SIT drops non-bailable charges in H D Revanna sexual abuse case; he withdraws bail application 2
JD(S) MLA and former minister H D Revanna on Friday withdrew his bail application in a Bengaluru sessions court, after a Special Investigation Team told the court that there are no non-bailable charges against him in the case of his alleged sexual abuse of his house-help. Revanna, who is a JD(S) MLA from Holenarasipura constituency in Hassan district, is the son of former prime minister and JD(S) patriarch H D Deve Gowda and elder brother of former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy.
He moved the court after a case of molestation was registered against him and his son Prajwal Revanna by a woman who worked in their household.
Prajwal is the current MP of Hassan and also the Lok Sabha poll candidate of the BJP-JD(S) alliance.
Scores of explicit video clips allegedly involving the 33-year-old MP sexually abusing several women had started making the rounds in Hassan in recent days.
Polling was held in Hassan on April 26, after which the JD(S) leadership suspended Prajwal.
The JD(S) had joined the NDA in September last year. Revanna’s decision follows a clarification from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) indicating that they have not invoked any non-bailable charges against him in the case of alleged sexual abuse.
The development comes against the backdrop of heightened scrutiny surrounding Revanna’s familial ties and political prominence within the JD(S).
Revanna withdrew his bail application after the SIT’s clarification to the sessions court, affirming that no non-bailable charges have been levelled against him in the case.
Maharashtra government demands severe action against deepfake content creators 4
The Maharashtra government on Friday directed the state police to take stern action against those creating deepfakes, saying such content is a cause for concern amid the poll season. According to an official release, the number of deepfakes and doctored photos being circulated on social media and digital media has risen during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Deepfake is a video of a person in which their appearance has been digitally altered so that they look like somebody else.
Such manipulated content is being created using “machine learning (ML) or artificial intelligence (AI)”, it said, adding that the use of this machinery during elections is a cause for concern.
Deepfake content creates misunderstanding and is defamatory, said the government. The government has asked the Director-General of Police (DGP) to curb such practices and ensure a clean and transparent electoral process. The police have been asked to take stern action against “anti-social elements making and circulating such content”, the release said.
The order comes days after the Mumbai police registered a case against a Youth Congress social media handle and 16 others for allegedly sharing a deepfake of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
In the fake video, the BJP leader was purportedly seen announcing the curtailment of reservation rights of the SCs, STs and OBCs. Last month, the Maharashtra police had booked an X user for allegedly uploading a deepfake video where Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh appeared to be making an appeal to vote for Congress.
Amid Shah's Razakars remark, Owaisi asserts loyalty of Muslim community 6
Taking exception to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s comments that Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency was held by a representative of ‘Razakars’, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi said the Nizam’s private militia had fled the country and that those who are loyal stayed back.
Addressing an election rally here Thursday night, he said BJP leaders have often made statements (about Hyderabad LS seat) that ‘Razakars have ruled over for 40 years’, ‘old city is den of ISIS’ and surgical strikes would be carried out.
Why this hatred for Shah and his party men towards the old city of Hyderabad (which mainly constitutes the LS seat)? he asked.
”There are no Razakars here. Humans live here. Those who were Razakars fled to Pakistan. Those who are loyal to the country stayed back here and have been defeating RSS since 40 years and defeat you and Modi again this time,” he said.
‘Hindu brothers’, including Dalits, people belonging to backward classes, those from Rajasthan and different other communities live in the Hyderabad Parliamentary constituency, Owaisi pointed out.
Responding to Shah’s comments that there is no need for anyone to scare this time, he said none is intimidated in the constituency.
Amit Shah should have fought against him from Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat, he said.
The senior BJP leader has come to know which direction the wind is blowing in Hyderabad LS constituency, Owaisi said.
”Saying that Razakars have occupied for 40 years, is Hyderabad not an unbreakable part of India? Hyderabad is an unbreakable part of India and it will remain so. But, the country’s home minister is nervous…,” he said. Amit Shah on Wednesday urged the voters of Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency to elect BJP candidate K Madhavi Latha and ”liberate” the seat from ”Razakars”, who were armed supporters of Nizam.
Asaduddin Owaisi is seeking re-election from the Hyderabad constituency in the present Lok Sabha polls for a fifth term.
Lok Sabha polls 2024: Congress fields Rahul Gandhi from Raebareli, KL Sharma from Amethi 8
After days of suspense, Congress on Friday named Rahul Gandhi as its candidate from its traditional bastion of Raebareli Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh Rahul Gandhi is pitted against the BJP’s Dinesh Pratap Singh.
Rahul currently represents Wayanad in the Lok Sabha while Smriti Irani is bidding for a fresh term from Amethi. Raebareli was held by Sonia Gandhi who became a member of Rajya Sabha. The Congress party has also named Kishori Lal Sharma, a party loyalist from Amethi, the seat Rahul Gandhi lost in the 2019 general elections to BJP leader Smriti Irani.
Sonia Gandhi contested elections from here in 1999 before passing the baton on to Rahul in 2004. Irani had earlier filed her nomination as the BJP candidate for Amethi.
These seats are going to polls in the fifth phase on May 20. Rahul represented Amethi in the Lok Sabha from 2004 to 2019. His father and former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, too, was an elected member of Amethi in the Lower House from 1981 till his death in 1991.
Friday is the last date for filing nominations for the seats that will go to the polls on May 20 in the fifth phase of the seven-phase general elections. The party has won the Congress bastion in all but three Lok Sabha elections since 1951. Before Sonia Gandhi, former Indira Gandhi had won from Raebareli three times. The constituency also elected Indira’s husband and Congress leader Feroze Gandhi twice, in 1952 and 1957. A member of the Nehru-Gandhi family has not contested the seat just twice, in 1962 and 1999.
Both constituencies are traditional strongholds of the Gandhi-Nehru family, with its members holding these seats for decades. The Congress, which is contesting 17 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh as part of the seat-sharing deal with the Samajwadi Party (SP), has announced candidates for all the seats barring Amethi and Raebareli.
Rahul’s defeat in Amethi, once considered a Congress ‘pocket borough’, at the hands of Smriti Irani in the 2019 polls was seen as a significant blow to the party’s national prestige.
Shaurya Mehta and Srishty Rode shine in 'Dil Ye Dilbarro' music video 10
Renowned singer, composer, and songwriter Shaurya Mehta has once again captivated music lovers with his latest release, the mesmerising music video ‘Dil Ye Dilbarro’. Teaming up with the talented Srishty Rode, this duet showcases Shaurya’s versatile talent and heartfelt compositions. With soulful lyrics by Kaushal Kishore and melodious vocals by Rupali Jagga and Shaurya himself, the song strikes a chord with listeners, evoking a range of emotions.
Speaking about the song, Shaurya expressed his excitement, emphasizing the beauty of ‘Dil Ye Dilbarro’ and its resonance with audiences. The picturesque backdrop of Ladakh adds an extra layer of charm to the music video, with Shaurya donning the Indian Army uniform in a tribute to the sacrifices made by our troops. Despite facing challenges during the shoot, including harsh weather conditions, Shaurya’s dedication to his craft shines through, resulting in a visually stunning and emotionally stirring production.
The collaboration with Srishty Rode, Rupali Jagga, and Kaushal Kishore has been instrumental in bringing ‘Dil Ye Dilbarro’ to life. Each member of the team has contributed their unique talents, resulting in a seamless blend of music, lyrics, and visuals. Shaurya’s commitment to pushing creative boundaries is evident in the incorporation of Kashmiri poetry into the song, adding a distinct cultural flavor to the composition.
Furthermore, the decision to embrace spatial sound with Dolby Atmos enhances the auditory experience, immersing listeners in the richness and depth of the music. Despite the physical challenges faced during the shoot, Shaurya’s passion for his art fuels his determination, as evidenced by his willingness to go the extra mile to ensure the success of the project.
Looking ahead, Shaurya is determined to expand his musical horizons, with aspirations of lending his voice to movies and OTT platforms. His collaborative spirit and dedication to his craft have earned him praise from his fellow artists, including Srishty Rode, Kaushal Kishore, and Rupali Jagga. As ‘Dil Ye Dilbarro’ continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, Shaurya’s musical journey is poised to reach greater heights, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of music enthusiasts everywhere.
16th Newsmakers Achievers Award 2024: Celebrating Excellence across fields 12
Glitz, glamour, and a heartwarming celebration of excellence filled the air as Afternoon Voice, rolled out the red carpet for its 16th Newsmakers Achievers Award on May 1, 2024. The grand event, held at a prestigious venue in Mumbai, brought together a galaxy of stars and stalwarts from diverse domains.
Amidst the aura of anticipation, Mrs. Amruta Fadnavis, a beacon of social change, graced the occasion as the chief guest and received the esteemed Best Social Entrepreneur award. In her heartfelt address, Mrs. Fadnavis expressed her gratitude for the recognition and emphasised the importance of uplifting those who strive to make a positive impact on society.
The event also saw the spotlight shining bright on distinguished guests, including His Excellency Mr. Harjinder Kang, His Excellency Mr. Satinder Pal Ahuja, and His Excellency Mr. Kobbi Shoshani, who were lauded for their efforts in fostering global harmony and understanding.
Vaidehi Taman, Editor-in-Chief of Afternoon Voice, emphasised the importance of recognising deserving individuals without succumbing to commercial pressures. “I want to fight the commercialization of awards; I want to genuinely appreciate all deserving people with unconditional love,” said Taman.
The event also witnessed the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement awards to eminent personalities in their respective fields:
Padma Shri Dr. Puru Dadheech – Kathak Dancer and Choreographer Padma Shri Darshana Jhaveri – Classical Manipuri Dancer KC Bokadia – Film Director and Writer Salma Aagha – Best Women and Child Activist
In the entertainment category, notable achievers who were honoured include:
Adah Sharma – Best Film Actress Deepak Tijori – Best Versatile Actor Madhoo Shah – Best Versatile Actress Heena D’Souza – Best Film Director Rasika Aghashe – Best Theatre Personality Shirish Joshi – Best Whistling Musician Araham Sawant – Best Ad Film Actor
Recognising outstanding contributions in the social sector, the following individuals were awarded:
Dr. Tatyasaheb Lahane – Best Doctor and Surgeon Nitu Joshi – Best Social Worker Mangesh Chivate – Best Working Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Jitendra Pardeshi – Best Performing Officer Dr. Nia Padmapani – Best Doctor (Transgender) Arjun Deshpande – Best Entrepreneur
In the political category, the awards were conferred upon:
Dharmaraobaba Atram – Best People’s Leader Preeti Sharma Menon – Best Working Politician
The media category saw the recognition of the following achievers:
Dr. Uday Nirgudkar – Best Anchor Shriram Shinde – Best Journalist
The 16th Newsmakers Achievers Award was a testament to Afternoon Voice’s commitment to honouring individuals who are making significant contributions to society and inspiring positive change.
Childless-couple are the major consumers of child-selling racket 14
Recently, Mumbai Police busted a child-selling racket that is operating across three states. The Mumbai police found that a majority of the couples who ‘bought’ the children were childless couples. These couples were promised that the legal process was being followed. So far, police have not found that any of the children were being used for illegal activities.
Of the 14 children that were sold from Maharashtra, three were given to childless couples by taking huge money from them in Maharashtra, while 11 were sold to couples in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Of the 14, four children were rescued and handed over to the Bal Asha Trust in Mahalaxmi.
A tip-off received by Unit II of the Mumbai Crime Branch that gusted the supposed racket. The police had a tip-off that a Govandi resident, Sheetal Vare, had sold a child to one Dr Sanjay Khandare (BHMS), who, through another agent, had sold the girl child to the Ratnagiri-based couple for Rs 2 lakh. Based on the interrogation of Vare and other agents, the police found out about the 14 instances of children being sold in the past two years.
Ragasudha R, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Enforcement), said, “In most of the cases, there is constant demand for the children from childless couples in Hyderabad and Andhra Pradesh. “In one case, we also rescued a five-month-old baby from a couple over 50 years of age and living in Ratnagiri. In their statement, they claimed that the accused woman who promised them a child said that it was being done through a legal process and they should get the paperwork for the adoption too. We are checking if the couple was unaware that this was illegal,” DCP Ragasudha said.
So far, the police have arrested 14 people. The accused are mainly women working at fertility centres in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, and Mumbai who are aware of couples trying to have children. The accused would approach these couples and promise to get children from another state as the adoption process was time-consuming, the police said. The fertility centre agents would then approach their counterparts in other states like Maharashtra, where the agents would look for women from a poor background who were willing to give birth. An officer said that since Telangana is a hub for fertility centres, many of the accused may have been operating from there.
They would lure the women using money and tell them that their children would have a better future. While the women would get around Rs 20,000-Rs 25,000, the agents would generally make Rs 50,000 each. The children were sold for anywhere between Rs 80,000 and Rs 4 lakh, the police said.
The courts have in the past taken a kind view of couples accused of ‘purchasing’ children, especially when they have been together for a few years. In at least two cases, the courts have allowed these couples to get custody of the child, keeping in mind the well-being of the children.
'Ghat Ghat Mein Panchi Bolta Hai': A fresh breeze in theatre plays 16
‘Ghat Ghat Mein Panchi Bolta Hai‘: The play opens with a song and dance moves. Due to poor audio quality and a few lengthy dance moves, the drama makes you yawn.
‘Ghat Ghat Mein Panchi Bolta Hai‘: The play opens with a song and dance moves. Soon after that, Sandip Soparrkar, a renowned dancer and choreographer, introduces all the characters, and the play begins with each character’s agony, confessions, pain, and mixed emotions. It is a brutally hard-hitting drama on gender-based violence. Each character tells their side of the story and how their relationship with the one-man set-in chains the fall of the axiomatic mound of cards. ‘Ghat Ghat Mein Panchi Bolta Hai‘ is a collection of letters between two families, three generations, and seven characters. They are entangled in each other’s lives. Most of the women may not confess, but in their lifetimes, they are abused, put on trial, attacked, and deprived, but they keep silent just to pretend everything is alright. They fear being a social so-called shame. This play fearlessly confronts the disturbing realities of violence and abuse in our homes. Silence often dominates cruel realism, even in the most educated and fortunate families. With unwavering honesty, the play aims to question this silence and denial of people.
Sandip Soparrkar was charming, graceful in his dance steps and composed in his acting. The first time I saw him live, to my surprise, he was just amazing in his performance; rather, the entire story revolves around him. Other actors, Taranjit Kaur, Priyasha Bhardwaj, Mahima Mishra, Padma Damodaran, and Swaroopa Ghosh, were good in their given roles.
Mahima Mishra was the show stopper and she stole the show. She played the role of Soparrkar’s daughter. She represented today’s young generation. She knows how to modulate her voice; she was very good at toeing the emotions from one expression to another. She is very innocent looking yet modern and very commanding in her speech, which brings reasoning. She is the fresh face in the theatre.
While watching the play, you go on an emotional roller-coaster ride. You would be numb to see the trauma of paedophilia and the stigma surrounding it, and the more incongruously repressed it is, the more it reveals its ugly head, destroying even more lives. Kumud, Priyasha Bhardwaj’s cuddling pillow and innocently accepting child sexual abuse because she refuses to believe she’s a victim were heartbreaking sights. The play deals with questions of underage consent, morality, and the burden of shame. At the same time, it unseats the assumptions of those sitting on the high seat by exposing the common emotions that can force one to act in the way these characters did.
This drama is presented by Sakshi, an NGO headquartered in New Delhi, that focuses on gender and equality. Directed by Smita Bharti, the show presents different shades of close relationships, which are very. The choreography by Ashutosh Arya could have been better.
‘Ghat Ghat Mein Panchi Bolta Hai‘ is a must-watch because the subject they chose is a universal issue. That needs to be discussed openly. The play delves into the thoughtful impact of generational suffering, the destruction of societal values, and the burden of collective denial. ‘Ghat Ghat Mein Panchi Bolta Hai‘ serves as a resounding wake-up call, urging audiences to confront the grave consequences of a society that chooses to avert its gaze from uncomfortable truths.
Amazing Street photography of homeless people living on the street 18
You may have noticed many people taking photos with cameras, but let us introduce you to a remarkable initiative involving homeless citizens living on Mumbai’s streets. 13 captivating photos from their cameras have been selected for the appealing My Mumbai Calendar of 2024. This collection of 1350 photos can be considered a treasure, offering not only a unique perspective of Mumbai but also showcasing its evolving landscape.
Under the leadership of Brijesh Arya, the chairman of the ‘Pehchan’ organisation, homeless individuals residing on Mumbai’s streets were given the opportunity to exhibit their artistic talents. Those whose photos made it to the calendar were honoured with medals by RTI activist Anil Galgali. Arya elaborated that, with the assistance of Paul Ryan from My World London, fifty cameras from Fuji Film were provided free of charge.
A total of 1350 photos were captured, out of which 105 were selected for the calendar. Four judges from Mumbai, namely Pareri Subramaniam, Iyan Pereira, Rajiv Asgavkar, and Rajan Nandwana, along with St. Xavier’s, curated the 13 best photos. These images underwent further refinement at Café Art London for calendar printing, which was inaugurated by Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Devendra Fadnavis, who commended the artistry of the homeless.
The calendar features photos by various individuals, including Aarti Kharwa (on the front page), Nitin Kharwa (for January), Firoz Shah (for February), Sunil Kharwa (for March), Nitin Kharwa (for April), Rahul Parmar (for May), Sikander Mansuri (for June), Sheila Pawar (for July), Suresh Pawar (for August), Akash Kharwa (for September), Sunanda Gaikwad (for October), Shobha Kharwa (for November), and Anil Butia (for December). Subhash Rokade and student volunteers Dhwanit, Ashlyn, and Shrea contributed to the project by capturing and compiling photos.
"People of Delhi will respond to Kejriwal's arrest with their votes…" says Atishi at 'Jail ka Jawaab Vote Se' Sankalp Sabha 20
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi minister Atishi emphasized the people’s support for Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal following his arrest. According to Atishi, the citizens of Delhi see the charges against Kejriwal as unfounded and are prepared to express their dissatisfaction at the ballot box. At the ‘Jail ka Jawaab Vote Se’ Sankalp Sabha held at Kondli constituency of East Delhi on Monday, Delhi Atishi said, “Hundreds of people from nearby areas came and, with one voice, they all said that the false allegations leading to Arvind Kejriwal’s imprisonment would be answered with their votes, by voting for the Aam Aadmi Party.”
Atishi highlighted the bond between the people of Delhi and Arvind Kejriwal, describing him as more than just a political leader. “The people of Delhi are deeply saddened by Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest. For the people of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal is not just a Chief Minister, he is like a son, a brother, someone who has given the children of Delhi a good education, provided free bus travel for women, enabled senior citizens to undertake pilgrimages, and ensured 24-hour electricity.
“Today, the people of Delhi are standing with Arvind Kejriwal and will respond to his arrest with their votes,” he added. Atishi’s speech was delivered as part of the election campaign in East Delhi, focusing on supporting Kuldeep Kumar’s candidacy in the Kondli constituency. The rally drew hundreds of attendees from nearby areas, who echoed Atishi’s sentiments about Kejriwal’s imprisonment and pledged to respond with their votes.
Meanwhile, on April 22 the Rouse Avenue Court declined a plea moved by Kejriwal, who Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 by the Directorate of Enforcement in connection with the Delhi excise policy case, seeking direction to jail authorities to administer insulin and allow him to consult through video conferencing daily for 15 minutes concerning his acute diabetes and fluctuating blood sugar level. However, the court directed the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) to constitute a medical board to examine Kejriwal’s health.
The Special Judge Kaveri Baweja while passing the order stated that directions are hereby passed qua the prayer of the applicant for the administration of insulin and also to ensure that the applicant is provided all the requisite medical treatment. “Though it shall continue to be the primary duty of Tihar Jail authorities, who are stated to be fully equipped to take care of the health of the applicant, to ensure that all requisite medical treatment is provided to him in jail, however, in the event of any requirement for specialized consultation, the jail Authorities shall consult the Medical Board to be constituted by Director, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), comprising of a senior endocrinologist, diabetologist, as per the request made on April 20, already sent by DG Prisons,” said the Court.
Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 by the Directorate of Enforcement in connection with the Delhi excise policy case.
