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‘Centre of Jihad, Mecca-like Gate’: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma slams USTM varsity after ‘flood jihad’ barb

OpIndia Staff
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‘Centre of Jihad, Mecca-like Gate’: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma slams USTM varsity after ‘flood jihad’ barb

On 12th August, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma again raised questions on the private university of Meghalaya and referred to the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya’s (USTM) structure as that of Mecca and labelled the institution as a prominent centre of jihad. A few days prior, he had charged the institution with engaging in what he identified as the “flood jihad,” asserting that it was ruining education and the domed gate was a symbol of “jihad,” which makes people feel embarrassed to visit.

Himanta Biswa Sarma earlier this month accused the university’s development projects of causing the Guwahati flash floods. According to him, the institution, which is located in the Ri-Bhoi area of Meghalaya, carried out the cutting of hills and deforestation, which caused the flash floods. He reportedly criticised the private university’s structure. He mentioned that the university’s main gate is topped with three domes and it appears as if one is heading to Mecca, therefore he stated it is humiliating to come there.

‘It’s embarrassing to go there, you have to go under ‘Mecca’. What we are saying is that there should be a namghar (community prayer hall, part of Assam’s neo-Vaishnavite tradition). Mecca-Medina, church, make all three. They have kept a ‘Mecca’ there. Let them make a namghar and a church. We will walk under all three. Why should we walk under just one,” he asked. “They are doing jihaador baap (slang, translating to ‘father of jihad’). I’m being mild by calling it jihad. It is destroying our education system. Whatever attacks our civilisation, our culture, that is called jihad,” when inquired about his use of the term ‘jihad’ concerning the establishment.

According to the Shillong Times, there has been significant soil erosion near this university and the district officials haven’t taken any measures to address the serious issue. “USTM is a danger to Assam. We will go to the National Green Tribunal against it,” the chief minister declared. “Why did the hills cut towards Guwahati and not towards Meghalaya? Is this not flood jihad,” he asserted.

He pointed out that former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi also made similar comments in the past after Gaurav Gogoi criticised his statement. “When I spoke about USTM, the Congress created an uproar, but I have found at least 25 paper clips from 2004 to 2014 in which ex-CM Tarun Gogoi had stated that the main reason for Guwahati’s artificial floods is Jorabat. What can I do if the son says that his father was wrong,” he expressed.

The chief minister highlighted that although USTM was not constructed during Tarun Gogoi’s administration, water logging issues were still a result of the water coming down from Jorabat. He contended that the Congress party was creating an uproar because the USTM owner is Muslim. “Had the owner been a Hindu, no ruckus would have been created by them. They shouldn’t indulge in such politics of appeasement.”

On the other hand, the varsity’s chancellor, Mahbubul Hoque, vehemently denied the charges levied by the Assam chief minister. “We are located nearly 6 kilometres away from Guwahati city, with over 100 acres of land. Since 2011, we’ve been working on developing USTM, and from 2009 for the engineering college. It’s surprising and disheartening to hear that we are being blamed for the recent floods.” He added, “The land from our area to Guwahati spans thousands of hectares, and the flood problem is a cumulative effect of multiple factors. Blaming USTM without proper investigation is unfair, especially given our efforts to maintain a sustainable and environmentally friendly campus.”

USTM, a private institution is located in the Ri-Bhoi district, close to Guwahati, the capital city of Assam. Mehboobul Haque, a Muslim of Bengali descent who lives in the Karimganj area of the Barak Valley in Assam, founded the institution. He is also serving as the chancellor of the university. It is the largest private university in the Northeast and is run by the Education Research & Development Foundation (ERDF) which was also created by Mahbubul Hoque in 2005 at Guwahati. It is situated in front of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in the Ri-Bhoi district on the border between Assam and Meghalaya. In 2008, the Meghalayan government published a notification for the university. However, it began to function in 2011. The university is situated in a forested environment, due to which a large amount of forest and hills have been cleared. According to Himanta Biswa Sarma, the university has affected the ecosystem.

‘Why are you protecting him’ – Calcutta High Court asks West Bengal state counsel to ensure Principal steps down in RG Kar Medical College Rape and Murder Case

OpIndia Staff
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‘Why are you protecting him’ – Calcutta High Court asks West Bengal state counsel to ensure Principal steps down in RG Kar Medical College Rape and Murder Case

On Tuesday, 13th August, the Calcutta High Court directed the West Bengal state counsel to ensure that the Principal of RG Kar Medical College steps down from the post before 3 PM else the Court would pass an order. The directions from the High Court came during the hearing of RG Kar Medical College Rape and Murder Case where a 31-year-old PG student was brutally raped and murdered inside college premises. The matter was heard by a Bench of Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice H Bhattacharyya.

During the hearing, the Court was informed that the Principal had resigned. However, he was almost immediately appointed to another prestigious college. The Court said if the Principal had stepped down citing some moral responsibility, it was rather surprising that the government was rewarding him. The High Court said, “The Principal is the guardian of all doctors working. Suppose he didn’t show any empathy then who else will show. Your client (Principal) should not be working, he should be at home. He is so powerful that a govt counsel is representing him?”

The Calcutta High Court further directed the state counsel to ensure the Principal would not function and step down from his post. “We give him the option to submit his leave application by 3 PM today otherwise an order shall be passed”, the bench said.

The Court added, “He is the first person from whom statement should have been recorded. He is heading the institution…they are not above the law. They may be govt official. He is an administrator. Why do you protect? Let him tell the truth. In the early hours, it happened. The statement is the basis, sir!! Something is missing.”

Before rising for a lunch break, the Court directed the state council to ask the Principal to resign and send a photograph of the resignation letter.

During the hearing, the Court said that it was not possible to gag the press. The Court further asked what assurance the state had provided to the protesting doctors and opined that doctors were justified in expressing their emotions.

The Court pointed out that there was an attempt to cover up the matter by declaring the incident as suicide. The Principal also indulged in victim blaming suggesting it was a case of psychosis.

The petitioner’s counsel informed the court that the state said they would transfer the matter to CBI but now suggesting it would be done after seven days. “These 7 days are very crucial to wipe away evidence,” the counsel asserted.

When the Court assembled again, state counsel presented the information based on Call Details (CD). The counsel said that at around 9:30 AM, the family of the victim was informed by the assistant superintendent of the hospital. After that, the inspector in charge of the hospital outpost was informed at around 10:10 AM and 10:30 AM, the local police station was informed. By 11 AM, the homicide team had reached the college and at 11:30 AM, all the senior police officials had reached the crime spot. The parents arrived at 1 PM.

The parents were allowed to go to the seminar hall at around 1:10 PM. The court was informed that the body of the student was semi-naked when the students found it. Someone put a cloth on it and covered it before police reached the spot.

The body of the victim was taken for post-mortem at 5:30 PM and post-mortem was conducted between 6:10 PM and 7:10 PM.

When the state counsel said nobody filed a complaint of “unnatural death”, the Court again questioned why the Principal was not present at the scene and why he was “rewarded” later with a post at another college.

RG Kar Medical College Rape and Murder Case

On 9th August, a semi-nude body of a female PG trainee doctor was found inside the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. It is a government-run hospital. Following the discovery, her father had said that she was raped and killed inside the hospital, and efforts were underway to “conceal the truth.”

The doctor had dinner with four of her coworkers at 2:30 am that night after seeing Neeraj Chopra’s javelin throw event during the Paris Olympics. Afterwards, she went to the seminar hall to relax. The main accused in the case, Sanjay Roy, had access to every department as he worked at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital police outpost. He was not affiliated with the institution but often went there. CCTV evidence shows him entering the premises where the doctor was discovered, that led to his arrest on 10th August. He returned home after committing the horrifying act and slept in late. Roy also cleaned the outfit he wore to remove any evidence. The police recovered his bloodstained shoes during a search.

The Doctor was brutally tortured before she was suffocated to death, according to the post-mortem report. The four-page report stated that she had been strangled and that “perverted sexuality” and “genital torture” had resulted in a serious wounds in her private parts.

The Doctor’s thyroid cartilage was also shattered. A source stated that the rape and murder occurred on 9th August most likely between 3 and 5 am. Her lips, fingers, left leg, and abdomen were all covered with injuries.

According to sources, the Doctor’s head was slammed against a wall or the floor resulting in severe injuries and her mouth and nose were squeezed shut to stop the victim from shouting. The accused had reportedly beaten her up as she attempted to defend herself and resist. He then raped and killed her. According to the autopsy, the girl’s hands and face had cuts on them. Shards of glass from her spectacles broke and got into her eyes following an intense blow. The initial postmortem report ruled out suicide and stated that the trainee doctor had been sexually assaulted before being murdered.

Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur: Know the Pakistani-origin ‘activist’, with ties to ISI and terror funding, thrashed during anti-India event in London

Dibakar Dutta
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Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur: Know the Pakistani-origin ‘activist’, with ties to ISI and terror funding, thrashed during anti-India event in London

A Pakistani-origin ‘activist’ named Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur, known for peddling disinformation on Jammu and Kashmir, was thrashed during an anti-India event in London.

Muzzammil, who lives in the United Kingdom, runs two Islamist organisations – ‘The Justice Foundation’ and ‘World Kashmir Freedom Movement’. He is known for peddling the Pakistani narrative on Jammu and Kashmir with active backing from the military establishment.

During the course of one such propaganda event on Friday (9th August), he was beaten by three men. Muzzammil claimed that the attack was carried out by Indians.

Screengrab of the tweet by The Justice Foundation

“On 9th of August 2024, Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur was assaulted after a lecture on Kashmir & resistance in London. He was attacked by three Indians who verbally berated him before launching a physical attack. One of the culprits recorded the events taking place,” a statement by ‘The Justice Foundation’ read.

For the unversed, Muzzammil is the son of London-based ISI agent Ayyub Thakur. The latter had founded both ‘The Justice Foundation’ and ‘World Kashmir Freedom Movement’, which have been run by Muzzammil since he died in 2004.

During his lifetime, Ayyub Thakur was involved in lobbying for Jammu and Kashmir. He also channelled funds from Pakistan’s ISI to Islamic terrorists in the region including £70000 to Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Syed Salahuddin.

Screengrab of the tweet by Muzzamil Ayyub Thakur

In an interview in 2015 for ‘Only Kashmir’ YouTube channel, Muzzammil acknowledged his father’s pro-terrorism stance on Jammu and Kashmir. He pointed out how Ayyub Thakur funded terrorism in the region and considered it as ‘Jihad’.

Just like his father, Muzzammil was seen endorsing terrorists after they were neutralised by the Indian security forces. “Final words of smiling Kashmiri shaheeds (martyrs)…A lesson for all of us,’ he tweeted in November 2021.

Interestingly, he was earlier spotted alongside Nitasha Kaul – an anti-India activist who was invited by the Karnataka Congress government in February 2024 but deported after landing in Bengaluru.

Muzzammil booked under UAPA

In May 2022, the Jammu and Kashmir police booked Muzzammil under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for carrying out anti-national activities and threatening an Indian advocate named Syed Zeeshan.

A police spokesperson said, “Thakur, through his social media account and other platforms, is indulging in activities which are prejudicial to the sovereignty, integrity and unity of India.”

He added, “This apart, a proper complaint was lodged by Advocate Syed Zeeshan before Srinagar Police against Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur and others. In the complaint, it is alleged by him that Muzzammil Ayyub at the behest of ISI and ISPR is threatening, harassing, carrying out criminal intimidation, besides being involved in cyber-crimes against the complainant.”

Muzzammil had also threatened a Kashmiri woman named Tasleema for exposing Pakistan’s propaganda at the United Nations. His X (formerly Twitter) account has been withheld in India.

Repeating Pakistani talking points on J&K

He had collaborated with the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) on several occasions to disseminate Pakistani narrative on the Indian territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

“Post-August 5, 2019, when India illegally annexed occupied Kashmir, turning it from a de facto occupation to a de jure occupation, bifurcating the state and then turning it into a union territory, one of the lies was to bring development to Kashmir, make it prosper. The reality is that India has turned Kashmir into another East India Trading Company, making it open season for Indian businesses and so-called investors to loot, and in the process, destroy even ecology on the way,” Muzzamil said during one of his deranged rants.

In 2020, he was roped in by Turkish state-owned media ‘TRT World’ to spread canards about the situation at ground zero in Jammu and Kashmir.

Muzzammil had previously tried to create global outrage over the ‘Kashmir issue’ at the 52nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and had endorsed an anti-India magazine by the name of ‘Kashmir Inside.’

Poster featuring Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur as guest speaker in anti-India event

In October 2023, Muzzammil was seen pleading with the British government to interfere in India’s internal affairs during a roundtable conference hosted by ‘Tehreek-e-Kashmir’ in the British Parliament.

He also highlighted the importance of narrative-building exercises and public advocacy to tarnish India’s image and further Pakistan’s agenda among the youth. It partly explains what led to his thrashing at a recent anti-India event in London.

Supreme Court closes contempt of court proceedings against Patanjali, Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna

Paurush Gupta
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Supreme Court closes contempt of court proceedings against Patanjali, Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna

In a major relief for Patanjali Ayurved, its co-founder Baba Ramdev and Managing Director Acharya Balkrishna, the Supreme Court on Tuesday (13th August) dropped the contempt of court charges against them in the misleading advertisement case. 

The bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah today pronounced the order and closed contempt of court proceedings against them. The bench had earlier reserved the orders on 14th May this year. It had initiated the case based on a plea filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) alleging a smear campaign against the COVID-19 vaccination drive and modern medicine.

Presiding over today’s court proceedings alongside Justice Sandeep Mehta, Justice Kohli said that proceedings are being closed as the court accepted the apology tendered by the parties. However, the bench cautioned them that they should comply with all future orders of the court and not repeat what happened earlier. The court warned that if they do anything in violation of the Court orders as it happened earlier, then it will “come down heavily”.

Pronouncing the order, Justice Kohli said, “We accept the apology tendered by the party. However, we expressly and strictly warn them that they will not do anything in violation of the court orders, as happened earlier in this case. We have come down heavily, and we warn you that this should not be done in the future. The affidavits tendered before this court should be done with full truth. We close the contempt proceedings initiated against the party with the warning of adhering to the orders passed by this court in this case. The notice issued to present contemnor also stands discharge and closed.”

Brief Background of the case against Patanjali

The present case stems from the plea of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) against Patanjali Ayurveda and Baba Ramdev for his remarks on modern medicine and COVID-19 vaccination. 

In November 2023, the apex court gave a warning that it could impose costs of Rs 1 crore per false claim made in each advertisement for Patanjali Ayurved products that claim to cure diseases. It had also directed Patanjali not to publish false advertisements in the future. Back then, Patanjali had assured the court that it would refrain from such advertisements. 

However, in February 2024, the Court imposed a temporary ban on such advertisements and issued contempt notices to Patanjali and its MD noting that the ‘misleading advertisements’ continued.

In March, the court noted that a reply to the contempt notice was not filed as the court had ordered the personal appearance of the Patanjali MD Balkrishna as well as Baba Ramdev, who featured in the press conferences and advertisements published after the undertaking was submitted before the court in November last year.  

Later, the Patanjali MD had filed an affidavit claiming that the impugned advertisements were meant to contain only general statements but inadvertently included offending sentences. It was further argued that the advertisements were bona-fide. It added that Patanjali’s media personnel were not “cognizant” of the November order where undertaking was given before the apex court.

Subsequently, on 16th April, both Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna personally appeared before the Court. They expressed unconditional apology for publishing misleading advertisements and making remarks against Allopathic medicines in breach of undertaking given to the Court.

However, the bench initially expressed dissatisfaction with the language and the size of the apology published by Patanjali in newspapers. After which, Patanjali published another apology in newspapers with its own name alongside that of Swami Ramdev (co-founder) and Acharya Balkrishna (MD). 

On 30th April, the bench had observed that there was a ‘marked improvement’ in the published apology and it later reserved the orders in this matter. Now, it has closed all proceedings against Pantanjali and its senior management. 

The court broadened the horizon of the case; IMA, the petitioner against Patanjali, under dock as well

It is pertinent to note that the apex Court initial focus in the case was limited around Patanjali’s misleading ads, the failure of regulatory authorities to act against Patanjali, and the corrective steps to be taken by Patanjali and its promoters (Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna). However, the Court later expanded the scope to larger issues including misleading advertisements by other consumer goods suppliers as well as unethical practices in modern medicine. 

Furthermore, issuing a warning, the court also noted that social media influencers and celebrities would be held equally responsible and liable if they are found endorsing products or services in misleading advertisements.

Conspicuously, the petitioners in the case, IMA, are now also under the scanner before the apex court. During one of the hearings in this case, the apex court had asked the doctors to put their own house in order and curb unethical practices in modern medicine. 

Later, while speaking with media, IMA President Dr. RV Asokan said that it was “unfortunate” that the Supreme Court criticised the IMA and that doctors were demoralised due to the same. The bench of Justices Kohli and Amanullah had taken strong exception to his remarks. On 6th August, the court asked the IMA President to publish apologies in all prominent newspapers for his statements criticising the Supreme Court. 

Indian Railways cancels Rs 30,000-crore tender of 100 Vande Bharat trains, read why even lowest bid by Alstom failed to close the deal

OpIndia Staff
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Indian Railways cancels Rs 30,000-crore tender of 100 Vande Bharat trains, read why even lowest bid by Alstom failed to close the deal

In an unexpected move, the Indian Railways cancelled its Rs 30,000 crore contract for the manufacture and maintenance of 100 aluminium-bodied Vande Bharat trains over a pricing dispute on Tuesday, 13th August. Alstom, the French rolling stock company, had won the tender in June 2023.

The same was confirmed by Olivier Loison, Managing Director, Alstom India, in an exclusive conversation with Money Control. “Indian Railways has canceled the tender. However, with our strong local knowledge and investments in industrial and human capital over the years, we are well-positioned and committed to supporting the realisation of this vision [of the railways] in the future, should the opportunity arise,” Loison said.

According to railway officials, the tender committee found the French multinational company’s (MNC) delivering price of Rs 150.9 crore per train set to be excessive and recommended that it be limited to Rs 140 crore.

However, Alstom India intended to close the transaction for approximately Rs 145 crore per train set. The French company was the lowest bidder in the Rs 30,000 crore deal, which was opened on May 30th, 2023. As per the official documents, the firm offered Rs 150.9 crore per train set and planned to produce all 100 Vande Bharat rakes.

Aluminum-bodied train sets were chosen because they are lower in weight and more energy efficient than standard stainless steel. The Indian Railways intends to launch the first sleeper form of Vande Bharat trains in the first quarter of 2025. So far, contracts have been awarded to produce 102 chair cars and 200 sleeper Vande Bharat train sets, respectively.

The Indian Railways is eager to deploy these modern trains to improve the speed, efficiency, and comfort of its services. “The cancellation of the contract helps Indian Railways to buy more time to get the best possible price. The bidders, too, will be better prepared to set up adequate manufacturing facilities,” an official from Alstom stated.

Henri Poupart-Lafarge, Alstom’s CEO, stated in July 2023 that the business would employ new aluminum technology for the project. Poupart-Lafarge stated in a July 2018 interview with CNBC TV-18 that the company had quoted a good price for the project.

However, as per a rail official quoted by Money Control, the contract to produce 200 Vande Bharat sleeper train sets made entirely of stainless steel was previously awarded at Rs 120 crore for each rake.

Notably, for this particular deal, Alstom India and a consortium of Swiss company Stadler Rail and Hyderabad-based Medha Servo Drives were the only bidders. While Alstom bid Rs 150.9 crore for one aluminum-bodied Vande Bharat with a sleeper facility and was the lowest bidder, Medha bid Rs 169 crore and lost to the first.

To be qualified for the offer, businesses needed to have a research and development (R&D) facility capable of producing a prototype and assembling at least five train sets each year. The deal called for the delivery of 100 train sets within seven years, with the winning bidder receiving Rs 13,000 crore upon installation and an extra Rs 17,000 crore for maintenance over 35 years.

Trains were to be produced at the Railways factory in Sonepat, Haryana. Indian Railways had anticipated more participation, with businesses such as Siemens, Transmashholding, and Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd originally set to bid. However, these companies did not match the technical standards, leaving just a handful of bidders to bid for the project. 

In April this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised that his government would expand Vande Bharat trains to every corner of the country and charted out the government’s plan to expand bullet train services, adding that three new trains will run in north, east, and south India. However, with the cancellation of the contract, the Rail Department will have to again issue bids and rethink its conditions to attract more bidders.

‘You had no authority to record and no authority to use it’: Delhi HC slams Rajdeep Sardesai, asks him to delete video against BJP leader Shazia Ilmi

OpIndia Staff
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‘You had no authority to record and no authority to use it’: Delhi HC slams Rajdeep Sardesai, asks him to delete video against BJP leader Shazia Ilmi

The Delhi HC on Tuesday came down hard on India Today journalist Rajdeep Sardesai, asking him to pull down the video featuring BJP leader Shazia Ilmi, accusing her of abusing an India Today video journalist.

‘You had no authority to record and no authority to use it,” Delhi HC said, asking him to pull down the video he uploaded on X (formerly Twitter), accusing Ilmi of “abusing” an India Today video journalist.

Source: X

The court also ordered the banning of the video from all social media platforms.

Ilmi had filed a defamation suit against Rajdeep Sardesai after he had accused her of ‘attacking’ the cameraman of the India Today group.

Ilmi had left the primetime debate of the ‘propagandist masquerading as a journalist’ halfway after he asked to cut off the mic of the BJP spokesperson. Despite this, the cameraman kept filming without her consent, leading to a physical altercation.

In a tweet, Shazia Ilmi stated, “Don’t you ever bring down my Fader again. Remember I have been on both sides and know how to handle bullies like you. BTW it doesn’t behove political propagandists masquerading as journalists to sermonise.”

Rajdeep Sardesai was quick to play the ‘victim card’ and accuse the BJP spokesperson of assaulting the cameraman. “I respect all my guests always. If anything, I am too indulgent: the fader is lowered only to avoid cross-talk and noise on the show. If you have a grouse with me or with an army general on the show, of course, that’s your prerogative. And I respect that too,” he claimed in a tweet.

“But for you to chuck the Mike and abuse our video journalist and throw him out of your house is just NOT done. He was only doing his job. No excuse for bad behaviour. The rest I leave to you. Have a good weekend (the video below is from last night…” he continued.

Sardesai had also shared a video of the physical altercation. Shazia Ilmi thanked the propagandist for providing video evidence and called out the ‘pervert’ cameraman for zooming on her chest. 

“Why on earth would I stay on your show when you humiliate me and say CUT SHAZIA’s Mike off? Only because I asked you whether you think all the Defence Chiefs are lying. Don’t know about you but I have SELF RESPECT,” she tweeted.

The BJP spokesperson detailed the problematic behaviour of the cameraman, which forced her to evict him from her house.

“Your cameraman watched me struggle as I got up and continued to film me trying to remove my mike, instead of helping me with the wheelchair. Why was he continuing to focus on MY UPPER BODY showing it up close? It was so uncomfortable for me and I felt most embarrassed,” she pointed out.

  1. “Any lady would tell you that focusing on their chest is a clear NO NO. I could see this live on screen and requested him not to film me any or switch off the camera light. The pervert cameraman continued to film me despite my obvious physical and emotional discomfort after the show was over. Why? Why would he keep filming him in my home, my SAFE place against my WILL? And that too, AFTER the show?” Shazia Ilmi asked.

“Just because you’re a famous anchor (just as much you’re a sore loser) doesn’t mean you can humiliate people who call you out and force your crews on people, beyond the brief and violate their private space. And I dare India Today to show footage of my upper body and chest again. I will take this matter up seriously as I was deeply hurt and humiliated by this behaviour,” she warned.

‘Bangladesh cannot have a state religion’: Thousands protest in Paris over anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh

Shraddha Pandey
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‘Bangladesh cannot have a state religion’: Thousands protest in Paris over anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh

On the 12th of August, a massive protest rally was organised in Paris, France by the expatriate Hindus against the atrocities being inflicted on Hindus in Bangladesh by Islamists after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina. World Hindu Federation – European Union Chapter, JusticeMakers Bangladesh and another organisation of Bangladeshi minority communities in France participated in the protests.

During the peaceful demonstration, the protestors carrying Bangladesh flags raised slogans calling for stopping attacks against minorities, particularly Hindus, their houses and temples in Bangladesh. They also raised “Save Bangladeshi Hindus”, and “Save Buddhists in Bangladesh”.

The speakers in the rally strongly protested against the barbaric attacks on the minority Hindus in Bangladesh and strongly condemned the inaction of the army and administration in the attack on minority Hindus, and vandalism of monasteries and temples.

The protestors appealed to the various international human rights organizations and global leaders to stop brutal attacks on minority Hindus and to protect Hindus in Bangladesh.

They also presented a proposal to the new government of Bangladesh. The protesting Hindus demanded that the Islamists who attacked Hindus since Sheikh Hasina’s resignation on 5th August be punished. In addition, the Hindu victims of the attacks be provided adequate compensation and rehabilitation.

Moreover, legislation for Minority Protection and the Ministry of Minority Affairs should be formed. The protestors urged the Mohammad Yunus-led government to protect all monasteries, temples, churches, and pagodas. They demanded that the law on the return of vested property should be properly implemented.

Most importantly, the protestors demanded that Bangladesh cannot have a state religion.

Notably, similar protests were organised in the United States. On Sunday (10th August), nearly 300 Indian Americans and Bangladeshi-origin Hindus gathered outside Sugar Land City Hall in Houston to condemn the atrocities carried out by Islamists against Hindus and other minority groups in Bangladesh. This protest was organised by the Global Voice for Bangladesh Minorities, an umbrella organization representing major Houston Hindu groups, including Maitri, Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America, HinduAction, HinduPact, Houston Durgabari Society, ISKCON, Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora, etc.

Source ANI

The protestors here urged the US government to take immediate measures to save Bangladeshi Hindus and other minorities instead of being a silent spectator. During the protests, “Stop Hindu Genocide,” “Stand Up and Speak Out Now,” “Hindu Lives Matter,” and “We Won’t Run, We Won’t Hide, Stop Hindu Genocide” slogans were raised.

Similarly, several people gathered outside the Houses of Parliament in London to protest against the ongoing anti-Hindu pogroms in Bangladesh. The protestors raised “Protect our temples in Bangladesh,” “Hindu lives matter,” and “We want justice” slogans.

Protests in the UK (Source: NDTV)

On Sunday, thousands of Canadians staged a protest across downtown Toronto to stand in solidarity against the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. Canadians of Hindu, Christian, Buddhist and Jewish origin gathered in Downtown Toronto. People in the protest held in Downtown Toronto were seen chanting, “We want justice – Bangladesh Bangladesh”. The protesters urged the Canadian Government to press the Dhaka Government to protect Hindus in Bangladesh.

RG Kar rape and murder case: Glass shards in eyes, head slammed against wall, neck broken, autopsy reveals horrific details of assault

OpIndia Staff
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RG Kar rape and murder case: Glass shards in eyes, head slammed against wall, neck broken, autopsy reveals horrific details of assault

The 32-year-old trainee doctor who was raped and killed at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital was brutally tortured before she was suffocated to death, according to the postmortem report. The four-page report stated that she had been strangled and that “perverted sexuality” and “genital torture” had resulted in a serious wound in her private parts.

Her thyroid cartilage was also shattered. A source stated that the rape and murder occurred on 9th August most likely between 3 and 5 am. Her lips, fingers, left leg, and abdomen were all covered with injuries.

According to sources, her head was slammed against a wall or the floor resulting in severe injuries and her mouth and nose were squeezed shut to stop the victim from shouting. The accused had reportedly beaten her up as she attempted to defend herself and resist. He then raped and killed her. According to the autopsy, the girl’s hands and face had cuts on them. Shards of glass from her spectacles broke and got into her eyes following an intense blow. The initial postmortem report ruled out suicide and stated that the trainee doctor had been sexually assaulted before being murdered.

Sanjay Roy, the accused who was a civic volunteer with Kolkata Police, was intoxicated at the time of the incident. His fingernails are believed to have left scratch scars on the woman’s face, suggesting that she made a valiant attempt to defend herself. His hands and face also had cut marks, implying that she tried to fend off the assault to save herself. She had pressure marks on her face from the perpetrator covering her lips while he pounded her head against the wall.

“The mouth and throat were constantly pressed to prevent screaming. The throat was strangled to suffocate. The thyroid cartilage broke due to this strangulation,” the report read. It highlighted, “Homicidal injuries are antemortem in nature with an indication of sexual penetration,” which meant that the doctor’s wounds were sustained while she was still alive, and the injuries on her intimate areas suggested that she had been sexually assaulted.

The woman was bleeding from her mouth, eyes and private areas, per the report. The doctor had dinner with four of her coworkers at 2:30 am that night after seeing Neeraj Chopra’s javelin throw during the Paris Olympics. Afterwards, she went to the seminar hall to relax. Four of the seven junior doctors whose statements the police have recorded had dinner with her that evening. The Assistant Superintendant who initially informed the family about the occurrence has also been called by the authorities along with the chief of the Chest Department.

At 11 pm she told her mother that she had placed an online order for food. She proceeded to the lecture hall after dinner, where she slept on the blue carpet under a red cover and was attacked while she was napping. Sanjay Roy had access to every department as he worked at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital police outpost. He was not affiliated with the institution but often went there. CCTV evidence showing him entering the premises where the doctor was discovered murdered led to his arrest on 10th August. He returned home after committing the horrifying act and slept in late. He also cleaned the outfit he wore to remove any evidence. The police recovered his bloodstained shoes during a search.

European Union directly interferes in US Elections, threatens Elon Musk for hosting Donald Trump on X ahead of the interview, calls it ‘hate speech’

OpIndia Staff
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European Union directly interferes in US Elections, threatens Elon Musk for hosting Donald Trump on X ahead of the interview, calls it ‘hate speech’

On Monday, 12th August, the European Commission issued a threatening letter to Elon Musk, expressing concern over the management of alleged harmful information on X (previously Twitter). The letter had been composed by Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market of the European Union, which concentrated on X’s obligations under the Digital Services Act (DSA), a major European Union legislation governing large online platforms.

The European Commission issued an official threat to Elon Musk for hosting US presidential candidate Donald Trump on his platform X. As per the commission, Musk has committed political interference in another country, caused a serious threat to freedom of speech, and also caused intimidation of a private party.

Breton acknowledged the upcoming live conversation between Musk and former US President Donald Trump, which would be open for EU consumers. Breton emphasized that X, which has over 300 million users globally, has been certified as a “Very Large Online Platform” by the DSA, which implies it bears more responsibility for ensuring compliance with EU regulations.

“As the individual entity ultimately controlling a platform with over 300 million users worldwide, of which one third in the EU, that has been designated as a Very Large Online Platform, you have the legal obligation to ensure X’s compliance with EU law and in particular the DSA in the EU,” Breton wrote.

Breton also threatened Elon Musk with ongoing legal procedures against X against its management of illegal content under the DSA, notably in areas involving the spread of disinformation. He pointed out that X’s content reaches EU users, and that the platform’s tactics might have a substantial impact in the EU, particularly during key political events.

“We are monitoring the potential risks in the EU associated with the dissemination of content that may incite violence, hate, and racism in conjunction with major political or societal events around the world,” Breton threatened.

The letter ended on a stark note reading, “My services and I will be extremely vigilant to any evidence that points to breaches of the DSA and will not hesitate to make full use of our toolbox, including by adopting interim measures, should it be warranted to protect EU citizens from serious harm.”

Elon Musk, however, replied promptly to the letter asking the European authorities to step back. He indicated that he was making all the efforts to not sound rude and irresponsible in the reply.

Elon Musk interviewed Donald Trump on Tuesday despite European Union’s threats and talked at length about the assassination attempt on Trump last month. During the live broadcast with Donald Trump, Musk expressed alarm over what he saw as escalating attempts of censorship, even from other countries.

Notably, the commission also started an investigation last year to assess whether X is in breach of the DSA. That investigation is ongoing. The commission can also impose fines of up to 6% of a company’s global annual revenue if it violates the DSA.

This commission has previously accused X of violating regulations governing dark patterns, which are deceptive practices used by businesses to persuade individuals to use or pay for specific products and services, advertising transparency, and data access for academics.

Pictures of Pakistan’s Olympic Gold medalist Arshad Nadeem with Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Muhammad Harris Dar go viral

OpIndia Staff
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Pictures of Pakistan’s Olympic Gold medalist Arshad Nadeem with Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Muhammad Harris Dar go viral

Pakistani Javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem who won a gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024 has been seen with a Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist in some past images, trigggering a social media discussion about the extent to which the Islamic terror cottage industry penetrates the lives of the average citizens in the neighboring countries. An OSINT handle on X shared a video of the Pakistani Olympic gold medalist with LeT terrorist Muhammad Harris Dar.

In the video, Arshad Nadeem and Lashkar terrorist Muhammad Harris Dar are seen having a conversation wherein Dar tells Nadeem that his achievement has made the entire Muslim Ummah proud.

Notably, Lashkar-e-Taiba is a United Nations-designated terrorist organisation. Muhammad Harris Dar is the Joint Secretary of Milli Muslim League, a political party formed by LeT terrorist Hafiz Saeed that functions as a front of LeT. It must be recalled that Hafiz Saeed masterminded the 26/11 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people. Back in 2018, Milli Muslim League and its officials were designated as Specially Designated Global Terrorists.

“Specifically, OFAC designated seven members of the MML central leadership body, Saifullah Khalid, Muzammil Iqbal Hashimi, Muhammad Harris Dar, Tabish Qayyum, Fayyaz Ahmad, Faisal Nadeem, and Muhammad Ehsan, for acting for on behalf of LeT, a Pakistan-based terrorist group designated in December 2001,” a US Treasury Department press release from 2018 reads.

According to the US records, Muhammad Harris Dar was designated for acting for or on behalf of LeT. “Dar is the Joint Secretary of the MML, and formerly an officer in LeT’s student wing, the Al-Muhammadiya Students (AMS), which the Department of State added as an alias of LeT in December 2016 pursuant to E.O. 13224. As of early 2016, Dar provided first aid and firefighting instruction at an LeT training camp.  This camp also included training on weapon skills and assault tactics,” the press release added.

Unsurprisingly, Muhammad Harris Dar often gives anti-India speeches in public rallies. In one such video, Dar can be heard spewing venom against India over Jammu and Kashmir. “The way America had to leave from Afghanistan, Inshallah, India will also be forced to leave Kashmir,” Dar said.

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