushinagar at about 4 a.m. The girl had gone out to attend nature’s call with her mother at the time when accused Izmamul Ansari, Alamgir, Meraj Ansari, and Naushad Ansari came in their Bolero car and abducted her. In this case, the victim’s family has appealed to the police to bring the girl back. According to the father of the kidnapped girl, the kidnappers were recognised by his wife, who is from the same village but belongs to a different community. He claimed they intended to convert his daughter to Islam. The victim’s father expressed his apprehension that if the girl is not found soon, the perpetrators might harm her.

This incident occurred in the Kushinagar district’s Ramkola police station precinct. The girl’s mother screamed for help, but the abductors forced her face against the wall and took the victim with them. The victim’s father said that the abductors fled in their Bolero car along with the girl as soon as the villagers gathered. According to media reports, all of the perpetrators have been identified, and an FIR has been registered. Moreover, the police have apprehended three people so far. 

The FIR also names a woman identified as Quresha Ansari. Quresha is allegedly involved in the religious conversion conspiracy along with the accused persons. OpIndia has a copy of the FIR, in which the complainant stated that his daughter had been abducted by Izmamul Ansari, Alamgir, Meraj Ansari, Naushad Ansari, and Pravet alias Parvez Ansari. In addition to Quresha Ansari, one Sahim Akhtar has also been named in the FIR.

According to the victim’s father, all of the accused were from the same village. According to him, the abductors had been stalking his daughter for a long time and had planned to convert her to Islam. When the perpetrators failed, he claimed, they kidnapped the girl.

The victim’s brother told OpIndia that there had previously been incidents of Hindu-Muslim hostility in their village. Moreover, some Muslim girls from the village had married Hindu boys during this time. The kidnapped girl has a brother who serves in the Indian Army and due to this, several members of the Muslim community harass his family. According to the victim’s brother, these people have been trying to convert his sister to Islam, marry her, and humiliate his family. Due to these reasons, the victim’s brother alleges, that the accused persons have abducted his sister. 

The victim’s brother, who was crying over the phone, revealed that his sister had been kidnapped for more than 30 hours and had yet to be found. At the same time, the authorities are yet to apprehend any of the main accused in the matter. 

Speaking to OpIndia, Ramkola police station in-charge Raju Singh confirmed the incident.  According to Raju Singh, the police initiated action as soon as the complaint was filed. He stated that a case had been registered in this regard under section 366 (Kidnapping, abducting or inducing woman to compel her marriage, etc) of the IPC and that three people had been taken into custody. Meanwhile, police teams have been deployed to recover the abducted girl.

Officer Singh further informed that all the perpetrators mentioned in the complaint have been named in the FIR. He added that the three youths detained by the police are being interrogated. The officer clarified that the three of them had been detained and not arrested. The police said that at present their top priority is to find the victim.

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