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Saurabh Bharadwaj and other AAP leaders detained during protests over regularising bus marshals and civil defence volunteers

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Saurabh Bharadwaj and other AAP leaders detained during protests over regularising bus marshals and civil defence volunteers

Delhi police on Saturday detained Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bharadwaj and other party leaders who were protesting outside LG VK Saxena’s residence on the issue of regularising bus marshals and civil defence volunteers.

“Today, the BJP has betrayed 10,000 bus marshals. Vijender Gupta has promised us that if we pass the resolution from the cabinet they will regularise bus marshals through the LG. But, today, both – the LG and BJP leaders have betrayed bus marshals and the people of Delhi,” Saurabh Bharadwaj told ANI while being taken in a bus.

Earlier, Bharadwaj along with other AAP leaders were also detained by police on Thursday while protesting at Chandgiram Akhara in Delhi, demanding the reinstatement of marshals in buses.

The AAP has alleged that the BJP has stepped back from its promise that they will regularise bus marshals through the LG after the Chief Minister Atishi–led cabinet passed a resolution in the assembly.

Earlier today, LG VK Saxena met the protesting bus marshals in his office in the national capital.

BJP Delhi official handle posted on X about the meeting of LG Saxena with Bus Marshals and said, “The Lt Gov Delhi met with a delegation of Bus Marshals today and assured them that their request would be given positive consideration. The meeting was arranged by State President Virendra Sachdeva. The Delhi BJP does not believe in politicizing humanitarian causes, which is why we facilitated a direct meeting.”

However, Delhi CM Atishi told ANI that the issue of Marshals comes under service matters that come under the LG, and the BJP is not putting pressure on him to do so.

“BJP MLAs have asked for time to meet me yesterday, we met them and explained to them about the issue (of bus marshals) that it comes under service matters that come under the LG. Today, the BJP got exposed that because our entire cabinet was there and we made it clear that those decisions need to be taken by us, we will take it and the BJP should ask the LG to make decisions on matters which come under him – BJP is not ready for that, they are doing politics over the issue,” she said.

“We called an emergency cabinet meeting and the resolution that was passed by the Delhi assembly to regularise bus marshal was signed upon. Even after coming here, BJP MLAs were not ready to ask the LG to pass that cabinet note. This is a betrayal against the bus marshal. The things that were to be done by the cabinet – to regularise bus marshals and civil defense volunteers, have been done. Now, the BJP has to regularise them and allot them joining letters,” the Delhi CM added.

The bus marshals have been protesting to get reinstated after Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena terminated their services in October last year.

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

Haryana Assembly Elections: Clashes reported in Nuh and other districts

OpIndia Staff
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Haryana Assembly Elections: Clashes reported in Nuh and other districts

On Saturday, 5th October, several incidents of violence were reported in Haryana amid the ongoing polling for the Assembly Elections. In the district of Nuh, a scuffle broke out between Congress candidate Mohammad Ilyas from Punhana Assembly constituency and independent candidate Raees Khan. Incidents of stone pelting were reported at the polling booth.

A similar incident was reported in Narnaund, in the district of Hisar, where Congress workers clashed with workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party outside a polling booth.

Videos of the incidents were shared on social media. In Punhana, locals arrived with lathis during the incident. In the video, broken and toppled chairs were visible. Police officials were seen attempting to disperse the crowd outside the polling booth, who were engaged in violence while the rest of the public stood in a queue waiting to vote for their preferred candidate.

In Chandeni village, supporters of Congress candidate Aftab Ahmed and INLD candidate Rahish Khan clashed. A man identified as Asif was injured in the incident of stone pelting at the polling booth.

In the Meham constituency, independent candidate Balraj Kundu accused former Congress MLA Anand Singh Dangi and his supporters of beating him and his assistant outside a polling booth. A video that went viral on social media showed them with torn clothes as they narrated the incident.

Assembly Elections in Haryana

Polling for all 90 Assembly seats in Haryana took place on 5th October 2024. The results for Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections will be announced on 8th October 2024.

Violence in Nuh

Notably, Nuh made headlines in July 2023 when a mob of Islamists attacked Hindus during the Braj Mandal Yatra organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. Six people, including two home guards, were killed in the incident. One of the devotees and Bajrang Dal activists, Abhishek Chouhan, was brutally murdered inside temple premises by the Islamists. He was first shot, and then his throat was slit.

Shimla Court orders Masjid Committee, Waqf Board to demolish top three floors of Sanjauli Mosque within two months

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Shimla Court orders Masjid Committee, Waqf Board to demolish top three floors of Sanjauli Mosque within two months

The Shimla Municipal Commissioner Court on Saturday ordered the demolition of three floors of the Sanjauli Mosque in Himachal Pradesh. The Court has given two months to the Masjid committee and Waqf Board to complete the demolition process.

The next date of hearing in the case is December 21.

BS Thakur, an advocate representing Waqf Board in the case told reporters, “The court has passed orders that the Masjid committee and Waqf Board should demolish the top three floors of the mosque at their own cost. The time limit of two months has been given for the demolition. In due course, it will be decided about the rest of the portion of the building. The next date of hearing is 21st December. The mosque committee has given the undertaking to demolish the top three floors.”

The conflict arose from the construction of a mosque which was alleged to be illegal in Sanjauli and subsequent protests by Hindu organizations.

Jagat Paul, an advocate representing local residents of Sanjauli, told ANI, “The court has said that it is not important to make locals a party in the case as a case is already going on between the Administration and the violator (Sanjauli mosque committee). We are happy that after local residents came to court and this decision has been given today.”

The Sanjauli Mosque issue once again flared up after AIMIM Delhi Chief Shoaib Jamai visited the mosque and posted a video on social media, alleging discriminatory actions against the mosque in comparison to other illegal constructions in the area.

The Sanjauli Mosque Committee, however, has firmly disagreed with Jamai’s views. They argue that outsiders are trying to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of Shimla, and political rhetoric surrounding the issue has intensified.

The Sanjauli Mosque Committee and the local Muslim community distanced themselves from Jamai’s remarks. They denounced his statement as harmful to Shimla’s peaceful environment and called for action against him.

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

Jihadists from Al-Qaeda-linked terror group kill 600 civilians within hours in Burkina Faso, reveals French security assessment

OpIndia Staff
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Jihadists from Al-Qaeda-linked terror group kill 600 civilians within hours in Burkina Faso, reveals French security assessment

Terrorists linked to Al-Qaeda affiliate gunned down over 600 civilians within hours in August this year, a report by French security assessment recently said, underscoring the menace of Islamic terrorism faced by the poor West African nation.

As per the intelligence agency, terrorists attacked Barsalogho town in Burkina Faso on August 24 and killed over 600 civilians while digging trenches for defence—one of the deadliest single-day attacks in Africa in recent decades.

The military had ordered locals to dig large trenches around the town to protect themselves from jihadists. However, terrorists belonging to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda affiliate terror group, attacked these defences while they were still under construction, accusing the civilians of being combatants due to their involvement in the trench digging, eyewitness cited by the report said.

Videos on social media reveal people lying defenceless in the dirt excavated for the trenches as the militants took their lives. Several victims, including women and children, were killed while attempting to feign death. The videos capture the sounds of their screams mixed with automatic gunfire.

The Al-Qaeda affiliate JNIM is based out of Mali and operates actively in Burkina Faso. It has been involved in several terror attacks across the expanse of West Africa, a region long plagued by the scourge of Islamic terrorism. A series of coups in several West African countries have forced Western nations to flee and allowed the jihadist forces to fill in the vacuum.

The United Nations estimated a death toll of 200 but JNIM released a statement claiming responsibility for the killing of 300 individuals it claimed were militias belonging to the army and not civilians. But the French assessment pegs the fatalities to 600, stating that the jihadists shot dead people.

The report released by French security agencies said, “Large-scale deadly attacks (at least a hundred deaths) against civilian populations or defence and security forces have been occurring for several weeks at a rate that seems unsustainable for the government.”

Congress MP Kumari Selja confirms harassment of woman leader at party rally, demands strict action

OpIndia Staff
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Congress MP Kumari Selja confirms harassment of woman leader at party rally, demands strict action

Amid ongoing Assembly Election voting in Haryana, an incident that took place last month on 3rd September, in Narnaund has sparked outrage on social media. A video of the incident, which went viral recently, in which a woman leader was reportedly harassed on stage. In the video, Congress MP Dipendra Hooda from Rohtak can be seen on stage, with the woman leader standing beside him. A hand from behind reached out and inappropriately touched the woman leader, who appeared visibly uncomfortable and angry.

Congress leader Kumari Selja has confirmed that the incident occurred and demanded strict action against the person involved.

In the viral video, all Congress leaders and workers were seen standing on a stage. The woman leader was beside Dipendra Hooda. As he accepted gifts and greetings from the woman leader, Hooda turned away to speak to another leader. At that moment, a man on stage reached out to touch the woman leader. She noticed the action, which angered her, and she glared at the accused. Another leader standing beside her immediately grabbed the hand coming from behind and moved it away. Despite the intervention, the woman was visibly upset.

Congress MP from Sirsa, Kumari Selja, expressed strong condemnation of the incident, calling it deplorable and demanding strict action against the person involved. She also spoke to the harassed woman leader and said, “She [the victim] told me that she was harassed on stage. There can be nothing worse or more condemnable than such an act against a woman. Action must be taken.”

Kumari Selja has previously raised concerns against her own party leaders and workers. During the campaigning for the Haryana elections, Congress leader Jassi Petwad’s supporters allegedly made inappropriate remarks about her. The incident caused a political stir in the state. Selja, upset by the incident, did not participate in campaigning for nearly two weeks. She expressed her concerns to senior Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. Later, Bhupendra Hooda clarified that Selja was like a “sister” and those who spoke ill of her had no place in the Congress party.

Speaking on the matter, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala called it “Most shocking” and wrote on X, “A woman congress leader was molested in stage in presence of Deependra Hooda by congress leaders. Confirmed by news reports and even Kumari Selja. If women are not safe in Congress meetings in full public view during the daytime – can they be safe if Congress comes to power? Remember Simi John, Sharda Rathore, Radhika Khera & many women who were abused by men in Congress itself or spoke up about “casting couch” Culture or chamdi- damdi culture in Congress. Where is Priyanka Vadra and Rahul Gandhi? No ladki hoon lad Sakti hoon? Will they act on Hooda supprters?

Another RG Kar case in West Bengal? Minor girl raped and murdered, body dumped in canal, lawlessness continues in the TMC-ruled State

OpIndia Staff
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Another RG Kar case in West Bengal? Minor girl raped and murdered, body dumped in canal, lawlessness continues in the TMC-ruled State

On Saturday (5th October), the body of a minor girl was discovered in a canal in Kultali village in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.

The 11-year-old had been missing since Friday night. She had gone for tuition classes but did not return home. According to the villagers, the victim was raped before she was killed and dumped into a canal, which is located about 500 metres away from her home.

As per reports, the family members of the girl were harassed when they went to file a complaint at the Mahishamari police station. The ill-treatment by the cops triggered the locals, who then hit the streets in protest.

Roads were blocked in Jayanagar and Kultali. The agitated protestors attacked the police station and set it on fire.

The villagers accused the police of failing to take action on time and preventing the heinous crime.

In videos that surfaced on social media, women protestors were seen demonstrating with sticks, pelting stones and clashing with the police. Others were seen destroying bikes and public property in a fit of rage.

Amid the public fury, the police have arrested one suspect in the murder-rape case.

While speaking about the matter, Suvendu Adhikari tweeted, ‘It seems that West Bengal Police haven’t learned anything from the unfortunate RG Kar incident when a 31-year-old PGT Doctor was found raped and murdered.”

“The whole situation could have been avoided if the Police could have just done their duty yesterday,” the BJP leader pointed out.

The situation in Kultali remains tense. The police initiated a probe into the matter and also deployed a large contingent to prevent any untoward incident. They are now interrogating the suspect.

In the meantime, one of the protesting villagers named Ganesh Dolui stated, “We will continue our agitation till all those behind the rape and
murder of our minor daughter are punished. We also demand action against those who responded to the complaint late, which might have resulted in her death”

“Had the police acted promptly, the girl could have been rescued,” he emphasised. According to the police, there are several injury marks on the body of the minor girl.

India successfully test fires indigenously-developed VSHORADS missiles in Rajasthan’s Pokhran

ANI
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India successfully test fires indigenously-developed VSHORADS missiles in Rajasthan’s Pokhran

India has successfully test-fired the indigenously developed VSHORADS missiles in Pokhran firing ranges in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

The three tests of the Very Short Range Air Defence System were carried out by the DRDO in the Pokhran range of Rajasthan as part of development trials.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Army and industry involved in the successful development trials and stated this new missile equipped with modern technologies will give further technological boost to the Armed Forces against aerial threats.

“The DRDO India has successfully conducted three flight tests of the 4th Generation, technically advanced miniaturised weapon system VSHORADS, from Pokhran. Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO, the Indian Army and industry involved in the successful development,” posted the Defence Minister’s office on Saturday.

The missiles have been under development for the last few years and are expected to meet the critical requirements of the forces to tackle enemy aircraft, drones and other aerial targets at short ranges.

The forces rely on the Russian Igla missiles for their requirements but have felt the need to modernise their inventory for over a decade now.

The development cum production partners in the VSHORADS project are two private companies.

Earlier on Friday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while addressing the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) 2024 in New Delhi, expressed India’s support for a peaceful resolution to disputes and has sought to promote cooperation among nations in the Indo-Pacific.

“India has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution to disputes and has sought to promote cooperation among nations in the Indo-Pacific, with a strong emphasis on the centrality of ASEAN in fostering regional dialogue, stability, and collective growth,” he said.

Rajnath Singh underscored India’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of vital international maritime routes. He further said that the engagement with regional partners, including joint exercises and information-sharing initiatives, is aimed at strengthening the collective maritime security framework.

He underlined that the Indian Armed Forces, particularly the Navy, have been at the forefront of cooperative endeavours with countries of the region, and are continuously working towards building their capacity and capabilities, the Ministry of Defence stated.

“While India’s endeavour for maritime cooperation continues, its interests are not in conflict with any other country. At the same time, the interests of any other nation should not come in conflict with those of other nations. This is the spirit in which we must work together,” Singh further said.

Highlighting India’s vision for the Indo-Pacific he said, “India’s vision for the Indo-Pacific is based on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s idea of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) as we believe in fostering partnerships that prioritise sustainable development, economic growth and mutual security.”

The Defence Minister added that India’s engagement with its partners is guided by the understanding that true progress can only be achieved through collective action and synergy. He stated that due to these efforts, India is considered a “credible and preferred security partner and first responder” in the region.

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

Chhatisgarh: After eliminating 31 Naxals in a massive operation, security forces continue search in the area, large quantity of automatic weapons recovered

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Chhatisgarh: After eliminating 31 Naxals in a massive operation, security forces continue search in the area, large quantity of automatic weapons recovered

In a major crackdown on left wing terrorism, security personnel killed 31 Naxals in the Maad area on the Narayanpur-Dantewada border in a two-day operation, the police said.

A joint operation by DRG Dantewada, DRG Narayanpur, and STF teams was launched after receiving the information of the presence of 40 to 50 Naxalites who had come together for a meeting, the police informed.

According to the police, a heavy exchange of fire took place between security personnel and Naxalites after forces surrounded the Naxals in the forest.

“We had received information of the presence of 40-50 Naxalites who had come together for a meeting. We launched a joint operation with DRG Dantewada, DRG Narayanpur, and STF teams. When our teams surrounded the Naxalites on October 4, a heavy exchange of fire took place… Dead bodies of 31 uniformed Naxalites have been recovered along with a range of automatic weapons… This has been our biggest achievement so far… Force is returning after completing the search operation… The terrain was difficult, especially because of rain,” Dantewada SP Gaurav Rai said.

Describing the operation and the terrain, DIG Kamalochan Kashyap said, “This region is considered a safe place for all Naxals. This operation was planned four days ago on receiving information about senior Naxals… 31 Naxals have been killed and heavy arms and ammunition have been recovered… Company 6 is predominantly active in this region and they are 100-150 in number.”

Further search operations are underway in the area.

IG Bastar Sundarraj P said, “Yesterday, an encounter broke out between Naxalites and security forces. So far, 31 dead bodies and heavy arms and ammunition have been recovered. After the search operation is completed, we will update the data.

Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker & former Chief Minister Raman Singh on Saturday termed the encounter of 31 Naxalites in the Maad area on the Narayanpur-Dantewada border as a ‘huge success’, saying that the vision of Home Minister Amit Shah has done a great job in the double-engine government.

Speaking to ANI, Raman Singh said, “This is a huge success, I congratulate the Chief Minister, Home Minister and the entire team for this great operation. The thinking and vision of Union Home Minister Amit Shah have done a great job in the double-engine government and they deserve congratulations… Congratulations to everyone for such a big operation for the first time.”

This encounter is considered one of the biggest ever crackdowns on Naxalites this year.

Earlier this year, Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted that left-wing extremism will be completely eradicated from the country before March 2026.

Amit Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the fight against left-wing extremism is in its last phase. He said that now is the time to strike the final blow against left wing extremism with a strong strategy and ruthless approach.

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

Jharkhand: NCPCR directs investigation into cases of child abuse and sex trafficking at Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity institution in Ranchi

OpIndia Staff
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Jharkhand: NCPCR directs investigation into cases of child abuse and sex trafficking at Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity institution in Ranchi

On Friday, 4th October, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) wrote to the Jharkhand government, urging swift action regarding cases of alleged sexual abuse and child trafficking at an institution run by the Missionaries of Charity (established by Mother Teresa) in Ranchi. NCPCR Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo addressed the Chief Secretary of Jharkhand, Lalbiaktluanga Khiangte, and the state’s Director General of Police, Anurag Gupta, expressing grave concerns over the authorities’ failure to act despite compelling evidence. A copy of the letter was accessed by OpIndia.

The letter sent by the NCPCR to the Jharkhand government revolved around shocking details from a 2019 investigation during which the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) in Dumka recorded testimonies from victims. One of the victims narrated how she was coerced into a physical relationship, which led to her pregnancy. She said in her statement, “During my pregnancy, I came in contact with the Missionaries of Charity while attending tuition classes. In 2016, I was pressured into a relationship by a classmate, which resulted in pregnancy. I delivered a baby girl at Nirmal Hriday in Ranchi and voluntarily left the child with the head sister before returning to my village with my father.”

The victim further revealed that there were seven other unmarried pregnant girls or new mothers at the institute during her stay. Another victim narrated a harrowing incident of sexual assault. She said, “In the summer of 2016, I was walking home from school when two men, with their faces covered, threatened me with a knife and raped me. I became pregnant. When my family attempted to seek an abortion, the Missionaries of Charity advised against it and referred us to Nirmal Hriday in Ranchi. After giving birth to a boy, the institution kept my child and I was sent home without any contact with him.”

The NCPCR Chief’s letter highlighted the failure of the local authorities to register cases under the POCSO Act 2012, despite the explicit testimonies. He wrote, “The statements from the minors provide clear evidence of sexual abuse, yet no FIRs have been lodged. This is a blatant violation of the POCSO Act, which mandates the reporting and investigation of all such offences involving minors.”

Further investigation into the institute revealed that there were at least 13 more victims, some of whom were minors. They were rescued from the Nirmal Hriday Centre. He raised concerns that the documents recovered from the institute might contain information about more minor victims from other districts and states. Kanoongo called for an urgent investigation into the matter and requested the Jharkhand government to immediately register FIRs under the POCSO Act for all identified victims.

He wrote, “There is a strong possibility that the documents seized may contain details of minors from other regions. We request the government to immediately file FIRs for all identified cases of abuse and trafficking under the POCSO Act,” while also seeking a detailed report on the whereabouts of the children.

The NCPCR Chief also referred to a writ petition filed in the Supreme Court of India earlier this year. Though the court dismissed the petition, it acknowledged that the NCPCR has the authority to act under the law for the protection of children, leading to a renewed call for action in the matter. The NCPCR Chief has given the Jharkhand government a 5-day deadline to submit an action taken report.

Speaking to IANS, Kanoongo pointed out that in 2019, NCPCR came to know that two victims gave statements stating that they were raped and their children were sold by the institute.

Nirmal Hriday’s name poped up in child trafficking case

In 2018, the Jharkhand police arrested a woman. They detained two nuns of Missionaries of Charity running ‘Nirmal Hriday’ – a shelter home for destitute women, for allegedly selling the infants born to unwed mothers at the institution. In 2015, the High Court of Jharkhand granted provisional bail to a Missionaries of Charity nun, Sister Concelia, who was jailed on allegations of child trafficking.

Pakistan: Bodies of Hindu farmer and his three children found hanging from a tree in Sindh

OpIndia Staff
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Pakistan: Bodies of Hindu farmer and his three children found hanging from a tree in Sindh

On Friday, 4th October, a Hindu farmer and his 3 children were found dead in Pakistan’s Sindh. The bodies of a 32-year-old Hindu farmer, identified as Chaman Kolhi, and his three children were discovered hanging from a tree near Palli Morr in the district of Umerkot, Sindh, Pakistan. The children have been identified as 8-year-old Bhagchand, 6-year-old Hero, and 4-year-old Sohni.

Their bodies were found hanging from a tree alongside their father in a mango farm under the jurisdiction of Bodar Farm police station. The bodies of the man and children were removed from trees and shifted to a local hospital, police said.

As per a report by Dawn, police said in a statement that Chaman was struggling financially and was having tensions with his wife due to a poor yield this season. The initial investigation into the matter suggested that Chaman might have hanged the children before taking his own life. However, a detailed investigation to confirm the circumstances surrounding the deaths is underway.

The tragic incident has highlighted the hardships faced by the Hindu community in Sindh. Hindu activist Shiva Kacchi shared the details of the incident where Hindu farmer and children found dead in Sindh on the social media platform X.

He lamented the government’s inaction and said, “Tired of hunger and unemployment, Chaman Kolhi, a poor Hindu farmer, committed suicide along with his three innocent children. The incidence of suicide among the Hindu community in Sindh has greatly increased. The government and institutions have become silent spectators.”

At the time this report was published, the bodies had been sent for post-mortem and further updates were awaited.

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