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Help him aiding prisoners who are detained in jails for unreasonably long periods

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Faiz Akram Pasha

Bengaluru: City based NGO Janasadbhawana that works with jail inmates is going through financial crunch. Janasadbhawana, started by social activist Faiz Akram Pasha, is on a mission to reform small-time offenders languishing in jails, get them out legally and rehabilitate them in order to promote a peaceful society, whilst advocating for justice in prisons.

The NGO has now turned to crowd-funding to raise money for the noble cause.

As more and more individuals and startup companies are turning to crowd-funding to bring their projects to light, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in India are not far behind. One look at the country’s major crowd-funding sites would reveal the effectiveness of social networking in mobilising mass support for a cause. According to the website Ketto, an estimated Rs 4 crores has been raised so far, on their site by different aid agencies as part of their relief effort for Nepal.

For the uninitiated, crowd-funding is an online phenomenon that allows anybody with a few rupees to spare to contribute toward a cause or project seeking cash. Anybody with an idea can go to one of dozen of specialized crowdfunding websites and appeal to the general public for donations.

Janasadbhawana

Bungaluru-based NGO Janasadbhawana is testing waters with the power of the crowd and technology.

Though Faiz himself has been working for this cause since his days in college, he founded his NGO in 2006, at the insistence of B. S. Abbai (ex-DIG Prisons), who he refers to as his mentor. Since its inception, he and his group of volunteers have helped the release and rehabilitation of over 450 inmates, by paying their pending fine amount and in some cases, also finding them jobs.

Many such ex-prisoners now work as volunteers of the organisation, according to him.

Lack of funds

Although Faiz has received a lot of recognition for his work as a champion of prisoners’ rights, including Dr. Mumtaz Ahmed Khan Award by the Al-Ameen Educational Society, however, like many other activists and social workers, he has no financial backing or support.

According to his fellow activist and Bengaluru Youth Award winner Mansoor Chetlu, “People like Faiz get too many words of appreciation, but what they actually need is support, to continue their work.”

Mansoor, who spoke to TCN, said that he has started a fundraising campaign on NotforProfit.in – A nonprofit social advocacy and crowdfunding website, to raise Rs. 30,000 to help Faiz with his work.

He says the amount will help the organisation to bail out at least three prisoners, and help Faiz with other miscellaneous expenses, which is usually associated with running an NGO.

Advocate Sultan Beary, who has agreed to take up the cases of undertrial prisoners Janasadbhawana is working with, says, “The cases of undertrials is something every citizen of this country should be concerned about. Our inaction reflects our apathy.”

To send your donations to Janasadbhawana, please visit, NotforProfit.in

(TCN)

State law department examining HC judgement on Jayalalithaa : Karnataka CM

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Photo: IE

Photo: IE

Bengaluru: Even as AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa returned to power today, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the state law department is examining the judgement of the High Court which acquitted her of all charges and the government would take a decision on filing an appeal in the case after receiving the report.

“Our law department is examining the judgement of Karnataka High Court. After getting the report from law department, we will decide,” Siddaramaiah told reporters here.

Asked whether he has spoken to AICC in this regard, the chief minister said, “No, the High command is not at all interfering in the state matters”.

Jayalalithaa was disqualified following her conviction in the Rs 66.66 crore disproportionate assets case by a trial court in Bengaluru on September 27. The Karnataka High Court had subsequently acquitted her of the charges on May 11 this year.

She was today sworn in for the fifth time as chief minister, nearly eight months after she was forced to quit over corruption charges.

Delhi's heritage city dream dashed by government

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BJP government withdraws nomination for UNESCO world heritage city, saying it could hamper development.

The old quarters of Delhi, which was the seat of power during the Muslim rule, have dozens of heritage buildings [AP Photo]

The old quarters of Delhi, which was the seat of power during the Muslim rule, have dozens of heritage buildings [AP Photo]

by Al Jazeera

India’s government has withdrawn Delhi’s nomination for UNESCO world heritage city over concerns that it would have hampered “infrastructure and construction” plans in the capital.

The government decision came nearly a month before UNESCO was to review nominations from across the world. There are 38 other entries that will be examined by the UN body in the German city of Bonn between June 28 and July 8.

“Once the city comes into that heritage list, you are unable to make some construction in the city plans and land use plans, so it will become difficult. With that view the government has taken a decision to withdraw the nomination,” Mahesh Sharma, India’s culture minister, told the local NDTV news channel.

The previous government had filed the initial nomination in 2012 and the final dossier, prepared by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), was sent in January last year.

People on social media criticised the government move as Delhi’s heritage sites lure tourists from across the world.

The old quarters of Delhi, which was the seat of power during the Muslim rule and Lutyens area that was developed by the British colonialists, have dozens of heritage buildings.

Jayalalithaa takes oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister for the fifth time

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Jayalalithaa

Chennai: AIADMK general secretary Jayalalithaa was today sworn in for the fifth time as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu amid celebrations by party cadres and supporters all over the state.

She returns to power nearly eight months after she was forced to quit over corruption charges.

Jayalalithaa took the oath in the name of God in Tamil in a simple function held at the University of Madras Centenary Auditorium here. Twenty-eight other ministers also took oath in a brief ceremony.

The 67-year-old AIADMK supremo was administered oath of office and secrecy by Governor K Rosaiah.

Earlier, she arrived at the venue in a green saree and was welcomed by Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary Gnanadesikan with a bouquet.

Later, she introduced O Pannerselvam, Natham R Viswanathan and all other ministers before they were sworn in.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by BJP leaders including Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan and national office bearer of the party H Raja. Actors Rajinikanth, Sarathkumar and eminent music composer Ilayaraja were among the long list of dignitaries who attended the function.

Jayalalithaa was disqualified following her conviction in the Rs 66.66 crore disproportionate assets case by a trial court in Bengaluru on September 27. The Karnataka High Court had subsequently acquitted her of the charges on May 11.

(Agencies)

Fire in Bellandur Lake : BWSSB submits report to Upa Lokayukta

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inside_bellandur_lake

Bengaluru: The ongoing Bellandur lake issue is hitting headlines following a submission of preliminary report by Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) to the Upa Lokayukta.

The report claimed that lack of treatment plants and release of trade effluents from nearby industries have polluted the Bellandur lake, which led to the formation of foam and outbreak of fire in the lake.

The report by the BWSSB claimed that there are nearly 110 villages and 500 industries around Varthur and Bellandur lakes. Large quantity of chemicals and other minerals entering the lake has caused the recent fire.

Environmentalists and residents of the nearby area have told the Upa Lokayukta that the Sewage Water Plants (STPs) set up by the BWSSB and apartments will not reduce the water pollution. Despite treatment, nitrate and phosphorous continue to remain in the water making it unfit for consumption.

The Upa Lokayukta has called a high-level meeting on June 4 to have a detailed discussion with officials concerned.

(Agencies)

Being Maoist is not crime, observes HC

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Maoism

Kochi: Kerala High Court Friday has observed that mere membership of the Maoist organizations does not make a person criminal unless he or she resorts to treason or unlawful activities.

“Maoism is an ideology. Though the Maoist ideology is in contrast to the Indian Constitution, no one can be taken in custody on that ground. They can only be taken in custody only of the investigation agency furnishes evidences that they committed the crime,” the court said.

The court’s sensational observation came in response to a petition filed by an individual, stating that he was harassed by Thunderbolt team.

The court has also ordered to provide an amount of Rs. one lakh as compensation to the petitioner.

Beef eaters can go to Pakistan says Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi.

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Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi

New Delhi: Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Thursday justified ban on cow slaughter and asked all those who want to eat beef to go to Pakistan.

“It is not about loss or profit… it is an issue of faith and belief. It is a sensitive issue for the Hindus,” Naqvi said at ‘Manthan’ conclave organised by TV channel Aaj Tak.

“Those who are dying without eating beef, can go to Pakistan or Arab countries or any other part of world where it is available,” he said.

“Even Muslims are against it…” he contended.

Naqvi was countered by AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi who asked whether the central government would impose blanket ban on beef across India, especially in states like Goa, Jammu and Kashmir and Kerala where a large number of people eat this kind of meat.

On the issue of backwardness among Muslims, Naqvi said the Narendra Modi government was taking steps to eradicate poverty among the minorities.

“It is a fact that Muslims have remained away from development. Various social security schemes started by our government would help Muslims in a big way,” he added.

(IANS)

Dalit youth murdered by dominant caste youths for keeping Ambedkar song as ringtone

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dalit-ambedkar-ringtone

Shirdi: Ahmednagar district of western Maharashtra witnessed yet another caste atrocity last weekend as a 23- year-old Dalit youth was beaten to death because his phone had the ringtone of a song praising Babasaheb Ambedkar.

Vishal Kote, Somnath, Rupesh Wadekar and Sunil Jadhav were arrested with the help of CCTV camera footage installed at the spot where the incident took place. The rest are absconding.

The incident occurred on Saturday in Shirdi at around 1:30 pm when the victim, Sagar Shejwal, had gone to a beer shop with his two cousins.

“Eight youths were sitting at a table at the shop. When Sagar’s mobile rang with the Ambedkar song as its ringtone, the youths told him to switch it off. In a police statement, the cousin has described the song as Tumhi kara re kitihi halla / Mazbut Bhimacha quilla [Shout all you want / Bhim’s fortress is strong],” The Hindu quoted Deputy Superintendent of Police Vivek Patil as saying.

While the cousins managed to escape, Sagar became the victim of the brutality unleashed by the men.

“An altercation ensued and the assailants hit Sagar with a beer bottle and started kicking and punching him. Then they dragged him out, put him on a motorbike and took him away to a nearby forest. They crushed him under the bike,” Patil said.

The youths belonged to the dominant Maratha and OBC communities.

“Sagar’s body was found around 6.30 p.m. in a naked state near Rui village. The cause of death was multiple fractures. The autopsy says Sagar sustained around 25 injuries. He died between 2 and 4 p.m,” Patil added.

Sagar’s father Subhash Shejwal said that he was unable to understand why the youths would kill his son over such a minor issue.

“I can understand that they hit him. Quarrels can happen anytime, but look at the brutality of the act. Why would they do this on such a trivial matter?” asked Sagar’s father Subhash Shejwal.

Sagar was on a visit to Shirdi with his family to attend a wedding.

Police delayed in taking action

Although the Shirdi police station was nearby, the police was late in taking action, alleged Sagar’s family as well as the owner of the shop.

“I called the police at 1.45 p.m. when the youths were beating up Sagar, but for a long time they did not come,” manager of the beer shop, Sandeep Ghorpade, said.

Sagar’s cousins also approached the police for help but did not get any. One of the cousins claimed that it was their family who found Sagar’s body.

“Only our relatives were looking for Sagar. No police vehicle was in sight. The body was also discovered by family members,” Sagar’s cousin Satish Gaikwad, who had filed a complaint against the eight youths.

The police assured a departmental enquiry against Inspector Pramod Wagh and constable Sharad Kadam.

The police have booked the four accused under Sections 302 (murder), 395 (punishment for dacoity), 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offence), 109 (punishment of abetment) of the Indian Penal Code, and Sections 3 (2) (v) and 3 (1) (x) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

(Agencies)

Kejriwal lashes out at MHA notification, says Modi govt trying to run Delhi through backdoor

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Arvind Kejriwal

New Delhi: After being issued a notification from the Home Ministry detailing just what powers he actually had, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal hit back alleging that the notification was an attempt to protect the corrupt and that the Narendra Modi government was trying to run the Delhi government through the Lieutenant-Governor.

The Delhi chief minister called the Centre’s notification “a gift from the Modi government for completing a year in office” and clarifying his relationship with the Lieutenant Governor, Kejriwal said “Jung saab ke saath koi Jung nahi hai” (There is no war with Jung).

However, he said that Lieutenant Governor has no actual powers as all his orders come from the top.

“Pre independence, Queen of England used to send notifications to the Viceroy here. Now, Jung Sahab is Viceroy & PMO is London. All orders come from the PMO,” Kejriwal said.

Continuing his attack on the Modi government, he went on to state that the notification proved that Modi with his 3 BJP MLA’s is trying to control the Delhi government through the backdoor.

“The BJP and Congress want to have their own officers in Delhi and get government contracts for their own people,” he alleged.

The Centre on Friday morning issued a notification which backed Jung and said that it was not mandatory for the Lieutenant Governor to consult the Chief Minister.

Kejriwal alleged that issuing the notification was very ‘unfair’ towards the people of Delhi, and said that the AAP government is doing very good work.

“We want to ask the Narendra Modi government, who are they trying to save through this notification?” he said

Kejriwal alleged that the government is rattled by the action taken by the Delhi government against corrupt officers and was attempting to protect corrupt officials by issuing the notification.

“They are saying that we can’t take any action against corrupt official in the central government,” he said.

Shifting his focus on Najeeb Jung, Kejriwal said, “The Lieutenant Governor has never asked about water or electricity, all they are interested in is transfer posting.”

He also added that it is because of the AAP government that a lot of money being paid for transfers has ended, a statement his deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia had made earlier.

“Probably the AAP government is one of the cleanest governments Delhi has ever seen,” Kejriwal said.

(Agencies)

Jayalalithaa set to return as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister after party lawmakers' meeting

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Jayalalithaa

Chennai: J Jayalalithaa was today elected by AIADMK lawmakers to take over as chief minister of Tamil Nadu at a party meeting in Chennai this morning. The 67-year-old leader, who was not present at the meeting, is likely to take oath tomorrow.

144 of 150 party lawmakers attended the meeting at the AIADMK headquarters where five rebel MLAs from actor-politician Vijayakanth’s DMDK were also present. Current chief minister O Panneerselvam headed straight to Ms Jayalalithaa’s Poes Garden residence after the meeting. He is expected to resign today.

Nearly eight months ago, Ms Jayalalithaa was convicted in a corruption case and forced to step down in the midst of her third term as the state’s top leader.

Ms Jayalalithaa’s return as the head of the government was enabled by her acquittal earlier this month in the same case, and a party that has expressed its unwavering devotion to her in unabashed shows of sycophancy.

Ms Jayalalithaa was found not guilty of illicitly amassing wealth adding up to nearly Rs. 50 crore by the Karnataka High Court. She must win a state assembly seat within six months of taking over as Chief Minister.

The leader, who is known as “Amma” or “mother” will appear in public today for the first time after her acquittal to garland statues of AIADMK leaders including founder MG Ramachandran.

In a statement on Monday that broadly hinted at her plans, Ms Jayalalithaa had told party workers that “whatever our cadres wish will happen soon.”

When her replacement O Panneerselvam took over as Chief Minister, other AIADMK leaders and he wept through the swearing-in ceremony; when she was jailed, Ms Jayalalithaa’s enraged supporters set buses on fire; she has said more than 200 people killed themselves to protest against her incarceration.

(Agencies)

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