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‘Hugs and kisses in teenage affection can’t be considered a crime’: Madras HC quashes sexual harassment charges against a man

OpIndia Staff
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‘Hugs and kisses in teenage affection can’t be considered a crime’: Madras HC quashes sexual harassment charges against a man

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently dismissed criminal charges against a young man accused of sexual harassment, noting that teenage affection should not be considered a crime.

A 19-year-old woman filed a complaint, alleging that during a meeting in a secluded area, her romantic partner, hugged and kissed her. When he later declined to marry her, she reported the incident to the police. This led to a First Information Report (FIR) under Section 354-A(1)(i) of the IPC, which addresses physical contact and advances with unwelcome sexual intent.

However, the court determined that the allegation did not meet the necessary criteria to be considered a criminal offence under this section.

In an order dated November 4, Justice N. Anand Venkatesh ruled that the physical contact between the petitioner (the young man) and the complainant (the young woman) was a normal aspect of a consensual relationship between teenagers, and it did not fulfil the legal requirements for an offence under Section 354-A(1)(i) of the Indian Penal Code.

The court noted that both individuals were in their late teens and had met and spent time together willingly. Justice Venkatesh observed that, even if the allegations were taken at face value, the actions appeared to reflect typical youthful affection rather than any criminal intent.

The court noted, “It is quite natural for two teenagers in a romantic relationship to hug or kiss. Such behaviour cannot, by any stretch, constitute an offence under Section 354-A(1)(i) of the IPC.”

Justice Venkatesh also emphasized the need for judicial discretion to prevent misuse of legal processes, pointing out that pursuing such cases could unfairly stigmatize young people in consensual relationships.

This intervention by the court occurred after the police had completed their investigation and submitted a final report to the Judicial Magistrate in Srivaigundam.

DMK health minister Ma Subramanian sparks controversy by wrongly claiming that attacker who stabbed senior doctor in Chennai is North Indian

OpIndia Staff
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DMK health minister Ma Subramanian sparks controversy by wrongly claiming that attacker who stabbed senior doctor in Chennai is North Indian

On 13th November, DMK Health Minister Ma Subramanian sparked controversy by wrongly identifying a man from Tamil Nadu who assaulted a doctor at Kalaignar Centenary Super Speciality Hospital (KCSSH) in Guindy, Chennai, as a “North Indian.” As per reports, a senior oncologist was stabbed in the neck by a patient’s family member on 13th November.

Dr Balaji Jagannathan, a senior oncologist at Kalaignar Centenary Super Speciality Hospital (KCSSH) in Guindy, Chennai, was critically injured when a patient’s relative stabbed him in the neck. The doctor is currently fighting for his life in the ICU of the same hospital. One person has been arrested. The accused is said to be the son of a patient who was upset about his parent’s treatment.

The doctor was reportedly stabbed over seven times. Dr Jagannathan, who is himself a heart patient, suffered critical wounds on his head and chest. The accused, Vignesh, had a heated argument with the doctor over the treatment of his mother, who is a cancer patient. Vignesh and four others were detained by the police, and the weapon used to stab the doctor was seized.

When Subramanian was asked about the attack on the doctor during a press conference, he identified the accused as a “North Indian.” He said, “They told me just now. Around four North Indians came to the hospital for treatment and attacked the doctor after locking him up in a room. Police have arrested two people; the police department will take immediate action and arrest the rest of them and take appropriate legal action.”

His statement sparked controversy as Vignesh hails from Tamil Nadu. Later, the minister clarified that he was misinformed, claiming that the hospital director told him that North Indians were involved in the attack on the doctor, as per a report in The Commune Magazine. After he visited the hospital and took stock of the incident, he clarified that the attacker was not North Indian, claiming that he was given the wrong information.

He said, “His mother was receiving treatment here; he is quite familiar with the place, and people have seen him here before. At this time, he attacked the doctor in the room under the pretext of meeting him. I was in Pallikaranai overseeing something and was informed by the director that North Indians were involved in the attack. But it is incorrect; it is not North Indians. The accused is from Tamil Nadu, from Perungalathur, and his name is Vigneshwaran. Police have taken him into custody and will conduct further investigations. He believed the wrong chemotherapy treatment was given to his mother as her lungs were affected. This hospital is highly reputed for cancer therapy, and the doctor in question is well-regarded in the industry.”

This is not the first time Ma Subramanian has accused people from North India of a criminal act in Tamil Nadu. In 2022, he claimed that students from North India were spreading Covid in the state.

In June 2022, He claimed, “North Indian students are spreading Covid-19 in Tamil Nadu. Students from Kelambakkam VIT College and Sathyasai college have got affected by Covid in hostels and classes. In some North Indian states, Covid cases are still increasing.”

Kalaignar Centenary Super Speciality Hospital administration said that Dr Balaji Jagannathan is a heart patient and underwent surgery recently. He has been treated at the ICU after the stabbing incident and his condition is stable now.

Meerut: 30 families return to Hinduism after jailed Pastor Bijju Mathew converted them to Christianity in name of curing diseases and funding weddings

OpIndia Staff
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Meerut: 30 families return to Hinduism after jailed Pastor Bijju Mathew converted them to Christianity in name of curing diseases and funding weddings

150 people who had converted to Christianity in Meerut of Uttar Pradesh, have returned to the fold of Hinduism or Sanatan Dharma. They did ghar-wapsi with Vedic rituals in a ceremony held on 10th November. Pastor Bijju Mathew had lured them into embracing Christianity a few days ago. These individuals who came from 30 families in the village of Golabad used to frequently attend prayer meetings. Mathew who is originally from Kerala disclosed that he had converted about 300 families during police interrogation and also revealed that he trapped gullible persons by promising cash, marriage, education and medical treatment.

He visited nearby villages with the people of his group and approached the houses of poor people. He then seduced them with various kinds of temptations and asked them to come to the prayer meetings. Mathew and his wife brainwashed the victims into converting by promising them money and a cure for their illness as well as claiming that the church would bear the cost of weddings. Afterwards, those who fell into their web were directed to bring more people. This was carried out similarly to network marketing. On 20th October Mathew was taken into custody and he is presently incarcerated.

The incident took place in Vikas Enclave Colony on Rohta Road in Kankarkheda police station area of ​​Meerut. Mathew has been living in this colony with his family for the last 2.5 months. He used to organize prayer meetings every Sunday at his home and a large number of people used to come there which made the local people suspicious and they informed the police along with the Hindu organisations about it. The latter arrived at the spot on 20th October when Mathew was heard saying, “Love the one who loves you. Today is Karva Chauth, but your family does not love you, God does, so take refuge in God. You have to worship Jesus. What is money? You will get whatever you want. What have your gods been able to give you to date?”

He was inciting the individuals who primarily belonged to the Jatav community and alleged, “You do not even get respect in the society. Come to Jesus. You will get everything here.” People associated with Hindu outfits charged that Mathew and his wife rented houses in different areas of Meerut for the last 15 years and converted people to Christianity by arranging prayer meetings there.

Mathew offered three temptations for conversion to Christianity. First, the church people will cover the cost of weddings. Second, he promised to give help of Rs 2 to 5 lakh to the person or family converting to Christianity to start their own business. Third, he promised holy water and exorcism to cure diseases. One such converted woman unveiled, “We were told that whatever we learn, we have to tell and teach it to 2 more people. We have to tell them about God’s grace and his miracles.” If a person’s religion was changed, he/she then prepared another one for the same and this is how the conversion racket was formed which specifically concentrated on women and the impoverished.

Merit over identity politics: Trump says colleges need to be cleansed of ‘radical Marxist lunatics’ who have been wasting taxpayer money. Here is his 7-point plan

Anurag
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Merit over identity politics: Trump says colleges need to be cleansed of ‘radical Marxist lunatics’ who have been wasting taxpayer money. Here is his 7-point plan

On 11th November, social media influencer Collin Rugg shared a video of President-elect Donald Trump announcing a sweeping plan to overhaul the higher education system in the United States. In the video, Trump criticised the “radical Marxist lunatics” who, he said, have infiltrated colleges, diverting taxpayer money to ideologically driven agendas.

The video, that was released a year ago as part of Agenda 47 of President-elect Trump, explained what he plans for the higher education.

Trump said he plans to restore merit, transparency, and efficiency in educational institutions. He declared, “Our secret weapon will be the college accreditation system.” Here is a breakdown of his ambitious 7-point proposal.

Seizing funds through accreditation reform

First and foremost, Trump has pledged to leverage the college accreditation system to withhold funding from institutions that refuse to align with the changed format in the education system, which he calls the “real standards” he intends to impose. He stated that his administration will “fire the radical left accreditors that have allowed our colleges to become dominated by Marxist maniacs and lunatics.” Furthermore, new accreditors will be appointed to enforce traditional values and improve accountability.

Protecting American traditions and cutting costs

In his statement, Trump criticised rising tuition costs, attributing it to “wasteful administrative positions.” He said his plan would mandate colleges to defend American traditions, safeguard free speech, and cut unnecessary bureaucracy. His aim is to focus on administrative reforms to provide affordable education and eliminate positions that, he said, “only inflate tuition.”

Eliminating ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion’ positions, and bring a strict meritocracy

One of the most important aspects of his statement was that he would eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) positions from the education system. He labelled diversity initiatives as part of a “Marxist agenda” and said he plans to abolish DEI departments. Instead, he proposed low-cost options, career services, and college entrance and exit exams to ensure students receive education that has real value. He emphasised that these steps will foster a merit-based environment in educational institutions rather than one driven by identity politics.

Addressing racial discrimination in colleges

In his proposal, Trump said he would direct the Department of Justice to file federal civil rights cases against schools that continue “unlawful discrimination under the guise of equity.” Notably, there have been reports of racial discrimination against Asian American and White applicants in educational institutions. In August 2020, OpIndia reported how Yale University was accused of bias against Asian American and White applicants.

In an investigation, the US Justice Department found that the university was violating US civil rights by illegally discriminating against White and Asian American applicants in the admissions process. The department’s investigation, which took about two years to complete, concluded that the Ivy League university, based in New Haven, Connecticut, rejected “scores of Asian American and White applicants each year based on their race, whom it otherwise would admit.” The investigation was ordered after a complaint of discrimination was lodged against Yale, Brown, and Dartmouth in 2016. Trump said he will “direct the Department of Justice to pursue federal civil rights cases against schools that continue to engage in racial discrimination.”

Endowment taxation for non-compliance

Furthermore, Donald Trump plans to impose taxes on the endowments of non-compliant institutions and proposes to fine these schools up to the full amount of their endowment. He suggested that by using budget reconciliation to fast-track the measure, his administration would ensure swift consequences for what he described as “anti-American insanity.”

Redirecting funds to support victims

Trump also proposed using the seized funds as restitution for those affected by “unjust and illegal policies” in education departments. According to Trump, the funds will be redirected to support victims of discrimination and improve educational access for those disadvantaged by identity-driven policies.

Ensuring ‘real education’ for students

Trump’s aim to “reclaim” education from ideological influence includes policies focused on practical outcomes and career readiness. He plans to implement college entrance and exit exams to ensure that students genuinely benefit from the education system in the US.

Billionaire Elon Musk also shared the video without mentioning anything else. Notably, Donald Trump has appointed Musk, along with Vivek Ramaswamy, to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). In a statement issued on 12th November, Trump said that Musk and Ramaswamy will pave the way for his administration to dismantle government bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure federal agencies, which he described as essential to the “Save America” movement.

As Donald Trump is set to return to the White House, his plan is to reform higher education in the country, aiming to remove what he sees as political biases. He believes the education system should focus on merit, fairness, and American values, as it once did. By changing how colleges receive funding and cutting unnecessary roles, he hopes to make college more affordable and practical. His 7-point plan promises to protect free speech, prevent discrimination, and create a system based on skill and knowledge rather than identity politics.

Supreme Court orders NCP’s Ajit Pawar faction not to use Sharad Pawar’s videos and images in campaign for Maharashtra elections

OpIndia Staff
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Supreme Court orders NCP’s Ajit Pawar faction not to use Sharad Pawar’s videos and images in campaign for Maharashtra elections

On Wednesday (13th November), the Supreme Court while hearing the case involving both factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), directed the Ajit Pawar faction orally to refrain from using Sharad Pawar’s images and videos in their campaign materials for the Maharashtra assembly elections. The Court asked the NCP (Ajit Pawar) that they must fight the elections under their separate identities. In addition, the court directed Ajit Pawar to instruct his party members not to use Sharad Pawar’s pictures and videos.

Today, a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan was hearing a suit filed by Sharad Pawar seeking to prevent Ajit Pawar from using the clock symbol in the Maharashtra assembly elections. Earlier, the Court ordered Ajit Pawar to issue disclaimers in newspapers about the clock sign. However, on 13th November, Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi for Sharad Pawar presented some campaign materials, including images of posters and social media posts, that were purportedly disseminated in breach of the Supreme Court’s orders.

He claimed that Amol Mitkari, an NCP candidate (Ajit Pawar), had uploaded images of just Sharad Pawar and that Ajit Pawar’s campaign was attempting to “piggyback” on Sharad Pawar’s name. “Whether or not it is an old video, with Mr Pawar you have an ideological difference and you are fighting against him. Then you should try to stand up on your own legs,” Justice Kant said.

The court noted that while the voters know that there are two factions of NCP and will likely not be influenced by Ajit Pawar faction using Sharad Pawar’s visuals, there is a court order and the party must adhere to it.

As Ajit Pawar’s counsel Balbir Singh told the court that such videos were not used, Justice Kant said, “Please concentrate on the battlefield, people will answer everything. They are very wise and know where to vote and how to vote. We don’t doubt their wisdom. They know who is Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar. These video clips may or may not influence the voters. But when there is an order of this Court, it has to be faithfully respected.”

Justice Kant further asked Ajit Pawar to put out an electronic circular among his party office bearers and candidates “not to use the video clip or photograph of Mr Sharad Pawar. You confine on your own identity as a separate distinct political party.”

First all-women battalion for CISF approved by the Home Ministry, to be tasked with the responsibility of protecting airports, metro rails, and VIP security

OpIndia Staff
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First all-women battalion for CISF approved by the Home Ministry, to be tasked with the responsibility of protecting airports, metro rails, and VIP security

On 12 November, the Ministry of Home Affairs authorized the Central Industrial Security Force’s (CISF) first all-women unit. The CISF now has 1.77 lakh personnel, with 7% of them being women. A total of 1,025 women personnel will be recruited in the battalion. A battalion has about 1,000 soldiers. It would be referred to as a “reserve battalion,” which will be under the command of a senior commandant-rank officer.

Union Home Minister also took to X (previously Twitter) to share the development and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the same. “In a firm step towards realizing Modi Ji’s vision of enhancing women’s participation in every field of nation-building, the Modi government has approved the establishment of the first all-women battalion of the CISF. To be raised as an elite troop, the Mahila Battalion will shoulder the responsibility of protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure, like airports and metro rails and providing VIP security as commandos. The decision will certainly fulfil the aspirations of more women to participate in the crucial task of protecting the nation,” he stated.

According to a CISF officer, their nine-month training program was specifically created to produce an elite battalion that can carry out a variety of tasks as commandos in airport security, Delhi Metro rail duty and VIP security. “They will be deployed at strategic locations, possibly in Delhi-NCR, so that they can be easily mobilised in emergencies,” he added. “Proposal for the creation of an all-woman battalion was initiated on the direction of the Union home minister during the 53rd CISF Day function,” mentioned Deepak Verma, deputy inspector general, CISF.

The central armed force informed, “The CISF has started preparations for the early recruitment, training and selection of location for the headquarters of the new Battalion. The training is being specially designed to create an elite battalion capable of performing multifarious roles as commandos in VIP security and also security of airports, Delhi Metro and Railways.”

Preparations for the new battalion’s early recruitment and training have begun within the CISF. Additionally, it has started looking for a new headquarters for the battalion. According to CISF sources, the training is specifically intended to produce an elite battalion that can handle a variety of tasks, such as commandos in VIP security and overseeing airport and Delhi Metro security, among other things. Notably, there are currently 12 reserve battalions in the CISF, with a mix of male and female members. The Delhi Metro, the 68 civil airports it protects, and historical sites like the Red Fort and the Taj Mahal provide the force with a major interface with women commuters and tourists. Female personnel are already stationed at these duty sites.

‘Never gave clean chit to Anil Deshmukh, govt didn’t provide enough evidence ‘: Justice Chandiwal who headed commission to probe monthly ₹100 crore extortion case

OpIndia Staff
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‘Never gave clean chit to Anil Deshmukh, govt didn’t provide enough evidence ‘: Justice Chandiwal who headed commission to probe monthly ₹100 crore extortion case

On Wednesday, 13th November, Justice Kailash Chandiwal made several explosive revelations regarding the investigation of the ‘2021 Rs 100 crore Vasooli case’ involving former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh, API Sachin Vaze, and IPS Parambir Singh. In an exclusive interview with ABP Maza, he clarified that no clean chit was granted to the former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh, refuting any claims of exoneration. He stated that while authorities had access to substantial evidence, they failed to present it before the Commission, otherwise, the outcome might have been different.

Former Police Commissioner Parambir Singh had accused then-Home Minister Anil Deshmukh of orchestrating a Rs 100 crore extortion scheme. Justice Chandiwal stated that several attempts to implicate BJP’s Devendra Fadanvis were also made by Sachin Vaze and Anil Deshmukh, but the Commission did not take these allegations on record, recognizing them as publicity-driven moves. 

He emphasized that certain individuals appeared to be seeking fame by dragging prominent political figures into the matter, but he did not allow this tactic to influence the investigation. He said that during the inquiry Sachin Vaze had shown a message by Salil Deshmukh, son of Anil Deshmukh mentioning Rs 40 lakh. “Vaze had a lot of material. But he often disregarded his lawyers’ guidance and displayed a calculated, clever demeanor,” he said.

Several media reports in the year 2022 reported that the Justice KU Chandiwal Commission had given a clean chit to former home minister Anil Deshmukh in a report submitted to the then-CM Uddhav Thackeray. The reports then mentioned that the Commission had called the Indian Police Services (IPS) officer, Parambir Singh’s allegation of corruption and extortion false.

However, Justice Chandiwal said that his report nowhere made the mention of clean chit and indicated that a different outcome might have been possible had the evidence been produced.

The retired Bombay High Court judge was appointed on March 30, 2021, to lead a single-member inquiry after Parambir Singh wrote a letter to the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, and other authorities alleging that the then-Home Minister Anil Deshmukh operated an extortion scheme. He said that Deshmukh directed police officers to collect Rs 100 crore monthly from bars, restaurants, and other establishments.

The Chandiwal Commission was tasked with investigating three key issues which involved whether Singh provided any evidence in his March 20, 2021 letter to substantiate claims of misconduct or offenses by Deshmukh or his office; whether Singh’s allegations, which referenced messages from Assistant Commissioner of Police Sanjay Patil and Assistant Police Inspector Sachin Vaze, held any truth; and whether these claims warranted an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Bureau or any other agency.

The Commission examined several individuals, including Deshmukh, Singh, NCP leader Nawab Malik, and Vaze, one of the officers allegedly involved in Deshmukh’s alleged scheme, as per Singh’s claims. More details regarding the case can be read here.

‘He used to call me dwarf, I called him black. What’s wrong with that’: Karnataka Minister BZ Zameer after racist “Kaalia” slur against HD Kumaraswamy

OpIndia Staff
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‘He used to call me dwarf, I called him black. What’s wrong with that’: Karnataka Minister BZ Zameer after racist “Kaalia” slur against HD Kumaraswamy

Karnataka Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan on Tuesday tendered his apology for referring to JD(S) leader and Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy as “Kaalia”, but justified it by saying there is nothing wrong with it. “If I had called him such a word for the first time, I would have apologized. Out of affection, he used to call me ‘Kulla’ (dwarf), and I used to call him ‘K*riyanna’ (black brother). If he or anyone else is pained by it, I apologize. What’s wrong with that,” is how the Congress leader tendered his ‘apology’ on 12th November for referring to JD(S) leader and Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy as “K*alia” which the opposition NDA has termed “racist.”

He added, “I have been calling him like that from the beginning, not just today. He used to call me ‘Kullanna,’ and I used to call him ‘K*riyanna’ (referring to his complexion). It’s not an issue on which I need to resign. My statement has been interpreted differently. My statement will not affect the election.” DK Shivakumar, the deputy chief minister of Karnataka, also supported Khan, calling his comment a friendly joke and accusing the BJP of attempting to stir up trouble for no reason. “Kumaraswamy and Zameer Ahmed are the closest of friends. Has Kumaraswamy made any statement about this? The BJP is only trying to create controversy. Zameer has always been a key ally of Kumaraswamy,” he claimed.

Speaking at a campaign gathering in Karnataka’s Channapatna on 10th November Khan alleged, “K*aliya Kumaraswamy is more dangerous than the BJP,” which prompted sharp criticism from opposition leaders. “Due to some differences in our Congress party, CP Yogeshwar contested as an Independent. He had no option but to join the BJP. He was not ready to join the JD(S) because ‘K*aliya Kumaraswamy’ was more dangerous than the BJP. Now he (Yogeshwar) has come back home,” he conveyed at the event.

Yogeshwar switched affiliation from the BJP to the Congress before the Channapatna by-poll, which came about after Kumaraswamy resigned as the constituency’s MLA to join the Union. The JD(S) was enraged and objected to Khan’s statements, demanding that the Congress immediately remove the minister from the Karnataka Cabinet for his racist slur.

The party also demanded the state Home Minister G Parameshwara and Ramnagar district police to immediately take appropriate legal action against minister Jameer Ahmed for “racial abuse, racism and trying to disturb peace in the society.”

(With inputs from ANI)

ECI checked bags of Devendra Fadnavis, Nitin Gadkari too, but Uddhav Thackeray chose to create fuss, misbehave with ECI officials for checking his bags

OpIndia Staff
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ECI checked bags of Devendra Fadnavis, Nitin Gadkari too, but Uddhav Thackeray chose to create fuss, misbehave with ECI officials for checking his bags

On Tuesday, November 12th, 2024, the BJP Maharashtra posted a video on social media showing that the bags of former state CM Devendra Fadnavis were also checked by the ECI officials during his campaign rally at Kolhapur and Yavatmal ahead of the scheduled polls. The BJP stated that the video was from November 5th, when Devendra Fadnavis was in Kolhapur for poll campaigns.

This is after Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray created a ruckus on Monday, 11th November alleging the ECI officials of conducting ‘partial’ checking and targeting only opposition leaders. He stated that the ECI was only checking the bags of the opposition leaders but no bags of Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, Modi, or Amit Shah were ever checked.

“Some leaders have a habit of showing off! Watch this video. On 7th November in the Yavatmal district, bags of BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis were also checked. But, neither did he make any video nor did he misbehave with any government official. Earlier, on November 5th also at the Kolhapur airport, Fadnavis’s bags were checked. (This is the video of November 5). The love for the Constitution is not just to show, but the constitutional arrangements have to be followed as well. We only request that everyone should be aware of the Constitution,” the party said.

Notably, not only Devendra Fadnavis’ bag but also Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari’s helicopter was checked by election officials in Maharashtra’s Latur on Tuesday, 12th November when he arrived for a campaign ahead of the polls. The video of the incident went viral over the internet in which the ECI officials could be seen checking the chopper of the Union Minister.

On 11th November, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray slammed the Election Commission officials for checking his bags at the Wani helipad in Maharashtra’s Yavatmal district. He released a video in which he could be seen identifying the government ids of the officials and expressing anger over checking his bags. He alleged that the ECI officials had been checking only the bags of the opposition party members and not that of the Mahayuti alliance members.

“Why are only our bags checked? Have you checked Modi’s, Amit Shah’s, Devendra Fadnavis, or Eknath Shinde’s bags?” he asked. To this, the ECI officials stated that the said leaders had not come to the district yet for campaigning. The officials also assured them that their bags would also be checked if they came here.

Further Thackeray expressed anger saying, “Will see. I am releasing this video. But then you’ll have to also send me a video of the bag-checking of the leaders I mentioned. You can check my bags. I’ll cooperate. Also, check my urine pot. See if you can find anything. I’ll later expose you then.”

With the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in place, poll workers often conduct surprise checks to prevent the transfer of gifts and cash to entice voters. Earlier, bags of NCP (Sharad Pawar) leader Dr Amol Kolhe were also checked. Not only this, bags of CM Eknath Shinde were also checked during the Lok Sabha elections in May this year at Nashik. The video of the incident had gone viral over the internet in which the ECI officials could be seen checking his two bags full of clothes. Shinde meanwhile could be seen co-operating with the ECI checking.

This is notable after the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut alleged that Shinde was carrying bags filled with cash to Nashik to gain support for the then-candidate Hemant Godse. Shinde then slammed Raut and said that unlike other people he didn’t have a habit of working secretly. ‘Some people work secretly. Eknath Shinde works openly,” he said.

In the given case, the video posted by the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray portrayed sheer arrogance towards the ECI officials who were just performing their duty. He alleged the ECI officials of ‘partial’ behavior and almost threatened them saying that he would expose them soon.

Meanwhile, former CM Devendra Fadnavis also took cognizance of the event and said on Tuesday, 12th November that Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis was trying to divert the public attention from the real issues by unnecessarily protesting against the checking of his bags by election officials. “What is wrong with getting the bags checked? We had our bags checked during the campaigning too. There was no need of this level of frustration,” he said adding that the NVA candidates were trying to seek the votes by whining.

As per the final seat-sharing formula of the Mahayuti this time, the BJP is fighting on 148 seats, the Sena on 80, and the NCP on 53 seats. On the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) side, Congress is fighting on 101 seats, Sena (UBT) on 94 seats, and NCP (SP) on 88 seats. The 288 legislative assembly seats will go to the polls in a single phase on November 20th while the counting of votes will take place on November 23rd.

Canada: Brampton Triveni Mandir cancels consular camp after Peel Police conveyed its incompetence to protect against Khalistanis, had allegedly demanded ‘protection money’

Shraddha Pandey
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Canada: Brampton Triveni Mandir cancels consular camp after Peel Police conveyed its incompetence to protect against Khalistanis, had allegedly demanded ‘protection money’

In continuance of its streak of monumental failures at protecting the Hindu community from Khalistani threats, the Peel Police shirked its responsibility leading to a Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada cancelling its consular event. In a statement dated 11th November, the Brampton Triveni Mandir and Community Centre informed about cancelling the Life Certificate Event scheduled to take place on 17th November, as Peel Police said that there is a threat of violent protests. Instead of protecting the Hindu temple from Khalistani terrorists, Peel Police urged Hindus to cancel the event altogether. It has been alleged that Peel Police also sent quotations to the temple authorities to provide police protection.

“Please be advised that the Life Certificate Event scheduled at Brampton Triveni Mandir by the Indian Consulate on November 17, 2024, has been cancelled. This is due to official intelligence from Peel Regional Police, stating that there is an Extremely High and Imminent Threat Level of violent protests. On the advice of Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah, we must decide to cancel to ensure the safety of Brampton Triveni Mandir devotees, community visitors, and the general public. We apologize to all community members who were depending on the event,” the statement issued by Brampton Triveni Mandir and Community Centre reads.

Lamenting that the situation has become such that Canadians are feeling unsafe to visit Hindu temples, the Triveni Mandir authorities called on Peel Police to address the violent threats and provide security to the Canadian Hindus.

“We are deeply saddened that Canadians now feel unsafe coming to Hindu Temples in Canada. We call on Peel Police to address the threats being circulated against Brampton Triveni Mandir and provide security guarantees to the Canadian Hindu Community and the general public,” the Board of Directors at the Brampton Triveni Mandir and Community Centre added.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Police with the Peel Regional Police, Nishan Duraiappah wrote to the Brampton Triveni Mandir authorities and asked to consider rescheduling the Consular camp event saying that “a temporary postponement could contribute meaningfully to de-escalating the present tensions and safeguarding the wellbeing of those attending your location.”

On 12th November, Peel Police issued a statement saying that they have not received any direct threats against any place of worship and that they have heightened police presence around places of worship in the region. While Peel Police claimed to be committed to de-escalating tensions and addressing safety concerns raised by Hindus, it exposed its own incompetence by suggesting that it managed to make the Hindu temples postpone the consular camps. How does cancelling or postponing the event prevent Khalistanis from attacking Hindu temples, will Khalistanis have a change of heart and stop hating Hindus? What is the guarantee that if the same event is held a few days or weeks later will not face a Khalistani threat?

“Peel Regional Police is aware of community concerns, particularly at places of worship, regarding demonstrations and perceived threats. Peel Regional Police wish to clarify that we have not received any direct threats against any place of worship in the Region of Peel. Peel Regional Police has increased our presence around places of worship to reassure the public. Additionally, we have been actively engaging with community leaders, organizations, and local stakeholders to address safety concerns and de-escalate tensions. As part of these efforts, Peel Regional Police has been in contact with the Consul General of India, as well as places of worship and community centres to work collaboratively to mitigate risks for the community. Given the current tensions in the community and a shared interest in maintaining public safety, the organizers agreed that Consular Camps be postponed to a later date to allow for tensions to ease and limit any negative impact on the community. Peel Regional Police’s responsibility is the safety and security of everyone in our region,” the Peel Regional Police said.

Peel Police sought ‘protection money’ from Brampton Triveni Mandir?

In a statement condemning Peel Police’s failure to protect the civil rights of Canadian Hindus, the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), said that in addition to the Brampton Triveni Mandir, Peel Regional Police is pressuring several Hindu temples to cancel their scheduled events.

“Brampton’s Triveni Mandir had to cancel a consular camp that was to be held on its premises on November 17, following PRP’s advice, citing an “extremely high and imminent threat level of violent protests.” According to Hindu community leaders, PRP is reportedly pressuring other temples to follow suit and cancel similar events. Such measures not only compromise the constitutional rights of Canadian Hindus but also send a message that their safety is conditional, thus deepening the divide and mistrust between the community and those sworn to protect them,” CoHNA stated.

The Coalition further stated that Peel Police allegedly sent Brampton Triveni Mandir and Community Centre a quotation of how much providing police protection against Khalistani threats would cost. It said that Peel Police proposed charging between CAD 50,000 and CAD 100,000 to provide police protection.

“It appears that the PRP is neglecting to perform its basic duty, which is to ensure peace and security for all residents, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or background. Even more troubling, PRP has reportedly proposed charging between CAD 50,000 and CAD 100,000 to provide police protection—a financial burden that is both shocking and unjust. The Hindu community, like all Canadians, pays taxes, and to effectively put a price on their safety undermines the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which guarantees the right to religious expression without fear of violence or harassment,”  CoHNA said.

In addition to CoHNA, Vishwa Jain Sangathan has also condemned Peel Police’s alleged ‘protection money’ proposal and said: “Is @ChiefNishn of @PeelPolice running extortion racket working in cahoots with extremists group in a  @JustinTrudeau’s “country rule of law”? ..failed to apply CC176.  What is your share in this @PierrePoilievre through your  @TimUppal @jasrajshallan? Shame.”

Kali Bari Temple also cancelled its consular camp program

Meanwhile, another Hindu temple has cancelled its consular camp program amidst Khalistani violence threats. The Kali Bari Temple in the Greater Toronto Area was set to host a consular event on 16th November, however, it has cancelled the event. This comes as Khalistani terrorist outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) released an online notice identifying the Brampton Triveni Mandir and the GTA Kali Bari Temple as the two temples were sent to host the consular camps. These consular camps are organised to provide life certificates to pensioners. It was intended to provide a free and convenient service for elderly people at a place close to their homes.

Notably, India’s consulate in Toronto had on 7th November announced that it will be cancelling some of the consular camps in view of the Khalistani threats since the Canadian security agencies expressed an inability to provide minimum security protection to the community camp organisers. “In view of the security agencies conveying their inability to provide minimum security protection to the community camp organizers, Consulate has decided to cancel some of the scheduled consular camps,”  the Indian consulate in Toronto said.

Khalistan threats against Hindu temples and Peel Police’s incompetence

It must be recalled that on the 3rd of November, a large group of Khalistanis attacked the Hindu Sabha temple in Gore Road, Brampton, Ontario, Canada where a consular camp was underway. The incident highlighted the continued threat of Khalistani violence against Hindu Indians in Canada and the failure of the authorities in Canada to ensure law and order. A Peel Police officer Haridner Singh Sohi was seen participating in the Khalistani rally that ended up attacking the temple. He was suspended later.

On one hand, Khalistani elements appear to have infiltrated Peel Police, on the other, Peel Police, an entity funded by public taxes and entrusted with the responsibility of protecting all the communities including Hindus, is allegedly demanding ‘protection money’ raises concerns if it is catering to the whims of the anti-Hindu Khalistani terrorists. While it is widely known that the ruling Trudeau government has turned Canada into a safe haven for Khalistani terrorists and regularly indulges in their appeasement for votes even as it costs straining ties with India and putting the Canadian Hindus under threat, the Police calling on the victims to not hold their events instead of crushing the perpetrators exposes the sheer bias and incompetence of those entrusted with the job to protect people against criminals and religious fanatics. This incompetence, however, seems deliberate given arresting the anti-Hindu and anti-India Khalistani extremists would not be good optics and displease the Khalistani vote bank of the Liberal Party, especially when the federal elections are just months away.

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