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New York officials seized social media star Peanut the squirrel from its owner and killed it, becomes a political issue days before presidential elections

OpIndia Staff
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New York officials seized social media star Peanut the squirrel from its owner and killed it, becomes a political issue days before presidential elections

On 30 October, an orphaned squirrel named Peanut, who became a social media sensation, was euthanised by New York state officials after being seized from the home of his caretaker, Mark Longo. According to reports, New York officials raided Longo’s house and seized the squirrel along with a rescued raccoon named Fred. Both animals were euthanised on the same day they were taken from Longo, apparently to test if they had rabbies.

The death of the beloved squirrel has sparked a backlash among fans of Peanut and animal welfare advocates. The matter has now become linked to the ongoing US Presidential Elections, with Republicans slamming the govt accusing it of overreach. Billionaire Elon Musk also voiced support for Longo.

Authorities from New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Chemung County’s health department raided Longo’s house based on a complaint alleging potential health risks related to housing wildlife. Following the raid, Peanut and Fred were removed from Longo’s home in Pine City. Reportedly, a woman named Monica Keasler had lodged the complaint.

Based on the complaint, a judge issueds a search warrant, after which officers from the state Department of Environmental Conservation raided Mark Longo’s house, and took away the two animals after a 5-hour search. “On Oct. 30, DEC seized a raccoon and squirrel sharing a residence with humans, creating the potential for human exposure to rabies,” officials said.

Officials claimed that during the seizure, a DEC officer was bitten by the squirrel. As a result, both animals were subsequently euthanised to test for rabies. A joint statement from DEC and Chemung County confirmed, “The animals are being tested for rabies, and anyone in contact with these animals is encouraged to consult their physician.”

However, Longo has denied that the squirrel bit anyone, saying he didn’t witness any such incident.

Peanut, the beloved squirrel which was rescued and lived in the Longo’s house for 7 years, had garnered tens of thousands of followers on Instagram and TikTok. Longo frequently posted videos of Peanut performing tricks, enjoying snacks, and wearing tiny hats. After rescuing the squirrel, Mark started an animal rescue initiative called P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary.

Following the squirrel’s death, heartbroken fans expressed outrage on social media. A post from Peanut’s Instagram account criticised the decision to euthanise the animals, calling it a “devastating decision” that left the sanctuary community in shock. He stated that he was in the process of securing a certification for Peanut as an educational animal when the seizure occurred. He alleged that officials used excessive force during the seizure and that the raid continued for hours, during which he was not allowed to feed his rescued animals, including horses.

Mark Longo said, “Honestly, this still kind of feels surreal, that the state that I live in actually targeted me and took two of the most beloved animals on this planet away, didn’t even quarantine them. They took them from my house and just killed them.”

Following the information of the animals getting euthanised reached Longo, several posts were made on social media platforms. One of the posts read, “Well internet, you WON. You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness. To the group of people who called DEC, there’s a special place in hell for you. Today at 10am Wednesday, Oct 30, 2024… The NY State DEC showed up to my house and took Peanut. He was TAKEN to the EUTHANIZED. Im in shock, disbelief, and disgusted to the people who did this to, PNUT. For the last 7 years, Peanut has been my best friend. He’s been the center of my world and many of yours for so long, I don’t know how to process this, emotionally. Last year we moved to NY in hopes of starting a NONPROFIT animal rescue in PNUT’s Name. @pnuts_freedom_farm will forever live in PNUT’s memory. With over 350 rescues, we’ve relied heavily on PNUT and his internet family to gather donations to help more animals. I don’t even know how will continue to fundraise for this nonprofit. I’ll be taking a break from social media for a bit. To the people who did this… THANK YOU for breaking apart a family and crushing any hopes of our nonprofit to survive. I want to thank those who have stuck by up for the last 7 years to watch peanut and his antic. I will set up a fundraiser for those who want to donate in Peanuts name. I’ll never give up on this nonprofit or those who fell in love with peanut. Thank you all. Mark Longo”

Longo also alleged that he was treated like a terrorist when a 10-member team searched his house. “They treated me like I was a terrorist. They treated this raid as if I was a drug dealer. They ransacked my house for five hours,” Longo told the media. He said that the officials even asked about the immigration status of his wife, despite having all the necessary documents.

Notably, it is illegal to keep wild animals as pets in New York unless the owner is licensed as a wildlife rehabilitator. To become one, a person must complete intensive paperwork and inspections. Longo asserted he was complying with the requirements and was “in the process of filing the necessary paperwork.” Despite the regulations, many people care for squirrels like Peanut due to limited rehabilitator resources available in the city.

After the incident, people are calling for a change in the law, which bars people from keeping harmless rescued animals. It has been noted that animals rescued young and kept with humans for a long time can’t be released to the wild as they become adapted to domestic life and can’t survive in the wild.

Unexpectedly, the killing of two pets after seizing them from their owner has become a political issue just days ahead of the voting for presidential elections. Donald John Trump Junior, son of presidential candidate Donald Trump, tweeted, “It’s time to vote out a government that will kill a pet squirrel but will gladly allow 600,000 criminals with 13,000 murderers & 16,000 rapists knowingly into their country. Maybe P’nuts murder will be the catalyst for real change & awakening as to our govts broken priorities!”

Elon Musk has also come forward in support of Longo, criticising state authorities for the extreme action of euthanising the squirrel. In a post on X, Musk said, “The government should not be allowed to barge into your house and kill your pet! That’s messed up. Even if it is illegal to have a pet squirrel (which it shouldn’t be), why kill PNut instead of simply releasing him into the forest!?”

In another post, he vouched for Presidential candidate Donald Trump and asserted he will save the squirrels.

Wildlife rehabilitators have expressed concerns that such incidents could discourage others from pursuing licences. One such rehabilitator, Tindal, said, “Pet squirrels are rarely a good idea… they’re aggressive, difficult to care for, but rare cases like Peanut’s can be truly exceptional.”

Will kill you like Baba Siddique: Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and Mahant of Gorakhnath Math, receives death threat

OpIndia Staff
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Will kill you like Baba Siddique: Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and Mahant of Gorakhnath Math, receives death threat

On Saturday, November 2, a death threat was received by Mumbai Police against the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Notably, Yogi Adityanath is also the Mahant (Head Priest) of the holy Gorakhnath temple.

The Mumbai Police Traffic Control Cell received a call from an unknown number on Saturday, (November 2). The caller threatened that Yogi Adityanath would face similar consequences as assassinated NCP leader Baba Siddique if he did not resign within 10 days.

Following the threat against someone who is not only a politician, but a revered Hindu figure, security forces are on high alert. The Mumbai police are currently investigating the matter and are also attempting to locate the perpetrator of the death threat against Yogi Adityanath.

Yogi Adityanath is one of the most powerful people in India because he governs the most populous state and is also the Mahant of Gorakhnath. A life threat against him has apparently seriously concerned the security forces.

Baba Siddique murder case

On Saturday, 12th October, former Maharashtra minister and leader of Ajit Pawar’s NCP, Baba Siddique, was shot dead by three assailants possibly linked to Lawrence Bishnoi gang in Mumbai. He was shot in the chest and stomach. The 66-year-old politician was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The incident took place around 9:30 PM outside Siddique’s son and Maharashtra MLA Zeeshan Siddique’s office in Bandra East. At the time of the incident, Siddique was bursting firecrackers to celebrate Dussehra. Reportedly, three assailants emerged from a vehicle with covered faces. They opened fire at Siddique using a 9.9mm pistol and fired three rounds. One of the bullets struck Siddique in the chest, and he collapsed. One of the bullets hit the windscreen of his vehicle.

Baba Siddique was born on 13th September 1958 in Patna. He grew up in Mumbai. In 1977, he joined Congress and quickly rose through the ranks. In 1980, he became General Secretary of Bandra Taluka of the Bandra Youth Congress. In 1988, he became the president of Mumbai Youth Congress. In 1992, he was elected as a Municipal Councillor. He was shot dead by 3 shooters on October 12.

“BJP stands out from other parties…Polls will ensure Jharkhand’s future”: Home Minister Amit Shah after releasing BJP’s Sankalp Patra

ANI
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“BJP stands out from other parties…Polls will ensure Jharkhand’s future”: Home Minister Amit Shah after releasing BJP’s Sankalp Patra

After releasing the Bharatiya Janata Party Sankalp Patra (Manifesto) for Jharkhand Assembly elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that the BJP stands out from all other parties, adding that the upcoming elections in the state is not just an election to change the government, but an election to ensure the future of Jharkhand.

“This election in Jharkhand is not just an election to change the government, but an election to ensure the future of Jharkhand. The people of Jharkhand have to decide whether they want a government full of corruption or a BJP government moving forward on the path of development under the leadership of PM Modi. Do they want a government that endangers the identity, land and women of Jharkhand by allowing infiltration or do they want a Bharatiya Janata Party government that protects the borders,” Amit Shah said, after releasing the BJP’s Sankalp Patra event in Ranchi.

Shah further said that the backward classes, the poor, the tribals, the Dalits are looking towards the BJP’s ‘Sankalp Patra’ with great hope.
“We are releasing the ‘Sankalp Patra’ today, the Bharatiya Janata Party stands out from all other parties. Because the Bharatiya Janata Party is the only party in the country’s politics that does what it says. Whenever the Bharatiya Janata Party has come to power, we have fulfilled all the resolutions. This is our track record and that is why the people of Jharkhand, especially the backward classes, the poor, the tribals, the Dalits are looking towards our ‘Sankalp Patra’ with great hope,” he added.

The Union Home Minister asserted that during the Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s government, the tribals of the state are not safe.

“The number of tribals in Santhal Pargana is continuously decreasing. Infiltrators are coming here and luring our daughters and marrying them and occupying the land. If this is not stopped, then neither the culture of Jharkhand, nor the employment, land, or daughters here will be safe. That is why the BJP is moving ahead with the slogan of securing “Roti, Beti, Maati,” Shah said.

The Home Minister also attacked the JMM led alliance alleging that they had allowed infiltrators into tribal lands.

“BJP government is being formed in Jharkhand and we will drive out these infiltrators. We will bring the law and return the land taken away from women. Hemant Soren, you have failed to provide security to the women of Jharkhand,” he said.

Amit Shah released Bharatiya Janata Party Sankalp Patra (Manifesto) for Jharkhand Assembly elections in Ranchi.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Sanjay Seth, and BJP Jharkhand president Babulal Marandi were present during the launch.

Elections for 81 seats in the Jharkhand Assembly will be conducted in two phases on November 13 and November 20, with the counting of votes scheduled for November 23.

In the previous assembly election, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha won 30 seats, the BJP won 25 and Congress won 16 seats.

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

Gujarat: Man falls prey to ‘Escort Scam’ in search of companionship, loses Rs 3 lakh

OpIndia Staff
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Gujarat: Man falls prey to ‘Escort Scam’ in search of companionship, loses Rs 3 lakh

On 26th October, a 34-year-old man from Anand, Gujarat, approached the Mahemdavad town police station to file a complaint against scam artists for duping him of Rs 3 lakh under the guise of providing escort services. The man, an employee at a multinational firm, sought escort services to combat his loneliness on 25th September 2024, as he was living alone following a separation in 2015. He was lured into an online escort scam by an individual claiming to provide such services, which ultimately led to him losing a staggering Rs 3 lakh.

The man reportedly fell for the scam when he was looking for companionship in Gujarat via online escort services and found a contact number for a person identifying himself as Manik Gaus. He contacted Gaus on WhatsApp and received images of multiple women. Gaus convinced the victim to make an initial payment of Rs 6,000 as registration fees.

Enticed by the images shared by Gaus, the man paid the fees and then selected two women for the services. Gaus directed him to a hotel in Ahmedabad and asked for Rs 40,000 in exchange for the services. Over the next week, he was misled into paying various fictitious fees, including hotel entry, security, and police protection.

In this way, the man paid around Rs 3 lakh to Gaus, hoping to receive escort services. When he realised it was a scam, he approached the police and filed a complaint. Based on his complaint, an FIR has been registered under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nayay Sanhita and Sections 66C and 66D of the Information Technology Act, 2000. OpIndia accessed a copy of the FIR, which provided comprehensive details of how the scam was executed.

Case background and the victim’s ordeal

According to the complaint filed by the victim, he is a resident of Vantawadi village in Kheda. In his complaint, he stated that he came across an escort service through a Google search on 25th September 2024. When he contacted the number, the person on the other end identified himself as “Money Gaus Escort Service Provider.” He sent the victim photographs of various women and demanded Rs 6,000 as registration fees upfront.

The victim complied with the demand and transferred the fees via UPI. He was then directed to the Regenta Central Interim Hotel. Gaus told him to deposit Rs 19,900 as service charges per person. The victim paid a total of Rs 39,980 as he chose to engage two women. Initially, he expected the amount was refundable.

After arriving at the hotel, Gaus told him to pay additional charges, including Rs 29,520 as “girl security” and Rs 71,040 as “police security.” The money was paid into an account under the name of Zamina Khatoon in NSDL Bank. Gaus promised that the security deposit was refundable and would be returned upon completion of the service.

However, even after paying over Rs 2 lakh via Google Pay and other means, the promised services were not provided. When the victim asked for a refund, he was asked to pay another Rs 53,520, with a promise to fulfil the service request; however, neither was the service provided nor did he receive any refund.

After realising he had been duped, the victim approached the Mahemdavad police station and filed a complaint, which led to a formal investigation into the matter. The FIR noted that he contacted ‘Gaus’ primarily through mobile numbers and that the payments were made via UPI IDs and bank accounts. The police are now tracing the digital footprint left by the payments to identify and apprehend the scammers involved.

Man who sent over 100 threatening emails about bombs to Indian airlines and PMO, wanted to get his book on terrorism published

OpIndia Staff
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Man who sent over 100 threatening emails about bombs to Indian airlines and PMO, wanted to get his book on terrorism published

In recent weeks, all airlines operating from India have received multiple terror threats. Many threats have been sent to the Prime Minister’s Office as well. Now it has been unveiled that these threats were sent by an individual who just wanted to get his book on terrorism published.

Jagdish Uikey, 35, from Gondia, a Maoist-affected district in Maharashtra, has been regularly sending hoax emails about bombs aboard Indian flights and at PMO for months.

The man, who sent a 100 threatening emails targeting the prime minister’s office (PMO), top government officials, and various flights and trains across India, intended to publish his book titled “Atankwad-Ek Tufaani Rakshash”, Times of India reported.

Uikey has been to detained from Nagpur in Maharashtra for all these hoax emails. Reportedly, Uikey wanted support for his book on terrorism, and once he didn’t get any, he started sending out these hoax mails in frustration. As per Nagpur’s additional CP, Sanjay Patil, Uikey’s book appears to be a basic compilation of terrorist theories readily available online, Times of India reported.

Notably, bomb hoaxes on Indian flights had reached alarming levels recently with hundreds of threats within few days. While the threats turned out to be hoax, this caused enormous financial loss to the aviation industry, and disrupted flight operations. As per security protocol, any flight receiving threats have to make emergency landings, and the airport has to make arrangements for evacuation of passengers as soon as possible.

“Projected it differently”: Karnataka Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan bizarrely attacks BJP over Waqf notice to farmers, then says they are reconsidering the issue

ANI
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“Projected it differently”: Karnataka Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan bizarrely attacks BJP over Waqf notice to farmers, then says they are reconsidering the issue

Karnataka Waqf and Minority Affairs minister Zameer Ahmed Khan slammed the opposition BJP in state for row over waqf notice to farmers and alleged that it was “projected differently.”

Speaking to ANI on Saturday, Khan said that the notice has withdrawn for reconsideration.

“The temporary notice served to farmers has been made into a big issue by the BJP. They have projected it differently and are giving the wrong message to the country. The CM has decided to withdraw the notice and we are reconsidering it,” he told ANI on Saturday.

Earlier on November 2, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah issued a strict directive to officials to immediately retract all notices sent to farmers concerning waqf land issues, emphasizing that no disturbances should be caused to the farmers, according to a statement by the Chief Minister’s Office.

The directive came after a high-level meeting involving senior officials from the Revenue Department, Minority Welfare Department, and the Waqf Board.

The CM expressed strong dissatisfaction over recent actions taken by certain officials and highlighted that the JD(S) and BJP were allegedly using the Waqf matter for political gain, potentially disturbing peace in the state.

Siddaramaiah appealed to the public to disregard any misinformation and called on officials to ensure the matter is handled sensitively. Karnataka Legislative Council LoP Chalavadi Narayanaswamy reacted to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s orders of immediate withdrawal of waqf notice to farmers, saying that it is just an “eyewash” to win the local elections.

Speaking to ANI, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy said, “Now, you’ve given the order to withdraw the notices. But still, in the gazette, it is only Waqf’s property. So this is not a solution at all. I will immediately request CM Siddaramaiah to withdraw the 1974 gazette. Otherwise, it is just an eyewash to win the local elections. This will not bring any relief to the farmers.” 

Arvind Kejriwal promises to waive off ‘inflated’ water and electricity bills sent by Delhi Government if AAP is voted to power again

OpIndia Staff
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Arvind Kejriwal promises to waive off ‘inflated’ water and electricity bills sent by Delhi Government if AAP is voted to power again

Ahead of the upcoming Delhi Vidhan Sabha elections, Arvind Kejriwal has assured Delhites that if re-elected, he will waive his government’s ‘inflated’ water and electricity bills.

While addressing a public rally in Sanjay Gandhi Transport Nagar, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo conceded that his government sent the people massive and incorrect water and electricity bills.

“Recently, I heard that when I was in jail, they messed things up behind my back and sent you massive water bills again. Many people received incorrect and inflated bills,” Arvind Kejriwal acknowledged.

He promised to resolve the issues and continue the ‘benefits’ if AAP is re-elected to power in the upcoming State Legislative Assembly elections. Arvind Kejriwal directed the public not to pay water bills issued by the Delhi government.

“Those who received incorrect water bills, you don’t need to pay them. Just let my government be formed again in February, and I will waive everyone’s water bills, and you will start getting zero bills for water, just like before,” he announced.

The AAP supremo went a step ahead and claimed to make electricity and water bills free. “I am not saying you should vote for me; just see for yourself…You can see whether the central government has done anything for Delhi,” Kejriwal brazened out.

Delhi BJP President Virender Sachdeva slammed the former Delhi CM and pointed out, “Kejriwal tells Delhi residents that if their water bill is high, they should not pay it because he will waive it in March. Delhiites ask: if Kejriwal’s government is in power today, why doesn’t he waive the bills right now?”

India condemns Canada after revelations that Indian diplomats were under audio-video surveillance, lodges protest calling it flagrant violation of conventions

ANI
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India condemns Canada after revelations that Indian diplomats were under audio-video surveillance, lodges protest calling it flagrant violation of conventions

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Saturday that India has lodged a formal protest with the Canadian government after revelations that its consular officials in Canada were subjected to audio and video surveillance. The MEA condemned these actions as “flagrant violations” of diplomatic and consular conventions.

During a press briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that some Indian consular officials were recently informed by the Canadian government about the ongoing surveillance. He criticized Canada for attempting to justify its actions by citing technicalities, arguing that such justifications cannot excuse what he described as harassment and intimidation of Indian diplomatic personnel.

Jaiswal emphasised the extremist and violent environment in which the diplomatic and consular personnel were operating, noting that these actions by the Canadian government exacerbate the situation and are incompatible with established diplomatic norms and practices.

“Some of our Consular officials were recently informed by the Canadian Government that they have been and continue to be under audio and video surveillance. Their communications have also been intercepted. We have formally protested to the Canadian Government, as we deem these actions to be a flagrant violation of relevant diplomatic and consular conventions,” the MEA Spokesperson said.

“By citing technicalities, the Canadian government cannot justify the fact that it is indulging in harassment and intimidation. Our diplomatic and consular personnel are already functioning in an environment of extremism and violence. This action of the Canadian Government aggravates the situation and is incompatible with established diplomatic norms and practices,” he added.

Jaiswal further pointed to the recent Canadian classification of India as a “cyber adversary,” alongside Russia, China, and North Korea, as another example to “attack” India.

“This appears to be another example of a Canadian strategy to attack India. As I mentioned earlier, their senior officials have openly confessed that they are seeking to manipulate global opinion against India. As on other occasions, imputations are made without any evidence,” he stated.

Tensions between India and Canada escalated after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in Parliament last year that there were “credible allegations” of India’s involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

India has firmly denied all such allegations, labeling them as “absurd” and “motivated,” while accusing Canada of providing a haven for extremist and anti-India elements.

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

US-supported Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun threatens to attack Hindu temples if Diwali is celebrated with firecrackers

OpIndia Staff
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US-supported Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun threatens to attack Hindu temples if Diwali is celebrated with firecrackers

Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who is backed by the USA and Canada, has come up with another threat against Indians and Hindus. This time, he wants Sikhs to ensure that Hindus don’t celebrate Diwali in their homes and temples in Punjab and elsewhere by bursting firecrackers.

He said that no Hindu temple will be allowed to burst firecrackers on the occasion of Diwali. ‘It is the responsibility of the Sikh youths to make sure that no Hindu temple bursts firecrackers,’ he said in a video that surfaced on 2nd November. Notably, Diwali was celebrated on 31st October in India.

He asked Sikh youths to first request Hindus politely to not burst firecrackers, but added that they should use traditional Khalsa way if that does not work. This means he suggests the use of force against Hindus to prevent them from celebrating Diwali by bursting firecrackers.

He said in the video, “To all Hindus and temple authorities in Punjab: On 1st November, no Hindu temple, no Hindu brothers or sisters, and no Hindu household should engage in any firework displays. It is the responsibility of the Sikh youth in Punjab to ensure this. First, request politely, and if needed, enforce it in the traditional Khalsa way—no fireworks should be allowed in any temple.”

Although the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) leader, who is dual citizen of USA and Canada, regularly issues such violent threats, he continued to be protected by the two north American nations. US Justice department has accused Indian intelligence agencies of plotting to kill him, and has opened a case. Similarly, Canadian govt also continues to shield him along with other Khalistani elements in the country.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is a designated Khalistani terrorist declared under UAPA by the Indian Home Ministry. His organization, Sikhs For Justice, was also banned by the Indian government in 2019. Pannun is known for issuing threats and announcing bounties for anti-India activities. 

Last month, he issued a warning that an Air India plane could be attacked ahead of the 40th anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. He said that the attack will take place between 1 and 19 November. “Do not fly Air India…We are imploring Sikh ‘panth’ to refrain from travelling via Air India. From November 1, there will be a global blockade. Air India won’t be permitted to operate. Sikh ‘panth’, abstain from travelling by Air India after November 1,” said Pannun.

Last year, he made a similar threat to blow up Air India planes, leading to concerns across the aviation industry as the Khalistanis had indeed carried out one of the worst attacks in aviation history, the Air India Kanishka bombing in 1985.

Waqf Board claims 53 historical ASI monuments in Congress-ruled Karnataka, 43 of which have already been encroached by them

OpIndia Staff
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Waqf Board claims 53 historical ASI monuments in Congress-ruled Karnataka, 43 of which have already been encroached by them

The Waqf Board has claimed at least 53 historical monuments in Karnataka, which is currently governed by the Congress party.

These monuments include the Gol Gumbaz, Ibrahim Rauza, Bara Kaman, forts at Bidar and Kalaburagi and others. Out of the 53 monuments, 43 of them are in Karnataka’s Vijaypura (which was once the capital city of Adil Shahis). 6 are in Hampi while 4 are in Bengaluru Circle.

According to a report by the Deccan Chronicle, the Vijaypura Waqf Board declared 43 centrally-protected monuments as its own in 2005 when Mohammad Mohsin was the Principal Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department (Medical Education).

Mohsin also held the position of Chairman and Deputy Commissioner of the Waqf Board in Vijaypura. He said that a government gazette notification was issued by the Revenue Department after ‘authentic documentary evidence’ was furnished.

Waqf Board is reportedly taking advantage of the Record of Rights and the Government’s Certificate issued to the owner of properties.

However, once a property belongs to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), it cannot be de-notified and handed over to another party.

This is strictly prohibited by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites Remains (AMASR) Act and Rules of 1958.

“While ASI is the holder of the land/monument, the encumbrance is the Waqf authority This has been done without consulting ASI,” an RTI reply accessed by Deccan Chronicle read.

According to an ASI official, a joint survey of these monuments was conducted in 2012. Waqf Board did not furnish any evidence to prove its claims at that time. The official indicated that 43 of them are already encroached upon the Vijaypura Waqf Board.

“The 43 monuments in Vijayapura are being defaced and are being repaired with plaster and cement. Fans, air conditioners, fluorescent lights and toilets are being added to the monuments. Shopkeepers have taken over certain properties,” he emphasised.

“This is adversely impacting the flow of tourists to these monuments,” the official told Deccan Chronicle.

Encroachments have remained on the centrally protected monuments since 2007 despite clear directives of the Union Ministry of Culture to the Karnataka Chief Secretary, Vijayapura deputy commissioner and Minorities Welfare Department.

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