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For me, Dharavi is not just about urban renewal, it is about restoring dignity to over one million residents: Gautam Adani

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For me, Dharavi is not just about urban renewal, it is about restoring dignity to over one million residents: Gautam Adani

Adani Group Founder and Chairman Gautam Adani on Tuesday mentioned the Dharavi Redevelopment Project during a speech in a Mumbai college and said it is not just about “urban renewal” but “restoring dignity to over one million residents of our country”.

Addressing the students at Jai Hind College, Mumbai, Gautam Adani extended greetings to the teachers on Teachers Day.

“I wish Happy Teachers Day to all the teachers present here…I find it fascinating that 75 years ago, two visionary professors from DJ Sindh College in Karachi laid the foundation for these institutions in two small rooms. Despite the immense challenges and human displacement during the partition of our country, they envisioned a future where the power of education could heal and unite,” he said.

“I stand here today, humbled and thankful, having been invited by Vikram Nankani to share my experiences from this historic platform. Just as Jai Hind College was built on the principle of breaking boundaries and creating new possibilities, the theme of my talk will focus on the inspirations that allowed me to overcome my own boundaries,” he added.

Gautam Adani said that every nation has its transformative years that change the direction of its future.

“Every nation has its transformative years that change the direction of its future. 1947 was about a free India. 1991 was about the liberalisation of our businesses. And in 2014, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the essence of freedom was further accelerated as reforms and decisive governance took centre stage. All these years stand as turning points, each building on the other in India’s remarkable journey,” he said.

He asserted that the future belongs to those who dare to see beyond the present, who recognise that today’s limits are tomorrow’s starting points.

He talked about the development of Mundra port, the largest commercial port in India with state-of-the-art infrastructure and largest coal import terminal.

“In 1995, the Gujarat government announced its port-led industrial development plan through public-private partnerships. Around that time, we had been approached by the global commodities trader Cargill. It was a proposal to partner for manufacturing and sourcing salt from the Kutch region. While the partnership did not materialize, we were left with about 40,000 acres of marshy land and approval to build a captive jetty at Mundra for the export of salt,” he said.

“What others saw as marshy barren land, we saw as a canvas waiting to be transformed. That canvas is now by far our nation’s largest port! Mundra became my karmabhoomi and made my vision a reality a powerful testimony to the fact what you dream, you create, and what you think, you become. Mundra today hosts India’s largest port, the largest industrial Special Economic Zone, the largest container terminals, the largest thermal power plant, the largest solar manufacturing facility, the largest copper plant, and the largest edible oil refinery. And yet, we’re only about 10 per cent of what Mundra will eventually become. It stands as a living monument to the power of integrated business models and the strategic value of adjacencies challenging the very concept of core competencies that the west advocates,” he added.

Mundra port provides multimodal connectivity and is a deep-draft, all-weather port.

Gautam Adani said over the years he learnt a vital lesson that the “bigger your bets, bigger are the boundaries you break and bigger the boundaries you break, lesser is the competition”.

He spoke of Khavda in Kutch, one of the world’s most inhospitable deserts, now transformed into the world’s biggest Renewable Energy installation, spanning several hundred square kilometres. He then spoke of “world’s most complex redevelopment project” in Mumbai’s Dharavi.

“Khavda is not just another project it is a vision. Already generating more than 3,000 MW of clean energy – and on track to reach 30 GW in the next five years there is no parallel to Khavda today. For us, Khavda is a symbol of national pride capturing the philosophy of everything that the Adani Group as a company stands for,” he said.

“Or consider the world’s most complex redevelopment project in Mumbai’s Dharavi, where we are transforming the world’s largest slum over the next decade to create an unmatched ecosystem of sustainable living. For me, Dharavi is not just about urban renewal. It is about restoring dignity to over one million residents of our country. It is about the possibilities when you dare to dream big and act with purpose,” he added.

Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRPPL), a joint venture between the Adani Group and the Government of Maharashtra, announced that eligible residential tenements in Dharavi, will get flats with independent kitchens and toilets measuring a minimum 350 square feet (sq ft), which is 17 per cent more and the highest among slum redevelopment projects in Mumbai.

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

Bangladesh: Police had to declare blasphemy-accused Hindu boy dead to satisfy bloodthirsty Muslim mob, hospitalisation announced after videos went viral

OpIndia Staff
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Bangladesh: Police had to declare blasphemy-accused Hindu boy dead to satisfy bloodthirsty Muslim mob, hospitalisation announced after videos went viral

Hindu youth Utsab Mandal, who was beaten by a mob over blasphemy allegations in Khulna in Bangladesh, is alive, said the Directorate of Inter Services Public Relations of the country. A statement issued by ISPR said that Utsab Mandal is being treated at a hospital under army supervision and is out of danger.

It has also been reported that to disperse the bloodthirsty mob, announcements were made from loudspeakers of nearby mosques announcing that the Hindu youth had died, after which the mob retreated.

The ISPR issued the statement after several media houses reported that the college student was killed by the mob after snatching him from the police and the army. The directorate said that Mandal was rescued alive by the efforts of armed forces and then admitted to hospital. The army asked the people to not believe in rumours circulating on social media claiming that the youth was dead.

The statement issued by ISPR states that after Utsab Mandal is released from hospital, he will be handed over to law enforcement agencies as he is booked in a blasphemy case. Referring to the attempt to lynch him by an Islamist mob, the statement said that the Bangladesh army is always committed to preventing extrajudicial killings and upholding the rule of law.

Notably, Utsab Mandal was accused of insulting Prophet Muhammad on social media, and students of Khulna’s Azam Khan Government Commerce College took him to the office of Khulna Metropolitan Deputy Commissioner (South) on 4th September at around 8 PM.

But in the meantime, as the word spread about the incident, a large mob gathered at the spot, demanding that the Hindu boy be handed over to them. The mob of 3000-5000 people surrounded the office, calling for instant justice. Deputy Police Commissioner Tazul said police had assured the mob that a case would be filed against Utsab and that he would be brought to justice through legal means.

But the mob didn’t agree, and assaulted him, leaving him critically injured. Army and Navy personnel arrived at the scene to control the situation. But despite the presence of police, army and navy forces, the mob managed to break into the DCP office and attacked Utsab Mandal who was held by the police.

After the brutal assault, it was assumed that he had died as he was lying on the ground seemingly lifeless. However, the armed forces rescued him and rushed to the hospital. Now ISPR has confirmed that Mandal is out of danger.

As per reports, police got announcements made from mosque loudspeakers that Utsab has died, in an attempt to disperse the violent mob and restore order. That is the reason why initial reports said that he was lynched by the mob. However, later many of the reports by Bangladeshi media were removed from their portals.

However, the Hindu student will still face legal action as a case has been registered against him over the alleged blasphemous social media post against the prophet. ISPR said that legal procedure has been initiated against him for hurting religious sentiments, and he will be handed over to police subject to his health.

Pakistan, recently humiliated by Bangladesh at home, likely to shift home Test series against England to Sri Lanka or UAE

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Pakistan, recently humiliated by Bangladesh at home, likely to shift home Test series against England to Sri Lanka or UAE

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning to consider alternatives such as Sri Lanka or the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for hosting Pakistan’s Test series against England, according to Geo News.

In Jason Gillespie’s first assignment as Test head coach of Pakistan, the Shan Masood-led team hit rock bottom after enduring a whitewash against Bangladesh on their home soil.

During the two-match Test series, PCB had to shift the second Test to Rawalpindi, which was originally scheduled to be held in Karachi. Due to the ongoing construction work in Karachi National Stadium for next year’s Champions Trophy, it was not viable to host the second Test in Karachi.

As Karachi National Stadium, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, and the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium continue to go under renovation work for the marquee event; it could be possible that Masood and his side would have to play in Sri Lanka or the UAE.

Pakistan will host England for a three-match Test series, which is a part of the ongoing International Cricket Council (ICC) World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle. The first of the three Tests will begin on October 7 in Multan.

The second Test will be played in Karachi, beginning on October 15, and the third red-ball clash is scheduled in Rawalpindi on October 24.
If PCB hosts the three-match Test series in the UAE, Abu Dhabi will be the only option due to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. The cricket extravaganza fest is set to take place in Dubai and Sharjah from October 3 to 20.

Pakistan will be keen to bounce back after their recent slump against Bangladesh. Pakistan dropped to eighth position in the ICC Test rankings, their lowest ranking in the format since 1965, barring the period where they did not have a place in the rankings due to an insufficient number of matches.

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

Austrian youth known as Islamist by agencies shot dead after he opened fire near Israeli consulate in Munich on the anniversary of Munich Olympics massacre

OpIndia Staff
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Austrian youth known as Islamist by agencies shot dead after he opened fire near Israeli consulate in Munich on the anniversary of Munich Olympics massacre

On Thursday (5th September), police in Munich, Germany, shot and killed a man who was carrying a long-barrelled gun after an exchange of fire near a museum dedicated to the city’s Nazi history and the Israeli Consulate. The shooting occurred on the 52nd anniversary of the massacre at the Munich Olympics on the 5th of September 1972. The police said that there were no other suspects in the incident.

The man has been identified by police as an 18-year-old Austrian national, who travelled to Germany recently and lived in the Salzburg area. As per reports, he was known to the security authorities as an Islamist. 

“Police officers spotted a person who appeared to be carrying a firearm. The emergency services used their service weapons and the person was hit and injured,” Munich Police said on X. The suspect was armed with an older long gun when he was shot on Karolinenplatz, a square near the Israeli consulate and a Nazi documentation centre.

Later, the police said that “despite the all-clear, the police operation on site continues. The focus is currently on forensic work in particular. At the so-called witness collection point, colleagues speak to potential witnesses. Therefore, the traffic closures remain active.”

A Munich Police spokesperson said: “It was a male person and we know that he acted here with a long-barrelled gun. Due to the intervention of the police, the perpetrator was stopped and probably died at the scene.”

The incident took place on the 52nd anniversary of the attack on Israeli athletes during the Munich Olympics in 1972. However, no link has been established between the anniversary and the shooting.

According to Israel’s Foreign Ministry, the consulate has been closed for a ceremony commemorating the 52nd anniversary of the 1972 Munich Massacre, in which 11 Israeli athletes were killed by the Palestinian terrorist group Black September during the Olympic Games. No consulate employees were injured in the attack.

Talya Lador, the Israeli Consul General in southern Germany, stated on social media that the occurrence demonstrated the dangers of increasing antisemitism.

“We are very grateful to @PolizeiMuenchen for their actions and cooperation. This event shows how dangerous the rise of anti-Semitism is. It is important that the general public raises its voice against it. Our Consulate General was closed today to commemorate 52 years since the terrorist attack at the Olympic Games,” Lador said.

Notably, in the 1972 Munich Massacre at the Munich Olympics by Palestinian terrorists, 11 Israeli athletes, a West German police officer and five of the Palestinian terrorists were killed.

PM Modi’s Swachh Bharat Mission saves 60,000-70,000 infant lives every year, finds new study

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PM Modi’s Swachh Bharat Mission saves 60,000-70,000 infant lives every year, finds new study

A recent study showed that the Swachh Bharat Mission initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been instrumental in saving the lives of 60,000 to 70,000 infants annually.

“Toilet construction under the Swachh Bharat Mission and infant mortality in India,” a study conducted by Suman Chakrabarti, Soyra Gune, Tim A. Bruckner, Julie Strominger and Parvati Singh has been published in the Nature magazine. It underlined that toilet construction under the Swachh Bharat program brought down the rates of infant and under-five mortality in the country.

Swachh Bharat: A landmark public health initiative

In 2014, soon after assuming office, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Swachh Bharat Mission initiative to eliminate open defecation through the construction of over 100 million household toilets across India. Data on all Indian states and Union Territories, covering 640 districts, from 2011 to 2020, has been used in the recently published study.

This study aims to assess the impact of this mega sanitation program on the health of children. The authors have concentrated on district percentage share of households receiving toilets under the program, showing a clear-cut association between improved access to sanitation and reduced infant mortality.

The study identified Swachh Bharat as an exception because it integrated toilet construction with community engagement, hygiene education, and robust monitoring mechanisms. The approach thus provided greater access not only to toilets but also encouraged people to change their lifestyles to reduce their exposure to harmful pathogens, which resulted in a drop in infant and child mortality.

Key findings: The sharp fall in infant mortality

This paper estimates the impact of toilet construction on Infant Mortality Rates (IMR) and Under-5 Mortality Rates (U5MR) using a two-way fixed-effects regression model. It found that districts where 30% of households received toilets under Swachh Bharat Mission had a reduction of 5.3 infant deaths and 6.8 under-5 deaths per 1,000 live births, reflecting the consequence of improved sanitation on child survival rates.

In addition, open defecation exposes people in the open to a wide range of faecal pathogens that bring about infections such as diarrhoea, which is fatal for infants and young children. Access to toilets under the program reduced these health risks, showing the importance of sanitation to public health, especially in low-income and middle-income countries.

Robust findings supported by several tests

Various robustness checks were performed to test the reliability of the study’s findings such as placebo and falsification tests which were conducted to determine that the observed mortality reductions were related to the sanitation improvements, not unrelated factors. For example, when separating interventions such as antenatal care visits or maternal education, the study did not find a significant impact on mortality.

It also found evidence of the threshold effect on infant and child mortality rates which were much lower when at least 30% of households in a district had toilets. These findings supported other recent studies indicating critical thresholds for the health gains of sanitation improvements.

Broader implications for public health

The study recommended that programs such as Swachh Bharat Mission hold transformative potential to bring equity in health outcomes among children. Similar initiatives might prove to be enormously useful in several other low-income and middle-income countries with high rates of infant mortality caused by unsanitary conditions.

The researchers indicated that the success of the program was not restricted to infrastructure provisions; it manifested community participation and changing behaviour. Similarly, continuous monitoring also made this scheme unique from earlier initiatives in this country.

Challenges and Future Directions

The study also acknowledged several challenges, such as concerns about the actual utilisation of the toilets built and the sustainability of the behaviour changes over the long term. Several such reports pointed out that socio-economic and cultural factors affected toilet adoption, influencing the gross impact of the program.

There is also the continuing need to maintain the level of sanitation and extend access further, particularly to those disadvantaged areas.

The research established that the Swachh Bharat Mission has saved approximately 60,000 to 70,000 infant lives every year in India. This drastically cut down on the infant and child mortality rates, and underlining large-scale sanitation drives improving results on public health parameters. Its success, with it being among the largest such sanitation programs around the world, accrues key lessons for other similarly placed countries.

Delhi riots were result of deep-rooted conspiracy by groups like Pinjra Tod, AAZMI, SIO, SFI & others, everything was pre-planned: Prosecution tells court

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Delhi riots were result of deep-rooted conspiracy by groups like Pinjra Tod, AAZMI, SIO, SFI & others, everything was pre-planned: Prosecution tells court

Delhi Police on Thursday began its arguments on framing of charges against accused persons in the larger conspiracy of Delhi riots 2020. It was submitted that Delhi riots were a result of a deep-rooted conspiracy hatched after the Citizenship Amendment Bill was introduced in Parliament on December 4, 2019.

The Karkardooma Court started hearing arguments on charges against the accused persons, namely Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid, Tahir Hussain, Natasha Narwal, Devangana Kalita, Gulfisha Fatima, Safoora Zargar, Ishrat Jahan, Meran Haider, Asif Iqbal Tanha, and others.

Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Amit Prasad, during his submissions, also referred to the charge sheet and contended that in this entire conspiracy, there were various organisations like Pinjra Tod, AAZMI, SIO, SFI, etc., through individuals that participated in protests and violent activities.

The prosecution referred to WhatsApp groups, chats, and witness statements to support their claims. He also referred to the statements of witnesses.

The conspiracy aimed to disrupt the city by holding protests and chakka jaam (road blockages) in Muslim-majority areas, leading to violence against police and non-Muslims. As part of the conspiracy, 23 protest sites (against CAB) were created in Muslim majority areas.

Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Sameer Bajpai adjourned the further arguments by Delhi police till Friday. The court has listed the bail application of Saleem Khan for hearing on Monday.

During his arguements, SPP Amit Prasad submitted that there was a conspiracy to disrupt the city by holding disruptive Chakka jaam in Delhi that would lead to violence.

Earlier, it was also submitted that before the riots of February 2020, another riot took place in December 2019 on a lower scale but with similar characters and modus operandi.

SPP also submitted that the protest was not organic but was created under a planned conspiracy and given the facade of an organic protest.

He also stated that the conspiracy with Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalidformation of JACT, DPSG, and JCC and other aspects mentioned in the charge sheet. It was also submitted by him that not only was the protest shown to be secular and organic but also women-driven.

It was also argued that the sequence of events clearly shows how everything was planned, organised, and well thought of. The women and children from Jahangir Puri to Jafrabad via Shaheen Bagh. The date was intentionally chosen when Donald Trump, President of the United States of America,, was to come to Delhi.

Delhi Police also cited the DPSG WhatsApp chat to highlight the conduct of the accused persons during and after the riots, including the flurry of calls and deletion of the group.

Statements of various witnesses, including protected witnesses, were read along with the major aspects of the charge sheet, including the conspiratorial meetings, to highlight how the riots were engineered by completely blocking the entry and exist point for the North East Delhi.

The video shows how the CCTV cameras installed in the Chand Bagh area were systematically dislocated so that the footage of riots could not be found.

The prosecution has already alleged that the conspiracy began after the passing of the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) by the Cabinet on 04.12.2019. It continued to develop and culminated in the horrific riots on 24th February 2020 in North-East Delhi. The first person who acts after 4th of December 2019 is accused Sharjeel Imam when Muslims Students of JNU is formed on 05/06 December 2019 and propagates the idea of disruptive chakkajam.

It has also been alleged that in the night of 5/6.2019, a WhatsApp group of Muslim Students of JNU were formed with Sharjeel Imam being its main member. Umar Khalid was also a member of the said group.

It is also alleged that United Against Hate (UAH) organised a protest at Jantar Mantar on 07.12.2019, and Sharjeel Imam joined the protest. Sharjeel Imam wanted to rope in students of Jamia, DU, AMU, etc. UAH conducted an agitation at Jantar Mantar on 7.12.2019, which was attended by Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid, Yogender Yadav and others.

As per prosecution, idea of chakkajam emerges here. Though stated, it is an inference of prosecution only that Umar Khalid introduced Sharjeel Imam to Yogender Yadav.

After the said meeting, Sharjeel Imam posted a message on 07.12.2019 on core members of MSJ regarding media collaboration, call, and protest. On 07.12.2019 itself, Sharjeel Imam had a chat with Arshad Warsi (SOJ) regarding a big mobilisation. A meeting took place at the Jungpura office on 08.12.2019, which was attended among others by Yogender Yadav, Umar Khalid, Sharjeel, and Khalid Saifi.

It is also alleged that Nadeem Khan and Sharjeel Imam were in continuous touch with each other. Sharjeel Imam visited Aligarh Muslim University on 11.12.2019, propounding chakkajam, and he created another WhatsApp group, Muslim Students of JNU_1, on 12/13.12.2019.

Sharjeel directed members of MSJ to reach Jamia University to support Parliament March (call given by Asif Iqbal Tanha) on 13.12.2019. Sharjeel Imam gave a seditious speech at Jamia and asked for a disruptive chakkajam, which included disruption and stoppage of supply of water and milk to Delhi. Consequently, violence/riots took place, and an FIR was registered. Police station Jamia Nagar was also registered.

In the said violence, there was an attack on police personnel and damage to public property and arson. Various other incidents of riots took place in Delhi in the month of December 2019. This pattern of riots consequent to the initial speech of Sharjeel Imam took place in Delhi, and various FIRs in south-east Delhi and even north-east Delhi were registered in December 2019.

Chakkajam also began consequent to a meeting of Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Asif Iqbal Tanha, and others on 13.12.2019 at Jamia Campus. The said chakkajam was then to spread to the other parts of Delhi, police have alleged.

As per the statement of protected witness bond Umar Khalid, Sharjeel, Saiful Islam and Asif Tanha had come to Jamia University campus on 13.12.2019. In his presence, Umar Khalid said in front of all the protesters that Sharjeel, Saiful, and Asif are his brothers and members of his team. Umar Khalid said that he has explained to them the difference between chakkajam and dharna.

Umar told Sharjeel to start chakkajam at Shaheen Bagh, Asif, and Saiful and to start chakkajam at Gate No. 7 of Jamia University. Umar Khalid said that at the right time, they will also start chakkajam in other Muslim areas of Delhi.

Umar further said that government is a Hindu government and against Muslims and they have to overthrow the government and will do so at the right time.

On 16.12.2019, Umar Khalid (accompanied by Saiful and Asif) and Nadeem Khan came to AAJMI’s office, and in his presence, Umar said to Saiful and Asif that the Jamia Coordination Committee (JCC) be set up.

Nadeem Khan said that JCC will lead protests and chakkajam in Delhi. Asif and Saiful were agreed to the said suggestions and JCC was formed.

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

Karnataka govt withholds Teachers Day Best Principal award to Udupi teacher, who disallowed hijab in college, after objections by SDPI

OpIndia Staff
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Karnataka govt withholds Teachers Day Best Principal award to Udupi teacher, who disallowed hijab in college, after objections by SDPI

The Karnataka Education Department on Wednesday, 4th September withdrew the ‘Best Principal’ award for B G Ramakrishna, an important figure in the hijab controversy that arose during the academic year 2021-22. The Congress government’s decision came in response to widespread criticism from the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), a political wing of the banned terrorist outfit, Popular Front of India.  

Ramakrishna, the principal of Government Pre-University College in Kundapur, Udupi, was blatantly charged by the SDPI with requesting Muslim students wearing headscarves to stand outside in the sun during the hijab controversy while the BJP was in control in the state.

On Tuesday, in honor of Teacher’s Day celebrated on September 5th, the Karnataka government had announced the best teacher awards to 41 teachers, principals, and lecturers from government schools and pre-university colleges. Ramakrishna and A Rame Gowda, principal of Hunsur PU College in Mysuru district, were scheduled to be awarded the ‘Best Principal’ award. However, the government decided otherwise after SDPI raised objection.

Meanwhile, Ramakrishna claimed the award had not been withdrawn, but according to him, the Education Department said it could be delayed owing to ‘technical issues’. He stated that the Education Department did not provide a clear rationale for putting the award on hold. The state administration had planned to congratulate him on Teachers’ Day.

Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa also commented on the issue and asked the media not to politicize the issue. “I believe the committee overseeing the award to Ramakrishna overlooked a particular issue. After discovering the issue yesterday, we have temporarily put the award on hold. We will clarify the situation and provide an update. I have instructed them to re-evaluate and then report back to us. The concern is the way he treated the children,” he said.

As per the reports, the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) fiercely opposed Ramakrishna’s selection for the award, associating him with the hijab controversy. SDPI Dakshina Kannada president Anwar Sadath Bajathur stated on X, “A principal who forced Muslim students to stand in the sun over hijabs has no moral right to receive such an award.”

The hijab controversy began in December 2021 in a government PU college in Udupi and then spread throughout Karnataka. In February 2022, at least 28 students were barred from attending classes at Kundapur PU College given their violations of the college rules regarding uniforms. 

Later the matter went to the Karnataka High Court which dismissed the writ petitions filed by the Muslim girls advocating hijab. The court ruled that the hijab is not an essential practice of the Islamic faith, and therefore, all the petitions filed by Muslim female students seeking permission to wear hijab in educational institutions deserved to be dismissed.

Ramakrishna is also believed to have received hate messages from unknown numbers during the controversy. 

Former principal of RG Kar Medical College Sandip Ghosh ordered renovation and construction work near crime scene on the very next day: BJP shares letter

OpIndia Staff
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Former principal of RG Kar Medical College Sandip Ghosh ordered renovation and construction work near crime scene on the very next day: BJP shares letter

Former principal Sandip Ghosh ordered renovations and repairs to be carried out at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, a day after the body of the 31-year-old trainee doctor was discovered there on 9th August. The letter which was addressed to the Public Works Department (PWD) was written on 10th August. It asked PWD to repair, renovate and reconstruct on-duty doctors’ rooms in multiple departments of the institution and was undersigned by him.

Sandip Ghosh who was ousted from his position after massive backlash sent the letter which read, “I would like to inform you that there is a deficiency of on-duty doctors’ rooms and separate attached toilets in various departments of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata. You are hereby requested to do the needful immediately as per the demand of resident doctors of the hospital. The issue has already been discussed and resolved in the meeting with the Principal Secretary, Department of Health & Family Welfare Government of West Bengal and Director of Medical Education, Department of Health & Family Welfare Government of West Bengal today in the board room of the hospital. Please do the needful immediately.”

The subject of the letter highlighted, “Repair/renovation/reconstruction of on-duty doctors’ rooms along with separate attached toilets in all departments of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata on urgent basis,” pointing out the urgency of the matter.

The opposition led by the Bharatiya Janata Party charged that attempts were being made to tamper with evidence at the crime scene after the remodeling work was discovered. Notably, the Calcutta High Court had already slammed the state government and questioned the urgency to renovate portions of the emergency building’s third floor, where the horrifying crime transpired. Additionally, it ordered that the state government respond to accusations that critical evidence was destroyed during renovations around the third-floor seminar hall of the emergency building’s chest department.

“Is it so important to provide a restroom within 12 hours to meet urgency? You go to any district court complex and see if ladies have any restrooms. I say this with responsibility. What has the PWD done? See the condition of the restrooms in the court complexes,” the high court had questioned to which the government’s lawyer responded, “All these allegations that the place of occurrence (of the crime) has been demolished, destroyed, nothing is correct. The demolition work that happened was not near the place of occurrence.”

When the victim’s family members disclosed that the hospital authorities had informed them the woman had committed suicide, Sandip Ghosh’s involvement in the alleged attempts to downplay and cover up the case came under scrutiny. According to the victim’s father, they had to wait more than three hours to see their daughter’s body. Sandip Ghosh was eventually arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation on the evening of 2nd September for his reported involvement in financial misconduct including selling unclaimed bodies, extortion from students and kickbacks from medicine suppliers at the establishment.

Concerns over workplace safety led to widespread protests by healthcare professionals around the nation when the 31-year-old doctor was brutally raped and killed inside the hospital’s seminar hall. Sanjay Roy, a community volunteer with the Kolkata Police, was taken into custody regarding the case. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s government has been under fire since the shocking instance surfaced as her administration vehemently tried to cover up the matter, curb the agitation and even attack the protestors.

In Kolkata, doctors are continuing their strike demanding justice and a large number of common people have also joined in.

Himachal Pradesh: Congress minister raises the issue of illegal construction in Shimla mosque, says love jihad is serious issue, faces backlash from party MLAs

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Himachal Pradesh: Congress minister raises the issue of illegal construction in Shimla mosque, says love jihad is serious issue, faces backlash from party MLAs

The controversy around the construction of a mosque in Sanjauli, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is growing intense every day. On 4th September, the Himachal Pradesh Assembly also witnessed a heated argument as members engaged in a verbal sparring session regarding the building of the mosque. The Shimla Municipal Corporation (MC Shimla) has also come under fire in this case for implementing the construction codes selectively. The matter has led to a dispute amongst leaders of the ruling Congress and heightened communal tension in the state’s capital.

Congress MLA Harish Janartha moved the motion and claimed that there was no tension in the area. He alleged that the mosque was built before 1960 and in 2010 three stories were erected unlawfully on land owned by the Waqf Board. He added that illegally built restrooms were dismantled and that not only outsiders but local Muslims were also staying in the mosque. He alleged that some elements were stirring the situation.

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister in Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s cabinet, Anirudh Singh, however, refuted the claims that the mosque was constructed in the 1950s and questioned if permission was taken from the administration to build the mosque. “I am not against any community but they started work in 2010 without permission. Afterwards, unauthorised construction of 2500 square feet was completed. A hearing was again held on the matter in 2012, however, these people didn’t comply. There were four more illegally built floors by 2019. How was the four-story building constructed by 2019 when the lawsuit was still pending in 2010? Where was the administration sleeping,” he asked in the house.

He accused that these works went on unnoticed for almost ten years, right in front of MC Shimla. He added that 6357 square feet of illegal construction has been carried out till now. The minister highlighted, “There’s another surprising detail, the government of Himachal Pradesh owns the land (where the mosque is built). Our administration does not oppose anyone. However, I would ask the chief minister to ascertain the origins of every person involved in this. Women now find it challenging to go around the Sanjauli market. Objectionalibale comments are passed. I have personally witnessed it.” He further stressed, “They have a habit of engaging in illegal activities. They built a 5-storey mosque. This entire matter should be investigated.”

Anirudh Singh asserted that there are 1900 Muslim Tehbazari and the authorization to practice Tehbazari (license to hawk) should only be granted to citizens of Himachal Pradesh. He urged that the permission allotted to outsiders should be revoked. He reported to know a few Bangladeshi nationals and sought confirmation of their identity. In response to the motion, Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh stated that action would be executed as soon as the case was resolved.

“The hearing (in the mosque case) is on 7th September. I want to inform the administration that fourteen years have passed. There have been 44 hearings thus far. They do not even know whose land it is. How can a map be approved on government land? If it belongs to the occupier, then first of all the map should be cancelled. Action should be taken against illegal construction,” he voiced.

The matter has been pending in the Municipal Corporation Commissioner’s court since 2010. He urged both sides to act in tolerance and preserve peace within the community. Communal harmony has been negatively impacted by the tension surrounding the mosque. “We must proceed with caution on this issue. We respect everyone’s sentiments and will act with justice. The government will take action per the law. Our state is Devbhoomi (Land of the Gods). Politics should not be played in the name of religion. Let the law take its course,” Vikramaditya Singh conveyed. 44 hearings have been held about the illegal building, but no decision has been made as of yet.

“I don’t have much information. If someone has done illegal construction, then strict action will be taken,” claimed Jagat Singh Negi Horticulture, Revenue and Tribal Minister of the state who seemed to steer clear of the dispute

The debate was started by Balbir Verma of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who urged that the mosque’s four illegal floors be dismantled and all operations beneath it cease to protect the sentiments of the local community’s Muslims. He explained that the people of Sanjauli had protested against the unauthorized development inside the mosque. On 1st September, a sizable Hindu crowd gathered in Sanjauli to demonstrate against the construction and demand that the unapproved edifice be demolished.

Anirudh Singh also expressed concern over love jihad and noted that robberies in the Sanjauli market area were on the rise. “It has become difficult for women to walk in the Sanjauli market, and thefts are occurring. Love Jihad is another serious issue that needs attention and is dangerous for our country and state. Fights are taking place. Did our local people start the violence? This too has to be probed. I request that the chief minister verify everyone who comes to Himachal Pradesh for employment.”

What triggered the matter

On the night of 30th August, 37-year-old businessman Vikram Singh was seriously injured in an altercation that took place in the Malyana region by half a dozen people belonging to the minority community who attacked him with rods and sticks and also injured four other traders. The perpetrators, including two minors, were swiftly taken into custody by the police, who are currently looking into the situation. The accused sought sanctuary within the mosque to elude the police, which sparked protests outside the building and further fueled the charges that the mosque was illegal. The mosque’s demolition has been advocated by several locals and Hindu organizations.

Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, the superintendent of police in Shimla, implored the demonstrators to keep the peace and stated that the case involving the attack on the businessman would fall under the category of attempted murder. He mentioned that an officer of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) rank had taken over the case’s investigation and that immigrants from other states would required to be registered.

Almost five hundred individuals from various areas of the city took part in the protest, voicing their worries about the growing number of migrants from the minority group in Shimla. They also called for the police to verify and register these “outsiders.” Senior district administration representatives arrived at the scene to calm the protestors. The officials acknowledged that a part of the structure built on Waqf Board’s land was “illegal.”

A conflict has also emerged between MLA Harish Janartha, who is advocating for the mosque and Anirudh Singh who stands by the protests. The comments made by the minister prompted a heated debate in the assembly and garnered support from BJP Lawmakers as it also threw light on the corporation’s negligence in enforcing construction laws.

‘We kept begging to see the body of our daughter, everyone was moving around crime scene freely’: Parents of RG Kar victim say they were forced to cremate in a hurry

OpIndia Staff
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‘We kept begging to see the body of our daughter, everyone was moving around crime scene freely’: Parents of RG Kar victim say they were forced to cremate in a hurry

On 5th September, Bharatiya Janata Party’s IT Cell Chief Amit Malviya called for the immediate resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal, alleging gross mishandling of the rape and murder case at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he accused the West Bengal administration of forcing the family to cremate the victim’s body without their consent and failing to conduct a transparent investigation.

Notably, the matter has been transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Malviya shared two videos of the victim’s family, where they expressed their grievances, highlighting several issues with the police and hospital authorities. According to the victim’s father, the police coerced the family into cremating the body against their wishes, and they were made to wait for hours outside the crime scene while others moved in and out freely. He stated, “My wife kept begging to the authorities to let her in, she wanted to see her daughter, but she was not allowed to go in.”

In his statement, the victim’s father said that despite filing a complaint for an FIR between 6-7 pm, the police delayed registering the FIR until 11:45 pm. This contradicts the claims made by Kapil Sibal, counsel for the West Bengal Government, in the Supreme Court. Sibal had suggested that the victim’s father was responsible for the delay in filing the FIR; however, the father’s statement raises doubts about Sibal’s remarks in the apex court.

The victim’s father further alleged that DC North offered him money to withdraw the case, raising questions about the involvement and motives of higher authorities. The family also reported being unaware of who financed the cremation of their daughter. Malviya pointed out the presence of a TMC MLA and two councillors at the crematorium during the last rites, which he described as suspicious.

The victim’s father also criticised the remorseless attitude of Kolkata police officers while addressing the press, accusing them of lying about the case details. He questioned why the authorities initially declared it a suicide even before examining the body and why the police registered an unnatural death case without proper investigation. He said, “We had to wait for three-and-a-half hours to see our daughter’s face. Her mother fell on their feet to let us see her. Why was autopsy delayed? Why did police file an unnatural death case? I filed the complaint at Tala Police Station around 7 pm. Why then was FIR registered at 11.45?”

Malviya suggested that a fair investigation is impossible unless CM Banerjee and Goyal step down, alleging that much of the evidence has already been tampered with. He demanded that the call records of both the Chief Minister and the police official from the 72 hours following the crime be made public and investigated. He also called for a polygraph test for both Mamata Banerjee and Vineet Goyal to uncover the truth.

Rape and murder of woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College

On 9th August, the woman doctor’s body was found in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, with subsequent examinations confirming that she had been raped. Her body bore 16 external and 9 internal injuries, and there were signs of bleeding from her eyes and private parts, indicating the brutal nature of the assault.

The rape and murder case of the 31-year-old trainee female doctor in Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital has sparked nationwide protests to seek justice for the deceased victim. Hospital administration, Police, and the West Bengal government led by Mamata Banerjee have been facing massive public ire over the initial handling of the case and the subsequent ‘transfer’ of the controversial Hospital principal, Sandip Ghosh. Both the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court made several scathing remarks about the developments in the case, particularly ones revolving around Sandip Ghosh.

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