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Laws that divide country based on religion should have no place in society: PM Modi bats for Uniform Civil Code in Independence Day speech

OpIndia Staff
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Laws that divide country based on religion should have no place in society: PM Modi bats for Uniform Civil Code in Independence Day speech

On 15th August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong case for a “Uniform Civil Code” (UCC) and called for the abolishment of outdated and discriminatory laws. Addressing the country on the 78th Independence Day from the iconic Red Fort, he referred to the UCC as the “need of the hour” and declared that communal and divisive laws should have no place in society.

“There should be discussions on the Uniform Civil Code. The present civil code appears to be communal. India needs a secular civil code. It is need of hour to have a secular civil code and do away with discriminatory communal civil code,” PM Modi stated in his first Independence Day speech after he returned to power for a historic third term.

He also brought up the Supreme Court for its support of UCC and conveyed, “The Supreme Court has repeatedly held discussions on uniform civil code, given orders several times. A large section of the country feels, and rightly so, that the current civil code is a communal civil code, a discriminatory civil code. The Constitution tells us, the Supreme Court tells us to and it was the dream of the Constitution makers. So it is our duty to fulfil it. There must be widespread discussions, everyone should come forward with their opinions and laws that divide the country on religious lines must be done away with. They have no place in a modern society. Time demands a secular civil code and then we will be free of religious discrimination.”

“The laws that divide the country on the basis of religion, the laws that become the reason for the discrimination, such laws should have no place in society,” he emphasised and added, “I would say that it is the need of the hour that there be a secular civil code in the country. We have spent 75 years in the communal civil code. Now, we will have to move towards the secular code. Only then would we be free of discrimination based on religion.” The nationwide implementation of the UCC has been an integral part of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s agenda as reflected by its multiple manifestos and has already been rolled out in BJP-ruled Uttarakhand.

The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India aims to replace the personal laws based on the scriptures and customs of each major religious community with a common set of rules governing every citizen. Its objective is to uphold equal rights and prohibit discrimination by guaranteeing that all citizens are subject to the same laws with regard to issues like adoption, divorce, inheritance, maintenance and marriage.

The UCC is envisioned as a component of the Directive Principles of State Policy under Article 44 of the Constitution. It motivates the government to work toward ensuring that every citizen has access to a consistent set of laws governing personal affairs. Supreme Court and high courts of different states have regularly emphasized the necessity of a UCC on multiple occasions, pointing to its potential to foster equality and national cohesion. Notably, PM Modi’s comments now demonstrate that the government intends to take steps in its present term to address this critical subject on a pan-India basis.

“Bengal government directly responsible for public order collapse,” says Indian Medical Association on vandalism by unidentified mob

ANI
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“Bengal government directly responsible for public order collapse,” says Indian Medical Association on vandalism by unidentified mob

After an unidentified mob vandalised the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) issued a statement condemning the violence.

The IMA has stated that such vandalism with impunity points to anarchy. The IMA lashed out at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government saying that the state government is directly responsible for this collapse of public order.

“RG Kar Medical College which is at the centre of national attention for the past week due to the rape and murder of the Chest medicine PG student has been vandalised by hooligans. The protesting young medical students have been targeted. The authorities who by their negligence had allowed such a heinous crime to happen have once again failed to maintain law and order when the all-important CBI investigations are going on,” the IMA stated.

“Such vandalism with impunity points to anarchy and the breaking down of law and order. The state Government is directly responsible for this collapse of public order. IMA condemns this mindless violence and is apprehensive of the loss of crucial evidence. IMA has called for an emergency consultation meeting with all its state branches today to chart out further action,” the IMA added further.

Meanwhile, the newly appointed principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Suhrita Pal said that she doesn’t know anything about the people who initiated vandalism at the hospital.

“If you know anything, please tell me. I don’t know anything about them,” she said.

The nurses working in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital demanded security after Wednesday’s mob violence during a protest over the rape & murder of a woman doctor. They say, “We need security, we don’t want to hamper patient care.”

A hospital staff, while speaking to ANI broke down. He said, “Some people came and broke everything and went away. A protest was going on and despite the police, those people broke everything. This is a very bad incident. When I came at 4:00 am, I saw that they had broken everything and left. This is my workplace and I feel like crying when I see this. Many poor people come here and I feel very bad for them.”

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

Union Government amends electricity export guidelines, allows power to be rerouted to domestic grid in case of non-payment by foreign customer

OpIndia Staff
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Union Government amends electricity export guidelines, allows power to be rerouted to domestic grid in case of non-payment by foreign customer

On 12th August, the Ministry of Power, Government of India, announced notable amendments to the Guidelines for Import/Export (Cross Border) of Electricity, 2018. The updated guidelines aimed at enhancing the strategic leverage in cross-border electricity trade, particularly with countries like Bangladesh, while safeguarding the energy security of India.

Key Provisions of the amendment

As per the announcement by the Ministry of Power, Indian generating and distribution companies can now export electricity generated from coal, renewable energy or hydropower plants to the neighbouring countries. These trades can be done directly or via trading licenses after getting approval from the designated authority.

However, the government has imposed specific conditions on the export of electricity generated using coal and gas-based plants. The export of electricity generated from coal-based plants will be allowed if the coal is imported, obtained through spot e-auctions or sourced from commercial mining. In the same way, electricity generated from gas-based plants can be exported only if the gas used in the plants is imported or it was sourced from government-approved suppliers.

Dedicated transmission lines and grid connectivity

One of the most notable aspects of the amendments announced by the government is the provision to allow Indian generating stations that supply electricity exclusively to neighbouring countries to construct dedicated transmission lines that connect to those country’s grids. The construction of the lines is subject to approval under the Electricity Act, of 2003. The aim is to support the seamless transfer of electricity.

Additionally, the government has safeguarded the interests of Indian generating stations by providing provisions to connect to Indian grids in case the buying country in the neighbourhood, such as Bangladesh, fails to schedule power or default on payment obligations under the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The generation stations can connect, in that case, to inter-state or intra-state grids to sell power domestically.

Strategic implications for India

The move is designed to mitigate financial risks for Indian companies and to ensure the optimal use of generating capacity. The amendment, as of now, will benefit companies like Adani Power which has an exclusive agreement to supply electricity to Bangladesh from its 800 MW Godda power plant located in the state of Jharkhand.

Due to the political turmoil and fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, Bangladesh is facing economic challenges and it has led to concerns about potential payment defaults. The amendment came at the right time and provided strategic importance to India and Indian companies.

Pressure on Bangladesh

The amended guidelines have the potential to put pressure on Bangladesh as it allows Indian power companies to reroute electricity back to the Indian grid in case Bangladesh fails to meet its obligations under PPA. It ensures that Bangladesh remains compliant with the decided terms and conditions of the agreement. It also adds a layer of accountability on the buyers’ side.

The amendments send a clear signal to Bangladesh that India is prepared to prioritise its energy security and financial interests over bilateral arrangements if any are in place. It puts the neighbouring country in a position where it has to fulfil the commitments or risk losing access to electricity that it imports from India. Any such event may lead to significant implications on the economic stability and political landscape of Bangladesh, especially in current times.

Congress criticises the move

Interestingly, Congress has issued a statement criticising the government’s decision. It has accused the government of using regulatory changes to put pressure on Bangladesh. The Congress party has claimed that the amendments have been brought to help Adani as Adani Power is the only company that has exclusive rights to supply electricity to neighbouring countries. The amendments came at a time when India is visibly increasing its focus on securing the energy needs of the country and expanding its influence in the Indian sub-continent region. The strategic implications of the amendments may not be visible at first but it will show results in coming months as India will be navigating its relationship with the new government in Bangladesh.

Cow slaughter a hate crime: Gujarat court sends Asif to 10 years in prison. Read what the court said in landmark judgement

OpIndia Staff
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Cow slaughter a hate crime: Gujarat court sends Asif to 10 years in prison. Read what the court said in landmark judgement

The Amreli Sessions Court has sentenced a Muslim man to ten years in prison and fined him Rs 2 lakh for deliberately slaughtering a cow and allowing the blood to flow into a municipal drain. The accused has been identified as Asif Alarakh Tarkavadia. The case dates back to 2021, with verdict delivered on August 13, 2024.

The case was filed on November 6, 2021, at the Amreli City Police Station against Asif under several sections of the Gujarat Animal Protection Act, the IPC, and the Gujarat Police Act. However, a few days later, the court granted him conditional bail. Earlier, the case was ongoing in the Civil Court, from where it was later transferred to the Sessions Court in March 2023. 

According to additional information in the case, on the day the case was registered, the police raided Asif’s home based on a tip-off. From there, 50 kg of beef and animal cutting instruments were recovered. Following that, he was arrested and a case was filed at the Amreli City Police Station. According to the FIR, despite knowing that cows are regarded as sacred symbols of Hinduism, Asif slaughtered the cow and spilled blood and other vile waste in the municipality’s open drains to achieve financial gain by deliberately offending Hindus.

The case was initially brought in civil court, where the police presented a charge sheet on September 17, 2022. However, in March 2023, the case was referred to the Sessions Court where the hearing was held. After hearing all of the arguments, the court filed charges against the accused on August 2, and reserved judgment on August 8. Finally, on August 13, the verdict was announced, and the accused was found guilty.

The court held that the act was done to hurt the sentiments of Hindus

After hearing all of the arguments and examining the evidence and facts on record, the Court concluded that the accused had slaughtered the cattle. So he is found guilty under Section 429 of the IPC. Furthermore, the court stated that the accused slaughtered the cow despite knowing it was considered sacred in Hinduism and that under IPC 295, insulting any religion with malice is criminal. In addition, the court convicted him under Section 119 of the Gujarat Police Act, which allows for the punishment of severely binding and beating an animal.

In the final ruling, the court found Asif guilty of violating Sections 295 and 429 of the IPC, as well as Sections 5(1-C) and 6(b) of the Gujarat Animal Protection Act. The court sentenced him to two years in prison and a fine of Rs 2000 under IPC section 295, three years in prison and a fine of Rs 3000 under IPC 429, ten years in prison, and a fine of Rs 2,00,000 under sections of the Gujarat Animal Protection Act, and two months in prison under GPA section 119. He will have to deal with all of the implications. A copy of the court order is accessible with OpIndia.

Gujarat: Congress leaders booked for asking students to remove Saffron T-shirts with images of Veer Savarkar and Netaji Subhash Bose

OpIndia Staff
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Gujarat: Congress leaders booked for asking students to remove Saffron T-shirts with images of Veer Savarkar and Netaji Subhash Bose

Ahead of the 78th Independence Day celebrations on 15th August, Tiranga Yatras are being organised across the country. However, a controversy erupted in one such Tiranga Yatra in the Sangani village of Gujarat’s Surendranagar district. The incident unfolded when Congress leaders stopped the participating students and raised objections over their saffron colour T-shirts. As per reports, they also asked the students to remove the T-shirts alleging that it was promoting an ‘RSS leader’, Veer Savarkar. 

The Congress leaders also made disparaging remarks and repeated the false allegations against Savarkar, including the allegations of involvement in the MK Gandhi murder case, which have been repeatedly busted. 

Following the incident, MoS Home affairs in Gujarat government, Harsh Sanghvi informed that the Congress leaders who were part of the incident have been booked for insulting freedom fighters. He added that the Congress leaders seen in the video were not worthy to certify the patriotism of Veer Savarkar Ji & Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. 

According to reports, on Wednesday, the local unit of the Congress party was taking out Nyay Yatra and as it reached near the students’ Tiranga Yatra, they created a ruckus and stopped the students. The Congress leaders alleged that school uniforms were being suppressed and the T-shirts were promoting VD Savarkar whom they labelled as an ‘RSS guy‘ and repeated the baseless tropes of him being involved in the MK Gandhi Murder case. 

They also raised objects to the T-shirts alleging that the students were forgetting and overlooking MK Gandhi and Sardar Patel in their own home state. However, it is pertinent to note that the saffron T-shirts have images of two prominent freedom fighters, Veer Savarkar and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. 

Meanwhile, the video of the incident is now doing rounds on social media.

In the viral video, some Congress leaders could be seen stopping the students from taking out the Tiranga Yatra and raising objections on their T-shirts. 

In the video, one person can be heard saying, “School dress is being suppressed and they are walking around with images of RSS’ Savarkar, that’s not right.”  

He then addresses the children and says, “You decide whether we will go out wearing pictures of Gandhi Bapu or of Savarkar.” In response to which the children could be heard replying ‘Gandhi Bapu’.

A party leader could also be heard harassing the teachers and principal of Sangani school for allowing students to wear T-shirts with images of Veer Savarkar alleging that he was involved in MK Gandhi’s murder. 

Later, the Congress leaders ask the students to remove the t-shirts, and the children comply. 

During the incident, National President (Chief Organiser) of Congress Sevadal, Lalji Desai asked, “Tomorrow, if they provide you with a T-shirt of Godse or Dawood, will you make them wear that?”

The Congress leaders also lamented that Gandhi and Sardar are being forgotten and Savarkar is being given a place. However, in the video, several Congress leaders could be seen wearing T-shirts featuring ‘Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra’ and had not given place to either Gandhi or Sardar Patel. Meanwhile, some police officers could also be seen in the video. 

Congress leader writes a letter to District Collector seeking a ban on T-shirts with images of Veer Savarkar

Former MLA and President of the Surendranagar District Congress Committee, Naushad Solanki also wrote a letter to the District Collector asking for a ban on T-shirts having Savarkar image on it. 

“This is to inform you that as part of a conspiracy to erase the names of Gandhi and Sardar Patel from Gujarat of Gandhi and Sardar, saffron-colored t-shirts with Savarkar’s picture are being distributed to school children in Surendranagar district on the occasion of Independence Day. Gujarat is the birthplace and workplace of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel. Despite this, t-shirts with Savarkar’s photo, instead of Gandhi and Sardar Patel, are being distributed as part of a conspiracy. This has hurt the sentiments of the people of Gujarat. Therefore, we request an immediate ban on such t-shirts and ask that t-shirts with pictures of Gandhi and Sardar Patel be provided instead,” the Congress leader was quoted saying in DeshGujarat. 

However, it is important to note that a Mumbai based organised ‘Shrimati Indumati Vasantlal Shah Charitable Trust’, distributed stationery items to the young students in the Chotila Taluka region. Incidentally, the Trust also gave them Saffron colour T-shirts having images of Veer Savarkar and Netaji on it. 

Divya Bhaskar also peddles the agenda of ‘Gandhi-Sardar being forgotten’

While the Congressmen made disparaging remarks against Veer Savarkar, Gujarati media outlet, Divya Bhaskar also furthered the trope that ‘Gandhi-Sardar’ are being forgotten in their native state. The title of the Divya Bhaskar report reads – Gandhi-Sardar forgotten in Gujarat: Tirangayatra started from Chotila in T-shirts of Savarkar and Subhash Chandra Bose, Congress said- ‘now tomorrow they will wear T-shirts of Godse or Dawood’. 

It is pertinent to note that the students only wore T-shirts of prominent freedom fighters, Veer Savarkar and Netaji Bose, that were given to them but no disrespect was meted out to any other freedom fighters including MK Gandhi and Sardar Patel during the Tiranga Yatra. 

Nonetheless, Mos Home Affairs, Harsh Sanghvi has shared that the Congress leaders have been booked under sections 126(2), 189(3), 221, 197(C)(D), 352, and 353 of the Indian Penal Code for insulting Veer Savarkar and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. 

Pakistan: 28-year-old Belgian woman raped for 5 days, thrown on streets of Islamabad, one accused Tamizuddin arrested

OpIndia Staff
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Pakistan: 28-year-old Belgian woman raped for 5 days, thrown on streets of Islamabad, one accused Tamizuddin arrested

In a terrifying episode, a Belgian woman was reportedly dumped after being sexually assaulted for days in the Islamabad district of Pakistan. The woman was found in Islamabad’s G-6 district with her wrists and legs tied with rope after being raped for days and abandoned by a few unidentified persons. A resident observed the woman abandoned and notified the police, who responded to the scene and rescued her.

The incident occured on 14th August, the day when Pakistan celebrates its ‘independence’.

Silvie Stina (28) was taken to the hospital for a medical evaluation after she complained that she had been sexually assaulted for more than five days by some unidentified people. The police have opened a case, launched an investigation, and arrested one of the accused for sexually attacking a foreign woman. 

The police have begun an investigation into the case and arrested one of the accused identified as Tamizuddin. He is currently in the police custody. The police will be questioning him as the inquiry into the crime proceeds. The victim meanwhile has confirmed that Tamizuddin was involved in the crime.

Tamizuddin was arrested by Aabpara Police at his home and transferred to the hospital for a further medical examination. He was taken to the same hospital as the victim for medical assessment.

However, Tamizuddin dismissed the woman’s claims and alleged that she was mentally ill. Immediately after refuting the claims, he identified the woman and stated that she did not have identification and had been to Pakistan without valid documentation. The police have launched a search operation at Tamizuddin’s apartment to locate the victim’s documents. Further investigations in the case are underway.

PM Modi’s speech on Independence Day 2024: Emphasis on space sector, modernisation, connectivity, and more. Says new India is bolder, stronger

ANI
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PM Modi’s speech on Independence Day 2024: Emphasis on space sector, modernisation, connectivity, and more. Says new India is bolder, stronger

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday emphasised the role of the space sector in the development of the nation and noted that the space sector is an important element in strengthening the country and achieving the target of ‘Developed India-2047’.

While addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of Independence Day, PM Modi assured the countrymen that the commitment towards bringing reform is not just for editorials but to strengthen the country.

“The space sector is an important aspect. We have done many reforms in this sector. Today, many startups are entering this sector. The space sector which is becoming vibrant is an essential element towards making India a powerful nation. We are focusing and giving strength to this sector with a long-term idea,” he said.

“When the policy is right, the intention is right and the mantra is national welfare with complete dedication, then we definitely achieve results. Today private satellites and private rockets are being launched. The space sector is the future for India. We have strengthened and reformed this. Today, several start-ups are in the space sector,” the Prime Minister added.

“I want to assure the citizens of India that our commitment towards bringing reform is neither just for editorials, praise nor under compulsion. It is to strengthen the country,” he said.

It is noteworthy that India’s first human space flight programme is slated to be launched in 2024-25. The Gaganyaan project envisages a demonstration of human spaceflight capability by launching a crew of 3 members to an orbit of 400 km for a 3-day mission and bringing them back safely to earth, by landing in Indian sea waters.

In February this year, PM Modi announced the names of the four chosen Indian Air Force pilots; Group Captain Prashanth Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla who would be part of the Gaganyaan mission.

In 2023, in a stellar display of prowess, India soared to new heights with the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the South Pole of the Moon and the successful launch of Aditya-L1, India’s first solar mission.

Among other feats, India now aims for setting up ‘Bharatiya Antariksha Station’ by 2035 and sending the first Indian to the Moon by 2040.

In his address to the nation from the Red Fort today, PM Modi stated that the nation is paving the way for unprecedented success with strong leadership, and ‘Jan Bhagidari’.

“Whether it’s tourism, MSMEs, education, health, transport, agriculture or any other sector, there is an advanced system. Bringing world’s best practices forward, we want to lead. Every sector requires modernisation, advancement and connectivity with technologies. We are getting new support due to our policies in all sectors,” he said.

“Bharat, once a victim of terrorist attacks, has now become bold and strong. Our robust actions like surgical strikes fill our people with pride. Today, 140 crore Indians exude self-confidence, empowered by a tradition of reforms ongoing across the country. With strong leadership, unwavering resolve, and ‘Jan Bhagidari’, we are paving the way for unprecedented success,” PM Modi added.

Recalling the days of struggle for Independence from British rule, the Prime Minister said, “Just remember those days before independence. Hundreds of years of slavery and every period of it was a period of struggle. Be it youth, farmers, women or tribals… they kept fighting against slavery. History shows that even before the freedom struggle of 1857, there were many tribal areas in our country where the war for independence was being fought.”

“This nation is indebted to every soldier who lost their lives for the country, and is grateful to them! We bow down to every brave heart. We pay our respects with reverence. Today, we salute those great personalities who are dedicated to protecting the nation, building it with full commitment, and taking the country to new heights,” he added.

PM Modi was warmly welcomed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other dignitaries. The Prime Minister was pictured dressed in a white kurta and blue attire and a traditional multicolour safa.

This year’s celebration marks the 11th time PM Modi addressed the nation from the Red Fort on Independence Day, making him the third Prime Minister after Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi to achieve this milestone. The theme for this year’s Independence Day is ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047,’ aiming to drive the Government’s efforts to transform India into a developed nation by 2047. 


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

Doctors attacked, emergency ward vandalised, vehicles destroyed: Mob unleashes havoc at R G Kar hospital in Kolkata, police blame social media

OpIndia Staff
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Doctors attacked, emergency ward vandalised, vehicles destroyed: Mob unleashes havoc at R G Kar hospital in Kolkata, police blame social media

On Thursday (15th August) night, a mob of 50-odd men laid siege at the R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The goons carried out attacks against the protesting doctors demanding justice for the rape and murder of a female trainee doctor.

In videos that have now surfaced on social media, the mob was seen vandalising the hospital premises, damaging police vehicles and physically attacking doctors present there.

The development occurred within hours of protestors hitting the streets in West Bengal to ‘reclaim the night’ and make public spaces safe for women.

The mob carried out vandalism at the R G Kar Medical College and Hospital without hesitation despite a significant police presence at the facility. The attackers were also involved in stone pelting.

According to reports, the mob entered were standing outside the hospital and then suddenly barged into the premises. They broke into the emergency ward of the hospital and destroyed the furniture and medicine stocks.

The police reportedly went into hiding and took shelter in bathrooms and other hideouts. “It has happened that the cops entered the bathroom and asked us to provide space to hide),” a nurse told ABP Ananda.

She added, “Now when we asked authorities why this happened, they told us that our safety was our responsibility.” A cop told the Hindustan Times, “Several police personnel guarding the agitation site and the hospital were injured by brickbats.”

While speaking about the matter to The Indian Express, a senior doctor named Subhendu Mullick informed, “A mob of miscreants entered the hospital. The agitating doctors were attacked and had to flee. They even tried to enter the building where the junior doctor was raped and murdered. Police stood as mute spectators.”

According to the protesting doctors, the mayhem unleashed by the goons lasted for about an hour. A young woman told Republic Bangla, “They are beating us continuously. They will beat us. We came here for the protests.”

A junior doctor named Aniket Maity stated, “We could see the troublemakers assembling outside the hospital much before the attack started and requested the police to take steps but they did nothing. When the rampage started the policemen rushed inside the hospital premises to take shelter.”

Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal has accused online media outlets and social media accounts of instigating the unprovoked attack by the mob.

“Unfounded information and false allegations were being constantly spread on social media. This led to the attack. I am saying as commissioner of police that no effort was made at any level to shied anyone. We promptly arrested the prime suspect. We said there could be others and investigations were on. But there was a continuous effort to malign the police,” he claimed.

In the meantime, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari accused the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of orchestrating the attack.

He tweeted, “Mamata Banerjee has sent her TMC goons to the apolitical Protest Rally near RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. She thinks that she is the most shrewd person in the whole world and people won’t be able to figure out the cunning plan that her goons appearing as protestors would mix with the crowd and carry out vandalism inside the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.”

“They were given safe passage by the Police, who either ran away or looked the other way so that these lumpens would enter the hospital premises and destroy areas containing crucial evidence so that it doesn’t get picked up by the CBI. As they were dumb TMC hooligans they couldn’t execute the plan well and revealed their identity when they vandalised the Dharna Manch of the Resident Doctors, PGTs & Internees,” Adhikari emphasised.

According to Bengali media reports, 4 people have been detained so far in connection to the incident.

As the country erupts in a protest demanding justice for deceased trainee doctor, TMC protests for a 1990 rape-murder case where life sentence already awarded to convicts

OpIndia Staff
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As the country erupts in a protest demanding justice for deceased trainee doctor, TMC protests for a 1990 rape-murder case where life sentence already awarded to convicts

The shocking details in the autopsy report of a female trainee doctor who was brutally killed after rape in a medical college in Kolkata have shocked the nation and sparked massive outrage. Protests, candle light marches, voices demanding Justice and accountability from the government and administration have flooded streets and social media. Opposition parties including the BJP, Congress and the Left have launched scathing attacks on the Trinamool Congress government. They have blamed them for attempting to save the accused instead of ensuring Justice for the deceased trainee doctor. 

The opposition parties have also been demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Additionally, on Tuesday (13th August), the Calcutta High Court transferred the rape and murder case of the female trainee doctor to the CBI to inspire confidence in the public and made several critical remarks against the administration’s actions in the case. 

However, facing massive backlash, the ruling party in the state, Trinamool Congress on Wednesday (14th August), staged a protest demanding Justice in a 34-year-old rape and murder case. 

Notably, on Wednesday afternoon, several TMC leaders staged a protest alleging that Justice was not served in the Bantala gangrape case of 1990. TMC MLA Supti Pandey, Councilor Swarna Kamal Saha and leaders Kunal Ghosh, Arup Chakraborty, Ayan Chakraborty and Meenakshi Gangopadhyay gathered in front of the house of late Anita Dewan, a gangrape victim who lost her life in 1990, to demand Justice in the Bantala gangrape case. 

During the protest, TMC leaders including Kunal Ghosh alleged that the real culprits in the 1990 case were not punished. He claimed that while the then CM Jyoti Basu said, “Such things keep happening!”, current CM Mamata Banerjee has taken a strict stance in the RG Kar Medical college case. During the protest over the 1990 case, TMC leaders also demanded that strict action should be taken in the recent rape and murder case that took place in Kolkata.  

(Facing backlash for not taking stern action in the Kolkata trainee doctor rape and murder case, TMC harps back to a 34-year-old case and stages protest to demand Justice in the 1990 Bantala gangrape case when culprits were served maximum sentences, as per then laws)

Meanwhile, taking to X, Kunal Ghosh also shared pictures of the protest and wrote in Bengali, “Dharna and rally from the house of Dr. Anita Dewan, who was raped and murdered in Bantala, condemned the incident and demanded punishment of the real culprits. Real CPM leaders, workers were saved by catching some locals in Bantala. Let us be clear, there will be protest on the RG Kar issue. Let the guilty be hanged.” 

The 1990 Bantala gangrape case

On 30th May 1990, three female officials related to the Health department were returning to Kolkata after completing a vaccination programme in Gosaba. At around 6:30 pm, their car was intercepted by a group of miscreants near the CPM party office in the Bantala area on the Eastern bypass road. But sensing fear for their lives, the driver of the car didn’t stop. However, the speeding car overturned as it attempted to flee. Soon, the car was surrounded by a large group of around 10-12 men. 

The mob dragged them out of the car and set the vehicle on fire. They also started brutally assaulting the driver and crushed his genitals as he tried to protect the female passengers and safeguard their lives. The attackers, allegedly CPI-M workers, gang-raped the three medical officers, resulting in the death of one of them. The driver also died later.

Apart from the driver Avni Naiya, the three female officials in the car included Anita Dewan (Deputy District Extension Media Officer), Uma Ghosh (Senior Officer, West Bengal Health Department), and Renu Ghosh (UNICEF and WHO Representative, Delhi). 

The mob dragged all three women officers to a nearby paddy field where they gangraped them. One of the female officers, Anita Dewan, died as a result of brutal attack. As per reports, the Police arrived over five hours later. They then shifted the naked bodies of the three women to an emergency department of the National Medical College. While all of them were believed to be brought dead, the doctors and officials realised that two of them were still alive after which the hospital initiated their treatment process. 

As per reports, when Anita Dewan’s autopsy was being performed, the lady doctor on duty fainted at the spot when she discovered a one-foot-long metallic torch inside the deceased victim’s private parts.   

The injured driver was taken to SSKM hospital where doctors revealed 43 injury marks on his body. The driver Avni Naiya died days later on 4th June at around 5:40 am.

Strikingly, following the incident in which the rapists were linked to the CPM, the then West Bengal Health Minister Prasanta Sur attempted to defend the culprits and said that the villagers had mistaken the women officers as child kidnappers and traffickers. Furthermore, the then Chief Minister Jyoti Basu said, “Such things keep happening!”

Later, the ex-Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), D Bandhopadhyay had claimed that Anita Dewan was the main target in the infamous Bantala gangrape case as she had collected evidence of misappropriation of funds by the CPM-led panchayats. 

Bandopadhyay told Sumonto Banerjee that in villages, CPM-led panchayats were misusing funds for rural development sent by UNICEF. He added that Anita Dewan learned about this misappropriation of funds and when she collected necessary evidence from Gosaba, the communist goons attacked her when she was on her way back to Kolkata. He added that the goons torched the car in which all evidence was also burnt to ashes. 

Following investigation, six culprits in this infamous 1990 case were awarded life imprisonment. 

Now, at a time, when the horrific case of the trainee female doctor who was brutally raped and murdered in a medical college in Kolkata has evoked the haunting memories of the infamous Delhi’s Nirbhaya rape case of 2012 and has again galvanised the nation to demand accountability from the ruling TMC government, demand severe punishment for the culprits, the party has resorted to staging a protest for a 34-year-old case alleging that real Justice was not done even when culprits were served maximum punishment, according to the then laws, all while urging that politics should not be done in such heinous cases.

Notably, TMC is in power and the govt can order a probe if it thinks that the real culprits were not caught in the Bantala gangrape case.

After rehabilitating RG Kar Medical College Principal who denied rape, Mamata Banerjee shamelessly announces protests demanding justice from CBI by Sunday

OpIndia Staff
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After rehabilitating RG Kar Medical College Principal who denied rape, Mamata Banerjee shamelessly announces protests demanding justice from CBI by Sunday

As protests have erupted in the entire country over the brutal rape and murder of 32-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has announced protests demanding punishment for the culprit. Notably, the govt run hospital had tried everything to hide the crime, labelling it as suicide and ‘renovating’ the crime scene.

Mamata Banerjee announced that on 17 August, her party will organise a protest march in all the blocks demanding the punishment of the criminal. Then on 18 August, there will be a demonstration in all the blocks and on 19th August, on the day of Raksha Bandhan, a program to demand capital punishment of the guilty will be organised.

As the case has been handed over to the CBI by the Calcutta High Court, the CM demanded that the CBI should “ensure justice within next Sunday”.

The Trinamool Congress chief said she will hold a rally from Moulali to Dharmtala in Kolkata on August 17. She said, “I want the accused to be hanged. I hope the CBI will give justice within next Sunday.”

Earlier on August 12, Mamata Banerjee had told the state police that the case would be handed over to CBI if they can’t crack the case by Sunday, 18 August. But even before that deadline on 11 August, the Calcutta High Court transferred the case to CBI. Mamata Banerjee also welcomed the Calcutta High Court order.

The CM also accused the opposition BJP and CPI(M) of running a malicious campaign against her government over the incident. “What have we not done? What action did we not take? As soon as I came to know of the incident, I spoke to the police commissioner and spoke to the parents,” Mamata Banerjee said.

Notably, while Mamata Banerjee wants CBI to hang the culprit by Sunday, her govt is accused of shielding the culprit in the case. After the semi-nude body of PG trainee doctor was found inside the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College on 9th August, the hospital administration told her family that she had committed suicide. It is believed that the college administration tried to cover up the crime by terming it as a suicide.

Later the autopsy report confirmed sexual assault on the victim, apart from multiple injury marks on the body.

But the suspected attempt to protect the culprit continued even after that. The medical college authority demolished the walls of the Chest Medicine Dept, where the girl was raped and murdered, in the name of renovation. BJP has alleged that the state was trying to tamper with the evidence in the case by breaking the walls.

In another shocking development, the principal was reinstated in a plum post after he said that the woman died by suicide. Dr Sandip Ghosh resigned from the post of principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on Monday amid massive protests over the rape and murder. But he was immediately appointed as the principal of Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital (CNMCH) on the same day.

The Calcutta High Court strongly objected to this and ordered him to submit his resignation and go on leave.

Notably, it is alleged that Dr Sandip Ghosh has close ties with the TMC. In May last year, he was transferred to Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital. But he locked the principal’s room, and prevented the new principal from joining duty. The state govt then revoked the transfer order within 2 days. Then in September 2023, he was transferred to Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital from RG Kar Medical College. But he was transferred back to RG Kar Medical College within a month.

The High Court transferred the case to CBI because it was not satisfied with the progress made by the state police under the Mamata Banerjee government. And now the same Mamata Banerjee has announced protests demanding quick justice from CBI.

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