Home Blog Page 603

Swara Bhaskar and her husband Fahad Ahmad go on a rant against EVMs after poll loss, echo already-debunked ‘99% battery’ rhetoric

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Swara Bhaskar and her husband Fahad Ahmad go on a rant against EVMs after poll loss, echo already-debunked ‘99% battery’ rhetoric

On 23rd November, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) candidate and husband of Bollywood’s flop actress Swara Bhaskar, Fahad Ahmad, lost the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 from the Anushakti Nagar seat by a margin of over 3,300 votes to NCP (Ajit Pawar) candidate Sana Malik. Fahad was leading on the seat for a few rounds, but towards the end, he lost to Sana, leading to him appearing on camera and ranting against Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), claiming that on the machines where the battery was at 99%, Sana gained the lead.

At around 1:30 PM, Fahad issued a video statement on the social media platform X and claimed that he was leading until the 17th round. However, when the counting started on machines with a 99% battery, Sana Malik gained an “unexpected” lead.

Fahad raised questions about the authenticity of the EVM machines and vowed to write to the Election Commission for a recount. He said, “I hope the results will not be announced for the seat before the recounting is done.”

Self-proclaimed social activist Swara Bhaskar also joined her husband in the rant. In a post on X, she wrote, “In #AnushaktiNagar vidhaan sabha, after a steady lead by Fahad Ahmad of NCP-SP in rounds 17, 18, 19, suddenly 99%-battery-charged EVMs are opened, and the BJP-supported NCP-Ajit Pawar candidate takes the lead. How can machines that have been voted on ALL day long still have 99% charge?”

Election Commission debunked ‘99% battery’ rhetoric

This is not the first time the claims of BJP winning on machines with 99% battery has come to fore. Election Commission has already debunked such claims last month after Congress raised suspecion of malpractice during elections. The Election Commission of India responded to the claims and dismissed them. Official sources of the ECI told the media that there is link between battery charge levels and voting numbers shown in EVMs. The officials explained that alkaline batteries are used in the Control Unit of the EMVs, and new  batteries are inserted on the commissioning of the EVMs for the election in the presence of candidates or their agents, and then the machines are sealed.

The battery provides a voltage between 7.5 and 8 volts. When the voltage is above 7.4, the battery capacity is displayed as 99 per cent. As the battery charge is consumed with the use of the EVM for voting, the charge level is displayed as coming down gradually from 98% to 10%. The EVM works till the battery has over 5.8 volts. Before reaching 10% charge, the control unit starts displaying a low battery warning. The ECI further explained that the capacity of the battery on the counting day depends upon the mock poll conducted on the control unit, the actual poll and the initial voltage of the battery which can vary between 7.5 to 8 volts.

After blaming EVMs, Congress now passes the buck on machinery and police as BJP gains lead on six seats in UP bypolls

ANI
-
0
After blaming EVMs, Congress now passes the buck on machinery and police as BJP gains lead on six seats in UP bypolls

After BJP gets a lead on six seats in Uttar Pradesh bypolls, state’s Congress President Ajay Rai on Saturday accused the Yogi government of using government machinery in the by-polls conducted on nine state seats. Rai also claimed that voters were intimidated and threatened during the bye-elections.

Ajay Rai said, “It was already decided in Uttar Pradesh that the government was fighting the elections with the help of its machinery and police to win the elections. The result of that has come out… All the machinery and police administration were deployed, and voters were intimidated and threatened. This is a complete murder of democracy.”

Rai said that the INDIA bloc took the lead in Jharkhand because the Mahagathan government in Jharkhand did good work in the state.

He said, “Our government did good work in Jharkhand. Hemant Soren was sent to jail and tortured… The way the BJP broke Champai Soren and brought him to its side using money and muscle power, anger was also seen among the general public over this…”

Samajwadi Party candidate from Karhal Assembly seat, Tej Pratap Singh Yadav alleged that the administration abused power and constantly harassed people in Meerapur and Kundarki assembly constituencies during the bypolls.

“The way the administration abused power and constantly harassed our people, our activists and the people here contested the elections very strongly and we hope that we will win the elections with a good margin. The whole country knows that all the videos of the election day went viral on social media and the way the police contested the elections in Mirapur in Kundarki on behalf of the BJP, everyone has seen that and knows it. I hope that we will win with a good number of votes…” he said.

According to the Election Commission of India, the BJP is leading in six seats—Kundarki, Ghaziabad, Khair, Phulpur, Katehari, and Majhawan—as of 2.20 pm.

Samajwadi party is leading on two seats of Sishamau and Karhal while Jayant Chuadhary’s RLD is on the Meerapur seat.

The by-polls were held in 48 assembly seats and two Lok Sabha seats across 15 states, with notable contests in Uttar Pradesh and Wayanad, Kerala, where Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra made her electoral debut.

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

12 Bangladeshi infiltrators caught at Tripura railway station, had planned to enter other states

OpIndia Staff
-
0
12 Bangladeshi infiltrators caught at Tripura railway station, had planned to enter other states

Government Railway Police (GRP) and Border Security Force (BSF) have arrested 12 Bangladeshi infiltrators in a joint operation at Teliamura railway station located in Khowai district of Tripura. All of them were trying to go to other states of India from this station. They had planned to go to other states and look for work.

Among the intruders caught by BSF and GRP, there are 4 women, 4 men, and 4 children. All of them had entered Silachari area in India through a Bangladeshi agent. Their helper, who came with them, managed to escape after seeing the security agencies.

This is not the first time that infiltrators have been caught at a railway station in Tripura. Earlier too, a large number of them have been arrested at Agartala railway station in Tripura. All of them go to different cities of India via Tripura and settle there illegally.

Illegal Bangladeshis and Rohingyas use Agartala Railway Station in Tripura to get into trains headed to other parts of India. Over the previous year and a half, security personnel have apprehended hundreds of illegal Bangladeshis and Rohingyas who have infiltrated Tripura.

The number of infiltrators reaching different places in India via Agartala Railway Station is steadily increasing. Earlier, on June 29, 2024, 11 illegal infiltrators were apprehended. Further, on June 27, 2024, two Bangladeshi infiltrators, Akhtar and Firoza, were detained at Agartala Railway Station. 

A day earlier, on June 26, 2024, Rubia Sultana, Ritu Begum, Jyoti Khatun, and Meem Sultana were apprehended. These individuals were about to take a train to Pune and Ahmedabad. In the month of June, 39 infiltrators in total were caught at Agartala station.

Maharashtra Elections: Incumbent CM Eknath Shinde thanks voters, says CM decision will be joint call

ANI
-
0
Maharashtra Elections: Incumbent CM Eknath Shinde thanks voters, says CM decision will be joint call

As the Mahayuti alliance inches closer to a landslide victory in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, incumbent CM Eknath Shinde stated that, just as the alliance fought the elections together, they will collectively decide on the CM face once the final results are declared on Saturday.

He also thanked his party workers and expressed gratitude to the voters.

The incumbent CM said, “Let the final results come in… Then, in the same way as we fought elections together, all three parties will sit together and take a decision (on who will be the CM).”

“I thank the voters of Maharashtra. This is a landslide victory. I had said before that Mahayuti will get a thumping victory. I thank all sections of society and all the workers of the Mahayuti parties,” he added.

Meanwhile, celebrations were seen at Shinde’s residence in Thane, with bouquets arriving and Shiv Sena workers cheering outside. Shiv Sena MP and Shinde’s son, Shrikant Shinde, were also seen celebrating with fellow party members.

Speaking on the victory, Shrikant Shinde said, “As we had expected, we have got very good numbers. I thank all the voters who stood behind Mahayuti and gave this landslide victory.”

The Mahayuti alliance is on its way to a landslide victory in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, crossing the crucial majority mark, winning one seat and leading in over 200 seats as of 1:00 PM. Sweets were also seen being brought to the residence of Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis. Meanwhile, the BJP’s Mumbai office was abuzz with joy, with party workers bringing sweets in anticipation of a resounding victory.

Speaking to ANI, BJP leader Vikas Pathak commented on the ECI trends. He said, “We were expecting over 160 seats for Mahayuti, and that is exactly how it’s shaping up. The lead could increase further. This year has been significant for BJP. On its strength, the BJP is crossing 100 seats, and a Mahayuti Chief Minister is set to take office.”

He further noted the enthusiasm among party workers, saying, “At the moment, every party and its workers believe their party member should become the Chief Minister. Similarly, each worker of the BJP feels that the Chief Minister should be from their party. Sweets have arrived, however, the final celebrations will not happen until the conclusive results are out and our senior leaders arrive.”

Pathak added, “This has been the tradition. Leaders like Devendra Fadnavis and possibly Maharashtra BJP Chief Pawan Bawankule, if in Mumbai, will join the celebrations once results are confirmed.”

Meanwhile, celebrations have also started in Baramati, where Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar is leading by 15,382 votes. Supporters were seen bursting crackers to mark the moment. At Devagiri, Nationalist Congress Party’s National President and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Dada Pawar, National Working President MP Praful Patel, and State President MP Sunil Tatkare were also seen participating in the celebrations.

Reacting to the results, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate admitted, “Maharashtra election results are opposite to our (Congress’) expectations. There is no doubt we could have done better. Our campaign was good, but maybe the public expects more from us, and we will deliver on their expectations.”

In response to the results, Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut said, “This cannot be the decision of the people of Maharashtra. We know what the people of Maharashtra want…”

His comments were met by criticism from the BJP, with party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla lashing out at the Aghadi alliance. “When anyone loses, they start making excuses for their defeat…In Maharashtra, we have worked for the poor, upliftment of women, and enhancing the heritage of farmers…Today, the government under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi is going to be formed in Maharashtra with a huge majority,” he said.

As the Sena-BJP-NCP celebrate, all eyes will now be on who will assume the post of CM of the state.

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

After Adani, US DOJ charges Indian national Sanjay Kaushik for illegally exporting aviation components to Russia

OpIndia Staff
-
0
After Adani, US DOJ charges Indian national Sanjay Kaushik for illegally exporting aviation components to Russia

On 20th November, an Indian national, identified as 57-year-old Sanjay Kaushik, was indicted by the United States for allegedly conspiring to export controlled aviation components to Russia. In a press release, Department of Justice said that Kaushik violated the Export Control Reform Act. The indictment was filed on 20th November in the District of Oregon in which Kaushik has been accused of attempting to export navigation and flight control systems with dual civilian and military applications through India to Russian end users. Notably, Kaushik was arrested on 17th October this year in Miami, Florida, under a criminal complaint and warrant issued by the District of Oregon.

Allegations of fraudulent export activities

The press release stated that court documents against Kaushik revealed that he allegedly began conspiring with others in March 2023 after Russia-Ukraine war started. Kaushik and others have been accused of unlawfully acquiring aerospace technology from the US under false pretences. According to DOJ, Kaushik reportedly claimed that the components were meant for his Indian company but were intended for Russian entities.

One of the key instances cited in the indictment involved the purchase of an Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS), which is a crucial device for aircraft navigation and flight control. The system was acquired from an Oregon-based supplier. If these components are to be sold to Russian entities, a special export license is required from Department of Commerce, which Kaushik reportedly did not acquire or inform the alleged actual intent to buy. Prosecutors alleged that Kaushik and his associates “misrepresented” the end user as a civilian helicopter operator in India to obtain the component. However, the component was intercepted before it left the US.

Potential penalties and ongoing investigation

Kaushik will face severe legal repercussions if he gets convicted in the case including up to 20 years in prison and USD 1 million fine for each charge in the indictment. A federal district court judge will determine the sentencing while factoring in the US Sentencing Guidelines and staturoty considerations.

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) in Portland and prosecuted by attorneys from the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Oregon are investigating the case.

Part of Task Force KleptoCapture’s efforts

In March 2022, Justice Department established an initiative known as Task Force KelptoCapture to enforce sanctions, export controls and countermeansures against Russia after it initiated military action against Ukraine which turned into a full-fledged war between the two countries that continues till date. Deputy Attorney General’s Office is leading the initiative. The case against Kaushik falls under its jurisdiction.

Indictment against Adani Group

On 21st November, a five-count criminal indictment was unsealed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, charging prominent Indian executives including the Chairman of the Adani Group Gautam Adani by linking them to an alleged bribery and fraud scheme, Reuters reported citing US prosecutors.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of New York, “A five-count criminal indictment was unsealed in federal court charging Gautam Adani, Sagar R. Adani, and Vneet S. Jaain, with conspiracies to commit securities and wire fraud and substantive securities fraud for their roles in a multi-billion-dollar scheme to obtain funds from U.S. investors and global financial institutions on the basis of false and misleading statements.”

“As alleged, the defendants orchestrated an elaborate scheme to bribe Indian government officials to secure contracts worth billions of dollars and Gautam S. Adani, Sagar R. Adani and Vneet S. Jaain lied about the bribery scheme as they sought to raise capital from U.S. and international investors,” stated United States Attorney Breon Peace. The indictment also accuses the executive of obstructing investigations by the FBI, Department of Justice (DOJ), and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The US Attorney’s office says that the charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Adani Group rubbishes baseless allegations made by US Justice Dept and SEC

On Thursday (21st November), the spokesperson for the Adani Group rubbished allegations levelled against the Directors of ‘Adani Green’ by the US Department of Justice and the SEC. “The allegations made by the US Department of Justice and the US Securities and Exchange Commission against the directors of Adani Green are baseless and denied,” it stated. The Indian conglomerate further stated that all legal recourse is being sought.

“The Adani Group has always upheld and is steadfastly committed to maintaining the highest standards of governance, transparency and regulatory compliance across all jurisdictions of its operations,” it pointed out. The spokesperson for the Adani Group concluded, “We assure our stakeholders, partners and employees that we are a law-abiding organisation, fully compliant with all laws.” The development comes hours after the SEC announced that it was pressing charges against Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani and others in a $250 million bribery and fraud case.

US put Indian companies, businessmen on sanctions list for doing business with Russia amid war with Ukraine

Earlier this month, the United States government has put some Indian companies and businessmen on the sanctions list for supposedly benefitting Russia amid its war against Ukraine. It has sanctioned Ascend Aviation India Pvt. Ltd. for sending more than 700 shipments containing $2,00,000 worth of Common High-Priority List (CHPL) items to Russia-based firms between March 2023 and March 2024. Two partial shareholders of Ascend Aviation, namely, Sudhir Kumar and Vivek Kumar Mishra were also put on the sanctions list. Another India-based company targeted by the Biden administration happens to be Mask Trans. It has accused the firm of supplying $3,00,000 Common High-Priority List (CHPL) items to Russia based company between June 2023 and April 2024.

TSMD Global Pvt Ltd., an India-based company, was sanctioned for shipping $430,00,000 CHPL items to Russian firms between July 2023 and March 2024. The shipped items s include Electronic Integrated Circuits, CPUs and fixed capacitors. Another firm targeted by the US government was Futrevo for supplying $1.4 million worth of CHPL items to Russia-based companies between January 2023 and February 2024.

Himachal Pradesh: At Sanskrit University, a professor stops students from wearing ‘tilak’ and raising ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogan, Hindu organisations demand action

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Himachal Pradesh: At Sanskrit University, a professor stops students from wearing ‘tilak’ and raising ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogan, Hindu organisations demand action

On 22nd November, students of Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan in Balahar, Pragpur, in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, staged protests within the campus after a professor allegedly prohibited them from wearing tilak on their foreheads and chanting Jai Shri Ram. Earlier, the students submitted a written complaint to the director of the institute, Professor Satyam Kumari, who then referred the matter to a disciplinary committee for further investigation.

According to the students, the professor allegedly stopped them from wearing tilak and raising ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans, claiming the slogan was political and discouraged its usage. The actions of the professor led to widespread discontent on the campus. The students also accused the professor of misbehaviour and discrimination.

Hindu organisations join the protests

The issue soon escalated beyond the campus as Hindu organisations were informed about the incident. Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal, and other Hindu groups such as Brahmin Sabha stepped in and staged protests at the main gate of the university. They chanted Jai Shri Ram and performed hymns in praise of Bhagwan Ram. They also met Professor Kumari to discuss the matter and demanded strict action against the accused professor.

Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan Director initiates investigation

Addressing the controversy, Professor Kumari said, “The students’ complaint has been received, and a disciplinary committee has been formed. Both the professor and the students have been asked to present their statements to the committee. A notice has already been issued to the professor.” Furthermore, she assured that the matter would be resolved soon and attributed the situation to a possible misunderstanding. The disciplinary committee is expected to submit its findings shortly.

VHP calls for action, vows continued support

Leaders of Hindu Jagram Manch also arrived at the campus of Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan and supported the protesting students. Speaking on the matter, VHP activists criticised the actions of the professor and asserted that they hurt Hindu sentiments. A VHP member said, “We will not tolerate any suppression of our religious rights.”

Meanwhile, students demanded disciplinary action and warned that they would continue protests if their concerns were not addressed. The director has appealed for calm, assuring all parties that a fair investigation will be conducted to address the grievances.

Bangladesh on the verge of becoming Pakistan as HC recommends death penalty for ‘blasphemy’, Hindu minorities set to be targeted

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Bangladesh on the verge of becoming Pakistan as HC recommends death penalty for ‘blasphemy’, Hindu minorities set to be targeted

In a major development, 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.“

Devastating consequences await after Bangladesh High Court verdict on blasphemy law

The suggestion by the top court, which is likely to have far-reaching consequences, comes amid recent attacks on Hindus by Muslim mobs under the pretext of blasphemy.

Bangladesh had fallen into the hands of Islamists since the undemocratic ouster of Sheikh Hasina as Prime Minister. They want to penalise ‘blasphemy’ which concerns insult to Quran, Islam and Prophet Muhammad.

Muslims in Bangladesh are known to evade prosecution under blasphemy laws, just like Pakistan, while the draconian legislation unilaterally targets Hindus and other religious minorities.

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.

Muslims attack Hindu minorities in Bangladesh under pretext of blasphemy

In October this year, 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.

OpIndia had reported in September this year how 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 this year, 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.

Canada keeps changing its tune about India: Dismisses Canadian media report linking PM Modi and other Indian officials to Khalistani terrorist Nijjar’s death

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Canada keeps changing its tune about India: Dismisses Canadian media report linking PM Modi and other Indian officials to Khalistani terrorist Nijjar’s death

On 21st November (local time), the Canadian government dismissed a media report that linked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval to criminal activities in Canada, including the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

In a statement, the National Security and Intelligence Adviser to the Canadian Prime Minister, Nathalie G. Drouin, termed the report “speculative and inaccurate.” The Indian Ministry of External Affairs had already dismissed the report, calling it a “smear campaign.”

The response came after a 19th November report in The Globe and Mail newspaper, quoting an unnamed senior national security adviser, claimed that Canadian security agencies believed PM Modi was aware of the so-called plot to kill terrorist Nijjar. The report further alleged that Canadian and American intelligence tied the assassination operations to Home Minister Amit Shah, claiming that Doval and Jaishankar were also involved.

Calling the report inaccurate in a statement issued by the Privy Council Office on 21st November, Drouin said, “On October 14, because of a significant and ongoing threat to public safety, the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) and officials took the extraordinary step of making public accusations of serious criminal activity in Canada perpetrated by agents of the Government of India.”

She added, “The Government of Canada has not stated, nor is it aware of, evidence linking Prime Minister Modi, Minister Jaishankar, or NSA Doval to serious criminal activity within Canada. Any suggestion to the contrary is both speculative and inaccurate.”

India refuted The Globe and Mail report

Responding to The Globe and Mail report, the MEA called it a “smear campaign” and said, “We do not normally comment on media reports. However, such ludicrous statements made to a newspaper purportedly by a Canadian government source should be dismissed with the contempt they deserve. Smear campaigns like this only further damage our already strained ties.”

On 19th November, The Globe and Mail claimed that Canadian security agencies suspected PM Modi was aware of plans linked to the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. The newspaper further added that there was no direct evidence confirming PM Modi’s involvement. It further noted that intelligence assessments implicated Home Minister Amit Shah, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in these actions, raising concerns about India’s foreign interference in Canada.

Canada accused Indian agents, diplomats, and HM Shah of criminal activities

The statement by the Canadian government comes over a month after Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Commissioner Mike Duheme accused Indian officials, diplomats, and “agents” of criminal activities on Canadian soil. During a press conference, the RCMP claimed that India had been targeting pro-Khalistani elements in Canada and not the entire Sikh community, indirectly acknowledging that Canada has been sheltering Khalistani terrorists and pro-Khalistani elements.

Hours after the RCMP’s statement, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters that he believed India had made a “monumental mistake by choosing to use their diplomats and organised crime to attack Canadians.”

The changing tunes of Canada

The diplomatic relations between India and Canada have been strained for a while. They worsened in September 2023 when the Canadian Prime Minister accused India of involvement in the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar during a statement in the Canadian Parliament. India immediately refuted the claims. However, the accusations led to the expulsion of Indian diplomats, and India retaliated by expelling Canadian diplomats. In October, India further asked around 40 Canadian diplomats to leave the country.

India also accused Canada of being a safe haven for gangsters, terrorists, and criminals, a claim supported by the fact that several wanted Indian criminals are living safely in Canada. India has requested the extradition of several wanted criminals, but Canada has bluntly refused to comply, including in the case of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Canada has been changing its stance repeatedly. Initially, it claimed Indian agents were involved in criminal activities. Then, when India asked for substantial evidence, Canada could not provide it. It has been over a year since Canada accused India of killing a Khalistani terrorist on Canadian soil but has yet to provide any evidence that India could follow up on or use to initiate an investigation. Furthermore, Canada has been making it difficult for Indian diplomats to perform their duties. Recently, Indian consulate was forced to cancel camps after Trudeau govt did not provide even ‘minimum security’.

In a statement, the Indian consulate stated, “Due to continued inability conveyed by security agencies to provide minimum security against heightened threats, Consulate has had to cancel some more consular camps. Most of them were not at any places of worship, including one at a Police facility.”

It further added, “Consulate is fully sensitive to the difficulties faced by close to 4,000 elderly members of the diaspora in the Greater Toronto Area- both Indian and Canadian nationals- who have been deprived of an essential consular service.”

Furthermore, Canada is expected to have general elections in October 2025. Sikh votes are crucial for Justin Trudeau to return to power. It appears that he is wooing pro-Khalistani elements by siding with them and acting against India for political gains, which is harming relations between the two countries.

Love Jihad in UP: Shariq entraps a Hindu girl posing as Honey, rapes her and forces her to embrace Islam on the pretext of getting her a job

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Love Jihad in UP: Shariq entraps a Hindu girl posing as Honey, rapes her and forces her to embrace Islam on the pretext of getting her a job

Two shocking cases of crimes against Hindu girls have come to light from two different states of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan which has led to the arrest of two individuals named Shariq and Shahnawaz. The first case is of love jihad from the Moradabad division of Uttar Pradesh where a Muslim youth named Shariq posed as Honey to trap a 20-year-old young woman from the Katghar police station area. He raped in the name of getting her a job and then forced her to embrace Islam, according to a report in Amar Ujala.

The authorities filed a case on the complaint of the victim and arrested him. She is a resident of Sambhal Gate in the Chandausi area of ​​Sambhal district. She lived in the Katghar neighbourhood along with her family. Meanwhile, the offender befriended her and lured her into a romantic relationship under the pretext of employment. He even obtained a fraudulent Aadhaar Card in which a locality in Bijnor district was mentioned as his address.

His real identity was exposed after investigation. He was found to be from Rampur’s Peela Talab region which falls in the jurisdiction of Ganj police station. The perpetrator took her out, sexually assaulted her and then pressured her to convert to Islam. She reached home on the evening of 20th November and narrated the ordeal to her family members. He reportedly kept her as his wife. Superintendent of Police (SP) City Ranvijay Singh informed that the culprit has been apprehended and a case has been lodged based on the complaint.

The other case was reported on 11th November from the Gogunda police station area of ​​Udaipur, Rajasthan where two cousins aged 16 and 17 years old who were in 11th grade committed suicide. Afterwards, 19-year-old Shahnawaz was nabbed from Uttar Pradesh’s Hapur and brought to Udaipur. He was blackmailing them through social media and is accused of provoking them to end their lives. Their bodies were discovered in a field 500 meters away from their house in Gehloton Ka Gurha village of Jaswantgarh Gram Panchayat.

They were wearing clothes of the same colour and a black and white thread was tied around their necks. Their bodies were sent for post-mortem by the cops after which it was revealed that their deaths were due to the consumption of poison. The family had submitted a complaint with the police charging murder and stated that the duo had been missing since the 10th of November evening. They looked for them till late at night but failed and started the search again in the morning when they spotted the corpses.

The cops initiated a probe after getting information about the matter and eventually apprehended the perpetrator by dispatching teams to Uttar Pradesh. The family had revealed that the girls had been under stress for the past few days. It was confirmed that they were in contact with him after the police looked into their mobile phones and social media accounts. The cops reportedly recovered a notebook with Kalma and Quranic verses scribbled in it in the school bags of the girls.

Furthermore, a few phrases were written in Urdu and Hindi, indicating that they were being influenced. Both had changed their names to Anisa and Muskan on social media. The police believe that they were brainwashed to convert to Islam. The possibility of love jihad has also been expressed in the case. The family has handed over the mobile phones and notebooks of both the girls to the authorities.

It was disclosed during police interrogation that the accused utilized Instagram to communicate with both minors and even visited Udaipur. They were troubled for at least two months, however, did not unveil anything despite being asked. It has come to light that he pressured them and extorted Rs 12,000 from them. He was demanding more money. After making friends with them, he made requests for money, sometimes claiming that his phone was broken and other times citing other reasons.

Moreover, he would constantly press them to talk on the phone with him. He also used to invite them to meet him in Gogunda. They couldn’t bear any more of his harassment and finally killed themselves. Police are investigating the matter. An official informed, “He was in contact with both the sisters for a long time. He also used to pressure them to talk repeatedly. Both the sisters were upset by this.” Gogunda police station in-charge Shaitan Singh stated that he used to talk to both of them simultaneously. Police are trying to find out whether both the sisters were instigated to commit suicide.

Dalit Lekhraj’s daughter becomes Sakina: Over 3000 non-Muslims studying in a madarasa in Rajasthan, reveals RTI; Bajrang Dal alleges conversion conspiracy

अर्पित त्रिपाठी
-
0
Dalit Lekhraj’s daughter becomes Sakina: Over 3000 non-Muslims studying in a madarasa in Rajasthan, reveals RTI; Bajrang Dal alleges conversion conspiracy

In Rajasthan, a conspiracy has been going to convert Dalit Hindu children to Islam through madarsas. Hindu rights group Bajrang Dal and an RTI activist have alleged that Hindu children are being brainwashed through Islamic education.

According to the Bajrang Dal, a Hindu Dalit girl’s name was recently registered at the madrasa as Sakina even though her father is a Hindu. The Bajrang Dal alleged that six Hindu students were converted to Islam at the same madrasa. Following this case, an RTI surfaced, raising further questions.

The RTI has found that around 3000 non-Muslim children are studying in Rajasthan madrasas and a significant number of these children are said to be Hindu. Girls account for over half of all students who attend madrasas rather than government or private schools.

The RTI report revealed that the number of non-Muslim students in these madrasas is in the hundreds but the number of non-Muslim teachers is negligible. In this case, RTI activists and people of Bajrang Dal have pointed towards a big conspiracy of conversion and brainwashing the Hindu students into following Islamic traditions.

How the conversion conspiracy was exposed?

Rajasthan High Court lawyer Sujit Swami had filed an RTI to the Rajasthan Madarsa Board. In this, he had asked how many non-Muslim students are studying in the madrasas of all the districts within Rajasthan. In addition, Swami also sought information about how many non-Muslim teachers are there in the madarsas in Rajasthan. Subsequently, the Madarsa Board provided him with district-wise data on non-Muslim madrasa teachers. OpIndia has seen the RTI findings. Meanwhile, Bajrang Dal and Sujit Swami have raised some serious questions about the issue.

What information came out?

Rajasthan Madarsa Board has informed that a total of 3056 non-Muslim students are getting education in the madrasas of the state in the academic session 2024-25. Of these, 1600 are boys while 1456 are girls and the largest number of non-Muslim students studying in madarsas are in the Kota district. 184 girls and 156 boys are studying in Kota. After this, 161 non-Muslim boys and 147 girls are studying in madarsas in the Tonk district. 115 non-Muslim boys and 98 girls are studying in Chittorgarh.

Non-Muslim students are acceptable, teachers are not?

The alarming fact revealed by this RTI is that, while there are thousands of non-Muslim pupils learning in madrasas, there are almost no non-Muslim teachers. In Kota, where the majority of non-Muslim children attend madrasas, there is only one non-Muslim teacher. The surprising fact revealed by the RTI is that in 15 of Rajasthan’s 33 districts, there are no non-Muslim female madrasa teachers.

The remaining ten districts have only one non-Muslim female teacher. Similarly, some districts have no or only one non-Muslim male teacher. The number of non-Muslim students in thousands and the number of teachers not even in double digits is raising many questions. A total of 261 non-Muslim teachers are teaching in madrasas in the whole of Rajasthan. Among these non-Muslim male teachers, 170 are in just 10 districts.

Speaking to OpIndia, Sujit Swami said, “It is unusual for non-Muslim students to study in madrasas because in most places there are government schools as well. Many of the madrasas where these students are studying are running in mosques. Namaaz is also offered in these madrasas. Even if the madrasas run by them claim that non-Muslim children are not given Islamic education, are you not creating separate classes for them? In such a situation, what is the guarantee that they will not be brainwashed? Then if this is the case, then why are there fewer non-Muslim teachers?”

Student’s name is Sakina, father’s name is Lekhraj, what is the matter?

Bajrang Dal said that a Dalit girl studying in Madrasa Darul Uloom Tehreek-e-Hind in Anantapur, Kota was found to be named Sakina. In this case, Yogesh Renewaal of Bajrang Dal said, “Sakina belongs to the Bairwa community, who are Dalits. Sakina’s family is also poor, her father Lekhraj earns a living for the family by doing hard labour. He does not know this madrasa and its activities. Sakina earlier also studied in a school run by a Muslim. She was later admitted to the madrasa.”

“Sakina’s case is not the only one, there are 6 such students in this madrasa. We demand that a serious investigation be conducted. The girl’s family is poor and we suspect that she has been taken into confidence to be sent to school either on the pretext of financial help or a good education. Mostly Dalit and poor families are targeted. We had also complained to the district administration in this matter but then these madrasa people did not even pick up the phone. Some officers of the district administration are also protecting them,” Renewaal further alleged.

According to a document from Anantpura Madrasa, two children who are learning here have Islamic names, although their father’s name is Abhishek Khan. Yogesh Renewal stated that this automatically raises questions. He stated that if an objective inquiry is undertaken in this matter, numerous irregularities will be revealed. Sujit Swami has urged that a special probe be performed in Kota because it has the highest number of non-Muslim children.

Allegations were levelled against the District Minority Welfare Officer

Yogesh Renewal has also made allegations against Kota District Minority Welfare Officer Naheeda Khan. He said that whenever it comes to irregularities in madrasas, Naheeda protects them. It is worth noting that Naheeda Khan had put up a status regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict in October 2023. Khan had posted a status on her social media, praying for Gaza, boycotting several companies, and also asking for support and donations. A complaint was lodged against her for this. She clarified that this status was posted by her 8-year-old son and a notice was also sent to her in this matter.

NCPCR raised the issue earlier

This is not the first time that questions have been raised about non-Muslim students studying in madrasas. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has been raising the issue of Islamic education given in these madrasas and its non-Muslim children. In one such case, NCPCR chief Priyank Kanungo had said that a Hindu child was circumcised in a madrasa in Saharanpur. Before this, he had also raised questions about the curriculum of other madrasas, in which Hindus were declared ‘ Mushrik’ and ‘Kafir’.

OpIndia tried to contact Kota MLA and Education Minister Madan Dilawar regarding the issue of non-Muslim children studying in madrasas in Rajasthan and the impact of this education on them. However, due to his busy schedule, the conversation could not take place. OpIndia also tried to contact Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Premchand Bairwa, who belongs to the Bairwa community, however, we have yet to receive a response from him. This report will be updated when the Education Minister or Deputy Chief Minister responds to the matter.

1...602603604...7,575Page 603 of 7,575