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Hindus were target of Lathicharge, stone pelting, and bullets; Islamists didn’t even get a scratch: Eyewitness of Bahraich violence

राहुल पाण्डेय
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Hindus were target of Lathicharge, stone pelting, and bullets; Islamists didn’t even get a scratch: Eyewitness of Bahraich violence

On Sunday (13th October 2024), an Islamist mob killed Ram Gopal Mishra in Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh. The same mob also vandalised the idols of Maa Durga being taken for immersion, protesting against which, many devotees were injured.

After this anti-Hindu violence, the violent mob played the victim card and the leftists started portraying the Muslim community as the victim. OpIndia’s investigation revealed that the real victims of the violence are Hindus.

It has also been claimed that the attack on the devotees was instigated from the mosque. However, the Bahraich administration continues to deny this claim of many eyewitnesses.

This violence took place in Maharajganj market, which falls in Hardi police station area of ​​​​Bharaich. Maruti Nandan Tripathi, an eyewitness of this violence, spoke to OpIndia. Maruti told us that when the violence started, he was watching the fair at the immersion site, about 1 km away from the incident site. As soon as he got information about the attack on the phone, he reached Maharajganj market. At that time, the angry Hindus were demanding action from the police administration against those who pelted stones on the idol and forcibly stopped the DJ.

Maruti Nandan said that the administration was not paying any attention to the complaints of the devotees, due to which the tension was increasing. During the protest, stones were again pelted on Hindus in the presence of the police, due to which some people started beating the tin shed of Abdul Hamid’s house. Then, Ram Gopal Mishra got angry and he went to the roof of Abdul Hamid. Here, after taking out the green flag, he was shot dead.

Earlier, Islamists had uprooted the flag of Hindus. Maruti Nandan Tripathi says that apart from stone pelting and attack on Durga idols, Islamists had uprooted the flags of Hindus installed along the way. Some people were coming down with the unconscious body of Ram Gopal Mishra from Abdul Hamid house, then bullets were fired, the video of which is also available. No vehicle could be found to take the injured Ram Gopal to the hospital. Some people were taking him in an e-rickshaw, when its battery died halfway through. The remaining distance from there was covered by bike. Ram Gopal was declared dead on arrival in the hospital.

Most of the devotees left the idol alone and went to the hospital with Ram Gopal Mishra. The administration lathicharged the remaining Hindus. The Islamist mob took advantage of the stampede caused by this lathicharge. Maruti Nandan further tells that many Islamists came out of their houses and broke the idols on the road. At the same time, many people attacked the devotees in groups. Taking advantage of the lathicharge by the police, an Islamist mob chased the devotees for a long distance.

The order to attack the procession was received from the mosque

Maruti Nandan Tripathi’s allegation about the announcements from the mosque present at the site of the incident, is diametrically opposite to the claims of Bahraich police. Maruti Nandan says that the attack on the devotees of Maa Durga was incited from the mosque. According to Maruti Nandan, when Ram Gopal climbed the roof of Abdul Hamid’s house, it was announced from the mic of the mosque, “Everyone gather. We will not let him go. Beat him.” The violent mob that came out after this even included children and old people.

Eyewitness Maruti Nandan further tells us that he saw most of the Islamist mob on the roofs as well. They were apparently throwing stones and bottles. They came out of the houses and broke any vehicle going to the immersion procession.

We don’t know what happened to our idols

While talking to us, Maruti Nandan Tripathi became emotional. He said that he does not know what happened to the idols of his beloved Maa Durga, which he was going to immerse with devotion, after the attack. He says that there were more than half a dozen such idols which got stuck in the middle due to the attack by the Islamist mob. Then the devotees fled from there due to the lathicharge by the police. Maruti Nandan does not know what happened to those idols later.

In his statement, Maruti Nandan further says that he had heard that later the administration had the idols of Maa Durga immersed. However, Maruti Nandan was very hurt by this kind of attack on his religious sentiments. Maruti Nandan has also demanded from the government to pay attention to the family of Ram Gopal Mishra.

The shop is just a sham, the real work is smuggling across the border

The main accused in Maharajganj violence is Abdul Hamid and his family. Abdul Hamid works as a jeweler but Maruti Nandan considers it to be just a sham. Maruti Nandan claims that Abdul Hamid’s family has long been involved in crimes like smuggling from the Nepal border. Referring to his elder son Pintu, Maruti Nandan says that the police from Nepal have come several times to arrest him.

Maruti Nandan further says that Sarfaraz, who shot Ram Gopal, also used to often indulge in hooliganism in Maharajganj and its surrounding areas. This entire family is basically accused of smuggling weapons from the Nepal border. Maruti Nandan claims that the system that Abdul Hamid has created cannot be created from a jeweler’s shop.

It was the Hindus who received the blows of lathi and bullets, no one from the other side got even a scratch

Maruti Nandan Tripathi describes the incident of Sunday (13th October) as completely one-sided. He says that during the violence, both the Islamist mob and the police force attacked the devotees together. While the police were lathicharging, the Islamist mob was throwing stones, bottles and bullets. Maruti Nandan told us that more than half a dozen people were injured and one who died due to the violence were also from the Hindu community. He claims that not even a single Muslim got a scratch because the police showed all its force only on the devotees.

OpIndia decided to investigate these claims of Maruti Nandan. We reached Nathuapur, another village affected by the violence on October 13, which is about 5 km from Maharajganj. Here we saw Muslim families sitting comfortably outside their homes and talking in the Hindu-dominated village. During this time we met Mohammad Kaleem who told in Awadhi language, “Humka to koi parisam nahin hai. Maris-peetis koi nahin.” (We have no problem. No one beat me up).

7 Punjab Police personnel including 2 DSPs suspended over interview of Lawrence Bishnoi in prison

ANI
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7 Punjab Police personnel including 2 DSPs suspended over interview of Lawrence Bishnoi in prison

Seven policemen of the Punjab Police, including Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) Gursher Sandhu and Sammer Vaneet, have been suspended in connection with an interview given by gangster Lawrence Bishnoi while he was in prison.

The suspension was ordered by the Punjab Home Affairs Department, following directives from the Governor of Punjab.

The order read, “In pursuance of the orders passed on 21.12.2023, Shri Prabodh Kumar, I.P.S. Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed under the leadership of the Special Director General of Police, Punjab State Human Rights Commission. Apple FIR No. 01 Bhadi 05.01.2024 A/P 384, 201, 202, 506, 116 Bhadi 120 Ghee, Bhaspti. Was. m. Section 46 of The Prisons Act, 1894 (later replaced with Section 52A(1) of The Prisons (Punjab Amendment) Act, 2011), Pulim Matemath Matet Karayam, S.A.S. The report was presented in the city. According to it, on the night of 03-04.09.2022, accused Lawrence Bishnoi, lodged under the reference of CIA, Kharar, gave an interview through video conference to a shared TV channel.”

The SIT report identified several officers for negligence in their duties related to the incident involving gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s interview from prison. Those named include Gursher Singh, PPS, DSP of the 9th PAP in Amritsar, who was the then DSP (Investigations) in SAS Nagar, and Sammer Vaneet, PPS, DSP of the Economic Offences Wing in SAS Nagar.

Additionally, Sub Inspector Reena from the CIA in Kharar, Sub Inspectors Jagatpal Jangu and Shaganjit Singh from the Anti-Gangster Task Force, ASI Mukhtiar Singh, the then Duty Officer, and Head Constable Om Parkash, the then Night MHC of the CIA in Kharar, were also cited in the report for their roles in the matter.

Meanwhile, on Friday, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for the arrest of Anmol Bishnoi, the brother of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Anmol is charged in two NIA cases registered in 2022. Anmol is also wanted in connection with a shooting incident that occurred outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s residence earlier this year.

Authorities are urging anyone with information on Anmol Bishnoi’s whereabouts to come forward. He has been linked to various criminal activities and is considered a significant figure in organised crime. Authorities believe that his apprehension could provide crucial insights into broader networks involved in illicit operations across the region. As the NIA intensifies its efforts to track down Anmol, officials are urging the public to come forward with any information that could aid in his capture.

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

Farmers in Punjab announce roadblock over delayed paddy procurement, FIRs on stubble burning

OpIndia Staff
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Farmers in Punjab announce roadblock over delayed paddy procurement, FIRs on stubble burning

On Saturday, 26th October, farmers in Punjab will stage a one-day protest starting at 1 PM against the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government of Punjab for several reasons, including the delay in the procurement of the paddy crop. The farmers have decided to block roads across Punjab during the strike, which will lead to traffic disruptions amid the festival season.

Speaking to ANI, farmer leader Sarwan Singh said, “As far as today’s program is concerned it is due to the non-procurement of paddy…Badrukhan and Sangrur national highways are where the program will be held and the timing is 1 pm, we will block it for unlimited time…”

Speaking to the media, the Chairman of Bhartiya Kisan Union (Krantikari) Punjab, Surjeet Singh Phul, said, “On 26th October, we will stage a road blockade at four key points, beginning at 1 pm.” Phul added that roadblocks, or “chakka jam,” have been strategically planned at one location each in the Sangrur, Moga, Phagwara, and Batala districts. Furthermore, farmers may continue the roadblock indefinitely if needed.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Surjeet Singh Phul said the “chakka jam” will be organised by both forums at four points in Punjab for an indefinite period. He added that the protest has been announced primarily due to the delayed paddy procurement.

According to government officials, only 10% of paddy has been lifted so far out of the 11.10 lakh tonnes that reached the grain market in Punjab in the first 15 days of the procurement season, which began on 1st October. Punjab farmers had a bumper paddy crop, but the slow procurement process by officials has angered the farmers.

The Chief Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann, has reached out to the central government to step in and provide assistance for paddy procurement. A meeting on the delay in paddy procurement in Punjab was held in Delhi, chaired by Union Food Minister Prahlad Joshi, Minister of State for Food Ravneet Singh Bittu, and CM Mann.

The delay in procurement is not the only reason for which the farmers in Punjab are protesting. They are also angered by the penalties imposed on them due to stubble burning. Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) spokesperson, Rakesh Tikait, said in a statement that the government should provide the farmers with an alternative to stubble burning.

He said, “The government is taking action (on farmers) if stubble is burnt, and in Haryana if any farmer burns stubble, his or her produce will not be sold (at mandis) for two years. Tell me about the technology by which wheat can be grown without burning stubble. The government should explain what a farmer should do about the stubble. The protest is by Punjab farmers only for now,” while speaking to ANI.

Notably, on 21st October, farmers in Punjab urged the state government to find a permanent solution for handling stubble and claimed they are being compelled to burn it due to lack of alternatives.

Slamming the AAP-led Punjab government on delayed paddy procurement and farmer protest, Union Minister Bittu said that the state has failed to adequately support the farmers and has instead resorted to filing FIRs against them.

He said, “AAP has failed in Punjab and they have not made any arrangements for the farmers. Now they are filing FIRs against the farmers…Delhi government is pressurizing the Punjab government to file FIRs against the farmers…” On BJP expelling former Punjab MLA Satkar Kaur from the party for 6 years, he says, “There is no place for people like these in the BJP…Why was she not arrested earlier? Why are they doing pick and choose in the run-up to By-elections in Punjab?…”

Meet Roshni Kushal Jaiswal: Congress leader on the run after assaulting BJP worker in viral video, peddled fake news, questioned ‘sexuality’ of PM Modi

OpIndia Staff
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Meet Roshni Kushal Jaiswal: Congress leader on the run after assaulting BJP worker in viral video, peddled fake news, questioned ‘sexuality’ of PM Modi

On Thursday (24th October), a local court in Varanasi city of Uttar Pradesh issued a non-bailable warrant against Congress leader Roshni Kushal Jaiswal, who had been absconding since last month.

Roshni, who serves as the National Secretary of the Indian Youth Congress as per her X (formerly Twitter) bio, was caught on camera assaulting a BJP worker in full public glare. She was accompanied by her brother and her husband.

In his order, Civil Judge Yugal Shambhu issued a non-bailable warrant against Roshni Kushal Jaiswal under Section 84 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

Order issued by Varanasi court

A team of police visited her house in the Bhelpur neighbourhood of Varanasi and attached a copy of the court order on the wall.

Roshni Kushal Jaiswal and her family members were booked under the following Sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita:

  • 3(5) – criminal act is done by several persons in furtherance of the common intention
  • 76 – Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe
  • 109(1) – Attempt to murder
  • 115(2) -punishment for voluntarily causing hurt to another person
  • 117(4) – grievous hurt of a person is caused by a group of five or more person
  • 191(2) – unlawful assembly guilty of rioting
  • 324(2) – punishment for ordinary mischief 
  • 333 – house trespass after preparation for hurt, assault or wrongful restraint
  • 351(2) – punishment for criminal intimidation
  • 352 – intentional insult with the intent to provoke a breach of peace

The Background of the case

On 15th September this year, Roshni Kushal Jaiswal was seen physically attacking a BJP worker named Rajesh Kumar in Premchand Nagar Colony in the Pandeypur locality of Varanasi.

The victim, dressed in yellow, was restrained by two goons while the Congress leader and her husband took turns to slap the victim. During the attack, they also manhandled Rajesh’s wife and daughter.

‘Journalist’ Samar Raj, who works for propaganda portal Bol Hindustan, shared the video clip and alleged that the BJP worker used to give ‘rape threats’ to women on social media. He had not furnished any screenshots of rape threats, or social media interaction as proof for his claims.

Nonetheless, Roshni was cheered on by her supporters and fans on social media. Rajesh’s wife later filed a complaint with the police and staged a protest to demand the arrest of the culprits.

While the husband and brother of the Congress leader were promptly arrested, Roshni managed to escape. She has been on the run ever since.

After a Varanasi court issued a non-bailable warrant against her for absconding, she took to social media to play the ‘victim card.’

Roshni Kushal Jaiswal plays victim card, Congress shows support

In a 3-minute long video, Roshni Kushal Jaiswal acknowledged that she has been on the run from the law enforcement authorities for 40 days after the latter filed a First Information Report (FIR).

She attempted to rationalise her assault on the BJP worker by asking whether a severe punishment should be meted to her for slapping a ‘rape accused.’ Again, there is no proof that the victim Rajesh Kumar is a rape accused.

The Congress has thrown its weight behind the absconding party leader, who is wanted for the assault of a BJP worker.

“This painful story is from Varanasi @roshnikushal ‘s only crime is that she raised her voice against BJP leader Rajesh Singh who threatened to rape her. Husband, brother, 5 others are in jail for 40 days, orders issued to confiscate their house,” tweeted the official handle of Jammu and Kashmir Congress Sevadal.

Controversies of Roshni Kushal Jaiswal

In February this year, Roshni Kushal Jaiswal was seen posting a derogatory cartoon, depicting a rape victim, being escorted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

The duo was dressed as Lord Ram and his brother Laxman while the private parts of the victim were covered with tricolour.

Screengrab of the tweet by Roshni Kumar Jaiswal

The National Secretary of the Indian Youth Congress also posted objectionable comments about BJP leader Smriti Irani and the wife of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dy Chandrachud.

Screengrab of the tweet by Roshni Kushal Jaiswal
Screengrab of the tweet by Roshni Kushal Jaiswal

In July this year, Roshni Kushal Jaiswal was seen peddling fake news to portray the Congress party in a positive light. She had falsely claimed that the State-owned telecom operator BSNL was making huge profits during the UPA era. Her lie was quickly debunked by journalist Vijay Patel.

In a video clip that has now surfaced on social media, she was seen peddling the perpetual Muslim ‘victim card’. Roshni Kushal Jaiswal was thereafter grilled by journalist Sushant Sinha.

“According to you, Hindus do Kaand (carry out big incidents), Muslims do things only by mistake. What is this?” he questioned. The Congress propagandist was taken aback by his line of questioning.

In one video, the Congress leader was seen casting aspersions on the sexuality of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for being a sanyasi.

“One who couldn’t prove to be a man (Purush) in marriage is being worshipped as a great man (Mahapurush) by andhbhakts. So, is he a man, a great man or none?” Roshni Kushal Jaiswal asked her followers.

Israel announces completion of its retaliatory airstrikes against Iran; over 100 Israeli fighter jets bombarded Iranian military sites

OpIndia Staff
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Israel announces completion of its retaliatory airstrikes against Iran; over 100 Israeli fighter jets bombarded Iranian military sites

On Saturday, 26th October, Israel announced the completion of its retaliatory airstrikes against Iran. “I can now confirm that we have concluded the Israeli response to Iran’s attacks against Israel. We conducted targeted and precise strikes on military targets in Iran — thwarting immediate threats to the State of Israel”, IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari said.

Earlier, Israel conducted airstrikes targeting sensitive military sites in Iran. Over 100 Israeli Defense Forces aircrafts flew to Iran to bomb military locations in response to Iran’s missile attack earlier this month. According to a Reuters report, Iranian media reported three waves of explosions lasting more than two hours in Tehran (Iran’s capital) and at nearby military installations.

According to IDF, fighter jets, refuelers and spy planes, took part in the strikes. They traveled 1,600 KM from Israel to conduct the strikes. The aircrafts returned safely after the complex operation.

Earlier this month, on 1st October, Iran fired around 200 missiles at Israel, marking the second direct attack on Israel in the last six months. Since then, Israel’s retaliation was anticipated, putting the Middle East on edge.

The IDF issued a statement on social media, saying, “In response to months of continuous attacks from the regime in Iran against the State of Israel—right now, the Israel Defense Forces are conducting precise strikes on military targets in Iran. The regime in Iran and its proxies in the region have been relentlessly attacking Israel since October 7th—on seven fronts—including direct attacks from Iranian soil. Like every other sovereign country in the world, the State of Israel has the right and the duty to respond. Our defensive and offensive capabilities are fully mobilised. We will do whatever is necessary to defend the State of Israel and the people of Israel.”

Israel has already eliminated the top leadership of the Iran-backed terrorist organisation Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iran’s missile attack was a retaliation move of Israeli strikes on Hezbollah operatives and leadership. Israel had assured retaliation at the right time. Hezbollah has been supporting Hamas, the Palestinian terrorist outfit that conducted a terrorist attack on Israel on 7th October 2023, leaving over 1,300 Israelis and foreign nationals dead. Hamas also took several hundred hostages, over 100 of whom are still in Gaza, with Hamas repeatedly refusing to release them. Following the attack, Israel started a military operation to wipe out Hamas. Israel-Hamas war has since entered its 13th month.

The US was informed about the strikes beforehand

According to Reuters, the United States was notified about the strikes beforehand, but the US was not involved in the operation. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant spoke to US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin shortly after the strikes began. The US has reportedly convinced Israel to calibrate the airstrike to ensure the war between the two nations does not escalate. However, in the event of retaliation from Iran, the US has assured it will provide aid as required. The decision included deploying the US military’s THAAD anti-missile defences in Israel along with around 100 US soldiers to operate them.

Amid the ongoing strike in Iran, United States President Joe Biden issued a statement warning that the US would not support airstrikes by Israel on nuclear sites in Iran. The US further asked Israel to opt for attacking oil fields in Iran instead.

Iran downplays Israeli attack

Iranian media has downplayed the attack, suggesting that the air defence systems reacted as they should. A military spokesperson was quoted by Iranian state TV as saying that the explosions heard in Tehran were linked to “air defence systems reacting to efforts by the Zionist regime (Israel) to attack three locations outside the city of Tehran.”

IRNA reported that anti-aircraft guns were heard in central Tehran. According to the Iranian Fars news agency, several military bases in the west and southwest of Tehran were targeted by Israel. Several other news agencies and media houses in Iran claimed the military bases attacked by Israel were not damaged. According to Syrian state news agency SANA, Israel also targeted some military sites in central and southern parts of Syria early on Saturday, and missiles launched by Israel were intercepted by Syrian air defence.

Rajasthan: BJP leader stabbed by mob for bursting firecrackers in front of his shop in Bhilwara, stones pelted and cars burnt in resultant violence, four attackers arrested

OpIndia Staff
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Rajasthan: BJP leader stabbed by mob for bursting firecrackers in front of his shop in Bhilwara, stones pelted and cars burnt in resultant violence, four attackers arrested

After Bahraich, another incident of communal violence erupted in Rajasthan’s Bhilwara, where a person was stabbed and several others attacked by people from a ‘particular community’ for bursting firecrackers. The victims, including a BJP leader and his nephew, were attacked and stabbed with knives by a violent mob.

The incident took place in Bhilwara city’s Bhimganj police station area, where Devendra Hada, husband of Councillor Manju Devi, runs a tea stall near the Bhimganj police station. Late evening on Thursday, he along with some youths were bursting firecrackers outside his shop. At that time, around 30-40  people from a particular community arrived at the spot and objected to bursting firecrackers.

Devendra Hada said that they are busting firecrackers ahead of Diwali. Hearing, one youth took out a knife and attacked him, stabbing him in the stomach. When others from the Hindu side tried to intervene, they were attacked, including Hada’s nephew.

The mob then vandalised the shop, pelted stones, and torched three vehicles parked nearby. Following the incident, people from the Hindu community arrived at the spot and started to protest. This led to a clash between the sides. During the confrontation, some people pelted stones, and some vehicles parked nearby were torched.

Soon after, police reached the spot and brought the situation under control.

Devendra Hada was stabbed 3-4 times, while the others were brutally beaten by the attackers. He has been admitted to Mahatma Gandhi Hospital along with two other injured.

Talking about the incident, SP Dharmendra Singh said, “At around 10:30 P.M., the police received information that there was a dispute over bursting of crackers at the tempo stand near MG Hospital. There was a stabbing too. Three people have been injured in the stabbing incident.”

ASP Paras Jain said, “The Councillor’s husband has a tea shop. He had an altercation with some people there. The accused attacked him with a knife. Some accused have been taken into custody. Police will identify and arrest the stone pelters.”

A case has been registered and police forces have been deployed at various places in the city to prevent any escalation. Four persons have been arrested so far in the case. They were arrested based on CCTV footage and other evidence. Additionally, 31 people have been detained for questioning.

The police on Friday paraded the four arrested youths in the city, to ensure confidence of people on the police.

Tamil Nadu: 30 students hospitalised after suspected gas leak at Tiruvottiyur school, police launches probe

Jinit Jain
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Tamil Nadu: 30 students hospitalised after suspected gas leak at Tiruvottiyur school, police launches probe

Around 30 students from a school at Tiruvottiyur in Tamil Nadu’s Chennai were taken to a hospital on Friday after experiencing uneasiness and throat irritation, reportedly due to a gas leak, officials said.

The incident caused panic among students and school authorities.

All the affected students are safe and are receiving medical treatment, said officials.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) commander AK Chauhan said, “As of now, I cannot tell the exact cause.” He added,” We are yet to ascertain the exact cause. Our team came and assessed the situation, everything was normal, and we did not smell any gas or leakage from the AC.”

Meanwhile, parents of affected children accused school authorities of not providing clear information about the situation.

“The school administration is not providing clear information. My child is still under hospital observation. She had throat irritation for the past three days, which we thought was minor, but today they admitted her,” one parent said.

Local police rushed to the scene and are investigating the source of the leak while monitoring the situation to prevent further risks.

Forensic experts and officials from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) have also arrived at the site.

Further details are awaited.

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

Varanasi court dismisses Hindu side’s plea for excavation and additional archaeological survey at the Gyanvapi complex

ANI
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Varanasi court dismisses Hindu side’s plea for excavation and additional archaeological survey at the Gyanvapi complex

The Court of Civil Judge (Senior Division) Fast Track Court, Varanasi on Friday dismissed the Hindu side’s plea for an additional survey by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at the Gyanvapi complex.

Hindu side advocate Vijay Shankar Rastogi said, “The court has rejected our application for an additional survey of the protection of the whole Gyanvapi area by the ASI… We will go to the High Court against this decision…within the time limitation, within 30 days.”

The Hindu side claimed that there is a 100-foot Shivling present under the central dome and requested a 4×4 feet excavation and an ASI survey at the Gyanvapi complex and present its report in the court, but the Senior Division Fast Track Court of Varanasi has rejected their application.

Meanwhile, Hindu side Advocate Rastogi said that he is upset over the decision, adding that they will go to the High Court on an immediate basis.

“This decision is against the rules and facts. I am upset with this and will go to the upper court and challenge it… According to the order of 8.4.2021, a 5-member committee was to be appointed to the ASI for the survey, in which one person would have been of the minority community and an expert from the central university. All of them had to conduct the ASI survey. The previous survey was done only by the ASI. The High Court had confirmed that the survey was not in compliance with that order (of 8.4.2021)… We will go to the High Court on an immediate basis,” the Hindu side Advocate said.

Hindu Side lawyer Subhash Nandan Chaturvedi said that they will go to the district court or High Court for revision against the order.

“The civil court has rejected and the order is also out… We will go to the district court for revision against this order… The ASI survey of almost all areas is complete but a survey of some places where the machines could not reach is remaining… Hence, an additional survey was demanded… We will go to the Civil Court and succeed. The survey will take place… We will make sure that the survey every inch of the temple complex takes place… This is not a setback… We have already presented all the evidence… There is the district court, High Court, all the paths are open yet,” Chaturvedi said.

This case of Lord Visheshwar vs Anjuman Intezamiya Masjid Committee has been going on since 1991. The Hindu side had sought permission to give the right to worship and build a temple within the Gyanvapi premises.

The case was filed regarding the construction of a new temple in Gyanvapi and granting Hindus the right to worship. The case has been pending for 33 years, and today the lawyer for the Muslim side concluded their arguments.

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

Delhi: Salim poses as ‘Sanju’ to traps Sonia in ‘love affair’, murders her on Karwa Chauth after impregnating her with promise of marriage, arrested

OpIndia Staff
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Delhi: Salim poses as ‘Sanju’ to traps Sonia in ‘love affair’, murders her on Karwa Chauth after impregnating her with promise of marriage, arrested

The Delhi Police on Monday, 21st October, recovered the dead body of a 20-year-old girl identified as Sonia, a resident of the Nangloi region in Delhi. The girl was reportedly murdered by accused Salim who had posed himself as a Hindu named Sanju. The accused trapped the girl in a love affair by claiming that he was a Hindu. He made her believe that he was in ‘love’ with her. Later he sexually assaulted the girl, resulting in her pregnancy. When the girl asked the accused to marry him, he called her to meet and murdered her with the help of two of his friends.

The incident came to the fore after the girl went missing on Sunday, 20th October and the family members of the girl lodged a missing person complaint. The family suspected that the accused who had identified himself as ‘Sanju’ was behind their daughter’s kidnapping. The police lodged an investigation into the case to find the dead body of the girl from the Rohtak area of Delhi. The accused had murdered the girl on 20th October and buried her body in the ground 6 ft deep.

The police eventually arrested the accused Salim who confessed that he had introduced himself as a Hindu to the girl. During the interrogation, he confessed that he had trapped the girl in a love affair. As per the initial reports, the accused and the girl had been knowing each other for several months. The accused had introduced himself as ‘Sanju’ to the girl and had made her believe that he was in love with her.

The girl used to talk to the accused over the phone and had saved her number as ‘bhoot’. The family members of the girl meanwhile knew that she was getting romantically involved with someone but were unaware that he was a Muslim. The girl also had a habit of using Instagram, where she had shared some reels with the accused saying, ‘I love bhoot’. Later the family members of the girl found out that the girl had been talking to some ‘Sanju’.

The family members of the girl claimed that ‘Sanju’ was not a good person to be with but the girl was so much in ‘love’ with him that she didn’t heed what they said. The siblings of the girl also insisted that she stay away from the accused but to no avail. She continued her ‘relationship’ with the accused who eventually began demanding sexual favors. He promised the girl of marriage and established sexual relations with the girl as a result of which she became pregnant.

The girl then asked the accused to marry him after which he decided to murder her. He told the girl that they would get married on 20th October, at the Hindu festival of Karwa Chauth. He asked the girl to keep a fast for him and asked her to meet on that day night to break the fast. The girl left her home to meet the accused on 20th October, but she never returned.

The accused took the woman in a car with his two friends, Ritik and Pankaj on the pretext of breaking the Karwa Chauth fast. However, Salim strangled the girl to death. The three then took the dead body of the girl to the ground in Rohtka where they buried her in a 6ft deep grave.

On the other hand, the family members of the girl waited for the girl to return. Further, on 21st October they filed a missing persons complaint suspecting ‘Sanju’. The brother of the girl said that she had been talking to a boy named ‘Sanju’ and suspected that he was behind her ‘kidnapping’. The family members of the girl also searched for ‘Sanju’s home and went there to ask for the girl but it was then that they learned that the man who had introduced himself as ‘Sanju’ to the girl was actually a Muslim and that his name was Salim.

The brother of the girl said that they didn’t believe at first what the family of the accused was saying. Later the family of the accused showcased original documents of Salim to prove that he was a Muslim.

The police have launched an investigation into the case and have arrested accused Salim. The other two youths who helped Salim have also been detained. The police are interrogating the case further to know whether the girl was already aware of the original religious identity of the accused. The police have filed a complaint against Salim under the relevant sections of the law.

Karnataka: Waqf Board swallows 1,200 acres of farmland in Vijaypura, farmers accuse govt officials of being in cahoots with the Board

OpIndia Staff
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Karnataka: Waqf Board swallows 1,200 acres of farmland in Vijaypura, farmers accuse govt officials of being in cahoots with the Board

On Thursday, 24th October, the farmers in Vijayapura district of Karnataka filed a petition to the district in-charge Minister MB Patil after receiving notices indicating that their lands belonged to the Waqf board. The controversy concerns 1,200 acres in Honwada village, Tikota taluk, with farmers claiming that officials are attempting to designate the area as the Shah Aminuddin Dargah, a religious institution. According to the reported notices sent by the tehsildar, the lands belong to the Waqf board citing old government records.

As per the reports, Minister for Housing, Waqf, and Minority Welfare Department Jameer Ahmed Khan met with Waqf officers earlier this month to discuss ‘encroachments’ on Waqf lands. Following these discussions, officials made efforts to remove ‘illegal encroachments’, resulting in the issue of controversial notices.

“The notice claimed that the land belonged to Shah Aminuddin Dargah, but this dargah hasn’t existed for centuries, and our families have owned this land for generations. Around 41 farmers have received notices, asking them to provide ownership records, but we are the rightful owners. If the government doesn’t withdraw these notices, we will launch a massive protest,” Suneel Shankarappa Tudigal, vice president of Honwada gram panchayat, said.

However, officials from the Waqf Board claimed that the notices were based on a 1974 gazette announcement. “The land was marked as Waqf property by the state government, and this was documented in the gazette. However, a few notices were mistakenly sent to farmers. If they have valid land records, the Waqf board will not take any action against them,” Tabassum, an official from the Vijayapura Waqf board was quoted as saying. 

Farmers have warned of large-scale protests amid rising tensions, insisting that their grievances must be addressed. Notices have already been issued in parts of Vijayapur district, sparking concerns that more farmers may face similar challenges. Farmers in Honwada have declared they are ready to fight to protect their rights, pledging to continue their struggle until they receive justice.

“We have seen no justice yet. The district administration is quietly working to take our land away. If this continues, we will have no choice but to protest. Our land is our livelihood, and we will not let anyone take it from us,” said another concerned farmer.

In response to the mounting discontent, Karnataka’s district in-charge minister, M.B. Patil, addressed the issue on social media, assuring farmers that no private land or properties unrelated to Waqf would be affected. “If any land is incorrectly marked as Waqf property, necessary steps will be taken to correct it. I have already discussed this with the district administration, and a meeting will be held to address farmers’ concerns,” he said. Patil urged farmers to remain calm and promised that their rights would be protected. Despite these assurances, tensions remain high as many farmers continue to worry about the possible loss of their land.

In response to the claims, state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) officials have accused the state government of backing the Waqf board’s actions at the expense of farmers.“The Waqf board, under the Congress government’s encouragement, is now attempting to seize farmers’ land. This is nothing but appeasement politics,” read a tweet from the BJP. The party also stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s NDA government intends to change the Waqf Act, which the Congress has opposed.

BJP’s Tejasti Surya also commented on the issue criticizing the state for targeting the farmer’s lands. “Over 1,500 acres of their ancestral agricultural land with valid documents have been unilaterally claimed by the Waqf Board, threatening these farmer’s livelihoods and generational property rights. For vote-bank politics & minority appeasement, the Congress government has empowered the Waqf Board with unbridled power to claim land across the country. Both in 1995 and 2013, Congress governments gave the Waqf Board unchecked powers to declare any land as Waqf after a quick inquiry, rule through its own tribunal with final authority, and also remove encroachments under Section 54,” he said.

“Modi 3.0 Govt is committed to bringing in systemic reforms through the JPC on The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. We are also escalating such cases to the committee’s attention to ensure justice and bring in lasting solutions. Will fight such cases in the High Court to safeguard farmer’s rightful ownership and ensure no one is deprived of their land. No injustice will be tolerated,” he added.

“If the farmers have valid ownership records predating this, their lands will not be affected,” MB Patil meanwhile reiterated. The intensifying controversy has fueled calls for greater openness in Waqf property management and fairness to landowner rights. The government must act quickly to address farmers’ concerns, protecting their rights while providing a clear and transparent strategy for managing Waqf lands.

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