Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray will meet the family of Beed Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, whose murder has sparked a huge political row, in the first week of January.
Thackeray will also meet the kin of Dalit man Somnath Suryavanshi, who allegedly died in judicial custody after his arrest in connection with violence over the desecration of a replica of the Constitution in Parbhani.
“The Sena (UBT) president will visit Parbhani and Beed to meet the families of Somanth Suryavanshi and Santosh Deshmukh, respectively,” Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said on Saturday.
NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar met the families of Suryavanshi and Deshmukh last week. The leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, also met Suryavanshi’s family in Parbhani.
Police have so far arrested four persons, including former tehsil chief of Ajit Pawar-headed NCP Vishnu Chate, in connection with the sarpanch Deshmukh’s murder.
Police are on the lookout for three others who have been named as wanted accused for kidnapping Deshmukh and brutally killing him on December 9.
A preliminary investigation by police shows that Deshmukh’s murder was a fallout of his bid to oppose extortion from a windmill company in Beed.
Following Deshmukh’s murder, there were protests across Beed, especially after photographs of his body with injury marks were shared widely on social media.
Parbhani city in central Maharashtra witnessed violence after a glass-enclosed replica of the Constitution near Dr B R Ambedkar’s statue outside the railway station was vandalised on the evening of December 10.
Suryavanshi (35), who was lodged in the Parbhani district central jail after his arrest, died on December 15 at a state-run hospital after complaining of chest pain and uneasiness.
Rahul Gandhi alleged that Suryavanshi was killed because he was a Dalit who was trying to protect the Constitution.
"Democracy Changed to 'Lathi-Tantra' for Last 1–2 Yrs": Prashant Kishor on Bihar’s Police Action on BPSC Aspirants 3
Jan Suraj chief Prashant Kishor on Friday criticised the Bihar government’s handling of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants’ protest, alleging that democracy in the state has been replaced by “lathi-tantra” (rule of the stick).
Expressing solidarity with the protesting aspirants in Patna, Kishor stated that no authority has the right to use force against individuals expressing their views democratically.
“In Bihar, democracy has transformed into ‘lathi-tantra’ over the last 1-2 years. If any section of society approaches the government to express their views, the response is often lathi charges. This is detrimental to democracy”.
”The government must listen to the students. If people are expressing their views peacefully and democratically, there is absolutely no justification for lathi charges. I stand with the students. Action should be taken against those responsible for this. We oppose the use of force against students,” Kishor asserted.
Educator and YouTuber Faizal Khan, popularly known as Khan Sir, joined the protestors on Friday and urged them to protest peacefully. He also chanted slogans alongside the aspirants against the BPSC.
“We are only demanding a re-examination by the commission. They can make it as challenging as they wish; we are not shying away. However, the exam should not feature questions that insult our intelligence. The questions in our class tests are harder than this. Why did the commission conceal evidence and CCTV footage? There are many concerning issues that require investigation”.
”We will approach the Supreme Court and even appeal to the President to highlight what is happening in Bihar. First, the country’s GDP declined, then a bridge in Bihar collapsed, and now the BPSC has collapsed,” he remarked.
The BPSC aspirants gathered outside the commission’s office in Patna to demand the cancellation of the exam. The protests, which began on December 13, were sparked by allegations of irregularities during the examination.
Candidates have alleged that the question paper was leaked and there were delays in distributing the papers. Some reported receiving the question paper nearly an hour late, while others claimed that answer sheets were torn, raising suspicions of malpractice.The protests have drawn sharp political reactions, with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Yadav criticising the police’s actions. He stated that resorting to lathi charges against students was unjust.
“They shouldn’t have done this. It’s wrong,” Lalu Yadav remarked.
However, police authorities defended their actions, stating that only “mild force” was used and denied any injuries to the protesting aspirants.
Whistleblower in MUDA Scam Krishna Writes to PM, HM for Central Security Over State’s Denial 5
Snehamayi Krishna, an RTI activist central to the MUDA scam investigation, has reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking their aid for personal security. This plea comes after the Karnataka government reportedly refused to protect him and his family in light of his whistleblowing activities.
Krishna’s complaint, which triggered the case, involves the alleged unlawful allocation of sites under the Mysore Urban Development Authority in the name of Parvathi, wife of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, among others. Despite attempts to secure action through state channels, only a court intervention led to a Lokayukta investigation and a subsequent FIR naming Siddaramaiah as Accused No. 1.
Facing a flurry of retaliatory FIRs and coercion tactics, including financial offers to abandon the case, Krishna remains undeterred. Having been denied police protection repeatedly, he now appeals to the central government to guarantee his and his family’s safety against what he describes as intimidation orchestrated by state officials loyal to the Chief Minister.
SC Notice to Punjab Govt on Contempt Plea Over Non-Compliance With Order on Medical Aid to Dallewal 7
The Supreme Court on Friday expressed concern over the life and safety of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on an indefinite hunger strike, and directed the Punjab government to take all measures to ensure that he was given medical aid.
A vacation bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia issued a notice to the Punjab government on a contempt petition against its chief secretary for non-compliance with a top court order regarding medical aid to Dallewal.
“If there is a law and order situation, you have to deal with it with iron hands. Somebody’s life is at stake. You need to take it seriously. Medical aid has to be given and the impression is that you are not following it,” the bench said.
The apex court directed the state government to file a compliance report by Saturday, when it would again hear the matter.
Dallewal has been on an indefinite fast at the Khanauri border point since November 26 to press the Centre to accept the farmers’ demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price for crops.
Pakistan-Based LeT's Deputy Leader Abdul Rehman Makki Dies 9
Mumbai attacks alleged mastermind Hafiz Saeed’s brother-in-law and banned Jamaat-ud-Dawa deputy chief Hafiz Abdul Rahman Makki, who died of a heart attack on Friday.
According to the Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), Prof. Abdul Rahman Makki had been ill for the past few days and was undergoing treatment following high diabetes at a private hospital in Lahore.
“Makki suffered a cardiac arrest early this morning and he breathed his last in the hospital,” a JuD official told PTI.
Makki, the brother-in-law of JuD chief Hafiz Saeed, was handed down six months imprisonment in terror financing in 2020 by an anti-terrorism court.
Makki, deputy chief of JuD, had been keeping a low profile after being sentenced in terror financing.
The Pakistan Mutahida Muslim League (PMML), in a statement, said that Makki was an advocate of Pakistani ideology.
In 2023, Makki was designated as a global terrorist by the United Nations, subjecting him to an asset freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo.
Congress' Belagavi Convention Cancelled Due to Manmohan Singh's Demise 11
The Congress convention here in Belagavi has been cancelled following the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said on Thursday.
The convention was organised to commemorate the centenary of the lone Congress convention in Belagavi, which was chaired by Mahatma Gandhi in December 26 and 27 in 1924.
“We are cancelling for now the grand convention here titled ‘Jai Gandhi, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan’,” Shivakumar, who is also the Congress Karnataka unit chief, told reporters here.
There will be a condolence meeting on Friday at the venue, he added.
Shivakumar said the government has already announced a holiday on Friday and seven days’ mourning in the state.
Manmohan Singh, the architect of India’s economic reforms, died in New Delhi on Thursday night. He was 92.
Singh’s death was announced by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, where he was admitted in the Emergency ward around 8.30 PM in a critical condition.
Student Sexual Assault Case: Annamalai Self-Whips Demanding Justice 13
Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai staged a unique agitation here on Friday when he flogged himself, condemning the ruling DMK and the state police over the handling of the case of sexual assault on a Chennai college student on Christmas eve.
Clad in green dhoti, a bare-chested Annamalai took a whip from his party worker and whipped himself repeatedly in front of his residence here as the BJP members stood around him, displaying placards condemning the police for the alleged leak of FIR pertaining to the woman’s complaint.
On Thursday, Annamalai dramatically removed his shoes at a press conference here and announced that he would not wear footwear till the ruling DMK government is dislodged.
The former IPS officer had accused the state police of deliberately disclosing the identity of the girl who was allegedly sexually assaulted. One person has been arrested in connection with the incident that happened inside the state’s premier technical varsity, Anna University.
India Bids Farewell to Visionary Leader Manmohan Singh: PM Modi Expresses Condolences 15
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid heartfelt tributes to his predecessor, Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92. Remembering him as one of India’s most distinguished leaders, Modi highlighted Singh’s wisdom, humility, and immense contributions to the nation.
Singh, revered as the architect of India’s economic reforms, rose from humble beginnings to become a respected economist and statesman. Reflecting on his legacy, Modi noted that Singh’s tenure as finance minister left an indelible mark on India’s economic policies.
In a post on X, Modi said, “His interventions in Parliament were always insightful. As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives.”
Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji and I interacted regularly when he was PM and I was the CM of Gujarat. We would have extensive deliberations on various subjects relating to governance. His wisdom and humility were always visible.
Recounting their interactions during his time as Gujarat’s chief minister while Singh served as the country’s prime minister, Modi recalled engaging in meaningful deliberations on governance and policy.
“His wisdom and humility were always visible,” Modi remarked, adding, “In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the family of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji, his friends, and countless admirers. Om Shanti.”
India mourns the loss of a visionary leader whose contributions to the nation’s progress will be remembered for generations.
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Passes Away at 92: AIIMS Delhi 17
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has passed away, AIIMS Delhi announced on Thursday night.
The 92-year-old statesman was brought to the hospital’s emergency department earlier in the evening in critical condition following a “sudden loss of consciousness,” according to the hospital authorities.
Valentina Gomez's Controversial Rhetoric and Call for Violence: A Dangerous Path 19
After the shocking NYC subway burning incident on December 22, 2024, Valentina Gomez stirred further outrage with a highly controversial and disturbing video she posted on X. In the video, Gomez, a Colombian-born American political activist, called for the public execution of undocumented immigrants who commit violent crimes against Americans. She shockingly simulated the killing of a migrant, presenting it as a form of “proof” of her defiance against the political establishment. This dangerous message quickly went viral, igniting a firestorm of backlash from across social media platforms.
Gomez’s Disturbing Call for Execution
The video was an appalling display of violent rhetoric. In it, Gomez endorsed the gruesome idea of executing immigrants accused of violent crimes, simulating the act as if it were a bold political statement. “This is my defiance of the establishment,” she claimed, as if promoting such extreme violence against a group of people was justified by her own political beliefs. The video’s release quickly gained attention, with many social media users condemning her for inciting hatred and division while also calling attention to the disturbing, unhinged tone of her messaging.
Gomez’s video was nothing short of inflammatory. She framed her message as a rejection of what she perceives to be a “weak” political establishment. However, rather than addressing the complexities of the immigration debate, she chose to spread harmful, oversimplified, and dangerous ideas. The outrage was swift and widespread. Social media users quickly took to their platforms to condemn her, pointing out the fatal flaws in her argument and the sheer recklessness of her message.
One user commented, “Instead of dividing people by labels of colour, nationality, or origin, why can’t we unite in the simple truth of good vs. evil? Who is keeping humans divided? I wonder…” The comment highlighted the central issue with Gomez’s rhetoric: her attempt to oversimplify complex societal problems and weaponize division. Another user remarked, “Okay, we’re not gonna start executing people and become the same evil. This is not the way, even if we are at our ends.” This response reflected the growing alarm over her call to violence, emphasizing that such actions only perpetuate the same kind of evil they claim to fight.
A Brief Overview of Valentina Gomez’s Background
Valentina Gomez, born on May 8, 1999, in Medellín, Colombia, moved to the United States in 2009, settling in Jersey City, New Jersey, with her family. Over the years, she has made a name for herself as a real estate investor, financier, and political activist. Her professional career includes roles in the financial sector, notably with Nestlé, where she focused on financial optimization and strategic planning. She has also gained recognition as a real estate strategist, handling multimillion-dollar investments.
Despite these professional achievements, it is Gomez’s increasingly controversial political activism that has captured the public’s attention. Beyond her corporate endeavours, Gomez co-founded Fundación Flor de Mayo, a nonprofit organisation that provides over 1,200 children in Colombia with access to education, sports, and cultural activities. However, her recent political endeavours have been marked by provocative and inflammatory actions that have earned her both support and condemnation.
The Political Campaign: Provocative and Controversial Stunts
In 2024, Gomez entered the political arena by launching her campaign for Missouri Secretary of State. Her campaign quickly became a spectacle of controversy, largely due to her inflammatory rhetoric and provocative actions. One of the most shocking moments of her campaign came when she posted a video in which she urged voters not to be “weak and gay” while running through a historically LGBTQ+ neighbourhood in St. Louis. This crude and insensitive gesture was meant to attack what she sees as the “liberal establishment,” but instead, it drew widespread outrage for its homophobic overtones.
Gomez also posted videos of herself burning LGBTQ+ books with a flamethrower, vowing to ban such books if elected. This act of destruction was seen as not only reckless but also as a direct attack on the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ individuals. The videos sparked widespread condemnation and further fuelled the perception of Gomez as a far-right extremist.
Despite the media attention these actions garnered, Gomez’s campaign ended in failure. She secured only 7.4% of the vote in the Republican primary, finishing sixth out of eight candidates. Her political career, at least for the time being, was cut short. Nevertheless, Gomez’s notoriety did not fade. She remains a polarising figure, continuing to use social media to express her controversial views and promote her far-right ideologies.
The NYC Subway Incident and Its Aftermath
On December 22, 2024, the horrific NYC subway burning incident took place at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue subway station in Brooklyn, New York. A woman was tragically set on fire while sitting on a stationary F train. The assailant, identified as 33-year-old Guatemalan citizen Sebastian Zapeta, allegedly approached the victim, who appeared to be dozing, and set her clothes ablaze using a lighter. Despite immediate attempts by nearby police officers and subway workers to extinguish the flames, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
Surveillance footage captured the chilling moments of the attack, showing Zapeta calmly setting the woman on fire before sitting on a bench and seemingly watching her burn. The brutal and senseless nature of this crime sparked outrage across the city and beyond. Public officials, including Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and NYC Mayor Eric Adams, condemned the attack as a horrific and senseless act of violence, pledging to ensure justice for the victim.
The incident has further fueled concerns about public safety, particularly within the New York City transit system, which has been plagued by rising violence in recent years. Advocacy groups have called for stronger security measures and increased police presence to protect commuters. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has pledged to review safety protocols and cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.
Gomez’s Dangerous Influence and Divisive Messaging
In light of the NYC subway burning incident, Gomez’s video calling for executions and advocating for such extreme measures has sparked outrage for all the wrong reasons. Her rhetoric, filled with hate and violence, presents a dangerous precedent. Instead of addressing the root causes of crime, immigration issues, and public safety with thoughtful and responsible dialogue, Gomez chooses to advocate for brutal, inhumane solutions that only serve to further divide society.
Gomez’s extreme far-right views have already caused significant harm to political discourse, and her recent video has only deepened the divide. While she continues to promote these divisive, toxic messages on social media, it is clear that her controversial actions and inflammatory rhetoric have crossed a dangerous line. Her call for public executions and the simulation of migrant killings are not only morally reprehensible but also a direct incitement to violence.
Conclusion: A Dangerous Path Forward
Valentina Gomez’s controversial rhetoric and actions have revealed a deeply troubling trend in political discourse. Through inflammatory language, provocative stunts, and dangerous calls for violence, Gomez has shown that she is willing to do whatever it takes to capture attention, even if it means inciting hatred and division. The tragic NYC subway incident and her subsequent video are just the latest examples of the growing influence of extremist voices in politics. If such rhetoric continues unchecked, the consequences could be dire, leading to further polarization and violence in an already fractured society.
Gomez’s brand of far-right politics may have garnered her a degree of notoriety, but it has also exposed the dangers of promoting violence as a political tool. Her calls for execution and her divisive messaging are not only irresponsible but also put lives at risk. It is crucial that we confront this toxic rhetoric and work toward healing the divides in our society, rather than exacerbating them with dangerous ideologies.
