Home Blog Page 544

Uttarakhand Avalanche: One more body recovered, death toll goes up to 5 while 3 remains missing

ANI
-
0
Uttarakhand Avalanche: One more body recovered, death toll goes up to 5 while 3 remains missing

Body of one more person missing in the avalanche that hit near Mana village in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand on February 28 has been recovered by the Army, an official said on Sunday.

With this the death toll in the avalanche has gone up to five and rescuers are continuing efforts to trace the remaining three missing individuals.

The body recovered today is being brought to Mana post as per PRO (Defence), Dehradun.

The search and rescue operation for the missing workers is ongoing, with multiple forces, including the Army, ITBP, Air Force, NDRF, and SDRF, working collaboratively to provide assistance, Uttarakhand chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said this morning.

He added that ground-penetrating radar, thermal imaging cameras, and victim-locating cameras are being utilised to locate the missing workers.

He mentioned that weather conditions in the area are improving, but the possibility of avalanches remains high, prompting authorities to halt work in high-altitude areas as a precaution.

Chamoli District Magistrate, Sandeep Tiwari, said earlier today, “Yesterday, doctors have confirmed four deaths. Earlier, the total number was 55, but now we have the information that one of the workers was on unauthorised leave, and he is home. The total number has been reduced to 54, out of which four people are still missing…”

According to Indian Air Force officials, a Mi-17 helicopter airlifted the drone-based Intelligent Buried Object detection system for search operations today in the avalanche-affected areas in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district.

IAF Cheetah helicopters have been engaged in rescue operations in the Mana area of Chamoli since Saturday in the avalanche that happened at the BRO camp near Mana village in Joshimath on February 28.

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

It happened suddenly and swept containers with workers inside away: Survivors of Uttarakhand Avalanche recount horror as rescue ops continue

ANI
-
0
It happened suddenly and swept containers with workers inside away: Survivors of Uttarakhand Avalanche recount horror as rescue ops continue

Survivors on Sunday recounted the harrowing experience of being trapped under snow after an avalanche struck near Mana village near Badrinath in the Chamoli district Uttarakhand.

The avalanche, which hit a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp on Friday morning and 55 workers were trapped under snow. According to the Army the workers were inside eight containers and a shed.

A total of 50 were rescued before operations were halted on Saturday owing to snowfall.

On Sunday morning, the Indian Army said that the body of one more worker was retrieved.

Vijay Pandey, one of the men who was rescued from the avalanche site admitted to Joshimath Army Hospital, said, “We were in the container when the avalanche hit us, and it swept the container away; we found ourselves in the snow. Nine of us were in the container, and out of which four are admitted here.”

Another survivor said, “I had never seen anything like that in my entire life… Anyhow, a few of us managed to reach the BRO camp…”

One of the survivors recalled the intensity of the avalanche, saying, “It happened so suddenly that we didn’t realise anything. All our containers were destroyed as it was a heavy storm, an avalanche. Anyhow, we managed to rush towards the army camp. What else could the Army and the government have done? The weather was so bad.”

Earlier today, Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman said that the ongoing rescue operation had made significant progress as weather conditions remained favorable.

“The weather has supported us. A total of 54 BRO workers were reported missing. Out of them, 50 were rescued, while four lost their lives. Four people are still unaccounted for, and search operations are underway. We remain hopeful of finding them soon,” he said.

Rescue teams continue to work on the ground, with efforts focused on locating the remaining missing individuals.

Earlier today a drone-based intelligent buried object detection system was airlifted by the Indian Air Force for deployment in search and rescue operations. Apart from this SDRF communication team from Joshimath left for the Shri Badrinath Dham with man pack repeater for the search and rescue of the missing BRO workers.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also reached the the Disaster Control Room in Dehradun, to review the rescue operation for the second consecutive day.

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

Israel stops entry of aid into Gaza during Ramazan after Hamas rejected American proposal to extend phase 1 of ceasefire

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Israel stops entry of aid into Gaza during Ramazan after Hamas rejected American proposal to extend phase 1 of ceasefire

Israel has stopped the entry of aides into Gaza as phase 1 of the ceasefire has ended. The Israeli PM’s office said that since Hamas didn’t agree to the American proposal to extend the ceasefire along with the release of more hostages, it is not allowing any more goods to enter Gaza during the occasions of Passover and Ramadan. Israel had accepted the US proposal, but Hamas rejected it.

The PMO said, “With the end of Phase 1 of the hostage deal, and in light of Hamas’s refusal to accept the [US special envoy Steve] Witkoff outline for continuing talks – to which Israel agreed – Prime Minister Netanyahu has decided that, as of this morning, all entry of goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip will cease.”

The statement added, “Israel will not allow a ceasefire without the release of our hostages,” and threatened further consequences if Hamas does not agree with it.

Israeli government believes that enough material has entered Gaza, which will last for several months, therefore, the halt in aid will not affect the people.

Notably, earlier Israel had said that it will adopt the proposal by U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza for the Ramadan and Passover periods. As per the Witkoff plan, half of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, both alive and dead, were to be released. The remaining hostages were to be released after a permanent ceasefire was agreed.

Witkoff made the proposal to extend the phase 1 of the ceasefire after realising more time was needed for talks on a permanent ceasefire.

However, Hamas rejected the proposal, calling it a manipulation. Hamas senior official Mahmoud Mardawi said, “This continued manipulation will not return the hostages to their families.. But on the contrary… it will lead to their continued suffering and endangering their lives.”

The ceasefire agreement began on January 19, during which 33 Israeli hostages and five Thais captured by Hamas during the October 7 attack were released. In exchange, Israel released around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

Talks on the second phase of the ceasefire have been ongoing. While Israel and US wanted the first phase to be extended, Hamas wants to move to the second phase.

Body of Congress worker found inside a suitcase in Haryana, victim was seen with Rahul Gandhi during ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’: Read FIR details

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Body of Congress worker found inside a suitcase in Haryana, victim was seen with Rahul Gandhi during ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’: Read FIR details

On 1st March, the body of a woman was found in a suitcase in the Sampla police station area of Rohtak District in Haryana. The woman was later identified as Congress worker Himani Narwal. Notably, Narwal had participated in Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra. Party leaders have expressed shock over the death of the party worker and demanded a high-level impartial investigation into the matter.

Reports suggest that the suitcase was spotted at around 11 AM. There was a smell coming from the suitcase. Commuters alerted the police. When the suitcase was opened, a dead body was discovered. The woman in the suitcase was wearing a white suit, and a black ‘chunni’ was around her neck. Investigation revealed she was strangulated. The dead body was not identified until noon. Later, Congress leader B.B. Batra stated that the body was of Congress worker Himani.

Her father had committed suicide eight years ago, and her brother was also murdered. After her brother’s death, her mother moved to Delhi to live with her second brother. Himani was staying in rented accommodation in Rohtak.

Content of the FIR

OpIndia accessed the FIR filed by the police soon after the discovery of the dead body. By the time the FIR was registered, the victim was yet to be identified. The FIR was registered at Sampla Police Station under Sections 103(1) and 238(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) on the complaint of PSI Narender.

In his complaint, PSI Narender stated that he was with his fellow police personnel, ASI Ravinder and HC Shambhu Dayal, at the bus stand square in Sonepat for patrolling. During the checking, they spotted a black suitcase in a suspicious condition near the bushes by the wall of the bus stand. Upon inspection, they discovered the dead body of a woman inside the suitcase.

The police team immediately informed the Station House Officer of Sonepat and the in-charge of MFSU about the situation over the phone and secured the crime scene. Soon, SHO and MFSU in-charge Saroj Dahiya reached the spot and examined the body.

Upon inspecting the body, it was found that she had been murdered, and the dead body was placed inside the suitcase. He pointed out that the suitcase was disposed of, possibly with the intent to destroy evidence.

Identification of the deceased

During the investigation, it was found that the deceased was aged between 20 and 22 years. She had a scarf wrapped around her neck and mehendi on her hands.

When OpIndia checked her Instagram profile, it was found that Himani had mehendi on her hands in the most recent video she had posted on 27th February 2025.

Source: Himani’s Instagram

Speaking to the media, SHO Bijendra Singh said that the girl seemed to have been murdered and her body was dumped on the road. He said, “We received information that a dead body has been found in a suitcase on the side of the highway, and we are investigating this matter. It seems that this girl has been murdered and her dead body has been thrown here. We are investigating the rest, and further action will be taken after registering a case. She is between 20 and 22 years old, and the body has just been found. We will identify it and take further action.”

Later, during a press conference, Congress MLA Bharat Bhushan Batra alleged that the deceased was Congress worker Himani Narwal. He pointed out that she had accompanied the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, during the Bharat Jodo Yatra. He added that she was an active party worker with Bhupinder Hooda and Deepinder Hooda during the election campaign.

Congress demanded high-level probe

Congress Haryana president Bhupinder Singh Hooda expressed shock over the incident. He called it a “blot on the law and order situation” in the state and demanded a “high-level and impartial” investigation into the matter.

In a post on X, he wrote, “The news of the barbaric murder of active Congress worker Himani Narwal in Rohtak is extremely sad and shocking. I pay my tribute to the departed soul and express my deepest condolences to the family members. The murder of a girl in this manner and finding her body in a suitcase is extremely sad and shocking. This in itself is a blot on the law and order situation of the state.”

He added, “There should be a high-level impartial investigation into this murder, and the government should provide justice to the victim’s family as soon as possible and impose the harshest punishment on the culprits.”

Punjab: Woman accuses Pastor Bajinder Singh of sexual assault, Christian evangelist was previously arrested for rape and murder

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Punjab: Woman accuses Pastor Bajinder Singh of sexual assault, Christian evangelist was previously arrested for rape and murder

A 22-year-old woman has filed a complaint with the Punjab police in Kapurthala, accusing Pastor Bajinder Singh of sexually assaulting her as a teenager.

The police registered a case of sexual harassment, criminal intimidation and stalking against the Christian evangelist on Friday (28th February). The victim had been attending Pastor Bajinder Singh’s congregation since December 2017.

By 2020, she had become a part of his ‘worship team.’ According to the victim, the Christian evangelist began sending her unwanted messages after taking her phone number. She was only 17 years old then.

“I started fearing him and was wary of informing my parents. In 2022, he started making me sit in his cabin on Sundays. When I would be alone, he would forcibly hug me and touch me in a dirty way,” the FIR read.

“He started chasing me in his car when I would go to college and he would threaten me that if I would not marry him or would inform my parents, he would get my parents and brother killed. I started having panic attacks,” the woman informed.

She said that Pastor Bajinder Singh also promised to marry her, despite already being married. The victim suffered panic attacks and had to receive treatment in 3 different hospitals.

She informed the police that Pastor Bajinder Singh threatened her before her marriage to another Christian preacher, Raja Singh, in March 2023. The victim added that he tried to intimidate her into silence by making the President of his Church talk to her mother.

Pastor Bajinder Singh runs the Church of Glory and Wisdom and is known for fraud ‘miraculous healings.’ He was previously arrested for the rape of a woman in Zirakpur (Punjab) in July 2018. Prior to that, he was lodged in a jail in a murder case.

Police permission not required for construction of buildings: Delhi Government issues circular after Amit Shah’s direction

ANI
-
0
Police permission not required for construction of buildings: Delhi Government issues circular after Amit Shah’s direction

A day after Home Minister Amit Shah gave directions that permission of Delhi Police will not be required in matters related to construction in the national capital, the Delhi Government issued a circular asking the police to sensitise its field officials to remove the misconception that police permission is required for carrying out any building construction.

The circular said that building construction activity is regulated by the MCD and other local bodies in their respective jurisdictions.

It said Section 312 / 313 of the DMC Act (Delhi Municipal Corporation Act), 1957 provides finalising of layout plan, Section 336 of the Act provides for sanction of building plan and Section 346 for occupancy or completion certificate.

The circular said there is no provision under DMC Act, 1957 by which a person is required to seek the permission from police for carrying out the construction.

It said there are, however, certain provisions in the DMC Act related to police giving information to the MCD with respect to an offence or for probe of such offence.

The circular said “there is a misconception” that a person needs to obtain permission from the police for carrying out construction of a building and there is sometimes misuse of the provisions “for the purpose of rent seeking”.

It asked Delhi Police to sensitise its field officials “to prevent the misuse of the provisions” and to remove the misconception that there is any need for permission from the Police for carrying out any construction of buildings.

Police authorities will continue to assist and provide full support to all municipal officers and other municipal employees in the exercise of their lawful authority, the circular said.

Senior Delhi Police officials met at the police headquarters here earlier in the day following yesterday’s meeting on law and order chaired by Amit Shah and discussed follow-up measures, including ways to mount greater vigil against street crime, improve the security of senior citizens and women, and take steps against gangsters.

The sources said that senior officials also discussed ways to prevent the entry of drugs in the national capital.

Measures will be intensified to identify and deport illegal immigrants from Bangladesh as part of drive against those staying illegally in the country, they said, adding that a plan will be prepared to effectively tackle street crime.

The sources said police have been asked not to get involved in matters relating to construction and underground boring in unauthorized colonies.

To check threats received by businessmen, action will be intensified against gangsters operating from abroad, as well as their local accomplices in Delhi.

Sources said that Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) have been told to personally listen to the complaints of people.

The meeting chaired by Amit Shah yesterday was attended by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Home Minister of Delhi government Ashish Sood, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and senior officials.

Several measures and suggestions to strengthen safety of women, children and senior citizens and improve law and order in the national capital and controlling crime were discussed in detail in the review meeting held on Friday.

The Home Minister expressed hope that the double-engine government will work with double speed for a developed and safe Delhi, as per the expectations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Amit Shah directed the Delhi Police that strict action should be taken against the entire network that helps Bangladeshi and Rohingya intruders enter the country, get their documents made and facilitate their stay here.

He said that the issue of illegal intruders is also related to national security and it should be dealt with strictly and they should be identified and deported.

Amit Shah emphasized that strict action should be taken against police stations and sub-divisions which fail to perform.

The Home Minister said that there is a need to work with a ‘top to bottom’ and ‘bottom to top’ approach in dealing with narcotics cases and dismantle its entire network. He directed that permission of Delhi Police will not be required in matters related to construction in Delhi. He directed that 25 security committees should be formed, on a pilot basis, in JJ clusters and after seeing their results and efficacy the initiative may then be taken forward.

Amit Shah said that it should be the priority of the Delhi Police to eliminate interstate gangs in Delhi with a ruthless approach. The Home Minister said that DCP-level officers should go to police stations and organize public hearing camps and solve the people’s problems.

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

Gorakhpur: Mosque committee voluntarily demolish illegal structure after being served an ultimatum to dismantle unlawful construction

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Gorakhpur: Mosque committee voluntarily demolish illegal structure after being served an ultimatum to dismantle unlawful construction

In Uttar Pradesh’s Gorakhpur, the mosque committee voluntarily demolished the Abu Huraila Mosque, located at Ghosh Company Chowk. The Gorakhpur Development Authority (GDA) issued a notice 15 days ago regarding the illegal construction of the mosque. On Saturday, the mosque committee itself began dismantling the structure, as the notice period had ended the previous day.

Illegal Four-Story Mosque Built on Municipal Land

A four-story mosque had been constructed illegally on municipal land near Ghosh Company Chowk in Gorakhpur. The municipal corporation had issued multiple notices to remove the unauthorized construction. A few months ago, a bulldozer was used to clear the illegal encroachment, but a four-story mosque was rebuilt on the same land. Reports indicate that the mosque was constructed without obtaining approval for its design. Subsequently, the Gorakhpur Development Authority issued a notice to the mosque committee, ordering them to vacate the premises within 15 days.

Mosque Committee Acted Before the Notice Expired

It is reported that on February 15, a notice was issued to Shoaib Ahmed, the son of the late caretaker of the mosque, instructing the removal of the illegal structure. With the deadline ending yesterday, the mosque committee members began demolishing the building themselves on Saturday. A multi-level commercial complex will now be constructed on the same land.

Notably, in recent days, the Madni Mosque in Kushinagar, a neighbouring district of Gorakhpur, was demolished using a bulldozer. Similarly, the 85-year-old Jahangir Khan Mosque in Meerut was also taken down.

Gorakhpur Development Authority issues 15-day ultimatum

Earlier last month, Gorakhpur Development Authority issued a 15-day ultimatum to demolish a three-storey mosque which was rebuilt recently after a previous demolition. As per the GDA, the mosque was built ‘illegally’ on municipal land near Ghosh Company Square.

In a notice issued on February 15 to Shoaib Ahmed, son of the mosque’s trustee, he has been asked to demolish the mosque within 15 days saying it was built without getting the map approved within the stipulated time limit. The notice adds that if this is not done, the GDA will demolish the structure with bulldozers and recover the cost incurred by the builder. GDA also pasted a copy of the demolition order on the mosque. 

West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu and several professors injured in attack by SFI protestors in Jadavpur University, vehicles vandalised

OpIndia Staff
-
0
West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu and several professors injured in attack by SFI protestors in Jadavpur University, vehicles vandalised

West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu was physically attacked by a group of left-wing students at Jadavpur University on Saturday (1st March) when he was there to attend an event of the West Bengal College & University Professors Association (WBCUPA), an organisation of pro-Trinamool professors. Minister Basu was injured in the attack, and his vehicle was vandalised. Several professors of the university were also attacked, and some students were also injured in the clash.

According to reports, when Basu was leaving the university campus after attending the event, he was stopped by the protesters belonging to the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of the CPI(M), who were demanding immediate student body elections. The protestors deflated the tyres of his car and climbed on its bonnet.

The Education Minister came out of his car and tried to talk to the protestors, but the protestors did not listen to him and vandalised his car and two other accompanying pilot cars. He sustained injuries due to bricks thrown by protestors at his car. He was taken to the SSKM Hospital, Kolkata. His guard also sustained injuries.

The protestors reportedly attacked the WBCUPA professors as well. Professor Omprakash Mishra was chased by protestors carrying sticks. He was rescued by the university guards. Two professors are said to have been injured in the attack, while one student received head injuries. Some students reportedly tore the saree of a female professor. Before this, some SFI protestors heckled Basu when he was delivering a speech during the WBCUPA event. They threw chairs and vandalised the venue.

Basu, who is the president of the WBCUPA, condemned the violent protests and said that action would be taken against those responsible. “This hooliganism cannot continue. I can talk to some representatives of the students. But it is difficult if everyone creates chaos. However, I will not give in to any provocation. The Vice-Chancellor will take action against those who are doing this,” said Basu.

“If this had happened in Uttar Pradesh, could any student organisation have done this? During today’s incident, we could have called the police. But I forbid even a single policeman from entering the academic premises, “he added. Basu accused the protestors of selectively targeting the TMC and not questioning the BJP. “Those who are attacking professors today, how many steps have they taken against militarisation in the education sector? They want to attack Trinamool professors, but they remain silent about the BJP,” Basu alleged.

Trinamool state general secretary Kunal Ghosh condemned the incident and the attack on professors, terming the SFI ‘uncivilised’ in a Facebook post. He said the generosity of the TMC should not be mistaken for weakness.

“Those who committed this incivility with Professor Dr Pradeep Mukherjee in Jadavpur and those organisations need to be identified. Pradeep is a clean gentleman. Appropriate action needs to be taken against the few uncivilised people. Trinamool’s courtesy does not mean weakness. Why should they be beaten? As a ruler, one should definitely be restrained. But if the chauvinism crosses the line, one should give a befitting reply,” he wrote.

Delhi’s Patiala House Court allows police to withdraw 2019 sedition case against Shehla Rashid over her tweets on army

ANI
-
0
Delhi’s Patiala House Court allows police to withdraw 2019 sedition case against Shehla Rashid over her tweets on army

The Patiala House Court has allowed an application moved by Delhi Police seeking direction to withdraw a 2019 sedition case against former Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) leader Shehla Rashid Shora concerning her tweets about the Indian Army.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Anuj Kumar Singh allowed the application on February 27. The application stated that Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, who had previously granted sanction to prosecute Rashid, has now withdrawn the sanction. A senior official also confirmed the development in the matter.

The Special Cell of Delhi has recently moved the court and filed an application under section 321 CrPC, stating that “The case was examined by the Screening Committee, which recommended for withdrawal from prosecution of the said case. The same was placed before the Government of NCT of Delhi for consideration.

“Hon’ble Lt Governor. Delhi has approved the recommendation of the Screening Committee for withdrawal from prosecution under section 196 of CrPC. It is, therefore, requested to take appropriate action in the matter, under intimation to this Government,” Delhi Police said in the application.

Shehla Rashid was booked by Delhi Police in 2019 under the sedition law for her tweets in which she had claimed that the armed forces were “entering houses” in Jammu and Kashmir and “picking up boys”.

The case was filed on the complaint of a Supreme Court lawyer, Alakh Alok Srivastava. In the complaint, it was mentioned that Rashid, in her series of tweets, mentioned alleged human rights violations by the Indian Army. However, the Army has officially denied the allegations levelled by Rashid and called them baseless and unverified.

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

Muslim mob hounds Hindu boy in Bangladesh, accuses him of ‘insulting Islam’: List of Hindus attacked in the name of ‘blasphemy’ in recent times

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Muslim mob hounds Hindu boy in Bangladesh, accuses him of ‘insulting Islam’: List of Hindus attacked in the name of ‘blasphemy’ in recent times

On Friday (28th February), a Muslim mob comprising of members of the radical ‘Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh’ and ‘Tawhidi Janata‘ hounded a Hindu man named Supta Saha Anik after accusing him of making ‘objectionable remarks’ about Islam.

The mob organised a protest rally in Kalmakanda upazila in the Netrakona district of Bangladesh after Jumma Namaz. They also demanded the immediate arrest of the Hindu man for supposedly insulting Prophet Muhammad and gave an ultimatum of 48 hours.

As expected, the violent Muslim mob raised genocidal slogans and vowed to make ‘ultimate sacrifie’ in order to avenge the supposed dishonour to Islam.

According to reports, the victim Supta Saha Anik is a student of Rajshahi University. He is also a member of the Chhatra League, the banned student wing of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League.

Anik is a resident of Mantal village in Kalmakanda upazila in the Netrakona district.

As per screenshots that have surfaced on social media, the Hindu man seemed to have engaged in a heated confrontation with a Muslim man and criticised Islam in response to his provocation.

In a video that surfaced on social media, a violent Muslim mob could be seen at the residence of Supta Saha Anik, intimidating his father.

Muslims attack Hindu minorities in Bangladesh under pretext of blasphemy

In January this year, a Hindu man named Pranta Talukder was abducted and tortured by a Muslim mob in the Chittagong city of Bangladesh. He was thrashed mercilessly and left severely injured over allegations of committing blasphemy.

In December 2024, Muslims carried out arson attack on 130 Hindu houses and 20 temples after accusing a young boy named Akash Das of making blasphemous comments on Facebook.

In October 2024, a frenzied Muslim mob laid siege to the Kadirdi Degree College in Boalmari in the Faridpur district of Bangladesh after accusing a Hindu boy named Hridoy Pal of ‘insulting’ Prophet Muhammad.

In September last year, a Hindu boy named Utsab Mandal was almost lynched by a Muslim mob on accusations of ‘blasphemy’ in the Sonadanga residential area of Khulna city.

Later that month, another frenzied Muslim mob laid siege to the Patiya police station in Chittagong district of Bangladesh, demanding that the cops hand over a Hindu boy accused of ‘insulting’ Prophet Muhammad.

The mob, comprising mostly local madrassa students, also attacked an army vehicle after seeing a young boy in civilian clothes and mistaking him for the Hindu victim. A 22-year-old Hindu youth named Partha Biswas Pintu was arrested on charges of committing ‘blasphemy’.

In May 2024, a Hindu student named Utsab Kumar Gian, studying at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University in Bangladesh, was thrashed by a Muslim mob on accusations of blasphemy.

When Bangladesh High Court recommended death penalty for blasphemy

In November 2024, OpIndia reported how the High Court of Bangladesh recommended strengthening the Cyber Security Act to make ‘blasphemy’ punishable by life imprisonment and death penalty in the country.

“There should be a provision of punishment like death penalty or life imprisonment for such unnecessary, unconscionable, obstinate and provocative speech and conduct against the Quran and Muhammad (Pbuh), which the parliament may consider,” a 2-Judge Bench of Justices MR Hassan and Fahmida Quader stated.

They further declared, “To discourage any such inflammatory speech or act which is likely to offend the minds of people of any religion, or to cause fear, terror, discomfort or apprehension in any of them, enhancing the punishment for such offences and to make them non-bailable must be considered.“

The Bangladesh High Court added, “If the offenders who are involved in the respective links of the charge sheet are not brought under the law, in every case the main culprit or the main conspirator or the main source will remain out of touch. Hence, there needs to be an appropriate order in this regard.“

Currently, the maximum punishment imposed by the blasphemy law in Bangladesh is 2 years imprisonment and a fine of 5 lakh Taka. The country’s High Court now recommends increasing the maximum punishment to non-bailable charge, life imprisonment and death penalty.

1...543544545...7,678Page 544 of 7,678