Pakistani speedster Haris Rauf nearly got into a fist fight with a fan after reportedly a request for a selfie was denied by the fast bowler. The video of the incident, which took place in the USA, has since gone viral online. Haris Rauf is currently vacationing in the US with family after Pakistan were knocked out in the first round of the ongoing T20 World Cup.
As Haris Rauf ran towards the man to attack him, his wife tried to stop him but he managed to free herself from her grasp. Then Rauf handed his phone to her and jumped to attack the fan. A few people around stopped him from doing so. Rauf and the man exchanged a few expletives, but they were separated by the others.
The 54 seconds video has now gone viral on Social media.
During the interaction, Haris Rauf shouts at the fan that ‘tera India nahi hai yeh’ (This is not your India), to which the fan replies “Pakistan se hoon” (I am from Pakistan).
Haris Rauf was part of the Pakistan squad during the ongoing T20 World Cup. Pakistan has been knocked out of the tournament after losing to USA and India during the group stage. They did manage to win against Canada and Ireland but it wasn’t enough. After getting knocked out of the tournament, a few Pakistani players stayed back in the United States, Haris Rauf being one of them.
Hitting out at the Congress party, former party leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam said that by fielding Priyanka Gandhi from Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency in Kerala, Congress has proved it “does not trust Hindus.”
“By fielding Priyanka Gandhi from Wayanad, the Congress proves that it does not have trust in Hindus. Had the party trusted Hindus, Priyanka Gandhi would have been fielded from some other constituency,” Acharya Krishnam told ANI.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge announced Priyanka Gandhi’s candidature from Wayanad on Monday.
The by-election in the Wayanad seat was necessitated after Rahul Gandhi decided to retain Uttar Pradesh’s Raebareli seat, the other seat he won in the recently held Lok Sabha elections.
Pramod Krishnam also accused the Congress leadership of reducing Priyanka Gandhi’s stature by giving her ticket only in a by-poll, adding that she is the “most popular face” in the party and should instead be made the Congress president.
“Priyanka Gandhi is the most popular face in Congress. She should have been made the Congress president…By giving her a ticket to Lok Sabha in by-elections, attempts are being made to diminish the stature of Priyanka Gandhi. Still, she is starting a new inning, my best wishes to her,” he said.
Notably, Acharya Krishnam has been making startling claims against Congress, ever since he was expelled by the party for “anti-party” remarks.
Last month, he claimed that the Congress party could soon ‘split’ into a Rahul Gandhi faction and a Priyanka Gandhi faction.
He made these remarks after Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination from Raebareli while Priyanka Gandhi didn’t contest the Lok Sabha polls.
“The way Rahul Gandhi has left Amethi, Congress party workers’ morale is down. Priyanka Gandhi not contesting the election, this is now taking the shape of a volcano in the hearts of her supporters that will erupt after June 4. Congress will again be split into two factions, one of Rahul Gandhi and the other of Priyanka Gandhi…I think Rahul Gandhi should contest from Rawalpindi instead of Raebareli, as his popularity and demand are increasing in Pakistan,” Krishnam claimed.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge announced Priyanka Gandhi’s candidature from Wayanad at a special press conference on Monday, after Rahul Gandhi announced that he will resign as an MP from Wayanad and will keep the Raebareli constituency.
Notably, if Priyanka Gandhi wins from Wayanad, three members of the Nehru-Gandhi family will be in Parliament – Sonia Gandhi in Rajya Sabha and Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi in the Lok Sabha.
Meanwhile, the Kerala unit of the Congress party welcomed the candidature of Priyanka Gandhi.
Leader of Opposition in Kerala Legislative Assembly, VD Satheesan, expressed confidence in Priyanka Gandhi’s victory with a historic majority.
Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee President K Sudhakaran also welcomed Priyanka’s candidature and said that from now on, two Gandhi voices will speak for Kerala in the Parliament.
Priyanka Gandhi said on Monday that she will contest the bypoll from Wayanad but her decades-old association with Amethi and Raebareli will continue.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
In a recent incident,it was reported that a Sikh Police officer from Chandigarh ASI Paramjit Singh was manhandled by locals in Dalhousie and Himachal Police over Kangana Ranaut slapping incident. A report by Times of India on 17th June claimed that some locals taunted ASI Singh saying “You hit our MP at the airport and then expect us to welcome you here.”
The report said that a Himachal Police constable also allegedly mistreated Singh and that HP Police ASI Madan Paul also supported the locals. The incident transpired when Singh had gone to Khajjiar near Dalhousie on a two-day vacation on the 9th of June. After returning to Chandigarh, Paramjit Singh filed an FIR over email with the Himachal Pradesh Police DGP against the HP Police officials who allegedly mistreated him.
In his complaint, Singh said that he parked his car at Khajjiar where other cars and taxis were parked and later sent his son to get his spectacles from the car. After reaching the spot Singh’s son called him and informed him that locals were objecting to his car being parked at the said spot. The TOI report claimed that locals were angry over the recent incident wherein a CISF officer Kulwinder Kaur allegedly slapped actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut.
Now, a video of the incident has surfaced online wherein an HP Police officer DS Thakur is seen confronting Chandigarh ASI Paramjit Singh. While it was being claimed in media reports and on social media that ASI Singh was mistreated by locals due to their anger over the Kangana Ranaut slapping incident, it was seen that it was a car parking-related dispute. The entire argument started after Singh had allegedly parked his car wrongly.
Now, a video of Chandigarh Police ASI Paramjit Singh and a complaint email have come to light, where he alleges that he was mistreated by the local Himachal police with the support of taxi drivers. On the other hand, the Khajjiar police stated that he had wrongly parked his car,… https://t.co/88JC7ZZTwcpic.twitter.com/w69QAQCRzE
Social media users peddle hateful narrative against Himachal Pradesh claiming ASI Paramjit Singh manhandled due to his Sikh identity
Several X users used the TOI report on the incident to peddle a false and sinister narrative against the Himachali people. One X user “Ujala” wrote, “Even Sikh cop’s are not safe in Himachal. High time Himachalis need to understand that we don’t want to do the similar act with your people in Chandigarh/Punjab. So it’s a humble request please calm down & stop these filthy acts, specially Himachali drivers when you still have time.”
Another one who goes by the username @KhalsaVision on X called for a “belt treatment” and “boycott” for Himachali people asserting that the Chandigarh cop was manhandled due to his Sikh identity. “Another Sikh ASI Paramjit Singh manhandled and mistreated in Himachal. I think Himachali Pahadiye need belt treatment as well as boycott,” the X user wrote.
One X user “ORC” went on to incite violence and shared a violent image suggesting the beheading of Himachal Pradesh locals. The X user shared an AI-generated image showing the severed head of a man wearing a Himachali (Pahadi) cap impaled on the tip of a spear. The image also contained text overtly threatening the Himachalis of violence and said, “Every road from Himachal to Delhi goes from Panjab.”
Meanwhile, one “Punjab Politics” urged the Punjabis to boycott Himachal Pradesh and go to Jammu and Kashmir instead since Himachal Pradesh has become “Rakshasa Bhoomi” [Demon’s land]. “Himachal is no longer Dev Bhoomi but has become Rakshasa Bhoomi. Instead of spending money and getting beaten up in Himachal, people of Punjab should either stay at home or go to Jammu and Kashmir…Don’t go to Himachal for just one year,” the X user wrote.
A Punjabi journalist Simrajit Singh Makkar said, “What is the compulsion that you have to go to Himachal, go to Srinagar. Take an oath that you will not go to Himachal for the next 2 years, if the ‘tongues’ of the people of Himachal do not come out in 2 years then ask me.” Makkar’s Instagram post has received over 24000 likes and the comments under this post largely agree with with his call to boycott Himachal Pradesh.
Himachal Pradesh cops refute allegations of police misconduct and connection with Kangana Ranaut slapping incident
Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh Police has issued a statement on the matter and said that the image of HP Police and the local people is being tarnished without ascertaining facts. The police said that Himachal Pradesh is a peaceful state and the local people welcome tourists. They added that the police are disciplined and public-friendly.
In its statement, HP Police said that Chandigarh ASI Paramjit Singh had wrongly parked his Toyota car in the middle of the road causing inconvenience to others. When Khajjiar Police Post officials asked Singh to remove his vehicle, ASI Singh started arguing with them.
— Himachal Pradesh Police (@himachalpolice) June 17, 2024
Himachal Police added that an enquiry was conducted by Sadar Police Station SHO and the allegations levelled against the police were found “baseless and false”.
“On 9th June 2024, Mr. Paramjit Singh, ASI Chandigarh Police who had come to visit Khajjiar in Chamba district, parked his vehicle Toyota Fortuner bearing No. CH 01 CE 8821 in the middle of the road causing obstruction to the traffic. When police officials of Khajjiar Police Post requested him to remove the wrongly parked vehicle, he got offended and started arguing with them. In this regard, enquiry into the matter was also conducted through SHO PS Sadar District Chamba. During enquiry, the allegations levelled against police officials soliciting support from local taxi drivers to fight with the tourists have been found baseless and false,” the HP Police statement reads.
The police also addressed similar false claims being associated with another incident involving an NRI Kanwaljit Singh. It was reported that Kanwaljit Singh who visited Khajjar along with his Spanish wife and brother Jeevanjit on 11th June were attacked by a mob comprising around 100 locals after a parking dispute. Kanwaljit Singh had claimed that he was assaulted as he was a Punjabi.
The Police, however, denied Singh’s claim and said that there was no “interstate or inter-community dispute”. The Himachal Pradesh Police in its statement said that an inquiry was conducted into the matter and it was found that Kanwaljit Singh and his brother Jeevanjit were forcibly holding the hands of female tourists and local women on the pretext of practising palmistry. “This led to an altercation between the NRI couple and the tourists & local people present there. The police intervened in the matter and brought the NRI couple to Sultanpur Police Post. They refused to initiate legal proceedings in the matter and did not undergo medical examination despite repeated requests by the local police. Their statement was also recorded in which they categorically refused to register the complaint regarding the scuffle,” the Himachal Pradesh Police said.
Regarding the media report claiming that the locals mistreated Paramjit Singh out of anger over the CISF staffer Kulwinder Kaur assaulting Kangana Ranaut recently at Chandigarh Airport, the HP Police said that this incident had nothing to do with the Kangana Ranaut incident.
“Both the above incidents had no relation or connection with the Mandi MP Ms. Kangana Ranaut incident at Chandigarh airport as reported in the media. There was also no altercation with local people regarding the same. Himachal Pradesh is a peaceful State and tourist destination. The State attracts tourists from all over India and abroad, especially during the summer and winter seasons. Therefore, Himachal Pradesh Police cordially welcomes all the tourists coming from other States and is always ready for their safety and security,” Himachal Pradesh Police said.
The portrayal of these incidents as identity-based attacks malign the image of the Himachali people. The “Dev Bhoomi” has long been known for its peaceful and welcoming people. The false narrative peddled by some social media users undermines the social fabric of the region and sows discord where none exists. The police should take action against such people attempting to incite boycott, hatred and violence against the Himachali people by presenting such incidents as inter-state or inter-community rivalry.
A high-powered USA bipartisan delegation is currently on a two-day visit to India to strengthen bilateral ties with New Delhi, and meet Indian government officials and representatives of US businesses in the country. The bipartisan delegation is led by Republican Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Michael McCaul. It also includes former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. They are joined by House members Gregory W. Meeks, Jim McGovern, and Ami Bera, and Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Nicole Malliotakis.
Earlier, US NSA Jake Sullivan who is also on a two-day visit to India, met with Indian NSA Ajit Doval on 17th June. They held the second meeting of the India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET). This significant meeting took place in New Delhi and marked a pivotal moment in the collaboration between the two nations. After the meeting, both nations released a joint ‘fact sheet’ that highlighted the areas of cooperation between the two countries. It asserted that the two countries are committed to ensuring that technology is developed and utilised in a way that aligns with democratic values and respects universal human rights. The partnership is seen as crucial for the future security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.
While, US-India partnership on several key issues like critical technology and Indo-Pacific region is not solely aimed to counter China’s expanionist measures and brazen acts against small Island nations in South China Sea and Indo-Pacific region, Beijing has projected it otherwise. However, the latest area of cooperation, the Tibetan issue, could trigger extremist response from Beijing.
Interestingly, the bipartisan US delegation also met with the exiled Tibetan leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, in Dharamsala. The development is seen as a major signal of bipartisan support for the Tibetan issue, which has been the much-hyped red line for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Since 1951, when China forcibly occupied the Tibetan Plateau, resulting in the exile of Tibetan leader, Dalai Lama, Beijing has been vehemently opposing every voice that supports Tibet or its spiritual leader.
Despite China’s stated policy, Republican Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Michael McCaul extended bipartisan support to Tibetans. Before meeting Tibetan spiritual leader, McCaul described them as “democracy-loving” people.
McCaul said, “I am also honoured to have the opportunity to meet with His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. Tibetans are a democracy-loving people who wish to practice their religion freely. This visit should highlight the bipartisan support in the US Congress for Tibet to have a say in their own future.”
Additionally, the development comes days after the US Congress passed the Tibet policy bill that questions China’s claims over the Tibetan region.
The bipartisan bill seeks to counter Beijing’s narrative about China’s control over Tibet. It seeks to promote dialogue between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama and is currently heading to the desk of US President Joe Biden for his approval.
Earlier, the House of Representatives, in a clear majority of 391-26 votes, approved the ‘Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act’. The Senate had already passed the bill last month. After becoming act, it would direct funds to counter what it calls “disinformation” from Beijing about Tibet’s history, people and institutions.
Furthermore, the anticipation of strong response from China over US delegation meeting with the Dalai Lama stems from the developments that followed after Nancy Pelosi’s earlier visit to Taiwan, another thorn in the eyes of CCP. Just like so-called Tibetan Autonomous region, China claims Taiwan as its own part, and any support to the sovereignty or rights of the Taiwanese people is considered bolstering secessionism.
Notably, in late 2022, then-House Speaker Pelosi visited Taiwan, despite repeated warnings by the Chinese government against contact with the self-ruled island which Beijing claims as its own. The meeting nearly froze diplomatic relationships between US and China. Since then, China has been expanding its military excercises around Taiwan and issuing threatening remarks against the Island nation.
Incidentally, Nancy Pelosi who met with Dalai Lama in Dharamshala today, had also met with his representative during her Taiwan visit. Since China considers Tibetan as well as Taiwan issue as its Achilles’ heel, it has been escalating its purge of native Tibetan people. It has been accelerating its efforts to eradicate their language, culture, repleting its resources, traditional means of livelihood, and mass exodus. Any effort to raise voice against China’s questionable Human Rights credentials in these regions or demand for democracy is bound to cause angst and desperation in the CCP and could trigger diplomatic spats in coming times.
On 16th June, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared a video of a trial run of a train between Sangaldan to Reasi. This route will be functional soon and has the tallest Railway Bridge ever made known as the Chenab Bridge. The bridge was inaugurated in February this year by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Chenab Bridge is the highest single-arch railway bridge ever made. The bridge is the biggest civil engineering challenge any railway project in India faced in recent history.
The bridge was approved in 2003 and its contract was awarded in 2008. It took around two decades for the engineers to overcome the challenges faced including safety and stability of the bridge. The arch bridge runs between Bakkal and Kauri in district Reasi of Jammu and Kashmir. It will form a crucial link from Karta to Banihal. Notably, the bridge was scheduled to be constructed by 2009 but faced several roadblocks. In 2008, its construction was suspended and the project was reviewed and revised. The railway officials finally approved the new design in 2009 and the construction could only start in 2012. The new railway line falls under Northern Railway, however, the executive agency and design consultant of the bridge is Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd as it has experience in constructing railway projects in challenging terrains. M/s Chenab Bridge Project Undertaking, which is a JV (Joint Venture) between Afcons Infrastructure, Ultra Construction & Engineering Company of South Korea, and VSL India has constructed the bridge.
The total height of the bridge is 1,178 feet from the river bed making it approximately 35 metres taller than the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris. The Chenab Bridge became reality because of the 24×7 efforts of 300 civil engineers and more than 1,300 workers. The base supports were completed in 2017 and superstructure of the bridge was completed in August 2022.
The Chenab Bridge is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link project that costs Rs 35,000 crores. This project aims to boost connectivity in different regions of Jammu and Kashmir even in adverse weather conditions. The bridge alone has cost Rs 14,000 crore. The bridge alone is 1.3 KM long. It is a crucial link between the 111-km stretch from Katra to Banihal.
The arch design of the bridge is made out of steel and is the key structure elements of the bridge. It has 17 spans and the linear length of the main curviliniear arch is 460 metres. Different tests were performed by the engineers including high-velocity winds tests, extreme temperatures tests, earthquake-prone tests and impact of water level increase to ensure the bridge remains stable and secure. The expected shelf life of the bridge is around 120 years. Reportedly, it can withstand winds as strong as 260 KMPH.
The bridge is earthquake-resistant and the arch alone took around three years to build. Two cable cranes were installed on both banks of Chenab, the Kauri end and Bakkal end to construct the arch.
Apart from boosting tourism, the bridge will also help the Indian Army in its movement in the region. Once the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project becomes fully operational, Vande Bharat Metro train will also run via this bridge between Jammu and Srinagar.
On Monday, June 17th, the Kashigaon Police Station in Mumbai’s Mira Road region booked an individual named Vajud, a resident of Hill Galaxy Apartment, for insulting and threatening Hindus and abusing the religion saying, “Hinduo ke m** ki ch**”. The FIR has been filed under sections 295A (Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) and 153A (Promoting enmity between different groups) of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
The incident is said to have happened on 16th June and has been exclusively reported by OpIndia. The Muslim residents residing in the Hill Galaxy Apartment and JP North Celeste Society on Mira Road got goats inside the society premises for illegal slaughter ahead of the Bakrid festival. The Hindus protested against the incident and called the police. However, the police are believed to have allowed the goats saying that there was no livestock policy within the society.
Amid this, the Hindus launched massive protests and objected to the slaughter on the society’s premises. However, the Muslim residents argued with the Hindus and claimed that they would slaughter the goats on the society’s premises. The complaint in this case has been filed by one of the Hindu residents living in the Hill Galaxy apartment.
In the complaint, the Hindu resident stated that one accused identified as Vajud, and his associates insulted Hindus as they protested against the illegal slaughter of the goats in the society on 16th June. The FIR copy which has been obtained by OpIndia says that the Muslims threatened the Hindus saying they (Muslims) would slaughter the goats within the society premises, come what may. “Do whatever you can. We will slaughter animals here only, within the society premises. Hinduo ke m** ki ch**,” Vajud said as per the FIR.
In the complaint, the resident further said that the accused individual also insulted Lord Ganesh. “You people celebrate the Ganesh festival. Do we say anything then? We feel enraged and puking when we see your Lord Ganesha. We will see how you celebrate your Ganesh festival here,” Vajud is said to have threatened the Hindus.
FIR exclusively obtained by OpIndia
Illegal Masjid built in the society premises
The complainant further stated that he called the builder after one of the Muslim residents abused Hindus but to no avail. “The builder said that he was out of the city and that he could not come to resolve the matter. He has also allowed the construction of illegal Masjid on the building premises,” the complaint read.
As per the information exclusively obtained by OpIndia, the builder of the Hill Galaxy apartment, R R Builders, owned and run by Rasool Shaikh, Irfan Shaikh, Junaid Shaikh, and Jabbar Shaikh, has also constructed an illegal Masjid on the premises. The builder, Rasool Sheikh initially gave houses to Hindus but later all the remaining houses were booked by the Muslims. At present, in both the societies, JP North Celesta and Hill Galaxy, around 15-20 houses belong to Hindus while more than 100 are occupied by Muslims.
In the Hill Galaxy apartment, the builder Rasool initially had told the residents that the community space would be utilized for the gym or some club, but later a Masjid was constructed there. It was also reported that Muslims from other societies visit the Masjid to offer prayers making the Hindus residing in the society feel uncomfortable.
Residents claim that illegal Masjid has also been constructed at Galaxy Hills by Builder Sheikh. People from other societies come here to offer prayers making Hindus uncomfortable. 'There's almost daily ruckus on this issue', residents say.
The complaint filed to the Police mentioned that there’s always a ruckus happening in the society due to other Muslims coming to the society to offer Namaz in the illegal Masjid built here. “The builder doesn’t listen to us as the majority of the families living here are Muslims. There is no societal rule, and there is no mutual respect here. Hindus are just harassed every other day. We want police to look into the matter,” the complaint read.
BJP MLA Geeta Jain’s confirmation of the incident
Meanwhile, a BJP MLA from Mira Bhayander region exclusively talked to OpIndia on Monday and confirmed the incident saying that goats were brought for illegal slaughter within the society premises. However, she said that the timely intervention of the police and local politicians stopped the slaughter.
She also condemned the incident as she talked about the Hindu religion being abused at the hands of Muslims. “This is not at all tolerable. People live together in a society and they should respect each other. Those who hurled abuses at the women, those who insulted the Hindu religion, have been booked by the police. We demand strict action against the accused persons,” she said.
Further Jain added that these kinds of incidents are repeatedly happening in the Mira Road region where Hindus are harassed or abused for belonging to one particular religion. “We are taking steps to curb such incidents. The frequency of such incidents is increasing and it’s alarming,” she added. In the given case, when asked about the police action, she said that the police were trying to pacify the matter calling it an internal issue.
“The Police are cooperating, however, not to the extent as expected by the Hindu residents or local Hindu activists. Police need to take strict action against the accused persons. They are trying to pacify the matter to avoid any communal occurrence. However, they have assured that no slaughter would take place within the society premises,” she concluded.
The situation, at present in both the societies at Mira Road, Hill Galaxy Apartment, and JP North Celeste, is peaceful and police action is underway. The Police are said to have detained the residents who abused and threatened Hindus. Further investigations are underway.
The detailed report regarding the incident that happened on 16th June in Mumbai’s Mira Road region can be read here.
On Sunday (16th June), the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) News carried out yet another hitjob on India and accused the Modi government of planning to assassinate Khalistanis residing in Australia.
One of the propagandists at the helm of this targeted disinformation campaign happened to be Avani Dias, who had previously lied about her visa being cancelled by the Indian government.
She and 3 other fellow ‘journalists’ published an article on ABC News titled, “Narendra Modi’s Indian government and its allies accused of spying, silencing Sikh critics and pushing its far-right ideology in Australia.” A 45-minute-long documentary was also released on Monday (17th June) on the same subject.
Screengrab of the contentious article published by ABC News
At the very onset, the article attempted to strike fear in the minds of Australians about the growing Indian diaspora in the country and the supposed influence of the Modi government in their national security. “The long arm of the Indian state is reaching Australians and threatening national security,” it read.
Avani Dias and her coterie of propagandists claimed that Indian security agents threatened a taxi driver turned Khalistani separatist named Harjinder Singh for organising a ‘referendum’ in Melbourne and Brisbane.
Singh, who is a member of the banned outfit ‘Sikhs for Justice’, alleged that he received threatening calls from Indian government agencies to stop peddling the Khalistani agenda or be prepared to die.
He also claimed that the Modi government harassed his family members, who are currently residing in the Indian State of Punjab.
It is hard to believe that an Indian secret agent would make the juvenile mistake of threatening a random Khalistani in Australia over a phone call (knowing well that such calls could easily be traced by Australian law enforcement authorities and expose their identities).
ABC News claimed that the death threats from Indian authorities have forced Khalistanis in Australia to stop their ‘political work’ – a term meant to downplay the extremist motives to secede the Indian State of Punjab from the Union of India.
“This pattern of threats from Indian authorities has forced some Australians to take a step back from their political work, and many did not want to speak publicly because of fears for their own and their family’s safety,” it claimed.
Avani Dias and her fellow ‘journalists’ pointed out that Harjinder Singh was not ‘scared’ to campaign for Khalistan in Australia and undermine India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also highlighted the testimony of his wife Simerdeep Kaur, who was worried that Singh could meet the same fate as Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Downplaying Khalistani extremism
The contentious article published by ABC News left no stone unturned to trivialise the actions of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. It shrewdly referred to him as an ‘activist executed outside Sikh temple.’
The propaganda news outlet also roped in a Canada-based Khalistani Moinder Singh and used him to make direct insinuations about India. “Moninder Singh – apparently warned by the Canadian govt about the possibility of being killed by Indian authorities at any time. Even in Australia, Moninder believes the Indian government is watching. Here in Australia for crisis management,” it alleged.
ABC News highlighted how terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was Moinder’s “close friend” and that his assassination was a “painful memory.” It pointed out how Khalistanis were ready to carry out terror attacks but claimed that such a form of extremism did not pose threats by citing experts.
Today, we're releasing our investigation into the Narendra Modi Government and his allies' infiltration in Australia, including never-before-revealed details about an Indian “nest of spies” that were asked to leave the country.https://t.co/8YMLmGHsp2
“Some in the movement haven’t ruled out taking up arms again, if necessary, but researchers say it doesn’t currently pose any threat. We would actually use any means available to protect our movement and people, so I think it’s a question for India as to how they want to deal with us,” Moninder said,” the article stated.
It also attempted to contextualise the brutal killing of the former Indian Prime Minister by her bodyguards cum Khalistanis Satwant Singh and Beant Singh. “The Sikh bodyguards who assassinated prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1984 were incensed by her decision to order Indian military to storm Sikhism’s holiest site,” ABC News said.
It also attempted to trivialise the actions of Khalistanis who bombed Air India Flight 182 and the role of terrorist Talwinder Singh Parmar. “Sikh separatists were also accused of being behind the bombing of Air India Flight 182,” the article in the propaganda news outlet said.
Antagonising the Sikh community
ABC News roped in Khalistani separatist Moinder Singh to claim that the Indian government was targeting the Sikh community in Australia.
“They’re already here, they’re already interfering and it’s very dangerous for the Sikh community here. If something isn’t checked soon, a country like Australia could be in the same position as Canada in a few years,” Singh was quoted as saying.
The news outlet also cited other Khalistanis and claimed that Indian authorities threatened their families with criminal charges, gave death threats to them in Australia.
“Several Australian Sikh separatists have told Four Corners that Indian authorities have visited their families in India and threatened them due to their loved ones’ activism overseas,” it said.
It must be mentioned that the Modi government is vocal against Khalistani separatism in both India and abroad. As such, it is evident that those fantasising about breaking apart Punjab from the Union of India would not leave any opportunity to tarnish the government.
Backing unproven claims of Justin Trudeau
The unsubstantiated claims made by Justin Trudeau-led-Canadian government about India’s supposed involvement in the assassination were also prominently mentioned in the ABC News article.
“The Canadian government has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration of orchestrating the assassination, which India denies,” it claimed.
ABC News further added, “Since Modi came to power a decade ago, he’s amped up India’s intelligence operations. In Modi’s telling, it’s defending the country from separatist groups, which his administration has labelled “terrorists”.Two alleged assassination plots may show how far his government is willing to go to achieve that.“
The objective was to lend credence to the baseless theory that India under the Modi government was somehow complicit in extra-territorial killings. Earlier in April this year, The Guardianalleged that India was using Jihadis to kill Pakistani terrorists on their home turf.
The article written by Avani Dias and her fellow ‘journalists’ also sought to weaken India-Australia ties and create an atmosphere of diplomatic distrust.
“As the federal government embraces Narendra Modi and his administration as an important partner, the long arm of the Indian state is reaching Australia, silencing critics and threatening members of the diaspora,” it claimed.
The politically motivated article went to allege that India has a ‘nest of spies’ in Australia to promote so-called ‘far-right Hindu ideology’ and ‘amass political power.’ It claimed that the Modi government through intelligence officers were trying to monitor Indian diaspora in Australia, gain access to airport security protocols and sensitive defence technology.
We've also discovered accusations of Modi's party the BJP's Australia wing's involvement in Australian politics, and the Hindu nationalist right wing organisation the RSS' affiliate here operating camps and classes for Australians.
“In 2020, India-Australia relations seemed better than ever. Trade deals were blossoming and a range of defence alliances were being signed in response to China’s growing power in the region. In secret though, Australia was unhappy with India’s spy operations in the country,” ABC News alleged.
Avani Dias and her propagandist friends were also hellbent on fearmongering about the growing presence of brown-skinned Indians in Australia.
“The Modi government’s impact is being felt in Australia in other ways. The Indian diaspora is now one of the largest in Australia, second only to those born in the UK. It’s become a powerful force for Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to tap into for support in elections. That’s done through a group called the Overseas Friends of the BJP (OFBJP), which has a presence in Australia,” they remarked.
Unverified stories to tarnish India
The article by Avani Dias and her fellow ‘journalists’ tried to link a generic 2021 statement by Australia’s intelligence chief Mike Burgess to allege that India has a ‘nest of spies’ in Australia.
They also alleged that four Indian intelligence officers/ diplomats were asked to leave the country on account of their ‘covert activities.’
“The expulsions were done secretly. They left one by one. The Modi government, laser-focused on turning India into a respected and strong player on the world stage, thought it had gotten away without public embarrassment,” the article in ABC News claimed.
We've found at least four Indian intelligence operatives were asked to leave Australia. It was done secretly and they left one by one. We've discovered the Narendra Modi Government, focused on becoming a global superpower, thought it got away without any public embarrassment.
The news outlet also roped in a Greens senator named David Shoebridge to condemn India for supposedly compromising the national security of India. Coincidentally, a former Parliamentarian from Greens named Bob Brown runs ‘Adani Watch‘ – known for peddling fake news about India and the Indian conglomerate Adani group.
Controversy surrounding Avani Dias
In April this year, Avani Dias took to X (formerly Twitter) to claim that she had to leave India abruptly due to the non-extension of her visa by the Modi government.
The controversial ‘journalist’ also alleged that the Indian government had plans to not allow her accreditation to cover the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Dias claimed that her visa was extended for a period of 2 months at the last minute, following which she went back to Australia.
She lamented returning to her home country just a day before the first phase of the elections. Thereafter, her employer ABC News published a controversial article (archive) claiming that Dias received a phone call from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and was notified about the denial of her visa extension.
The publication said that MEA informed the ‘journalist’ that she crossed a line with her propaganda-laden YouTube video, which suggested that India was somehow involved in the assassination of Canada-based Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The 29-minute-long video was deliberately titled ‘Sikhs, Spies and Murder: Investigating India’s alleged hit on foreign soil’ to tarnish the image of India on a global scale and present the nation as a facilitator of extra-territorial killings in foreign countries.
Nonetheless, the Modi government directed YouTube to withhold the anti-India propaganda video by ABC News and its South Asia Bureau Chief Avani Dias. “This content is currently unavailable in this country because of an order from the government related to national security or public order,” reads a message on the YouTube link of the video
Avani Dias was under the false impression that a red carpet would be laid out for her by the Indian government for attempting to sour the diplomatic relations of the nation with its allies and partner countries.
The controversial ‘journalist’ was also seen playing the victim card on X (formerly Twitter) and casting aspersions on the state of Indian democracy under the Narendra Modi regime.
Interestingly, she was able to rope in support from 30-odd foreign correspondents. Later, it surfaced in the media that she lied about her visa extension denial and returned to Australia for her wedding and a new job. Nonetheless, Avani Dias continues to work ABC News’ Four Corners.
She had previously courted controversy for insinuating the role of Hindus in the vandalism of the Shree Laxmi Narayan Temple in Brisbane, attempting to portray the Pran Prathistha ceremony of Ram Mandir as a ‘Hindu supremacist’ event, supporting the wearing of religious attire in government schools, spreading lies about CAA and denouncing the implementation of Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021 in Uttar Pradesh.
Recently, she was caught spreading canards about the Indian Constitution. Dias claimed that ‘secularism’ was part of the Indian constitution since the country got independence from the British rule in 1947. She made the false claims in a video titled ‘The story behind India’s Narendra Modi’ with the objective to portray that India’s secularism was somehow in danger under the leadership of PM Modi.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday told the Centre and National Testing Agency (NTA) that if there is any negligence in conducting the NEET-UG, 2024 exam, it should be thoroughly dealt with.
“If there is 0.001 per cent negligence on the part of anyone, it should be thoroughly dealt with. All these matters ought not to be treated as adversarial litigation,” observed a vacation bench of Justices Vikram Nath and SVN Bhatti.
The bench told counsels appearing for Centre and NTA that children have prepared for the exams and “we cannot forget their labour” for preparing for these exams.
It told the counsel of NTA that as an agency which is conducting the examination, it must “act fair”.
“If there is a mistake, say yes, this is a mistake, and this is the action we are going to take. At least that inspires confidence in your performance,” the top court told NTA while adding that it expects timely action from them.
Aspirants have raised the issue of leakage of the question paper, awarding compensatory marks and anomalies in the question of National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Under Graduate (NEET-UG) 2024.
The apex court, while hearing fresh petitions relating to alleged paper leaks and malpractices in the NEET-UG, 2024 exam on May 5 this year, issued notices and sought a response from NTA within two weeks.
It has tagged these pleas, along with several petitions pending before it and posted them for hearing on July 8.
Several petitions were filed in the apex court seeking direction to recall NEET-UG 2024 results and to conduct the examination afresh, alleging paper leakage and malpractices in the test held on May 5.
Last week, the NTA told the Supreme Court that the scorecards of 1563 NEET-UG 2024 candidates who got “grace marks” to compensate for the loss of time suffered while appearing for the exam will be cancelled and the students will have a chance to reappear for the exam.
“Exam will be conducted on June 23 and result will be declared before June 30,” NTA had told the apex court.
The apex court had already refused to stay the counselling of NEET-UG, 2024.
The NEET-UG examination, conducted by the NTA, is the pathway for admissions into MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other related courses in government and private institutions across the country.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
On 14th June, the Bombay High Court called for a robust mechanism to prevent the misuse of rape laws, especially in cases that stemmed from failed relationships between adults. The court said that such cases waste valuable time of the court and the police. While granting bail to the accused based on the affidavit submitted by the advocate of the complainant, the court said, “This Court thinks that in such cases a robust mechanism ought to be developed for imposing heavy costs on such individuals who end up wasting the time of the Investigating Authority as well as the Court.”
The court was hearing a bail plea where a woman filed a case against her ex-partner alleging he forced her to indulge in a non-consensual physical relationship. Justice Manish Pitale highlighted that such cases are increasing in urban areas of Mumbai leading to unnecessary consumption of resources. The court added these resources wasted on such cases could have been utilised in investigating serious offences.
Justice Pitale said, “With the passage of time, the alleged victim and the accused come together, having resolved their differences and then the victim gives consent for grant of bail and even for quashing of such proceedings. This Court thinks that in such cases a robust mechanism ought to be developed for imposing heavy costs on such individuals who end up wasting the time of the Investigating Authority as well as the Court. In an appropriate case, this Court shall proceed to pass such an order.”
The Bombay High Court granted bail to the accused in the case, Saket Abhiraj Jha. He was arrested on the charges of rape, extortion and defamation under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the IT Act, of 2000. The FIR against him was lodged based on the complaint of a woman on 1st November 2023. In her complaint, she claimed that in October 2022, Jha forced her to drink alcohol and then engaged in non-consensual sexual activity. She also accused him of taking nude photographs and videos of her.
She further claimed that the same act was repeated on 28th November 2022 and subsequently, he allegedly extorted Rs 75,000 from her. She also accused him of publishing her number on social media leading to obscene messages being sent to her from unknown individuals.
Jha’s advocate, Jyotiram S Yadav, argued that the couple was in a consensual relationship and FIR stemmed from a misunderstanding. He highlighted Jha was in custody since 2nd November 2023 and the matter between the accused and complainant was resolved since then. The chargesheet in the matter was filed by the police on 28th November 2023.
Assistant Public Prosecutor Tanveer Khan however opposed the bail. He emphasised that the allegations against Jha were severe including the charges under Section 377 of IPC. He argued that the nature of the offences and the harassment via social media should be enough to deny the bail.
Advocate Mamta Hasrajani, representing the complainant had filed an affidavit on 14th June 2024 stating the complainant and Jha had resolved the differences and she wanted to withdraw her complaint. She said the complainant has no objection to Jha being granted bail subject to certain conditions.
The court said that the allegations against Jha were serious and the record showed that he was prima facie involved in serious offences. However, considering the victim’s affidavit and the resolution of differences between the parties, the court decided to grant bail to Jha.
The court said, “Looking at the serious allegations made against the applicant, this Court was reluctant to consider the present application favourably, as the learned APP correctly points out that in the face of such serious allegations and sufficient material to connect the applicant with such allegations, bail ought not to be granted. But, considering the said affidavit of respondent No.2 (complainant), which has been taken on record, this Court is inclined to allow the application, subject to appropriate conditions including the specific conditions insisted upon by respondent No.2.”
Jha was released by the court on bail upon furnishing a PR Bond of Rs 50,000 and one or two sureties in the same amount. Furthermore, the Bombay High Court prohibited Jha from contacting the victim directly or indirectly and from entering the jurisdiction of Kashimira Police Station except for mandatory reporting.
Female Muslim students in Mumbai, in their latest petition, have sought permission not only for the Hijab but also for wearing a veil covering the face. The petitioners have made these demands while challenging a new uniform policy introduced by a private college that prohibited them from wearing religious clothing such as the Hijab.
I went though the latest Hijab petition filed by students of a Mumbai college
Found that unlike in the Karnataka case, the new demand is not for just headscarf but full-body veils in classrooms
Notably, nine students from a Mumbai college named Acharya Marathe College filed a petition in the Bombay High Court after the college management refused to withdraw the uniform policy. As per reports, the nine petitioners include second and third-year undergraduate students.
The College, which is located in the Chembur suburb of Mumbai, had introduced the new uniform policy for degree college students. The directive barred students from wearing hijabs, burqas, niqabs and other religious clothing within the campus. It stated that the dress code would come into force in the academic year starting in June 2024. The development came a year after a similar uniform policy was enforced for its junior college students.
The college passed this order at the beginning of May which was circulated among students through online messaging apps. The order had said, “You shall follow the dress code of college of formal and decent dress which shall not reveal anyone’s religion such as no burqa, no nakab (niqab), no hijab, no cap, no badge, no stole, etc. Only full or half shirt and normal trousers for boys and any Indian/western non-revealing dress for girls on the college campus. Changing room available for girls.”
Meanwhile, in their petition, the female Muslim students have contested that the order is “nothing but colourable excuse of power” and “arbitrary, unreasonable, bad-in-law, perverse, null and void”. The petition has argued before the court that the burqa, hijab, niqab, cap, and stole are an integral part of Islam and that such a dress code is violative of their fundamental rights.
Notably, while a hijab typically covers the hair and neck, the niqab (naqab) covers the face except eyes, and burqa are full-body veils.
The petition filed by counsel Altaf Khan states, “Naqab and hijab are an integral part of the petitioners’ religious belief and it is their free will, choice and a part of their right to privacy to continue wearing the naqab and hijab in the classroom.”
It further added, “The college/ trust did not explain under which provision of law they have imposed restriction/ban on particular clothing/ dress. Thus, the notice/ direction is liable to be quashed and set aside.”
As per reports, a division bench of justices A S Chandurkar and Rajesh Patil is likely to hear the matter on 18th June.
It is pertinent to note that a major row over uniforms in educational institutions rocked the national discourse after several Muslim students protested in Karnataka using banners that read, “Pahle Hijab, fir Kitab” (‘Hijab first, books later’).
Hijab row in Karnataka
In February 2022, some Muslim students from a PU College in Udupi filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court to allow them to attend classes wearing a Hijab. They were denied entry into classes after the college management made it clear that the hijab was not part of the uniform.
Following that, the ‘students’ launched protests while being dressed in burqas. They had started wearing hijab and burqa to their school and college in defiance of the uniform rules since December 2021 after coming in touch with the radical outfit, Campus Front of India (CFI).
On 15th March 2022, the Karnataka High Court held that the Hijab is not an essential practice in Islam and that uniform is a reasonable restriction on the Right to Religion. Subsequently, the petitioners challenged it in the Supreme Court. In August 2022, a two-judge bench of the apex court delivered a split verdict, leading to the case being referred to a larger bench of the Supreme Court. The formation of this bench is currently pending.
Ever since the Hijab controversy erupted in Karnataka, there have been concerns that it could escalate further, as Muslim students may demand permission not only for Hijab but also for full-body veils. Strikingly, this is now being sought in the latest petition by Muslim female students of a private college.
