Home Blog Page 807

Attacked for organising Ganesh festival: Yasir booked in Maharashtra’s Daund for attacking the head of Ganesh Pandal with sharp weapons. Read FIR details

Siddhi Somani
-
0
Attacked for organising Ganesh festival: Yasir booked in Maharashtra’s Daund for attacking the head of Ganesh Pandal with sharp weapons. Read FIR details

On Saturday, 14th September, Maharashtra Police in Pune’s Daund area booked one Yasin Ismail Sayyed for assaulting a man for organizing the Ganesh Festival program in the city. The accused used a sharp weapon to it the victim identified as Sitara Torve and threatened him with death for conducting programs amid the Hindu festival, Ganeshotsav.

The accused has been booked under sections 109, 118(1), and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyay Samhita. Team OpIndia obtained the FIR copy of the incident. The incident is said to have happened on 14th September when the victim was going home on his bike after the Ganeshotsav event.

Victim Torve is the head of the local ‘Raje Shiv Chhatrapati Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav Mandal’ which worships Lord Ganesh publicly and also organizes various entertainment programs as a part of the festival. On 13th September, the Mandal organized a ‘Home Minister’ event honouring the local women during which the accused called Torve and asked him to stop the program. “I am Yasin speaking. You are the head of the Mandal. Will you please stop the event?” Yasin was quoted as asking in the FIR.

The victim could not properly attend the call due to heavy noise being played amid the event, hence he cut the call. The next day, Yasin stopped Torve while he was on his way home on his bike and hit him with the handle of a sharp weapon. Torve happened to lose control of the vehicle and fell to the ground. Yasin then threatened the latter saying that he (Torve) failed to attend his call the last night.

Yasin also said that he would kill Torve for organizing programs as a part of Ganesh Mandal. “I had called you yesterday to stop the event. Why didn’t it stop? You are the head of the Mandal. Now I’ll kill you for organizing programs. Then will see who dares to become the next head of the Mandal,” Yasin said as he threatened the victim.

The accused then brutally assaulted the victim causing injuries on his head, feet, and legs. The incident happened on the street. Eventually, locals came to help the victim after which the accused fled from the spot. FIR in this case has been booked under sections 109, 118(1), and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyay Samhita, 2023. No arrests have yet been made. Further probe is underway.

Past attacks on Ganesh Pandals across India

This is not the first of its kind attack. Earlier, several Islamists across the country have targeted the Ganeshotsav pandals this year. On 6th September, Hindu youths carrying an idol of Bhagwan Ganesh were attacked by Islamists in the Mundra area of Kutch district, Gujarat. The accused, Hamja, Garooq, and three others were chatting on the street. They argued and assaulted the Hindu youths as the latter asked them to pave the way to take the idol to the pandal.

On 7th September, miscreants pelted stones at a Bhagwan Ganesh idol in Mochipura of Ratlam district in Madhya Pradesh. The attack led to massive protests, and around 500 people surrounded the Station Road police station, raising slogans against the stone pelters. An FIR was registered in the matter.

On the 7th and 8th of September, stones were pelted at a Ganeshotsav pandal in the Lal Gate area of Surat, Gujarat. As per reports, some Muslim minors pelted stones at the pandal, leading to hundreds of Hindus protesting and demanding strict action. The police swiftly swung into action and made some arrests. Security was increased in the area.

On 11th September, communal clashes erupted in the Mandya district of Karnataka after stones were pelted at the Ganesh idol near a dargah in Nagamangala town on Mysuru Road.

On 14th September, stones were pelted at a Ganesh Visarjan procession in Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh. The incident led to communal clashes between two groups, and they assaulted each other, resulting in a law and order situation. Following the incident, Hindu organizations raised slogans outside the police station, demanding action against the attackers. Additional police personnel were deployed to maintain law and order.

Ganesh celebrations are targeted even in Bangladesh

Not only in India but Hindu celebrations in Bangladesh were also disrupted by Islamists. On 6th September, a procession of Hindu devotees carrying the idol of Lord Ganesha came under attack in the Kadam Mubarak area in  Chittagong city of Bangladesh. The incident occurred a day before the  Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations were scheduled to be held in the city. As per reports, members of the ‘Batargalli Dhwapara Sarbajanin Puja Committee’ were bringing the idol of the Hindu deity in a van from the factory of artisan Uttam Pal.

At that time, hot water was thrown on the Lord Ganesha idol and the Hindu devotees from a high-rise building on Momin Road. It must be mentioned that the said building is close to the Kadam Mubarak mosque. The deliberate attack led to a heated argument between the devotees and residents of the building.

According to eyewitnesses, bricks were also hurled at the Hindu procession. A young Hindu man, who was hurt during the incident, informed that another Hindu devotee sustained serious injuries to his head.

Hindus in Bangladesh have been facing terror since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government. Detailed reports regarding the same can be read here.

Saket Gokhale spreads fake news about Vande Bharat sleeper trains, Railways Ministry punctures his lies: Here is what happened

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Saket Gokhale spreads fake news about Vande Bharat sleeper trains, Railways Ministry punctures his lies: Here is what happened

On Monday (16th September) morning, Saket Gokhale took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to spread fake news about the contract awarded to make Vande Bharat sleeper trains.

In his tweet, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP claimed that the cost of construction of these trains has been increased to 50%. He alleged a ‘quid pro quo corruption’ on the part of the Modi government.

“Modi Govt has revised the ₹58,000 crores contract for making Vande Bharat sleeper trains. A train that cost ₹290 crores earlier will now cost ₹436 crores. This is a train with ONLY AC coaches that (the) poor cannot afford,” Gokhale claimed.

Screengrab of the tweet by Saket Gokhale

“Who is benefiting from this 50% cost increase in Vande Bharat contract?” he brazened out. The TMC MP alleged that the initial contract was for making 200 Vande Bharat sleeper trains at a cost of ₹58000 crores.

He claimed that the number of trains has been decreased to 133 in the new contract and that the cost of making one train has increased to ₹436 crores from ₹290 crores.

However, the lies of Saket Gokhale were soon debunked by the Ministry of Railways, which highlighted a missing fact in his propaganda-laden tweet.

In the new contract, the number of Vande Bharat sleeper train coaches has been increased from 16 to 24. This was done keeping in mind the growing demand for train travel.

“Cost per coach multiplied by number of coaches equals the cost of the train. We have increased the number of coaches from 16 to 24 to make longer trains, keeping the total number of coaches in contract constant,” the Railways Ministry highlighted the missing context in Gokhale’s tweet.

The total number of train coaches as per the previous contract was 3200 (200 trains with each train having 60 coaches). Now, a total of 3192 coaches will be constructed (133 trains with 24 coaches).

Railways reduced total contract value by increasing train length

By doing so, the Ministry of Railways was able to significantly reduce the cost of the contract. “The total contract value has actually reduced because there are economies when train length is increased,” it clarified.

The Ministry also dismissed the contention that Vande Bharat sleeper trains are designed to serve ‘rich Indians. It pointed out, “We are making record number non AC coaches (12000) looking at the high demand for railway travel.”

But despite being exposed, the TMC MP went on a deranged rant on Twitter.

The wild conspiracy theories and fake claims of Saket Gokhale

Amidst the anti-CAA protests in January 2020, Gokhale had claimed that the Delhi Police permitted him to hold a rally and chant “Desh ke gaddaron ko, goli maaro saalon ko.” The RTI activist did not exhibit any proof or approval letter from the Delhi police that could substantiate his claims.

He later made amends to his insidious claims and alleged that the police requested him to re-schedule his protest after February 8 that year in light of the Model Code of Conduct.

Without verifying the details of the case, left-wing propaganda site The Wire, and Congress mouthpiece National Herald published his claims to suggest that Delhi police found nothing objectionable with the slogans.

Forced by circumstances, the Delhi police took to Twitter to expose the lie being peddled by Gokhale.

While dubbing the claims as baseless and false, the DCP New Delhi said, “It is hereby clarified that no permission to hold a protest on 02.02.2020 has been given to Sh. Saket Gokhale. A copy of his request letter is being circulated in social media as permission, which is not the case.”

In June 2020, Saket Gokhale peddled wild conspiracy theories about a ‘ventilator scam’ after the first batch of ventilators procured using the PM CARES fund was made available to hospitals.

In a seven-part thread, Gokhale alleged that ₹750+ crore had gone ‘missing’ from the funds allotted for procuring ventilators under the PM CARES fund.

Soon, other Congress minions spread the same as gospel truth and claimed that there was a ‘ventilator scam’ underway.

All the fake claims were then debunked by the CMD of BEL (Bharat Electronic Limited), a professional Defence electronics company in India. In February 2021, BEL filed a ₹1 crore defamation suit against the RTI activist for spreading lies.

On August 14, 2020, the Wall Street Journal published a report alleging that a senior executive of the social media giant Facebook was allegedly favouring the ruling BJP government. Soon after, Ankhi Das, the public policy director of Facebook, came under attack by the Congress party and its trolls.

Saket Gokhale was one of those who insinuated that Ankhi Das had links with RSS-affiliated groups. He claimed that Ankhi Das had “attended sessions” of the World Organization of Students & Youth (WOSY), a youth group, which is led by her sister, Rashmi Das.

The TMC spokesman also said that WOSY’s office was located in the same building as an RSS outfit in Delhi.

In a hurry to target Ankhi Das, Gokhale went on to post an image of the WOSY event to claim that the public policy Director of Facebook was attending the event. However, the image was that of Ankhi Das’ twin sister Dr Rashmi Das.

In a statement, WOSY had threatened legal action against Gokhale for peddling misinformation. It added that Dr Rashmi Das’ association with WOSY was purely voluntary and aimed to spread the concept of ‘Vasudeva Kuttambakam’ among international students living in India.

In April 2021, he was caught peddling lies to defend the Maharashtra government’s harassment of Bruck Pharma director over Remdesivir supply. He later complained with Maharashtra Home Minister about how Leader of the Opposition Devendra Fadnavis or the BJP, as private players, could obtain a crucial drug when its sale is allowed only to the state government.

Travelled farther into space than any other human in more than 50 years: SpaceX creates history, completes world’s first commercial spacewalk

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Travelled farther into space than any other human in more than 50 years: SpaceX creates history, completes world’s first commercial spacewalk

On Sunday (15th September), SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn crew returned to Earth after a five-day mission that featured the world’s first commercial spacewalk. 

According to SpaceX’s event webcast, the Dragon capsule touched down off the coast of Florida soon after 03:37 local time (07:37 GMT). “Splashdown of Dragon confirmed! Welcome back to Earth,” SpaceX posted. NASA meanwhile described the mission as a giant leap forward for the commercial space industry.

As per the reports, the temperatures neared 1,900C (3,500 degrees Fahrenheit) due to the high pressure and friction of moving through the air at almost 7,000mph (27,000 kph) when the spacecraft re-entered the earth’s atmosphere. 

A team of 4 civilian members led by billionaire Jared Isaacman created history as they travelled farther into space than any other humans for more than 50 years.  The other team members included Scott Poteet, a retired US Air Force pilot, as well as SpaceX staffers Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon.

Isaacman and Gillis further will now be known as the first non-professional crew to complete a spacewalk, a dangerous maneuver that includes depressurizing the crew compartment and exiting the ship. Until this voyage, only astronauts from government-funded space agencies had attempted this task. Images transmitted live showed the two crew members emerging from the white Dragon capsule and floating 435 miles (700 kilometers) above the blue Earth below.

During the spacewalk, Isaacman addressed mission control in Hawthorne, California saying, “Back at home, we all have a lot of work to do, but from here — looks like a perfect world”. Since the Dragon does not have an airlock, the crew was exposed to the vacuum of space all through their spacewalk. This record-breaking spacewalk was made possible only using sophisticated astronaut suits outfitted with cutting-edge technology.

During the five days, the crew carried out over 40 experiments, including research into the effects of space flights on human health and inter-satellite laser communication between the Dragon Spacecraft and Space X’s Starlink satellite.

Gillis, a qualified violinist, performed “Rey’s Theme” from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” on her instrument alongside orchestras set on the Earth. Her rendition was beamed back to Earth via SpaceX’s Starlink as a demonstration of the satellite network’s ability to provide in-space communication.

The said video was made in collaboration with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, for which the Polaris Program raised funds throughout the trip. The crew spent five days in orbit inside the Dragon spacecraft, called Resilience, which was launched last week on Tuesday, 10th September morning from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission created history by reaching a maximum altitude of 1,400 kilometers (870 miles), the highest any person has flown since the final Apollo mission in 1972.

What happened during the first-ever commercial spacewalk

The first-ever commercial spacewalk was delayed by roughly 2.5 hours, beginning at 10:50 GMT after the spacecraft’s hatch was opened.

Before leaving, the pressure inside the capsule was gradually adjusted as part of the pre-breathing process, which prepares the astronauts’ bodies. When the hatch was opened, the spacecraft was in an elliptical orbit 736 kilometers (457 miles) above the Earth’s surface at a speed of more than 25,000 kilometers per hour (at least 15,500 mph).

As a billionaire mission commander, Jared Isaacman unlocked the hatch and stepped forward to broadcast the first view of the solar system from outside, the SpaceX crew on Earth erupted in excitement. He began limb movements that he had memorized before to test out mobility in outer space.

After a few minutes with his body partially outside the hatch, the 41-year-old Isaacman stepped aside and was succeeded by SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis, 30, who went through similar movements, turning side to side and flexing her limbs to see how the new spacesuit, intended to protect the crew from the harsh vacuum, would hold up.

They were the only ones to pass through the hatch, which was secured by a 12-foot (3.6-metre) rope attached to the ship. They used Skywalker, a hatch structure equipped with the company’s hand-held mobility assistance technology, but neither entirely exited the hatch. The other two team members meanwhile performed their own mobility and transmission tasks.

SpaceX’ mission

The Polaris program’s main purpose is to develop and test technologies that will enable SpaceX to proceed toward its long-term goal of traveling to and establishing interplanetary communities on other planets, particularly Mars.

The dangerous spacewalk conducted recently was intended to test the company’s new Extravehicular Activity (EVA) astronaut suits, which had been created and put together expressly for this mission over the course of two years. As private space travel grows in popularity, SpaceX hopes to develop a suit design to accommodate different body types at a cheaper cost. 

The SpaceX suits lack a Primary Life Support System (PLSS), a set of support equipment worn like a backpack by astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) that allows them to move more freely in space and do more advanced jobs outside the space station. The crew’s trimmed-down suit indicates that they received their life support (oxygen) through the long tubes attached to their spaceship.

The business intends to learn from the impacts of high altitude and radiation exposure during the experimental trip. The laser and satellite communications checks would enable future connectivity enhancements.

Apart from this, NASA says there are presently 19 individuals on missions in Earth’s orbit, which is an all-time high. They include seven ISS staff members, a three-person crew of the Soyuz mission preparing for a crew swap at the ISS, three astronauts on China’s Tiangong space station, and two test pilots of the Boeing Starliner flight to the ISS who will return to Earth in early 2025.

While everybody is cheering around the current event, some reports suggest that the project violates a provision of the Outer Space Treaty, which was ratified by world powers in 1967 during the Cold War. The article states that non-government entities’ actions in outer space must be authorized and monitored by a state party. Polaris Dawn is not a NASA mission, neither it is regulated by the US government.

Dear Print, as a Bengali Hindu, what has ‘hit us where it hurts’ is the slaughter of our Hindu brothers – nobody gives a shit about Hilsa

Dibakar Dutta
-
0
Dear Print, as a Bengali Hindu, what has ‘hit us where it hurts’ is the slaughter of our Hindu brothers – nobody gives a shit about Hilsa

The Islamist onslaught on Hindus in Bangladesh is far from over. Ever since the undemocratic ouster of Sheikh Hasina as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, radical Muslim groups have unleashed their terror on religious minorities.

The neighbouring country, which has descended into complete chaos since 5th August, has witnessed killings of Hindus and large-scale attacks on the temples, shops and businesses of the minority community.

OpIndia had previously reported how the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus reversed the annual ritual of sending consignments of Hilsa fish (originating from the Padma River) to India before Durga Puja, which was followed by his predecessor Sheikh Hasina.

Screengrab of the article by The Print

We explained in detail how the controversial ‘Nobel laureate’ had been pandering to radical Muslim groups, spearheading the ‘Boycott India’ campaign (without any success) in Bangladesh since last year.

At a time when the interim government in Bangladesh (clearly oblivious of the consequences of potential retaliatory measures from India) is busy displaying false bravado to its home crowd, a vicious article published by The Print is now massaging its already inflated ego.

‘Journalist’ Tina Das, who works as a senior correspondent at the news portal, wrote an article titled “Bangladesh has hit us where it hurts. Durga Puja will be incomplete without Hilsa” and furthered the narrative of ‘India Out’ campaigners in Bangladesh.

Delulu is not the solulu

“Bangladesh has hit us where it hurts. It has banned the export of Padma Hilsa or Ilish to India a month before Durga Puja. The Hilsa is not just a fish. It is both an emotion and an initiation ritual. It’s food that makes us work—we have to sift through its endless bones to understand the near-perfect texture of the freshwater fish. And it’s all the more important during Durga Puja, West Bengal’s biggest celebration. It’s when Bengalis unleash their foodie side to gorge on the most delectable dishes. The Padma Hilsa occupies the top spot,” Das claimed.

She went on to allege that a ban on Hilsa export by Bangladesh was akin “to denying basic rights to Bengalis. “Bangladeshi Ilish from Padma, a distributary of river Ganga, is essential to Bengali pujo food,” the ‘journalist’ working for ‘The Print’ alleged.

The subservient tone of the article gave the false impression to Bangladeshi radicals that Indian Bengalis are somehow been at the receiving end of ‘suffering’ due to the ban on the export of the Hilsa fish.

They are made to believe that the interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, stood up to mighty India and gave a ‘befitting reply to the big bully’ – a delusion that is harboured by ‘India Out’ campaigners in Bangladesh. The reality, however, is starkly different.

None gives a damn about Hilsa when national sentiments are at stake

For starters, Hilsa (also called Illish in Bangla) is not the staple food of Indian Bengalis. It is an exotic fish, the price of which ranges between ₹1800 – ₹3600 per kilogram. It is equivalent to buying at least 9 kg of chicken or 2 kg of mutton.

Due to its overpriced nature, Hilsa is out of the reach of common Bengalis. Although well-to-do Bengali families consume Hilsa during special occasions, it is not tied to Durga Puja (contrary to the claims of The Print ‘journalist’ Tina Das).

To add to it, Hilsa is also bred in India. According to the data, the annual domestic production of the exotic fish stood at 0.14 lakh tonnes in 2021.

It can easily cater to a small segment of consumers in India, especially since the ulterior motive behind the export ban of Hilsa by Bangladesh is evident.

Bengalis living in India, barring comrades and sympathisers of extremists in Bangladesh, are more than willing to forego an exotic fish, given that a rogue neighbour wants to settle scores with us. No fish is more important than safeguarding national sentiment.

Bangladeshis elated by subservient ‘The Print’ article, Hindu Bengalis have their priorities

But the damage to the Indian narrative has already been done. I came across Bangladeshi nationals, celebrating on Facebook, after reading the article by Tina Das.

The anti-India radicals are elated at the thought of ‘hurting us successfully’, without realising that the average Indian Bengali does not care about Hilsa import from Bangladesh. An overpriced fish, imported from a hostile nation, is not our priority.

We are concerned about the targeted attacks on the vulnerable Hindu community in Bangladesh, the destruction of livelihood, desecration of places of worship by radical Muslim mobs.

We are aghast at the nefarious attempt to downplay violence against Hindus as ‘fake‘, ‘exaggerated‘ or ‘politically motivated‘.

With full support from dubious ‘fact checkers’ and extremist supporters from India, radicals in Bangladesh have been targeting Hindus with impunity. Our priority is crystal clear concerning Bangladesh.

We demand a complete cessation of attacks on the Hindu community in Bangladesh and prosecution of those involved in the heinous crimes. We do not give a shit about Padma Hilsa when Hindus are being killed in Bangladesh.

If India stops the export of rice, onion and electricity to Bangladesh, then, the enthusiasm of these new-age radicals from our neighbouring country will be put to rest forever.

Another assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump: Shooter with AK-47 enters Trump family’s Florida golf club

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Another assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump: Shooter with AK-47 enters Trump family’s Florida golf club

On 15th September (local time), a second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump was reported following gunshots at Trump International Golf Club in Florida. His campaign declared that Trump was safe following the gunfire. However, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced that its investigation revealed the gunfire appeared to be an attempted assassination on Trump.

The incident took place in the afternoon at Trump’s golf club in West Palm Beach, raising fresh concerns over the efficacy of the US Secret Service’s protective measures.

Notably, this is the second attempt on Trump’s life, occurring months before the Presidential elections in the United States scheduled for November this year. West Palm Beach Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said in a statement during a press conference that Secret Service agents fired shots around 1:30 PM ET after they spotted a rifle barrel. The assailant was reportedly 300-500 yards (275-475 meters) away from Trump when the incident happened.

According to media reports, a witness provided crucial information about the assailant, including a photograph of him fleeing in a black Nissan. Law enforcement agencies used the information to swiftly capture the assailant, who was later taken into custody by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office. Later, the assailant was identified as Ryan Routh. Reportedly, he was seen aiming an AK-47 at Trump when Secret Service agents spotted him. The assailant was heavily armed at the time of the incident. Although 58-year-old Routh managed to escape, he was later caught by security agencies on I-95.

According to reports, Routh has been a long-time Democrat supporter. Since 2019, he has made 19 donations totaling USD 140, according to records from the Federal Election Commission (FEC). He also supported former Representative for Hawaii Tulsi Gabbard, who was previously a Democrat but now supports Trump.

Following the incident, Trump issued a statement assuring his supporters that he was safe. In his statement in a fundraising email, Trump said, “There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumours start spiralling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL!” He further added, “Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER! I will always love you for supporting me.”

Source: Screenshot from Trump’s campaign website.

Senator of Ohio, JD Vance, and Senator of South Carolina, Lindsey Graham, both close allies of Trump, confirmed that the former President was in good spirits despite the incident. Vance said in a statement, “I’m glad President Trump is safe. I spoke to him before the news was public, and he was, amazingly, in good spirits.” Meanwhile, Graham praised Trump as “one of the strongest people I’ve ever known,” underscoring his resilience and determination.

The latest attempt on Trump’s life has prompted questions about his security arrangements, highlighting ongoing threats against the former President as he continues to stay active in the political landscape of the United States.

US President reacted to assassination attempt on Donald Trump

Reacting to the assassination attempt, US President Joe Biden said, “I have been briefed by my team regarding what federal law enforcement is investigating as a possible assassination attempt of former President Trump today. A suspect is in custody, and I commend the work of the Secret Service and their law enforcement partners for their vigilance and their efforts to keep the former President and those around him safe.”

He added, “I am relieved that the former President is unharmed. There is an active investigation into this incident as law enforcement gathers more details about what happened. As I have said many times, there is no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country, and I have directed my team to continue to ensure that Secret Service has every resource, capability and protective measure necessary to ensure the former President’s continued safety.”

First assassination attempt on Donald Trump

On 13th July, the first assassination attempt on Donald Trump took place at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. One attendee at the rally died, and two were reportedly injured in the gunfire. Trump managed to escape the assassination attempt with a bullet injury to his right ear. Trump was saved by mere milimetres as he turned his head just before the gunshot was fired, moving his face slightly away from a direct hit. The assailant of the first attempt was identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks. He was killed by Secret Service agents during the attack.

“We will have to develop a Nuclear Treaty with Pakistan, Ghauri missiles can be deployed on broder”: Dhaka University professor calls for nuclearisation of Bangladesh ‘to deter India’

OpIndia Staff
-
0
“We will have to develop a Nuclear Treaty with Pakistan, Ghauri missiles can be deployed on broder”: Dhaka University professor calls for nuclearisation of Bangladesh ‘to deter India’

As Bangladesh is gravitating toward its arch-nemesis Pakistan, anti-India sentiments are on the rise after the fall of Sheikh Hasina government. New forces are emerging in Bangladesh calling for friendship with Pakistan and enmity with India. Amit this, a Professor at Dhaka University has now called for a Nuclear Treaty with Pakistan to deter India, a nation that played the pivotal role in the birth of Bangladesh.

Spewing hatred against India, Dhaka University Professor Shahiduzzaman said, ‘To change India’s habitual perception, the right answer would be for us to become a nuclear-capable, Nuclearisation of Bangladesh. Being nuclear nuclear-capable does not mean that we should become a nuclear power. By nuclear-capable, I mean that we should enter into a nuclear treaty with our former rival Pakistan.’

He said that without the technical assistance of Pakistan, India can’t be deterred. Professor Shahiduzzaman added, “Pakistan has always been Bangladesh’s most trusted security partner. But the Indians don’t want us to believe this. The Awami League wants us not to believe this. But this is the truth. Bangladesh should tilt towards Pakistan.” 

He further added, “The Pakistanis have a jealous heart. They don’t want us to apologize. But they also don’t want us to stay with India. They are ready to do anything to protect us from India.”

Professor Shahiduzzaman also talked about acquiring nuclear missiles from Pakistan and deploying them along the border with India. He said that placing Pakistan’s Ghauri short-range missiles along North Bengal and in Chittagong Hill Tracts will have a deterrent effect on India.

He alleged that India wants to capture parts of Bangladesh and make it a part of the northeastern states, and the help of Pakistan in terms of a nuclear treaty and acquiring Pakistani missiles is needed to prevent this.

He made these remarks while addressing military officials at a seminar organised by retired military officers. During his address, while he dubbed Pakistan as a “reliable and trustworthy security ally of Bangladesh”, he called India a “big threat”. 

The Dhaka Professor is notorious for making pro-Jamaat-e-Islami remarks.

‘Want good relations with India’: Bangladeshi Interim Government

Recently, Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor of the Interim government, Mohammad Yunus said that his country is keen to have good relations with India and other neighbouring countries adding that it should be on the basis of “fairness and equality”. 

In his televised address, Yunus said that after taking oath as the head of the administration, leaders of several countries, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, had called him to congratulate him. He had said, “We want good relations with India and other neighbouring countries, but these relations should be on the basis of fairness and equality.” 

Earlier in the day, OpIndia pointed out how 53 years after fighting against the massacre of Bengali-speakers by Urdu-imposing Pakistan army, Islamists in Bangladesh have been pulling it towards Pakistan. As part of this scheme, they recently commemorated Jinnah’s 76th death anniversary with Urdu songs, poetry and musical performances at the National press club in Dhaka, this happened for the first time in the history of Bangladesh. 

Pakistan would not have been created without Jinnah, and without Pakistan, ‘Bangladesh too would not exist,‘ Islamist Speakers said during the event. Speakers also hailed Jinnah and dubbed him the creator and father of Bangladesh. 

For those unversed, Bangladesh (once East Pakistan) fought a blood-drenched Liberation war against Urdu-imposing Jinnah’s forces with the Bangla pride acting as the central pillar of its Independence movement.

However, it is pertinent to note that ever since regressive and Islamist forces like Jamaat-e-Islami gained control of the country after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina govt, the nation of Bengali speakers has been gravitating back to the language it had detested for centuries – Urdu. It is also aggressively pushing to rekindle its “brotherhood” with Pakistan, thus besmirching the very existence of their country, massacre of their Bengali-speaking ancestors, and Independence movement.   

Operation Stovewood: Waleed Ali jailed for raping minor girl 21 years ago, seven others convicted and jailed in UK’s biggest investigation into Grooming Jihad in Rotherham

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Operation Stovewood: Waleed Ali jailed for raping minor girl 21 years ago, seven others convicted and jailed in UK’s biggest investigation into Grooming Jihad in Rotherham

This week, UK courts have convicted 8 persons for raping and sexually abusing minor girls as part of Operation Stovewood which is the UK’s biggest investigation into sexual exploitation of minors and grooming jihad cases in Rotherham. Notably, Operation Stovewood was set up in the backdrop of the landmark Jay Report. In 2014, the Jay report found that at least 1,400 girls were abused, trafficked, and groomed by gangs of men who were predominantly of Pakistani heritage in the Rotherham area alone between 1997 and 2013.

Under Operation Stoverwood, NCA officers have identified more than 1,100 victims, and to date, 37 people – including Waleed Ali – have been convicted. More than 50 active investigations remain ongoing.

On Friday (13th September), the Sheffield Crown Court found Waleed Ali (42) guilty of raping a minor girl in Rotherham, 21 years ago, as a result of an Operation Stovewood investigation. The court immediately pronounced sentencing and awarded him five years of jail term. 

When the crime took place, the minor girl was 14 years of age. For nearly two decades, she suffered in silence and had not previously reported the crime. However, in 2021, she approached the Police who were probing multiple cases of sexual abuse, rape, and Grooming Jihad in the Rotherham area.  

After identifying and speaking with a woman they believed may have been sexually abused as a child, officers part of Operation Stovewood launched their investigation. The rape survivor narrated her ordeal to specially-trained NCA officers.  

Waleed Ali who was in his early 20s, targeted the victim after spotting her sitting alone at a water fountain in Rotherham town centre. He along with his gang approached the girl and asked her to go into a nearby alleyway with him. 

But when she repeatedly refused to comply, Ali manhandled her. Intimidated by Ali and his gang, the girl went into the dark alleyway. The accused got the victim away from public sight where Ali raped her.  

After launching their investigation in September 2021, NCA officers arrested and grilled Ali. Initially, Ali not only denied the charges but also told officers that he felt “sick” at their questions. However, Waleed Ali was found to be a serial offender as he was previously convicted of raping and indecently assaulting a 13-year-old girl in the same alleyway in early 2003, in a case investigated by South Yorkshire Police.

Furthermore, on Thursday and Friday, the Sheffield Crown Court also awarded sentencing to seven convicts for abusing minor girls as part of Operation Stovewood. The seven convicts include Mohammed Amar (43), Mohammed Siyab (44), Yasser Ajaibe (39), Mohammed Zameer Sadiq (50), Abid Saddiq (43), Tahir Yasin (38), and Ramin Bari (38). 

The National Crime Agency (NCA) said that the minor victims were aged 11 and 15 when the crime took place and both of them had to spend time in the care system during the offending period.

CPS solicitor Zoe Becker said that the seven convicts had “deliberately preyed on two young girls they knew were vulnerable and, using drugs and alcohol, exploited them for their own sexual gratification”. 

According to the court, the offences were committed between April 2003 and April 2008. The court found that the convicts regularly picked up the victims – often from the children’s homes where they lived – in their cars. They gave them cigarettes, alcohol, cannabis, and money and would then assault them, forced them to perform sexual acts, or raped them. 

Senior investigating officer at the NCA, Stuart Cobb said, “They were responsible for some of the worst offending we have investigated under Operation Stovewood.”

The court found that Amar, Ajaibe, Sadiq, and Sayib abused one minor girl, while Yassin and Bari targeted the other. Saddiq, who was already serving a 20-year prison sentence for sexual offences before this hearing, abused both girls, the court found. 

It was also found that the attacks took place at locations around Rotherham, including a park, in a car in a supermarket car park, in a cemetery, and behind a children’s nursery.

While the NCA’s Operation Stovewood remains the single biggest investigation of its kind probing rape, sexual abuse, and Grooming Jihad cases in Rotherham area between 1997 and 2013, the scourge of Grooming Jihad is pervasive all across the United Kingdom.

Scourge of Grooming Jihad across the UK

Grooming jihad has become a menace in the United Kingdom. Over the decades, many regulatory loopholes and a lack of political will allowed the culprits to evade punishment, including the authorities’ fear of being labelled as racists because the majority of these crimes are committed by Pakistani males. Grooming jihad is occurring on a far larger and more terrifying scale targeting teenagers particularly minor girls.

Earlier in May 2024, more than two dozen men have been thrown behind bars after eight young girls in West Yorkshire were raped, abused, and trafficked for over 13 years in the UK. The abuse that lasted years in Kirklees and was dubbed “abhorrent in the extreme” resulted in a total of 346 years in prison for the 24 sexual offenders.

Apart from Operation Stovewood, Operation Tourway, a multi-year investigation into the sexual exploitation of young girls in North Kirklees, which includes the towns of Dewsbury and Batley, looked at incidents that transpired between 1999 and 2012.

Sexual abuse scandals were discovered in a series of locations, including Huddersfield, Rotherham, Rochdale, Oxford, Bristol, Peterborough, and Newcastle. Nearly 19,000 adolescents in England are estimated to have been sexually groomed from 2018-2019, based on government numbers. England’s local authorities have identified approximately 18,700 potential victims in the aforementioned year, compared to 3,300 five years prior. 

According to a report by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), there has been an 82% increase in online grooming offences against youngsters over the past five years. Further, research conducted by the charitable Sikh Mediation and Rehabilitation Team unveiled that Pakistani men have been raping and abusing Sikh girls in Britain for many years.

Rahul Gandhi is country’s number 1 terrorist, he is not Indian: Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu over Rahul Gandhi’s remarks in the USA

ANI
-
0
Rahul Gandhi is country’s number 1 terrorist, he is not Indian: Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu over Rahul Gandhi’s remarks in the USA

Launching a blistering attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his recent remarks in the USA, Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu said on Sunday that the former is not an Indian and if there should be an award to catch the number one terrorist, it should be on Rahul Gandhi.

Union Minister Bittu also asserted that the enemies of the country are in support of Rahul.

“Rahul Gandhi is not an Indian, he has spent most of his time outside. He does not love his country much because he goes abroad and says everything in the wrong way. The people who are most wanted, separatists, and experts in making bombs, guns, and shells, have appreciated what Rahul Gandhi has said. The enemies of the country who try to blow up planes, trains, and roads, are in support of Rahul Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi is the country’s number 1 terrorist. The biggest enemy of the country whom the agencies should catch is Rahul Gandhi today,” he said.

Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit slammed the Union Minister over his controversial remarks and said that his political career in the Congress was also a mess.

“We can only pity such people. His political career in Congress was also a mess. He used to praise Rahul Gandhi, and now, after resigning from Congress and joining the BJP, he is showing his loyalty to the BJP party,” Dixit said.

This comes after Rahul Gandhi in Virginia said that the fight is about whether a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear a turban in India and would be able to visit a Gurdwara.

“First of all, you have to understand what the fight is about. Fight is not about politics. It is superficial. What is your name? The fight is about whether…he as a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear his turban in India. Or he as a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear a kada in India. Or a Sikh is going to be able to go to Gurdwara. That’s what the fight is about and not just for him, for all religions,” he said.

Further, he continued his tirade against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, claiming that the “fear of Prime Minister Narendra Modi” among people had vanished after Lok Sabha elections 2024 results were declared.

“Something has changed after the elections. PM Modi tried to create an environment of fear. Various agencies, media, income tax department tried to spread fear, even among small and medium-sized businesses. But, nothing worked. The fear vanished in one second. The spread of fear took years and consumed a lot of money, but it vanished. You can see it in parliament right upfront… And I can tell you that the idea of PM Modi, 56 inch chest, direct connection with God. That’s all gone. It’s history now. He, his partners in government and India, the three or four senior ministers in his government realise it.” he said.

Rahul Gandhi interacted with students and teachers at the University of Texas and also addressed the members of the Indian diaspora in Dallas and Virginia while on his visit to the USA.

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

‘Yogi ji save me, my family can kill me’: Muslim girl from Aligarh says her family is opposing relationship with her Hindu lover, accuses brother of inappropriately touching her

OpIndia Staff
-
0
‘Yogi ji save me, my family can kill me’: Muslim girl from Aligarh says her family is opposing relationship with her Hindu lover, accuses brother of inappropriately touching her

A video of a Muslim girl from Aligarh is doing rounds on the internet in which she is pleading for help from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and UP Police. The Muslim girl has stated that she loves a Hindu boy and wants to marry him. But her family is against it and they have held her hostage. In the video, she also accused her brother of inappropriately touching her and hitting on her chest. She added that because of such acts, she is afraid that her family may kill her. 

The case pertains to the Khair police station area in Aligarh. In the viral video, the Muslim girl said that her lover’s name is Shaurya Verma and he is a Hindu. She wants to marry Shaurya but her family is against their relationship. After learning about their relationship, they have held her hostage in the house.  

Further in the video, the Muslim girl added that she also believes in Hindu Dharma and wants to adopt Hindu Dharma. 

She further stated that she has broken all ties with her family and will never back down from her decision. In the video seeking help and protection from UP CM Yogi Adityanath and UP Police, she also accused her brother of inappropriately touching her and hitting her on the chest. She added that because of these incidents, she does not feel safe in her home and is afraid that she may be killed.

The Aligarh Police have taken cognizance of the viral video and have assured that they are providing adequate security to the interfaith couple. 

According to a report in Dainik Bhaskar, Khair CO Varun Singh said that both the girl and the boy are adults and they want to marry each other. Both of them will do court marriage, 2 days later. The police will provide them with full support. 

Meanwhile, the Muslim girl has made another video in this matter in which she said that she has no problem with her family. 

The CO informed that the victim has also spoken to her family and says that there is no problem with her family now. But the Police will keep an eye on the matter and provide them with security. 

Engineer Rashid’s Awami Ittehad Party and Jamaat-e-Islami form alliance for Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections

ANI
-
0
Engineer Rashid’s Awami Ittehad Party and Jamaat-e-Islami form alliance for Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections

The Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JEI) have formed a strategic alliance for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, a statement by AIP said on Sunday.

A joint meeting of the two parties was held on Sunday, which was attended by AIP Supremo and Lok Sabha MP Engineer Rashid, AIP Chief spokesperson Inam Un Nabi, among other members. JEI leader Ghulam Qadir Wani and other prominent leaders of the party were also present for the meeting.

“In a significant political development, the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JEI) have come together in a strategic alliance to champion the cause of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. AIP delegation was led by AIP Supremo and Member of Parliament Er Rashid, AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi, while the JEI delegation was led by Ghulam Qadir Wani. Prominent JEI members also participated in the discussions,” said the statement.

The statement highlighted that both parties emphasised the need to work together in the interest of the people in the region and discussed the seat-sharing alliance for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections.

The statement said that AIP would be supporting JEI backed candidates in Kulgam and Pulwama districts, while JEI will be supporting AIP candidates across Kashmir.

Both parties have agreed to a ‘friendly contest’ in the constituencies of Langate, Devsar and Zainapora, while unified support is to be extended in other constituencies.

Both parties have called upon their cadres to spread the message of support across the region, the statement said, “The leadership of both AIP and JEI have called upon their cadres to spread the message of support for each other’s candidates, in line with the agreement. The goal is to secure a resounding victory for AIP and JEI candidates, ensuring that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have strong representatives who can articulate their sentiments and aspirations.”

“This collaboration marks a significant step towards achieving a united front in the pursuit of peace, justice, and political empowerment for the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” the statement added.

Moreover, Congress and the National Conference are also fighting the assembly polls in an alliance. While NC will contest 51 of 90 seats, Congress will fight 32 with the two parties also agreeing to a friendly contest on some seats. A few seats have been left for smaller allies.

These are the first assembly polls to be held in Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370. There are a total number of 90 Assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir, out of which 7 seats are reserved for SCs and 9 seats are reserved for STs.

The elections in Jammu and Kashmir are scheduled to be held in three phases on September 18, September 25 and October 1. The counting will take place on October 8.

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

1...806807808...7,662Page 807 of 7,662