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Drug smuggling gang busted in Surat: Rabia, Safiq and Ashfaq among 7 arrested, narcotics worth lakhs recovered

OpIndia Staff
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Drug smuggling gang busted in Surat: Rabia, Safiq and Ashfaq among 7 arrested, narcotics worth lakhs recovered

Drug seizures have been reported in numerous locations around Gujarat for a while. Now, Surat Police captured seven persons, including a woman, who were peddling drugs. Narcotics valued at lakhs have been found on them by authorities.

Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi has shared the information on his official social media handle. He declared that there is no place for drugs in the state. He highlighted, “Taking a step further to make the state drug-free, the Gujarat Police has carried out successful operations. Taking a step further to make the state drug-free, the Gujarat Police has carried out successful operations.”

He mentioned that the arrested individuals are Rabia Abdul Razak Shaikh (40) and Safiq Khan Babukhan Pathan (43), both from Mumbai. The minister revealed that the Surat police arrested these people at the railway station before they could deliver drugs in Surat and after further investigation, five more drug dealers connected to the group were taken into custody. He added, “The Gujarat Police has worked vigilantly to keep drugs out of the state, protecting the lives of many youths. Congratulations to the Surat Police for the success of this operation.”

According to the information, the Surat Crime Branch team conducted surveillance and apprehended Rabia along with her accomplice Safiq on 23rd June. They reached Surat from Mumbai via the Suryanagari Superfast Express (Bandra Terminus to Jodhpur Junction). In response to a confidential tip, the Surat Crime Branch maintained vigilance outside the railway station and arrested Rabia, a resident of Govandi, Maharashtra, and Safiq, a resident of Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, together with 252.34 grams of suspected drugs whose market price is Rs 25,23,400.

A slew of arrests began after questioning the duo. The police learned that they sold drugs to Mohsin Sheikh, Sarfaraz Gadhiyali alias Salman and Faizal, living in Surat and carried out searches in five areas. While looking for the three culprits, the cops reached room number 404 of Cassa Marina Hotel in the Rander area and found Sarfaraz there. 28.790 grams of drugs worth Rs 28,900 was confiscated from him. He is originally from Jambusar in Bharuch and currently stays in Ramnagar, Rander. The police have registered a case against him under the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act at Rander Police Station.

Afterwards, the cops caught Faisal Allahrakha Kachra and Yasin Babul Mulla with 31.55 grams of drugs or 3,15,500 MD (Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) from the road near Rama Residency in the Rander neighbourhood. A case was registered against the pair under the NDPS Act at the Rander police station. Meanwhile, the police raided Ashfaq Mohammad Yunus Sheikh’s residence after learning that his friend Mohsin Sheikh was hiding there. The cops then stormed Rudrapur Kumbharwad where Ashfaq was apprehended.

Ashfaq attempted to jump from one building’s roof to another in an attempt to flee, but he was injured in the process after which he was brought to the hospital immediately. 14 grams of drugs were discovered on him during the inspection. Syed Asif, also known as Babu was caught by authorities in front of Shruti Ent Hospital & Cochlear Implant Centre in Nanpura and they discovered 27 grams of drugs on him. Surat Crime Branch searched 5 places in total and recovered 354.650 grams of drugs and 1.930 grams of marijuana valued at Rs 37.37 lakhs.

A total of 7 offenders Rabia Bibi Sheikh, Safiq Khan Pathan, Sarfaraz alias Salman, Faisal Kachhara, Yasin Mulla, Ashfaq Sheikh and Syed Asif alias Babu have been arrested by the police. Rabia was the brains behind the operation and she brought the drugs in a school bag. The cops also took away cash and mobile phones from her.

During her prior visits to Surat, she had delivered narcotics to five different individuals. Now, one case has been submitted at DCB police station, one case at Pal Police Station, one at Rander police station and two at Athwalines police station against the accused. Seven crime cases have already been registered against Sarfaraz alias Salman at Rander police station.

Surat police had been working on this case for more than a month and had collected all the details on these criminals. Rabia used to travel to Surat by means of multiple trains, buses and rickshaws. From the start, two constables had been deployed behind Rabia by the police to keep an eye on her every move. Furthermore, her delivery agents were not even aware that they were on the radar of the crime branch. The effort by the Gujarat police has resulted in the confiscation of drugs worth over Rs 2200 crores in the last three months, with Surat police recording the highest number of cases. Drugs worth approximately Rs 9300 crores were seized in the last three years.

Surat Police is holding several drives as part of their “No Drugs in Surat City” campaign. Drone surveillance is being used in addition to strict checking in every other region of the city, including the waterfront. The police are also conducting awareness campaigns and checking at food stands and food corners near educational institutions to prevent young people from becoming addicted to drugs.

Delhi Excise Policy Scam: CBI formally arrests CM Arvind Kejriwal from court after questioning him in jail

ANI
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Delhi Excise Policy Scam: CBI formally arrests CM Arvind Kejriwal from court after questioning him in jail

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday arrested Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal from the courtroom, in connection with the Excise policy case.

CBI arrested the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Kejriwal after the Vacation Judge of Delhi Court allowed CBI to examine/interrogate him in the courtroom so that the agency could proceed with his formal arrest.

The court also asked CBI to place on record the material that they have for his arrest.

Kejriwal was today produced before the court of vacation judge Amitabh Rawat in compliance of the production warrant issued by the court yesterday.

During the hearing, Kejriwal’s wife Sunita Kejriwal, AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh and AAP leader Dilip Pandey remained present in the courtroom.

CBI’s Special Public Prosecutor DP Singh extensively argued and opposed submissions by Kejriwal’s lawyer.

The advocate also moved an application seeking a supply of applications for interrogation by CBI and the order passed related to that.

Yesterday, Kejriwal in Tihar Jail and recorded his statement related to the Excise Policy case. He was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in the Excise Policy money laundering case on March 21 this year and presently in Judicial Custody in the case.

One of the lawyers for the Aam Aadmi Party also posted on X, and said that, “The dirty tricks of the Modi government fears the release of Arvind Kejriwal by SC has asked to CBI to make arrest in the same matter almost a year after he joined the investigation. What it shows nothing changed the vindictive mindset of BJP. Shame.

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday stayed Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s bail order passed by the trial court, saying that the trial court should have at least recorded its satisfaction with the fulfilment of twin conditions of section 45 of Prevention of the Money Laundering Act (PMLA) before passing the impugned order.

The vacation bench of Justice Sudhir Kumar Jain, while passing the order, said that documents and arguments were not appreciated properly by the trial court.

On June 20, the trial judge granted bail to Kejriwal in the money laundering case. The next day, the ED moved an urgent petition before the High Court challenging the bail order. The High Court heard both sides extensively reserve orders on the ED’s application to stay the bail order and halted the release of Kejriwal until the pronouncement of its order.

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

‘Was afraid of Halala’: Samreen becomes Suman Yadav after Ghar Wapsi in Bareilly, marries Mitrapal amidst chants of Gayatri Mantra and Havan

OpIndia Staff
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‘Was afraid of Halala’: Samreen becomes Suman Yadav after Ghar Wapsi in Bareilly, marries Mitrapal amidst chants of Gayatri Mantra and Havan

In Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly district, a Muslim girl named Samreen (22) did Ghar Wapsi and embraced Hindu Dharma. After reverting to Hindu Dharma, she changed her name to Suman Yadav. Suman also tied the marital knot with a Hindu youth named Mitrapal. The couple took seven vows in front of the fire at the Agastya Muni Ashram in Bareilly, promising to always support each other. Samreen performed the Vedic ritual with a havan amidst chants of the Gayatri Mantra. On Tuesday (25th June 2024), after doing Ghar Wapsi, Samreen expressed her dislike for the burqa, stating that she was afraid of triple talaq and Halala.

Samreen’s father, Jameel Ahmed, works in the clothing business. She is originally from the Senthal area of Bareilly. Samreen’s father only educated her up to the 5th grade. About two years ago, she went to a relative’s house in the Izzatnagar area to attend a function. Mitrapal’s house was in the neighbourhood of her relative’s place. During this time, they met for the first time. Mitrapal has completed his intermediate education and works in a private job with a monthly salary of Rs 12,000.

After conversing for a few days, they became friends, and their friendship eventually turned into love. They also decided to get married. However, when Samreen’s family learned about their relationship, they imposed numerous restrictions on her. They started monitoring her outings and took away her phone. They also started searching for a prospective Muslim bride for Samreen. Meanwhile, Samreen and her lover Mitrapal were also trying to get married as soon as possible.

Through his friends, Mitrapal found out about the Agastya Muni Ashram and the priest K.K. Shankhdhar, who had facilitated several Ghar Wapsi ceremonies. On Tuesday (25th June), Samreen managed to leave her house and reach Mitrapal. From there, they went to the Agastya Muni Ashram where priest K.K. Shankhdhar checked their documents. Samreen stated that she wanted to perform Ghar Wapsi and marry Mitrapal of her own free will, without any coercion. She also submitted written proof of this.

The couple finally tied the marital knot. After doing Ghar Wapsi, Samreen chanted the Gayatri Mantra and performed a havan as per Vedic rituals. Besides priest K.K. Shankhdhar, members of the Hindu organization present in the temple blessed Samreen. Mitrapal’s family happily welcomed Samreen, now Suman Yadav, as their daughter-in-law. Samreen mentioned that she was not very familiar with Islamic practices and the teachings written in religious books.

Speaking to the media, Samreen also mentioned that she started liking Hindu Dharma after observing the customs and ways of her lover’s family. Samreen added that she does not like the burqa. She was also afraid of triple talaq and Halala. After marriage, Samreen went to her in-laws’ house with her husband.

CBI moves to arrest Arvind Kejriwal from Tihar, questions him in excise policy case before presenting before trial court

OpIndia Staff
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CBI moves to arrest Arvind Kejriwal from Tihar, questions him in excise policy case before presenting before trial court

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday (25th June) moved to arrest Arvind Kejriwal from Tihar Jail in the Delhi liquor policy case. This happened on the eve of the Supreme Court hearing his petition appealing the Delhi High Court ruling delaying the trial court’s order to give him bail.

As per the reports, the CBI also questioned Kejriwal in this case and granted permission to bring the Delhi Chief Minister before the relevant trial court on Wednesday (June 26), where he is expected to request his custody.

Notably, Kejriwal will appear before the CBI court on Wednesday morning, where he will be detained for further custodial interrogation.

The ED arrested Kejriwal on March 21, stating that the Delhi chief minister diverted money from liquor vendors to support party activities. The Aam Aadmi Party and other opposition parties have said that this case is part of the Narendra Modi regime’s habit of employing central agencies to target opposition figures.

Sanjay Singh, the AAP’s leader, dubbed the CBI’s move a “big conspiracy”. “At a time when there is a cent percent possibility that Arvind Kejriwal will get bail from the Supreme Court, sources have informed me that the Centre is conspiring to register a fake CBI case against the Delhi CM and get him arrested by the CBI. The entire nation can see this and is standing in solidarity with Arvind Kejriwal,” Singh said.

Earlier in the day, the Delhi High Court stayed the trial court’s decision to grant Kejriwal regular bail. According to Justice Sudhir Kumar Jain, the trial court did not fully understand the evidence presented by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The judge also agreed with Additional Solicitor-General S.V. Raju’s allegation that the Central agency was not given adequate time to argue its stay application.

Advocate Hari Shankar Jain files complaint against Asaduddin Owaisi for saying ‘Jai Palestine’: Here is what articles 102 and 103 say, and how Owaisi could have broken it

OpIndia Staff
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Advocate Hari Shankar Jain files complaint against Asaduddin Owaisi for saying ‘Jai Palestine’: Here is what articles 102 and 103 say, and how Owaisi could have broken it

Amidst the controversy over the “Jai Palestine” slogan raised by AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi in the Lok Sabha after taking the oath, senior advocate Hari Shankar Jain has filed a complaint against Owaisi seeking his disqualification as an MP.

Taking to X on 25th June, Hari Shankar Jain’s son and lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain informed that a complaint has been lodged against Owaisi in terms of articles 102 and 103 of the constitution.

“A complaint has been filed before the President of India against Mr. Asaduddin Owaisi in terms of article 102 and 103 of the constitution of india by Mr. Hari Shankar Jain seeking his disqualification as member of parliament,” Jain posted.

What articles 102 and 103 of the Indian Constitution say

Owaisi’s remarks have triggered an outrage over an Indian MP raising slogans hailing another nation in the Indian parliament. This has raised questions about potential disciplinary actions, including disqualification from Parliament.

Notably, Article 102 of the Indian constitution states rules pertaining to the disqualification of a Member of Parliament.

Clause 1: This article deals with the disqualifications for membership of either house of Parliament. It states that a person shall be disqualified for being chosen as, and for being, a member of either House of Parliament if:

  • He holds any office of profit under the Government of India or the Government of any State, other than an office declared by Parliament by law not to disqualify its holder.
  • He is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent court.

(c) He is an undischarged insolvent.

(d) He is not a citizen of India, or has voluntarily acquired the citizenship of a foreign State, or is under any acknowledgment of allegiance or adherence to a foreign State.

(e) He is so disqualified by or under any law made by Parliament.

Clause 2: A person shall be disqualified for being a member of either House of Parliament if he is so disqualified under the Tenth Schedule.

Notably, the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution also known as the “Anti-Defection Law,” was added by the 52nd Amendment Act in 1985. Its primary purpose is to combat political defections by legislators, which can undermine the stability of governments. It contains Provisions as to disqualification on grounds of defection, exemptions and powers of the Chairman/Speaker of the House in this regard.

Asaduddin Owaisi’s pro-Palestine remarks can be taken into consideration under Article 102 (4) for demonstrating his allegiance or adherence to a foreign State “Palestine”.

“For the purposes of this clause, a person shall not be deemed to hold an office of profit under the Government of India or the Government of any State by reason only that he is a Minister either for the Union or for such State. A person shall be disqualified for being a member of either House of Parliament if he is so disqualified under the Tenth Schedule,” the constitution states.

The rules regarding decisions on questions pertaining to the disqualification of an MP are stated in Article 103 of the Constitution. Here is what clauses 1 and 2 of this Article state:

  • Clause 1: This article states that if any question arises as to whether a member of either House of Parliament has become subject to any of the disqualifications mentioned in Article 102, the question shall be referred to the President of India, whose decision shall be final.
  • Clause 2: Before giving any decision on such a question, the President shall obtain the opinion of the Election Commission of India and act according to such opinion.

The controversy erupted on Tuesday when AIMIM MP from Hyderabad, Asaduddin Owaisi took the oath as a Member of Parliament and raised the ‘Jai Palestine’ [hail Palestine] slogan inside the Lok Sabha. After taking the oath, Owaisi said, “Jai Bhim, Jai Meem, Jai Telangana, Jai Palestine”. Asaduddin Owaisi expressed solidarity with Palestine at a time when the territory is engaged in a violent conflict with Israel after the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas launched a brutal attack on Israeli civilians in October last year.

While defending his action, Owaisi asserted that there is no clause in the Constitution prohibiting him from chanting “Jai Palestine”. However, now advocate Hari Shankar Jain has lodged a complaint against Owaisi under the above-discussed sections of the constitution.

Asaduddin Owaisi’s act of raising the “Jai Palestine” slogan after taking his oath is seen as a violation of parliamentary rules. It exemplifies a form of political grandstanding that detracts from the dignity of the parliamentary process. It must be recalled that the same Owaisi had raised strong objections to raising Vande Mataram and Bharat Mata ki Jai slogans. If Owaisi’s action is considered a serious breach of conduct, it could trigger proceedings under Articles 102 and 103. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha could refer the matter to the President, who, after consulting the Election Commission, could decide on the disqualification.

‘He is doing Namaz several times’: Orissa High Court commutes death sentence of Sheikh Asif Ali, who was convicted for rape and murder of a 6 year old girl

OpIndia Staff
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‘He is doing Namaz several times’: Orissa High Court commutes death sentence of Sheikh Asif Ali, who was convicted for rape and murder of a 6 year old girl

On 20th June, the Orissa High Court commuted the death sentence of Sheikh Asif Ali to life imprisonment from death sentence. Asif is convicted of rape and murder of a six-year-old girl. The court noted in the judgment that Asif was consistently offering Namaz several times a day and he was ready to accept the punishment as “he has surrendered before God”. The court took his readiness to accept his punishment as a sign of remorse and potential to reform.

The Bench comprising of Justice SK Sahoo and Justice RK Pattnaik stated, “The punishment should not be disproportionately great is a corollary and it is dictated by the same principle that does not allow punishment of the innocent, for any punishment over what is deserved for the criminal conduct is punishment without guilt. There is no cogent evidence that the appellant is beyond reform and rehabilitation,” while commuting the death sentence to life imprisonment.

The incident

On 21st August 2014, the young victim and her minor cousin went to buy chocolates at around 2 PM. By 3 PM the girl did not return which worried her family. They called the villagers and initiated a search for her. The 6-year-old was found naked and unconscious in a narrow part of Sheikh Khairuddin’s house. She was rushed to a primary health care centre from where she was referred to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. While she was being taken to the hospital, the victim succumbed to her injuries.

The victim’s cousin disclosed later that Sheikh Asif Ali and Sheikh Akil Ali had forcibly taken her away. A complaint in the matter was filed by the victim’s family leading to a case being registered against the accused under Sections 302, 376-D, and 376-A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

During the investigation and based on the postmortem report of the deceased, it was found that the accused in the case gagged the mouth of the deceased and lifted her in arms to take her away. They raped the 6-year-old child and then strangulated her to death.

Trial and Orissa High Court observations

Though the trial court convicted the accused under the said Sections of IPC and POCSO, the Orissa High Court, upon re-examination of evidence and testimonies acquitted Sheikh Akil Ali of all charges due to lack of evidence. In the case of Sheikh Asif Ali, the court said, “The prosecution failed to establish the charge under section 376-D of the IPC against the appellant Sheikh Asif Ali. He is acquitted of such charge but found guilty under sections 302, 376-A of the IPC, and Section 6 of the POCSO Act.”

Rationale for commutation

While commuting the sentence, the Orissa High Court noted that there was a lack of cogent evidence that indicated Asif was beyond reform and rehabilitation. The court emphasised that capital punishment should be reserved for the “rarest of rare” cases where life imprisonment is insufficient.

Despite acknowledging the heinous nature of the minor girl rape, the Court highlighted the circumstantial basis of the case and the absence of premeditation. The court remarked, “Keeping in view the ratio laid down in the decisions discussed above, it is borne out of the record that the offence was committed against a girl child aged about six years in a most horrendous, devilish and barbaric manner, but the case is based on circumstantial evidence and there is no material on record that the crime was committed in a pre-planned manner.”

The court noted, “It seems that both the appellants noticed the deceased in the company of cousin brother while they were returning after purchasing chocolates and then the deceased was lifted away and she was subjected to rape during the course of which she sustained injuries on different parts of her body and her death was due to shock and haemorrhage as a result of injuries to genital track which were fatal in the ordinary course of nature. No harm has been caused to the minor cousin while lifting away the deceased even though the appellants must have been aware that is likely to disclose their misdeeds before the family members and others.”

Punjab: NIA announces rewards of Rs 10 lakh each for information on 2 accused wanted in VHP leader Vikas Prabhakar’s murder case

ANI
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Punjab: NIA announces rewards of Rs 10 lakh each for information on 2 accused wanted in VHP leader Vikas Prabhakar’s murder case

 The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday declared a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh each against two wanted accused in connection with the murder of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Vikas Prabhakar in Punjab.

Harjit Singh alias Laddi, son of Kuldip Singh, a resident of Garpadhana village in Punjab’s Nawanshahr, and Kulbeer Singh alias Sidhu, son of Sukhvinder Singh, a resident of Yamuna Nagar, Police Station Sadar Jagadhari, Haryana, are absconders in the murder case registered on May 9 this year, the NIA said in a statement.

Vikas Prabhakar was shot dead by two unidentified motorcycle-borne men at his shop in Nangal town in Punjab’s Rupnagar district on April 13, 2024. The two assailants entered Bagga’s confectionery shop located near the Rupnagar railway station and opened fire at him and then fled from the scene.

The NIA said that the identities of the informants will be kept a secret in their interest. The agency also shared photos of the duo.

Earlier, on April 16, the Rupnagar Police, in a joint operation with the state special operating cell (SSOC) in Mohali, arrested two Pakistani-backed operatives in connection with this high-profile murder case.

With this, the Punjab police claimed to have solved the murder case within three days. “In a major breakthrough, Rupnagar Police, in a joint operation with SSOC #Mohali, has solved the Vikas Prabhakar Murder Case in less than three days with the arrest of 2 operatives of a terror module backed by #Pakistan-based terrorist masterminds,” the Punjab Police posted on social media platform X.

The two were arrested on April 16 with two weapons- 32 bore pistols, 16 live cartridges, one empty used cartridge, and a TVS Jupiter scooty used in the crime.

From the preliminary investigations, it has been revealed that this is a terror module, operated and funded by Foreign-based handlers operating from Portugal and other places, the police added.

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

Kenya: Several dead as Police opens fire on protesters trying to storm Parliament Building while opposing tax hikes

OpIndia Staff
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Kenya: Several dead as Police opens fire on protesters trying to storm Parliament Building while opposing tax hikes

On Tuesday, June 25, in Kenya, several people were feared dead after Police opened fire at protesters who tried to storm the Parliament building as protests against tax hikes descended into violence and chaos. The protesters have set parts of the Parliament building on fire and plumes of smoke can be seen in videos doing rounds on social media. Meanwhile, hundreds of MPs, who could not leave the parliament, have been rushed to the basement.  

Police opened fire after tear gas and water cannons failed to disperse the crowds. According to news agency Reuters, a journalist counted the bodies of at least five protesters outside parliament. A paramedic, Vivian Achista, said that at least 10 had been shot dead. Another 50 people are said to have suffered gunshot wounds and it is feared that the casualty figures may rise.   

(Masked protester showing bullet casing during protest against tax hikes in Kenya, Image Source – BBC)

Chaotic scenes erupted near the Kenyan Parliament building when MPs were debating the controversial finance bill before passing it. Soon, gunshots were heard as the disputed finance bill was passed. While police opened fire, several protesters stormed the Parliament building. Police are trying to ensure the safety of MPs as hundreds of them were unable to leave the parliament when protesters breached the complex. Local media reported that most MPs have taken cover in a basement.

(Police in riot geares, resorted to tear gas shelling and firing to prevent violent protesters from entering Kenyan Parliament, Image Source – BBC)

BBC reported that protesters have damaged a section of parliament where a huge plume of smoke can be seen. As per Live TV footage, the protesters vandalised the parliament building and damaged a section of its structure. Additionally, windows and chairs inside the parliament can be seen as broken. 

In one of the viral videos, several protesters could be seen pulling apart a stand that displays flags in the Parliament building and smashing the poles against the floor. Another man kicked the doors to the senate. 

It is pertinent to note that the protests are mainly Gen-Z-led rallies, which began last week over demands to scrap the finance bill that proposes tax hikes. The protesters have caught the government off guard and forced President William Ruto to say over the weekend that he was ready to talk to the protesters. 

However, protests on Tuesday afternoon turned violent as crowds started to throw stones at police and push back against barricades while attempting to storm the parliament complex. 

Meanwhile, protests and clashes have also taken place in several other cities and towns across Kenya. 

As per reports, the said finance bill seeks to generate an extra $2.7 billion in taxes to help reduce the substantial debt burden, as interest payments alone account for 37% of the annual revenue. Despite the government making concessions by agreeing to eliminate proposed new taxes on bread, cooking oil, car ownership, and financial transactions, these measures have not been sufficient to appease the protesters. The protesters who were initially demanding the reversal of tax hikes have now started demanding the resignation of President William Ruto. 

A protester Davis Tafari, who was trying to enter parliament, told Reuters, “We want to shut down parliament and every MP should go down and resign. We will have a new government.”

‘False and misleading’: Indian Railways debunks viral claims that said IRCTC account holders cannot book tickets for people with different surnames

OpIndia Staff
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‘False and misleading’: Indian Railways debunks viral claims that said IRCTC account holders cannot book tickets for people with different surnames

On Tuesday (25th June), the Spokesperson of the Indian Railways debunked fake news circulating on social media, which falsely claimed that under new railway E-ticket booking rules, new restrictions have been imposed on booking tickets for others and that people would be jailed for booking tickets for passengers with different surnames. The Spokesperson categorically dismissed the claims, stating, “The news in circulation on social media about restrictions in booking e-tickets due to different surnames is false and misleading.”

Notably, it all started after some media reports falsely claimed that new restrictions had been imposed on booking IRCTC tickets for others and that booking train tickets for others via personal IRCTC ID can land you in jail. Delhibreakings.com reported that according to Section 143 of the Railway Act, only officially appointed agents are authorized to make bookings for third parties. Violating this rule can result in legal action, including a potential jail term of up to 3 years and a fine of Rs. 10,000. It also mentioned the “same surname rule”.

(Snippet from Delhibreakings.com article)

The report added that the new regulation mandates that individuals “can only book tickets for blood relations or those with the same surname”, using personal ID. Booking for friends or others could lead to a hefty fine of Rs. 10,000 or a jail term of up to 3 years, or both, the report had further claimed. 

Soon, several X users started sharing the media report with many of them peddling it with further misleading claims and false allegations against the Indian Railways. Some of the users deleted their posts after the Indian Railways debunked the false claims.

Many users expressed concerns that, in many cases, post-marriage, many women retain their maiden surnames. If the news turns out to be true, it could become criminal for a spouse to book tickets for their partner or vice versa, they lamented.

Allaying their fear, the Spokesperson of the Indian Railways busted the fake claims. It categorically asserted that the claims about restrictions in the booking of e-tickets due to different surnames are “false and misleading.”

It clarified that tickets from the IRCTC Site are being booked as per Railway Board Guidelines. It stressed that IRCTC users can book tickets from their User ID for “friends, family and relatives”, which strikingly can be irrespective of the passenger(s)’ surname. Additionally, one user can book up to 12 tickets per month which could go up to 24 per month, in case of proper authentication through Aadhar. 

However, the release mentioned that the ‘commercial sale’ of tickets on personal user IDs is an offence. While users can book tickets for others, irrespective of surname, selling tickets booked on their ID for monetary gain is a crime.

The requirements stated in the press release are as under – 

1. One can book tickets on a personal User ID for friends, family, and relatives.

2. Booking can done for up to 12 tickets per month which in the case of Aadhaar-authenticated users can go up to 24 tickets per month if one of the passengers on a ticket is also Aadhar authenticated.

3. Tickets booked on personal User IDs are not meant for commercial sale and such an act is an offence under section 143 of Railways Act 1989.

Constitution copy Rahul Gandhi flashes at everyone was conceptualised by someone who was against OBC reservations: Read about SC Adv Gopal Sankaranarayanan

OpIndia Staff
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Constitution copy Rahul Gandhi flashes at everyone was conceptualised by someone who was against OBC reservations: Read about SC Adv Gopal Sankaranarayanan

During his election campaign and after the election results, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been alleging and furthering the unsubstantiated trope against PM Modi-led NDA government that the ‘Constitution is in danger’ and that it wants to do away with the reservations for vulnerable sections of society. The falsehood was amplified by circulating a doctored video of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. As part of his political rhetoric, he has been waving a red and black leather pocket-sized constitution copy to project himself as the saviour of the Dalits (SC), Tribals (ST), and OBC communities, and the one safeguarding their constitutionally enshrined reservations. 

Ironically, while asserting protecting the constitution and reservations, by extension, the Gandhi scion has been flashing a small copy of the constitution that was conceptualized by Supreme Court advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan who has spoken against OBC reservation as well as a complete overhaul of existing reservations. He has been demanding the introduction of a creamy layer in the SC/ST reservation and incorporating a 10% EWS reservation from the existing 50% limit.   

Notably, Lucknow-based Eastern Book Company has secured intellectual property rights for the said red-black leather-bound Constitution copy meaning the book cannot be copied by other publishers. 

One of the directors of the Eastern Book Company, Sumeet Malik told PTI that the idea of printing a court pocket edition came from Supreme Court advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, who suggested that they should publish a version that fits easily in the lawyers’ court pockets. 

Now it is pertinent to note that the Supreme Court lawyer Gopal Sankaranarayanan has been speaking against the OBC reservation, particularly the inclusion of dominant communities which “discriminated against SCs and STs”. 

In an interview with a legal portal Law School Policy Review & Kautilya Society, Sankaranarayanan expressed concerns about the increasing demand for reservation by communities who didn’t face historical discrimination. He asserted that the Parliament went ‘beyond’ the balance that the Constitution intended to achieve when it extended reservations beyond the SC/ST category to include the OBC category. He argued that it was wrong to put the accused and victim in the same category noting that some of the OBC communities getting reservations are the ones who discriminated against SCs.  

Elaborating his rationale against OBC reservations, Gopal said, “Unfortunately, I believe that it went beyond that (balance intended by the Constitution) the minute we went beyond SC/ST. When we went into the entire OBC domain, we took the measures of historical discrimination, slowly, a little bit in a direction where groups that were socially fairly strong, and in large numbers, were now getting the benefits that should have gone to those who have historically discriminated. Please remember that a large number of those who are the OBCs were the ones who have discriminated against SCs, now you’re putting them both in the same benefit category effectively.” 

Additionally, he was part of the pleas that were filed in the Supreme Court demanding the introduction of a creamy layer in the SC/ST reservations. Back in 2018, a plea was filed by Samta Andolan Samiti, the umbrella body of general and OBC government employees and nine people belonging to the SC/ST community.

Appearing for the petitioners, advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan sought the introduction of the creamy layer concept in SC/ST reservations to keep the rich among them out to ensure that the benefits go to the poor and the needy.

The counsel argued that due to the non-application of the concept of creamy layer in SCs and STs, the actually backward and deprived members of the SCs and STs are having a “heart burning” that uplifted/affluent and advanced portion of castes included in SCs and STs are taking away the benefits, which are designed for them.

Last year, he appeared in the Supreme Court to challenge the EWS reservation. Elaborating his opposition to the EWS reservations, he told the legal portal, “I was fine with saying EWS is good, but nuance it by saying that it is limited to 50% and doesn’t allow them to cross the 50% limit.” 

In a glaring irony, while the Supreme Court lawyer has been advocating for limiting reservations to a 50% cap, Rahul Gandhi, who has been declaring his intent to breach this limit and raising slogans such as ‘Jitni Aabadi Utna Haq,’ has been brandishing a copy of the Constitution conceptualized by the former.

Nonetheless, the Constitution copy that I.N.D.I. alliance leaders including Rahul Gandhi have been flashing at everyone roughly measures 20 centimetres in length and nine centimetres in breadth. Its first edition was launched in 2009 and there have been about 16 editions of this book, which have been published so far. The publisher has used Bible paper which is very thin. All the article numbers are in red and the text is in black. EBC publisher Sumeet Malik claims to have sold 5,000 copies in the last three months which is the same number that the publisher sold in 2023. 

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