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“Privilege to pursue my dream”: Abhinav Bindra, who won India’s first individual Olympic Gold, says as he receives prestigious Olympic Order

ANI
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“Privilege to pursue my dream”: Abhinav Bindra, who won India’s first individual Olympic Gold, says as he receives prestigious Olympic Order

Legendary Indian shooter Abhinav Bindra was awarded the prestigious Olympic Order by the International Olympic Council (IOC) at the 142nd IOC Session in Paris on Saturday.

The Olympic Order, established in 1975, is the highest honour bestowed by the IOC, recognising individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Olympic Movement, as per the Olympic.com.

“When I was a young boy, it was these Olympic rings, which gave meaning to my life,” the 41-year-old Bindra said. It was a privilege to be able to pursue my Olympic dream for over two decades,” a five-time Olympian said, as quoted by Olympics.com.

“Post my athletic career, it has been a great passion of mine to try and contribute back to the Olympic Movement. It has been a privilege and an honour. This award only feeds that passion more and I hope to continue to work even harder and keep contributing to the Olympic Movement for the rest of my life,” the former Olympic gold medalist added.

Bindra’s journey to this remarkable achievement is marked by numerous accolades and contributions both on and off the field. As an athlete, Abhinav Bindra became the first Indian to win an individual Olympic gold medal at the Beijing 2008 Games in the men’s 10m air rifle event. He also holds the distinction of being the first Indian to win a World Championship gold in air rifle shooting.

Over his two-decade-long career, Bindra won over 150 individual medals, earning recognition as one of India’s greatest sports icons. His exceptional service to sport was further acknowledged when he was awarded the Blue Cross in 2018, the highest honour by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF).

In addition to his achievements in sport, Bindra has made significant contributions to sports governance. He chaired the ISSF Athletes Committee for eight years and currently serves as a member of the IOC Athlete Commission and Education Commission. These roles allow him to influence the development of global sports policies and advocate for athletes worldwide.

Post-retirement, Bindra founded the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust (ABFT), a nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting grassroots athletes in India through cutting-edge sports science technology.

Through initiatives focused on high-performance training, education, and social upliftment, the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust aims to bring global best practices to the Indian sporting landscape, ensuring a lasting impact on the country’s future athletes.

A key initiative under Bindra’s leadership is the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP), which is being implemented in partnership with the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage (OFCH) and state governments in Odisha and Assam.

Launched in Odisha in 2022 and Assam in 2023, OVEP aims to instil the core Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect in over 11,000 schools, impacting more than one million schoolchildren, as per the Olympics.com.

By fostering a culture of sports and holistic development, OVEP is positioning India as a leader in values-based education, with a goal of reaching 13 million schoolchildren by 2025.

Additionally, Bindra’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship is reflected in the Odisha Ridley Forest Project, an initiative aimed at preserving the natural habitat of the endangered Olive Ridley turtles along the Odisha coastline.

This project, supported by ABFT in collaboration with local government agencies, focuses on the conservation of these turtles while promoting environmental education and awareness among local communities.

Through these efforts, Bindra and his foundation are not only advancing sports and education but also contributing to the preservation of India’s natural heritage.

This recognition highlights Bindra’s enduring legacy in the world of sports and his continued efforts to promote the values of Olympism globally.

Bindra was also elected as the Second Vice-Chair of the IOC Athletes Commission on Friday. Bindra has been a part of the IOC Athletes Commission since 2018.

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

Malicious attempt to suggest conflict of interest: How ‘Hindenburg Research’ hit-job on SEBI chief Madhabi Buch does not prove anything

Dibakar Dutta
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Malicious attempt to suggest conflict of interest: How ‘Hindenburg Research’ hit-job on SEBI chief Madhabi Buch does not prove anything

On Saturday (10th August), controversial ‘Hindenburg Research’ published a report targeting Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) chief Madhabi Buch.

The American short-seller, known for wiping out more than $100 billion in wealth from the Indian markets last year, has now shifted its focus to SEBI – the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India.

‘Hindenburg Research’ alleged that SEBI chief Madhabi Buch and her husband Dhaval Buch had stakes in an ‘obscure’ offshore entity linked to Vinod Adani, the brother of Indian businessman Gautam Adani.

While accusing the SEBI chief of conflict of interest, the controversial short-seller claimed, “What we hadn’t realised: the current SEBI Chairperson and her husband Dhaval Buch had hidden stakes in the exact same obscure offshore Bermuda and Mauritius funds, found in the same complex nested structure, used by Vinod Adani.”

Hindenburg Research stated that its unsubstantiated claims were based on documents provided by one whistleblower and investigation authorities.

“If SEBI really wanted to find the offshore fund holders, perhaps the SEBI chairperson could have started by looking in the mirror. We find it unsurprising that SEBI was reluctant to follow a trail that may have led to its own chairperson,” it continued.

When Hindenburg Research targeted the Adani Group

Hindenburg Research cast aspersions on the integrity of SEBI, its chief and suggested a collusion of sorts with Adani Group for ‘inaction’ against the Indian conglomerate.

For the unversed, the short-seller had initially targeted Gautam Adani in January 2023 and made baseless claims of ‘stock manipulation’ and ‘fraud’ against his companies. However, the nefarious attempt by ‘Hindenburg Research’ failed to yield any result.

SEBI had accused the American company of illicit profiteering after it shared its hit-job report on Adani Group with a China-linked hedge fund in advance. Importantly, the Supreme Court had also backed SEBI after it gave a clean chit to the Indian conglomerate.

Short seller claims ‘conflict of interest’ for loss-making funds held retrospectively

‘Hindenburg Research’ has been aghast ever since its outlandish allegations last year failed to implicate Adani Group of wrongdoing.

As such, the American short seller took it upon itself to target SEBI, investigating claims of ‘fraud’ and ‘stock manipulation’ against the Indian conglomerate.

It has accused SEBI chief Madhabi Buch and her husband Dhaval Buch of “stakes in both obscure offshore funds used in the Adani Money siphoning scandal.”

Alleged whistleblower document obtained by Hindenburg Research

The American short seller claimed that Gautam Adani’s brother, Vinod, invested in a Bermuda-based fund named ‘Global Dynamic Opportunities Fund in 2013, which then invested in a Mauritius-based offshore fund called ‘IPE Plus Fund.’

‘Hindenburg Research’ alleged that Madhabi Buch and her husband Dhaval Buch opened their account with ‘IPE Plus Fund 1’ in Singapore in 2015. It also claimed that the SEBI chief removed herself from this asset just before joining the Indian regulator body.

In 2018, the funds to the tune of $872,762.25 in ‘IPE Plus Fund 1’ were redeemed by Dhaval Buch. The transactions were facilitated by a wealth management firm called ‘Indian Infoline’.

‘Hindenburg Research’ used the erstwhile offshore fund holding of Madhabi Buch to suggest ‘laxity’ in investigations against Adani Group as SEBI chairperson.

Alleged whistleblower document obtained by Hindenburg Research

There are two things to remember – She exited the portfolio before becoming part of the Indian regulator and funds associated with ‘IPE Plus Fund 1’ were redeemed by her husband (who was owner of the asset at that time) 5 years before the publication of the ‘Hindenburg Research’ report.

Not to forget that there was a net loss of 0.02%, according to documents shared by the American short seller. It is thus baffling to even suggest the possibility of a ‘conflict of interest’ for loss-making funds held retrospectively.

Bizarre attempt to portray ‘Adani-Ahuja-Buch’ nexus

The manner in which ‘Hindenburg Research’ established connections between Madhabi Buch and Vinod Adani is mind-boggling. The short-seller insinuated collusion between the two for investing in the same offshore fund.

If this wasn’t enough, it also sought to tarnish the reputation of well-known investment manager Anil Ahuja. He is the founder of the ‘IPE Plus Fund’, where Madhabi Buch and her husband had invested their wealth.

‘Hindenburg Research’ pointed out that he served on the Board of Adani Enterprises Limited to suggest an inherent connection of the Buchs with Adani Group.

In its malicious attempt, the short seller forgot to mention that Ahuja had served on the Board of several other companies in the past. The list includes Nimbus Communications Limited, HDFC Bank, HDFC Securities, Domino’s Pizza India Limited and MTR Foods.

Given his professional accomplishments, it is not surprising that Ahuja had served one of largest India’s conglomerates.

However, it did not stop the American short seller from hoodwinking about closed ties with Madhabi Buch, who was merely a customer of not the Adani Group but a company founder by another man who happened to serve on the Board of Adani Enterprises.

Investment advice ft. Hindenburg Research

‘Hindenburg Research’ went on to reprimand Madhabi Buch for diversifying her portfolio and not investing in Indian mutual funds, prior to her stint as SEBI chief.

“In brief, despite the existence of thousands of mainstream, reputable onshore Indian mutual fund products, an industry she now is responsible for regulating, documents show SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Buch and her husband had stakes in a multi-layered offshore fund structure with miniscule assets…” the short seller made bizarre assertions.

Based on its desperate attempt to establish connections frivolously, Hindenburg Research concluded, “We suspect SEBI’s unwillingness to take meaningful action against suspect offshore shareholders in the Adani Group may stem from Chairperson Madhabi Buch’s complicity in using the exact same funds used by Vinod Adani, brother of Gautam Adani.”

As evident from the above points mentioned, the conjectures, suppositions and surmises of the American short-seller about the incumbent SEBI chief do not prove anything and certainly not a conflict of interest.

Punjab: Don’t be seen after 9 PM, no consumption of Paan and Gutkha, no smoking – Village in Mohali district issues restrictions for migrant workers

OpIndia Staff
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Punjab: Don’t be seen after 9 PM, no consumption of Paan and Gutkha, no smoking – Village in Mohali district issues restrictions for migrant workers

The residents of village Jandpur, under the Kharar sub-district of Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali), Punjab, has imposed restrictions on migrant workers. Notably, a total of around 2,000 people live in the village, out of which around 500 are migrant workers. The eleven restrictions imposed on migrant workers include a ban on movement after 9 PM, no smoking or chewing tobacco, and others. Multiple display boards were placed across the village explaining the restrictions.

Furthermore, police verification has been made mandatory for migrant workers. The residents who provide accommodation on rent to these migrant workers are now also required to provide them with dustbins. More than two migrant workers will not be allowed to stay in a single room and they cannot roam around in “half attire”. In case the migrant workers are found indulging in illegal activities, the house owners who rented them accommodation would be held responsible.

The list of restrictions came in response to the allegations leveled against the migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The allegations include spitting on roads outside the village Gurudwara, which is considered disrespectful to the Sikh religion. Locals accused migrant workers of roaming around half naked, causing embarrassment to the female residents. Several migrant workers have decided to leave the village following the restrictions. Other workers might follow suit.

Justifying the restrictions, Govinder Singh Cheema, the area councillor, claimed that the rules were imposed not to target the migrant workers but all miscreants. He said that several villagers also create ruckus after drinking alcohol at night and these restrictions would apply to them as well. He added that for the first 15 days, Village Committee members will go door-to-door to inform residents about the restrictions and only after that they will come into effect.

Kharar police and senior administration intervened after they were informed about the restrictions. They questioned with what authority the villagers imposed such restrictions specifically on migrant workers, after which the villagers agreed they would apply equally to everyone.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Kharar, Karan Sandhu, said that the police had intervened to ensure peace and they were closely monitoring the situation. Reportedly, earlier Mundo Sangatiyan Village in Mohali barred migrant workers from staying in the village. They had claimed that the children of migrant workers were involved in incidents of theft in the village.

Azim Premji University: Students wear Palestinian flag badges during convocation, demand Wipro sever ties with Israeli Universities and companies

OpIndia Staff
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Azim Premji University: Students wear Palestinian flag badges during convocation, demand Wipro sever ties with Israeli Universities and companies

Last Sunday, 4th August, students at Azim Premji University (APU) wore badges of the Palestinian flag as they collected their graduation certificates during the convocation ceremony. The students also demanded that Wipro, Azim Premji’s company, sever ties with the Tel Aviv University and Israeli companies. After Ashoka University and IIT Madras, APU has also become the ground for anti-Israel propaganda.

Speaking to the media, one of the students said, “We demanded the company divest from Israeli MNCs and institutions to stop funding the genocide in Palestine.” Representatives of students claimed that 80 students wore such badges.

APU spokesperson stated the matter and said, “A few students wore Palestinian flags as a sign of solidarity. The convocation was held without disturbance, nor were there any protests on campus that we are aware of.”

Notably, Azim Premji University is mainly funded by Azim Premji Foundation which was established by Azim Premji, founder of Wipro. The students criticised Wipro as it has a research partnership with Tel Aviv University and other Israeli organisations. They also demanded that Wipro should divest from the Israeli companies and cease funding activities claiming it contributes to so-called genocide in Palestine.

A student said, “Azim Premji Foundation is funded by Wipro and has a reputation of being very philanthropic. On one hand, they are maintaining an image of working for the welfare of the people and on the other hand, they are enabling the genocide of Palestinians by partnering with Israeli organisations. We demand that the company stop investing in Israel and stand with the people of Palestine.”

Another student told The Hindu, “It was a symbolic protest. We expected Mr Azim Premji to be present at the convocation like every year, but he did not come this time. But we want this message to reach him. We appeal to him to cut ties with Israeli institutions.”

Earlier, students had organised pro-Palestine rally in the university.

This is not the first time students became “woke” during convocation. In July 2024, it was reported that pro-Palestine slogans were raised in Ashoka University during convocation. On 24th May, students of Ashoka University displayed pro-Palestine placards during their convocation ceremony. A video of the ceremony had gone viral on social media platforms showing students dressed for receiving their degrees holding placards that read “Free Palestine” and “Stop Genocide” above their heads. Notably, the student union of Ashoka University (Ashoka University Student Government or AUSG) has been demanding to cut ties with Israel-based Tel Aviv University since May this year.

Just few days before that, it was reported that IIT Madras student peddled pro-Palestine propaganda in convocation. On 19th July, a graduating student, Dhananjay Balakrishnan, used IIT Madras as a platform to give a pro-Palestine speech during the institute’s 61st convocation. Notably, Dhananjay won the prize for best all-around proficiency in curricular and extracurricular activities in a dual degree in mechanical engineering. While accepting the Governor’s prize, he delivered the Pro-Palestine speech where he claimed that a “mass genocide” was taking place in Palestine and also went on to give a “call for action”.

USA: Jewish man stabbed in New York City by attacker shouting “Free Palestine”

OpIndia Staff
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USA: Jewish man stabbed in New York City by attacker shouting “Free Palestine”

A young Jewish man was stabbed early Saturday morning (local time) near the Chabad movement’s headquarters in New York City by a man yelling “Free Palestine”. Local Rabbi Yaacov Behrman, who says he knows the victim, shared the news of the hate crime through his X handle.

Behrman posted that during Shabbat, a young black male attacker asked the Jewish man, “Do you want to die?”, before proceeding to stab him. The victim was quickly rushed to the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.

The attacker was arrested after local community members pursued him, and stopped him till the Police arrived.

Behrman posted, “I can confirm that a hate crime stabbing occurred early this morning in Crown Heights, around 2 a.m., near Eastern Parkway and Kingston Avenue, close to Chabad Headquarters.”

“The perpetrator, a Black male in his early 20s, shouted “Free Palestine” and, after an exchange of words with the victim, allegedly asked, “Do you want to die?” before stabbing him”, Behrman further added.

“Community residents pursued the attacker and detained him until police arrived to make an arrest. This is an extremely serious incident. The victim could have been killed. This act of hateful violence highlights the dangerous impact of anti-Semitic incitement and hate propagated by some local politicians and leaders in New York and across the United States”, He added, highlighting the impact of anti-Semitic rhetoric in the United States.

USA has seen a lot of anti-semitic protests and hate speeches since Hamas terror attack on Israel on October 7 of last year. Several Universities as well had seen anti-semitic demonstrations amid pro-Palestine protests.

Vinesh Phogat’s appeal for Silver medal at Paris Olympics: Court of Arbitration for Sports postpones the announcement of decision till 11 August

OpIndia Staff
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Vinesh Phogat’s appeal for Silver medal at Paris Olympics: Court of Arbitration for Sports postpones the announcement of decision till 11 August

The ad hoc division of Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) has postponed the announcement of verdict on the appeal filed by Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat seeking a silver medal for making it to the finals before she was disqualified for “overweight”. According to the information received, CAS has extended time till 9:30 PM IST tomorrow (11st August 2024) for the Sole Arbitrator Hon. Dr Annabelle Bennett to pronounce a decision in Vinesh Phogat vs UWW and the International Olympic Committee. However, a detailed order is expected to be issued at a later date. 

“The ad hoc division of CAS has extended time till 6-00 p.m. on August 11, 2024, for the Sole Abritator Hon. Dr Annabelle Bennett in the Vinesh Phogat vs. United World Wrestling & the International Olympic Committee to issue a decision. The reasoned order will be issued at a later date,” the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) said in a statement said.

 “Indian Olympic Association remained hopeful of a positive resolution of wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s application before the Ad hoc Division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against her failed weigh-in on the second day of her Women’s Wrestling 50kg competition in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” the IOA statement added. “Since the matter is sub-judice, IOA can only state that the Sole Arbitrator Dr. Annabelle Bennett AC SC (Australia) heard all parties applicant Vinesh Phogat, the respondents United World Wrestling and the International Olympic Committee as well as IOA as an interested party over three hours,” it further added.

Initially, it was said that the CAS has extended the deadline till 13th August but the CAS has extended the time till 6 PM tomorrow to announce a decision in Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification case. 


It is pertinent to note that Harish Salve, a renowned Indian lawyer, is representing the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) hearing, regarding the disqualification of wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the Paris Olympics.

Earlier, the United World Wrestling (UWW) President Nenad Lalovic had ruled out any exception for wrestler Vinesh Phogat after she was disqualified from the Paris Olympics just before her final match for being overweight by just 100 grams. Subsequently, she approached the CAS arguing that since she qualified for the finals before the weigh-in row erupted, she should be awarded Silver medal, in addition to the other wrestler who won it because of her disqualification.

Vinesh has filed two appeals in the Court of Arbitration for Sport to challenge her disqualification from the final of her bout. The first appeal was rejected but the second one was accepted to be heard. The CAS had asked Vinesh and her team to get lawyers for their case. The Indian authorities appointed Harish Salve to represent Vinesh.

The CAS heard Vinesh’s case on Friday, August 9, and it was reported that the operative order would be out by 9:30 PM on Saturday with the detailed order coming later. But now the verdict has been delayed by a day.

‘Be on watch out’: VP Jagdeep Dhankhar warns nation against Congress leaders’ ‘Bangladesh-like incidents can happen in India’ remarks

Paurush Gupta
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‘Be on watch out’: VP Jagdeep Dhankhar warns nation against Congress leaders’ ‘Bangladesh-like incidents can happen in India’ remarks

On Saturday (10th August), Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar warned the nation against individuals who threaten Bangladesh-like incidents in India. Without explicitly naming Congress leaders, VP Dhankhar lambasted individuals who have been peddling the narrative that what happened in our neighbourhood (Bangladesh) is bound to happen in our Bharat. He added that these remarks are deeply concerning. 

He also urged the nation to be cautious of such individuals and expressed shock that such remarks came from individuals who held high positions in their lives, have been members of Parliament and served as ministers. He added that one among them has extensive experience in foreign service, alluding to remarks of Congress leader Salman Khurshid who has previously served as India’s External Affairs Minister.

VP Dhankhar also raised questions as to how such responsible individuals could spread false propaganda and say what happened in the neighbourhood will happen in India!

Notably, he made these remarks while addressing judges and lawyers at an event marking the Platinum Jubilee of the Rajasthan High Court in Jodhpur. 

(Video Courtesy – Sansad TV)

Addressing the gathering, the Vice President also warned the nation against anti-national forces that have been using constitutional institutions as platforms to gain legitimacy. He added that our institutions are being exploited by these forces to set afloat narratives that are aimed at derailing our nation and its democracy. 

He said, “These forces are eager to disrupt the nation and derail its development and democracy by creating fabricated narratives. National interest is paramount and cannot be compromised.”

During his address, the Vice President appreciated the role of the judiciary in strengthening the roots of democracy in India. He, however, mentioned that there was only one time in the history of independent India when the judiciary bowed to the dictatorship of one individual – which he described as the draconian, darkest period of Emergency.

He asserted, “Imagine, if the judiciary at the highest level had not caved in and yielded to the dictatorship of Shrimati Indira Gandhi, there would have been no Emergency,” adding that our nation would have attained greater development much before.

He further noted that the new generation has very little knowledge about the dark period of the Emergency. He also called upon the country’s youth to be informed about that dark chapter in India’s history. 

The Vice President praised the Government of India’s decision to observe 25th June as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas, stating that this day would remind the citizens of the attack on the Constitution in 1975 and how its fundamental essence was crushed.

Congress leaders controversial remarks threatening Bangladesh-like fate in India

Earlier this week, Congress leader Salman Khurshid threatened that a Bangladesh-like situation could develop in India. Speaking at a book launch event, Khurshid had said, “Everything may look normal in Kashmir. Everything may look normal here in Delhi, after the election results. The fact remains that under the surface, there is something. What’s happening in Bangladesh can happen here. The spread of our country prevents things from blowing up in the manner in which they have blown up in Bangladesh.”

Similarly, Congress leader Sajjan Kumar Verma said that the day is not far when people will storm Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official residence and drive him out of the country just as it happened with Sheikh Hasina. 

“First in Sri Lanka, the public barged into the residence of their Prime Minister, then in Bangladesh and now its India’s number,” Verma said.

Furthermore, senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Iyer claimed that Bangladesh and India had ‘comparable’ situation. 

Social unrest in Bangladesh

Incidentally, India’s eastern neighbour, Bangladesh has been gripped by social unrest for several weeks now. The protest which initially began with the demand to end the reservation for the families of freedom fighters ‘liberation warriors’ of Bangladesh, finally culminated in ‘regime change’ as the violent protesters forced the country’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign and fled the country for her safety. Strikingly, moments after she left her official residence in Dhaka, thousands of rioters stormed it and looted everything they could lay their hands on. 

Numerous reports of targeted attacks against Hindus, their houses and their temples have continued ever since Sheikh Hasina resigned. Meanwhile, the country is now being governed by an Interim government headed by Nobel laureate, Mohd Yunus.

(With Inputs from ANI)

Bangladesh: Hindus come out in large numbers in various cities seeking immediate end to violence against Hindus; make several demands including minority ministry, reservation

OpIndia Staff
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Bangladesh: Hindus come out in large numbers in various cities seeking immediate end to violence against Hindus; make several demands including minority ministry, reservation

Hindus in Bangladesh came out in large numbers in various cities in Bangladesh protesting against the attack on Hindus and temples by Muslims after the fall of Sheikh Hasina government. Protests erupted in Shahbag in Dhaka, Shariatpur, Chittagong, Barishal, Dinajpur, Mymensingh and other places, demanding protection of religious minorities in the country that is soon becoming an Islamic fundamentalist state under the interim govt.

In Dhaka’s Shahbag, protests that erupted on Friday continued on Saturday. They demanded representation in the newly formed interim govt at the policy-making level, and a guarantee of the safety of minorities. The Hindus demanded the formation of a ministry for minority communities, the establishment of a minority protection commission, formation and implementation of strict laws to prevent all kinds of attacks on minorities.

The protesting Hindus also called for allocating 10 percent seats in the national parliament for minorities.

Sajan Kumar, the spokesperson of the Central Committee of Bangladesh Hindu Parishad, said that the country belongs to everyone, and the Hindus want security. Chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’, ‘Hare Krishna’ were raised by the protestors.

In Chittagong, there was a massive gathering of Hindus, with social media posts claiming that over 7 lakh Hindus assembled at Cheragi Pahar area, the cultural centre of the port city. The gathering blocked the road and demanded the end of persecution of Hindus. The protestors tied black cloths on their faces. They demanded the trial of all attacks in the country as soon as possible to maintain communal harmony in the country.

They held placards saying ‘why we are not independent’, ‘why attack on our temples’, ‘why threat to leave the country, nation wants answer’ etc.

Protest in Chittagong

Hindus took out protest marches and formed human chains in Shariatpur to protest the attacks, vandalism, arson, land grabbing, torture and temple vandalism in different parts of the country. Bangladesh National Hindu Mahazot led the protest held in front of the central Shaheed Minar of the city on Saturday. After that they marched on the Dhaka -Shariatpur road.

Protest in Shariatpur

Hemant Das, Joint Secretary General of the Central Committee of Bangladesh National Hindu Mahazot said, ‘We are in fear and apprehension. We are shocked to see how Hindus are being attacked, tortured, temples vandalized. We don’t want to cry anymore. Please ensure our safety. We are also citizens of this country. We also have the right to live safely. Dhanuka Mansabari temple in Shariatpur city has been vandalized. We want those miscreants to be brought under the law quickly.’

Similar protest was held at Barisal by the Hindu community on Saturday. Speakers in the rally held in front of Aswinikumar Hall in the city on Saturday afternoon narrated the incidents of arson and attacks on Hindu houses and temples in the area since 5th August. They said that no one came forward to stop the attacks.

Protest in Barisal

The speakers said that while the violent protests against the govt were held in the name of elimination of discrimination, the minority communities in the country are being discriminated against and no action has been taken on it. Bhanu Lal Dey, president of Mahanagar Puja Udjakar Parishad, said that they are spending sleepless nights. They are not getting the help of any law and order force to quell the panic.

The Hindu leaders announced that the protest would continue for the next two days.

Bangladesh Conscious Citizen Society organised a protest by Hindus in Dinjapur on Saturday. Thousands of people gathered at the event, demanding the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh. The speakers at the event said that people of all communities participate in every struggle. But when any situation arises in the country, the homes and places of worship of the Hindu community are always attacked and vandalized.

Protests in Dinjapur

Mymensingh district branch of Bangladesh National Hindu Mahazot organised a protest by Hindus in Mymensingh on Saturday afternoon. Similar protests and demonstrations were held at many places in the country.

Protests in Mymensingh

The Hindus in Bangladesh are making the following specific demands.

  • Establishment of a ministry of minorities.
  • Formation of a minority protection commission.
  • Enactment and Implementation of strict laws to prevent attacks against minorities.
  • Allocation of 10% of parliamentary seats for minorities.
  • Investigation on attack on minorities, arrest and appropriate punishment of culprits.
  • Compensation to the Hindu minorities who have faced vandalism, loot and torture.
  • Transform ‘Hindu Kalyan Trust’ as an autonomous body, free from Govt’s influence and interference.
  • Bring back minorities who have fled villages in the border areas and protect them against threats.
  • Ensure and arrange security for the Hindu homes, businesses, temples.
  • Increase representation of the Hindu minorities in different Govt. entities.

On Friday, Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Oikya Parishad sent an ‘open letter’ to Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, expressing “profound sorrow and concern” over a particular group’s “unprecedented violence” against the minorities. The letter said that the communal violence that began immediately after former PM Hasina left Dhaka has caused “widespread fear, anxiety, and uncertainty” among the minorities in Bangladesh.

Delhi: Two engineers suspended over cost escalation due to superior modification instructed by CM Arvind Kejriwal for renovating his residence

OpIndia Staff
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Delhi: Two engineers suspended over cost escalation due to superior modification instructed by CM Arvind Kejriwal for renovating his residence

On Saturday (10th August), the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) suspended two engineers for alleged illegalities in the construction of the official residence of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The suspended engineers include Chief Engineer, Pradeep Kumar Parmar and Superintending Engineer, Abhishek Raj. According to officials, the duo were posted with the PWD of the Delhi government. They were instrumental in the construction of CM Kejriwal’s bungalow at 6 Flag Staff Road in the national capital. 

The officials said, “These two engineers, along with five others, were responsible for the irregularities that included violation of rules and massive cost escalation in the name of superior modifications on the instructions of CM Kejriwal.” 

It is pertinent to note that both the Engineers have been suspended on the recommendation of Delhi LG Vinai Kumar Saxena. Additionally, it is important to note that Delhi PWD does not have its cadre, thus officials are posted and transferred by CPWD. 

The officials added, “Out of the five other engineers, three have already been suspended on the directions of the LG, while a recommendation has been made to CPWD to initiate action against one engineer, who has now retired.” 

The officials added that both the engineers – Parmar and Abhishek Raj – belong to the CPWD and are currently posted outside Delhi. Currently, Parmar is posted in Guwahati while Abhishek Raj is posted in Kharagpur. 

Following the directions of the Delhi LG, VK Saxena, the Vigilance Department had requested the Director General of CPWD to suspend and initiate major penalties against Pradeep Kumar Parmar and Abhishek Raj. 

The officials have alleged that the engineers colluded with the Minister (PWD). They allowed the construction of the new bungalow for Kejriwal “invoking an urgency clause, where no such urgency existed”, at a time when the country was grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic.  

They added, “On one hand, the Finance Department was issuing orders on fiscal management and reduced expenditure due to the outbreak of the pandemic, on the other hand, Minister (PWD), in utter disregard of the circumstances, was hurrying the proposal for construction of the new house during the same period in the name of addition/alteration of the old house.” 

The officials further stated, “Also, the DoV has put it on record that the demolition of the old building and construction of a new building and the disproportionate increase in expenditure was done on the directions of the Minister (PWD) and “Hon’ble CM Madam” leading to major changes in drawings of interiors submitted by the consultant which resulted in deviation in total amount paid & sanctioned amount of work.” 

Citing the Vigilance department, the officials pointed out that crores of rupees were spent on superior specifications. This includes extra artistic and ornamental works, superior class stone floorings, superior wooden doors & automatic sliding glass doors, providing/ fixing of Vanity in Toilets, marble stone flooring, decorative interiors, decorative pillars, glass shower enclosure and doors, sheer curtains with fabric curtain track & motor with track curtains, wool carpets, wooden blinds, artistic mouldings, defogger glass in toilets and bathrooms, sliding and folding glass, sauna bath & Jacuzzi, they added. 

Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is investigating the matter. 

Sheesh Mahal

According to media reports, the official bungalow of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in Civil Lines was renovated at a cost of almost Rs 45 crore. In its investigative reportage, “Operation Sheesh Mahal,” Times Now Navbharat reported that Rs 44.78 crore of taxpayer funds were utilised for the renovations, raising questions about the Aam Aadmi Party’s commitment to promoting austerity. 

The channel obtained documents that indicate the curtains at Arvind Kejriwal’s residence were priced at around Rs 5-8 lakh per piece.

Following the disclosures about Kejriwal’s Sheesh Mahal, the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress had launched scathing attacks on the Aam Aadmi Party and Arvind Kejriwal. They slammed Kejriwal citing his earlier tag claims that he would live in an ordinary house like a common man once he assumed power. However, AAP has been rejecting allegations of wrongdoing in constructing the Chief Minister’s official bungalow.

Don’t want to be tool for any political party: Families of Surat fire tragedy victims refuse to join Congress Nyay Yatra in Gujarat, say no party leader helped them

Krunalsinh Rajput
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Don’t want to be tool for any political party: Families of Surat fire tragedy victims refuse to join Congress Nyay Yatra in Gujarat, say no party leader helped them

After undertaking ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ from South to North and ‘Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra’ from East to West before the Lok Sabha elections 2024, the Congress party is now eyeing Gujarat. Notably, after the Congress party achieved better than expected results in the Lok Sabha elections, senior party leader Rahul Gandhi asserted that they will win Gujarat assembly elections in 2027. Now, the grand old party has organised a ‘Nyay Yatra’ in the state. 

The Gujarat phase of the Nyay Yatra commenced on 9th August from Morbi and it will cover approximately 300 kilometres before it culminates at the capital Gandhinagar. According to media reports, Congress leaders Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra may also join the yatra. According to Congress, the aim of this yatra is to demand ‘Justice’ for the victims who lost their lives in tragedies that took place in the state in the past few years. This includes fire incidents in Surat’s Takshila Complex in 2019 where 22 students lost their lives and the TRP Game Zone fire incident in Rajkot, earlier this year. 

The Congress party has alleged that the Gujarat government has failed in ensuring Justice to the victims of these tragedies. As a result, the party under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi will hit the streets to demand ‘Justice’ for these victims. 

However, the Yatra has suffered a major setback as parents of the victims of the Surat fire incident case have refused to participate in the ‘Nyay Yatra’ citing that no Congress leader came out to help them in the last five years. They argued that the party wants to play politics in the name of ‘Nyay Yatra’ and for that they have been making efforts to court them and persuade them to join the Yatra. However, they added that they have told the party that they will not join this Yatra as they don’t want to be a tool for any political party. 

At a time when Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party claimed to hit the roads for the victims’ families, the latter refused to join the march. They categorically noted that they don’t want to be the political arms or tools for the Congress party and that they will not allow them to play politics with the name of their deceased loved ones.

These assertions have been made by the parents who lost their children in the Surat fire incident that broke out in a coaching centre located on the third and fourth floors of the Takshashila Complex in 2019, five years ago. 

As a result, the stance of the parents of the Surat fire incident victims has created a cause for concern for the Gujarat unit of the Congress party. It is being said that for the last 10-15 days, several Gujarat Congress leaders have been making efforts to court and persuade these parents to join the Yatra. However, the families of these victims have expressed unhappiness with the politicisation of the deaths of their deceased children. 

Recently, they released a statement categorically stating that they will not be involved in the political agenda of the Congress party under any circumstances. They added that they will not join the Yatra adding that they, however, have no opposition to the Congress party. They emphasised that those who never cared for them in the last five years, are now calling them for political gains and taking advantage of them in the name of Nyay Yatra, which according to them is unacceptable. They have issued an appeal to the Congress party that if it is interested in seeking Justice for the victims, it should keep politics away and help them in the Judicial process.   

Out of the 22 victim families, some of them spoke to OpIndia and explained their reasons for not joining the Congress Nyay Yatra. While speaking with OpIndia, they also shared their ordeal, the current status of the ongoing court cases, their concerns with the judiciary and the government, as well as their demands.

‘Not a single Congressman has changed in five years, why are they remembering us now?’: Parents of the Surat fire incident victims

The parents stated that even though five years have passed since the tragic incident, no Congress leader approached us to help us. But now they are inviting us to join the Yatra.  

One such parent, Chatur Vasoya told OpIndia, “We have not supported Congress’ Nyay Yatra and the only reason for doing so is that our struggle is not political. For the last five years, we have not taken side with any political party. We have clearly said that any leader who wants to help us, should keep aside their party flags and join our struggle as a common citizen. But even after five years, not a single leader has come to help us.”

He added, “We decided that we will not be a tool for any political party. No one from the Congress party or their leader has visited Surat till date. When the incident took place, some leaders attended the funeral procession of the children. But since then, not a single leader, be it Congress worker, corporator, an MLA or a national level leader, has sided with us.” 

Like Vasoya, another guardian Jaysukhbhai Gajera also told OpIndia, “Even after half a decade since the accident, no Congress representative came to meet the families of the fire incident victims. So now there is no point in joining this Yatra.” 

He added, “Even if the intention behind the yatra is good…it may be that some of the people who are joining the yatra actually want to ensure justice. But there will be many who want us to attend the Yatra for their political gains. We don’t want anyone to extract political gains out of our dead children.”

Congress leaders Jignesh Mevani, Pal Ambalia and others have been contacting us for several days: Aggrieved parents

A parent named Dinesh Kevadia said that several Congress leaders have been contacting him for over 10 days in connection with the Yatra. 

He said, “Now the Gujarat Congress leaders have been contacting us for ten-fifteen days. Leaders like Jignesh Mevani and Pal Ambalia want to persuade us to join the Yatra. But they basically want to reap sympathy in the name of our deceased children. We felt that they were going in the wrong direction, so we refused to join the Yatra. It has been clearly said that if they want to help us, they could do so by helping us in the judicial process.”

Rahul Gandhi came to Surat several times but never met the aggrieved parents

The parents of the Surat fire incident victims lamented that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi came to Surat several times for party related work or to attend court proceedings in defamation cases against him, but he never took care to visit the families of the victims. 

Chatur Vasoya said, “There was a case against Rahul Gandhi in Surat. He has appeared before Surat court four times. At times, we were also present in court in connection with our cases. But in these five years, he did not remember the guardians of Surat fire incident even once. So what’s the point of calling and inviting us now? We have no political opposition, but we do not approve of the way they want to take political benefit out of it. We don’t want politics, only Justice. If you have the guts to bring us justice, keep aside your party flag and help in our fight in court cases. Be it BJP, Congress or any other party, they are all the same for us.”

Regarding the Congress party’s political campaign on the tragic deaths, he said, “When the tragedy took place, Congress was strong in the municipality, if they wanted to help us, they should have taken care of us at that time. This is because the centre has gained some strength and they gained some support in Rajkot after the fire tragedy in that city…they are trying to increase their reach. They can do rallies, campaigns, and we have nothing to do with it, but not in the name of our children. If you want to help, fight the case, nobody has stopped you from it? It is only acceptable if BJP or Congress comes with their own flag,” alluding to the fact that they can help in personal capacity not as politicians.

Parents raise the demand to hold trials in fast track court

The parents asserted, “It is clear that the Congress party will not be able to give us justice. Taking to the streets like Rahul Gandhi will not bring justice. It is the court’s job to do justice and the case is ongoing in the courts. About 75% of our cases are before the courts and the remaining 25% will also reach the court. Our only demand is that our case be fast-tracked. We have also drawn the attention of the Chief Minister towards this.” 

However, they said that it is a shame for the government if so many incidents happen and urged the government to pay attention.

Most of the parents have demanded that the case be tried in the fast track court. However, they added that they have already submitted appeals in the High Court and the Gujarat government has also recommended the High Court to try the cases in a fast-track court. They have demanded that the government should again make an appeal in this regard so that the deceased children can get speedy justice.  

Jaisukh Gajera further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream of a corruption-free India will come true only when the culprits in such cases are punished swiftly and severely. When such tragedies happen because of corrupt officials, the accused know that they will get bail easily. But if the government pays attention to it and changes the rules as needed, such accused will be punished early and corruption will be controlled when they witness severe punishment in such cases. 

The parents, however, added that the Bharatiya Janata Party leaders have supported them in their fight but they never tried to take sides or politicize the issue. But now they demand that the government should make efforts on their part to ensure that the cases go through fast track courts.

Aam Aadmi Party exploited their grief

The aggrieved parents alleged that not only the Nyay Yatra organised by the Congress and Rahul Gandhi, but also the Aam Aadmi Party and its leadership took advantage of the situation of the families of the deceased victims. 

They said, “When the Aam Aadmi Party won many seats in Surat municipal corporation, leaders including Kejriwal came to Surat and held meetings and rallies. They took us along with them saying that they want to pay tribute to our children. Later they promised that they will take our matter to Delhi and raise the issue in Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. But after leaving Surat, they forgot everything. It is from that incident that we learned the lesson to stay away from any such party leaders.”

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