After decades of trials, Delhi court on Monday held Ariz Khan responsible for killing inspector Mohan Chand Sharma, along with his co-conspirator, in the Batla House encounter which took place in 2008 at Delhi. Ariz Khan was arrested by Delhi Special Cell in February 2018 after being on the run for 10 years.
He has been convicted under sections 302, 307, 333, and 353 (which deal with assault or grievous hurt to a public servant in the discharge of his duty), 186 (which has provisions of punishment for people who prevent a public servant from discharging their duties), 34 and 174A of the Indian penal Code (IPC) as well as Section 27 of the Arms Act (which provides for a jail sentence to those who are found in possession of arms illegally).
The encounter took place only after a seven-member Delhi Police team led by Mohan Chand Sharma Inspector in the Special Cell of Delhi police, stumbled upon IM commander Atif Amin and his companions in their rented address at L-18, Batla House on 19 September 2008 morning. The team had received unambiguous information that a suspected person wanted in connection with the serial bomb blasts in Delhi was hiding in a flat in the Batla House area of Jamia Nagar.
Upon reaching the four-storied house the police’s attempt to storm the flat on the second floor at around 10:30 AM (IST) led to a heavy exchange of fire. Sharma received the first explosion of fire from the terrorists holed up inside. In this incident, Sharma lost his life while two other police officers were injured.
In 2013, Shazad Ahmed, who, too, had escaped the Batla House shootout with Khan, was convicted and sentenced. Two of their accomplices, Atif Amin and Mohammed Saif were killed in the incident, while one managed to escape.
Year after year, March 8 is celebrated as International Women’s Day is celebrated across the world celebrating the achievements of women in social, economic, cultural, and other fields. Despite facing N number of challenges either by society or by the family, women have proved their mettle in every sphere. On the occasion of International Women’s Day, we asked women from different fields and walks of life on ‘What Women’s Day means to them?’ Here is what they have to say.
Dr. Shradha Maheshwari, a neurosurgeon from Mumbai said, “Women often undermine their contributions whether it is at home, at work or any other platform. Women’s day is a reminder to women themselves first and then to others that these contributions matter. Let’s acknowledge the fact that every role is significant and get ourselves inspired by women around us who strive in every field to make things better for us.”
“International Women’s Day to me is a day to reflect the many positive changes that have taken place to create equality across. A day where we discuss improvements in women’s lives and continue to make changes being part of the process. Definitely, a day to celebrate the many milestones of those who have achieved in tough and challenging situations. I can proudly say – where there is a woman, there is magic, said Shweta Shah, Founder, and Enabler of The Pahadi Story.
Actress Prachee Shah Paandya said, “For me, Women’s Day is any day that women are celebrated because women deserve an equal future, especially in India, free from stigma, stereotypes, and violence. The day we achieve gender equality, every day will be women’s day.”
“Being a woman means being free to be whoever you want to be with thoughtfulness, grace, and compassion. I love both the innate strength and sensitivity we have as women. A woman can not only succeed in anything she sets her mind to, but also accomplish that while juggling multiple roles. I hope one day I can inspire others to follow their dreams and pursue whatever it is they want to do,” said Ashleysha Yesugade, an entrepreneur and Fashion Model – AAY India.
International dancer Grace Rhodes told us, “There is no limit to how much we can continue to support women and celebrate what we as women are and what we can accomplish. Even in this current time, there is even more reason to celebrate women’s achievements. The colors of international women’s day remind us that purple signifies justice and dignity green symbolises hope. This year’s theme is chosen to challenge with the idea that a challenged world is an alert world.”
“Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We are strongest when we cheer each other. So, on women’s day I make sure to give a big round of applause to all the women’s in my life who set’s a great example of their success story to me and inspire me to lead my life towards great success,” said Grishma Salgaonkar, CS Executive at BookMyShow.
Nishita Chakroborty, an Archaeology Student and a Dance Teacher by Profession said, “To me, International Women’s Day means acknowledging the women throughout history that have paved the way so women like me can achieve their dreams. These women include my Nani, my mother, my sister, my girlfriends, and all of the other important women that surround my life. I am lucky enough to be surrounded by nurturing, caring, and inspiring women. It’s a day of solidarity for us all to celebrate the social, political, cultural, and economic achievements of women. For me, this day especially acts as an opportunity to reflect and admire my mother. Her constant strength and resilience have helped shape me into the woman I am today.”
Arya Kaimal, client head at Global Image Factory told us, “Growing up with a single mother and an older sister has made me realise that women can do miracles and can fight over any obstacles. They will love you in so many ways that you’ll never find yourself alone or lost. I celebrate women’s day as a token of love for the mother who worked day and night to take care of her children and for my adorable sister for being an amazing mother at a very young age. For me, it’s a day to cherish them and all the lovely ladies to come across for their achievements, strength, and courage. I’ve heard their stories and helplessness yet they smile and bloom so beautifully. Every human being deserves a day to appreciate the little things they have sacrificed for their loved ones and today is the day for all the women out there. You are doing so well! You rock!”
“For me, Women’s day means Strength, Individuality, Love, and Compassion. And I think we should celebrate each day as a women’s day. Cheers to all the ladies who always inspire and motivate me to achieve my future goals. Happy women’s day to all,” said actress Rupali Suri.
Actress Malvi Malhotra said, “I feel women are more sensitive and great creation by God who is wise and who knows to love and make sacrifices. A woman is one who encourages and never gives up. A woman is a goddess in herself because she gives life. A woman is always ahead of what she may or where there is a woman there is magic. More power to all the women in this world. Happy women’s day.”
Radhika Nihalani, Founder and CEO of Think Ink Communications and Think Talkies said, “I really believe there shouldn’t be a reason to have a specific day for women. We must celebrate women and men as well, every day. However, what’s amazing to me about this day is the sisterhood that one gets to witness in and around this day. What all women must do, regardless of the day is support each other, back each other and pull each other up. The empathy that women bring to any relationship is the most beautiful and they need to exercise it the most with other women. I am a strong believer when people support people amazing things happen.”
Aarya Vora, a Travel Vlogger said, “Women’s day is a strong reminder for all the women that you are strong and a symbol of power. Because I have seen a couple of women who thinks that they are women and they have to take permission from their family or to husband to do anything. But I would like to remind them you are an independent person, don’t make yourself dependent. Live your dream the way you want, stay strong and you can do anything. Happy women’s day to all the lovely ladies.”
Singer Savaniee Ravindra said, “According to me every day is women’s day. We should always celebrate love, friendship every day, rather than celebrating it on a particular day. And people should celebrate it every day, every moment as the woman is a reason for this world’s existence. I am really proud to be a woman and I cherish my womanhood every day. Happy women’s day to all the beautiful ladies out there. Keep shining and keep smiling.”
Fitness Enthusiast and Social Media Influencer Ruhi Singh said, “I feel women’s day is a day of celebration of women hood, to and how powerful they are and how they need to celebrate every single day as women’s day. This special day represents us, our superpower, and our capabilities to take care of everything with ease. We should always encourage women as they are the backbone of the nation.”
“It is an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the many positive changes that have happened to create equality. It’s a day where we reflect on improvements made for women’s rights and an opportunity to discuss further improvements to gain more equality in society. International Women’s day is about celebrating the power of women. I truly believe that when women support each other incredible things happen”, said actress Meera Chopra.
Simran Choudhary, a singer from Chandigarh said, “I think every day is a women’s day because, without them, you cannot exercise anything. Be it your dependence on a woman for food, an ear to hear your day, a hand to console and support, or a lap to comfy. And all these efforts need recognition and have to be thanked, which certainly shouldn’t be limited to a day but having a day specifically makes it credible and you get to realise how important a woman is to you.”
Actress Sunayana Fozdar said, “I don’t think we should celebrate women’s day only one day. Women should be celebrated respected, loved every day. Women play several roles in life and I think it’s time that we should start loving our self. More power and love for every woman out there. Happy women’s day!”
Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh handed over Hiren Mansukh’s death probe from Mumbai Crime Branch to the state Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). In between, BJP requested the Centre to have the National Investigation Agency (NIA) take over the inquiry, mentioning a possible terror angle. Opposition leader Narayan Rane has also demanded President’s Rule in the state given the reason of poor law and order.
Suvendu Adhikari, a member of the 15th Lok Sabha and the 16th Lok Sabha (2014-2016), as an All-India Trinamool Congress candidate, from Tamluk. Famous for his contribution towards the people of Nandigram under the umbrella of the Bhumi Uchhed Pratirodh Committee, when reports of land acquisition for a chemical hub had triggered a movement. Suvendu defeated CPI(M)’s strongman Lakshman Seth by a margin of 1,72,958 votes.
Naveen Kumar a Bank employee from Tamil Nadu said, “It is very early to decide which part will win because a lot of things are happening around the political scenario in the state. But still, the DMK landslide is for sure if the current political scenario persists and the current party alliances continue till the election.”
Ahmad Thaha, a Tannery owner told Afternoon Voice, “People prefer DMK to restore the pride of Tamils and to drive out Hindi imposition. Get our freedom to speak, and to destroy pseudo nationalism. We don’t want to communal hate in our state.”
Sathish Kumar, working for an IT firm as Team Head said, “Rasing sun (DMK) will burn the lotus (BJP) and give hope to all Tamilians.”
A Dental surgeon from Tamil Nadu Bijvin Raj said, “DMK has done a lot for the economical as well as the socio-cultural development of the state and our people.”
S Vaithiyanathan, works as a Language Lead for Tamil at an IT firm said, “I support DMK to prosper to keep Tamil Nadu away from communalist.”