Posts
Evening NEWS DIGEST (Early)
21 Aug. 2017: 28 Zulqidah 1438:Vol:8, No:261
INDIA
Lt Col Purohit, main accused in 2008 Malegaon blast case, granted bail by SC
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/supreme-court-grants-lt-col-prasad-shrikant-purohit-bail-in-malegaon-blast-case/1/1030280.html
New Delhi:The Supreme Court has granted interim bail to Lt Colonel Prasad Shrikant Purohit, the main accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case which killed 7 people.Last week, Purohit, in his application for bail, had told the court that he was in jail for the last nine years and was entitled to be granted bail. Denying his involvement in the incident, Purohit told the court that even assuming that the charges that he had supplied the bomb were true, even then he would have to be out of jail as offence attracted a maximum of 7 years imprisonment. Appearing for NIA, Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh opposed the bail plea, saying there was evidence of his involvement in the Malegaon blast.At least seven persons were killed and nearly 100 injured when a bomb strapped to a motorcycle exploded in Malegaon in Nashik district on Sept.29, 2008.On April 25 this year, the Bombay High Court granted bail to another accused in the case, Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur. Purohit had challenged April 25 Bombay High Court order which granted bail to another accused, Sadhvi but rejected his plea. Both Pragya and Purohit were arrested in 2008. Sadhvi, who is suffering from cancer, is undergoing treatment at a MP hospital.According to the investigating agencies, the Malegaon blast was allegedly carried out by right-wing group Abhinav Bharat. NIA, which was handed over Malegaon blast probe from ATS, had given a clean chit to Pragya, but said that the charges levelled against Purohit are of serious and grave nature.While opposing Purohit's bail plea, NIA had argued that there was evidence in the form of audio and video recordings, call data records and the statements of the witnesses which prove his involvement in the case.According to NIA, Purohit had allegedly taken active part in the conspiracy meetings of Abhinav Bharat and even agreed to arrange explosives to be used in the blast.Referring to NIA report, the Bombay High Court had said, "Purohit was the one who prepared a separate 'constitution' for the 'Hindu Rashtra' with a separate saffron colour flag. He also discussed taking revenge for the atrocities committed by the Muslims on Hindus."The HC also refused to accept Purohit's contention that he had attended the meetings as part of a "covert military intelligence operation".The court pointed out that according to the statements of the witnesses, it was Purohit who had said that Abhinav Bharat should not be just a political party, but should work as an "organisation of extremists", having the capacity to "eliminate persons opposing the same".Purohit has claimed that the NIA was "selective" in exonerating the accused persons, and that the agency had made him a "scapegoat" in the Malegaon case.india today
Malegaon blast accused Purohit gets bail; Congress, MIM accuse govt of ‘protecting all RSS-connected accused’
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/malegaon-blast-accused-lt-col-purohit-gets-bail-congress-accuses-govt-of-protecting-all-rss-connected-accused-4807017/
New Delhi: Congress and the BJP govt on Monday traded barbs at each other, with the former accusing the latter of “protecting” all the accused “connected to the RSS” after the Supreme Court granted bail to Lt Col Shrikant Prasad Purohit, the key accused in the 2008 Malegaon serial blasts case. The opposition party also raised questions over NIA chief Sharad Kumar getting 2 extensions and expressed hope that justice would be delivered in the case “without fear or favour”.“Col Purohit gets Bail. It was expected as the present BJP Govt is protecting all the accused connected with RSS in all Bomb Blast cases (sic),” Congress leader Digivijaya Singh wrote on Twitter. “NIA chief has been given two extensions to ensure their acquittal. He may now be further rewarded for a suitable post retirement position (sic),” he said, in another tweet. Echoing similar views, All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge of communications dept Randeep Singh Surjewala wondered why the Narendra Modi-led Govt was struggling to find an efficient police officer to head the NIA, so much so that it gave two extensions to its current chief. “Why is that the Modi Govt cannot find any competent police officer in India to head NIA that they have to give 2 extensions to its current chief?“We sincerely hope that the law will take its own course and justice will be done, free from fear or favour, in this case,” he added. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi accused Modi-led Govt of going soft on the cases where the Hindus are alleged accused. “In the larger picture, since 2014, since PM Narendra Modi took the charge at the Centre, there has been a pattern in such cases. All cases involving the Hindus as the alleged accused are dropped,” Owaisi. Stating that everyone has the right to bail, Owaisi questioned as to why it is not being granted to Muslims, Dalits and tribals. indianexpress
Malegaon: After bail, Purohit to be attached to Army unit
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/malegaon-blast-after-bail-lt-col-purohit-to-be-attached-to-army-unit-4807014/
Lt. Col. Purohit, an accused in the Malegaon blast who was granted bail, will be attached to an Army unit but will remain under suspension from service.According to IANS report, Purohit continues to be under suspension, but since he has now been granted bail, he has to be attached to an Army unit. Under suspension, he will be treated as “under open arrest”, wherein usually a soldier is supposed to wear only his uniform. Purohit, under suspension, can wear civilian clothes as well. His stay in his Army unit will come along with restrictions, like limited area of movement, not leave the station without permission and reporting daily. He will also not be allowed to attend any public event or gathering. indianexpress
SC granted bail to Col. Purohit on the basis of NIA charge sheet: lawyer Harish Salve
http://www.newkerala.com/news/fullnews-265077.html
New Delhi:Senior lawyer,Harish Salve, appearing for Purohit in connection to the Malegaon blasts case expressed satisfaction over the Supreme Court's verdict and said the bail plea was granted by the court on the basis of the charge sheet filled by NIA.He said that chargesheet filed by ATS was contradictory, hence the top court went by NIA charge sheet.ANI
Shiv Sena hails bail to Malegaon blast accused Purohit, calls him a ‘hero’, who fought against terrorists
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/shiv-sena-hails-bail-to-2008-malegaon-blast-accused-purohit-calls-him-a-hero-4807116/
Panaji: Shiv Sena welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail to Lt. Col. Purohit in the 2008 Malegaon blast case and termed him as a “hero” who fought against terrorists. PTI
In Kerala pamphlets criticising polytheism: 37 arrested
http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2017/aug/21/pamphlets-criticising-polytheism-37-arrested-1646016.html
Kochi: Police has arrested 37 persons for distributing pamphlets containing materials allegedly denigrating another religion in Moothakunnam and Vadakkekara area near North Paravur. According to the officers, local residents complained to police that a group of people, under the banner of Wisdom Global Islamic Mission, distributed the pamphlets containing remarks against polytheism and inviting them to embrace Islam.Later, the group was taken into custody and a team of officers under Aluva Rural SP AV George conducted a detailed interrogation. The police recorded the arrest by evening.The officers recovered the notices with title ‘Vimochanathinte Vazhi’ (Path of Liberation), which allegedly contains the remarks on polytheism, termed as a severe sin by Islam.The notice ends with an invite to join Islam religion. However, it also has remarks against terrorism and fundamentalism.The incident came to light when a group of local residents disrupted the distribution of pamphlets in Moothakunnam area, which led to a scuffle and later created a tension in the area for a few hours. The local residents alleged the group came to the area with maps having the location of a temple and other places of worship in the area.Rural SP AV George said all the 37 persons were booked under section 153 A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony) of IPC. “We are not accusing them of any terror activity. However, one of the pamphlets which they were distributing had statements like ‘welcoming people to Islam’ and that ‘idol worshiping is wrong’.We recognise their right to propagate their ideology.However, going to households which practises idol worship with pamphlets saying it is wrong is prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony”, he added. Wisdom Global Islamic Mission, meanwhile, denied the reports that they propagated communal hatred through the booklets. “While Fascism and terrorist activities are going up, it’s required to protect humanity and secularist values. The contents in the pamphlets distributed as part of the door-to-door campaign by the volunteers of Wisdom Global Islamic Mission are not intended to upset religious sentiments,” said a press release issued by its office bearers V M Jabir and Mohammed Ali Kochi. newindianexpress
39 members of Islamic outfit held for ‘promoting enmity’ in Kerala
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/39-members-of-islamic-outfit-held-for-promoting-enmity-in-kerala-4806003/
SC to tomorrow pronounce judgement on triple talaq
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/sc-to-tomorrow-pronounce-judgement-on-triple-talaq/1/1030746.html
New Delhi:The Supreme Court would tomorrow pronounce a historic judgement on the controversial issue of whether the practice of triple talaq among Muslims is fundamental to the religion. A 5-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar had reserved its verdict on May 18 after a six-day marathon hearing during the summer vacation.During the hearing, the apex court had clarified that it may not deliberate upon the issue of polygamy and said it would only examine whether triple talaq was part of an "enforceable" fundamental right to practice religion by the Muslims.Besides CJI Khehar, the bench also included Justices Kurian Joseph, RF Nariman, UU Lalit and S Abdul Nazeer.The Govt had termed all the 3 forms of divorce among the Muslim community - talaq-e-biddat, talaq hasan and talaq ahsan, as "unilateral" and "extra-judicial".It has said that all personal laws must be in confirmity with the Constitution and rights of marriage, divorce, property and succession has to be treated in the same class and has to be in conformity with the Constitution.Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for AIMPLB, had equated the issue of triple talaq with the belief that Lord Rama was born in Ayodhya and these were matters of faith which cannot be tested on grounds of constitutional morality.PTI
Supreme Court rulings on privacy, triple talaq this week
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/supreme-court-rulings-on-privacy-triple-talaq-this-week/articleshow/60150322.cms
SC sending out worrying signals, misuse of CBI institutionalised: Senior lawyer Kapil Sibal
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/interviews/sc-sending-out-worrying-signals-misuse-of-cbi-institutionalised
In a candid and wide-ranging exchange at the NH Round Table, Kapil Sibal explains his worries about the judiciary and potential threat to democracy and the Constitution. Sibal said, "I will be attracting contempt of court if I say that! And I do believe that the Judiciary cannot have a different standard than the standards held by society. So, judges are influenced by society. But having said that, let me tell you what my problem with the judiciary is. I cannot comment freely because I am a counsel in the case; but when the Supreme Court, for example, ordered an investigation by the NIA, essentially a counter-intelligence agency, to inquire into a marriage in Kerala, a marriage between two consenting adults, to me it is worrying." Replying to the quetion that you are referring to the Love Jihad case? he said, "The court did not use the term Love jihad; the media did and erroneously at that. The bride had converted to Islam several years before the marriage. In fact the bride and the groom got to know each other through a matrimonial advertisement that appeared on a portal some time in November last year. The bride was 24 years old and the groom was 27. He responded to the advertisement along with 70 other suitors and she chose him. They got married in Dec. So how was it a case of Love jihad?" When questioning about his reaction to the apex court’s readiness to hear the Triple Talaq case, he replied, "Well, it is the prerogative of the court and the CJI to decide what they would hear. But when you declare in the presence of the PM at a function at Allahabad that during the summer vacation you would hear three specific cases, people wonder if the public announcement was meant for the PM’s ears. It sends out a wrong message. And when you decide to hear three cases, one on Triple Talaq, another on minorities in Assam and a third one I am unable to recall but also doing with the minority community, people do start wondering if it is just a coincidence. And then the court also takes up the Babri Masjid case and directs that hearing be concluded within a specific time-frame. People will wonder if these are the most urgent cases for the Supreme Court to hear during the vacation." When questioning this Govt's use of agencies like CBI, ED etc,he said, "There is now little doubt that they are the long arms of the Govt. When the apex court said they would order an inquiry by an independent agency like the NIA in the Kerala wedding case, I told the court that I could file an affidavit and list the number of U-turns agencies like NIA and CBI have taken in the last three years." He added, " These agencies are being misused to target any leader who poses a threat to this dispensation. They are being silenced, co-opted and we even have cases in which these agencies are telling people that they would be let off if they give a statement against this leader or that." nationalheraldindia
Rajnath says China tension to end soon, Beijing makes angry comment
http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/extremely-dissatisfied-says-china-blames-india-for-filmed-clashes-1740169
New Delhi: Days after footage emerged of Indian and Chinese soldiers fighting at the border at Sikkim, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that the confrontation will end soon. China offered no assurances, instead blaming India again for the altercation that has extended into its third month and for the clashes that erupted with soldiers from both sides throwing stones at each other."A deadlock is going on between India and China in Doklam. But I think a solution will come out soon. China will also take a positive step from its side," Singh said as he addressed the paramilitary Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). "We want to maintain good relations with our neighbours. We don't want conflict, we want peace."NDTV
Ladakh scuffle: ‘Extremely dissatisfied’ China blames India
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/doklam-brics-ladakh-scuffle-extremely-dissatisfied-china-blames-india-4806827/
Beijing:China laid the blame at India’s door on Monday for an altercation along their border in the western Himalayas involving soldiers from both of the Asian giants. Both countries’ troops have been embroiled in an eight-week-long standoff on the Doklam plateau in another part of the remote Himalayan region near their disputed frontier. Last week, a source in New Delhi, who had been briefed on the military situation on the border, said soldiers foiled a bid by a group of Chinese troops to enter Indian territory in Ladakh, near Pangong lake.Some of the Chinese soldiers carried iron rods and stones, and troops on both sides suffered minor injuries in the melee, the source said. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said that last Tuesday, Chinese border forces were carrying out “normal” patrols on the Chinese side of the actual line of control in Pangong lake are.“During this time they were obstructed by Indian border forces and the Indian side took fierce actions, colliding with the Chinese personnel and having contact with their bodies, injuring the Chinese border personnel,” Hua told a daily news briefing.What India did went against the two countries’ consensus to keep the peace on the border and it endangered the situation there, she added. “China is extremely dissatisfied with this” and had lodged solemn representations, Hua said.Reuters
China's army conducts military exercises 'to strike awe in India'
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/chinas-army-conducts-military-exercises-in-tibet-region-to-strike-awe-in-india/articleshow/60154331.cms
China's People's Liberation Army's (PLA) conducted military exercises in an unknown location to "strike awe in India", said the state-backed Global Times on Monday, citing a China Central TV report and another Chinese newspaper report from late last week. timesofindia
After '7 sins' racist rant, Chinese state media issues another anti-India video
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/after-7-sins-racist-rant-chinese-state-media-issues-another-anti-india-video/articleshow/60152605.cms
Israel says will never support Pakistan on Kashmir:TOI
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/israel-says-will-never-support-pakistan-on-kashmir/articleshow/60135571.cms?from=mdr
Jerusalem:Under no circumstances will Israel support Pakistan on the Kashmir issue, top Israeli authorities have said. This is significant given that the country has been relatively silent over Kashmir, which is described as the core issue between India and Pakistan, despite standing shoulder to shoulder with India in the fight against terrorism.For India, the main issue with Pakistan is cross-border terrorism which continues to fan unrest in J&K.For a while, after India established full diplomatic relations with Israel in the early 90s, Israel had endorsed India's position that Kashmir was an integral part of the country. However,as India's West Asia expert Rajendra Abhyankar described it, a certain entente cordiale emerged between Israel and Pakistan after 2003 with Israel starting to look at Pakistan as an important country of the Muslim world.
Key legal file justifying Art 35-A goes missing: Report
https://www.kashmirmonitor.in/Details/130581/key-legal-file-justifying-art-35-a-goes-missing-report
Srinagar: A 63-year-old file containing legal opinion on Article 35A has vanished from North Block’s high-security vaults at a time the provision, which grants special rights and privileges to permanent residents of J&K , faces a legal challenge to its constitutionality, reports The Telegraph.Quoting sources, the paper, , said the 1954 file contained the then attorney-general’s opinion justifying the insertion of Article 35A into the Constitution that year through a presidential order rather than a constitutional amendment.“Our employees are frantically searching for the file, which is crucial to the case as we have to convey our stand in the Supreme Court at the next hearing on August 29,” a senior Union home ministry official is quoted to have said.He said the file had disappeared from the ministry’s legal and administrative records section, perhaps during the ministry’s Swachh Bharat campaign between June 22 and 26 in 2015 when it weeded out hundreds of old files.“All section officers had undertaken the drive, which was meant to get rid of the old and less-important documents,” official said.kashmirmonitor
CPI(M) warns against attempts to tinker with Article 35A
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/cpim-warns-against-attempts-to-tinker-with-article-35a-4805510/
Jammu: J&K unit of the CPI(M) said any attempt to tinker with Article 35A would have “disastrous and catastrophic results”. “Any attempt to disturb Article 35-A of the Indian Constitution will have disastrous and catastrophic results which is bound to endanger the relationship of the state with Indian union,” regional secretary Shyam Prasad Kesar said. He also urged the Centre to file a strong counter affidavit in the apex court to defend Article 35A in the “larger national interest”.“Keeping in view the sensitivities of J&K , it becomes imperative for the political leadership of the country to exhibit maturity and ensure already tense situation in the state is allowed to be raked up,” Kesar said at a meeting of the CPI(M) regional committee at Jammu. CPI(M) leader cautioned that the RSS-BJP are “hell bent” to dilute the unique and distinct identity of the state.PTI
Local court rejects bail plea of J&K Jamaat leaders
http://kashmirreader.com/2017/08/20/zahid-alis-bail-application-rejected/
Srinagar: District and Session Judge Kulgam has rejected the bail application of J&K Jama’at-e-Islami chief spokesperson, Advocate Zahid Ali, and Jamaat’s Kulgam Amir, Farooq Ahmad Sheikh.Jamaat has expressed its dismay over the decision. A statement issued by the organisation here said that the bail was rejected “despite the fact that they have been under constant police custody for 15 days”. “They were arrested by Kulgam police after attending a funeral function at Gopalpora Kulgam (4th Aug.2017) and FIR under section 153 RPC and 13 UAPA was lodged against them in police station Damhal Hanjipora under the instructions of concerned SSP Sridhar Patil,” said the statement, adding that the “false and frivolous allegations” were leveled against them.Jamaat said the District and Sessions Judge, Kishore Kumar Bhagat, rejected the bail application despite the duo spending 14 days in custody stating that the bail was “not warranted by the law relating to the bails”.“This is the first such application which has been rejected by any judge in the valley under section 13 UAPA. Jama’at-e-Islami J&K denies the false and baseless allegations leveled against its functionaries and demands a free and impartial probe into this case based on the wrong and biased allegations leveled by the police,” the statement said. kashmirreader
‘Insaniyat, Kashmiriyat, jamhooriyat’ needed to resolve Kashmir issue, says Geelani: IANS
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/insaniyat-kashmiriyat-jamhooriyat-needed-to-resolve-kashmir-issue-geelani/story-NsBVaopWlq5pAR55AvzEqK.html
Separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani has sought “insaniyat”, Kashmiriyat” and “jamhooriyat” to resolve the Kashmir dispute -- ideas he derided when then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee propagated them in 2003.“We want India to exhibit insaniyat, Kashmiriat and jamhooriyat. Nothing else,” ailing Hurriyat chairman said.The nearly 2.30-minute video clip, recorded apparently on Sunday, comes amid NIA swooping on separatist leaders, including Geelani’s 2 sons and a son-in-law.
3 J&K students booked in Hyderabad for not standing during National Anthem at movie hall
http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/three-jk-students-booked-for-not-standing-during-national-anthem-at-movie-hall-2365017.html
3 engineering students hailing from J&K have been booked by Cyberabad police for allegedly disrespecting the National Anthem by not standing when it was being played in a cinema hall in Hyderabad.The incident occurred yesterday afternoon when the three students studying at a private college here went to a cinema hall under Rajendra Nagar Police Station limits to watch a Hindi movie and allegedly did not stand up when the National Anthem was played before the film's screening, the police said on Sunday."The management of the theatre lodged a complaint with police, stating that the three persons did not stand up when the National Anthem was played when all others in the cinema hall were standing," DCP PV Padmaja said.3 students, in their 20s, belong to J&K , police said.PTI
Israel eyes 1 lakh tourists from India by 2018
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/israel-eyes-1-lakh-tourists-from-india-by-2018/article19534253.ece?homepage=true
Mumbai:Looking at the steady increase in tourist arrivals from India, Israel is eyeing one lakh Indian travellers to visit the country by the next year.“We have been very focused in tourism promotions in India and easing the visa process. This year in the first seven months till July we have already hosted 34,000 Indian tourists. This is expected to go up to 55,000 by the end of this year,” Israel Ministry of Tourism India Director Hassan Madah said.He added that there are currently 3-4 direct flights plying from Mumbai to Tel Aviv, and numerous connecting flights from the Middle East. There are talks of introducing direct Air India flights connecting New Delhi with Israel in a few months, he said adding if it commences then the tourist traffic is likely to surge from India and the number this year may reach nearly 90,000.There are few global airlines, who are waiting for the Air India flights to be launched, and then introduce their fleets in this direct route.For tourism promotions in India,Israel Ministry of Tourism is spending USD 5-6 million in India this year, he said adding going forward as the tourist traffic grows the Budget is likely to grow.PTI
AIADMK merger LIVE updates: OPS takes oath as Deputy CM as both camps unite, ‘Sasikala to be expelled’
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/aiadmk-merger-live-updates-ops-o-pannerselvam-eps-edappadi-k-palaniswami-vk-sasikala-ttv-dinkaran-tamil-nadu-bjp-dmk-4806183/
New Delhi: 2 rival factions of AIADMK led by Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi K Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam have announced their merger today in their party headquarters. A decision is likely to be taken on the “formal expulsion” of V K Sasikala and her family members, a key demand by the OPS camp that still remains unmet. In a resolution on Aug.10, CM’s camp had already delegitimised Deputy general Secretary and Sasikala’s nephew TTV Dhinakaran setting the stage for a merger.The merger talks began gaining momentum after Palaniswami agreed to some of the demands put forth by Panneerselvam. CM set up an inquiry commission to probe the death of J Jayalalithaa and announced that her Poes Garden residence, Ved Nilayam, would soon be converted into a memorial. However, no decision was taken on the demand of a CBI probe in the late CM ’s death.CPI(M) politburo member Prakash Karat termed the merger of AIADMK factions as opportunistic and alleged that the BJP was behind it. He said, “Opportunistic decision by the 2 factions, at the behest of BJP. will be rejected by the people of Tamil Nadu.” indianexpress
PM Modi assures support to OPS, Palaniswami as rival factions of AIADMK unite
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/pm-modi-assures-support-to-ops-palaniswami-as-rival-factions-of-aiadmk-unite-4807025/
As rivals factions of ruling AIADMK on Monday decided to merge, PM Narendra Modi assured all support to Tamil Nadu Govt for the growth of the state. ” I congratulate Thiru O Panneerselvam & others who took oath today. I hope Tamil Nadu scales newer heights of progress in the years to come,” PM Modi tweeted. indianexpress
Bihar’s 700-cr Srijan Scandal part III: Red flags raised 4 yrs ago, govt probe headed nowhere: indianexpress
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/bihars-700-cr-srijan-scandal-part-iii-red-flags-raised-four-years-ago-govt-probe-headed-nowhere-4806016/
Bhagalpur: 4 years before the Bihar Govt finally ordered a probe into the Rs 700-crore Srijan scam, suspected to involve several high-ranking officials, a chartered accountant based in Godda, Jharkhand, had raised red flags about the money making its way into the accounts of the cooperative society.In emails he sent to Bihar CM, Nitish Kumar, state Cooperative Dept, and to then Union finance minister, P Chidambaram, Sanjit Kumar asked how a Govt cheque of Rs 7.32 crore had been deposited with the Srijan Mahila Vikas Sahyog Samiti LTD, a Bhagalpur-based registered society, when it was neither authorised to function as a bank nor to accept such high-value cheques, as per RBI norms.Kumar, who is originally from Bhagalpur, claims he received no acknowledgement from the state Govt, but that in response to his letter to Centre, RBI Assistant Manager Priya Pravas Ranjan wrote to the registrar of cooperative societies, Bihar, to look into the matter. “But the RBI’s instructions went unheeded,” he says.Two days ago, the officer who deposited the cheque with Srijan, then Banka district magistrate Jayshree Thakur, was dismissed.
Srijan Scam Accused Mandal Dies in Bihar Hospital
https://thewire.in/169558/srijan-scam-mahesh-mandal-dies/
New Delhi: Mahesh Mandal, a key-accused in the Srijan scam, died at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Hospital (JLNMCH) in Bihar’s Bhagalpur district late on Sunday.Doctors said Mandal was suffering from multiple ailments involving the kidney, heart, diabetes and hypertension. He was taken to the hospital after he complained of acute discomfort due to urine retention.Mandal, who was an official in the Bhagalpur district welfare department, was arrested on Aug.13 from this residence at Pista village in Jagdishpur block of district for being a conduit in the Rs 700-crore Govt fund transfer scam, which also involved the NGO Srijan Mahila Sahyog Samiti. “Mandal had a kidney and sugar problem for which he had been taking medical treatment earlier. When his condition deteriorated on Sunday night, he was sent to Mayaganj hospital where he died”, Ramanuj Kumar, jailer of the Bhagalpur central prison, said. Mandal had earlier been provided dialysis in a prominent hospital in Mumbai, reported the Hindu.Mandal’s family blamed the hospital administration and the police officials for negligence and resorted to violence in the hospital premises. According to the Hindu, the family has charged that the Govt did not provide proper treatment to him as he might have spilled the beans in the scam.THE WIRE
Mumbai youth lead from front in flood relief ops for other states
http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/mumbai-youth-lead-from-front-in-flood-relief-ops-for-other-states/story-UejpwVlK0mmYm50hVoF0NM.html
Mumbai: As floods wreak havoc in several states in the country, students in the city are doing their bit to help those in distress. While some are raising funds, others will be sending clothes and other essential supplies. Some students are even planning to visit the flood-affected areas to work as volunteers. Around 1.2 crore people have been affected by one of the worst deluges witnessed by the country in recent years. The number of deaths due to the flood in Bihar rose to 153 on Sunday, while over a crore people have been marooned in 17 districts. In Assam, 11 people died in flood-related incidents. Nearly 15 lakh people have been affected by the floods in West Bengal since last month.Mukhlis Aalam, a student at Tata Institute of Social Sciences, who hails from Araria, one of the worst affected districts in Bihar, said that a group of students who hail from Bihar are doing relief work in various capacities. “Earlier, the water level was very high, but now it’s receding. We are transferring money from Mumbai and other cities to volunteers on the ground, who then purchase medicine and water and supply for them. Boats and banana rafts are being used to reach people,” he said, adding that a few students from Mumbai will soon go to the flood-affected areas.Another group of students in TISS has also planned to collect money and clothes from the students at the institute. Student organisations such as AISA and Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) are using their nation-wide network of activists for relief work. SIO recently held a fund-raising drive in various parts of the city. Organisation held gatherings, classroom announcements, and donation boxes placed in college campuses to raise funds. SIO activists also arranged for fund raising after Friday prayers in mosques.“After a survey of the affected sites, our activists identified the most affected areas. The surveying team has devised a few disaster relief strategies and has listed down the requirements from various areas. To meet these requirements, we collected money from across the city,” said Simab Khan, city secretary, SIO.HT
Malerkotla tense torn pages of religious book found
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/malerkotla-tense-after-sacrilege-incident/articleshow/60146194.cms
Malerkotla: In yet another sacrilege incident, a few torn pages of a religious book were found scattered outside the local bus stand in this Muslim-dominated town of the state on Sunday, sending the security agencies in a tizzy.Though no arrest has been made yet, the police said a case under relevant sections including 295 A of IPC has been registered against unidentified men. Punjab minister and Malerkotla MLA Razia Sultana, who reached the town amidst tight security arrangements later held a press briefing during which she claimed that "Few pages of Quran Sharif were found near the local bus stand in the morning by some passersby who immediately reported the matter to police."While there were no signs of the situation escalating to communal violence, but the security agencies remained on their toes with high police deployment all through the day to prevent the circumstances from going out of control.
HC asks Maharashtra police about steps to check cow vigilantes on Bakr-Id
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/bombay-hc-asks-maharashtra-police-about-steps-to-check-cow-vigilantes-on-bakr-id-4806894/
Bombay High Court has asked the Maharashtra police what preventive measures it proposes to t ake against cow vigilante groups ahead of Eid ul Adha (Bakr- Id) next month. The court made it clear it will not frame any or guidelines rules on how the issue needs to be handled and noted that maintenance of law and order is the responsibility of the police.A division bench of Justices BR Gavai and MS Karnik was hearing a public interest litigation filed by city resident Shadaab Patel, expressing fear that cow vigilante groups may stir up trouble during Eid. Among other things, he demanded a helpline to deal with such groups.The petition sought a direction to the state to take effective steps to protect citizens, especially those who deal in cattle or transport cattle, from “lynch mobs”. “Maintenance of law and order is the responsibility of the police. We clarify that we are not going to frame any guidelines or rules on how the issue needs to be handled. We only want law and order to be maintained. Tell us what preventive steps you (police) will take,” Justice Gavai said.The court said it would hear the matter further on August 23.PTI
Telangana: Muslim clerics divided on bull sacrifice
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/210817/telangana-muslim-clerics-divided-on-bull-sacrifice.html
Hyderabad: Muslim scholars are divided over sacrificing bulls during the Eid ul Adha festival next month. While scholars like Maulana Syed Hamid Hussain Shuttari spokesman of the All India Sunni Ulama Board, Dr Syed Aasif Umri, vice president, Jamiat Ahle Hadees, Hamed Mohammed Khan of Jamaat e-Islami and Hakeem Soofi Syed Shah Mohammed Khairuddin Quadri are opposing the sacrifice of bulls, there is no word from the Muslim United Front.On Sunday, Maulana Shuttari advised the community against sacrificing bulls. “Let’s avoid sacrificing bulls to defeat the conspiracy to create communal violence,” said Maulana Shuttari. Dr Syed Aasif said that though several communities consume beef in the country the issue is raked up the only during Eid ul Adha. “They want to create hatred. Quran says that Muslims should avoid any practice if it harms the community,” he said.The scholars showed a ‘fatwa’ from Jamia Nizamia Islamic seminary. However, Muslim United Front has not come forward on this. M. Raheemuddin Ansari, chief of MUF, said that they are closely monitoring developments. “As of now we have not issued any advice on sacrificing bulls,”he said.DeccanChronicle
Muslim Clerics Campaigning to avoid Sacrificing Bulls On Bakri Eid, due to constant threat of violence
http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2017/08/21/muslim-clerics-campaign-against-sacrificing-bulls-on-bakri-eid_a_23155310/
RSS Muslim wing to discourage sacrifice of cows on Bakra Eid
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rss-muslim-wing-to-discourage-sacrifice-of-cows-on-bakra-eid/story-N6AGJBgidb6fkUCl4GdlYN.html
Kolkata: New Imam of Tipu Sultan mosque will be guided by norms to avoid controversy, says board
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-kolkata-new-imam-of-tipu-sultan-mosque-will-be-guided-by-norms-to-avoid-controversy-says-board-2536157
Members of Wakf Estate of Prince Golam Mohammad on Sunday said the new imam of Tipu Sultan Masjid would be guided by strict norms to avoid any kind of controversies. The decision comes after the previous imam Syed Md Nurur Rahman Barkati was ousted for his controversial statements and fatwas.Shahzada Anwar Ali, patron manager of the trustee board said that about half a dozen profiles had been zeroed in upon for the post and appointment would be done soon after Bakri Eid. “A panel of officials would be made soon after Eid to start the proceedings of appointment. One of the criteria would be to stick to Shariya or Islamic law in his preachings,” Ali said while speaking to DNA.He said that the namaz for Bakri Eid would be led by acting Imam Haroon Rashid who had done the same for Id-Ul-Fitr as well.DNA
Utkal Express derailment probe blames negligence: Track was under repair, Rlys cracks whip on top officials
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/utkal-express-detailment-toll-up-to-22-probe-blames-negligence-track-was-under-repair-rlys-cracks-whip-on-top-officials-4805960/
New Delhi: VHours after a preliminary probe report indicated that the Kalinga Utkal Express derailed due to negligence on the part of those carrying out track maintenance work at Khatauli yard, the Railways Ministry on Sunday sent three top officials, including a Railway Board Member and a zonal General Manager, “on leave” and suspended four others. Railway Board Member (Engineering) Aditya Kumar Mittal, Northern Railway General Manager R K Kulshreshta and Delhi Divisional Railway Manager R N Singh were “sent on leave” with immediate effect, a day after the accident in which 22 people were killed.Railway officials said this was the first time that a Railway Board Member — a Secretary-level post — has faced action for an accident. As Member (Engineering), Mittal was the senior-most officer in charge of tracks, land, civil engineering projects and station development. A 1978-batch officer of the Indian Railway Service of Engineers (civil engineering), he was set to retire at the end of this month. Earlier, Mohd Jamshed, Railway Board Member (Traffic), who rushed to the accident site, said “exemplary punishment” would be taken against top officials as well as field staff.indianexpress
UP ATS Finds 'No Evidence' to Back Terror Angle in Utkal Express Derailment
http://www.news18.com/news/india/up-ats-finds-no-evidence-to-back-terror-angle-in-utkal-express-derailment-1496753.html
New Delhi: UP ATS on Sunday said that there was "no tangible evidence" to back any terror angle in the Utkal Express derailment in which 23 people lost their lives, and more than 150 sustained injuries. Anand Kumar, ADG, Law and Order UP, said: "ATS team working on the ground zero has found no evidence so far." Kumar added that the ATS team was still in contact with the railway safety officers. News18.com
Hindus, Muslims put differences aside, join hands in rescue operations
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/meerut/hindus-muslims-put-differences-aside-join-hands-in-rescue-ops/articleshow/60152120.cms
To Stop 'Love Jihad', Hindu Body Asks Muslims To Taste 'Panchagavya', Apply 'Tilak' Before Entering Garbas
https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/to-stop-love-jihad-hindu-body-asks-muslims-to-taste-panchagavya-apply-tilak-befo/300557
Just a few days after Hindu Utsav Samiti (HUS) in Madhya Pradesh urged the administration to use Aadhaar cards to keep non-Hindus away from Garba events, Sanskriti Bachao Manch (SBM) has demanded that entry should be given only if participants apply tilak on forehead and drink Panchagavya, besides unique identity number.Panchagavya is a concoction prepared by mixing 5 products of cow-- dung, urine, and milk, curd and ghee. Out look
13 Muslim students tops Gita contest in West Bengal
http://www.oneindia.com/india/13-muslim-students-tops-bhagvad-gita-contest-in-west-bengal-2526311.html
In an event organised by Kolkata's Shankhnad Samrasata Mission at in Sodepur area, 13 Muslims students won the Bhagvad Gita contest with 286 others. Governor of Tripura Tathagata Roy, who inaugurated the event on Monday, expressed his pleasure in being part of the unique competition. Around 4500 students from 65 schools participated in this event. And for the first time that many Muslim students showed keen interest in the Gita chanting competition. OneIndia News
Police team attacked in Godhra, 250 booked
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/police-team-attacked-in-godhra-250-booked/
Police in Godhra booked a mob of around 250 people for allegedly attacking a police team which had gone to Khankariya locality of the town on Saturday night following a tip-off about some animals of cow progeny being kept there for slaughter.Following the raid, police claimed they rescued 20 cows, two bullocks and a calf from the locality. No policeman was injured in the alleged stone-pelting by the mob.indianexpress
WORLD
Qatar Denies Blocking Saudi Hajj Pilgrimage Flights: AFP
http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/qatar-denies-blocking-saudi-hajj-pilgrimage-flights-1739941
Qatar has denied it had banned Saudi Arabian flights from landing in the emirate to transport Muslim pilgrims to Mecca, after an accusation by authorities in Riyadh. Saudi Airlines on Sunday said Qatari authorities had refused to grant a Saudi Arabian Airlines flight, scheduled to transport Qatari hajj pilgrims, permission to land at Hamad International Airport. The flight is one of a select few that will allow Qataris to land in Saudi Arabia, which last week temporarily opened its borders to pilgrims to the Saudi city of Mecca, the most revered site in Islam, more than two months into a diplomatic crisis that has seen Riyadh cut all ties with Qatar and ban its citizens from entering.An official source in the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority on Monday "described as baseless the news... that allegedly claimed that the state of Qatar refused to allow Saudi Airlines to transport Qatari pilgrims," according to a report carried on the state-run QNA news agency.Qatar's civil aviation authority confirmed that it had received a request from the Saudi carrier for permission to land and had referred the airline to the ministry of Islamic affairs "in accordance with past practices".
Erdogan:Turkey,Iran discussing joint action against Kurds
http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/erdogan-says-turkey-and-iran-discussing-joint-action-against-kurdish-militants-1573023962
Turkey and Iran have discussed possible joint military action against Kurdish militant groups, after talks in Ankara last week between the chief of staff of Iran's armed forces and Turkish leaders, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday.Speaking to reporters before departing on an official visit to Jordan, Erdogan also said a more effective struggle against the outlawed Kurdistan PKK and its Iranian affiliate, Party of Free Life in Kurdistan (PJAK), would be possible through joint action with Iran. middleeasteye
'We're prisoners': Syrians trapped in SDF camps after escaping IS
http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/syrian-refugees-forced-flee-death-camps-705837072
Civilians fleeing the Islamic State group's two remaining Syrian strongholds face "horrific conditions" in dozens of poorly equipped camps on the outskirts of Syrian cities.Many of these camps lack clean water, food and healthcare. Some are run by US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, according to camp residents. SDF denies it runs the camps, despite them being in territory under its control.The fighting in areas where US-backed forces continue to battle IS militants has forced tens of thousands of Syrians from their homes into dozens of camps in Hassakeh and Raqqa provinces.Many find themselves trapped in terrible conditions."Living in an actual prison would have been easier than living in one of these camps," said Ahmed, who fled his home in Deir Ezzor along with his parents and 5 brothers and moved to al-Sad camp, also known as Arisha. Arisha is located in the southern suburbs of Hassakeh and is considered one of the biggest IDP camps housing about 6,000 people."We are like in the camp, not even allowed to leave," added Ahmed. Middleeasteye
Russian air strike kills 200 Daesh militants in Deir Ez-Zor
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170821-russian-air-strike-kills-200-daesh-militants-in-deir-ez-zor/
Russian air strikes on a military convoy heading for Deir ez-Zor in western Syria are reported to have killed over 200 Daesh fighters and destroyed military vehicles and weapons.Russian defence ministry confirmed the attack in a statement today: “Russian Air Force destroyed another large column of ISIS [Daesh] fighters that was heading to the area of the city of Deir ez-Zor, where international terrorists are trying to regroup and equip their last base in Syria.” middleeastmonitor
Iraq army launches anti-ISIL assault in Tal Afar
http://www.aljazeera.com/video/news/2017/08/iraq-army-launches-anti-isil-assault-tal-afar-170821072109110.html
Thousands of civilians are leaving the Iraqi city of Tal Afar as the army tries to retake it from the ISIL group.Iraqi ground forces backed by a US-led coalition have surrounded the area. Shia militias are moving in from the south, and Kurdish Peshmerga fighters are entering from the north.Around 2,000 ISIL fighters are believed to be in the city. aljazeera
Israeli opposition says Abbas tried to resume security ties with Israel
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170821-israeli-opposition-says-abbas-tried-to-resume-security-ties-with-israel/
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told Israeli opposition lawmakers on Sunday that he had proposed rolling back his month-old suspension of security coordination with Israel, but that it did not respond to the overture, the delegation said. “We recently communicated with them (Israeli security officials) in an attempt to resume some kind of cooperation,” Abbas told a visiting delegation from Israel’s left-wing Meretz party, according to a statement issued by lawmakers.middleeastmonitor
We asked Israel to resume security cooperation:Abbas
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170821-we-asked-israel-to-resume-security-cooperation-says-abbas/
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has insisted that he asked Israel to resume security cooperation, but Israel preferred not to reply, Safa reported on Sunday. The claim was revealed originally by Haaretz.Speaking during a meeting with a delegation from Israel’s left-wing Meretz Party in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Abbas said that security cooperation is currently carried out through US mediators. He pointed out that he had issued clear directions to PA security services to prevent any attack planned to be carried out in occupied Jerusalem, fearing that the situation there might flare up.PA leader recognised that Israel had never been affected by any political stagnation in relation to security cooperation.
PA slammed for donating medicine to Venezuela not Gaza
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170821-pa-triggers-outrage-donating-medicine-to-venezuela-not-gaza/
Palestinian Authority is facing sharp criticism from online activists and social media users after it sent pharmaceutical aid to Venezuela while Palestinians in Gaza are suffering from a shortage in medical supplies and electricity as well as salary cuts. Activists slammed PA, accusing it of contradicting itself by sending aid to a country located thousands of miles away from occupied Palestinian territory at the same time as contributing towards the suffering of its own people in Gaza.middleeastmonitor
Bangladesh sentences 10 to death for plot to kill PM
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/08/bangladesh-sentences-10-death-plot-kill-pm-170821085019416.html
A Bangladesh court has sentenced to death 10 leaders and activists from a banned armed group for a plot in 2000 to kill PM Sheikh Hasina by planting bombs at one of her rallies. Judge Mamtaz Begum sentenced the suspects on Sunday in the capital, Dhaka, and ordered them to be shot to death, which is unusual in Bangladesh, where most executions take place by hanging.Prosecutors said two bombs were found a day before Hasina was scheduled to address a rally at a college campus in the southern town of Kotalipara.Those convicted belong to Harkatul Jihad-al-Islami group. aljazeera
End house arrest of opposition leader:Iran’s ex President
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170821-end-house-arrest-of-opposition-leaders-says-irans-former-president/
A former President of Iran has called upon Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to end the house arrest of opposition leaders who disputed the results of 2009 presidential polls. Mohammad Khatami posted the appeal on his personal website, urging Khamenei to “resolve” house arrest of reformist politicians Mehdi Karroubi and Mir Hossein Musavi.2 men have been under house arrest since 2011 along with their wives, Zahra Rahnavard and Fatemeh Karroubi. Middleeastmonitor
FLASH: VIEWS & NEWS
No Mughals in Maharashtra: Sarah Farooqui
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/maharashtra-Govt-history-textbooks-no-mughals-muslim-rulers-4805837/
Islamic terrorism is the real enemy, the rest just anti-India smear campaigns, claims R Sriram article
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/60150008.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
BJP-RSS are playing full time games against Muslims, no need to apologise:Humra Quraishi, Milli Gazette Online
http://www.milligazette.com/news/15815-bjp-rss-are-playing-full-time-games-against-muslims-no-need-to-apologise
By sneering at Hamid Ansari’s diplomatic stint in West Asia, Modi undermined India’s foreign policy: Danish Khan
https://scroll.in/article/847811/by-sneering-at-hamid-ansaris-diplomatic-stint-in-west-asia-modi-undermined-indias-foreign-policy
Hadiya’s Struggle Against Her Family & Courts May Soon Resonate With All Indian Women: J. DEVIKA
https://thewire.in/169543/hadiya-islam-conversion-supreme-court/
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 9:32 PM)
