After a strong start at the box office, the controversial film Adipurush saw a sharp decline in box office numbers on the fourth day. Experts believe it is because of the negative reactions on social media. The film has been criticized extensively due to the dialogues, poor VFX, and changes in the actual storyline of Ramayana done by the makers. So far, the film has reportedly grossed over Rs 340 crore worldwide in the opening week. However, the film fell flat on the fourth day at the box office.
On June 19, the film managed to earn only Rs 20 crore in India. The total collection in India for the 600-crore budget film stands at Rs 241 crore. Total occupancy on the third day, i.e. June 18 (Sunday), was reportedly 61.75%. Prabhas, Saif Ali Khan, and Kriti Sanon starrer Adipurush saw the biggest pan-Indian opening of 2023 on day-1, leaving behind Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan, which made Rs 57 crore on the opening day.
Bollywood trade analyst Taran Adarsh pointed out that negative word of mouth played a role in the film’s downfall. He wrote, “THE NEGATIVE WORD OF MOUTH HAS COME INTO PLAY… After a strong opening weekend, #Adipurush COLLAPSES on Monday. #Hindi version. #India biz.”
The film Adipurush saw a severe backlash from the day the teaser was released. The makers postponed its release day by claiming they would make necessary changes to meet the viewers’ expectations. However, things did not work out for the team as planned. The Hindi version of the film was clouded with criticism due to poor dialogue writing and crass language used by religious characters.
Furthermore, the viewers were flabbergasted by the changes made by the makers in the storyline. The poor quality VFX of the film, blatantly copying Hollywood themes, made the situation worse. Due to the criticism, the makers have now decided to change a few dialogues. Still, as the days pass by, more issues are being highlighted by the netizens making it virtually impossible for the film to make a notable comeback.
Social media has become the new breeding ground for love jihad. In another such case, this time from Aligarh, a youth named Zihad with an account by the name of Aryan, befriended a Hindu woman on Instagram. For 6 months, they kept messaging each other on the social media platform until they decided to elope.
The Meerut-based Zahid arrived in Aligarh on 17 June, Saturday. He handed some intoxicating pills to the Hindu woman and asked her to mix them with her family’s food. Following this, they hatched a plan to elope at night.
Zahid also told the woman to get money and ornaments from her house. They were caught by the police shortly after attempting to flee. She has been handed over to her family.
Complaint filed by the family
The woman’s family filed a complaint with the Gandhi Park police station. They informed the police that while the name on his Instagram account was Hindu (Aryan), his Instagram ID was by a Muslim name (Zahid). Zahid, who builds cabinets for a living in Meerut, had been trapping the woman for 6 months on Instagram.
Zahid has been arrested. Meanwhile, the woman has been called for questioning.
Love Jihad: The growing cases of the hidden identity
Uttarakhand: 2 Muslim brothers trap Hindu sisters
Mohammad Salik and his brother posed as Hindu men to trap 2 Hindu sisters in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun. Md Salik posed a Lucky Rana on Instagram to befriend the elder sister while his younger brother also changed his name and befriended the younger sister.
Md Salik had been working as a junior advocate in the Dehradun court for a year. Meanwhile, his younger brother is studying MBBS in Bangladesh.
To gain the trust of Hindu girls, the accused brother duo tied kalava, bad-mouthed Muslims, and even took the sisters to watch ‘The Kerala Story’. However, the elder brother got exposed while making an online payment to the landlord for a flat in Panditwadi, and slowly everything unraveled thereof.
Registering a case against the accused, the Police arrested him and sent him to jail. The Police have called his younger brother who is currently in Bangladesh for questioning in this matter. Their father is said to be an Assistant government advocate in Bijnor.
U.P: Muslim youth lures Hindu girl into marrying him
In the Shamli district of Uttar Pradesh, a Muslim youth named Rashid lured a Hindu girl into marrying him. Following this, the family of the Hindu girl along with the members of Hindu rights organisations arrived at the local police station demanding that the girl be returned to them.
Rashid already has four wives. Out of his four wives, one is Muslim while the other three are Hindu.
The girl’s family alleged that accused Rashid’s relatives Parvez and Nadeem along with their accomplices barged into their home and threatened to kill them if they refused to take back the case they have registered against Rashid.
Chhattisgarh: Muslim man poses as Rahul to trick Hindu tribal girl
On 14 June, the Ambikapur police in Chhattisgarh arrested Noor Alam Khan from Balarampur for alleged human trafficking under the guise of promising a job in Gujarat to a tribal Hindu girl. Accused Noor Alam Khan posed as a Hindu man named Rahul Singh.
The accused promised to get her a job in Gujarat. He managed to convince her that a fake court marriage certificate would help her at the workplace in Gujarat. Accused Noor Alam called the victim to Ambikapur court through Sharmili Netaam.
The victim learnt about the accused person’s real identity when he was preparing an affidavit for the marriage. In the affidavit, the person Madkam knew as Rahul Singh wrote his name as Noor Alam Khan. The victim was left shocked and clueless upon realising that the person she believed to be a Hindu was actually a Muslim.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on 18 June, Sunday announced that the state’s class 11 syllabus will include chapters on Goa Revolution Day. 18 June marks the day when Dr Ram Manohar Lohia gave a clarion call to the people of Goa to fight against Portuguese oppression.
The Goa Revolution Day, also known as Kranti Din, was commemorated at Panjim’s Azad Maidan on Sunday. CM Sawant said, “The importance and history of Goa Revolution Day will be included in the 11th standard curriculum. The chapter on Cuncolim Revolt has also been added to the school curriculum.”
Paid tributes to #DrRamManoharLohia, the Freedom Fighters and Martyrs of the Goa Liberation Struggle on the occasion of #GoaRevolutionDay at Azad Maidan, Panaji.
The importance and history of the Revolution Day will be included in the curriculum of 11th Std. Also, Chapters on… pic.twitter.com/mWBMZU4lcR
— Dr. Pramod Sawant (@DrPramodPSawant) June 18, 2023
88-year-old veteran freedom fighter Gurudas Kunde, President of the Goa Freedom Fighters’ Association was also present at the event. It was following his appeal on stage to the govt to include in textbooks the history of Goa’s freedom struggle that the CM announced the decision.
Kunde also asked the BJP govt to not delay freedom fighters’ pensions. He said, “There are hardly 15-20 surviving freedom fighters. We might not be having votes, but our principles are still intact,” said Kunde.
What is the Goa Revolution Day?
On the evening of 18 June 1946, distinguished nationalist and freedom fighter Dr Ram Manohar Lohia arrived in Margao. His rousing speech calling for action by Goans against the persecution by Portuguese tyrants echoes in their hearts to date.
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, freedom fighter
Defying the order of the Portuguese regime, he held a public meeting. Dr. Lohia’s speech against the Portuguese regime sowed the seeds of revolution which flourished into the tree of liberation 15 years later on 19 December 1961.
Dr. Lohia’s friend Juliao Menezes writes in his book ‘Goa Freedom Struggle” the account of what followed before his speech:
“At this sight, Capt Miranda with his Latin blood and excitement straight took out his revolver and pointed it at the unarmed civilian Goans who were approaching us with garlands in their hands. Lohia, at this moment, acted quickly. He caught hold of the hand of the captain in which the weapon was held, ordered him to be calm, brushed him aside, calmly proceeded to the place of meeting, and started to address the people.”
For the first time in 451 years of Portuguese dictatorship, someone had dared to throw an open challenge. Himself recuperating from ill health after his release from the British prison, these were Lohia’s words that resuscitated the state of Goa.
“A conspiracy has sought for decades to turn Goa into an island of imperialist safety where the law has proved inadequate. You (people of Goa) cannot form organisations. Not to talk of political organisations like Indian National Congress, even organisations, for study or sports or village uplift, require previous sanctions of the government and must obviously work under police watch. You cannot hold meetings not to talk of political meetings, even social and private gatherings, require permissions, and come in for police inquiry,” he lamented.
Chants of “Dr. Lohia zindabad,” “Bharat Mata ki Jai,” “Jai Hind” reverberated the skies and land of Goa. This was followed by Dr. Lohia’s arrest from the venue. Freedom fighters accompanying Dr. Lohia were also arrested.
Amongst those arrested was author Shefali Vaidya’s grandfather, Trivikram Vishnu Vaidya, who had driven Dr. Lohia to the venue. She is the daughter of Goa’s revered freedom fighter Prabhakar Trivikram Vaidya who was a member of the revolutionary movement called Azad Gomantak Dal. Her grandfather’s brother Vyankatesh Vishnu Vaidya was jailed for fighting the battle for freedom.
Best wishes to all Goans for #GoaKrantiDin. Not many people know that it was my grandfather, Trivikram Vishnu Vaidya, who drove Ram Manohar Lohia to the venue of this historic speech in his carreira. He was also arrested that day, along with Dr. Lohia by the Portuguese police.… pic.twitter.com/M4AvZFJI9S
“He (Trivikram Vishnu Vaidya) was arrested for driving Dr. Lohia along with other people on the stage. Later Dr. Lohia was escorted out of Goa borders by the cops. My grandfather was let out on bail,” she said.
Goa inquisition: Goa’s dark history with the Portuguese
The Portuguese inquisition of Goa started when Vasco Da Gama returned to Portugal after he discovered the route to India via Africa’s Cape of Good Hope. Upon his return to Portugal in 1510, Gama told the Portuguese royals about the undiscovered route to India, which gave them an opportunity to colonise the Western coast of India and particularly Goa.
Vasco Da Gama
Pope Nicholas V soon issued a diktat which gave the kingdom of Portugal a monopoly on forcing Christianity upon the locals of the newly discovered areas (and mainly India), along with the monopoly to trade on behalf of the Roman Catholic Empire in Asia. Soon after, the Portuguese sent troops to capture a portion of Goa and set up a colony in the coastal city.
Aghast by the local traditions followed by Hindus, the Portuguese were angered by the locals following a religion other than Christianity and ordered all temples within the colony to be shut; this marked the beginning of the bloody Goan inquisition that comprised of gross human rights violations and mass executions of the local Hindus and Jews.
Missionaries, forced conversions, confessions, and ethnic cleansing of Hindus
Most of the Inquisition’s records were burnt by the Portuguese after it was abolished in 1812 depriving the Indian people of learning about their exploitation. Author Richard Zimler has documented the persecution of non-Catholics at the hands of the Portuguese in his book ‘Guardian of the Dawn.’
He says, “It was a machinery of death. A large number of Hindus were first converted and then persecuted from 1560 all the way to 1812!”
Hindus were tied up and their feet were burnt slowly with sulfur
The sadists built hundreds of prison cells in order to accommodate fresh victims. 71 records of public penance (“autos da fe”) were recorded. In the initial years, over 4000 people were arrested and 121 were burnt at the stake alive. This is from the data that survived; the real numbers are sure to surpass the human imagination.
Hindus were publicly burnt at the stake outside Cathedrals during “ceremonies.” Those who confessed to heresy were strangled before being burnt.
After the savage Bakhtiyar Khilji’s burning of the Nalanda University, it is safe to say that Hindu literature in Goa suffered a similar fate at the hands of these demons. Books written in Sanskrit and Konkani were burnt, and Hindu spiritual texts were reduced to ashes in order to make space for the demonic Christian value system.
Orphaned Hindu children were baptized and indoctrinated by Fathers, and Hindu children with families were kidnapped and forcibly baptized. The torture did not end here, it only worsened with the arrival of the satanic Francis Xavier, founder of the “Society of Jesus.”
Torture techniques were used to force arrested Hindus into “confessing.” Hindus were tied up and their feet were burnt slowly with sulfur, and water torture techniques, victims were manacled on racks, slowly dislocating their joints, and forcing them to eat beef were the methods to name a few.
Thumb screws, leg crushers, boiling oil, sulfur, and hot wax were some of the resources used for conversion and confessions.
By 1559, more than 350 temples were destroyed in Goa, and idol worship was banned even in private. Lakhs and lakhs of Hindus were converted forcefully leading to crypto-Hinduism (secretly practising Hinduism while posing as Christians). Those accused of crypto-Hinduism were imprisoned, tortured, and sentenced to death.
Several were executed under the garb of religious crimes, and many who had already died in jail were burnt in effigy.
Offerings to deities were considered witchcraft by the barbarians. Xenddi tax, like Islamic Jizya, was imposed on Hindus. By 1548, 14 churches were built on the Goan land.
Punishment for violations of the Inquisition included public lashings, fines, banishment to Mozambique, imprisonment, execution, burning at stakes or effigy, and more.
Hindu weddings were banned, construction and reconstruction of temples were banned, Hindu rituals were forbidden, and owning idols or images of Hindu Gods and Goddesses was banned….basically everything non-Catholic and non-Christian was banned.
The widespread ethnic cleansing of Hindus involved sadistic and barbaric acts of murder. Even after the Inquisition was abolished in 1812, mass conversion of and oppression against Hindus continued.
Prohibitions on the Hindu faith
1. Hindus were forbidden from occupying any public office;
2. Hindus were forbidden from producing any Christian devotional objects or symbols;
3. Hindu children whose fathers had died were required to be handed over to the Jesuits for conversion to Christianity;
4. Hindu women who converted to Christianity could inherit all of the property of their parents;
5. Hindu clerks in all village councils were replaced with Christians;
6. Christian ganvkars (freeholders) could make village decisions without any Hindu ganvkars present, however, Hindu ganvkars could not make any village decisions unless all Christian ganvkars were present;
7. In Goan villages with Christian majorities, Hindus were forbidden from attending village assemblies;
8. Christian members were to sign first on any proceedings, Hindus later;
9. In legal proceedings, Hindus were unacceptable as witnesses, only statements from Christian witnesses were admissible;
10. Hindu priests were forbidden from entering Portuguese Goa to officiate Hindu weddings.
Present-day Goa
Today, Christians account for 25% of Goa’s population. The atrocities against Hindus under the savage Portuguese rule is a subject not often discussed by the Indian masses.
Goa today for the larger Indian youth is synonymous with rave parties. Its bloodied history followed by its awakening from slumber is not part of the daily public discourse in India.
Conversion by Christian missionaries of Hindus continues in India even today. Manipulative narratives like “the world will end soon,” “take Jesus’ refuge,” and “Christianity calls for peace and humanity,” all under the theatric garb of helping the poor and the downtrodden, are used to convert the deprived Hindu.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India achieved remarkable milestones showcasing its immense potential in various fields, Guido Maniscalco, a Tampa City Council member said on Monday and added that those achievements are a testament to the hard work, resilience and spirit of its people.
Taking to Twitter, the Indian Embassy in the US shared Maniscalco’s video message and thanked him for that. In a video message, Maniscalco said, “Prime Minister Modi, your presence here is a testament to the enduring friendship and collaboration between our two great nations. On behalf of the residents of Tampa and Hills Borough County, I offer you a warm and gracious welcome. India, under your leadership, has achieved remarkable milestones showcasing its immense potential in various fields.”
“Your nation’s achievements are a testament to the hard work, resilience and spirit of its people. As a councilman of a diverse community in Tampa, I am proud to acknowledge the striking similarities between our two democracies. The United States and India share a deep respect for individual freedoms, equality and the pursuit of happiness. We believe in the power of democracy to empower our citizens and provide them with opportunities to shape their destinies,” he added. In the video message, he also stated that PM Modi’s visit to the US represents an opportunity to strengthen the bond between the two nations and deepen cooperation.
The member of Tampa City Council further stated that together, India and the US can address the pressing challenges of time, fostering economic growth and promoting global peace and security.
“Prime Minister, as you embark on this visit I encourage you to explore the warmth and hospitality of Tampa and Hillsborough County. Our doors are open and our community stands ready to engage in meaningful dialogue and exchange ideas that will further strengthen the ties between our nations. Once again, on behalf of the residents of the city of Tampa I extend a warm welcome to you, Prime Minister Modi. May this visit mark the beginning of a new chapter in the friendship and cooperation between our two nations. Together, let us work together toward a brighter future guided by the principles of liberty, justice and equality,” he added.
PM Modi is all set to visit the US today and will commence his trip with the Yoga Day celebrations at the UN headquarter.
Meanwhile, a US congressman, Andrew Garbarino from New York’s second congressional district said that he is delighted that Prime Minister Modi will make a historic state visit to the United States.
He further stated that he is looking forward to PM Modi’s speech in front of the joint session of Congress on June 22. “This truly does highlight the strong US-India partnership, and I wish him the best trip and the most success,” Garbarino said in a video message which was shared by the Indian embassy in the US.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will host a State Dinner in honour of the Prime Minister the same evening, according to a release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The PM will also address a Joint Sitting of the US Congress on June 22.
Another Congressman Matt Cartwright, ahead of PM Narendra Modi’s State Visit to the US, said that he is delighted that they are receiving PM Narendra Modi. “What a momentous, special occasion this is, and we welcome him to the United States. We eagerly look forward to him being hosted by the United States President, Joe Biden at the White House on June 22, 2023,” he said in the video message.
He further stated that he cherished the relationship between India and the USA as stronger than ever and really one of the most consequential relationships of the 21st century.
After his tweet, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar tweeted, “Appreciate your warm message, Congressman @RepCartwright. We deeply value the cherished #IndiaUSPartnership and look forward to PM @narendramodi’s visit.”
On June 23, the prime minister will be jointly hosted at a luncheon by US Vice President Kamala Harris and the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. In addition to official engagements, the Prime Minister is scheduled to have several curated interactions with leading CEOs, professionals, and other stakeholders. He will also meet members of the Indian Diaspora.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
UPDATE: After the media reported that JE Amir Khan was absconding, CPRO South Eastern Railways refuted the media reports. This report, which was based on Wion News, Business Standard and others has been updated to reflect the latest information.
#WATCH | Balasore train accident | "A few media reports are coming in that a Bahanaga staff is absconding and missing. This is factually incorrect. The entire staff is present & a part of inquiry. They are appearing before agency," says Aditya Kumar Chaudhary, CPRO South Eastern… pic.twitter.com/Htc538cIFp
Balasore train accident | “A few media reports are coming in that a Bahanaga staff is absconding and missing. This is factually incorrect. The entire staff is present & a part of inquiry. They are appearing before agency,” said Aditya Kumar Chaudhary, CPROSouth Eastern Railway.
On June 19, It was reported that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sealed the rented house of Junior Engineer (JE) Amir Khan. As per reports, Khan is a suspect in Odisha triple train tragedy that the CBI is investigating. When a CBI team reached his house located near Annapurna Rice Mill in Soro, the house was locked. The CBI later sealed it. The June 2 triple train accident at Bahanaga took away the lives of 292 passengers and injured over a thousand.
The Business Standard report said two CBI personnel are watching the house after the JE had reportedly absconded with family after initial questioning, however, Railway authorities have now refuted claims.
Role of signal JE at the Indian Railways
The signal JE is responsible for installing, maintaining and repairing the signalling equipment, including point machines, interlocking systems and signals, etc. In short, they play a vital role in ensuring train operations run smoothly and safely.
Railway officials raised suspicion of deliberate sabotage
Notably, railway officials have insisted that the train accident was possibly a result of sabotage by “deliberate interference with the electronic interlocking system.” In a report, the Times of India quoted the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Khurda, Rinkesh Roy, saying, “You get green signal only after fulfilling all the pre-conditions such as whether the route is set and everything is right. Even if there is a minor problem, technically, there cannot be a green signal in any circumstance; it becomes red. It can’t go green unless and until someone has tampered with it, someone has physically tempered with it.”
Investigation was handed over to CBI on June 6
On June 6, the investigation into the train accident was taken over by the central investigation agency. An FIR has already been initiated in the matter. CBI was handed over the investigation after the allegations of tampering with the electronic interlocking system came to the fore following the accident.
For those who are unaware, electronic interlocking systems installed at the stations provide vital information about the status of the trains. The railway officials had raised suspicions of deliberate sabotage. The official sources quoted by WION suggested five railway employees are under CBI’s radar for the investigation.
On Monday, the 19th of June, Ex-Bihar CM Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) withdrew its support from the Nitish Kumar-led coalition government. The Party’s National President and Former CM Manjhi’s son Santosh Suman stated that he has sought an appointment with the Bihar Governor, Rajendra Arlekar, to hand over the letter of withdrawal of support from the Nitish government.
Suman made these remarks while addressing a press conference, as the National Executive body of HAM had earlier authorised him to make decisions regarding the future course of action.
Suman added that later in the day, he would be visiting Delhi to “explore options”. He said that he is “willing to consider” an invitation from the NDA if it is extended by the BJP-led coalition.
HAM President Suman said, “We are also keeping the option open for setting up a third front.” However, he ducked the queries about unconfirmed reports of him having a meeting scheduled in Delhi with BJP President JP Nadda.
Last week, Suman resigned from the Nitish Kumar cabinet citing that he cannot compromise his self-respect. He alleged that the Bihar CM Nitish Kumar was pressuring him to merge his party with the JD(U).
Differences between Nitish Kumar and Jitan Ram Manjhi over opposition parties meeting
Reportedly, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar stated that Manjhi wanted to be a part of the opposition parties meeting scheduled to be held on 23rd June. However, CM added that Manjhi was not invited as there were apprehensions that he may leak details of the event to the BJP.
Apparently, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar had been trying to put together a common opposition front against the Modi government. He went to different states seeking support for the same. Earlier, a meeting of the opposition parties was scheduled for the 12th of June. The meeting was rescheduled for the 23rd of June as Rahul Gandhi was on a ten-day US tour. However, before the meeting, the unity faced a major setback when BRS and BJD announced their plan to skip the opposition meeting.
It is interesting to note that since its formation in 2015, Jitan Ram Manjhi’s party has switched allies many times. Notably, the HAM, with its four MLAs, broke ties with NDA and joined the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ last year.
The ruling coalition, consists of JD(U), RJD, Congress, with three Left parties supporting it from outside. They hold a significant majority in the 243-member assembly with nearly 160 MLAs.
On Monday, June 19, a 53-year-old man was arrested by the Pampa Police on charges of stealing a gold ornament from the treasury of Sabarimala temple, Kerala. The accused was identified as Rejikumar, a native of Kottayam.
Reportedly, he is an employee of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB)’s Etumanur Vasudevapuram temple.
In the CCTV footage, Rejikumar was seen stealing a gold bangle that was donated by a devotee to the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple.
The theft came to light from CCTV footage
According to the information, this incident of theft took place on the 16th of June. An official of the Devaswom Board had deposited the gold in the temple’s treasury, but there was no record of it. Afterward, the executive officer of Sabarimala filed a complaint.
Later, a CCTV footage investigation was conducted under the leadership of Vigilance SI Biju Radhakrishnan. During the investigation, it was revealed that the bangle had been thrown into the garbage by Rejikumar through the conveyor belt in the warehouse and then retrieved from there.
As per media reports, the accused Rejikumar stole a golden bangle weighing 10.950 grams that was donated by a devotee on June 16. The temple administration found out about the theft through the CCTV footage. The ornament had been offered after informing the TDB officials on duty but it was missing from the collection box.
The Bhandaram Special Officer recovered the missing ornament underneath the suspect’s pillow. Subsequently, he was taken into custody by the Devaswom Vigilance.
Official statement
An official said, “The main hundi at the temple sopanam is connected to a conveyor belt that takes the cash and ornaments to a box placed below. When the Devaswom vigilance team inspected the CCTV visuals, they found the accused standing near the box and concealing the ornament in a waste dump. The ornament was later discovered in his room during an inspection.”
Accordingly, the Police lodged a complaint in this matter and arrested the accused Rejikumar. Reports claim that the accused came to Sabarimala temple on a cash-counting duty for the Masa Puja.
A few days earlier, the Sabarimala temple was opened for Mithunamasa pujas. Led by the Temple Chief K. Jayaraman Namboothiri and under the guidance of Tantri Kantarar Rajivara, the Temple shrine was ceremoniously opened, and the lamp was lit. Following the completion of the five days of Puja, the Nata will be closed on the night of the 20th.
On the 31st of May this year, the Bihar government awarded the Rs 1,600-crore ambulance contract to Patna-based Pashupatinath Distributors Private Limited (PDPL). The contract was awarded to PDPL to operate 2,125 ambulances as part of the Dial 102 Emergency service. Reportedly, the company, PDPL is run by the relatives of JD(U) MP from Jahanabad, Chandeshwar Prasad Chandravanshi.
The State Health Society of Bihar (SHSB), an agency under the Health Department that handles the service, reportedly tweaked norms in the original Request for Proposals (RFP). These modifications were done to renew the 5-year ambulance contract with PDPL.
The Bihar government conveniently overlooked all the red flags
Despite many red flags, the RJD-JD(U) government decided to renew the contract with PDPL for another five years. The contract allows PDPL to run emergency ambulances across the state. Apart from this, it was for the first time that the state government added a new clause in the contract. This new clause allows it to extend the contract for another three years.
As per the Indian Express report, to renew PDPL’s contract, the Mahagathbandhan government brushed aside the cautious remarks of the Patna High Court. The coalition government also ignored a series of audits that had flagged irregularities with the company, like missing oxygen, giving expired medicine, allegations of “document leaks” and tweaking the norms of RFP.
The Indian Express report highlights that the original Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued on the 5th of April, 2022. Afterward, several rules were changed or “tweaked” despite strong objections just to renew the multi-crore ambulance contrast to PDPL which has raised concerns of favouritism and malpractice.
Several directors of PDPL are family remembers of JD(U) MP Chandravanshi. These include Sunil Kumar, his son; Neha Rani, his daughter-in-law; Monalisha, his daughter-in-law; and Yogendra Prasad Nirala, his brother-in-law.
Allegations of changing rules, and Norms in RFP
According to the Indian Express report, the initial Request for Proposal (RFP) outlined certain requirements. In the case of a sole bidder, they were expected to have experience in operating and managing a minimum of 750 ambulances (in addition to 50 advanced life support ambulances). Another condition stated that the bidder should also be backed by a call centre with a minimum of 75 seats, operating continuously for three years since 2018-19.
Contrary to the conditions specified in the RFP, independently PDPL had no prior experience running ambulance services in Bihar. Also, it only had a call centre of 50 seats during the stipulated three years.
As per the report, the State Health Society of Bihar (SHSB) — an agency under the Health Department that handles the service, reduced the earlier specified numbers in RFP. Now, the minimum required capacity has come down from 50 Advanced Life Support ambulances to 40 and the call centre requirement from 75 seats to 50 seats.
IE report further highlighted that as per a corrigendum, a key term was changed in May 2022. In the RFP, the final selection parameter was changed from quality and cost-based selection to the least-cost selection method.
The initial RFP said, “The final selection of the agency/ bidder shall be as per Quality and Cost Based Selection (a standard practice in hiring an agency with good experience).”
The corrigendum said, “The final selection of the agency shall be as per the least cost selection method”.
Resultantly, after the corrigendum, the path was made clear for the lowest bidder.
Allegations of document “leaks”
Earlier, in July 2022, three RJD MLAs, Mukesh Kumar Roshan, Rishi Kumar, and Bhai Virendra, wrote a letter to the then-Bihar Health Minister BJP’s Mangal Pandey.
They alleged that the bidding documents got “leaked” and called for a fresh bidding process. However, on 9th August 2022, things changed and Nitish Kumar switched sides to form a grand coalition government with RJD and six other parties. Resultantly, Tejashwi Yadav became the Deputy CM and Health Minister of Bihar. Since then, no action has been taken in regard to their complaint.
When asked about the follow-up or action taken so far, RJD’s Maner MLA and party spokesperson Bhai Virendra told The Indian Express that he had done his part by raising the issue but now he has his own limitations as a politician.
Talking to Indian Express, JD(U) MP Chandravanshi said, “It (PDPL) is my relatives’ company and I have no personal say or stake in it.”
On the question of conflict of interest and allegations of favoritism in getting a government contract, he claimed that Nitish Kumar doesn’t favour anyone.
He said, “We all know Nitish Kumar, he does not favour anyone. PDPL is an established company that was in the petroleum, liquor trading, and transport business and got Dial 102 contract purely on merit. We are now established in ambulance services.”
Court Proceedings in regard to the contract
On the 8th of December, 2022, a two-judge-divisional bench of Patna High Court asserted that since the court is hearing the grievances of the petitioner, the tender may continue but no final decision should be taken by SHSB without leave of the court. The two-judge bench comprised Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Sunil Dutta Mishra.
On the 10th of April, 2023, the state Advocate General PK Shahi requested the High Court to vacate its earlier order dated the 8th of December. AG Shahi also wanted the court to allow the contract to be given to the lowest bidder.
In response, the court inquired which of the two, PDPL or Samman, could carry out the new tender at a lower rate than the current one. Samman willingly agreed and submitted an affidavit affirming their willingness, whereas PDPL declined to do so.
Furthermore, on that very day, the court took notice of the complaint regarding document leaks. The court urged the SHSB to safeguard all the records. Additionally, the court asked the Administrative Officer to explain whether it was permissible for them to disclose specific material information.
A few days later, the court vacated its earlier order dated 8th of December. It stated that it stands modified to the extent that the lowest bidder is permitted to execute the work subject to the outcome of the present writ petition.
However, the consortium of BVG India and Samman went to the apex court and challenged this order. They claimed before the Supreme Court that Samman was not considered the lowest bidder despite its affidavit.
On the 15th of May, the SC bench of Justices A S Bopanna and C T Ravi Kumar made the ruling. It clearly stated that the High Court shall advert to all contentions and consider and dispose of the Writ Petition on its own merits and in accordance with the law.
The SC also directed the High Court to refer to its previous order dated the 10th of April in connection to awarding work to the lowest bidder. Furthermore, the Court mentioned that if the writ petition cannot be resolved immediately, the arguments presented by the petitioners should be taken into account after hearing all the parties involved.
Despite this, on the 31st of May, SHBS executive director Sanjay Kumar Singh wrote a letter to civil surgeons of all 38 Bihar districts.
He said, “Following interim orders of Patna High Court and legal opinion from learned advocate general, operationalisation and management of a fleet of ambulances and mortuaries vans through an integrated centralized call centre in the state of Bihar under public private partnership (PPP) mode, the contract is awarded to L-1 bidder M/s Pashupatinath Distributors Private Limited, Patna”.
When questioned about why he went ahead with the contract despite the court’s instructions to wait for the petition to be resolved, Singh explained that the state was incurring substantial losses of over Rs 2.5 crore per month due to the delay.
Singh said, “The state was running an estimated loss of over Rs 2.5 crore per month on account of the delay. So, we went ahead with PDPL, the lowest bidder. As for the SC order asking the Patna High Court to dispose of the matter, the order does not look clear. The SC order did not stay the HC order but asked to consider other aspects. Under these circumstances, we sought the opinion of the A-G and decided to award the provisional contract to PDPL. If the HC orders otherwise, we will comply accordingly.”
Everything about Dial 102 service and who covers the cost of it?
Dialing 102 is like calling for an ambulance when someone is in dire need of medical assistance. When you dial 102, an ambulance is dispatched to transport individuals who are critically ill, pregnant women, and babies to a government hospital, completely free of cost.
Under this service, there are two types of ambulances – Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS). A BLS ambulance has two people on board i.e. a driver and an emergency medical technician. While an ALS ambulance has three people to provide more specialized medical care. These include a driver, an emergency medical technician, and an assistant.
The ambulances are either owned by the Bihar government or by a consortium/private player. Between 2017 and 2022, the Bihar government provided 400 ambulances, while the PDPL-Samman consortium either rented or purchased 250 ambulances.
For government ambulances, the consortium receives a monthly payment of Rs 1.20 lakh, while for consortium ambulances, the government pays Rs 1.46 lakh per month. It is estimated that each ambulance generates around Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 in revenue per month.
A toll plaza employee was beaten by bouncers in the Bhojpur district of Bihar on the suspicion of stealing Rs 50, an official said here on Monday. He added that the victim identified as Balwant Singh later died in his native place Gonda in Uttar Pradesh. He was employed at the Kulharia toll plaza for the last six to seven months.
In the video of the incident that went viral on social media, guard Balwant Singh is allegedly seen getting beaten and threatened by bouncers. The group of men are seen pinning the Arrah toll plaza and blowing punches at him. One man continuously thrashes the employee while the other beat him up mercilessly with a broom. While assaulting him, one of the bouncers takes out a few currency notes from the pocket of the victim.
“Take him back to the toll,” one person can be heard saying in the video.
Bouncers beat a toll plaza guard to death on suspicion of stealing Rs 50 in Arrah, Bihar pic.twitter.com/SCG6GQDgax
According to reports, the attackers not only beat him but also threw him onto the railway track near Kulharia railway station.
“We have learnt about the death of a toll plaza employee, named Balwant Singh (35) in his native of Mankapur village in the Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh. He was deployed at the Kulharia toll plaza.
“A video went viral on social media showing some bouncers thrashing the employee after accusing him of stealing money from the toll kiosk. After the physical assault, Singh returned to Gonda where he died,” the SHO of Koilwar police station said.
“An FIR has been registered in Gonda and the post-mortem was also conducted there. We are waiting for the post-mortem report and FIR. Once we get it, we will analyze the actual cause of his death. If the post-mortem report and FIR puts fingers towards the alleged bouncers, we will take action against them,” he said.
A woman was seen throwing money at the Shivling in the sanctum sanctorum of the Kedarnath temple in Uttarakhand. Officials from the temple have asked the police to take the necessary steps on this issue immediately. The woman’s identity is still unknown. The incident was recorded on camera and later released on social media attracting outrage from the devotees.
The footage not only showed the woman acting improperly inside the sacred premises as she disgracefully threw cash around, but it was also reportedly shot right next to the Shivling, where photography and videography are strictly forbidden.
In a press release that was formally released by the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, temple president Ajendra Ajay acknowledged the viral video and urged the authorities to take appropriate action. He communicated with the district magistrate of Rudraprayag and the superintendent of police to request that she be dealt with swiftly.
Badri-Kedarnath Temple Committee debunks claims of ‘Gold Scam’ at Kedarnath
Earlier, the temple committee of the renowned and revered shrine responded angrily to accusations made on social media that there has been a gold scam at the shrine. Officials from the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) described it as a conspiracy. A
On Thursday (June 15), a video of ‘Acharya’ Santosh Trivedi surfaced on social media wherein he accused the Badri-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) of engineering a ‘gold scam.’
Trivedi, who serves as the Vice-President of Char Dham Tirth Purohit Samaj, claimed that the gold plating inside the sanctum sanctorum of the Kedarnath temple has transformed into brass.
Several news publications including Congress mouthpiece National Herald reiterated the allegations levelled by ‘Acharya’ Santosh Trivedi about a supposed gold scam at the Kedarnath temple.
The Committee, which manages the Kedarnath temple, has rubbished the claims of ‘Acharya’ Santosh Trivedi. In a press release on Thursday (June 15), it said, “The work of decorating the sanctum sanctorum of Shri Kedarnath Temple with gold plates was done in the year 2022 with the help of a donor.”
At present, a video is being circulated on social media by some people that gold worth ₹ 1,15,00,00,000 (One Billion Fifteen Crore rupees) has been placed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Misleading information is being circulated without facts. Efforts are also being made to hurt the sentiments of the public,” the press release read.
It pointed out, “…The Shri Badri-Kedarnath Temple Committee would like to clarify that a total of 23,777.800 grams of gold has been placed in the sanctum sanctorum of Shri Kedarnath Temple with the help of a donor. The current value of the used gold, according to the market rate is approximately Rs ₹14.38 crores.”
The Badri-Kedarnath Temple Committee added that copper plates along with gold have been used to decorate the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. “The total weight of the copper plates used is 1,001.300 kg, whose total value is ₹29,00,000,” it emphasised.
