English हिन्दी
Connect with us

India News

Local court acquits Mukhtar Ansari of murder charge for lack of evidence

Published

on

Local court acquits Mukhtar Ansari of murder charge for lack of evidence

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Police failed to prove how the mafia don-turned politician executed the double murder from his prison cell; Ansari remains in jail with other cases pending

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA Mukhtar Ansari, the mafia don-turned politician who has been elected five times from the Mau Sadar seat of Uttar Pradesh and was lodged in the Banda district jail for a double murder in the City Kotwali police station area of Mau on August 29, 2009, was on Wednesday (September 27) acquitted by a local court. Acquitted along with him were seven others, though the court convicted three others to life.

Mukhtar Ansari’s counsel Daroga Singh has been quoted in the media as saying: “Additional district judge Adil Aftab Ahmad acquitted Mukhtar Ansari and seven others in the double murder case for lack of evidence. The court, however, sentenced three others Raju Kannojia, Amresh Kannojia and Arvind Yadav to life imprisonment.”

Lack of evidence is the most common reason for acquittals of political leaders who are also mafia dons. While the charge was that Ansari was an accomplice to the crime, virtually masterminding it, it was also true that at that time he was lodged in jail. The police failed to prove his complicity in the crime and the court had to let Ansari go.

On that day in 2009 armed men attacked contractor Manna Singh who was travelling with an associate in his SUV. In the shooting Manna Singh died on the spot, while his associate Rajesh Rai succumbed later to bullet injuries.

The charge, as filed by Manna Singh’s cousin Harinder Singh, said that Ansari had him killed, because Manna Singh refused to give him his commission.

Ansari, however, will remain in jail despite the acquittal, because he has other cases pending against him.

Ansari had also been the prime accused in the 2005 murder of BJP politician Krishnanand Rai. That has also not been proved, though at that time the SIT had pre-warned Rai of an impending attack.

Politically, Ansari has been an opportunist. Ansari won his first Assembly election as a candidate of Mayawati’s Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), while the next two as an independent. In 2007 he joined BSP but lost the 2009 Lok Sabha election. The BSP expelled him in 2010 for criminal activities, but Ansari formed his own Quami Ekta Dal and won from the Mau seat in 2012. He tried to merge his party with the Bahijan Samaj Party before the 2017 polls at Shivpal Yadav’s behest, but with the then chief minister Akhilesh Yadav protesting that was not possible.

Meanwhile Mayawati, who had expelled Ansari earlier for criminal activities, suddenly saw another alliance come her way and immediately exonerated Asnsari and admitted his party into hers. While the BSP got a hammering at the polls, Ansari won his seat as a BSP candidate.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

India News

Trouble for AAP Government in Punjab: Congress drops hints

Congress leader Pratap Singh Bajwa hints at the possible collapse of the AAP government in Punjab. With BJP’s alleged involvement and corruption claims, the political tension in the state is rising.

Published

on

Pratap Singh Bajwa, leader of the opposition in Punjab, has sparked major political speculation, hinting at a possible collapse of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. Bajwa claimed that more than 32 MLAs of the AAP are in contact with him, and some may even be in touch with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, he stressed that the Congress will not be responsible for toppling the government. Instead, he pointed fingers at the BJP, suggesting it would orchestrate the downfall.

In an exclusive interview, Bajwa made it clear that the Congress, despite its claims, will not take steps to destabilize the AAP government. He explained that Congress wants the AAP to complete its five-year term so that the public can judge its performance. “The BJP will handle the rest,” Bajwa said, distancing his party from any direct involvement in the collapse.

Bajwa also accused the AAP of being involved in corrupt practices, with allegations of money laundering through hawala channels. He claimed that crores of rupees have gone to foreign destinations such as Australia under the AAP’s rule. Additionally, the Congress leader alleged that the Delhi model employed by AAP encourages looting.

In a strong rebuttal, the AAP accused Bajwa of already securing a ticket to join the BJP. AAP leader Neel Garg alleged that Bajwa had met senior BJP leaders in Bengaluru and warned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to keep a close eye on him.

The AAP government has come under intense scrutiny since its defeat in Delhi earlier this month. Amidst this, the Punjab government has ramped up its anti-corruption initiatives, dismissing 52 police officers for corruption. Senior officers, including Varinder Kumar and Rajesh Tripathi, have also been suspended or reassigned as part of the government’s effort to clean up corruption in its ranks.

Continue Reading

India News

A captivating evening of literature: Dr Karan Singh discusses his novel, The Temple of Shiva

Published

on

Dr Karan Singh book The Temple of Shiva

Parchment Publications hosted an engaging literary discussion on Saturday at Kunzum Bookstore, featuring Dr Karan Singh, statesman, scholar, and philosopher, as he delved into the themes and inspirations behind The Temple of Shiva, his first and only work of fiction.

In conversation with journalist and writer Sanjula Sharma, the evening offered profound insights into literature, philosophy, and storytelling. Published by Parchment Publications, The Temple of Shiva intricately blends history, mythology, and devotion, creating a rich narrative around faith and self-discovery.

During the discussion, Dr Singh shared a fascinating insight into his protagonist, Ashok, describing him as an alter ego—what he might have been, had he not been born into his current circumstances. “Your first novel,” he reflected, “always reflects the inner life of the author.”

Adding to the evening’s charm, when asked about the secret to his youth and energy, Dr Singh wittily held up the Shiva bracelet on his wrist, calling it his “secret weapon” that keeps him going. His deep spiritual connection was further reflected in his discussion of the novel’s characters, particularly Maharaj, the Mahant of the Temple of Shiva. Inspired by two real-life individuals whom Dr Singh had known, Maharaj serves as a conduit for many of Shiva’s teachings that resonate throughout the book.

Speaking on the occasion, Shubhi Arya, Founder of Parchment Publications, said, “Publishing The Temple of Shiva is a privilege and a deeply personal honour. Dr Karan Singh’s wisdom, depth, and storytelling deserve to reach younger generations, inspiring them to explore India’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.”

The event was made possible with the support of Ajay Jain, the owner of Kunzum Bookstore, and Shivam, the event manager at Kunzum, whose contributions helped create a welcoming space for literary discussions. Parchment Publications is committed to bringing thought-provoking literature to readers, and this event was yet another step in its journey of celebrating distinguished voices in writing.

The Temple of Shiva is available for purchase on Amazon.

Continue Reading

India News

Overcrowding in Prayagraj: Locals urge devotees to halt their visits to Maha Kumbh

Published

on

Mahakumbh

As the Maha Kumbh draws to a close, Prayagraj residents are facing an overwhelming surge in crowds, and many are pleading for relief. In a public appeal posted on Reddit, a local resident expressed frustration at the massive influx of pilgrims, which has overwhelmed the city and disrupted everyday life. With only days remaining in the grand religious event, the plea for a break from the chaos is growing louder.

The resident shared their experience of the city’s transformation for the event, where major infrastructural upgrades such as new roads and flyovers were made to accommodate the crowds. However, what was once seen as an opportunity to showcase the city’s development has now turned into an exhausting ordeal.

Overcrowded roads and tensions rise

According to the post, the streets of Prayagraj are now so congested that even basic tasks like commuting have become nearly impossible. The city’s highways, public transport, and even narrow lanes are jammed with an unrelenting flow of people and vehicles. Locals are feeling trapped in their own city as they struggle to navigate through the chaos.

In an incident shared by the user, they recounted a moment when they were blamed for the congestion while trying to take a break from the chaos. “Aap logon ki wajah se jam lag raha hai!” (The traffic is because of you), they were yelled at by strangers, despite being residents of the city. The frustration and exhaustion are palpable in the community, with tensions running high as the local population feels the strain of hosting such a large gathering.

A desperate plea for mercy

In a heartfelt conclusion, the user made a desperate appeal to devotees: “Please, for the love of God, STOP COMING. Ganga ji aur Sangam kahin nahi ja rahe. (The Ganga and Sangam aren’t going anywhere). You can come peacefully later. Have some mercy on this city and its people. We are begging you.”

This plea underscores the toll that the Maha Kumbh is taking on the locals. Not only are the streets congested, but there are reports of pilgrims littering and disregarding basic civic norms. While Prayagraj welcomes visitors, the burden of such a massive gathering is beginning to feel unbearable for those who call the city home.

The Maha Kumbh, the world’s largest religious gathering, began on January 13 and is set to conclude on February 26. While the event is a spiritual and cultural highlight for millions, the ongoing surge in visitors is threatening to overwhelm the city’s infrastructure and residents.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com