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Whitewashing Islamic terrorism, to warning of 1990s like violence: Srinagar MP Ruhullah Mehdi’s interview with The Wire displays a dangerous mindset

Shraddha Pandey
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Whitewashing Islamic terrorism, to warning of 1990s like violence: Srinagar MP Ruhullah Mehdi’s interview with The Wire displays a dangerous mindset

A lot has changed in Jammu and Kashmir. The region mired in violence, stone pelting and anti-India protests is now witnessing an unprecedented wave of development, peace and prosperity after the abrogation of Article 370. However, the agony of those who ruled Jammu and Kashmir for many years after independence is yet to subside.

In an interview with leftist propaganda portal The Wire on 2nd July, Jammu Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) leader and Srinagar’s newly-elected MP Ruhullah Mehdi almost threatened the Indian government that “the anger of Kashmiris over Article 370 removal” can erupt anytime in the future just as it did 40 years after independence.

In a nearly 44-minute long interview with The Wire’s Arfa Khanum Sherwani, Ruhullah Mehdi made several remarks that sounded like furtherance of the Pakistani narrative and whitewashing of Islamic terrorism instead of ‘concerns’ of a common Kashmiri. Before delving into what all Ruhullah Mehdi said in the interview, it is interesting to mention that it is the same JKNC MP who in his maiden parliamentary speech last week claimed that Article 370 was abrogated by the Parliament within half an hour. He was, however, schooled by the Lok Sabha speaker that the bill to repeal Article 370 was discussed for nine and a half hours before its passage.

Ruhullah Mehdi cherrypicks incidents of violence to play the “Musalmaan Khatre Mein Hai” narrative

In the backdrop of the BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri’s offensive remarks against the then BSP MP Danish Ali in Lok Sabha last year wherein Bidhuri called the latter a “terrorist” and was later made to apologise, Ruhullah Mehdi asserted that common Muslims and other ‘oppressed’ minorities are being targeted. The JKNC MP talked about an incident wherein a Dalit boy was allegedly beaten for drinking water from a tap in a temple. He also asserted that Muslims are being “mob lynched”. Sikhs are called Khalistanis when they seek their rights and Christians when they step out to do ‘social work’ are called “missionaries” converting people to Christianity.

“Is this what we created this country for? Is this what we gave our blood for and continue to do so?” Mehdi said.

While violence against anyone for their caste or religious identity is condemnable, the Srinagar MP did not talk about the incident wherein a Brahmin youth was brutally thrashed by Dalits and made to drink urine. Will Ruhullah dare to raise his voice for Praveen Nettaru who was killed by PFI’s Islamic terrorists? Is it not true that during the farmer’s protest, some people raised pro-Khalistan slogans and wore T-shirts featuring slain Khalistani terrorist Bhindranwale? Is it not true that there are several Christian missionaries operating in different states in the barb of ‘Changai Sabha’ converting poor and vulnerable people by misleading them with false promises of cure and financial bribery?

Even the Allahabad High Court recently said if religious conversions at such congregations continue, the majority Hindu community would be reduced to a minority. Not a day goes by when a Love Jihad case is not reported but such incidents are not much discussed and often dismissed by the Islamist-sympathising ecosystem as “hoax”, “fiction” and “propaganda against Muslims”. But Ruhullah Mehdi will not demand justice for the victims of Love Jihad since it doesn’t suit his narrative.

It is notable that Pakistani political leaders also peddle the same narrative that the minorities particularly Muslims, who actually form the second largest religious majority are under threat from the ‘Hindu majoritarian’ government. Mehdi’s comments advertently or inadvertently give an apparent push to this sinister narrative aimed at furthering fissures in Indian society.

Ruhullah Mehdi downplays the 1990 Kashmiri Hindu Genocide as “Haadsa”

During the interview, when Arfa Khanum Sherwani asked about Ruhullah Mehdi’s ‘secular’ stand, the JKNC leader said that Kashmir is secular and that just one “Haadsa” [accident] and that even Muslims were killed during the militancy in those days.

“Kashmir is secular but the way attempts are being made to mould it in the last 10 years, Kashmir is not like that. An accident happened in the early 1990s when [Kashmiri] Pandits had to leave their homes due to the fear of guns. Situations were created and they had to leave their homes…their killings should not have happened but even Muslims were killed…” Mehdi said.

No Ruhullah! It was not a “Haadsa”, it was a well-planned killing and exodus of Kashmiri Hindus. It did not happen all of a sudden but the hatred against non-Muslims (Kafirs) was being instilled in the local Kashmiri youth since the 1960s by JeI. Notably, during the exodus, lakhs of Kashmiri Hindus were forced to flee their valley literally overnight, abandoning all of their belongings. Mosques made declarations urging Kashmiri Hindu men to flee the valley, leaving their women behind. The chants ‘convert (to Islam), leave or die’ (Raliv, Galiv, Chaliv) echoed across the valley. Mosques also played inflammatory slogans like Kashmir mei agar rehna hai, Allah-O-Akbar kehna hai’ (If you want to stay in Kashmir, you have to say Allah-O-Akbar); ‘Yahan kya chalega, Nizam-e-Mustafa’ (What do we want here? Rule of Shariah); ‘Asi gachchi Pakistan, Batao roas te Batanev san’ (We want Pakistan along with Hindu women but without their men).

It was not a “Haadsa”, (mishap). Calling the exodus of Kashmiri Hindus from their motherland a “Haadsa”, is sinister and ridicules their pain, especially coming from someone claiming to be a victim of terrorism. Apparently, such people want to discuss terrorism but not the root cause of it, by selectively highlighting the killings of some local Muslims during the 1990s, they want the people not to know that the Islamists orchestrated terrorism in the valley to establish what they call “Nizam-e-Mustafa.”

Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF)’s Farooq Ahmed Dar alias Bitta Karate, a notorious Pakistan-sponsored Islamic terrorist who waged war against the Indian state for decades was a local Kashmiri born in Srinagar.

Notably, Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) has played a significant role in shaping the political and militant landscape of Kashmir. Founded in 1941, JeI is an Islamist terrorist organisation that aims for the establishment of “Nizam-e-Mustafa”, an Islamic state governed by Sharia law. This was the vision of JeI’s founder Maulana Abul A’la Maududi, a hardcore Islamist who advocated for a theocratic state where Islamic laws and principles would govern all aspects of life. JeI’s establishment in Kashmir can be traced back to the socio-political upheavals in the region during the mid-20th century.

The local chapter, Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir (JeI-JK) became a significant vehicle for spreading Maududi’s venomous ideology. JeI-JK set up numerous educational institutions, including schools and madrasas, aimed at instilling Maududi’s ideological principles among the youth. These institutions provided religious education that emphasized the need for an Islamic state and governance. The organisation’s political wing engaged in local elections and used its platform to advocate for an Islamic Sharia rule. The Jamaat contested the 1987 elections as a part of the Muslim United Front (MUF), however, it failed to do well. There were allegations of rigging. Jamaat’s political failure gave rise to terrorism in Kashmir and during the 1990s, its Pakistan-backed armed wing Hizbul Mujahidin headed by Syed Salahuddin became active in the valley. Notably, following the heinous terror assault in Pulwama, the union government banned Jamaat-e-Islami on 28th February 2019.

While hundreds of Kashmiri Pandits were killed by Islamic terrorists during the 1990s, Ruhullah Mehdi has the audacity to dub their killings as mere “Haadsa”. Mehdi kept emphasising as to how concerned he is for the Kashmiri Pandits, however, not once did he talk about Pakistan’s role in the terrorism in Kashmir especially during the 1990s.

Ruhullah Mehdi says incidents shown in film The Kashmir Files never happened

The JKNC leader claimed that in the last ten years, a large section of the majority community has been prepared to become thirsty for the blood of Muslims. He went on to claim that whatever is shown in the film The Kashmir Files is not true. Mehdi should answer, that what exactly is not true. Was a Government Girls High School lab assistant Girja Tikoo not gangraped for many days by five Islamists? Was she not sliced to pieces by those terrorists at a sawmill? Was there no Farooq Ahmed Dar alias Bitta Karate? Were no Raliv Galiv Chaliv announcements were made?

The Kashmir Files

Ironically, Ruhullah Mehdi belongs to the same political party that ruled Jammu and Kashmir just before Islamic terror was unleashed on Kashmiri Pandits. Farooq Abdullah was re-sworn in as Chief Minister in an NC-Congress coalition government in November 1986, following the infamous Rajiv-Farooq Accord. In mid-June 1988, spontaneous protests took place demanding a commitment to Islamise Kashmir through the enforcement of Shariah law.

Between July and December 1989, Farooq Abdullah’s government freed 70 hardline Pakistan-trained terrorists. Is Ruhullah Mehdi downplaying the massacre of Kashmiri Pandits to whitewash the role of Farooq Abdullah? 

Mehdi also lamented how ‘journalists’ and several political ‘activists’ were arrested after the abrogation of Article 370, however, he did not talk about why they were arrested. OpIndia earlier reported that such ‘journalists’ like Fahad Shah, Aasif Sultan, Majid Hyderi, and Sajad Gul among others were arrested over allegations of glorifying terrorism and terrorists like Burhan Wani and involvement in other anti-India activities. A detailed report on these ‘journalists’ and their alleged anti-India activities can be read here.

Ruhullah Mehdi refuses to accept Supreme Court verdict on Article 370

When The Wire’s Arfa Khanum Sherwani asked Mehdi about what is left in the Article 370 abrogation issue since the Supreme Court has “settled” it, Mehdi said that one Supreme Court judgement is not acceptable to him. He said that before the final verdict, the Supreme Court had said that Article 370 which conferred the special status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and limited the Centre’s powers to make laws for J&K, had become a “permanent feature”. “If three judgements are not sufficient for the BJP and its like-minded parties, one judgment is not enough for us…,” Mehdi said.

It is worth recalling that on 11th December 2023, a five-judge Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud upheld the Modi government’s decision to abrogate Article 370. CJI Chandrachud held that Jammu and Kashmir does not hold any internal sovereignty after accession to the Union of India. CJI said that Article 370 was a temporary provision, and it was introduced to serve a transitional purpose to serve an interim process.

While it is shocking that a person elected to the Lok Sabha in a democratic election refuses to accept the Supreme Court verdict, the least shocking part is Arfa not confronting him for disregarding the Judiciary.

Ruhullah Mehdi’s refusal to accept the Supreme Court’s verdict on the abrogation of Article 370 is not just a political statement but a challenge to the rule of law and judicial authority in India. His stand also aligns with the Pakistani narrative that the abrogation of Article 370 is ‘illegitimate’, politicises judicial decisions, and risks destabilising the already fragile social fabric of Jammu and Kashmir.

By rejecting the Supreme Court’s verdict, Mehdi lends credence to Pakistan’s claims, which can be exploited by Pakistan to further its agenda on the international stage. While Kashmir may have not become a “Utopia” after the removal of Article 370, it is gradually moving towards peace and all-round development, however, raking up the Article 370 issue again seems like an attempt to incite public unrest, fuel separatist sentiments, and deepen existing divisions within society.  This can be detrimental to the broader interests of India and its efforts to foster peace and development in the region.

Ruhullah Mehdi calls for fight against ‘Hindutva extremism’

The newly-elected MP from Srinagar said that if the opposition parties have to fight the ‘Hindutva extremism’ they need to talk about and stand with Muslims. Amusingly, Mehdi conveniently labelled Hindutva as an ‘extremist’ ideology but he did not dare to call the terrorists who perpetrated violence against Kashmiri Pandits out of their hatred for non-Muslims as “Islamic extremists”.

Kashmir’s anger came out 40 years after independence, it will happen again: JKNC MP Ruhullah Mehdi threatens Indian government of 1980s-90s-like violence again

Typically, Arfa Khanum Sherwani’s interviews for The Wire appear to be two clowns sitting together and vying to see who can be funnier; however, the interview with Ruhullah Mehdi is unsettling.

In the backdrop of the recent incidents of terror attacks including the attack on Hindu pilgrims in Reasi, Mehdi asserted that ‘militancy’ has not ended in the region. He said that much like the removal of Article 370, back in 1953, a similar thing was done by Congress when Kashmir’s autonomy was snatched. “For the next 40 years, nothing happened and everyone was of the opinion that Kashmiri was settled and there was no anger, no protests but later their anger burst,” Mehdi said.

Mehdi’s comments imply that the anti-India protests, calls for the Islamisation of Jammu and Kashmir, the radicalisation of Kashmiri youth as well as the anti-Hindu atrocities were the outburst of the ‘anger’ of Kashmiris over their ‘autonomy’ being snatched 40 years ago. By saying so Mehdi blatantly whitewashed the horrific crimes of Pakistan-sponsored terrorist groups like Jamaat-e-Islami, Hizbul Mujahideen and all the Islamists that burnt the valley for their own extremist agenda.  

At one point Ruhullah said that he is not an advocate of Pakistan, however, Pakistan does not essentially need to send its advocates here when it has its stooges peddling its sinister narrative just for narrow political gains.

Ruhullah Mehdi went on to warn the Indian government saying that a similar situation is prevailing in Jammu and Kashmir and in the coming decades there will be violence in the valley again. “…So do not get fooled, what we did in 2019 and the [peaceful] situation in Kashmir is permanent. I am afraid of the way that anger burst after 40 years now I don’t know when will it happen now…We have made a wound which can burst anytime and when it happens it will not be good for you…I am warning… the people of Jammu and Kashmir have a sense of defeat and this silence is not good…” Mehdi said.

On one hand Ruhullah Mehdi says he wants peace in Jammu and Kashmir on the other he does not want people to move on from Article 370 and join the Indian mainstream. Similarly, Mehdi wants to be the voice of ‘oppressed minorities’ but downplays the targeted killings of Kashmiri Pandits in the 1990s and dismisses Islamic terrorism as “anger of people”. Apparently, this time the strategy may have changed, however, the ‘Maqsad’ remains the same.

By suggesting that the current alleged “anger” is akin to the terrorism unleashed in the 1980s-90s, Mehdi implicitly legitimises violence as a response to supposed political grievances. This will also embolden Islamists and separatist groups who thrive on unrest and conflict. It is an attempt to fuel passions and could lead to an escalation in tensions, ultimately resulting in violence.

Delhi: Driver of water tanker runs over Saddam after he attacks vehicle with stones, Bablu killed by stone pelters for trying to intervene

ANI
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Delhi: Driver of water tanker runs over Saddam after he attacks vehicle with stones, Bablu killed by stone pelters for trying to intervene

In a shocking incident, a water tanker driver while trying to escape crushed a youth who was pelting stones on his tanker in the Sangam Vihar area of the national capital.

On Wednesday evening, in the Ratia Marg Sangam Vihar area of South Delhi, some people pelted stones on a tanker when rainwater splashed on them. When the tanker driver, identified as 35-year-old Sapan Singh, tried to escape to save his life, a young man identified as 21-year-old Saddam came under the wheels of the tanker. He died on the spot.

Angry people again started pelting stones at the tanker. Meanwhile, an auto driver identified as Bablu came to the spot and opposed the stone pelting and got stabbed by those who were pelting stones and sustained serious injuries.

The situation in the area became tense. A police force has been deployed on the spot.

DCP South Delhi Ankit Chauhan said, “Saddam died after being hit by a tanker. Police have taken the body into custody and sent it to the mortuary for postmortem. The 21-year-old deceased lived with his family in the Sangam Vihar area.”

Additional DCP East District, Achin Garg says, “We got a call about stone pelting on a water tanker. In this, an auto had broken down on Ratia Marg in Sangam Vihar and some boys were fixing the auto. Meanwhile, a water tanker was passing by and some water splashed on the auto drivers, which led to an altercation. These auto drivers attacked the driver, and pelted stones. Seeing this, the driver got scared and moved the vehicle forward, in which one person came under the water tanker. When he was taken to the hospital, he was declared dead. The driver of the water tanker left his tanker and tried to run away, the boys again pelted stones. Meanwhile, another auto driver was passing by and asked what happened, and why they were pelting stones. They also attacked the auto driver with a knife. He is currently inside the hospital…The investigation is underway…”

According to the police, Bablu’s condition remains critical. He has been stabbed at two places in his body. He has been referred from Majidia Hospital to Safdarjung Hospital. No arrest has been made yet. The investigation is underway and the accused have been identified.

More details into the matter are awaited.

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

Fatehpur, UP: Porn-addict ‘Hafiz’ Dilnawaz and Maulvi Rakimuddin brutally rape a 9-year-old boy to death, discard body inside well, arrested by police

OpIndia Staff
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Fatehpur, UP: Porn-addict ‘Hafiz’ Dilnawaz and Maulvi Rakimuddin brutally rape a 9-year-old boy to death, discard body inside well, arrested by police

On 3rd July, a ‘hafiz’ identified as Dilnawaz and a maulvi identified as Rakimuddin were arrested by Fatehpur Police, Uttar Pradesh, in connection to the murder of a 9-year-old student inside a madrasa. The arrested accused in the matter are brothers-in-law. The deceased minor victim was sexually assaulted inside the madrasa on 29th June. Fearing exposure, the accused killed the child.

As per reports, Dilnawaz was addicted to watching porn. While speaking to the media, Superintendent of Police (SP) IPS Uday Shankar Singh said that 20 students are studying in the said madrasa. He added that hafiz Dilnawaz, who teaches at the madrasa, committed the sexual assault on the 9-year-old. The child reportedly resisted the assault leading to his murder. After killing the innocent kid, Dilnawaz and Rakumuddin disposed of the body. They stuffed the dead body into a sack and threw it into a well near a cemetery located just 400 meters away from Madarsa.

SP further added that separate investigations are being conducted by the Child Welfare Committee and the District Minority Welfare Department in the matter. The legality of madarsa is also being checked by the concerned authorities. The deceased minor kid was the youngest child in the madrasa. Media reports suggest that on the day of the incident, Dilnawaz was watching porn on his mobile phone.

SP Singh said that hafiz Dilnawaz found the victim alone in madarsa and sexually assaulted him. Following the heinous act, he feared exposure and strangulated the kid using a rope. Dilnawaz’s brother-in-law Rakimuddin, the maulvi of the same madrasa, planned to dispose of the body to save his brother-in-law.

Rakimuddin stuffed the body into a sack during the night and threw it into a well near the cemetery. They took the body from Madarsa to the well on a bike. Later, Rakimuddin informed the family of the child that the victim disappeared from the madrasa. The police have recovered the rope used in the murder and both accused have been arrested.

The bike used for transporting the dead body has been recovered by the police.

Details of the case

On 30th June, some shepherds from Saura village under the Malwan police Station area in district Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh, spotted the dead body of a child floating in a well. They informed the police about the dead body. The police recovered the body and found that the hands and feet of the corpse were tied. There was a tape placed over the mouth as well.

The family of the child was called for identification. Following the identification of the deceased as 9-year-old son of a resident of Baraura village in Malwan block, Fatehpur, the dead body was sent for postmortem and a case was registered under relevant Sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and POCSO Act. Based on the complaint of the victim’s family, maulvi and Hafiz of the madrasa were detained by the police.

According to reports, a few months ago, the victim’s family enrolled the child in the Ulama Madrassa located in Saura for Arabic and religious study. Around 5 days ago, they left the child in the Madrassa from where he went missing.

Following the post-mortem, the dead body was handed over to the family for last rites.

‘Biden not stepping down’: White House clarifies after Trump debate fiasco triggers concerns about US President’s health and age

ANI
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‘Biden not stepping down’: White House clarifies after Trump debate fiasco triggers concerns about US President’s health and age

In response to recent speculations, the White House has unequivocally denied any consideration of President Joe Biden stepping down, with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stating “absolutely not” when asked about the possibility.

Concerns are mounting about Biden’s viability as a candidate following what has been described as a devastating performance in Atlanta, according to a New York Times (NYT) report.

Jean-Pierre on Wednesday (local time) highlighted President Biden’s recent engagements with supporters, acknowledging that while he has had challenging moments, his overall record and accomplishments should not be overshadowed.

“He had an opportunity to talk to supporters. He has done it a couple of times at this point and laid out what happened on that night, talked about how he understands, and it was not his best night. He understands that it is fair for people to ask that question,” she told reporters at the White House.

Emphasising the president’s achievements, Jean-Pierre added, “We cannot forget his record and what he’s been able to do. We cannot forget how he has been able to deliver for the American people for almost four years. That matters, too. He has the most historical record of administration, the most in modern politics.”

The Press Secretary’s comments come amid ongoing scrutiny and debates about the president’s performance and future plans.

The NYT report also said that President Biden has confided in a close ally about his contemplation of continuing in the race, acknowledging the challenge of salvaging his candidacy following a disappointing presidential debate performance.

The president’s focus now lies heavily on upcoming public appearances and interviews to sway public opinion, particularly an upcoming interview with George Stephanopoulos of ABC News and planned campaign stops in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

“He knows if he has two more events like that, we’re in a different place,” the ally, who spoke on condition of anonymity, emphasised, referring to Biden’s criticised debate performance.

Meanwhile, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson claimed that several prominent Democrat leaders have suggested that US President Biden is “brain-damaged” and it is only a matter of time before they remove him from running for the post again.

Former US President Barack Obama had after the debate hosted by CNN, between Biden and Trump, voiced his support for Biden, acknowledging that “bad debate nights happen”.

These remarks come days after Donald Trump and Joe Biden engaged in a fiery debate broadcast live on CNN.

The age disparity between the 81-year-old incumbent US president and his 78-year-old challenger was starkly apparent throughout the evening, with Biden notably hoarse and exhibiting limited vocal range, struggling at times to articulate clear differences from Trump. 

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

Pro-Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh, lodged in jail for radical Khalistani activities under stringent NSA, gets 4 days parole to take oath as MP

OpIndia Staff
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Pro-Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh, lodged in jail for radical Khalistani activities under stringent NSA, gets 4 days parole to take oath as MP

Pro-Khalistani separatist leader Amritpal Singh who is currently lodged in Assam’s Dibrugarh jail along with nine associates under the stringent National Security Act, has been granted a four-day parole to enable him to take oath as MP. The separatist leader had contested the Lok Sabha elections as an independent candidate from the jail in Assam and won the Khadoor Sahib parliamentary seat in Punjab.

The parents of “Waris Punjab De” chief and Khalistani separatist Amritpal Singh had on June 9, applied for their son’s release or parole so that he could take oath as a member of parliament.

Singh had also written to the Punjab Government on June 11 and asked to be released temporarily so that he could be sworn in. The state government had sent an application to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and the parole decision was taken based on that.

Speaking on the development, Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Ghanshyam Thori said on Wednesday, “Amritpal Singh has been granted parole for 4 days or less from July 5 with certain conditions, about which the jail superintendent, Dibrugarh, has been informed.”

Amritpal Singh is currently lodged in Dibrugarh Jail in Assam after being arrested by central agencies under National Security Act (NSA). Amritpal secured 4,04,430 votes which translated to 38.62% vote share. He defeated Congress’s Kulbur Singh Zira who secured 2,07,310 votes. Amritpal Singh gained popularity in Punjab after taking over the late Deep Sidhu’s organisation Waris Punjab De. Sidhu was also a pro-Khalistani leader. Notably, Amritpal was seen as Bhindranwale 2.0 by pro-Khalistani elements in Punjab.

In 2023, Central agencies and Punjab Police launched a manhunt against Amritpal Singh for his pro-Khalistani and anti-India activities. The hunt began in March 2023 but he managed to stay on the run for over a month and was arrested at the end of April 2023. Amritpal Singh, who donned attire similar to Khalistani terrorist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale during his march across Punjab, gave an impression that his movement was against drugs in the state, which is a serious problem.

Family of Agniveer Ajay Kumar already paid Rs 98.39 lakh, other benefits of about 67 lakhs to be paid shortly, says Army after Rahul Gandhi’s claim

ANI
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Family of Agniveer Ajay Kumar already paid Rs 98.39 lakh, other benefits of about 67 lakhs to be paid shortly, says Army after Rahul Gandhi’s claim

The Indian Army has said that it salutes the supreme sacrifice made by Agniveer Ajay Kumar who lost his life in the line of duty and his family has already been paid Rs 98.39 lakhs. Ex-gratia and other benefits amounting to approximately 67 lakhs will be paid on final account settlement shortly post-due police verification.

Indian Army’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) posted a ‘clarification on emoluments to Agniveer Ajay Kumar’ on Wednesday and said certain posts on social media have brought out that compensation hasn’t been paid to the next of kin of the Agniveer.

“It is emphasised that the Indian Army salutes the supreme sacrifice made by Agniveer Ajay Kumar. The last rites were carried out with full Military Honours. Of the total amount due, family of Agniveer Ajay has already been paid Rs 98.39 lakhs,” ADGPI said in a post on X.

“Ex – Gratia and other benefits amounting to approximately 67 lakhs, as applicable according to the provisions of the Agniveer Scheme, will be paid on Final Account Settlement shortly post-due police verification. The total amount will be Rs 1.65 Cr approximately. It is re-emphasised that emoluments due to a fallen hero are paid expeditiously to the Next of Kin of departed soldiers, including Agniveers,” it added.

Earlier in the day, Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused Defence Minister Rajnath Singh of “lying” on the floor of the Lok Sabha over the Agniveer scheme and demanded an apology.

In a video posted on X, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the minister had lied in Parliament about the issue of compensation to families of killed Agniveers.

“The importance of truth in every religion. Rajnath Singh lied before Lord Shiva’s photo about the compensation to the country, its armed forces, and Agniveers. I have said in my speech that don’t listen to me or his (Rajnath Singh) speech, but listen to the family of Agniveer family,” the Leader of the Opposition said in a video message.

He shared the video of the father of Agniveer Ajay Singh who lost his life in Jammu and Kashmir and said that despite Singh’s claims, his family had not received the promised compensation.

Ajay Singh’s father said, “Rajnath Singh made the statement that families of killed soldiers have been given Rs 1 crore compensation but no such assistance had been received by his family. Rahul Gandhi is raising our voice in Parliament that families of martyrs must get all necessary help. Agniveer recruitment must stop and regular recruitment should be reinstated.”

The Congress leader demanded an apology from the Defence Minister.

“The Defence minister had lied to the family of killed Ajay Singh ji, the armed forces and the youth of the country, and must apologise to them. Daro mat, Darao mat,” he added.

Earlier on June 1 in Parliament, Rajnath Singh objected to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s remarks in Lok Sabha on the Agniveer scheme and said financial assistance of one crore rupees is given to the family of the Agniveer who sacrifices his life while protecting the country’s borders or during a war.

Rajnath Singh accused Rahul Gandhi of trying to mislead the Lok Sabha by making wrong statements.

“Rahul Gandhi should not try to mislead the House by making wrong statements. Financial assistance of Rs one crore is given to the family of the Agniveer who sacrifices his life while protecting our borders or during war,” the Defence Minister said.

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

Bengal sees 11 incidents of mob violence in 1 month: From beaten by TMC goons for supporting BJP to lynched for ‘theft’ and Taliban-style flogging

OpIndia Staff
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Bengal sees 11 incidents of mob violence in 1 month: From beaten by TMC goons for supporting BJP to lynched for ‘theft’ and Taliban-style flogging

The Mamata Banerjee-ruled West Bengal is witnessing a new wave of lawlessness, with mob violence and lynchings being weaponised to settle petty issues.

The State has earned a bad name over the years for the ‘Khela’ (game) of violence orchestrated by Trinamool Congress (TMC) goons against rival political parties. The situation has now been exacerbated with common people taking the law into their own hands.

OpIndia has found more than 10 cases where people were assaulted, injured and killed over suspicion of child lifting, mobile theft, minor bike accidents and even extramarital affairs.

Man lynched for not ‘returning money’

On Monday (1st July), a 25-year-old man named Biswajit Manna was lynched by a frenzied mob in the Hooghly district of West Bengal.

The victim was a resident of Tarakeswar, which fell under the jurisdiction of Naita Malpaharpur gram panchayat. He had taken a loan of ₹50000 from some people but failed to return the money.

Manna was called by the accused at night to their friend’s place and beaten till he became unconscious. He was later rescued by his mother and his sister-in-law and taken to a nearby hospital.

Deceased Biswajit Manna, image via HT Bangla

The 25-year-old succumbed to his injuries. The police arrested two people in connection to the case.

Neighbours kill man in Kolkata

On 29th June, a man named Prasenjit Mondal was lynched by his neighbours in the Salt Lake area in North Kolkata over suspicion of mobile theft.

The accused were identified as Tapan Sarkar, his son Harshit Sarkar and Sridam Mondal. The trio wanted Mondal to confess that he had stolen their missing smartphone.

When the victim denied any involvement in the case, the trio kept on beating him in the hopes of soliciting a confession. The nature of the assault was so brutal that Mondal succumbed to his injuries. The police have now arrested the three men.

Taliban-style assault of woman in Chopra

On 28th June, a Bahubali leader named Tajmul Haque, with ties to the ruling TMC dispensation, was seen publicly flogging a woman in Chopra in Uttar Dinajpur district of West Bengal.

The reason for executing the Taliban-style punishment was said to be an ‘extramarital affair.’ According to media reports, Tajmul Haque notoriously runs Taliban-style ‘quick justice’ through his ‘Insaf Sabha’ and is a close associate of Chopra MLA Hamidur Rahaman.

TMC MLA Hamidul Rehman justified the Taliban-style attack by claiming that the victim was ‘spoiling the society’ and had ‘loose character.’ He said that public flogging was part of the rules of ‘Muslim Rashtra.’ He also acknowledged that Haque is associated with the ruling TMC.

Public flogging carried out by JCB Tajmul Haque

In a video shared by ANI, a top cop was heard expressing fear of retribution from supporters of the local goon. While speaking about the matter, SP (Islampur police district) Jobi Thomas remarked, “If we kept him in Chopra, the thana could have been attacked. So for safety purposes, we brought him (Tajmul Haque) to Islampur.”

TV mechanic lynched in Kolkata

On 28th June, a TV mechanic named Mohammed Irshad was beaten to death by a mob after accusing him of stealing a mobile phone. The incident took place in Udayan Hostel in the Bowbazar area in Central Kolkata.

The victim was reportedly roaming around in the area when a group of students caught hold of him. They accused him of being a mobile thief and thrashed him brutally.

Irshad’s employer Irfan informed E-Newsroom, “A frantic Irshad had contacted me and pleaded to bring ₹10,000 to the hostel. He told me that if I failed to do so, the boys would kill him.” By the time, the police reached the spot, Irshad was almost dead.

“It took us 30 minutes to locate the hostel, which was locked from inside. It took another 30 minutes for the police to enter the hostel. Irshad was almost 80 per cent dead when we managed to rescue him. We rushed him to Medical College, where he was declared dead within a few hours,” he added.

The police have arrested 14 students, aged between 21 and 28 years, in connection to the case.

Mob lynches man in Pandua

A 25-year-old man was lynched by a mob in Pandua town in Hooghly district of West Bengal. As per reports, the victim was identified as Ashish Baul Das.

A resident of Pandua, Das had gone to a fair on his bike on 27th June 2024. While returning home, his vehicle grazed a few men which led to a heated argument. The men were in the middle of a brawl over the use of loudspeakers.

The minor bike accident infuriated the mob, who then thrashed the victim black and blue. Ashish Baul Das was initially admitted to a hospital in Pandua, followed by Chinsurah.

When his condition deteriorated, he was taken to Kolkata but he died on the way. On 30th June, the police arrested 2 people in connection to the case and booked them for murder.

Muslim woman stripped by Shafiqul-led mob in Cooch Behar

On 27th June, a Muslim woman was stripped, dragged for 1 km by her hair and thrashed for over an hour by goons for supporting the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP).

The incident took place in Ruidanga village in Matha Bhanga-II block in Coochbehar district of West Bengal. As per reports, a group of TMC goons attacked the woman for being a worker of the Opposition BJP in the State. The victim’s father had filed a complaint with the police.

According to the police complaint, the local TMC cadre had prevented the woman from stepping out of her house since the Lok Sabha elections were announced on 4th June 2024.

The victim was assaulted when she was en route home from a nearby park. A group of TMC goons attacked her, stripped her and then dumped her clothes in a river.

They had also threatened to break her house if she dared to step out again. The Cooch Behar police had detained 4 people, including the primary accused Shafiqul, in connection to the case.

Shafiqul was accused of capturing the naked picture of the victim during the assault and disseminating it on social media platforms.

Locals attack youth in Gopalnagar

On the morning of June 24th, a youth was attacked by a mob on suspicion of child-lifting in Gopalnagar village in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.

As per reports, the local residents accused the victim of wandering suspiciously and failing to provide his name and identity. According to Sangbad Pratidin, a viral video of the incident showed locals slapping the victim continuously.

The police, however, have denied that the youth was assaulted in any form and claimed that he was mentally unstable.

As per the victim, a group of men dropped him in the Gopalnagar on the night of 23rd June and he had been roaming in the village before being beaten by the locals.

Mob violence in Gaighata

The residents of the Berigopalpur area in Gaighata village thrashed a youth in full public glare after accusing him of being a child kidnapper. The incident took place on 23rd June 2024.

The victim, who is said to be mentally unstable, was seen roaming in the area for several days before the incident. The locals alleged that he entered the house of a man named Alok Debnath and began calling for the latter’s daughter.

They also claimed that the daughter of Alok Debnath fainted after seeing the youth. The locals alleged that he tried to flee the scene. A video of the young man being assaulted by locals has surfaced on social media.

After thrashing the youth, the mob tied him to a house in the neighbourhood. On learning about the matter, the police reached the spot and rescued the victim.

Reportedly, none have been arrested by the police in connection to the case.

Homeless man critically injured in Bangaon

On 22nd June this year, a homeless man was severely injured after a mob attacked him on suspicion of child-lifting. The disturbing incident of mob violence took place in the Thakurpalli area in Bangaon town in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.

The victim was reportedly wandering in the area when some locals caught hold of him and began inquiring about his name and identity. Soon after, he was labelled a child lifter and thrashed by the locals.

Mob thrashes homeless man in Bangaon, image via Sangbad Pratidin

On learning about the matter, the police reached the spot and rescued the victim. The man was admitted to the Bangaon Sub-Divisional Hospital in a critical condition.

The cops have so far arrested 2 people in connection to the case.

While speaking about the matter to The Statesman, a local club secretary Niramlendu Biswas informed, “Residents noticed an unknown person wandering in the area at night. Suspecting him to be a child abductor, they beat him up. We went there, rescued him, and informed the police.”

Woman attacked by mob in Ashoknagar

On the evening of June 21st, a woman was thrashed by a mob on the suspicion of being a child lifter. The incident took place in Ashoknagar in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.

As per reports, the victim was identified as 28-year-old Rajni Khatun. She is a resident of Diamond Harbour town and travels to places on her bicycle. On the fateful day, Khatun was caught by residents in Ashoknagar on suspicion of being a child lifter.

They beat her mercilessly without any provocation. On learning about the matter, the police reached the spot and rescued the victim from the frenzied mob.

Police arrest 15 people for mob violence in Ashoknagar, image via Anandabazar Patrika

During the rescue operation, a police sub-inspector named Manik Mukherjee was injured. Later, a large contingent of police was deployed to the area to bring the law and order situation under control.

The police have arrested 15 people in connection to the case, including three women, and initiated a probe into the matter. It also came to light that the victim was mentally disturbed.

Man assaulted during Eid Mela in Barrackpore

A 32-year-old man, identified as Nazir Hossain, was beaten by a mob on the suspicion of being a child lifter. The incident occurred during the Eid Mela, held on 16th June this year.

Hossain is a resident of Patiulia Panchauat area in Barrackpore. On the occasion of Eid-al-Adha, he attended a Mela (fair) in Mohanpur Panchayat area.

While he was roaming around, a group of people accused him of being a child lifter. “Tui alakar baccha churi korte aschehis (You have come to abduct the children in the area),” they claimed.

Soon after, a mob unleashed its fury on Nazir Hossain and assaulted him mercilessly. The victim was initially admitted to the Dr B N Bose Sub Divisional Hospital.

However, when his condition worsened, Hossain was rushed to the R. G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.

On learning about the matter, the family members and relatives of the victim protested before the Mohanpur police station and demanded strict punishment against the culprits.

Madhya Pradesh: Islamist mob gheraoed Police station in Ratlam over an alleged objectionable post on Instagram, police from 4 stations mobilised to control the situation

OpIndia Staff
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Madhya Pradesh: Islamist mob gheraoed Police station in Ratlam over an alleged objectionable post on Instagram, police from 4 stations mobilised to control the situation

Tensions recently erupted in the Ratlam district of Madhya Pradesh after an Islamist mob gheraoed a Police station in the late hours of Sunday. The angry mob entered the police station premises as well as created a ruckus on the streets. The Islamists demanded immediate action against an unknown Instagram user for uploading an alleged objectionable post.

To pacify the situation and avoid the occurrence of any untoward incident, the police assured action in the matter. They also informed the mob as well as Chief Qazi of the area that an FIR had been registered against an unknown person and the identity of the Instagram user was being looked into. 

According to media reports, after getting Police assurance, the angry mob initially dispersed from the Police station. However, they gathered at the Qazi’s residence from where they again marched towards the Police station and gheraoed it demanding immediate action against the user who made the alleged objectionable post. 

As per reports, the administration had to mobilise Police personnel from four stations to bring the situation under control. Additionally, the Police were forced to deploy a Riot Control vehicle Vajra outside the station.  

The incident reportedly took place on Sunday (30th June) night in Ratlam’s Station Road police station. As the angry Muslim mob started gathering near the police station, it sparked a tense situation in the area and nearby shopkeepers immediately closed their shops to avoid getting caught in harm’s way. 

According to a report in Naidunia, the news of an objectionable post shared by the ID of a person named Vivek Singh spread rapidly among several groups on Sunday night. It was alleged that the social media user made objectionable comments on the Muslim community. Afterwards, a large Islamist mob reached the police station, demanding action against the Instagram user. 

The police registered a case against an unknown person. CSP Abhinav Warange, Station Road TI Dinesh Bhojak, and other police officers started explaining to the angry mob that an FIR had been lodged in this matter. They also assured that soon, with the help of the cyber cell, the accused will be traced and arrested. 

Meanwhile, Chief Qazi of the area, Qazi Asif Ali also reached the police station and discussed with the police officers and the protesters. However, by that time, the crowd had already left the police station. The protesters later reached the residence of Qazi Ali. 

At around 12:15 in the night, a large number of people reached the police station with Qazi Ali. Some of the protesters and Qazi held a discussion with the Police. He later came out of the police station and told the protesters that an FIR had been lodged.

However, some protesters were not ready to accept. They were also shown a copy of the FIR. Somehow the crowd was persuaded and sent away. 

CSP Abhinav Warange stated that the post had been made hurting religious sentiments. A case was registered under section 295. With the help of the cyber cell, it is being looked into who created the Instagram ID. This photo has been posted in some groups. The accused will be identified soon, he added. 

Gujarat: Man sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for raping his 7-year-old cousin in Vadodara in 2022

OpIndia Staff
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Gujarat: Man sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for raping his 7-year-old cousin in Vadodara in 2022

A seven-year-old girl living in a village close to Vadodara, Gujarat was raped by her cousin. Now, he has received 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of ₹10,000 also has been slapped on him. The court further ordered the govt to pay a compensation of ₹6 lakh to the victim.

The incident occurred on 8th April 2022 when the convict who is her cousin (son of her father’s brother) spotted her after she had gone out to collect Mahua (flowers). He told her that he would take her to another place to gather better flowers. The two covered some distance when he grabbed her hand and lured her by offering chocolates. He then made her lie on the ground and proceeded to sexually violate the minor.

Afterwards, the terrified girl put on her clothes and fled from the place. She reached home and hid under the bed when she was asked about the reason behind her late arrival. However, her mother pulled her out and tenderly inquired what has happened, after which the girl narrated the horrifying ordeal.

Following this, a case was registered at Jawahar Nagar police station and the accused was arrested by the police. The matter was then presented in the court. During the trial, the juvenile and her parents turned hostile. However, the court declared that the statement of the girl under Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) 164 stated the facts against the perpetrator and the medical evidence is also against him along with the FSL proof which supports the case against him.

Special Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) Judge Priyanka Agarwal, after evaluating the arguments and evidence of Public Prosecutor RS Chauhan, found the cousin guilty and sentenced him to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment along with a penalty of Rs 10,000. The court directed the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) to pay the family an amount of Rs 6 lakh from the Victim Compensation Fund under the Victim Compensation Scheme and also asked to oversee that it is used only for the little girl’s benefit.

Gujarat Home Minister also tweeted about the development. He lauded the decision and stated that it has set an example in the society. He informed that the minor would get Rs 6 lakh as compensation and expressed gratitude to the police for their promptness, sensitivity and submission of the charge sheet in just 27 days.

He further assured that the government is committed to preventing such cases and would not spare people with such a “depraved mindset.”

Absolute excess action on part of police: Calcutta HC orders release of a man arrested for alleged derogatory comments during Mamata Banerjee’s live stream

OpIndia Staff
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Absolute excess action on part of police: Calcutta HC orders release of a man arrested for alleged derogatory comments during Mamata Banerjee’s live stream

While ordering the release of a man arrested for criticising the Mamata Banerjee govt in the comment section of a Facebook live video, the Calcutta High Court on 27th June said that the arrest was an absolute excess action on the part of the police. The court also slammed the police for arresting the petitioner on defamation charges, even though the person who filed the complaint against him was not the alleged defamed person.

As a result, the High Court directed the release of the man who was arrested for making allegedly untoward and ‘defamatory’ comments towards some govt officials during a Facebook livestream of an administrative meeting held by West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, Live Law reported on Wednesday (3rd July 2024).

The single bench of Justice Amrita Sinha opined that it was an “absolute excess action on the part of the police” to arrest people for criticising someone, especially when the aggrieved party had not filed the complaint. Slamming the high-handedness of the Police officer, the court ordered the release of the arrested accused. The bench held that the police’s actions in the case amounted to “prima facie over-action.” Notably, the youth was booked under Sections 505(1)(b) and 500 of the Indian Penal Code. It was alleged that he made certain untoward or defamatory remarks against certain government functionaries in the comment section of CM Banerjee’s Facebook Livestream.

During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel stated that the Police arrested the accused within a day of making the comments during the livestream. The counsel submitted that no due process was followed while arresting the petitioner. According to the petitioner’s counsel, the accused was called to the police station. The Police then immediately arrested him and sent him behind bars without any explanation for offences that were only punishable with less than two years of imprisonment.

However, opposing his release, the State’s Counsel argued that the petitioner was arrested because he had not responded to the notice issued by the Police under Section 41A of the CrPC. 

In contrast, the petitioner’s counsel emphasised that the accused was arrested on a complaint filed by a person who was not the aggrieved party in the present case.

Following the arguments by both sides, the bench expressed concern that the petitioner was arrested for the offence of defamation when the complaint was not even made by the aggrieved persons and within two days of the complaint.

The Court raised objections over the fact that the petitioner was arrested and his fundamental right of speech was curbed without the Police following any due process of law.

The court said, “Where is the bar for people to ventilate their grievances? Just go and arrest somebody? Where is the person who has been defamed? Did Arup Roy (aggrieved party) lodge the complaint? Why will others come in and file a complaint on behalf of him? This is absolute excess action on part of the police it seems.” 

Further, the bench of the Calcutta High Court noted that the petitioner was arrested on the same day when a Section 41A notice was given to him. When the state’s counsel argued that the petitioner had refused to accept the notice, the bench replied, “Can a second notice not be served on him? It is a defamation case of somebody else. Why will he be arrested in the first place? On the same day as the 41A notice is served?” 

The Calcutta High Court then slammed the Police for taking actions against freedom of speech and arresting people for criticising someone.   

The bench said, “Even if it is an aspersion, no court of law has adjudicated on it. Do you want to gag people? They cannot criticise anyone anymore? What is your obligation? To go and arrest people?”

The bench also directed that the CCTV footage of the police station – on the day when the accused was arrested – should be preserved. 

While ordering the petitioner’s release, the court remarked, “Only because a citizen has protested or tried to highlight corruption on the end of a member of the ruling dispensation, the police ought not to have taken such stringent steps to curtail the freedom of such citizen. Act of detention and arrest appears to be an act of high-handedness by the police officer, accordingly, this Court directs the release of the petitioner.”

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