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After assaulting Utsav Mandal in police station, Muslims accuse another Hindu student Kankan Biswas of blasphemy in Bangladesh

OpIndia Staff
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After assaulting Utsav Mandal in police station, Muslims accuse another Hindu student Kankan Biswas of blasphemy in Bangladesh

At a time when a Bengali Hindu minor student Utsav Mandal is battling for his life after Islamists brutally assaulted him in the presence of security forces on allegations of blasphemy, radical elements in Bangladesh have now painted a target on another Hindu boy named Kankan Biswas, citing his alleged insulting comments on Islam.  

Notably, as per Bangladeshi media reports, students of Jessore University of Science and Technology held a protest march against a Hindu student named Kankan Biswas on Saturday. The protesting Muslim students demanded the trial of the Hindu student of the institute alleging that he insulted Islam. 

As per reports, Biswas is a student in the 17-18 session of Biomedical Engineering Department of Jessore University of Science and Technology in Jerrore in Khulna. He is also the President of Sanatan Vidyathi Sangsad of the university.

On Saturday (7th September), several Muslim students staged a protest which started from the main gate of the university and ended in front of the administrative building. The demonstrators also submitted a memorandum to the registrar of the university demanding punishment for Kankan Biswas. 

As per Bangladeshi media reports, the protesting students have claimed that it is urgent to punish the “radical Hindutva of Konkan Biswas, a student of the Biomedical Engineering department of the university”. In their memorandum, they have alleged that Biswas recently made an “unacceptable and obscene remark” about Islam on social media. 

The protesters demanded his permanent expulsion accusing him of being a religious provocateur and obscene blasphemer. They lamented that such controversial comments on social media make them sad and common students don’t feel safe.

The protesting students also formed a human chain. They said that Kankan Biswas is a Kulangar (disgrace) in the history of the university. He made very offensive insults about Islam, which is very sad for us, they alleged. 

They also lauded the so-called communal brotherhood in Bangladesh stating, “Muslims, Hindus, and Christians are living as brothers in Bangladesh. We will live as brothers in the future.” They also warned that after Biswas’ case, no one would dare to criticize any religion within the university premises in the future. 

The Bangladeshi media further reported that the university’s General Sanatani’s Hindu student group expelled him in the wake of the complaint against Konkan Biswas on the 25th of August for alleged insulting comments on Islam. The media report also quoted them saying that if there is any punishment according to the Bangladesh Penal Code subject to proof of the truth of the allegations, they will have full support.

Utsav Mandal now booked under Cyber Security Act over alleged blasphemy

Furthermore, a Hindu teenage boy, Utsab Mandal, was brutally assaulted by a mob inside a police station in Khulna, Bangladesh, last week over an alleged blasphemy charge. He has now been booked under the contentious Cyber Security Act on the allegations of hurting religious sentiments. The case against the 15-year-old boy, who is undergoing treatment for injuries in the attack, was filed on 5th September at Khulna Sadar Police Station by a 42-year-old man identified as Nasir Uddin of Sher-e-Bangla Road. He is currently undergoing treatment, and will be arrested after he is discharged from the hospital.

BJP MP Jyotirmay Singh Mahato writes to ED demanding arrest and probe of Mamata Banerjee over RG Kar Rape-Murder case and ‘health scam’

ANI
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BJP MP Jyotirmay Singh Mahato writes to ED demanding arrest and probe of Mamata Banerjee over RG Kar Rape-Murder case and ‘health scam’

BJP MP Jyotirmay Singh Mahato urged the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) to investigate West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s involvement in the alleged health scam in the state given the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata.

Drawing attention to the alleged financial irregularities and corruption involving former Principal of RG Kar Medical College, Dr Sandip Ghosh, MP Mahato pointed out a “more systemic issue” in West Bengal’s health sector.

In a letter addressed to the ED Director, MP Mahato highlighted the alleged corruption involving Sandip Ghosh during his tenure as principal of RG Kar Medical College and also alleged involvement of health officials in “covering up” the rape and murder of the trainee doctor at RG Kar.

“I am writing to draw your attention to another deeply troubling case that deserves an equally thorough investigation: the financial irregularities and corruption linked to Dr Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College. This case, which is already under investigation by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), has uncovered shocking details about how state resources have been siphoned off under his tenure, as well as the cover-up of a brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the same institution,” MP Mahato said in his letter.

The BJP MP also questioned the state government’s inaction against Dr Ghosh despite serious charges of financial irregularities against him.

“Before this, Dr Akhtar Ali, the former deputy superintendent of RG Kar Medical College, had flagged several complaints against Sandip Ghosh. Ali accused Ghosh of financial irregularities, including nepotism and the sale of unclaimed bodies and even highlighted how biomedical waste was being sold off. Instead of investigating these allegations, Dr Ali was punished and transferred, while Sandip Ghosh was protected and promoted, showing how powerful and well-connected he was within the system. When one asks who shielded Ghosh and facilitated his career despite serious charges, it becomes impossible to ignore the involvement of high-ranking political figures,” he mentioned.

MP Mahato also stressed the viral “letter” that was allegedly signed by Dr Ghosh ordering renovation at RG Kar a day after the rape incident and indicated possible tampering of evidence.

“A leaked memo clearly shows that urgent renovations were ordered near the crime scene just a day after the crime. The memo, signed by Sandip Ghosh, raises serious questions about evidence tampering. Was this entire operation carried out without the knowledge of the highest health authorities in West Bengal? It is hard to believe that such significant actions could be taken without higher-ups’ direct involvement or tacit approval,” the letter mentioned.

MP Mahato further alleged “blatant financial mismanagement”, misuse of public funds, and failure to protect vulnerable citizens from heinous crimes like the RG Kar case, saying that “all point to a larger health scam that cannot be ignored.”

“This brings us to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who also holds the portfolio of Health Minister. As Chief Minister and Health Minister, Mamata Banerjee must be held accountable for the scams unfolding in her departments,” he stated.

He also claimed that the corruption linked to Sandip Ghosh is not an isolated incident and alleged that “it is symptomatic of a larger systemic failure within West Bengal’s healthcare system, which has collapsed under the weight of corruption.” MP Mahato stressed the arrest and investigation of Mamata Banerjee in her capacity as Health Minister.

“If ministers have been arrested in other scams, then the Chief Minister herself should not be immune from investigation for the corruption in the health sector,” he said.

“This is not just about the RG Kar case; it is Mamata Banerjee’s health scam. The people of West Bengal deserve answers, and they deserve justice. I urge the Directorate of Enforcement to thoroughly investigate the Chief Minister’s involvement and take necessary action, including her arrest if the investigation warrants it,” he added.

The body of the trainee doctor was found in the seminar room of the R G Kar hospital on August 9. The incident sparked nationwide protests. A civic volunteer was arrested shortly after. The CBI also arrested Dr Sandip Ghosh for alleged financial misconduct at the medical establishment.

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

Kangana Ranaut’s film ‘Emergency’ gets a U/A certificate from the Censor Board with cuts, edits and disclaimers: Reports

OpIndia Staff
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Kangana Ranaut’s film ‘Emergency’ gets a U/A certificate from the Censor Board with cuts, edits and disclaimers: Reports

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has passed Kangana Ranaut’s much-awaited film, ‘Emergency’ with a U/A certification, media reported on 8th September citing sources. According to multiple media reports, the filmmaker has been asked to cut a few scenes and add disclaimers to a few sequences, particularly those depicting historical events. Notably, a U/A certificate means that audiences of all age groups can watch the film in theatres, but with parental guidance. 

After the CBFC delayed certification of the film, the filmmakers of Emergency approached Bombay High Court. The film could not see a theatrical release as planned on 6th September. As per reports, while the film has been given a U/A certificate, the new release date has not been finalised yet.

So far, Kangana Ranaut – who is not only the film’s main lead but also the director and producer, has not commented this development. However, a source close to the producers said that they would not comment on this issue given that the certification matter is in Bombay High Court. Furthermore, actor-turned-politician, Kangana Ranaut had earlier stated that she was determined to release an uncut version of the film.

According to The Sunday Express, these cuts include statements by US President Richard Nixon about Indian women and Winston Churchill’s comment on Indians “breeding like rabbits”. 

The CBFC committee has also asked the filmmakers of Emergency to either remove or change certain scenes. As per reports, in one of these scenes, a soldier was shown hitting an infant’s head. Another scene depicted the beheading of three women during an attack on Bangladeshi refugees. 

Additionally, the Emergency team has also been asked to replace an expletive shouted by a crowd after a leader’s death and change a family’s surname in a line.

The CBFC has also requested sources for all research, statistics, and details about Bangladeshi refugees, court rulings, and permission to use archival footage from ‘Operation Bluestar,’ media reports have added.

It is pertinent to note that Kangana Ranaut who portrays the role of Indira Gandhi, is also the director of the film. Initially, Emergency was slated for a theatrical release on 6th September but the delay in certification forced her to postpone the film’s release.  

Taking to X, the film’s director and producer Kangana Ranaut expressed sadness while officially confirming the theatrical release of the film has been postponed. 

She wrote, “With a heavy heart, I announce that my directorial Emergency has been postponed. We are still waiting for the certification from the censor board. The new release date will be announced soon. Thanks for your understanding and patience.”

According to media reports, Emergency was submitted for a review on 8th July to the censor board. However, Kangana Ranaut and her film have been facing multiple threats including death and rape threats from radical elements. Additionally, a few Sikh organisations, including Akal Takht and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) have accused the film of portraying the Sikh community in a bad light and sought a ban on its release. 

Bulandshahr: 5 persons including 2 women and a Police Sub-inspector booked for demanding money from a man by threatening false rape case, accused cop suspended

OpIndia Staff
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Bulandshahr: 5 persons including 2 women and a Police Sub-inspector booked for demanding money from a man by threatening false rape case, accused cop suspended

A shocking case of attempted sextortion and threats of false rape charges has come to light from Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr district. A man has filed a Police complaint against five people including a Police Sub-Inspector and two women for threatening him with a false rape case to solicit extortion from him. After his involvement was found in the attempted sextortion scheming, the accused Sub-Inspector has been suspended who has been absconding. Additionally, the Police have arrested three accused in this case while search operations are underway to nab the accused Sub-inspector and another accused.

According to reports, the incident unfolded in the area which comes under the jurisdiction of Ramghat police station. A woman and her accomplices had deceived a young man. They called him to a private Hospital where they threatened to implicate him in a rape case and demanded Rs 1.5 lakh to spare him. 

The victim man has been identified as Nitish Kumar, son of Dharamveer Singh. He is a resident of Palakser village in Dibai block and is working as a compounder at Vishal Hospital in Kadri Bagh. For his work, he has been visiting KK Hospital for the last several days, where he met Tina alias Safiya working as a trainee nurse.

According to the complaint, the accused woman Safiay called him on 3 September at around 10 PM in the night, asking him to come to her room in Jargawan, saying that she was alone at that time. When Nitish reached there, Safiya was not there, but her friend Subhi was present. Moments after he reached the room, two men and a woman Yogesh, Raja, and Preeti entered the room. The four persons locked the room and started to beat him. Subhi said that she had called him taking the name of Safiya, and called the other three. After brutally assaulting him, the accused threatened to implicate him in a rape case. They demanded Rs 1.5 lakh from the victim for not framing him in a false rape case. 

As per the complaint, they then left the victim and asked him to arrange the money. The accused also told him that a complaint of rape has already been filed against him in the Police station. 

A day later, Nitish’s father received a phone call from the operator of the alleged hospital. The caller told him that a complaint had been filed against his son in the police station. 

When his father reached KK Hospital in Jargawan, the accused Yogesh was present there. In the meantime, Ramghat police station Inspector Pappu Singh also reached there. According to the complaint, Singh also supported all the accused saying there is a rape case registered against Nitish. However, when his father asked for a copy of the complaint, Pappu Singh said he does not have it but it is available at the police station.

He advised Nitish to resolve the matter stating that a complaint had been filed against him at the Police station, implying that Nitish should pay the amount to resolve the matter. The cop said that they should not go to police station as it will escalate the matter, and it is better to settle the case.

However, Nitish and his family disagreed and decided to visit the police station for details about the complaint. But when they went to Ramghat police station and inquired about the complaint, they were told that no complaint was lodged against Nitish there. It became clear that it was a plot to extort money by threatening false rape case. 

Consequently, Nitish filed a complaint against all the accused in Ramghat police station. 

Regarding this matter, the Ramghat police station in charge stated that the accused Yogesh, Preeti, and Subhi have been arrested and action has been taken under various sections. The accused persons have been booked under Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita sections 127(2) (wrongfully confinement), 115(2) (Voluntarily causing hurt), 352 (intentional insult), 308(6) (extortion), 351(2) (criminal intimidation) and 61(2) (criminal conspiracy).

SP Rural Rohit Mishra said that the accused inspector Pappu Singh has been suspended. Furthermore, the Police are searching for the accused Police official who has been absconding in the case.

Boards prohibiting entry of non-Hindus and Rohingya Muslims seen across several villages in Uttarakhand: Leftists and Islamists launch smear campaign

OpIndia Staff
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Boards prohibiting entry of non-Hindus and Rohingya Muslims seen across several villages in Uttarakhand: Leftists and Islamists launch smear campaign

Amid concern of rising crime and the involvement of outsiders in heinous cases in Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand, signboards prohibiting the entry of non-Hindus, Rohingya Muslims, and hawkers have been put up in several villages of Uttarakhand, particularly in the Rurdraprayag district. However, when the Police intervened and held discussions with concerned locals in several villagers, the text on many such banners was amended and they replaced ‘non-Hindus’ and ‘Rohingya Muslims’ with outsiders. The Police have also removed many posters which had earlier texts written on them.

It is pertinent to note that such posters were seen after a sexual assault case came to light from Chamoli district last week. According to reports, a Muslim salon owner was accused of flashing a minor Hindu girl in the Nandprayag area of Chamoli district. This led to massive protests with locals demanding action against a specific community. Now following the initiative of several Hindu organisations, people in several villages in Uttarakhand, particularly in Rudraprayag district, have decided to ban the entry of outsiders and unverified persons. They have put up boards banning the entry of non-Hindus, Rohingya Muslims, and hawkers which are doing rounds on social media. 

According to the pradhan of Nyalsu Pramod Singh, such boards have come up in almost all villages in the region, including Shersi, Gaurikund, Triyuginarayan, Sonprayag, Barasu, Jamu, Ariya, Ravigram, and Maikhanda. 

Pradhan of Maikhanda village, Chandni Devi also confirmed that a similar board has been installed by villagers outside her village.

A similar signboard was put up in Rudraprayag district’s Sonprayag village. The Hindi text on the board reads, “non-Hindus and Rohingyas will face action if they enter the village.” It is said that the villagers have also announced that violators will be penalised with a fine of Rs 5000.  

Similarly, the Hindi text written on a board installed outside the Nyalsu village read, “It is prohibited for non-Hindus/Rohingya Muslims and hawkers to do business/roam around in the village. If found anywhere in the village, punitive action will be taken.” According to the text, the directive came from the Gram Sabha. 

Nyalsu Pradhan Pramod Singh said, “The boards have been installed to prevent hawkers from entering the villages without a police verification. Most men of our village are dependent on the yatra and therefore they live in Gaurikund and Sonprayag during the yatra. The women are in the houses alone. Many hawkers come to the village without a valid ID and police verification. Those with verification have been regularly visiting the village, they are not stopped. If hawkers commit any crime and flee, they can’t be traced.” 

However, Singh told Hindustan Times that the signboards outside his village were installed by the villagers and not the gram panchayat.  

Uttarakhand Police spokesperson Dinesh Bharne confirmed that such posters had been put up in Rudraprayag. He said the police were engaging with locals to defuse the situation.

The Police spokesperson added that as per the orders of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the police were also conducting thorough verification of outsiders. He assured that if additional complaints arose, they would also be investigated promptly.

While villagers defended the banners citing security concerns, Islamists and Leftists peddle a victimhood narrative

The villagers have defended these banners emphasising that the decision has been taken in view of security concerns. 

A resident of Sirsi village in Rudraprayag, Ashok Semwal explained that many villagers leave for work, leaving their women alone in houses. This increases the risk of incidents. He added that posters were put up to prevent outsiders from entering without verification or identification, citing past incidents of temple thefts.

While the villagers have categorically noted that the decision comes in the wake of rising crimes in the area and for security concerns only, several Islamist, leftist, and usual social media handles have launched smear campaigns against such banners. 

Zakir Ali Tyagi, notorious for peddling anti-Hindu posts, has demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should take action against those who put up these boards.

Muslim organisations and leaders have also objected to these boards. AIMIM’s state president, Dr Nayyar Kazmi, met with Uttarakhand’s Director General of Police (DGP) and demanded legal action against those who put up the signboards. 

Kazmi warned that AIMIM leaders, under the guidance of Asaduddin Owaisi, would launch protests if no concrete steps were taken within a week.

Meanwhile, Senior Congress leader Ganesh Godiyal also opposed the banners saying that individuals committing crimes should be treated as criminals but an entire community should not be punished. He emphasised the need for action against offenders without generalising the blame.

Over the last few years, Uttarakhand has witnessed communal tensions in various parts.

Indian contingent ends Paris Paralympics with 29 medals including 7 gold: A look at India’s best campaign ever, many records and firsts established

ANI
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Indian contingent ends Paris Paralympics with 29 medals including 7 gold: A look at India’s best campaign ever, many records and firsts established

The Indian contingent concluded its historic Paris Paralympics campaign with a total of 29 medals, including seven gold, nine silver and 13 bronze medals, the most by the country in the history of the competition.

With this landmark campaign, India has surpassed their previously most-successful campaign at Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, which gave them 19 medals, including five golds, eight silver and six bronze medals, as per Olympics.com.

This record-haul also helped India cross the 50-medal mark in the history of the competition. A record of 84 para-athletes represented the tricolour from August 28 to Sunday in 12 disciplines, as compared to nine back in Tokyo 2020. India also participated in new sports at Paris: paracycling, para rowing, and blind judo.

India established several records and unlocked some new “firsts” at the Paralympic Games.

Para-shooter Avani Lekhara became the first ever Indian woman to secure two Paralympic gold medals as she managed to defend her women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 shooting title with a world record score of 249.7 points.

India recorded a one-two finish at a para-athletics competition for the first time, with Dharambir and Parnav Soorma clinching gold and silver, respectively, in the men’s club throw F51 event. This was among India’s first-ever medals in this sport. Dharambir also set an Asian record of 34.92 m.

Later on in T64 high jump, Praveen Kumar raised the tricolour high with an Asian record-breaking jump of 2.08 m, landing India their sixth gold. India finished the competition with seven gold medals, their highest at any Paralympics event.

India also found its first-ever archery champion across both the Olympics and Paralympics, with Harvinder Singh getting the gold in the gold medal clash of the individual recurve para-archery against Poland’s Lukasz Ciszek.

Indian javelin throw ace Sumit Antil became the first Indian male to defend their Paralympics title, making it back-to-back gold in F64 event with a stunning Paralympic record-breaking throw of 70.59 m. He broke his own previous record set during the Tokyo 2020 not once, but thrice.

With a bronze medal in high jump T42 class, India’s high-jump athlete Mariyappan Thangavelu secured his third medal at Paralympics, becoming the first-ever Indian to get medals at three successive Paralympics events, with a gold in Rio 2016 and silver at Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

Indian athlete Preethi Pal also secured a bronze medal in the women’s 100 m T35 race, which was the country’s first medal in a track event at the Paralympics. She achieved her best time of 14.21 in the event. She also secured a bronze medal at the T35 200 m race.

Among four medal winners in track events at Paralympics 2024 for India, Deepthi Jeevanji became the first intellectually impaired Indian athlete to secure a Paralympic medal, bagging a bronze medal in women’s 400m T20 class.

Records came in plenty during para-archery as the inspirational archer Sheetal Devi secured a world record in the ranking round before finishing at second place, with a total of 703 points. However, she could not get that singles competition medal. Later on, teaming up with Rakesh Kumar in the mixed team qualification event, they both went on to make another world record with a score of 1,399. The 17-year-old Sheetal went on to make history as she became country’s youngest Paralympic medalist, getting a bronze with Rakesh.

Indian para-shuttler Manisha Ramdass secured country’s first-ever para-badminton medal, with a bronze.

Kapil Parmar clinched a bronze medal by ousting Brazil’s Elielton de Oliveira, becoming the country’s first-ever Paralympic medallist in Judo.

A look at India’s medalists at the Paris 2024 Paralympics:

-Avani Lekhara (Shooting, Women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1, Gold)

-Mona Agarwal (Shooting, Women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1, Bronze)

-Preethi Pal (Athletics, Women’s 100m T35, Bronze)

-Manish Narwal (Shooting, Men’s 10m air pistol SH1, Silver)

-Rubina Francis (Shooting, Women’s 10m Air Pistol SH1, Bronze)

-Preethi Pal (Shooting, Women’s 10m Air Pistol SH1, Bronze)

-Nishad Kumar (Athletics, Men’s high jump T47, Silver)

-Yogesh Kathuniya (Athletics, Men’s discus throw F56, Silver)

-Nitesh Kumar (Badminton, Men’s singles SL3, Gold)

-Thulasimathi Murugesan (Badminton, Women’s singles SU5, Silver)

-Manisha Ramadass (Badminton, Women’s singles SU5, Bronze)

-Suhas Yathiraj (Badminton, Men’s singles SL4, Silver)

-Rakesh Kumar / Sheetal Devi (Archery, Mixed team compound open, Bronze)

-Sumit Antil (Athletics, Javelin throw F64, Gold)

-Nithya Sre Sivan (Badminton, Women’s singles SH6, Bronze)

-Deepthi Jeevanji (Athletics, Women’s 400m T20, Bronze)

-Mariyappan Thangavelu (Athletics, Men’s high jump T63, Bronze)

-Sharad Kumar (Athletics, Men’s high jump T63, Silver)

-Ajeet Singh (Athletics, Men’s javelin throw F46, Silver)

-Sundar Singh Gurjar (Athletics, Men’s javelin throw F46, Bronze)

-Sachin Khilari (Athletics, Men’s shot put F46, Silver)

-Harvinder Singh (Archery, Men’s individual recurve open, Gold)

-Dharambir (Athletics, Men’s club throw F51, Gold)

-Parnav Soorma (Athletics, Men’s club throw F51, Silver)

-Kapil Parmar (Judo, Men’s -60kg J1, Bronze)

-Praveen Kumar (Athletics, Men’s high jump T64, Gold)

-Hokato Hotozhe Sema (Athletics, Men’s shot put F57, Bronze)

-Simran (Athletics, Women’s 200m T12, Bronze)

-Navdeep Singh (Athletics, Men’s javelin throw F41, Gold).

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

Chand, son of Yamin, was spitting on rotis while preparing them in his dhaba, Uttar Pradesh police arrested him after the video went viral

OpIndia Staff
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Chand, son of Yamin, was spitting on rotis while preparing them in his dhaba, Uttar Pradesh police arrested him after the video went viral

Another case of spitting on food items has come to light from Noida, Uttar Pradesh. In a video going viral, Yamin’s son Chand is seen spitting on the rotis being cooked at a dhaba. Chand was employed as a worker to cook food at this dhaba. On Saturday (September 7, 2024), the police took cognisance of the video and registered an FIR. Chand has been subsequently arrested.

This incident is from Rabupura police station area of ​​​​Noida. There, on Saturday, September 7, Sub Inspector Harendra Kumar had submitted a complaint in the police station. In the complaint, Harendra Kumar said that he has found a video going viral on social media. This video is of A-One Dhaba in Rabupura market itself, which was recorded on Friday (September 6) at around 8:30 pm. Yamin’s son Chand is seen in the video. While making rotis, Chand is spitting on them. This act of Chand is also being criticised a lot on social media.

In the video, Chand is seen spitting on not just one but several different rotis. In his complaint, Inspector Harendra has described Chand’s act of spitting on rotis as a violation of the Corona guidelines. The Inspector has expressed apprehension that Chand’s act may spread infectious diseases which can pose a threat to human life. On this complaint, the police registered an FIR on Saturday naming Chand. This FIR has been registered under sections 223 (B), 271 and 271 of the Indian Justice Code (BNS).

OpIndia has a copy of the FIR. Chand is also originally from Rabupura in Noida. Greater Noida ADCP Ashok Kumar has given a statement about this incident. He said that investigation and other necessary action is being taken in the matter.

Black Myth Wukong: How journey to the “West” in China’s popular new game is journey through India

OpIndia Staff
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Black Myth Wukong: How journey to the “West” in China’s popular new game is journey through India

China’s action-role-playing video game, Black Myth: Wukong has hit the gaming world with a storm. This single-player game has been developed and published by Game Science. It is played from a third-person perspective. In two weeks, it has sold over 18 million copies making it one of the fastest starts the global gaming industry has ever seen. Interestingly, the Chinese action game which is set in mythological China, has a very deep Indian connection.

(Video Courtesy – PlayStation)

Notably, Black Myth: Wukong is based on a 16th-century classical Chinese novel – Journey to the West. This comic novel was written by Wu Cheng’en, a novelist and poet of the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). 

Over the past few centuries, the ‘West’ has become an overarching term to allude to materialistically advanced European nations and US allies. Irrespective of geography, several US allies like Australia (which lies in the East), and others are often considered part of the West. However, ‘the West’ which finds a mention in the Chinese novel – Journey to the West, actually refers to India when it was the cradle of advanced and prospering civilisation. Back then, India enjoyed great soft power throughout the world and the country was a desired destination for travelers seeking knowledge and wisdom as well as its wealth and trade. 

The Journey to the West chronicles the journey of the famous Chinese monk Hieun Tsang in India. It is based on the actual 7th-century pilgrimage of the Buddhist monk who traversed India in search of sacred Buddhist texts. Strikingly, India also finds multiple mentions in the Classical Chinese novel as it is often referred to as the ‘Great Indian Kingdom’. 

Incidentally, the same fact was also mentioned by the Spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in India, Yu Jing. On 8th September, the Chinese Embassy official highlighted that the Chinese video game has a deep connection with India. She made this reference while responding to Elon Musk who heaped praise on the Chinese video game.  

Taking to X, she wrote, “#BlackMythWukong is based on the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. That “West” was actually “India”. In real history, Chinese monk Hsuan Tsang walked on foot from China to India, and then throughout the Indian subcontinent.” 

Black Myth: Wukong and its Indian connection explained: Details

Black Myth: Wukong storyline follows the journey of the Monkey King, Sun Wukong, and his quest to reclaim six mythical relics. It is based on the Journey to the West which has 100 chapters, divided into three major sections.  

The first seven chapters of the classical Chinese comic novel deals with the birth of a monkey from a stone egg and how he acquired magical powers. 

Five chapters are related to the story of Hieun Tsang (Xuanzang), known as Tripitaka, and the origin of his mission to the Western Paradise (India). 

The novel predominately recounts the 81 adventures that Tripitaka encountered along with three animal spirits. These three mystical animals include the magically gifted Monkey, a slow-witted and clumsy Pigsy, and the fish spirit Sandy. It focuses on their journey to India and it finally culminates when they attain the sacred scrolls (sacred religious texts). 

(Video Courtesy – The Epic Channel)

It is pertinent to note that Hieun Tsang arrived in India at around 630 A.D. during the reign of King Harshavardhan. Tsang was a famous Buddhist monk and Chinese pilgrim to India who translated the sacred scriptures of Buddhism from Sanskrit into Chinese. He also founded the Buddhist Consciousness Only school in China. He is famous for the volume and diversity of his translations of the Buddhist sutras and for recording his travels in Central Asia and India which has served as a wealth of detailed and precise data for historians and archaeologists.

He stayed in India for 15 years. During this time, he studied Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism in several monasteries including in places like Kashmir, Sialkot, Kanauj, and Nalanda.

During that era, India was a shining example of spiritual knowledge and wisdom and it was the fountainhead of several spiritual and religious faiths. India’s prowess in spiritual and knowledge systems could be understood from the story of Hieun Tsang. 

Hieun Tsang was born into a family of scholars and received a classical Confucian education in his youth. Under the influence of his elder brother, he became interested in the Buddhist scriptures and was soon converted to Buddhism. 

Despite travelling throughout China, Hieun Tsang could not correct numerous discrepancies and contradictions in the texts he encountered while studying Buddhist philosophy. When he couldn’t find solutions from his Chinese masters throughout China, the Buddhist monk decided to go to India to study at the fountainhead of Buddhism. 

In India, Tsang visited all the sacred sites connected with the life of the Buddha. He traveled along the east and west coasts of the subcontinent. However, he spent most of his time at the Nalanda monastery which was the greatest Buddhist centre of learning before it was burnt to ashes by Muslim invader Bakhtiyar Khilji in the late 12th century. 

During his Nalanda stay, Hieun Tsang perfected his knowledge of Sanskrit, Buddhist philosophy, and Indian thought. 

It is important to note that Indian kings used to encourage and promote India’s spiritual knowledge system. Evidently, the powerful king of North India, King Harsha facilitated and honoured the Chinese Buddhist monk for his quest for knowledge from several monasteries throughout India.   

Tsang spent the remainder of his life translating the Buddhist scriptures, numbering 657 items packed in 520 cases, that he brought back from India. 

Nonetheless, since its release on 19th August, the Chinese video game – Black Myth: Wukong – has broken several records for single-player titles. According to Niko Partners analyst Daniel Ahmad, it’s estimated to have earned $700 million so far which is second only to Call of Duty’s historic $1 billion in 10 days.

Kota: School Principal Muhammed Shafiq deletes Ganesh Chaturthi greeting messages on school’s WhatsApp group twice, arrested for disturbing social harmony

OpIndia Staff
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Kota: School Principal Muhammed Shafiq deletes Ganesh Chaturthi greeting messages on school’s WhatsApp group twice, arrested for disturbing social harmony

On Friday (7th September), tensions broke out in Rajasthan’s Kota district after a government school principal belonging to the Muslim community deleted the Ganesh Chaturthi greeting messages from the school’s common WhatsApp group twice. Subsequently, Hindu teachers and parents who are also part of the same group objected to his actions. Along with villagers, they staged a protest outside the school and demanded the removal of the school principal, who was later arrested by police.

The Police have identified the school Principal as Muhammed Shafiq. Station House officer of Kota’s Bapawar Kala Police Station, Uttam Singh said that he was arrested for disturbing social harmony.

The case pertains to Laturi village in Kota district. According to the officials, the accused Principal, Shafiq, deleted two Ganesh Chaturthi messages within two hours, which hurt the sentiments of the Hindu members. According to the Police, many schools have a WhatsApp groups of development committees which include the school principal, teachers, block education officers, a few guardians, and other officials. The groups are formed to discuss and communicate important decisions. 

On Friday, some members who belong to the Hindu faith sent Ganesh Chaturthi greeting messages. When Shafiq deleted the first greeting message, the Hindu members initially ignored it, considering that it could be a mistake. But when Shafiq deleted Ganesh Chaturthi’s message for the second time within a few hours, it hurt and angered the members of the Hindu community. 

Soon tensions escalated when a large number of villagers, and members of Hindu organisations reached the school and started protesting against the accused teacher.

Police immediately reached the spot and deployed an additional force to maintain the law-and-order situation. A few WhatsApp group members and other villagers also lodged an FIR against the accused principal, Shafiq. 

Official Police response

Explaining the entire matter, SHO Uttam Singh said, “The principal belongs to a minority community. On Friday, he deleted two posts on a WhatsApp group of the Block School Development Committee that enraged the other members including a few teachers of the Hindu community. They started staging a protest in front of the school. We have arrested the principal at night for attempting to disturb the social harmony.”  

The SHO said, “The committee, sometimes, also maintains a WhatsApp group to discuss the necessary decisions. On the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, the members were sharing posts expressing good wishes to each other in that group on Friday morning. However, the principal, Muhammed Shafiq, deleted one post which was primarily ignored by the members. The action was repeated with another post about two hours later when the members got angry and started protesting against the principal.” 

“We have arrested the principal late at night. He said the move happened mistakenly which seems a bit unusual as he did it twice within two hours. We are questioning him. Further investigation is underway. The peace was reinstated in the area by Saturday morning, ” Singh further added. 

The Police lodged a case under Section 196 (disturbing communal harmony) of the BNS.

Rajnath Singh slams National Conference for sympathising with terrorists after Omar Abdullah’s comments on Afzal Guru

OpIndia Staff
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Rajnath Singh slams National Conference for sympathising with terrorists after Omar Abdullah’s comments on Afzal Guru

On 8th September, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh slammed the National Conference and accused the party of showing sympathy for terrorists. Rajnath questioned former CM of Jammu and Kashmir and NC leader Omar Abdullah if terrorist Afzal Guru should have been garlanded. The reaction came to a statement made by Abdullah, where he had criticised the hanging of Guru for his involvement in the 2001 Parliament attack.

The minister said, “The National Conference has shown sympathy towards terrorists. I recently heard what Omar Abdullah said, that Afzal Guru should not have been hanged. I want to ask him, should Afzal Guru have been garlanded instead?” He added, “National Conference has been talking about restoring Article 370, but in the last five years, 40,000 jobs have been created.”

Rajnath Singh was addressing a public rally in district Ramban. The polling in the district is scheduled for the first phase of polling for Assembly Elections on 18th September. He said, “Once our government is formed in Jammu and Kashmir, we will carry out development that will make the people of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) want to become part of India,” while seeking support for the formation of a BJP government in Jammu and Kashmir.

He also gave a message for the people of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and said that while Pakistan considers them as foreigners, India considers them its own. He said, “The additional solicitor general of Pakistan has said that POK is foreign land. I want to tell the people of POK that while Pakistan considers you foreigners, India regards you as its own.”

Omar Abdullah criticised hanging of Afzal Guru

Omar Abdullah earlier criticised hanging of Afzal Guru and said that the Jammu and Kashmir government had no involvement in the process. He stated that if state approval had been required, it would not have been granted. “The unfortunate thing was that the J-K government had nothing to do with Afzal Guru’s execution. Otherwise, you would have had to do it with the permission of the state government, which I can tell you in no uncertain terms would not have been forthcoming. We wouldn’t have done it. I don’t believe that any purpose was served by executing him,” Abdullah said.

Assembly Elections in Jammu and Kashmir

Assembly polls in the Union territory will be held in three phases on 18th September 25th September and 1st October. There are a total number of 90 assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir, out of which 7 seats are reserved for SCs and 9 seats are reserved for STs. According to the Election Commission of India, Jammu and Kashmir has 88.06 lakh eligible electors. These are the first assembly elections to be held in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370.

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