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Leftist Scribe Arvind Gunasekar Trivializes Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder Despite Post-Mortem Proof

Even though there is overwhelming evidence pointing to the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, self-styled journalist Arvind Gunasekar has chosen to downplay the incident by casting doubt over it. Gunasekar, known for his bias towards Congress and DMK, contrasts his diminishing reporting on this heinous crime with his sensationalised coverage of the Hathras rape case, where Congress sought political mileage.

Young Doctor Raped and Murdered

A tragic incident occurred in Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College involving a second-year postgraduate trainee doctor who was found brutally raped and murdered. The incident has sent shockwaves across the country, with doctors in Kolkata protesting against the lack of a safe work environment.

The horrific incident happened on August 8 after the trainee doctor had dinner with her juniors and decided to rest around 2 am. Due to the hospital’s lack of resting facilities, she chose the seminar hall, considering it a safe place.

The following morning, on August 9, her body was discovered partially unclothed in the seminar hall after she had been on duty the previous night.

The victim’s father expressed severe concerns, suggesting signs of rape and accusing the hospital of delaying the investigation. In response, postgraduate trainee doctors at the hospital halted work in all departments except emergency services, demanding swift action and the arrest of the culprits. Student associations also organized protests, calling for a thorough investigation. Opposition leaders, including Bengal BJP legislators, pushed for an independent inquiry led by a magistrate.

Investigations and Evidence

Citing delays and errors in handling the case, the Kolkata High Court transferred the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). A specialised CBI team, including forensic and medical experts, arrived in Kolkata to begin their inquiry into the alleged rape and murder. The investigation is ongoing, while protests have broken out in the city. A mob forcibly entered RG Kar Medical College and Hospital during protests over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor. The police had to resort to lathi-charge and tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Preliminary autopsy results also confirmed sexual assault before the murder, ruling out suicide. The report also revealed multiple injuries, and bleeding, indicating a violent death. Reports further suggested that the victim’s nose and mouth had been covered, and her head forcibly pushed against a wall or floor to silence her. The crime is believed to have taken place between 3 am and 6 am, with evidence of strangulation and smothering.

Several doctors who reviewed the autopsy report indicated the possibility of gang rape. Dr. Subarna Goswami, in an exclusive interview with India Today TV, highlighted the extent of the injuries, suggesting multiple attackers. According to the autopsy, 151 mg of semen was found from the vaginal swab, which Dr. Goswami noted was likely from more than one individual. It is to be pointed out that an individual can ejaculate only 1.25–5 ml of sperm at an instance, which therefore suggests that many people raped the trainee doctor. However, this claim has been refuted by forensic experts saying that 151 mg was the weight of the inner genitalia and not of any liquid.

Arvind Gunasekar casts doubt over the incident

Despite this overwhelming evidence, Arvind Gunasekar, a self-styled ‘journalist’ known for peddling favourable propaganda for the Congress and DMK, chose to add the prefix ‘alleged’ for the brutal rape and murder of the doctor.

He also went on to justify that it was usual reporting practice when questioned by a netizen.

His bias also becomes evident when one compares his X posts on the Kolkata case and the Hathras rape case.

While Arvind Gunasekar has stuck to reporting just facts of the matter in the Kolkata case, his coverage of Hathras rape case, which Congress used for political mileage, was laden with propaganda.

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Ayodhya Ram Lalla Deity Sculptor Arun Yogiraj Denied Visa By US

Ayodhya Ram Lalla Idol Sculptor Arun Yogiraj Denied Visa By US
Sculptor Arun Yogiraj, renowned for crafting the Ram Lalla idol for the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, was recently denied a US visa. He had been invited as the chief guest at the World Kannada Conference 2024, hosted by the Association of Kannada Kootas of America (AKKA) in Richmond, Virginia, from 30 August 2024 to 1 September 2024.
Yogiraj had planned to attend the event with his wife Vijetha and their two children and spend 20 days touring the US. However, the US Embassy rejected his and his family’s visa applications without a reason.

Apart from the World Kannada Conference, Yogiraj received invitations from various other organisations in the USA, which he accepted. Despite submitting all the necessary documents, including the income tax returns filed and attending the interview, his visa application was rejected without apparent reason.

The eminent sculptor mentioned his daughter’s excitement about the trip and promised to take her elsewhere in the country instead. With the planned departure on August 30 approaching, he decided not to reapply for the visas, as securing another appointment in time seemed unlikely. He also expressed uncertainty about qualifying for an emergency visa.

When asked about the visa denial, Mysuru MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar said he had already spoken to Arun Yogiraj and described him as “a national treasure.” Wadiyar pledged to discuss the issue with a central minister to gather more information.

The US Embassy’s rejection of the visa application comes in light of Yogiraj’s notable accomplishment—sculpting the Ram Lalla idol for the Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi Temple consecrated in January 2024. A fifth-generation sculptor with an MBA from the University of Mysore, Yogiraj left a corporate job to continue his family’s artistic legacy.

In addition to the Ram Lalla idol, Yogiraj has created other prominent works, including a 12-foot Adi Shankaracharya in Kedarnath and a statue of Subhas Chandra Bose near India Gate in Delhi. His other sculptures include a 21-foot Hanuman statue in Mysuru, a 15-foot statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Swami Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, and a monolithic Nandi statue.

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DMK Functionary & Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Fan Club Member Held In Thanjavur Gangrape Case

A man arrested for the alleged gangrape of a young woman near her home in Thanjavur district is a DMK functionary and a member of Udhayanidhi Stalin’s fan club.

According to reports, the 22-year-old victim was returning home after shopping on the evening of August 12 when DMK functionary Kavidasan (25) forcefully took her to an isolated area along with his accomplices Diwakar (27), Praveen (20), and a 17-year-old male. They then gang-raped her and recorded the assault on video.

On the same night, the victim filed a complaint at the all-women police station in Orathanadu. On August 12, Tuesday, Kavidasan, Diwakar, Praveen, and the 17-year-old boy were arrested. The victim was admitted to the Thanjavur Medical College Hospital for medical care.

The young woman is a graduate who works in a Chennai-based company. She was visiting her parents in Tanjavur for vacation when she was attacked.

BJP Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai, sharing a picture of Kavidasan that exposes his DMK affiliation, said, “The DMK government continues to prove its complete disregard for the safety and dignity of the people of Tamil Nadu. The horrific gang rape of a young girl by DMK functionary and Udhayanidhi Stalin fan club member, Kavidasan in Orathanadu, Thanjavur, is yet another example of the lawlessness under this administration.

I wish to express my strongest condemnation against this barbaric act & demand that the criminals receive the punishment they deserve. With Ganja easily available across the state, it’s no surprise that such crimes are rising. This incident mirrors the 2022 gang rape in Virudhunagar, also involving DMK youth wing members.”

The ruling party in Tamil Nadu is linked to a horrific sexual crime on the same day in which Women MPs from the ruling party in West Bengal are facing criticism for their lack of empathy regarding a brutal rape and murder case in Kolkata.

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BJP Slams TMC MP’s Selective Condolences On Doctor’s Rape And Murder

Selective outrage appears to be at play as women MPs from the Trinamool Congress, known for promoting themselves as champions of feminism, remain conspicuously silent about the recent rape and murder of a young doctor at a Kolkata hospital. Using carefully chosen language from their party’s lexicon, they seem to be downplaying the severity of the incident.

Netizens questioning their lack of concern are reportedly being blocked on social media. Supporters of the broader I.N.D.I alliance are also accused of minimising the situation. They are using “allegedly” to describe the crime, despite the post-mortem report confirming it.

What happened in Kolkata

On 9 August 2024, the lifeless and partially unclothed body of a female medical intern was discovered in the lecture hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, a government-operated institution, in Kolkata. Her father alleged that she had been sexually assaulted and murdered within the hospital. He said there were attempts to hide the truth.

On the night of the incident, the doctor had a late-night meal with four colleagues at 2:30 am after watching Neeraj Chopra’s javelin throw event at the Paris Olympics. Subsequently, she went to the lecture hall to unwind.

The primary suspect, Sanjay Roy, had unrestricted access to all hospital sections since he worked at the hospital police outpost. Though he was not associated with the institution, he frequented the premises. Surveillance footage captured his entry into the area where the doctor’s body was found, leading to his arrest on the 10th of August. After the dreadful deed, Roy returned home and slept in. He also cleaned his clothes to eliminate any evidence, with the police discovering his bloodstained shoes during a search.

Post-Mortem Report

The post-mortem report revealed that the doctor had been subjected to brutal torture before being asphyxiated. The report, spanning four pages, indicated that she was strangled, resulting in severe injuries in her private regions.

Moreover, the doctor’s thyroid cartilage was fractured. Sources indicated that the assault occurred, along with the rape, most likely between 3 and 5 am on 9 August 2024. Her lips, fingers, left leg, and abdomen bore marks of injuries. It was reported that the doctor’s head was slammed against a wall or floor, causing extensive injuries, and her airflow was obstructed by closing her mouth and nose to prevent vocalization.

Allegations were made that the accused physically assaulted her when she resisted. Subsequently, he carried out the assault, leading to her demise. As per the autopsy findings, the doctor had cuts on her hands and face. The impact of a severe blow caused the fragments of her broken spectacles to enter her eyes. The initial post-mortem report ruled out suicide, confirming that the trainee doctor was sexually violated before being killed.

Calcutta HC criticises WB Govt

On the 13th of August, the Calcutta High Court criticized the West Bengal government for trying to shield the principal of the Hospital. On the same day, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took suo motu cognizance of the doctor’s rape and murder.

NHRC issued directives to the director general of police (DGP) and chief secretary of West Bengal, seeking a comprehensive report within a fortnight. It said the report should detail the progress of the police probe, actions against the perpetrators, specifics of compensation, and steps implemented to prevent similar occurrences.

TMC Women MPs Cherry-Pick Outrage

WB BJP’s co-in charge and head of National Information & Technology Dept Amit Malavya slammed the TMC MP’s selective words of condolences. He pointed out Sagarika Ghose, Rajya Sabha MP, Krishnanagar TMC MP Mahua Moitra and Jadavpur TMC MP Saayoni Ghosh for not identifying the crime as rape and murder.

In this context, Amit Malavya, the BJP’s National IT cell head and Co-incharge for West Bengal, criticized the TMC MPs for their selective expressions of sympathy over this rape and murder.

He stated, “The obnoxiously shrill women MPs of the TMC couldn’t muster the courage to use the words rape and murder.” Malavya shared posts of Sagarika Ghose, Rajya Sabha MP, Krishnanagar TMC MP Mahua Moitra, and Jadavpur TMC MP Saayoni Ghosh for their reticence.

Jadavpur TMC MP Saayoni Ghosh stated, “The RG Kar tragedy is shocking. No matter who investigates, the culprits behind this horrific act should face the highest degree of punishment. I hope that the CBI’s dismal conviction rate & the staggering pace of the court doesn’t end up defeating justice one deserves.”

She also praised Mamata Banerjee’s administration for advancing women’s rights over the past 11 years.

11 years ago, Smt. @MamataOfficial  envisioned a Bengal where every girl could pursue her dreams without financial barriers. A dream where no girl would be forced to drop out of school for marriage due to financial constraints. Today, that dream is a reality. #KanyashreeDibas @MamataOfficial.”

 

Krishnanagar TMC MP Mahua Moitra adopted a similar approach. She choose her words carefully, “The horrific crime at RG Kar has shocked us to the core. No one to be spared, investigation must be quick & transparent. Thoughts, prayers & solidarity.”

Previously, she had been vocally critical of the Hindenburg report and had accused the SEBI chairperson. But now she remains notably silent following a series of protests in the state.

TMC MP Sagarika Ghose, in her official account, stated, “As the mother of a doctor, I am appalled and shocked at the heinous ghastly crime at RG Kar hospital over which there should be NO politics. The @MamataOfficial government stands for ZERO TOLERANCE on crimes against women. Whoever did this deserves the harshest possible punishment. No one will be spared. The key accused has already been arrested.”

 

As Malviya pointed out, none of these women identified the crime using the words – rape and murder.

This is not the first time the I.N.D.I.A alliance has displayed such behavior.

A similar pattern was observed during the Sandeshkali rape horror in TMC-ruled West Bengal. When heinous incidents occur in BJP-ruled states, like the rape of a minor in Hathras (Uttar Pradesh), they often call for the resignation of the government.

However, in this case, instead of questioning the West Bengal government, they can only “stand in solidarity with the victim.”

This perceived inconsistency and perceived irresponsibility in their response is widely criticized.

(With Inputs From OpIndia)

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TN: DMK Cadre Tries To Kill Schoolboy For Criticizing Bad Road in Vizhupuram

DMK Cadre Tries To Kill Schoolboy For Criticizing Bad Road in Vizhupuram

A disturbing incident unfolded in Tamil Nadu’s Vizhupuram district, where a DMK official allegedly attempted to murder a 12th-grade student after he criticised the state of a road in his area. BJP state president K. Annamalai condemned this attack and accused the ruling party of being “infatuated with power.”

According to reports, the victim, Santhosh Kumar, son of Veerasamy from Bootheri near Tindivanam, was riding his two-wheeler when he fell while travelling on a bumpy road. Frustrated by the fall, Santhosh Kumar blamed the poor road conditions and voiced his anger toward the officials responsible for laying the road, as well as the ruling DMK government.

Abi, a local shop owner and a DMK cadre, overheard Santhosh’s remarks. In a fit of rage, Abi allegedly grabbed a knife from his shop and brutally attacked the student. A bystander, Pushparaj, who tried to intervene, was also assaulted by the group accompanying Abi.

Following the attack, Santhosh was rushed to the Tindivanam Government Hospital by the authorities and later transferred to Puducherry’s JIPMER Hospital for further treatment due to the severity of his injuries. The police have launched an investigation into the matter.

The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with many netizens condemning the attack and calling for strict punishment for the DMK functionary and his accomplices. Criticism of the ruling party has escalated, with demands for justice for the young student and accountability for the violent actions of the party member.

BJP Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai severely condemned the DMK government over the brutal attack on the youngster.

He said, “Due to the corrupt administration of the DMK government, a student who fell from the vehicle while travelling on a broken road and criticised the DMK, the DMK people tried to kill him. The fact that the DMK is so infatuated with power that they will even kill a school student if they criticise the DMK government’s administrative failure is highly condemnable.

This shocking event has added to the growing concerns over law and order in the state and raised questions about the accountability of political officials in power.

Does the Chief Minister realise that raising such anti-social elements in the name of DMK cadres is causing harm to the society? I urge the Chief Minister to realise that the perpetrators of the murderous attack on the school student are a threat to society and take strict action against them.“, Annamalai said.

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Supreme Court Issues Notice To Udhayanidhi Stalin In Sanatana Dharma Abuse Case, Says His Case Should Go Outside Tamil Nadu

Supreme Court Issues Notice To Udhayanidhi Stalin In Sanatana Dharma controversy

The Supreme Court has issued a notice in response to DMK scion and Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s request to consolidate multiple criminal cases against him in different states over his controversial remarks on Sanatana Dharma. Back in September 2023, he had equated Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) to diseases like dengue, malaria, corona and flu. He had said that Sanatana Dharma must be eradicated just like mosquitoes and such diseases.

Hearing Udhayanidhi Stalin’s plea to club the cases, a bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Sanjay Kumar remarked that the cases would need to be heard outside Tamil Nadu, suggesting that another state be chosen for the proceedings.

According to Live Law, the court exempted Udhayanidhi from personal court appearances and permitted him to be represented by an authorised representative. The notice is returnable in mid-November 2024, with respondents required to submit their replies within four weeks.

Udhayanidhi had filed a petition under Article 32 of the Constitution seeking relief concerning the cases filed across the country in response to his comments about ‘Sanatana Dharma.’ The Supreme Court had earlier advised his legal team to explore applying under Section 406 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) for the transfer and consolidation of the cases.

Following the court’s suggestion, Stalin filed an amended petition, which was accepted in May. During the hearing, it was revealed that there are currently three FIRs and five complaints lodged against him. However, the respondent’s counsel argued that while FIRs could be consolidated under Section 406 CrPC, complaints should be treated separately.

Justice Khanna observed that Section 406 allows for transferring cases across states but acknowledged the complexity of handling complaints involving different charges and offences. During the hearing, Stalin’s legal counsel raised concerns over threats made against him, but the court dismissed these as not serious.

The hearing also discussed possible locations for the trial, including Kerala, Bangalore, and Patna, with Bangalore initially considered but later questioned due to an ongoing case there.

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“Radicals Are Targeting Hindu Minorities”: Vivek Ramaswamy Voices Out For Hindus In Bangladesh

US entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who was the Republican front-runner for 2024 US Presidential race before extending his support for former US President Donald Trump, has voiced out in support of Hindus attacked by Islamists in Bangladesh after Muhammad Yunus took over as the head / Chief Advisor of the interim government of Bangladesh. His comments align with raised concerns globally about the Bangladesh’s political instability after incidents of violence targeting the Hindu minority were reported

Vivek Ramaswamy in an X post wrote “The targeted violence against Hindus in Bangladesh is wrong, it’s concerning, and it’s a cautionary tale for victimhood-laced quota systems“, and summarised the background of the protests.

Here’s what happened: Bangladesh fought a bloody war for its independence in 1971. Hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshi civilians were raped and murdered. It was a tragedy, and it was rightly mourned. But in its aftermath, Bangladesh implemented a quota system for jobs in their civil service: 80% of the jobs were allocated to specific social groups (war veterans, rape victims, underrepresented residents, etc.), and only 20% were allocated based on merit.“, he said.

He said this policy, initially designed to rectify past injustices, soon became problematic. By 2018, mass protests erupted against the system, leading to a government decision to reduce the quotas. However, backlash from the system’s beneficiaries led to the reintroduction of quotas in 2024. This decision triggered another wave of protests, ultimately resulting in the government’s downfall, with the prime minister fleeing the country, he recalled.

The entrepreneur also added that the chaos has led to a resurgence of violence, with Hindu minorities becoming targets. Ramaswamy argues that the ongoing bloodshed is an unfortunate consequence of grievance-based policies. “A quota conflict created to rectify the wrongs of rape and violence in 1971 is now leading to more rape and violence in 2024,” he said, emphasising that once societal divisions are inflamed, it is difficult to restore order.

The entrepreneur suggested that Bangladesh’s situation serves as a warning for other nations, including the United States, about the dangers of perpetuating victimhood through similar policies.

Despite the Hindu community facing threats to their lives and livelihoods in Bangladesh, the self-styled “fact-checkers” like Alt News and other leftist media have been trying to sideline/whitewash/underplay the atrocities perpetrated on them by sharing stories that suit the Islamist agenda.

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Chennai-Based Graduate Gang-raped In Thanjavur District, 4 Arrested

19-Year-Old Scheduled Caste Girl Raped And Murdered In Karnataka, 3 Arrested College Student Allegedly Gang-Raped Near Coimbatore Intl Airport; Three Men on the Run

Thanjavur police apprehended four persons, including a minor, who allegedly gang-raped a young woman near the Orathanadu area.

The victim, a 22-year-old graduate, is employed at a private company in Chennai. She had returned to her hometown for a vacation three days before the incident.

It is alleged that on the evening of August 12, when the victim was returning after shopping, Kavithasan (25) forcefully took the woman to an isolated area along with his accomplices Diwakar (27), Praveen (20), a 17-year-old male. Then, they gang-raped her and recorded the assault on video.

On the same night, the victim filed a complaint at the all-women police station in Orathanadu. On August 12, Tuesday, Kavitasan, Diwakar, Praveen, and the 17-year-old boy were arrested. The gang-raped woman was admitted to the Thanjavur Medical College Hospital for medical care.

In response to the incident, District Superintendent of Police Ashish Rawat and Orathanadu ASP Sagunas personally investigated the case. The Orathanadu area is under the jurisdiction of the Pappanadu police circle.

Sexual Crimes in Thanjavur

Thanjavur has recently been in the spotlight due to disturbing sexual assault cases. Last month, Victor James Raja (35) from Poondi Thoppu received a life sentence from a special court under the POCSO Act for sexually assaulting children and distributing child pornography online.

The CBI, leveraging Interpol’s ICSE database to combat online child sexual exploitation, uncovered Raja’s activities during their investigation. Accessing the ICSE database, which India had recently joined, the CBI conducted searches in Thanjavur and found incriminating electronic evidence at Raja’s residence.

(With Inputs From Dinamani)

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“These Are Not Badges Of Honor But A Disgrace To The Sate”: TN BJP Chief Annamalai Slams DMK After ED Arrests VCK’s Mohammed Saleem In Jaffer Sadiq Drug Smuggling Case

Annamalai shames DMK for drug case in which ED arrested DMK supporter Mohd Saleem

Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai criticised the ruling DMK government for ignoring a high-profile drug trafficking and money laundering case, in which the ED arrested Mohammed Saleem, brother of a dismissed DMK functionary, Jaffer Sadiq. It was discovered that Saleem accumulated over ₹8 crore in illegal cash deposits in these drug operations.

ED detains Saleem

Mohammed Saleem, former deputy secretary of the Central Chennai zone in Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and the sibling of a dismissed DMK functionary, Jaffer Sadiq, was detained by the ED in connection with a money laundering investigation.

The ED, in its official X account, stated, “ED, Chennai has made a significant arrest in the ongoing investigation into high-profile drug smuggling and money laundering. Mohammed Saleem has been arrested under the provisions of PMLA, 2002, for his involvement in laundering proceeds linked to the Jaffer Sadiq case.”

Sadiq, previously arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) for involvement in international drug trafficking, was taken into custody at Tihar Jail in New Delhi in June as part of the investigation into drug-related money laundering. The ED’s latest action follows an NCB investigation that identified Sadiq as the mastermind behind an elaborate scheme to smuggle pseudoephedrine disguised as health-mix powder and desiccated coconut to Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia. This case also builds on prior customs seizures.

Details about the case

The ED’s investigation revealed that Mohammed Saleem, in collaboration with Jaffer Sadiq, played a crucial role in exporting and concealing pseudoephedrine and other narcotics. Saleem, involved in various companies and entities, used these platforms to launder and layer the illicit proceeds. It was discovered that Saleem accumulated over ₹8 crore in illegal cash deposits across several accounts he controlled.

Saleem employed money laundering tactics such as using financial intermediaries and fictitious loans to obscure the origins of this cash. Additionally, he channelled drug trafficking proceeds into real estate investments and purchased luxury items, including a Jaguar. His amassed wealth, in sharp contrast to his declared income, highlights the extent of his involvement in the criminal network.

Saleem appeared before a local court on 13 August 2024, where Principal Sessions Judge S Alli remanded him to judicial custody until 27th of August. The ED has also requested 15 days of custody for Saleem. The judge has ordered a notice regarding the agency’s request and scheduled a further hearing for the next day.

BJP shames DMK for ignoring the drug menace

In this context, Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai has slammed the ruling DMK government for its ignorance regarding these developments, and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin should recognize that these incidents are not marks of honour but rather a disgrace to the state.

Annamalai via his official X account stated, “The DMK Government in Tamil Nadu had no idea till the NCB identified the Drug Kingpin and DMK functionary Jaffar Sadiq, for smuggling Pseudoephedrine, who was operating right under their noses and a frequent visitor to their party headquarters. Today, his brother & VCK functionary Mohammed Salim has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate for his involvement in international drug trafficking and profiting through it. Recently, a DMK functionary, Ibrahim, was arrested by NCB for smuggling 70 Crore worth of methamphetamine. TN CM Thiru@mkstalin  should realise that these are not badges of honour but a disgrace to the state.

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Delhi HC Rebukes Rajdeep Sardesai: Says “No Right To Record Or Use The Video”, Orders Removal Of Shazia Ilmi Video

On 13 August 2024, the Delhi High Court directed Rajdeep Sardesai to remove a video he posted on X in which he accused BJP’s national spokesperson Shazia Ilmi of “abusing” an India Today video journalist in a TV debate during the Agniveer scheme row.

The controversy began when Shazia Ilmi participated in a debate on the India Today news channel last month concerning the Agniveer scheme. During the debate, Ilmi left halfway through, alleging that her microphone had been intentionally turned off to silence her.

Rajdeep Sardesai then shared a video and tweeted that Ilmi’s actions—allegedly cutting off the microphone and reportedly mistreating the video journalist by evicting him from her residence—were unacceptable. He emphasised that the video journalist was simply performing his duties.

Defamation Case Against Sardesai

Ilmi filed the defamation lawsuit last week, challenging the video posted by Sardesai, which alleged that Ilmi had mistreated an India Today journalist. Her legal representative argued that the cameraman recorded her without her consent. She claimed that her consent was revoked when she exited the show, but the cameraman continued to follow her, thus infringing on her privacy.

Ilmi further contended that Sardesai’s video was edited in a way that distorted her character. She argued that Sardesai’s implication that she threw the microphone and mistreated the cameraman damaged her reputation by depicting her as poorly behaved. Ilmi stated that she did not use abusive language and that the expletives attributed to her in Sardesai’s video had been muted.

The Court questioned Sardesai’s authority to use the footage. The bench asked his counsel whether India Today had permitted Sardesai to use the video.

The Court observed that the footage posted by Sardesai was made public after Ilmi had left the show and involved only her interactions with the cameraman. It stated, “You had no right to record or use the video,” addressing Sardesai directly. Additionally, the Court has mandated that the video be blocked on social media platforms.

Finally, the Court added the cameraman as a defendant and requested both parties to submit video transcripts. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on 16 August 2024.

Response from Ilmi

Following the Court’s order, Shazia Ilmi expressed her appreciation, stating her relief at removing the “defamatory video.” In a post on X, she wrote, “The political smear campaign against me by a political propagandist will no longer inflict the mental and emotional distress I have suffered. Uparwala Sab Dekh Raha Hai.” Ilmi also thanked her supporters, saying, “I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported me during this difficult time. My family and I appreciate your support immensely.”

Context

The controversy stems from a TV debate on 26 July 2024, moderated by Sardesai on India Today. The discussion, which focused on Kargil Vijay Divas, also touched upon the politicisation of the armed forces. Major General (Retd) Yash Mor and Ilmi were panellists on the show.

During the debate, Major General Mor highlighted perceived issues with the Agniveer scheme, prompting Ilmi to respond. Sardesai interjected, stating that Mor was presenting ‘hard facts’. Ilmi retorted, “Don’t sermonise,” leading to a heated exchange before she exited the show.

Later that evening, Ilmi accused Sardesai on social media of lowering her microphone volume during the debate. The following morning, Sardesai alleged that Ilmi had ‘abused’ the India Today video journalist.

(With Inputs From Live Law)

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