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Delhi government is looting the people of Delhi: BJP attacks AAP government over hike in electricity bills

ANI
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Delhi government is looting the people of Delhi: BJP attacks AAP government over hike in electricity bills

Delhi BJP chief Virendraa Sachdeva on Sunday slammed the Aam Aadmi Party government over the electricity price hike for domestic consumers, terming the surge in the price of power as looting the people of Delhi.

“Delhi government is looting the people of Delhi. The common man is struggling due to a hike in electricity bills. Every person who is paying the electricity bill with honesty is being looted,” Sachdeva told ANI.

In February this year, the Delhi government made a revision to the power purchase adjustment charge (PPAC) by discoms, which has led to a 6 to 8 per cent rise in the electricity bills of domestic consumers.

Sachdeva alleged that money is being collected illegally in the name of PPAC surcharges and pension surcharges and “the Delhi government and power companies are enjoying this money.”

“Tomorrow, we will protest at 14 electricity offices until the PPAC and pension surcharge are withdrawn. We have written to the chairman of the DRC and demanded an inquiry into how the Delhi government and power companies are doing a scam,” he said.

On Friday, BJP workers led by Sachdeva held a protest in the national capital over the power price hike.

The BJP alleges that the AAP government conspired with the discoms for their benefit. However, Delhi’s power minister and AAP leader Atishi countered that the opposition party has misled the public by circulating “rumours” that the PPAC is to blame for the rise in electricity costs.

Earlier, in a post on X, Virendraa Sachdeva said that the Kejriwal government is only here to fulfil their personal interests and the introduction of the PPAC in Delhi is just to expand its corruption and operate the scam system.

“The goal of the Kejriwal government in Delhi is only to fulfil personal interests; the AAP government never thought beyond this. In 2014, when Delhi was under President’s rule, the then Delhi BJP President Shri Satish Upadhyay ji, along with a delegation of RWAs, went to the then Union Energy Minister Shri Piyush Goyal and talked to the Power Discoms and got PPAC banned, due to which PPAC was not applied in electricity bills in Delhi from around August 2014 to September 2015. But the Kejriwal Government made the debut of PPAC in Delhi to expand its corruption and operate the scam system and by making PPAC a part of the Business Regulation Plan for calculating power tariffs in Delhi, the Kejriwal Government has given it constitutional protection,” he said.

He further questioned the increase in PPAC from 1.5 per cent in 2015 to 46 per cent now.

“Today, the pension surcharge, which was 1% in 2015, has increased to 7.5 per cent and the metre charge and load surcharge have also increased three times in 10 years. Seeing the situation of our citizens in Delhi, a protest was held in Delhi today in which BJP workers and common people were present in huge numbers. Kejriwal and Atishi should answer how PPAC increased from 1.5 per cent to 46 per cent,” he 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)

Puja Khedkar Case: Police seizes Audi car of the controversial IAS trainee officer

OpIndia Staff
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Puja Khedkar Case: Police seizes Audi car of the controversial IAS trainee officer

Pune Traffic Police has seized the Audi car of trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar. Puja made headlines after messages of her demands went viral on social media before joining the services as a full time officer. Furthermore, she was using the Audi car with red-blue light beacon illegally installed. The personal Audi car also had a VIP number plate which is not allowed per the Motor Vehicle Act. Khedkar had also got the “Maharashtra Government” written on her car without getting prior permission.

As per reports, the car is registered in the name of a private company. A notice was issued from the Pune RTO to the owner of the car to immediately present the car to the RTO for document verification. Following the notice, the driver of the Khedkar family visited the traffic division of Chaturshringi police station in Pune and handed over the keys to the officials.

The red-blue light and the sticker of the Maharashtra Government were removed from the car. Reportedly, there is a standing fine of Rs 26,000 against the said Audi car for violating 21 traffic rules.

Puja Khedkar’s name appeared in the news after she demanded special facilities before joining the post of Assistant Collector in Pune. As per the chats, she asked for a special office, an official car, and staff. Notably, trainee officers are not entitled to these facilities.

As the matter went viral on social media platforms, more details about how she became an IAS officer came to light. Reportedly, she has now been accused of submitting the wrong documents to UPSC. Furthermore, she also allegedly misused her Divyang and OBC certificates. According to her OBC certificate, she belongs to the non-creamy layer. However, her family has declared properties of Rs 60 crores. 

Following the controversy and report filed against her by the Pune Collector about her behaviour with fellow employees, she was transferred to Washim. A special committee has been formed by the Government of India to investigate the matter. According to an unnamed officer quoted by PTI, in case she is found guilty, her selection will be cancelled.

FIR against Puja’s parents for threatening a farmer

As Puja Khedkar made the headlines, her family’s questionable actions are coming to light. On 13th July, an FIR was registered against the parents of the trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar for threatening a farmer with a pistol. The Police lodged an FIR based on a farmer’s complaint after an old video went viral in which Puja Khedkar’s mother, Manorama Khedkar was seen pointing a pistol at farmers. Manorama Khedkar was booked under sections 323, 504, 506, 143, 144, 147, 148, and 149 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and various sections of the Indian Arms Act. The Police have also booked Puja’s father, Dilip Khedkar, and five others. 

Father Dilip Khedkar came in support of his daughter

Dilip Khedkar, the father of the trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar, defended his daughter against the allegations made against her, asserting that she is being unjustly harassed. In an exclusive interview with India Today TV, Dilip Khedkar discussed the controversy regarding his daughter’s inappropriate demands and indiscipline during her probationary period in Pune. He argued that requesting a place to sit is not an error. “My daughter has done nothing wrong. Is it wrong for a woman to ask for a place to sit? The matter is sub judice, and a committee has been appointed to investigate it. We should all wait for the final verdict. I believe someone is deliberately trying to make this an issue,” said Dilip Khedkar.

Assassination attempt on Donald Trump is 16th such attempt: History of assassinations and assassination attempts on Presidents and Presidential candidates in the USA

OpIndia Staff
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Assassination attempt on Donald Trump is 16th such attempt: History of assassinations and assassination attempts on Presidents and Presidential candidates in the USA

On 13th July (local time), former President Donald Trump was shot at an election rally in Pennsylvania. Trump was addressing his supporters when multiple shots were fired at him by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks. Trump suffered a bullet injury on his right ear. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital where he received treatment for the injuries. One person in the rally died in the attack and two others were seriously injured before the shooter was neutralised.

Donald Trump is not the first top leader in the United States who faced an assassination attempt. So far, assassination attempts have taken place on 10 out of 42 Presidents. Four attempts were successful. Several Presidential candidates have also faced assassination attempts. In total, there had been 15 such attempts on Presidents, Presidential Candidates and a President-Elect, and five such attacks resulted in the death of the target.

Assassination attempt on Andrew Jackson in 1835

Andrew Jackson

On 30th January 1835, then-President Andrew Jackson, a Democrat, was attacked in Washington DC. The assailant was identified as Richard Lawrence. He fired a pistol at Jackson but the firearm misfired. Lawrence was declared insane. According to reports, he claimed that President Jackson was preventing him from obtaining large sums of money and was ruining the country.

Assassination of Abraham Lincoln in 1865

Left: Abraham Lincoln. Right: John Wilkes Booth

On 14th April 1865, then-President Abraham Lincoln, a Republican, became the first US President to get assassinated while being in office. The incident took place in Washington DC where an assailant identified as John Wilkes Booth shot him dead using a pistol. Booth was killed before being captured. Reportedly, he was loyal to the Confederacy and wanted revenge for its defeat.

Assassination of James A Garfield in 1881

Left: James A Garfield. Right: Charles Guiteau

On 2nd July 1881, then-President James A Garfield, a Republican, was shot dead in Washington DC by Charles Guiteau. He was a disgruntled office-seeker and supporter of an opposition faction in the Republican Party. Guiteau was captured and convicted of the assassination.

Assassination of William Mckinley in 1901

Left: William McKinley, Right: Leon F Czolgosz

On 6th September 1901, then-President William McKinley, a Republican, was shot dead using a pistol by Leon F Czolgosz in Buffalo, New York. Czolgosz was motivated by anarchist ideology and was a class antagonist. He was convicted of the crime.

Assassination attempt of Theodore Roosevelt in 1912

Left: Theodore Roosevelt Right: John Schrank

On 14th October 1912, former President Theodore Roosevelt was shot at by John Schrank in Milwaukee, WI. Roosevelt was running as a Progressive (Bull Moose) candidate then. Schrank was declared insane. He claimed that he had a vision that McKinley wanted him to avenge his death.

Assassination attempt of Franklin D Roosevelt in 1933

Left: Franklin D Roosevelt Right: Giuseppe Zangara

On 15th February 1933, then-President-elect Franklin D Roosevelt, a Democrat, was shot at by Giuseppe Zangara with a pistol in Miami, Florida. Though Roosevelt did not receive any injuries, Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak was fatally wounded. Zangara was convicted of murder. He expressed hatred for rulers and capitalists.

Assassination attempt on Harry S Truman in 1950

Left: Harry S Truman Middle: Oscar Collazo Right: Griselio Torresola

On 1st November 1950, an assassination attempt took place on then-President Harry S Truman, a Democrat in Washington DC. The assailants were identified as Oscar Collazo and Griselio Torresola. They used automatic weapons to fire at Blair House, the temporary residence of the President. Though the President was unharmed, a White House police officer was killed and two others were reported injured. Torresola was killed at the scene while Collazo was captured and convicted. Both of them were supporters of Puerto Rican independence.

The assassination of John F Kennedy in 1963

Left: John F Kennedy Right: Lee Harvey Oswald

On 22nd November 1963, then-President John F Kennedy, a Democrat, was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. The assailant was identified as Lee Harvey Oswald. He killed Kennedy using a rifle. Oswald was dead before the trial. The motive behind the murder of Kennedy remains unknown. Kennedy’s assassination is one of the most controversial murders of top leaders around the world and the source of many conspiracy theories. His assassination has found its way into popular culture as well.

The assassination of Robert F Kenndy in 1968

Left: Robert F Kennedy Right: Sirhan Sirhan

On 5th June 1968, senator and presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy, a Democrat, was assassinated in Los Angeles, California. The assailant was identified as Sirhan Sirhan who used a pistol to kill Kennedy. He was motivated by opposition to Kennedy’s stance on the Israeli-Arab conflict. He was convicted of the assassination.

Assassination attempt on George C Wallace

Left: George C Wallace Right: Arthur Bremer

On 15th May 1972, an assassination attempt on presidential candidate and then-Alabama Governor George C Wallace, a Democrat, took place in Laurel, MD. The assailant was identified as Arthur Bremer and three others were involved in the assassination attempt. Bremer used a pistol to attack Bremer. He was convicted and imprisoned. To date, it is unclear why he attacked Wallace.

Assassination attempts on Gerald R Ford in 1975

Left: Gerald R Ford Middle: Lynette Alice Fromme Right: Sara Jane Moore

In 1975, then-President Gerald R Ford, a Republican, faced two assassination attempts. The first assassination attempt happened on 5th September in Sacramento, California. The assailant was identified as Lynette Alice Fromme. She was a member of the extremist “Manson family”. She tried to kill Ford using a pistol, but the gun misfired. She was convicted of the crime.

The second attempt took place on 22nd September in San Francisco, California. The assailant was identified as Sara Jane Moore who used a pistol to attack Ford but missed. She was convicted and imprisoned. Moore and Fromme were the only female assailants who attempted to kill a President in the US.

Assassination attempt on Ronald W Reagan in 1981

Left: Ronald W Reagan Right: John W Hinckley

On 30th March 1981, an assassination attempt took place on then-President Ronald W Reagan, a Republican, in Washington DC. The assailant was identified as John W Hinckley who used a pistol to attack Reagan but he survived with a bullet wound. Hinckley was found not guilty of the assassination attempt because of insanity. He was committed to a mental institution.

Assassination attempt on William J Clinton in 1994

Left: William J Clinton Right: Francisco M Duran

On 29th October 1994, an assassination attempt took place on then-President William J Clinton, a Democrat in Washington DC. The assailant was identified as Francisco M Duran who used a semi-automatic assault rifle for the attack at the White House while Clinton was inside. Duran was convicted of attempted assassination and imprisoned.

Assassination attempt on George W Bush in 2005

Left: George W Bush Right: Vladimir Arutyunian

On 10th May 2005, then-President George W Bush, a Republican, was attacked in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia. The attacker, identified as Vladimir Arutyunian, threw a grenade at Bush and the then-Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili. However, the grenade did not explode. Though Bush survived the attack, a police officer was killed while attempting to arrest the attacker. The attacker was convicted of attempted assassination and murdering the police officer. The motive behind the attack remains unknown.

Out of these 15 incidents, the broad conspiracy was proven only in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. The investigation into the assassination attempt on Donald Trump is underway.

‘Registered’ Republican who donated money to Democrats: Meet Thomas Matthew Crooks, the man behind the assassination attempt on Donald Trump

Dibakar Dutta
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‘Registered’ Republican who donated money to Democrats: Meet Thomas Matthew Crooks, the man behind the assassination attempt on Donald Trump

On Saturday (13th July, local time), former US President and Republican candidate Donald Trump was shot at during an election rally in Pennsylvania.

The assassination attempt, which was caught on camera, was carried out by a 20 year-old-man named Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park.

At the time of writing, the motive of the assassin remains unconfirmed. “This remains an active and ongoing investigation,” the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said in a statement.

Following the attack, Thomas was neutralised by the snipers deployed for the protection of the ex-President.

He was armed with an AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle and had positioned himself on a manufacturing plant’s roof, as per his modus operandi. The plant was about 200 feet outside the zone of Donald Trump’s rally.

The assassin did not have any criminal history, as evident from the public court records of Pennsylvania.

Thomas Matthew Crooks neutralised by the US Secret Service, image via New York Post

According to the voter status record [pdf] of Pennsylvania, Thomas Matthew Crooks was registered as a Republican i.e. the same party as that of Donald Trump.

Interestingly, he had donated money through ‘ActBlue’, a Democratic party donation platform to a liberal group called ‘Progressive Turnout Project’.

The date of donation was January 20th 2021 i.e. the day Joe Biden took Office as the President of the United States. At that time, the attacker was 17 years old.

It has now surfaced on social media that Thomas Matthew Crooks graduated from the Bethel Park High School in 2022. A video of the graduation ceremony is available on YouTube.

The attacker was seen wearing spectacles and dressed in a black gown. In the same year, he also received $500 (~₹41760) from the National Math & Science Initiative.

It remains unknown as to what led him to the path of radicalisation in the past 2 years. OpIndia could not find his social media handles at the time of writing the report.

The attack carried out by Thomas Matthew Crooks led to the death of a Trump supporter and critically injured two others.

Donald Trump also sustained injuries and bled from his ears as a bullet whizzed past him.

The assassination attempt was condemned by world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Disclaimer: This is a developing story. The report will be updated as the investigation into the case unfolds.

US Secret Service under the scanner: FBI surprised how the would-be assassin of Donald Trump fired so many shots before being taken out

OpIndia Staff
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US Secret Service under the scanner: FBI surprised how the would-be assassin of Donald Trump fired so many shots before being taken out

Law enforcement officials have acknowledged that it was “surprising” how the gunman was able to target former President Donald Trump with so many bullets before eventually being killed by Secret Service snipers. At an early 14th July press briefing, representatives of the Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation deferred several security-related queries to the Secret Service which was conspicuously missing. FBI Special Agent Kevin Rojek responded, “It is surprising but, to get all the details of that will come out later in the investigation,” when asked if he was astonished by the number of shots the gunman managed to fire at the former president.

Rojek added, “The Secret Service really needs to answer that question,” emphasizing that the FBI was only there to assist Secret Service as they were in charge of protecting the area. Lt. Col. George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police made an effort to defend the Secret Service over the security breach that almost cost Donald Trump his life. He claimed, “In their defense, what I would want to say is it is incredibly difficult to have a venue open to the public and secure that against any possible threat against a determined attacker, that’s a huge lift to try and do it.”

However, not everybody agrees that not much could be done. Chairman of the House Oversight Committee James Comer declared that his committee will grill Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle about the serious security breach and launch an investigation into the incident that endangered former President Donald Trump. Around 130 yards from the stage at the Butler County Fair Grounds, a 20-year-old sniper named Thomas Matthew Crooks positioned himself atop a building with a clear view of the former president. According to authorities, while Donald Trump was speaking, Crooks opened fire striking President Trump’s ear, killing one rally attendee and gravely wounding another.

As soon as Donald Trump was hit, Secret personnel sprang into action, dragging a bleeding Donald Trump off stage. The snipers then eliminated the assailant, according to the police. During the early press briefing, the authorities refused to reveal the attacker’s identity. According to officials, the FBI has not yet determined the reason behind the attack. Kevin Rojek informed, “We do not currently have an identified motive and our investigators are working tirelessly to attempt to identify what that motive was.”

Additionally, officials stated that it was too soon to assess whether or not the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump was a “lone wolf” attack. Lt. Col. George Bivens declared, “Too early to say that. We have one shooter tentatively identified. We’re not stopping there. We’re following up on a lot of information, it will be some time until we can conclusively say (it was a single gunman).”

All personal laws related to women should be equal across all religions: NCW chief Rekha Sharma

ANI
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All personal laws related to women should be equal across all religions: NCW chief Rekha Sharma

After the Supreme Court ruled on June 10 that a Muslim woman is entitled to claim maintenance after divorce, National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Rekha Sharma welcomed the decision and stated that all personal laws related to women should be equal across all religions.

Speaking to ANI, Rekha Sharma said, “I always say that women’s rights should be universal and not determined based on religion. All personal laws related to women should be equal across all religions. Under the Hindu Marriage Act, you get alimony after divorce, so why should a Muslim woman not get it? I welcome what the Supreme Court has said.”

The Supreme Court on June 10 ruled that a divorced Muslim woman is entitled to seek maintenance from her husband under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), asserting that any discrimination against Muslim women in matters of alimony under the secular laws of the country would be regressive and against gender justice and equality.

Earlier, the NCW chief wholeheartedly welcomed the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling, stating that the decision is a significant step towards ensuring gender equality and justice for all women, regardless of their religion.

The NCW Chairperson emphasised that the decision reinforces the principle that no woman should be left without support and protection under the law.

The NCW remains committed to advocating for women’s rights and ensuring that justice prevails for every woman in India, she emphasised.

Rekha Sharma also addressed the “lewd” comment incident that occurred earlier regarding a picture of the widow of Kirti Chakra recipient Captain Anshuman Singh.

NCW chief Rekha Sharma said, “It was a very derogatory comment that we saw on social media, and we immediately took suo motu cognizance of it. The police have filed an FIR against this person. However, the individual is most likely from Pakistan.”

“Many such comments are being made, and we are taking those comments very seriously and urging the police to file FIRs in those cases as well,” she added.

Delhi Police acknowledged the National Commission for Women’s (NCW) letter to the Delhi Commissioner of Police, demanding the arrest of the man and submission of a detailed report to the panel within three days.

The police said a complaint was received from the National Commission for Women, alleging that a social media user had made an extremely lewd and derogatory comment on a picture of the widow of a late soldier.

Taking cognizance of the complaint and after a preliminary examination of its contents, a case FIR under Sections 79, BNS-2023, and Section 67 of the IT Act 2000 has been registered at the Police Station Special Cell, and an investigation is underway.

Captain Anshuman Singh, a doctor, was posted with the 26 Punjab as a medical officer in the Siachen Glacier area. On the night of July 19, 2023, there was a fire incident at an Indian Army ammunition dump at the camp where he was posted.

Captain Singh saw a fibreglass hut engulfed in fire and immediately acted to rescue four to five individuals trapped inside. He went inside the medical investigation room, which was also on fire, to retrieve the critical medical aid box but could not make it out due to heavy fire amid strong winds. He was awarded the Kirti Chakra posthumously.

Captain Singh’s wife, Smriti, and his mother received the award from President Droupadi Murmu.

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

History sheeter involved in the murder of Tamil Nadu BSP chief K Armstrong killed in police encounter in Chennai

OpIndia Staff
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History sheeter involved in the murder of Tamil Nadu BSP chief K Armstrong killed in police encounter in Chennai

A police encounter resulted in the death of one of the eleven suspects in the murder of K Armstrong, the Tamil Nadu president of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), police revealed on 14th July. He had attempted to attack the cops and flee in the Madhavaram neighbourhood of Chennai. The individual identified as Thiruvengadam was taken to a place near Madhavaram at 7 am on Sunday to find the weapons that were used to kill Armstrong. But he tried to attack one of the sub-inspectors and tried to escape from the place, after which the police team opened fire at him.

Additional Commissioner of Police, Chennai North, Narendra Nair announced, “The encounter took place today and investigation is underway.” 33-year-old K Thiruvengadam from Kundrathur is history sheeter, as per police. Prior to the assassination, he is reported to have followed the BSP leader for a few days, closely monitoring his movements.

Police sources disclosed that Thiruvengadam was brought to the area at 7 am to seize guns that were apparently employed in K Armstrong’s killing when he opened fire on the officers with one of the retrieved weapons. The subsequent gunfight resulted in injuries to him and he was taken to the government Stanley Medical College right away. “Doctors declared him brought dead upon arrival,” informed authorities.

On 5th July, K Armstrong was hacked to death by six unidentified people while he was standing outside his under-construction house in Perambur. A group of bike-borne men attacked him with knives, leaving him fatally injured on the road. He was pronounced dead after being taken to a private hospital on Greams Road. Afterwards, a government hospital received his body for a postmortem. Eight persons, including Thiruvengadam, were taken into custody by the city police a few hours later.

Ponnai V Balu (39), D Ramu (38), K S Thirumalai (45), D Selvaraj (48), G Arul (33), K Manivannan (25) and J Santosh (22) were also nabbed by the cops. The following day, three more men, Gokul, Vijay and Sivasankar were arrested. Armstrong was killed, according to the city police, in retaliation for the death of Arcot Suresh, a history-sheeter, close to the Foreshore Estate in 2023. Suresh’s younger brother Ponnai V Balu is among the arrested accused. The suspects were placed under five days of arrest by the authorities on 11th July to interrogate them.

A fierce political uproar ensued in the state after the incident, with opposition parties accusing the MK Stalin-led Tamil Nadu government of failing to maintain law and order. Mayawati, the supremo of the BSP, visited Chennai and also sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into K Armstrong’s death, charging that the people who have been arrested thus far are not real perpetrators. She implored Chief Minister MK Stalin to forward the case to the central agency to ensure the victim could receive justice.

She conveyed, “I urge the state government, especially the Chief Minister, to ensure law and order in the state. The weaker sections, in particular, should feel safe. Had the government been serious, the accused would have been arrested. Since that is not the case, we urge the state government to refer the case to the CBI.” K Armstrong, a lawyer, was chosen in 2006 to serve on the Chennai Corporation Council. His rise to prominence began two years ago when he invited the BSP president to a massive rally he organized in Chennai.

ISKCON and Donald Trump: How the first Jagannath Rath Yatra in 1976 was organised with the help of the former US President in New York City

OpIndia Staff
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ISKCON and Donald Trump: How the first Jagannath Rath Yatra in 1976 was organised with the help of the former US President in New York City

United States presidential candidate Donald Trump is in the news after a shooter fired at him from an elevated position during his campaign rally in Pennsylvania’s Bulter. A bullet pierced his ear and the perpetrator was eliminated by the United States Secret Service. However, one person died and two sustained grievous injuries in the incident. A social media user Matt Wallace shared an image from the shocking instance and referred to the narrow escape of the former president as “divine intervention.”

Vice President and spokesperson for the Kolkata ISKCON, Radharamn Das, concurred with him and related a fascinating story of how Donal Trump was able to gain spiritual merit by helping followers of Lord Krishna organize the Rath Yatra in New York. He stated in an elaborate post, “Exactly 48 years ago, Donald Trump saved the Jagannath Rathayatra festival. Today, as the world celebrates the Jagannath Rathayatra festival again, Trump was attacked, and Jagannath returned the favour by saving him”.

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) was preparing to host the first-ever Jagannath Rath Yatra in New York City in honour of its tenth anniversary, around 48 years ago in 1976. There were, however, multiple challenges. The two main ones were authorization to utilize Fifth Avenue and a place where the Raths could be constructed close to Fifth Avenue. Tosan Krishna Das, the person in charge of obtaining permission, had sent a formal proposal to the authorities on behalf of the Hare Krishna Movement. The police department had first responded positively but later changed its position and cited a 1962 mayor’s decree prohibiting new parades on Fifth Avenue.

In the end, after exhausting all other options, Tosan submitted a special request to the Manhattan Chief of Police. No one knew how the application would be received by him. However, following a thorough examination, the senior official grinned and signed the documents. “I don’t know why I am doing this,” he stated according to Tosan and put his signature on it. Even though the Fifth Avenue parade permit’s issuance was nothing short of a miracle, another divine intervention was required to find a vacant plot close to the starting point of the parade route where chariots could be constructed. Tosan took it upon himself to find such a place that would work.

The Pennsylvania Rail Yard was the best option and he unsuccessfully knocked on the doors of everyone who might possess a portion of the yard. The conditions required to construct the enormous wooden Raths (chariots) were revealed and all of them refused as they were worried about potential legal problems and insurance hazards, among other things. Many of the business owners who were contacted reportedly stated that they didn’t want to take a chance because they were in the process of selling the land at the Pennsylvania rail yard which was marked as the perfect site for cart making and the new owner under contract would have the final word. The distress among the devotees peaked and their hopes were crushed.

Notably, none other than Donald John Trump was the new owner. A few days later, Tosan received word that a significant portion of the former railroad yard had been acquired by Donald Trump, the “up-and-coming” real estate magnate of the time in the United States of America. First of all, there were doubts because the dozen previous landlords he had requested had already declined, therefore, “Why would Trump be any different,” was the first question that was raised in addition to his ostentatious and widely recognized lifestyle. Tosan, nonetheless, penned a proposal, which was given to the real estate tycoon, however, everything appeared bleak at the time.

The devotees brought a presentation package and a large basket of Maha Prasadam to his office. While accepting, his secretary forewarned them and declared, “He never agrees to this kind of thing. You can ask, but he will most likely say no.” Nevertheless, the devotees maintained their faith in Mahaprabhu and the miracle materialized. Surprisingly, Donald Trump appeared as a beacon of hope for followers of Lord Krishna as his secretary called up the devotees after three days and informed, “I don’t know what happened but he read your letter, took a bit of the food you left, and immediately said Sure, why not? Come on down and get his signed letter of permission.”

Tosan was contacted and invited to come to the Four Seasons restaurant in Manhattan where all the specifics of the real estate purchase were to be finalized, much to his surprise and prayers. He then received the signed consent document. The devotees were greatly relieved to learn that Donal Trump allowed the utilization of the open train yards for the building of Rath Yatra chariots. He helped the devotees after everyone had shut their doors. He could have also declined the offer with ease as well, but he decided not to.

What is ISKCON

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), known colloquially as the Hare Krishna movement is a Gaudiya Vaishnava Hindu religious organization. It was founded on 13th July 1966 in New York City by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Its main headquarters is located in Mayapur, West Bengal, India. Its unique form of monotheistic core beliefs is based on Hindu scriptures, particularly Prabhupada’s commentaries and translations of the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhagavata Purana.

ISKCON is “the largest and, arguably, most important branch” of the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition which has had adherents in India since the early 16th century and its American and European devotees since the mid and late 20th century. It has around 10 million followers worldwide. The religious organization practices vegetarianism and was initially formed to spread the practice of Bhakti yoga. Its followers, called bhaktas, dedicate both their thoughts and actions towards pleasing Krishna, whom they consider the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Its most rapid expansion in registered membership has been within India and (after the collapse of the Soviet Union) in Russia and other formerly Soviet-aligned states of Eastern Europe.

‘Political violence is never acceptable’: World leaders condemn assassination attempt on Donald Trump at Pennsylvania rally

ANI
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‘Political violence is never acceptable’: World leaders condemn assassination attempt on Donald Trump at Pennsylvania rally

Several world leaders have condemned the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania, in which the former US President was shot in the upper part of the ear. One rally attendee was killed and another was injured.

Leaders from various nations wished Trump a speedy recovery and asserted that political violence in any form has no place in society.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the shooting incident at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania “concerning and confronting.”

In a post on X, Albanese stated, “The incident at former President Trump’s campaign event in Pennsylvania today is concerning and confronting. There is no place for violence in the democratic process. I am relieved to hear reports that former President Trump is now safe.”

Donald Trump was on stage at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania’s Butler before gunshots rang out and Secret Service agents stormed the stage, The Hill reported. The Secret Service agents surrounded the Republican candidate and escorted him off the stage, with blood visible across his face.

He raised his fist towards the crowd as he was escorted away by law enforcement personnel. According to the US Secret Service’s statement, one spectator was killed, another was critically injured, and the incident is being investigated. Hours after the shooting, Donald Trump said that the bullet pierced the upper part of his ear.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he and his wife were shocked by the apparent attack on Trump and prayed for his speedy recovery.

Taking to X, Netanyahu stated, “Sara and I were shocked by the apparent attack on President Trump. We pray for his safety and speedy recovery.”

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that he is “appalled” by the shocking scenes at Trump’s rally and asserted that political violence in any form has no place in society.

In a statement shared on X, Starmer stated, “I am appalled by the shocking scenes at President Trump’s rally, and we send him and his family our best wishes. Political violence in any form has no place in our societies, and my thoughts are with all the victims of this attack.”

Honduran President Xiomara Castro de Zelaya has offered support to Trump after the shooting incident. Taking to X, she stated, “Violence generates more violence. I am sorry for what is happening in the United States electoral process. My solidarity with Donald Trump.”

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that he is “sickened” by the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally and emphasised that political violence is never acceptable.

Taking to X, Trudeau stated, “I’m sickened by the shooting at former President Trump. It cannot be overstated — political violence is never acceptable. My thoughts are with former President Trump, those at the event, and all Americans.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he is “appalled” to learn about the shooting incident at Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania. He said that he is relieved to know that Trump is safe and wished him a speedy recovery.

“I am appalled to learn about the shooting of former US President Donald Trump at his rally in Pennsylvania. Such violence has no justification and no place anywhere in the world. Never should violence prevail. I am relieved to learn that Donald Trump is now safe and wish him a speedy recovery. My condolences go out to the close ones of this attack’s victim, a rally attendee. I extend my wishes for strength to everyone who is horrified by this event. I wish America emerges stronger from this,” Zelenskyy posted on X.

Offering support to Trump after the shooting incident, Hungarian PM Viktor Orban stated, “My thoughts and prayers are with President @realDonaldTrump in these dark hours.”

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ‘strongly condemned’ the incident and said that there is ‘no place for violence in politics.’ PM Modi said that he was “deeply concerned’ by the attack on Trump.

Taking to X, PM Modi wrote, “Deeply concerned by the attack on my friend, former President Donald Trump. Strongly condemn the incident. Violence has no place in politics and democracies. Wish him a speedy recovery.”

The shooter who attempted to assassinate former US President Donald Trump has been identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Cooks, New York Post reported, citing sources.

Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, fired shots, one of which grazed Trump in the ear at an outdoor rally in Butler. Thomas Matthew Cooks was planted on the roof of a manufacturing plant located over 130 yards away from the stage at Butler Farm Show grounds, the New York Post reported, citing sources.

The US Secret Service snipers shot him, and an AR-style rifle was later recovered. Bethel Park is a village 40 miles south of where Trump’s rally was held in Butler. Crooks’ motive behind firing on the presumptive Republican presidential nominee is unclear. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is leading the investigation into the shooting incident at former US President Donald Trump’s rally.

In a statement, the FBI said that the special agents of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office responded immediately and will include crisis response team members and evidence response technicians.

The FBI stated that they will continue to support this probe with all the resources of the investigation agency. It also asked people to inform them if they had any information regarding the incident.

In a statement shared on X, the FBI stated, “The FBI has assumed the role of the lead federal law enforcement agency in the investigation of the incident involving former President Donald Trump that occurred earlier today in Butler, Pennsylvania.”

“Special agents of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office responded immediately, to include crisis response team members and evidence response technicians. We will continue to support this investigation with the full resources of the FBI, alongside our partners at the US Secret Service and state and local law enforcement. Anyone with information that may assist with the investigation is asked to call our tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI,” it added.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said former President Donald Trump has left the Butler area following the shooting at a rally on Saturday (local time).

In a statement posted on X, Shapiro stated, “Under the protection of US Secret Service and with the assistance of the Pennsylvania State Police, former President Trump has now left the Butler area. Lori and I are thankful that his team reports that he is fine and we continue to wish him a full and speedy recovery. We mourn the loss of life and pray for the two victims who are being treated at this time.”

He expressed gratitude to the law enforcement officers who responded to the incident, protected Trump, and worked to bring the situation under control. He stated that the enforcement officials will continue to lead the investigation into the shooting of Trump.

In the post on X, he further said, “I am grateful for all law enforcement who responded, protected the former president, and worked to bring the situation under control. Federal law enforcement officials will continue to lead on the investigation into the shooting of former President Trump. Pennsylvania State Police will lead the investigation into the shooting of the other victims.”

“I have been in regular communication with law enforcement on the ground in Pennsylvania and have spoken with President Biden who offered his full support. As we wait to learn more from the investigations, I am mindful of just how painful and shocking this event is to so many of our fellow Pennsylvanians. I respectfully ask that we treat our fellow Americans with respect and join together to universally condemn the unacceptable violence we witnessed earlier today in Butler,” he added.

A shooting at a Pennsylvania rally on Saturday (local time) that injured Trump has heightened concerns about political violence and increased awareness regarding past attacks and assassination attempts against presidents and candidates, CBS News reported.

According to a 2008 report compiled by the Congressional Research Service, direct assaults against presidents, presidents-elect, and candidates have occurred on 15 separate occasions, with five resulting in death, according to CBS News. Of the 45 individuals serving as president, 13 have been subject to actual or attempted assassinations. The number does not include the shooting incident that involves 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)

‘Loud’, ‘popping’ noises – US media downplays assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, 20-year-old shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks shot dead

OpIndia Staff
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‘Loud’, ‘popping’ noises – US media downplays assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, 20-year-old shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks shot dead

On 13th July (local time), an assassination attempt on former United States President Donald Trump shook the world. Though Trump is safe, a bullet pierced his ear leading to blood flowing on his face. Photographs and videos of the incident went viral on social media. The incident took place at Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. He was immediately escorted off stage by US Secret Service agents and taken away in a motorcade. While the world leaders condemned the assassination attempt, US media tried to downplay the incident.

The Associated Press’s first Wire release read, “Donald Trump whisked off stage in Pennsylvania after loud noises rang through the crowd”. The report by the Associated Press was picked up by many media houses with similar headlines.

Source: AP

ABC News report, which was based on Associated Press’s wire, read, “Donald Trump escorted off stage by Secret Service during rally after loud noises ring out in crowd”.

Source: ABC News

USA Today’s headline read, “Trump removed from stage by Secret Service after loud noises startles former president, crowd”.

Source: USA Today

MSNBC report’s headline read, “Trump rushed offstage at Pennsylvania rally by Secret Service after loud popping noises heard”.

Source: MSNBC

Now-changed, the Washington Post’s headline read, “Trump escorted away after loud noises at Pa. rally”.

Source: priyankadeo/X/WaPo

Washington Post’s post on X read, “Breaking news: Former president Donald Trump was just rushed offstage after loud noises were reported at rally in Pennsylvania.”

Source: X/Washington Post

While media houses downplayed the assassination attempt, several journalists and X users on social media platforms expressed dismay that Trump was alive. A screenshot was shared by Libs of TikTok on X where The Stranger’s journalist Ashley Nerbovig wrote, “Make America aim again”. Ashley later locked and then deactivated her account.

Libs Of Tiktok also shared two videos of leftist screaming over the assassin missing the “target”. Tiktok user Cele2t3 screamed her lungs out while crying over the missed assassination. Her TikTok account has either been deleted or deactivated.

Another TikTok user Super99x expressed similar behaviour. His account has been turned to “private” on TikTok.

The bullet fired at Donald Trump pierced the upper part of his right ear. Trump was immediately escorted off stage by US Secret Service agents and taken to a hospital. In a statement, the US Secret Service said that a suspected shooter fired multiple shots towards the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue during Trump’s campaign rally in Butler on July 13 at 6:15 pm.

The attacker has been identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. He was neutralised by security forces after he fired multiple shots from an AR-15-type semiautomatic rifle.

One person in the rally died in the incident, and two others were seriously injured.

Former President Trump is definitely an eye sour for the left-liberals of the US. There have been countless attempts including shutting his social media accounts to supress his voice. The elections are scheduled in the US in coming months and such attempts are only going to make his support base stronger, something that Trump haters yet to understand.

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