First Indian woman ‘recruiter’ for ISIS, arrested in Hyderabad

By

-

September 11, 2015

An Indian woman, allegedly involved in carrying out recruitment for the dreaded ISIS terror outfit, was on Friday deported by UAE after which she was arrested.

37-year-old Afsha Jabeen alias ‘Nicky Joseph’ hails from Hyderabad but had been portraying herself as a British national while luring youth for ISIS through social media, officials said.

She was deported along with husband and children.

Jabeen was tracked in Abu Dhabi and after initial questioning, she was deported to Hyderabad where sleuths took her custody at the airport and questioned her. Police then arrested her and registered a case against her.

“Today, on credible information, Afsha Jabeen is taken into custody at RGI Airport, when she arrived from Dubai. As she is a co-accused in Salman’s case, she is arrested and produced in the court. Further inquiry is going on,” police said here in a brief press release.

Salman Mohiuddin, also from Hyderabad, was arrested in January this year at the airport when he was preparing to board a flight to Dubai on way to Syria via Turkey.

After that arrest, Afsha came under the lens of Indian security agencies as Salman had allegedly confessed during questioning to have opened several Facebook accounts along with one ‘Nicky Joseph’ of British national living in Dubai.

He had said that she had influenced and invited him to join her in Dubai in order to go to Syria.

Indian security agencies had also informed their British counterpart about the claims made by Salman.

However, after painstaking investigations by the Indian security agencies, it was found that she was an Indian, official sources said.

Later it was found that Jabeen was somewhere in UAE after which the authorities there were informed.

Both of them allegedly indoctrinated and motivated several youth via social media to get attracted towards the activities of ISIS and Jihad, the officials said.

Jabeen and Salman allegedly used social media to attract youth from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Bihar and other states towards the banned terror outfit.

Jabeen had gone to Abu Dhabi as a child and completed her schooling there. She came to India and graduated from Shadan college in Hyderabad and later married Devender Kumar alias Mustafa, according to the officials.

Salman had earlier said that he had met a lady during his stay in the US and identified her as Nicky Joseph alias Nicky alias Nicole alias Ayesha, a British national and a neo-Muslim based in Dubai with a fundamentalist leaning towards Islam, the officials said.

In 2014, after the establishment of the caliphate in Iraq and Syria, Salman and Nicky started taking interest in development activities of the Islamic State. They created various Facebook groups under pseudo names and started attracting people who were interested in ISIS, it is alleged.

Two judges caught in corruption case; sent to judicial custody

By

Afternoon Voice

-

September 11, 2015

Two judges, who were suspended last month on charges of taking money to settle cases during their posting in Vapi court in 2014, have been arrested by the vigilance cell of the Gujarat High Court under Prevention of Corruption Act.

Judges -AD Acharya and P D Inamdar, who were caught on camera allegedly discussing about settlement of money to pass favourable orders, were today sent to 14 days judicial custody by a Valsad court.

According to Registrar General of the High Court B N Karia, the vigilance cell investigated the case and filed an FIR in the case of alleged corruption.

Karia said they have been produced in a Valsad court and the Vigilance Department of the High Court has also initiated process of the case.

According to sources in the High Court, the two arrested judges were kept in the Gujarat High Court building on Wednesday and were produced before a Valsad district court.

The two judges were today sent to the judicial custody in Navsari sub-jail jail by Valsad district court judge M M Mansuri after they unsuccessfully moved a bail plea before the court.

The Vigilance Cell of the High court initiated inquiry in the case on a complaint by a Vapi-based lawyer Jagat Patel who had alleged that they indulged in corruption.

According to Patel’s complaint, he had fixed spy cameras in the court-rooms of both the judges which recorded their activities for three months from February to April 2014.

Six Indians killed in Saudi-led air strikes in Yemen: MEA

By

Afternoon Voice

-

September 11, 2015

Six Indians have been killed after their boat came under Saudi-led air strikes in Yemen, External Affairs Ministry said on Friday.

The six were among seven nationals who were initially reported missing when two boats, ‘Mustafa’ and ‘Asmar’, carrying a total of 21 Indian nationals, came under aerial attack on September 8.

“It is now regrettably informed that late at night on 10 September; the bodies of six of the missing persons present on the two boats were recovered and were brought to the Military Hospital.

“The families of the deceased have been informed, and their verbal consent has been taken for appropriate funeral rites to be performed in Hodeidah as per religious practises,” MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

He also noted that the Indian embassy in Yemen’s Camp Office in Djibouti has been constantly in touch with authorities and local contacts to ascertain more details.

“Of the remaining 15 Indians on the two boats, 14 are safe in Hodeidah, and of these four are undergoing treatment in a local hospital. All the 14 are in regular touch with their families. One person is still missing, and the Mission is working with the local authorities and contacts to ascertain his whereabouts,” he added.

Some media reports, quoting residents and fishermen, on Tuesday had claimed that at least 20 Indian nationals were killed in air strikes by Saudi-led coalition forces on fuel smugglers at Hodeidah port.

India does not have an Embassy in Yemen which was shut down in April after evacuation of its nationals.

West Bengal government to declassify 64 files relating to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: Mamata

By

Afternoon Voice

-

September 11, 2015

Stressing the need to solve the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday announced that the state government will declassify 64 files relating to the great Indian freedom fighter on September 18.

West Bengal Chief Minister confirmed the news and said, “We have decided to put in public domain all government files on Netaji that we have.”

“Still the mystery surrounding Netaji continues to be unsolved. So whatever files we have we will declassify which may help in unravelling the mystery. From next Friday (September 18) the documents will be open for the public, they will be kept at the city police archive,” said Banerjee.

“I don’t think the documents relate to any issues concerning internal security or the like,” said Banerjee claiming that she was not initially aware about their existence.

“Even we were not aware that we had such files. We believed all such files on Netaji were with the central government. Nobody before bothered or gave a thought that files on Netaji can also be with the state government.

“Going through other files we came across these documents and we decided to make them public. It is a big decision,” added Banerjee.

A host of Netaji descendants and researchers have been campaigning for declassification of secret files on Netaji. The campaigners have been claiming that over 100 such files are with the central government and at least 64 files with the Bengal government.

Meanwhile, Netaji’s grand nephew and convener of Open Platform Chandra Kumar Bose welcomed the decision.

Open Platform for Netaji is a forum comprising a host of descendants of the nationalist leader and researchers steadfastly campaigning for declassification of the secret Netaji files.

“We wholeheartedly welcome the decision. It is a great decision and will pave the way in unravelling what actually happened to Netaji. I think her decision will also prompt the Centre to take a decision in this regard,” said Chandra Kumar.

Assuring to resolve the mystery around his disappearance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier told family members of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose that it was the country’s responsibility to resolve the case soon.

Furthermore, bureaucrats at the Prime Minister’s Office, home ministry and ministry of external affairs have so far stonewalled attempts to access the classified files that can throw light on Netaji’s disappearance.

On August 22, 1945, Tokyo Radio broadcast announced the ‘death’ of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in an air crash in Formosa (now Taiwan) on August 18, 1945, en route to Japan.

‘Social media is always harsh against ruling government’

By

Afternoon Voice

-

September 11, 2015

Shaina NC is an Indian fashion designer, politician and a social worker. She is the daughter of former Sheriff of Mumbai, Nana Chudasama, a well-known personality who is a director on the boards of several companies. For glamour value, she is a high-profile fashion designer and renowned socialite. A fashion designer, she is often referred to as Queen of Drapes. She holds a record in Guinness Book of World Records for draping fastest saree.

Shaina entered in politics in 2004 and joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She holds the positions of National Spokesperson of the BJP, member of the National Executive Council of BJP and a treasurer of the party’s Maharashtra unit. Here are excerpts of the interview with our correspondent Akshay Redij

Tell us about your journey from fashion designing to BJP, two extreme different fields? What has fascinated you about politics?
I am a student of political science and law, and I always say fashion is my profession and politics my passion. And most people feel that what is she doing in the politics? I don’t think we should stereotype, I make my money in fashion, to be honest. People always say that Shaina is non-corrupt that is because I have profession to back me.

My first love is fashion designing. I am very fascinated by the Saree, and I drape it in 54 styles, and I think all Indians don’t realize what beauty of the saree is. You need to understand that saree is not just a national costume but it is named under 12 international garments.

As an individual and Nana’s daughter you have contributed a lot to this city. Now your party is in power what further welfare can we expect?
My father has always called himself a legitimate voice of descent; he has always believed that there are people who are part of the problem and part of the solution; we are all part of the solution.

I along with my father are associated with welfare or organizations like, ‘Mumbai Majhi Laadki’ which focuses on environment and ‘Giants International’ which works for the betterment of the society.

These days BJP’s new face is visible on television, hence your appearance will be limited here after? What is the biggest challenge as a spokesperson of the party?
Competition is okay, but you need to create your space and a spokesperson’s image, which I was very much successful in creating. I can effectively speak in front of 10,000 people. You either possess oratory skills or you don’t.

How is the support on social media from traditional BJP supporters?
Social media is always very harsh, and when you’re a part of ruling government it is harsher. When we were in the opposition people were more supportive towards us. I think people have too much expectations from us.

Shiv Sena is opposing the meat ban? Why is Sena always attacking BJP despite having an alliance with it?
It is not about alliance, if they want to discuss anything then they should do it in the house. The meat ban practice during the Paryushan festival began in 1964 when a resolution was passed which said that meat should be banned for one day during the Paryushan period. In 1994 the tenure was increased to two days. The Congress-NCP government passed another resolution of extending the ban to four days, which has been followed till date. People are targeting BJP over the meat ban but what mistake has our party committed as this practice had existed since 2004?

What are the BJP’s notable achievements after they came to power in the state?
Through the ‘Jan Hit Shibir’ programme we are providing relief to people affected due to drought. We have procured 5-lac solar power pumps for the farmers. We are constructing 50000 nullahs for constructions.

I believe we are heading in the right direction and we have succeeded a government which was involved in scams. We are trying to streamline things and undo the damage done by them.

These days people are criticizing about RSS’s influence on BJP. What is your take about it?
RSS is a nationalistic organization, which believes in Indian-nation building. Those people who are unaware about the outfit pass comments about it. RSS is the only organization comprising 40-lakh ‘Swayamsevaks’ who keeps India’s interest at the forefront.

How you deal with the unprofessional approach of media? These days many BJP leaders have addressed Media as Bazaru and Prestitute. What is your opinion about today’s media?
Some section of the media needs to be more responsible; they can’t have opinions and agenda for everything. Media should publish reports after verifying the facts and should not sensationalise news.

What is your message for our twitter readers in 140 characters?
Discuss, debate and find a solution to the problem. Don’t be judgmental on everything; always realize there can be two or three opinions on an issue.

Focus on core issues

By

Mahendra Singh

-

September 11, 2015

It is sin to be poor and wretched. The message seems to be to make money at whatever cost. People expect police to do everything. They are expected to keep severely decomposed bodies safely by picking them up physically and eat only vada-pav and drink contaminated tap water. Mahatma Gandhi kept surroundings clean so we must only cash in on that and stop worrying about the filth around us. Last year Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan with much fanfare. The government had promised to gift a Clean India to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary.

Modi himself had taken a broom to sweep street of New Delhi. Many celebrities had emulated him as some of them received flak for turning the mission into a photo op event. Even though one year has passed but results are not visible as we can find filth and garbage accumulated on streets. Garbage lies unattended everyday, rivers stink with sewage and more than half the 1.2 billion population continues to defecate in the open. Swachh Bharat mission should become an ongoing process and must not become a photo-op event.

Yesterday, I had read a newspaper report which mentioned that there is shortage of welding instructors and electricians at ITI. We seek the assistance of foreign countries to overcome this shortage so that youth can become proficient in various trades. Our government must take urgent steps to resolve this matter. If youth become skilled workers they can stand on their own feet instead of depending on government jobs and indulge in corruption.

The BMC has imposed 20 per cent water cut in the city due to deficient rains. Apart from that, there will be 50 per cent cut in supply to large users like swimming pools, malls and air conditioning plants. Water levels in reservoirs are 28 per cent lower than the same period last year, and 25 per cent lower when compared to the average between 2005-2014.

The civic body is planning to impose an additional 10% water cut if the catchment areas doesn’t receive any rainfall in September. Water cut is likely to be imposed after the Ganesh festival. The BMC supplies approximately 3,750 million litres of water to the city daily. However, with water cuts being imposed, only 3,200 million litres of water is being picked up from the seven lakes. Often the city receives good monsoon in August resulting in a rise in the lake levels. However, this time the water level of lakes is falling due to deficient rains. The civic body has already started appealing to people to conserve water for overcoming the shortage. Citizens must avoid wasting water and also plug the leakage of taps.

Sushant will be fantastic as Dhoni says, John Abraham (optional)

By

Afternoon Voice

-

September 11, 2015

John Abraham, who shares a great bond with Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, is happy with the film being made on him and thinks actor Sushant Singh Rajput will do a great job.

“M S Dhoni: The Untold Story” is an upcoming biopic directed by Neeraj Pandey. “He (Dhoni) is a friend and I am glad a film is being made on Mahi’s life. I am happy about it. I respect the vision of the director,” John told PTI.

The 29-year-old “Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!” actor will essay the role of one of India’s most successful captain, while Kiara Advani will feature as his wife Sakshi Singh Dhoni.

“I respect the director and the actor for doing this film. I am sure Sushant will be fantastic and will do good work,” the “Madras Cafe” star said.

John, 42, is currently working on “Force 2” and is busy shooting in Budapest (Hungary) along with Sonakshi Sinha, who plays a RAW agent.

Not nervous about ‘Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon’: Kapil Sharma

By

Afternoon Voice

-

September 11, 2015

Stand-up comedian Kapil Sharma is anything but nervous ahead of the release of his debut film “Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoo” as he is happy to have come a long way in his career.

The 34-year-old “Comedy Nights with Kapil” star is making his foray into Bollywood with filmmaker duo Abbas-Mustan’s romantic-comedy.

“There is no nervousness about the film. I have come far in life and have achieved so much that I don’t get nervous now. I have love of my fans and that is enough. I am really happy with the response to the film’s songs and trailers, so now I am looking forward to the film’s release,” said Kapil.

The actor rose to fame after he won a reality comedy competition series in 2007.

“I won’t leave ‘Comedy Night with Kapil’. I love hosting the show. I can juggle between films and TV. I don’t intend to leave television,” he said.

The actor is in talks for a few scripts but has not signed anything yet.

“Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon”, also starring Arbaaz Khan, Elli Avram, Varun Sharma and Manjari Phadnis among others, is set to release on September 25.

Consider myself lucky to work with Salman: Neil

By

Afternoon Voice

-

September 11, 2015

Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh, who has wrapped up the shooting for “Prem Ratan Dhan Payo”, says he considers himself “lucky” to work with Salman Khan and director Sooraj Barjatya.

“I consider myself very lucky to work with Salman bhai and Sooraj ji. It’s a legacy; I am a part of a project I dreamt of,” said Neil.

The actor also recalled the time when his mother helped him buy tickets of “Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!”

“Me and my sister wanted to watch ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!’ as soon as possible when it released in 1994. We were kids then. Mom made this happen by buying tickets in black at Rs.500 each for them otherwise it was house full show on first day’s first show,” he said.

He disclosed that it was big money then for their family when actual ticket rates were around Rs. 25.

“When we thanked mom for showing the movie, she said that I could pay her back when I might do a film with the banner under Rajshree Productions one day,” he reminisced.

“Prem Ratan Dhan Payo” also marks Salman’s return to a Barjatya film after 15 years.

Work in progress, but where?

By

Afternoon Voice

-

September 10, 2015

BJP leaders speak about the achievements of the Fadnavis government after coming to power.

The Fadnavis government will be completing one year on October 31. In its 11 month tenure the government has undertaken some development works whereas some of its policies were criticised by citizens and opposition parties. Meanwhile, ahead of the state government completing a year in office, the Chief Minister’s Office has asked all departments to list various decisions taken by them during this period.

The state government had passed the Maharashtra Guarantee of Public Services Act to improve transparency and delivery of services to citizens from the government machinery. The government had notified more than 110 services and said it will make most of them available online in the near future. The 110 services notified by key departments such as home (17), urban development department (30), transport (14), skill development (2), water conservation (9), rural development (13), revenue (14), medical education (7), minority (1) and law and judiciary (2). The Act includes a penalty for default on part of the government employee, which ranges between Rs 500 and Rs 5,000. The Act has three-tier appellate authorities; first two are government officials and third will be a Right To Service commission headed by a retired civil servant or a prominent personality from sectors other than politics.

When AV spoke to Gopal Shetty, BJP MP said, “We have opened the Jan-Sewa Kendra for providing quick solutions to the problems of residents. The government has given a go ahead for the construction of Metro 2 and Metro 3 project. We have already enacted a legislation to ban beef in the state. Several amendments have been made in the SRA project to enable applicants to get houses in the SRA schemes faster.”

“The government will be providing employment to labourers affected due to drought. It will supply drinking water to the drought hit villages through railway wagons” he added.

Yogesh Sagar, BJP MLA he said, “The government has already given a nod to the coastal road project which will ease the city’s transportation woes. We have waived off the fees of farmers children and also have relaxed the registration fees for land or home transfers. The government has sanctioned the Indu Mill land for the construction of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s statue. We will undertake a pilot project of using wastewater for power plants, even if the area is not drought affected.”

Atul Bhatkhalkar, BJP MLA from Kandivali (E) said, “Our government has followed transparency while discharging its duties. In an attempt to give fillip to the Make in Maharashtra campaign and attract more investments, the state government reduced the number of permissions required for starting a business from 75 to 26. It has initiated a process to simplify the procedure of converting farm land to set up factories and removed some hitches in obtaining environmental clearance among other things. We have started ‘Shashvat City Project’ for rural areas and every year we are going to construct 5,000 small towns and have allotted funds for the same.”

Narendra Mehta, BJP MLA said, “All major or small tolls were abolished except for four major tolls booths in Mumbai. We were successful in seeking permission from the centre for the construction of coastal road project. Mira-Bhayander was facing water scarcity problem. The state government has sanctioned Rs 200 crore for resolving this issue. The government has sanctioned funds for the construction of Dahisar Link road project.”

“The reforms in the industrial sector have sent out a positive signal to the business community. By scrapping the river regulatory zone and relaxing regulations for reservations in forest, the government has proved industry comes first.”