Tag: Protest

  • Amid relief, rehabilitation and demolition, Joshimath youths start protest with ‘NTPC go back’ posters

    Express News Service

    JOSHIMATH: The resentment of Joshimath residents is now visible through posters on the streets. Youths from various organisations put up posters of ‘NTPC Go Back’ at several shops and buildings in the city on Friday, posters of ‘NTPC Go Back’ as a mark of protest. Locals have directly alleged that the situation hasworsened due to these projects.

    On the other hand, the process of demolishing two hotels Malari Inn and Mount View continued on the orders of the administration.

    According to the daily report released by the District Disaster Management Authority Chamoli regarding land submergence in the Joshimath area, 760 buildings in 9 wards of the Joshimath Nagar area have been affected. Out of which 147 buildings have been kept in unsafe zones. The district administration has so fartemporarily displaced 657 people belonging to 185 families at various places due to security reasons

    ALSO READ | Joshimath Sinking: NTPC says tunnel one km away from town, 1.1 km below ground

    District Magistrate Himanshu Khurana has issued an order to vacate most of the areas falling under ward number 1, 4, 5 and 7 under the city area using Sections 33 and 34 of the Disaster Management Act.

    Anshuman Singh Bisht, 21, associated with adventure tourism, said, “The main reason for the land submergence in Joshimath is the Tapovan Vishnugarh hydropower project of the National Thermal Power Corporation and it is a very serious reminder that people are messing with the environment to such an extent that is irreversible”.

    Highlighting the situation arising out of digging tunnels for hydropower projects, Joshimath Vyapar Mandal General Secretary Jaiprakash Bhatt said, “The reason for all these situations is the excavation work being carried out in the foundation of Joshimath for Helang Marwari bypass”.

    ALSO READ | Satellite images show Joshimath sank by 5.4 cm in 12 days; ISRO warns entire town may sink

    The district administration has identified 615 rooms of 83 buildings as temporary relief camps for habitable accommodation in the Joshimath city area, in which 2190 people can be accommodated.  As many as 491 rooms of 20 buildings in Pipalkoti outside the Joshimath municipal area have been selected as temporary relief camps, which can accommodate a total of 2205 people.

    JOSHIMATH: The resentment of Joshimath residents is now visible through posters on the streets. Youths from various organisations put up posters of ‘NTPC Go Back’ at several shops and buildings in the city on Friday, posters of ‘NTPC Go Back’ as a mark of protest. Locals have directly alleged that the situation has
    worsened due to these projects.

    On the other hand, the process of demolishing two hotels Malari Inn and Mount View continued on the orders of the administration.

    According to the daily report released by the District Disaster Management Authority Chamoli regarding land submergence in the Joshimath area, 760 buildings in 9 wards of the Joshimath Nagar area have been affected. Out of which 147 buildings have been kept in unsafe zones. The district administration has so far
    temporarily displaced 657 people belonging to 185 families at various places due to security reasons

    ALSO READ | Joshimath Sinking: NTPC says tunnel one km away from town, 1.1 km below ground

    District Magistrate Himanshu Khurana has issued an order to vacate most of the areas falling under ward number 1, 4, 5 and 7 under the city area using Sections 33 and 34 of the Disaster Management Act.

    Anshuman Singh Bisht, 21, associated with adventure tourism, said, “The main reason for the land submergence in Joshimath is the Tapovan Vishnugarh hydropower project of the National Thermal Power Corporation and it is a very serious reminder that people are messing with the environment to such an extent that is irreversible”.

    Highlighting the situation arising out of digging tunnels for hydropower projects, Joshimath Vyapar Mandal General Secretary Jaiprakash Bhatt said, “The reason for all these situations is the excavation work being carried out in the foundation of Joshimath for Helang Marwari bypass”.

    ALSO READ | Satellite images show Joshimath sank by 5.4 cm in 12 days; ISRO warns entire town may sink

    The district administration has identified 615 rooms of 83 buildings as temporary relief camps for habitable accommodation in the Joshimath city area, in which 2190 people can be accommodated.  As many as 491 rooms of 20 buildings in Pipalkoti outside the Joshimath municipal area have been selected as temporary relief camps, which can accommodate a total of 2205 people.

  • Mumbai: MVA allies take out ‘Halla Bol’ protest march against Maha govt

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi’s (MVA) ‘Halla Bol’ protest march against the Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government over various issues began here on Saturday.

    The foot march, which began from a company near J J Hospital at Byculla around noon, will conclude at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in south Mumbai.

    The protest has been organised to target the Eknath Shinde-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the state on issues including the “insult” of Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and social reformers Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and others through their remarks; the Maharashtra-Karnataka border dispute and projects from the state being shifted elsewhere.

    The MVA protest is being seen as an attempt to rally the allies after the Uddhav Thackeray-led alliance government was toppled in June this year.

    Leaders and workers of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress had started gathering near the J J Hospital since morning.

    When the march started around noon, they were seen carrying banners, placards and images of Shivaji Maharaj and the Phules.

    Talking to reporters before the march, senior NCP leader Sunil Tatkare said Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has insulted Maharashtra by staking claim to some parts of the state, even as the Shinde government has chosen not to react.

    To counter the MVA’s march, the BJP is also holding “Maafi Mango” protests in all the six parliamentary constituencies of Mumbai, accusing Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut of creating a controversy over the birthplace of Dr B R Ambedkar, and party leader Sushma Andhare of insulting Hindu deities and saints.

    The BJP has demanded an apology from the MVA leaders, especially Uddhav Thackeray.

    State Congress president Nana Patole said, “People’s anger against the government will be expressed through the protest march, which is why BJP is indulging in gimmicks to divert the attention.”

    The Thackeray-led faction of the Shiv Sena is locked in a legal battle to claim the bow and arrow election symbol of the party.

    MUMBAI: The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi’s (MVA) ‘Halla Bol’ protest march against the Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government over various issues began here on Saturday.

    The foot march, which began from a company near J J Hospital at Byculla around noon, will conclude at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in south Mumbai.

    The protest has been organised to target the Eknath Shinde-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the state on issues including the “insult” of Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and social reformers Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and others through their remarks; the Maharashtra-Karnataka border dispute and projects from the state being shifted elsewhere.

    The MVA protest is being seen as an attempt to rally the allies after the Uddhav Thackeray-led alliance government was toppled in June this year.

    Leaders and workers of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress had started gathering near the J J Hospital since morning.

    When the march started around noon, they were seen carrying banners, placards and images of Shivaji Maharaj and the Phules.

    Talking to reporters before the march, senior NCP leader Sunil Tatkare said Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has insulted Maharashtra by staking claim to some parts of the state, even as the Shinde government has chosen not to react.

    To counter the MVA’s march, the BJP is also holding “Maafi Mango” protests in all the six parliamentary constituencies of Mumbai, accusing Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut of creating a controversy over the birthplace of Dr B R Ambedkar, and party leader Sushma Andhare of insulting Hindu deities and saints.

    The BJP has demanded an apology from the MVA leaders, especially Uddhav Thackeray.

    State Congress president Nana Patole said, “People’s anger against the government will be expressed through the protest march, which is why BJP is indulging in gimmicks to divert the attention.”

    The Thackeray-led faction of the Shiv Sena is locked in a legal battle to claim the bow and arrow election symbol of the party.

  • Farmers lay siege to toll plazas in Punjab over debt waiver

    Express News Service

    CHANDIGARH:  Farmers of Punjab on Thursday intensified their protest and assured commuters of toll-free travel at 18 plazas in 10 districts of the state against the AAP government for ignoring their demands. Tense situation prevailed at a few places after farmers and toll plaza employees entered into heated arguments.

    The influential Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC) – which has presence in Majha and Doaba regions of the state besides some parts of Malwa region – had given a call to hold protests at 18 toll plazas for a month from December 15 to January 15. The reason: to press the state to accept their various demands, including a farm debt waiver, remunerative prices for crops and compensation for damage to crops.

    Toll-free travel will be ensured by the protesting farmers at Amritsar (Kathunagal, Mannawala and Chiddan near Attari), Tarn Taran (Usma and Mannan), Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Pathankot, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Moga, Jalandhar and Kapurthala districts have been made toll free.

    KMSC general secretary Sarwan Singh Pandher said, “The government is pro-corporate and this is the reason why we have decided to make toll plazas free thus now any vehicle passing through the toll plazas will not pay any toll  till January 15.”

    Amarinder meets PM in Delhi, flags ‘poor’ law & order in PunjabFormer Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Parliament House Complex in Delhi, and flagged the law-and-order situation in Punjab terming it quite grim. He added that he has seen the movement of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and does not want those to be repeated. Referring to growing clout of Amritpal Singh and his supporters and terming that it was a matter of grave concern, Amarinder, who joined the saffron party in September said, “The incident of arson outside a Gurdwara in Jalandhar by supporters of Amritpal Singh is worrisome. He is fashioning himself after Bhindranwale. The situation is quite grim.”

    CHANDIGARH:  Farmers of Punjab on Thursday intensified their protest and assured commuters of toll-free travel at 18 plazas in 10 districts of the state against the AAP government for ignoring their demands. Tense situation prevailed at a few places after farmers and toll plaza employees entered into heated arguments.

    The influential Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC) – which has presence in Majha and Doaba regions of the state besides some parts of Malwa region – had given a call to hold protests at 18 toll plazas for a month from December 15 to January 15. The reason: to press the state to accept their various demands, including a farm debt waiver, remunerative prices for crops and compensation for damage to crops.

    Toll-free travel will be ensured by the protesting farmers at Amritsar (Kathunagal, Mannawala and Chiddan near Attari), Tarn Taran (Usma and Mannan), Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Pathankot, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Moga, Jalandhar and Kapurthala districts have been made toll free.

    KMSC general secretary Sarwan Singh Pandher said, “The government is pro-corporate and this is the reason why we have decided to make toll plazas free thus now any vehicle passing through the toll plazas will not pay any toll  till January 15.”

    Amarinder meets PM in Delhi, flags ‘poor’ law & order in Punjab
    Former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Parliament House Complex in Delhi, and flagged the law-and-order situation in Punjab terming it quite grim. He added that he has seen the movement of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and does not want those to be repeated. Referring to growing clout of Amritpal Singh and his supporters and terming that it was a matter of grave concern, Amarinder, who joined the saffron party in September said, “The incident of arson outside a Gurdwara in Jalandhar by supporters of Amritpal Singh is worrisome. He is fashioning himself after Bhindranwale. The situation is quite grim.”

  • AAP stages protest, demands early assembly polls in J-K

    By PTI

    JAMMU: Activists of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led by former minister Harsh Dev Singh on Saturday staged a protest outside the Nirvachan Bhawan headquarters here, demanding early assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

    The protesters were carrying placards and raised slogans against the Election Commission, accusing it of working under the tutelage of the BJP and allowing its “proxy rule” to continue in the Union Territory.

    “The ECI is holding elections in other states but is silent on the (assembly) polls in Jammu and Kashmir,” Singh, who is also the chairman of the party’s State Coordination Committee, told reporters.

    Maintaining that the elections continued to be denied on one pretext or the other, the AAP leader said flimsy excuses were being given from time to time to deprive the people of J-K of their right to have a democratic government and to continue the proxy rule of the BJP.

    “The BJP believed that if it could hold the reins of power and run the affairs of state without elections, why at all should it take the risk of seeking peoples’ mandate?” Singh claimed “There is no hope of democracy getting restored in the downgraded state under the BJP regime.”

    Pointing towards the constitutional provisions and the rulings of the Supreme Court, Singh said the top court of the country had categorically observed that fresh Assembly elections in all states, wherein the legislatures were prematurely dissolved, needed to be conducted and completed within a period of six months.

    He said the onus lay on the Election Commission to explain and justify its role as an autonomous body and ensure early assembly polls in J-K.

    JAMMU: Activists of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led by former minister Harsh Dev Singh on Saturday staged a protest outside the Nirvachan Bhawan headquarters here, demanding early assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

    The protesters were carrying placards and raised slogans against the Election Commission, accusing it of working under the tutelage of the BJP and allowing its “proxy rule” to continue in the Union Territory.

    “The ECI is holding elections in other states but is silent on the (assembly) polls in Jammu and Kashmir,” Singh, who is also the chairman of the party’s State Coordination Committee, told reporters.

    Maintaining that the elections continued to be denied on one pretext or the other, the AAP leader said flimsy excuses were being given from time to time to deprive the people of J-K of their right to have a democratic government and to continue the proxy rule of the BJP.

    “The BJP believed that if it could hold the reins of power and run the affairs of state without elections, why at all should it take the risk of seeking peoples’ mandate?” Singh claimed “There is no hope of democracy getting restored in the downgraded state under the BJP regime.”

    Pointing towards the constitutional provisions and the rulings of the Supreme Court, Singh said the top court of the country had categorically observed that fresh Assembly elections in all states, wherein the legislatures were prematurely dissolved, needed to be conducted and completed within a period of six months.

    He said the onus lay on the Election Commission to explain and justify its role as an autonomous body and ensure early assembly polls in J-K.

  • Teenage domestic help found dead at Gurugram employer’s home; kin claim ‘murder’, protest

    By PTI

    GURUGRAM: A day after a house help was found dead in Sector 46 here, her relatives and local maids protested outside her employer’s house, created a ruckus at a police station alleging an “unfair probe” and briefly blocked traffic, following which over 100 of them were booked.

    Police said some protesters were also detained and later let go with a warning.

    The 17-year-old girl was found dead on Monday at the house in Sector 46, just four days after she started working as a domestic help there, with police suspecting it to be a case of suicide, though no suicide note was found.

    Irate family members and maids working in the locality alleged on Tuesday that she was murdered.

    Her aunt Mamata said the minor girl started working in the house from November 10 as a full-time help. She said they received information about her death on Monday afternoon.

    “When we reached the spot along with other relatives, her body was kept on the floor. There was a noose around her neck. She was murdered and police are not taking fair action,” she said.

    Police said angry family members and maids protested outside the building in sector 46 and tried to create a ruckus at the police station and also blocked the road.

    “Traffic was also affected for about 20 minutes. The police somehow managed to pacify them and handed over the body to kin after the postmortem by a medical board in the evening,” a police officer said.

    An FIR was registered against over 100 people including the family members and relatives of the deceased at Sector 50 police station under sections 147 (rioting), 149 (unlawful assembly), 427 (causing damage), 283 (obstruction of public way) of IPC at Sector 50 police station.

    “The matter is being investigated. Further action will be taken on the basis of the report of postmortem,” said inspector Rajesh Kumar, SHO of Sector 50 police station.

    While talking about the case, inspector Kumar had said on Monday, “Prime facie it seems a suicide. No suicide note has been found from the spot. The matter is being investigated. Further action will be taken as per the statement of the family.”

    GURUGRAM: A day after a house help was found dead in Sector 46 here, her relatives and local maids protested outside her employer’s house, created a ruckus at a police station alleging an “unfair probe” and briefly blocked traffic, following which over 100 of them were booked.

    Police said some protesters were also detained and later let go with a warning.

    The 17-year-old girl was found dead on Monday at the house in Sector 46, just four days after she started working as a domestic help there, with police suspecting it to be a case of suicide, though no suicide note was found.

    Irate family members and maids working in the locality alleged on Tuesday that she was murdered.

    Her aunt Mamata said the minor girl started working in the house from November 10 as a full-time help. She said they received information about her death on Monday afternoon.

    “When we reached the spot along with other relatives, her body was kept on the floor. There was a noose around her neck. She was murdered and police are not taking fair action,” she said.

    Police said angry family members and maids protested outside the building in sector 46 and tried to create a ruckus at the police station and also blocked the road.

    “Traffic was also affected for about 20 minutes. The police somehow managed to pacify them and handed over the body to kin after the postmortem by a medical board in the evening,” a police officer said.

    An FIR was registered against over 100 people including the family members and relatives of the deceased at Sector 50 police station under sections 147 (rioting), 149 (unlawful assembly), 427 (causing damage), 283 (obstruction of public way) of IPC at Sector 50 police station.

    “The matter is being investigated. Further action will be taken on the basis of the report of postmortem,” said inspector Rajesh Kumar, SHO of Sector 50 police station.

    While talking about the case, inspector Kumar had said on Monday, “Prime facie it seems a suicide. No suicide note has been found from the spot. The matter is being investigated. Further action will be taken as per the statement of the family.”

  • Private madrasas in UP oppose govt’s move to change class timings

    By ANI

    LUCKNOW: The private madrasas in Uttar Pradesh have come out in protest against the recent order of the state government to change the timings of the madrasas across the state and demanded to revert to the previous schedule.

    The Uttar Pradesh Board of madrasa education had passed an order on September 27 this year to change the timings of all madrasas in the state from 9 am to 3 pm, a decision which had to be implemented across the state from October 1.

    Earlier, the classes used to start at 7 am and ended at around 1 pm.

    Protesting against the move of the government, the private madrasas in the state said that it hampers their Zuhr prayers, and demanded to implement the old time.

    Earlier last month, when the committee decided to change the timings, the Muslim bodies criticised it because of the fear that it will certainly upset the religious education being imparted through madrasas in the morning and also affect the timing of the Zuhr prayers for the madrasa teachers and students.

    The madarsa board also started surveys of non-government/ private madrasas in Uttar Pradesh to curb irregularities in Madarsa education.

    Madarsa Board has started surveys at the district level where a team of SDM, BSA and District Minority Officers are conducting the surveys. The survey is being conducted across Uttar Pradesh and will be completed by October 15.

    Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahal, director of Madrasa Darul Uloom Farangi Mahal opposed the decision of the Madrasa Parishad.

    Concerned over the timings and the inability to offer prayers, he said while speaking to ANI, “The Madrasa Council should consider it once again. It has decided to change the time but has it consulted the concerned party about it?”

    He said that the decision taken “without knowing the ground reality” will be wrong.

    “The timing which has increased is not suitable for us. If the timing of the madrasa is to be changed, it should be from 7 am to 12:30 instead of 9 am to 3 pm, since 12:30 is the time of Zuhr namaz, therefore many teachers and students of the madrasa have to go for it. If namaz is not taken care of in the madrasas, then where will it be?” he said.

    Maulvi Haroon, who is training the children in the madrasa, also opposed the new timetable.

    A student of Madrasa Darul Uloom Firangi Mahal accepted the board’s decision, however, he said, “The study time should be 6 hours but from 6 or 7 am so that we can leave at 12.00 or 12.30 pm which is the time for Zuhr prayer”.

    Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh madrassa council member Qamar Ali said that “The talk of the timing of madrasa was going on for a long time and a meeting was also held in November last year. The central and state government is continuously working for the bright future of the children of madrasas.”

    He said that the council would welcome the suggestions if the people in the madrasas are facing problems due to the new timings.

    “And if someone has an issue with the new timing of the madrasas then he should give suggestions to the board and we will surely look into it,” he said. 

    LUCKNOW: The private madrasas in Uttar Pradesh have come out in protest against the recent order of the state government to change the timings of the madrasas across the state and demanded to revert to the previous schedule.

    The Uttar Pradesh Board of madrasa education had passed an order on September 27 this year to change the timings of all madrasas in the state from 9 am to 3 pm, a decision which had to be implemented across the state from October 1.

    Earlier, the classes used to start at 7 am and ended at around 1 pm.

    Protesting against the move of the government, the private madrasas in the state said that it hampers their Zuhr prayers, and demanded to implement the old time.

    Earlier last month, when the committee decided to change the timings, the Muslim bodies criticised it because of the fear that it will certainly upset the religious education being imparted through madrasas in the morning and also affect the timing of the Zuhr prayers for the madrasa teachers and students.

    The madarsa board also started surveys of non-government/ private madrasas in Uttar Pradesh to curb irregularities in Madarsa education.

    Madarsa Board has started surveys at the district level where a team of SDM, BSA and District Minority Officers are conducting the surveys. The survey is being conducted across Uttar Pradesh and will be completed by October 15.

    Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahal, director of Madrasa Darul Uloom Farangi Mahal opposed the decision of the Madrasa Parishad.

    Concerned over the timings and the inability to offer prayers, he said while speaking to ANI, “The Madrasa Council should consider it once again. It has decided to change the time but has it consulted the concerned party about it?”

    He said that the decision taken “without knowing the ground reality” will be wrong.

    “The timing which has increased is not suitable for us. If the timing of the madrasa is to be changed, it should be from 7 am to 12:30 instead of 9 am to 3 pm, since 12:30 is the time of Zuhr namaz, therefore many teachers and students of the madrasa have to go for it. If namaz is not taken care of in the madrasas, then where will it be?” he said.

    Maulvi Haroon, who is training the children in the madrasa, also opposed the new timetable.

    A student of Madrasa Darul Uloom Firangi Mahal accepted the board’s decision, however, he said, “The study time should be 6 hours but from 6 or 7 am so that we can leave at 12.00 or 12.30 pm which is the time for Zuhr prayer”.

    Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh madrassa council member Qamar Ali said that “The talk of the timing of madrasa was going on for a long time and a meeting was also held in November last year. The central and state government is continuously working for the bright future of the children of madrasas.”

    He said that the council would welcome the suggestions if the people in the madrasas are facing problems due to the new timings.

    “And if someone has an issue with the new timing of the madrasas then he should give suggestions to the board and we will surely look into it,” he said. 

  • Kurmi tribe protest in Bengal’s Purulia for OBC status enters Day 2, several rail routes blocked

    By ANI

    PURULIA: Several people of the Kurmi tribe on Wednesday blocked the rail tracks in several areas of West Bengal demanding Other Backward Class status for the community.

    Today marks the second day of the Purulia protest, as thousands of people flocked to railway tracks of the South Eastern Railway and blocked the rail route in Kharagpur, Khemasuli, and Purulia.

    Former President of India Ram Nath Kovind on August 18, 2021, granted assent to the Constitution (105th Amendment) Act, 2021, which empowers states to identify and specify the Socially and Educationally Backward Class (SEBC).

    The Constitution (105th) Bill 2021 was passed by the Parliament on August 11, 2021.

    The Gazette of India, issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice, the Act would amend article 338B of the Constitution, in clause (9), and would insert a provision: “Provided that nothing in this clause shall apply for the purposes of clause (3) of article 342A.”

    In article 342A of the Constitution, the words “the socially and educationally backward classes in the Central List which shall for the purposes of the Central Government” will be substituted, and the expression “Central List” meaning the list of socially and educationally backward classes prepared and maintained by and for the Central Government should be inserted.

    As per the Act, every State or Union territory may, by law, prepare and maintain, for its own purposes, a list of socially and educationally backward classes, entries which may be different from the Central List.

    “In article 366 of the Constitution, for clause (26C), the following clause shall be substituted, namely:– socially and educationally backward classes” which means such backward classes that are so deemed under Article 342A for the purposes of the Central Government or the State or Union territory, as the case may be,” the Gazette read. 

    PURULIA: Several people of the Kurmi tribe on Wednesday blocked the rail tracks in several areas of West Bengal demanding Other Backward Class status for the community.

    Today marks the second day of the Purulia protest, as thousands of people flocked to railway tracks of the South Eastern Railway and blocked the rail route in Kharagpur, Khemasuli, and Purulia.

    Former President of India Ram Nath Kovind on August 18, 2021, granted assent to the Constitution (105th Amendment) Act, 2021, which empowers states to identify and specify the Socially and Educationally Backward Class (SEBC).

    The Constitution (105th) Bill 2021 was passed by the Parliament on August 11, 2021.

    The Gazette of India, issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice, the Act would amend article 338B of the Constitution, in clause (9), and would insert a provision: “Provided that nothing in this clause shall apply for the purposes of clause (3) of article 342A.”

    In article 342A of the Constitution, the words “the socially and educationally backward classes in the Central List which shall for the purposes of the Central Government” will be substituted, and the expression “Central List” meaning the list of socially and educationally backward classes prepared and maintained by and for the Central Government should be inserted.

    As per the Act, every State or Union territory may, by law, prepare and maintain, for its own purposes, a list of socially and educationally backward classes, entries which may be different from the Central List.

    “In article 366 of the Constitution, for clause (26C), the following clause shall be substituted, namely:– socially and educationally backward classes” which means such backward classes that are so deemed under Article 342A for the purposes of the Central Government or the State or Union territory, as the case may be,” the Gazette read. 

  • All-women SIT to probe Chandigarh University case, three accused sent to 7-day police remand 

    By PTI

    CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Police on Monday formed a three-member all-women special investigation team to probe the allegations levelled by students of Chandigarh University that a hosteller had recorded several objectionable videos of women students in the common washroom.

    Also, a court in Mohali’s Kharar sent the three accused, including the woman student, to seven-day police remand.

    Protests rocked the university campus in Punjab’s Mohali on Saturday night over the issue. Some students even claimed that the videos recorded by the woman student were even leaked.

    ALSO READ | Chandigarh hostel row: Protests rock Mohali University; three arrested

    Police had earlier said the arrested student shared a video of only herself with a 23-year-old “boyfriend” and no objectionable video of any other student was found.

    The university authorities too rejected as “false and baseless” reports that claimed videos of several woman students in the varsity hostel were made and leaked on social media and distraught students had attempted suicide after the episode.

    The students, however, had accused the university authorities of “suppressing facts” and held a fresh protest on Sunday evening, which continued till late night.

    Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the SIT has been formed under the overall supervision of Additional DGP (Community Affairs Division and Women Affairs) Gurpreet Kaur Deo.

    The team will thoroughly probe the case and no person involved will be spared, Yadav said, adding, “Investigations are going on at full pace.

    ” The SIT comprises Ludhiana Superintendent of Police (Counter Intelligence) Rupinder Kaur Bhatti as the in-charge, while two members include Kharar-1 Deputy Superintendent of Police Rupinder Kaur and DSP (anti-gangster task force) Deepika Singh.

    The SIT will function under the supervision of Deputy Inspector General (Rupnagar Range) Gurpreet Singh Bhullar and Mohali Senior Superintendent of Police Vivek Sheel Soni, and it can co-opt any other member, based on functional requirements, officials said.

    The woman student was arrested shortly while her alleged boyfriend was nabbed from Shimla in Himachal Pradesh on Sunday.

    The third accused in the case, a 31-year-old man, was also held from the hill state on Sunday evening. The two male accused, who are stated to be friends, were handed over to the Punjab Police.

    Police have also seized phones of the three accused for forensic examination.

    Police on Monday produced the three accused in the Kharar court in Mohali and sought a ten-day remand.

    However, the court sent the accused to seven-day police remand.

    Speaking to reporters outside the court, Sandeep Sharma, counsel for the accused, said there were two videos — one was of the woman accused and second of some other girl.

    When asked about allegations against the woman student, Sharma said it is a matter of investigation.

    Following assurance of a fair and transparent probe, the students ended their protest at around 1.30 am on Monday, Mohali police chief Soni said.

    ALSO READ | Punjab Police forms 3-member SIT to probe Chandigarh University case

    Meanwhile, the university announced “non-teaching days” till September 24, following which several students returned to their homes.

    Some parents of students also took back their wards from the campus.

    It also suspended two wardens for negligence and declared.

    Further, a joint committee comprising students and senior functionaries to address certain issues, such as hostel timings, has been formed by the private varsity.

    This comes following a demand from the students for more privacy in the washroom area and relaxation in hostel timings.

    In a tweet, the university said it stands by its students. “We are always with our students, be it their academic aspirations or their safety and well-being. We will leave no stone unturned to live it up to this commitment towards our students,” it wrote on the micro-blogging platform.

    Meanwhile, Punjab DGP Yadav said, “Regarding the unfortunate incident which took place in Chandigarh University, I want to apprise that investigations are going on at full pace.

    Police made three arrests in the case, including that of a student and two others from Himachal Pradesh. Certain electronic devices have been seized.

    “I would like to thank Himachal DGP and HP Police for extending all cooperation to Punjab Police for making the two arrests late yesterday,” Yadav said.

    He said on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister, a high-level probe had been ordered earlier.

    “I want to make two assurances to the students, parents and the community at large. Firstly, we would respect the privacy and dignity of all individuals concerned and we will make endeavours to protect the privacy of the concerned people. Secondly, we will get to the bottom of this matter, and whoever is involved will not be spared.

    “Investigations in the case are going on a day-to-day basis,” he said.

    The DGP urged people and the students not to go by the rumours.

    “I want to appeal to everyone to maintain calm and peace and not pay heed to rumours. A lot of content is being circulated on social media, which is sometimes unverified and uncorroborated. So, I would say look at authentic channels for information. All of us as members of the society have the duty to preserve peace and harmony,” he added.

    An FIR under Section 354-C (voyeurism) of the Indian Penal Code and under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act has been registered in the matter, police said.

    CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Police on Monday formed a three-member all-women special investigation team to probe the allegations levelled by students of Chandigarh University that a hosteller had recorded several objectionable videos of women students in the common washroom.

    Also, a court in Mohali’s Kharar sent the three accused, including the woman student, to seven-day police remand.

    Protests rocked the university campus in Punjab’s Mohali on Saturday night over the issue. Some students even claimed that the videos recorded by the woman student were even leaked.

    ALSO READ | Chandigarh hostel row: Protests rock Mohali University; three arrested

    Police had earlier said the arrested student shared a video of only herself with a 23-year-old “boyfriend” and no objectionable video of any other student was found.

    The university authorities too rejected as “false and baseless” reports that claimed videos of several woman students in the varsity hostel were made and leaked on social media and distraught students had attempted suicide after the episode.

    The students, however, had accused the university authorities of “suppressing facts” and held a fresh protest on Sunday evening, which continued till late night.

    Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the SIT has been formed under the overall supervision of Additional DGP (Community Affairs Division and Women Affairs) Gurpreet Kaur Deo.

    The team will thoroughly probe the case and no person involved will be spared, Yadav said, adding, “Investigations are going on at full pace.

    ” The SIT comprises Ludhiana Superintendent of Police (Counter Intelligence) Rupinder Kaur Bhatti as the in-charge, while two members include Kharar-1 Deputy Superintendent of Police Rupinder Kaur and DSP (anti-gangster task force) Deepika Singh.

    The SIT will function under the supervision of Deputy Inspector General (Rupnagar Range) Gurpreet Singh Bhullar and Mohali Senior Superintendent of Police Vivek Sheel Soni, and it can co-opt any other member, based on functional requirements, officials said.

    The woman student was arrested shortly while her alleged boyfriend was nabbed from Shimla in Himachal Pradesh on Sunday.

    The third accused in the case, a 31-year-old man, was also held from the hill state on Sunday evening. The two male accused, who are stated to be friends, were handed over to the Punjab Police.

    Police have also seized phones of the three accused for forensic examination.

    Police on Monday produced the three accused in the Kharar court in Mohali and sought a ten-day remand.

    However, the court sent the accused to seven-day police remand.

    Speaking to reporters outside the court, Sandeep Sharma, counsel for the accused, said there were two videos — one was of the woman accused and second of some other girl.

    When asked about allegations against the woman student, Sharma said it is a matter of investigation.

    Following assurance of a fair and transparent probe, the students ended their protest at around 1.30 am on Monday, Mohali police chief Soni said.

    ALSO READ | Punjab Police forms 3-member SIT to probe Chandigarh University case

    Meanwhile, the university announced “non-teaching days” till September 24, following which several students returned to their homes.

    Some parents of students also took back their wards from the campus.

    It also suspended two wardens for negligence and declared.

    Further, a joint committee comprising students and senior functionaries to address certain issues, such as hostel timings, has been formed by the private varsity.

    This comes following a demand from the students for more privacy in the washroom area and relaxation in hostel timings.

    In a tweet, the university said it stands by its students. “We are always with our students, be it their academic aspirations or their safety and well-being. We will leave no stone unturned to live it up to this commitment towards our students,” it wrote on the micro-blogging platform.

    Meanwhile, Punjab DGP Yadav said, “Regarding the unfortunate incident which took place in Chandigarh University, I want to apprise that investigations are going on at full pace.

    Police made three arrests in the case, including that of a student and two others from Himachal Pradesh. Certain electronic devices have been seized.

    “I would like to thank Himachal DGP and HP Police for extending all cooperation to Punjab Police for making the two arrests late yesterday,” Yadav said.

    He said on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister, a high-level probe had been ordered earlier.

    “I want to make two assurances to the students, parents and the community at large. Firstly, we would respect the privacy and dignity of all individuals concerned and we will make endeavours to protect the privacy of the concerned people. Secondly, we will get to the bottom of this matter, and whoever is involved will not be spared.

    “Investigations in the case are going on a day-to-day basis,” he said.

    The DGP urged people and the students not to go by the rumours.

    “I want to appeal to everyone to maintain calm and peace and not pay heed to rumours. A lot of content is being circulated on social media, which is sometimes unverified and uncorroborated. So, I would say look at authentic channels for information. All of us as members of the society have the duty to preserve peace and harmony,” he added.

    An FIR under Section 354-C (voyeurism) of the Indian Penal Code and under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act has been registered in the matter, police said.

  • Chandigarh hostel row: Protests rock Mohali University; three arrested

    By PTI

    CHANDIGARH: Protests rocked the campus of Chandigarh University in Punjab’s Mohali Saturday night over allegations that objectionable videos of several women students were recorded by a hosteller, following which Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann ordered a probe.

    The protests continued on the campus till late Sunday night with senior officials from the district administration, police and university trying to pacify the students.

    After a preliminary investigation, police arrested a woman student, while a 23-year-old youth, stated to be her boyfriend, was held in Himachal Pradesh and handed over to the Punjab Police.

    The Himachal Police also detained another 31-year-old man in connection with the case.

    Punjab’s Additional Director General of Police, Gurpreet Deo, who reached the Chandigarh University campus to take stock of the situation after the Saturday night protests, told reporters that the woman student appeared to have shared a video of herself with the youth and no objectionable video of any other student was found.

    University authorities also rejected as “false and baseless” reports that claimed videos of several women students in the varsity hostel were made and leaked on social media and that distraught students had attempted suicide.

    ALSO READ | ‘Leaked videos’ protests: Arrested Chandigarh University girl shared only own video, says cop

    During the Sunday evening protest by a large number of students, including male, many accused the university authorities of “suppressing facts” related to the alleged videos and ‘”suicide attempt” by a student. Some students claimed that videos were leaked.

    Most of the protesters were dressed in black clothes and chanted “we want justice” in the presence of police. They raised slogans against police as well.

    Tension prevailed on the campus as protesting students confronted university and police officials, questioning “if nothing had happened on the campus”, why the university on Sunday evening declared September 19 and 20 as “non-teaching days”, thus a holiday for students.

    They demanded an apology from the police and district administration for calling the objectionable videos of some students as ‘rumours’. They claimed the accused woman had admitted she had made the videos.

    Despite repeated efforts by the university authorities to end the fresh protest, students continued with it. The university authorities even sought a list of their demands to end the stalemate. There was heavy deployment of police on the campus.

    Students demanded that the statements of those female students whose videos, they alleged, got leaked, be recorded before representatives of students.

    Several students individually put forth their demands before the university authorities on many issues including changing hostel wardens, relaxation in timings for hostel entry, and safety issues.

    A student claimed the videos were made which were later deleted and the accused student’s phone was also broken.

    Another student claimed more than 10 girls women students suffered panic attacks Saturday evening fearing that MMS videos of “50-60 girls had” been leaked by the arrested student to her boyfriend over phone.

    She claimed that the boy’s hostel had been converted into a girl’s hostel recently and lacked facilities, while even CCTV cameras had not been installed in every corridor.

    Some students also alleged that the university was trying to enforce a dress code for female students.

    “We want that all investigation should be held with transparency,” said a protesting woman student while also demanding that “hostels should not be made jails”.

    Deputy Inspector General of Police G PS Bhullar and Deputy Commissioner Amit Talwar told the protesters that a Special Investigation Team headed by a senior woman IPS officer will be formed for an in-depth investigation.

    “It is our duty to clear every apprehension of the children,” said Bhullar.

    Dr Arvinder Singh Kang, Director, Students Welfare of the University, tried to pacify the protesters.

    A student was also brought before them and she claimed that she was fine and no one had attempted suicide.

    Mohali’s SSP Vivek Sheel Soni faced the ire of agitated students after he told reporters that the protests occurred after “rumours” that videos of several women students had been made and leaked.

    Soni said the arrested student’s mobile phone has been seized for forensic analysis and added that no suicide attempt by any student or death has occurred.

    An FIR under IPC section 354-C (voyeurism) and the IT Act has been registered in the matter and further probe is on, officials said.

    Chief Minister Mann ordered the probe into the incident, saying strict action will be taken against those found guilty.

    “Our daughters are our honour. A high-level inquiry has been ordered into the incident.”

    “I am in touch with the administration,” said Mann, who is in Germany, appealing to people not to believe rumours.

    WATCH | 

    The incident sparked a flurry of reactions from political parties and the central and state women’s rights organisations too stepped in.

    Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal said those involved in the incident will get the “harshest punishment”.

    Punjab State Women Commission Chairperson Manisha Gulati visited the university campus.

    In a statement, the National Commission for Women (NCW) said its chairperson Rekha Sharma has written to the Director General of Police of Punjab to deal with the matter strictly and without any laxity.

    The victims must be given proper counselling and their safety and security must be ensured, the NCW said.

    The women’s rights body has also written to Vice Chancellor, Chandigarh University to take stringent action against the culprits in accordance with the law and investigate the matter extensively.

    Opposition leaders including Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, former chief minister Amarinder Singh, Shiromani Akali Dal leader and former Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal and senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa demanded a free and fair probe and exemplary punishment for the guilty.

    Badal said authorities should make all facts public and not try to suppress anything.

    Following accusations of students that they were lathi-charged on Saturday during their protest, Mohali Deputy Commissioner Amit Talwar told them a magisterial inquiry will be conducted into it.

    University authorities said that the demand of protesting students regarding relaxing hostel timings has been agreed to.

    The university management and the police suggested that a students’ committee be formed to hold further talks with the university administration regarding their various other issues.

    DC Talwar also assured the students that no protesting student will be rusticated from the college.

    Meanwhile, in Himachal Pradesh, DGP Sanjay Kundu said the state police reacted to the request of Punjab Police with sensitivity and professionalism and nabbed a 23-year-old man from Rohru in Shimla in the case.

    Kundu in a tweet further said, “If any collateral evidence comes our way, we will take action as per law.”

    He further said a 31-year-old man, a resident of Tehsil Theog, was detained at Dhalli in Shimla, adding that he was taken by the Punjab Police to inquire his involvement in the case.

    Briefing reporters at the university campus, ADGP Deo, who also holds the charge of women and child affairs, said many rumours about the case were circulating on various social media platforms.

    “There are 4,000 girl students who live in the hostel. One has been arrested by police. Her phone has been taken into police possession and state cyber crime is conducting its analysis”.

    Deo said that three to four girl students spotted the accused student in the common washroom where she was taking some pictures with her phone “which they thought she was taking from underneath the bathroom door…They then reported the matter to the warden and subsequently the police were informed”.

    “I want to clarify after interaction with the group of girls they are happy that their concerns have been addressed. Their concern was if there is any video of other girls on her phone. Prima facie we did not come across any video of other girls,” ADG DEO said.

    In a statement here, Chandigarh University Pro-Chancellor R S Bawa said there are rumours that girls have committed suicide whereas the fact is that no girl has attempted any such step.

    “No girl has been admitted to hospital in the incident,” he said.

    Bawa said, “There is another rumour which is circulating through media that an objectionable MMS has been found of different students. This is totally false and baseless.”

    Mohali SSP Soni said, “If you look at the sequence of events so far now, in our investigation it has come to notice that the video was only of herself. Apart from this, there is no video of any other (student).”

    In a video that surfaced on social media, a few students were purportedly seen confronting the student who is accused of making the videos.

    Referring to a video of a student being taken in an ambulance, the SSP Soni said she had some anxiety problems and was fine.

    Replying to a question on the hostel warden, the SSP said she questioned the woman student, who was later arrested, to find information on whether she had made a video of any other student.

    Notably, in a video, the warden is purportedly seen asking the woman student, “Who told you to record the video?..You will be suspended”.

    The warden is then seen pointing towards some women students who are also present, and could be heard saying, “Don’t these girls have honour? At whose behest did you do this? Who told you to make it?”

    CHANDIGARH: Protests rocked the campus of Chandigarh University in Punjab’s Mohali Saturday night over allegations that objectionable videos of several women students were recorded by a hosteller, following which Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann ordered a probe.

    The protests continued on the campus till late Sunday night with senior officials from the district administration, police and university trying to pacify the students.

    After a preliminary investigation, police arrested a woman student, while a 23-year-old youth, stated to be her boyfriend, was held in Himachal Pradesh and handed over to the Punjab Police.

    The Himachal Police also detained another 31-year-old man in connection with the case.

    Punjab’s Additional Director General of Police, Gurpreet Deo, who reached the Chandigarh University campus to take stock of the situation after the Saturday night protests, told reporters that the woman student appeared to have shared a video of herself with the youth and no objectionable video of any other student was found.

    University authorities also rejected as “false and baseless” reports that claimed videos of several women students in the varsity hostel were made and leaked on social media and that distraught students had attempted suicide.

    ALSO READ | ‘Leaked videos’ protests: Arrested Chandigarh University girl shared only own video, says cop

    During the Sunday evening protest by a large number of students, including male, many accused the university authorities of “suppressing facts” related to the alleged videos and ‘”suicide attempt” by a student. Some students claimed that videos were leaked.

    Most of the protesters were dressed in black clothes and chanted “we want justice” in the presence of police. They raised slogans against police as well.

    Tension prevailed on the campus as protesting students confronted university and police officials, questioning “if nothing had happened on the campus”, why the university on Sunday evening declared September 19 and 20 as “non-teaching days”, thus a holiday for students.

    They demanded an apology from the police and district administration for calling the objectionable videos of some students as ‘rumours’. They claimed the accused woman had admitted she had made the videos.

    Despite repeated efforts by the university authorities to end the fresh protest, students continued with it. The university authorities even sought a list of their demands to end the stalemate. There was heavy deployment of police on the campus.

    Students demanded that the statements of those female students whose videos, they alleged, got leaked, be recorded before representatives of students.

    Several students individually put forth their demands before the university authorities on many issues including changing hostel wardens, relaxation in timings for hostel entry, and safety issues.

    A student claimed the videos were made which were later deleted and the accused student’s phone was also broken.

    Another student claimed more than 10 girls women students suffered panic attacks Saturday evening fearing that MMS videos of “50-60 girls had” been leaked by the arrested student to her boyfriend over phone.

    She claimed that the boy’s hostel had been converted into a girl’s hostel recently and lacked facilities, while even CCTV cameras had not been installed in every corridor.

    Some students also alleged that the university was trying to enforce a dress code for female students.

    “We want that all investigation should be held with transparency,” said a protesting woman student while also demanding that “hostels should not be made jails”.

    Deputy Inspector General of Police G PS Bhullar and Deputy Commissioner Amit Talwar told the protesters that a Special Investigation Team headed by a senior woman IPS officer will be formed for an in-depth investigation.

    “It is our duty to clear every apprehension of the children,” said Bhullar.

    Dr Arvinder Singh Kang, Director, Students Welfare of the University, tried to pacify the protesters.

    A student was also brought before them and she claimed that she was fine and no one had attempted suicide.

    Mohali’s SSP Vivek Sheel Soni faced the ire of agitated students after he told reporters that the protests occurred after “rumours” that videos of several women students had been made and leaked.

    Soni said the arrested student’s mobile phone has been seized for forensic analysis and added that no suicide attempt by any student or death has occurred.

    An FIR under IPC section 354-C (voyeurism) and the IT Act has been registered in the matter and further probe is on, officials said.

    Chief Minister Mann ordered the probe into the incident, saying strict action will be taken against those found guilty.

    “Our daughters are our honour. A high-level inquiry has been ordered into the incident.”

    “I am in touch with the administration,” said Mann, who is in Germany, appealing to people not to believe rumours.

    WATCH | 

    The incident sparked a flurry of reactions from political parties and the central and state women’s rights organisations too stepped in.

    Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal said those involved in the incident will get the “harshest punishment”.

    Punjab State Women Commission Chairperson Manisha Gulati visited the university campus.

    In a statement, the National Commission for Women (NCW) said its chairperson Rekha Sharma has written to the Director General of Police of Punjab to deal with the matter strictly and without any laxity.

    The victims must be given proper counselling and their safety and security must be ensured, the NCW said.

    The women’s rights body has also written to Vice Chancellor, Chandigarh University to take stringent action against the culprits in accordance with the law and investigate the matter extensively.

    Opposition leaders including Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, former chief minister Amarinder Singh, Shiromani Akali Dal leader and former Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal and senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa demanded a free and fair probe and exemplary punishment for the guilty.

    Badal said authorities should make all facts public and not try to suppress anything.

    Following accusations of students that they were lathi-charged on Saturday during their protest, Mohali Deputy Commissioner Amit Talwar told them a magisterial inquiry will be conducted into it.

    University authorities said that the demand of protesting students regarding relaxing hostel timings has been agreed to.

    The university management and the police suggested that a students’ committee be formed to hold further talks with the university administration regarding their various other issues.

    DC Talwar also assured the students that no protesting student will be rusticated from the college.

    Meanwhile, in Himachal Pradesh, DGP Sanjay Kundu said the state police reacted to the request of Punjab Police with sensitivity and professionalism and nabbed a 23-year-old man from Rohru in Shimla in the case.

    Kundu in a tweet further said, “If any collateral evidence comes our way, we will take action as per law.”

    He further said a 31-year-old man, a resident of Tehsil Theog, was detained at Dhalli in Shimla, adding that he was taken by the Punjab Police to inquire his involvement in the case.

    Briefing reporters at the university campus, ADGP Deo, who also holds the charge of women and child affairs, said many rumours about the case were circulating on various social media platforms.

    “There are 4,000 girl students who live in the hostel. One has been arrested by police. Her phone has been taken into police possession and state cyber crime is conducting its analysis”.

    Deo said that three to four girl students spotted the accused student in the common washroom where she was taking some pictures with her phone “which they thought she was taking from underneath the bathroom door…They then reported the matter to the warden and subsequently the police were informed”.

    “I want to clarify after interaction with the group of girls they are happy that their concerns have been addressed. Their concern was if there is any video of other girls on her phone. Prima facie we did not come across any video of other girls,” ADG DEO said.

    In a statement here, Chandigarh University Pro-Chancellor R S Bawa said there are rumours that girls have committed suicide whereas the fact is that no girl has attempted any such step.

    “No girl has been admitted to hospital in the incident,” he said.

    Bawa said, “There is another rumour which is circulating through media that an objectionable MMS has been found of different students. This is totally false and baseless.”

    Mohali SSP Soni said, “If you look at the sequence of events so far now, in our investigation it has come to notice that the video was only of herself. Apart from this, there is no video of any other (student).”

    In a video that surfaced on social media, a few students were purportedly seen confronting the student who is accused of making the videos.

    Referring to a video of a student being taken in an ambulance, the SSP Soni said she had some anxiety problems and was fine.

    Replying to a question on the hostel warden, the SSP said she questioned the woman student, who was later arrested, to find information on whether she had made a video of any other student.

    Notably, in a video, the warden is purportedly seen asking the woman student, “Who told you to record the video?..You will be suspended”.

    The warden is then seen pointing towards some women students who are also present, and could be heard saying, “Don’t these girls have honour? At whose behest did you do this? Who told you to make it?”

  • Outrage sparks in Gujarat over Prabodha Swami seers controversial statement on lord Shiva

    By Express News Service

    AHMEDABAD:  Sadhu Anand Sagar Swami of the Prabodha Swami group created a huge controversy when he allegedly made an insulting speech about Lord Shiva in a Satsang meeting held in the honor of Prabodha Swami in Boston, America.

    In the Satsang meeting, Swami narrated an incident where he spoke about a boy, Nishit, a student styuding at ‘Atmiya Dham’ run by Sokhda Sanstha at Karamsad, Vidyanagar in Anand District.

    In the incident, Nishit goes to the gate as instructed by Prabodha Swami, where he sees Lord Shiva waiting outside the gate. Nishit insisted on lord shiva by saying, “Please come with me and meet Prabodha Swami. But lord shiva refuse it by saying that my piety has not grown up to that level that I can see a holy image of Prabodha swami, Shiva touched Nishit’s feet & left.”

    According to Anand Sagar Swami’s viral video, Prabodh Swami is bigger than Lord Shiva, due to this sentence, religious sentiments of the people of Sanatan Dharma have been hurt all over Gujarat.

    Regarding Anandsagar Swami’s comment on Lord Shiva, fierce anger is also being seen among the monks and saints all over Gujarat.

    Mahamandleshwar Narendra Bapu condemned the statement and said, ‘Expel Anandsagar Swami from the sect. Comments that are not compatible with religion should not be made. His followers should expel such seers.’

    Vadtal Satsang Sabha President Nautam Swamy also reacted to controversy and said, ‘Anandsagar Swami has given such a speech to increase the glory of the Guru. Such a statement tarnishes the Swaminarayan sect. Such saint should never be believed.’

    ALSO READ | Gujarat BJP MLA blames Gulf nations for ‘love jihad’ in India

    J.P. Jadeja, the state president of Rajput Karni Sena, reacted, ‘Seers should think before praising their Guru. Saints should not mislead people. A true saint is harmed by seers like Anand Sagar.”

    A protest was staged by the Brahma Samaj at Rajkot. The protester burned the posters of Anand Sagar Swami. At the same time, Bhrama Samaj representatives filed a complaint at B Division Police Station in Rajkot against Anand Sagar Swami for hurting the religious sentiments of Shivbhakts, Police accepted thecomplaint.

    Milan Shukla, General Secretary, of Brahm Samaj, said “we have given an application to police and demanded strict action must be taken against Anandsagar,”

    However, looking to the outrage over his statement, On Tuesday Anand Sagar Swami released this video message and apologized for his statement due to increasing outrage in Gujarat. In the video, he said that during a lecture in a Satsang in America, the words that he raised about Lord Shivawere an attempt to give value to the feelings of a young man. I have made a mistake; I apologize to all Shiva devotees.

    AHMEDABAD:  Sadhu Anand Sagar Swami of the Prabodha Swami group created a huge controversy when he allegedly made an insulting speech about Lord Shiva in a Satsang meeting held in the honor of Prabodha Swami in Boston, America.

    In the Satsang meeting, Swami narrated an incident where he spoke about a boy, Nishit, a student styuding at ‘Atmiya Dham’ run by Sokhda Sanstha at Karamsad, Vidyanagar in Anand District.

    In the incident, Nishit goes to the gate as instructed by Prabodha Swami, where he sees Lord Shiva waiting outside the gate. Nishit insisted on lord shiva by saying, “Please come with me and meet Prabodha Swami. But lord shiva refuse it by saying that my piety has not grown up to that level that I can see a holy image of Prabodha swami, Shiva touched Nishit’s feet & left.”

    According to Anand Sagar Swami’s viral video, Prabodh Swami is bigger than Lord Shiva, due to this sentence, religious sentiments of the people of Sanatan Dharma have been hurt all over Gujarat.

    Regarding Anandsagar Swami’s comment on Lord Shiva, fierce anger is also being seen among the monks and saints all over Gujarat.

    Mahamandleshwar Narendra Bapu condemned the statement and said, ‘Expel Anandsagar Swami from the sect. Comments that are not compatible with religion should not be made. His followers should expel such seers.’

    Vadtal Satsang Sabha President Nautam Swamy also reacted to controversy and said, ‘Anandsagar Swami has given such a speech to increase the glory of the Guru. Such a statement tarnishes the Swaminarayan sect. Such saint should never be believed.’

    ALSO READ | Gujarat BJP MLA blames Gulf nations for ‘love jihad’ in India

    J.P. Jadeja, the state president of Rajput Karni Sena, reacted, ‘Seers should think before praising their Guru. Saints should not mislead people. A true saint is harmed by seers like Anand Sagar.”

    A protest was staged by the Brahma Samaj at Rajkot. The protester burned the posters of Anand Sagar Swami. At the same time, Bhrama Samaj representatives filed a complaint at B Division Police Station in Rajkot against Anand Sagar Swami for hurting the religious sentiments of Shivbhakts, Police accepted the
    complaint.

    Milan Shukla, General Secretary, of Brahm Samaj, said “we have given an application to police and demanded strict action must be taken against Anandsagar,”

    However, looking to the outrage over his statement, On Tuesday Anand Sagar Swami released this video message and apologized for his statement due to increasing outrage in Gujarat. In the video, he said that during a lecture in a Satsang in America, the words that he raised about Lord Shiva
    were an attempt to give value to the feelings of a young man. I have made a mistake; I apologize to all Shiva devotees.