Home Blog Page 921

Dravidian Stocks & Congress Break Bangles Over Comedian-Turned-Motivational Speaker’s Speech On Karma & Rebirth At Govt School, D Stocks Demand #Resign_AnbilMahesh

A government school in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, became the centre of attention after a Teacher’s Day event where a spiritual speaker delivered a speech on rebirth and karma, sparked outrage and political backlash from Dravidianists and members of the I.N.D.I.Alliance in Tamil Nadu. The incident occurred at a government girl’s school in the Ashok Nagar area and in a government school in Saidapet, where Mahavishnu, a motivational speaker from the Paramporul Foundation, was invited for a talk.

Who Is ‘Mahavishnu’?

Mahavishnu of Paramporul Foundation is said to have ‘received Deeksha’ from his Guru Tat Sat Bramma Gnani Sri Sri Sri Kanchi Viswanatha Swamigal. Mahavishnu was earlier a standup comic who even won the title “Asathal Mannan” in Sun TV in 2010 as per his LinkedIn profile.

He allegedly ‘transitioned’ into becoming a motivational speaker, a Reiki healer and a mental care counsellor following the ‘Deeksha’. According to the website, he has given several talks and conducted several spiritual programmes in India and abroad.

The speaker spoke about topics such as past-life sins, karma, and rebirth and educated the children about how one’s current life struggles had a link to one’s actions in previous lives.

What’s The Controversy?

During his speech, Mahavishnu stated that ancient Indian education systems, like Gurukulams, were destroyed by British rule, leading to the loss of powerful knowledge once written on palm leaves (olaichuvadu). He asserted that reciting certain mantras could heal bodies, cause “rain of fire,” or enable one to fly, alluding to mystical powers lost over time. He then stated that social inequalities and people’s circumstances—whether rich, poor, criminal, or heroic—were the result of actions in their previous lives.

A school staff member objected to the content of Mahavishnu’s speech, pointing out that the speaker was invited for a motivational talk, not a spiritual discourse. This led to a heated argument, with Mahavishnu questioning the teacher about how a child will live a proper life without knowledge about past life karma. A video of the incident, later uploaded to Mahavishnu’s YouTube channel, went viral, triggering widespread criticism among Dravidianists.

Students’ reactions to the speech also raised alarms. Some reportedly broke down in tears, with one student stating, “We were thinking that there is someone above us. But now I understand that God is within us.” Another student commented, “I realized that beyond basic education, there is something beyond the reach of knowledge.” These statements have heightened concerns over the speaker’s influence on impressionable young minds.

Critics argue that while motivational speeches in schools inspire students, they should promote a scientific outlook and not delve into religious or spiritual doctrines. Social activists and education advocates have called for stricter oversight in government schools to ensure such events do not compromise the core values of the educational system.

Politicians and Dravidianists condemned the school administration for allowing such sensitive topics to be addressed before children.

Congress & Dravidian Stocks Meltdown

Congress MP Jothimani expressed dismay on social media, tagging Tamil Nadu’s School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh. She criticized the event for undermining the government’s efforts to promote scientific temper in schools and called for accountability.

“Shocked to know that this has happened in a Government school. This will undermine all the efforts of the Government’s very ideological battle. The government must act against whoever has invited and allowed him to speak against the scientific temper the very basic  foundation of our education system and humiliate the teacher who has asked the right question @Anbil_Mahesh”

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram also questioned the event and wrote on his X handle, “Distressing to see a charlatan peddle gobbledygook in a government school in Tamil Nadu @Anbil_Mahesh

#Resign_AnbilMahesh Trends On X

Dravidianists also asked for the resignation of education minister Anbil Mahesh. LTTE supporter and Dravidianist separatist Thirumurugan Gandhi, who is known for his anti-India and anti-Hindu stance, derided the speaker and wrote on his X handle.

When asked a counter question, he shows arrogance without the ability to answer. If they come to talk, they will only ask questions. If you make stupid comments, you will get counter-questions. Class for the chubby stupid cows who have no reason to explain. Education Minister, resign if you cannot take action against the officials and teachers who brought this despicable person and made him speak in Chennai’s best government school. We are witnessing the consequences of 3 years of failure to prevent sectarian political imposition in the education sector.”

Other Dravidianists also called for the resignation of Anbil Mahesh.

Another netizen questioned why no IAS or IPS achievers were invited to the government school to motivate the students.

Some even unfollowed the minister’s X handle!

It is noteworthy that Mahavishnu/Paramporul Foundation had met with the education minister and submitted a petition on behalf of the Paramporul Foundation requesting to incorporate Vallalar’s Thiruchitrambala Kalvi Thiruvarutpa in school textbooks.

 

Dravidianists Break Bangles

Dravidoids went bonkers after the video of the session went viral. Here are some reactions.

 

One wrote, “Who is he to carry lessons about sin and righteousness in government schools? What is the school education department doing? In the name of teaching self-defence in many schools, branch organizations like RSS are misleading the children of Hindutvaists.”

Another Dravidoid wrote, “I don’t know where all this will end. The school education department should prevent such incidents.. The offending school administrators should be dismissed and punished severely.”

Another wrote, “It is not good for the Dravidian model of governance that the Sanghi Minister continues to support the RSS Sanatanists who have nothing to gain every time there is strong opposition among the siblings.”

Some went overboard and pulled out images of Anbil Mahesh at temples and questioned the Dravidian government over conducting the Murugan conference and permitting speakers like Mahavishnu to spread the word about Hindu philosophy.

He wrote, “Ministers who pulled the toad and left it on the street! @Anbil_Mahesh @PKSekarbabu 2026 will not be chosen if these two people are stuck! A man introduced epic in education? First, let’s go! #Resign_AnbilMahesh Another Murugan Conference! Amman Conference, Baba Conference! Where can you go?”

https://twitter.com/jai_sriv/status/1831901488123375802

Another handle Schumy Vanna Kaviyangal known for spewing hate against Hindus and Brahmins specifically wrote, “Except for the teachers in the government school hall, all the dogs take lessons from the students… Who is calling him? Why is he allowed?”

Saidapet High School Headmaster Shanmugasundaram and Ashok Nagar Girls High School Headmistress Tamilarasi have been summoned by the Chennai District Principal Education Officer to explain who had permitted to conduct such a session and what happened. Based on their explanation, required action will be taken on the school headmasters.

TN CM Stalin Weighs In

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, who is currently touring the US, made a post on his X handle. He wrote, “Our high-quality textbooks contain the best scientific ideas students need to know. The teachers themselves can bring out the best ideas needed to face future challenges with confidence and sharpen their knowledge. The School Education Department will take actions to provide the necessary innovative training and social education – with appropriate departmental experts and scholars. I have decided to formulate and issue new guidelines for regulating various programs in schools in the state so that all our schoolchildren, who are the future generation of Tamilnadu, get progressive-scientific ideas and lifestyles. Individual progress, ethical living, and sound ideas for social development should be inculcated in the students’ hearts. Over the past three years, I have consistently emphasized the importance of education and the need to develop scientific thinking at numerous events. Science is the way to progress!”

Subscribe to our channels on TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath Advocates Spiritual Learning In Schools

JMM-Cong-RJD Plotted To Alter Jharkhand's Demography Via Land Jihad, Love Jihad: Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has proposed that verses from the Bhagavad Gita or Ramcharitmanas should be recited in school assemblies to instil spiritual learning among students.

Speaking at the state award distribution ceremony of the primary education and madhyamik education departments on Thursday, CM Adityanath advised teachers not to act like trade union members “as it goes against the dignity of the profession“.

Teachers cannot and should not act like trade union members as it goes against the dignity of the profession. Whenever teachers act like trade union members, they risk undermining their own respect and honour,” the Chief Minister said at the programme held at the Yogiraj Baba Gambhirnath auditorium here.

Recalling former President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, CM Adityanath extended Teachers’ Day greetings to the state’s people. He described Radhakrishnan, a Bharat Ratna recipient, as an eminent scholar and a great philosopher, noting that his birth anniversary is celebrated as Teachers’ Day.

On the occasion, Minister of State for Basic Education (independent charge) Sandeep Singh said the foundation of any country’s progress lies in its culture and educated citizens. He emphasised that under CM Adityanath’s leadership, the Uttar Pradesh government is making the entire education system more robust and more organised.

“Efforts can be made to bring a spiritual dimension to the school atmosphere. For instance, a five-minute address could be delivered to the students during the morning assembly based on verses from the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita or Ramcharitmanas. Such efforts will leave a lasting positive impact in the minds of children,” the Chief Minister added.

He asked the teachers to present their demands democratically. He assured them that a memorandum written straightforwardly and focused on their issues would be considered “an order and not a plea”. Forty-one teachers from the primary education department and 13 from the Madhyamik education department were awarded at the event.

The Chief Minister personally handed out the awards to them. One of the teachers, Moolchand from Aligarh, had an injured leg, so CM Adityanath walked over to him from the stage to present the award.

The Chief Minister said India has always shown respect to “gurus” (teachers).

Our scriptures reflect reverence for the guru with the mantra, ‘Gurur Brahma, Gurur Vishnu’. In the quote ‘Guru Govind Donou Khade’, Sant Kabir Das has placed the guru even higher than the god. The reverence for the guru exists because knowledge cannot be attained without devotion. It is also said here that ‘Shraddhavan Labhate Gyanam’ (the devoted attains knowledge). And those who lack knowledge cannot achieve anything in life,” he added.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said a teacher is at the centre of the society’s reverence, but one must engage in hard work to become worthy of it.

Simply obtaining a degree does not bring knowledge. Rigorous practice is also necessary. Dedication may be difficult, but its results are the best. Teachers should never shy away from the path of hard work and dedication,” he said.

The Chief Minister also said he has directed the education department to utilise the services of the award-winning teachers for the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) curricula and textbooks. He said the National Education Policy (NEP) has set new milestones under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

In line with this, we should adhere to the traditional curricula and embrace innovation. Innovation can easily happen in every field,” he added.

CM Adityanath noted that as teachers are the builders of the country’s future, they must constantly focus on innovation. “This can begin right at the school level. Teachers, with the support of students and parents, can create a clean, beautiful and and green school environment,” he said.

The Chief Minister appealed to all teachers to align themselves with the Prime Minister’s vision of making India a developed country by 2047. He said the NEP also envisions a developed India, adding that this journey begins with the fulfilment of civic duties. “If we focus on our duties, rights will automatically follow,” he added.

This story is based on an IANS wire feed. 

Subscribe to our TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered instantly.

Ola Driver Abuses, Slaps Woman In Bengaluru Over Ride Cancellation, Cops Launch Probe

Ola Driver Abuses, Slaps Woman In Bengaluru Over Ride Cancellation, Cops Launch Probe

A concerning incident has come to light in Bengaluru on Thursday involving a young woman being abused, slapped, and harassed by a middle-aged auto driver associated with Ola for cancelling a ride. The incident has been reported to the police, and an investigation has been launched.

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Vijayanagar sub-division Chandan Kumar, responded by assuring the victim that the police would register a case, conduct an enquiry, and take legal action.

Meanwhile, Ola Support has sent a request to the victim’s registered email ID to investigate the matter further. The young woman, Niti, stated that she faced severe embarrassment and was physically assaulted by an Ola driver after a simple ride cancellation.

On September 3, the victim and her friend booked two autos on Ola due to peak hours. The victim cancelled her trip as her friend’s vehicle arrived first and boarded that vehicle. The other auto driver followed them, and after stopping the vehicle, she was travelling in, he furiously started shouting and hurling abuses.

“The auto driver went on to verbally assault us, questioning whether the auto belonged to my father and making derogatory comments. I began recording, which enraged him further. When I mentioned reporting him, he challenged me, showing no fear of consequences,” the victim stated.

The victim also shared videos showing the Ola auto driver hurling vulgar abuses at her, claiming that he was made to wait for five minutes after arriving at the spot and questioning whether her father would pay for the gas since she decided to cancel the ride. The victim asked the driver not to shout and abuse her, to which the driver asked her what else he should do.

When the young woman told him that she would approach the police, the auto driver challenged her to go to the police right away. The video shows the auto driver grabbing her phone.

The victim alleges that he slapped her. The young woman is seen in another video questioning the auto driver about why he slapped her and what she should do about it. The auto driver told her to lodge a police complaint.

The young woman is also heard saying that she was still addressing him respectfully and questioning how he could talk to her in that manner. The young woman asked the auto driver in Hindi whether cancelling a ride was a crime.

Using vulgar language, he told her to speak in Kannada. He could also be heard saying, “Let anything happen today; I am not going to be quiet.” The victim wrote to Ola, stating, “Despite reporting, your customer support has been unresponsive. Immediate action is needed.” Meanwhile, the rival cab aggregator ‘Namma Yatri’ company, apologised for the incident involving the victim on Thursday.

On social media platform X, Namma Yatri told the victim, “We hope you are doing well. We are sorry to hear about the unfortunate incident. We wanted to get in touch with you to know the auto driver’s details so we can take precautionary steps on our platform.

Police sources said they tracked down the auto driver and identified him as one Mutturaj. They questioned him and asked the victim to come to the police station to record her statement.

This story is based on an IANS wire feed. 

Subscribe to our TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered instantly.

Six Maoists Killed In Encounter With Telangana Police

Six Maoists Killed In Encounter With Telangana Police

Six Maoists were killed in an encounter with police in Telangana’s Bhadradri Kothagudem district on Thursday. The incident occurred near Raghunathpalem in Karakagudem mandal near the border with Chhattisgarh.

Some top Maoist leaders from Telangana are reported to be among those killed. The exchange of fire took place in the forest area when a police party was engaged in combing operations.

Two policemen were also reportedly injured in the exchange of fire. Further details were awaited. Police say while left-wing extremism completely disappeared in Telangana due to sustained efforts over the last 10-15 years, areas bordering neighbouring states like Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra still have Maoist presence.

Senior police officers admitted on many occasions that the fact that the leadership of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) is in the hands of people from Telangana is a matter of great concern for them. Thursday’s encounter was a big setback for the Maoist outfit trying to revive its activities in the state.

This came two days after nine Maoists, including six women, were killed by security forces in Chhattisgarh. The Maoists were killed in an anti-Naxal operation conducted in the forests along the border of Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada and Bijapur districts on September 3.

The joint operation involved Dantewada District Reserve Guards, Bastar Fighters, and CRPF battalions 111 and 230, who acted on intelligence about the presence of a large number of Maoists from PLGA Company No. 2, West Bastar division, and Darbha division.

Top Maoist Leader Macherla Esobu from Telangana is reported to be among those killed in the encounter in Chhattisgarh. Esobu, also known as Jagan, Dada Randev, and Randhir, was in charge of the CPI (Maoist) Party’s central military and the Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh border.

A key member of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC), Esobu hailed from Tekulagudem village in Kazipet mandal, Hanamkonda district and was active in the Maoist movement since the 1980s. The Maoist leader was carrying a cash reward of Rs. 25 lakh on his head.

This story is based on an IANS wire feed. 

Subscribe to our TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered instantly.

“Quality Of Education In Govt Schools Is Poor”: TN Governor RN Ravi Says

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi once again stirred controversy by expressing sorrow over the poor quality of education in Tamil Nadu government schools, noting that the quality of education falls below the national average. This statement has sparked controversy, especially since the governor recently criticized the state curriculum as subpar compared to national standards.

On Teacher’s Day, 5 September 2024, Raj Bhavan hosted the 16th “Think to Dare” program, bringing together teachers and educationists to discuss students’ future in alignment with the national goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Governor Ravi encouraged educators to keep this goal in mind while fulfilling their duties and to guide students in navigating emerging advanced technologies. He emphasized the importance of inspiring excellence in innovation, maintaining high educational standards, fostering self-confidence and discipline, and staying vigilant against drug abuse.

At the event, Governor Ravi paid floral tribute to Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and honored 17 teachers and educationists for their outstanding contributions to the nation. The ceremony took place at Raj Bhavan’s Bharathiar Mandapam.

Speaking later, Governor R.N. Ravi reflected on India’s historical unity, noting that even before independence, people from Kashmir to Kanyakumari shared a sense of common identity despite numerous kingdoms. He recounted how his grandmother traveled from Bihar to Rameswaram 120 years ago, driven by the belief that Rameswaram belonged to everyone. He emphasized that places like Rameswaram and Kashi are not just for kings but for the people of India, with rulers serving merely as protectors.

Ravi highlighted that, historically, people traveled across the country for both devotion and education. For instance, a Pallava prince journeyed to Nalanda 1,500 years ago to study and later became a teacher himself, demonstrating the open exchange of knowledge and cultural integration. He compared this to Adi Shankara’s travels, which were welcomed everywhere he went.

Addressing current issues, Ravi lamented the decline in educational standards in Tamil Nadu, noting that 60% of students in government schools face significant learning challenges, with many struggling to understand basic concepts or read their textbooks. He criticized the lenient promotion policies that exacerbate this problem, leading to a mismatch between educational qualifications and job market needs.

Ravi also highlighted the growing problem of drug abuse, particularly in schools and colleges, urging that this issue be acknowledged and addressed. He called on the teaching community and parents to be vigilant and proactive. On Teacher’s Day, he urged educators to inspire students to dream big, as many currently lack ambition and settle for mediocrity. He likened students to the seeds of banyan trees, with great potential that must be nurtured to flourish.

(With Inputs From Hindu Tamil)

Subscribe to our TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered instantly.

ED Attaches ₹55.30 Crore In Assets Of International Drug Kingpin And Expelled DMK Leader Jaffer Sadiq Amid Ongoing Money Laundering Investigation

In a significant development in the case of international drug smuggler and former DMK official Jaffer Sadiq, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in Chennai has provisionally attached assets worth ₹55.30 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

These assets include 14 properties, such as the JSM Residency Hotel and a luxury bungalow, and 7 high-end vehicles, including Jaguars and Mercedes, reportedly acquired illegally.

This asset attachment follows a recent court decision. On 16 July 2024, the Principal Sessions and Special Court, which handles PMLA cases, granted the ED three days of custody for Jaffer Sadiq. The ruling, issued by Judge S. Alli, followed the ED’s request for 15 days of custody. Instead, the judge approved custody from 17 July to 19 July 2024, with provisions allowing relatives to visit Sadiq.

It is noteworthy to mention that the attached property, JSM Residency, was inaugurated by DMK Minister Sekarbabu along with Dravidianist-Islamist film director Ameer in August 2022.

On 15 July 2024, the Principal Sessions and Special Court placed Sadiq in judicial custody for 15 days related to a money laundering case filed by the ED. This decision followed his transfer from Tihar Jail to Chennai, where the ED sought Jaffer Sadiq’s remand after formally arresting him through a prisoner transfer warrant issued by the NCB.

This action follows an investigation into Jaffer Sadiq Abdul Rehman, a former DMK functionary who is a key figure in a drug cartel involved in smuggling pseudoephedrine and ketamine.

Who Is Jaffer Sadiq?

Sadiq, a producer of five Tamil films, was the leader of a cartel responsible for shipping Pseudoephedrine from India to Australia and New Zealand, as per the sources. Four other individuals from Tamil Nadu were apprehended in a Delhi warehouse.

Sadiq, who was affiliated with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and serving as the Deputy Organiser for the Chennai West NRI Wing, was permanently expelled from the party on 25 February 2024 following the revelation of his involvement with the drug cartel. The case unraveled when authorities from New Zealand and Australia alerted Indian agencies about substantial drug smuggling in their countries, disguised as food products. The NCB was probing the possibility of drug money being used to fund films.

In February, New Zealand customs and Australian police provided information about large amounts of pseudoephedrine, hidden in desiccated coconut powder, being shipped to both countries. Additional information from the US Drug Enforcement Administration pointed to Delhi as the source of the consignment.

An international drug trafficking network has been broken up by a combined operation from the NCB and the Special Cell of Delhi Police, resulting in the seizure of at least 50 kg of Pseudoephedrine in Delhi.

Following extensive questioning, officials disclosed that over the past three years, 45 shipments containing roughly 3,500 kg of pseudoephedrine, worth over ₹2,000 crore in the international market, had been dispatched.

On 9 March 2024, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) announced the arrest of Jaffer Sadiq, the mastermind behind the India-Australia-New Zealand drug trafficking network. According to the NCB, Sadiq is reportedly the mastermind behind the drug trafficking ring spanning India, Australia, and New Zealand. Sadiq, who has five film productions to his credit, allegedly operated a cartel that transported pseudoephedrine from India to Australia and New Zealand. Four individuals from Tamil Nadu were apprehended in a Delhi warehouse two weeks prior.

Subscribe to our TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered instantly.

Karnataka BJP To Protest Denial Of Award To Principal Who Stopped Hijab-Wearing Students From Communalizing Classrooms

Karnataka BJP on Thursday said that the party would hold a protest if the government withheld the ‘Best Principal Award’ to the Kundapur Government Pre-University College principal who did not allow female students wearing hijab to enter the college.

The Karnataka government withheld the award to B.G. Ramakrishna, Principal of Government Pre-University College in Udupi district, on Thursday. In 2021, at the height of the hijab row in the state, Ramakrishna asked Muslim female students wearing hijabs to stand outside the classroom for months.

“If the decision is not reversed immediately, we will stage a protest. The decision in this regard will be made after consulting with party seniors,” BJP MLA T.S. Srivatsa said.

He said that the government’s decisions are not brought to the knowledge of the Chief Minister.

Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy said that the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) filed a complaint with the government regarding selecting the best teachers.

“It is not right to hold back awards just to appease someone. Schools are sacred places. Actions which instil divisiveness in children’s minds should not be taken,” he said. He added that SDPI had also complained about religious symbols used at a Hindu pilgrimage centre.

“If actions like this continue, who will protect Karnataka? Please refrain from such actions,” Narayanaswamy said.

The SDPI had slammed the state government for announcing an award for Ramakrishna and ran a campaign against him. Earlier, Karnataka Minister for Education Madhu Bangarappa said the way the principal treated the children was the reason to withhold the ‘Best Principal Award’.

“The way the principal treated the children is the reason, that’s all. If he was following any government order, it had to be carried out in a certain manner. The committee will take a call on whether to give the award or not,” the Education Minister said. “Don’t politicise the issue. Congress does not believe in vindictive politics,” the minister responded when asked whether the government is practising vindictive politics in the state.

This story is based on an IANS wire feed. Only the headline has been changed.

Subscribe to our TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered instantly.

Kanhaiya Lal Murder Accused Mohammad Javed Granted Bail By Rajasthan High Court

Kanhaiya Lal Murder Accused Mohammad Javed Granted Bail By Rajasthan High Court

In a shocking decision, the Rajasthan High Court granted bail to Mohammed Javed, one of the accused in the 2022 murder case of Udaipur tailor Kanhaiya Lal. The bail was granted on 5 September 2024, with Javed required to provide a bail bond of ₹2 lakh and a surety of ₹1 lakh.

Kanhaiya Lal was brutally murdered on 28 June 2022 outside his shop in Udaipur. The two main perpetrators, Riyaz Attari and Ghous Mohammed, attacked and beheaded him while recording the gruesome act and threatening Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The video of the killing was subsequently shared on social media. Attari and Mohammed were arrested shortly after the incident.

Javed, who was apprehended by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on 22 July 2022, is accused of conducting surveillance and providing crucial information about Kanhaiya Lal’s whereabouts to the attackers. During a search of his residence, authorities found a blunt sword, leading to additional charges under the Arms Act.

The murder was reportedly linked to controversial statements made by former BJP leader Nupur Sharma regarding Prophet Mohammed, which had incited significant protests. Kanhaiya Lal was targeted due to his support of Sharma’s remarks.

In February 2024, a special NIA court framed charges against the accused under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The charges include murder (IPC Section 302), trespassing (IPC Section 452), promoting enmity between different groups (IPC Section 153A), deliberate acts to outrage religious feelings (IPC Section 295A), criminal conspiracy (IPC Section 120B), and various UAPA provisions.

Other men accused of murdering Kanhaiya Lal, such as Farhad Mohammed, have also been granted bail, while Salman and Abu Ibrahim remain at large. Kanhaiya Lal had previously filed a complaint with the police about receiving threats related to his social media support for Nupur Sharma.

(With inputs from LiveMint)

Subscribe to our TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered instantly.

“Mine Sand Skillfully, Don’t Complain If Caught”, Says DMK Leader SR Sivalingam To Party Cadre

Former DMK MLA and Trichy East District Secretary SR Sivalingam has sparked controversy with a provocative remark made during a recent DMK general membership meeting in Trichy. He stated, “If you have the skills, mine soil from lakes. But don’t complain later that our party did not support you if you get caught by the authorities.” This statement has since gone viral on social media.

The DMK East District general meeting was held on 3 September 2024, in Gangavalli, near Attur in Salem District. During the meeting, SR Sivalingam, the DMK Salem East District Secretary and former MLA, addressed attendees, stating, “Some are asking to mine sand, which is fine if it’s just for their home one or two loads. Some people are even doing it today with their talent, but if you get caught, what should I do? I’m not saying you shouldn’t do, but if you do, do it skillfully. If you do get caught, please don’t come and complain to the district secretary.”

Sivalingam noted that some sensitive issues couldn’t be fully discussed due to the presence of reporters. He also mentioned Priya, the former AIADMK Gangavalli Union Committee President who joined DMK. Despite complaints against him, a DMK member has been chosen as the new Union Committee President. Looking ahead, DMK will be contesting the Gangavalli assembly seat again.

Party members are urged to work diligently to secure a victory margin of 30,000 votes and to conduct election activities without internal divisions. He warned that if factionalism persists, members should consider leaving the party.

Several DMK representatives attended the meeting, including former MLA Chinnadurai, Barur Secretary Balamurugan, and Gangavalli Town Panchayat President Lokambal.

(With inputs from ETVBharat)

Subscribe to our TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered instantly.

“We’ll Ask Govt To Block You, If You Don’t Like India, Don’t Work Here”, Says Delhi High Court To Wikipedia, Issues Contempt Notice Over ANI Defamation Case

"We'll Ask Govt To Block You, If You Don't Like India, Don't Work Here", Says Delhi High Court To Wikipedia, Issues Contempt Notice Over ANI Defamation Case

The Delhi High Court issued a contempt of court notice to Wikipedia on Thursday, 5 September 2024, after the online encyclopedia allegedly failed to comply with a judicial order regarding edits made to a page about news agency ANI. The court’s warning was clear: non-compliance with Indian laws could block Wikipedia in India.

The controversy stems from a defamation lawsuit filed by ANI Media Pvt. Ltd. against Wikipedia, claiming that edits made to its Wikipedia page referred to the news agency as apropaganda toolfor the Indian government. ANI argued that these changes were defamatory and requested the court to compel Wikipedia to reveal details of the users who made the edits.

Failure To Disclose Information

On a prior occasion, the court directed Wikipedia to provide the subscriber details of three individuals who allegedly made the edits. However, ANI informed the court that Wikipedia had not complied with this order. In response, Wikipedia’s legal counsel stated that delays were due to the entity not being based in India and pending the submission of certain documents.

This explanation did not sit well with Justice Navin Chawla. According to the legal news website Bar and Bench, the judge strongly reprimanded Wikipedia’s counsel, stating, It is not a question of the defendant not being an entity in India. We will close your business transactions here. We will ask the government to block Wikipedia Earlier also you took this position.He further added, If you don’t like India, please don’t work here.”

In its defence, Wikipedia, run by the Wikimedia Foundation based in San Francisco, has maintained that it is atechnology hostand does not directly edit or add content. The foundation had earlier issued a statement clarifying that it does not control the content on Wikipedia pages edited by users worldwide.

However, ANI contends that Wikipedia is responsible for the defamatory content hosted on its platform and that the platform’s failure to act violates Indian laws. ANI is seeking ₹2 crore in damages and an order to prevent the publication of such defamatory material in the future.

ANI’s Allegations and Defamatory Content

ANI’s defamation suit highlights multiple claims that it believes have damaged its reputation. These include accusations that ANI has served as apropaganda tool for the incumbent central government,that itdistributes materials from fake news websites,and that it misreported events, particularly during the 2023 Manipur violence, where ANI was accused of falsely blaming Muslims for the sexual assault of two Kuki women.

The suit also highlights accusations regarding ANI’s internal management practices, stating that the news agency engages in aggressive revenue-focused journalism, and lacks adequate human resource management, leading to ill-treatment of employees. ANI argues that the inclusion of such information on Wikipedia was done with the malicious intent of discrediting the news agency.

ANI’s Legal Standpoint

In its legal filing, ANI asserts that the Wikimedia Foundation, which operates Wikipedia, actively participated in allowing defamatory content to remain online by not removing the offending edits. ANI further argues that the Wikimedia Foundation has lost itssafe-harbourprotection under Section 79(1) of the Indian Information Technology Act by failing to act against the defamatory content, thereby making it liable for hosting and publishing it.

The Delhi High Court’s next hearing in this high-stakes defamation case will take place in October, during which the court has ordered that an official representative from Wikipedia be present.

Subscribe to our TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered instantly.