Disha, Shantanu, Nikita Who Is Next? Licypriya Kangujam?

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February 16, 2021

The Delhi Police claimed that Nikita Jacob, her associate Shantanu and Disha Ravi, who were arrested on Sunday, created the toolkit doc on farmers’ protest which was shared by climate activist Greta Thunberg on social media. Disha then sent the ‘toolkit’ to Thunberg via Telegram app. addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Prem Nath, Joint CP (Cyber Cell), alleged that their aim was to tarnish the image of India. The police claimed Disha, who was arrested by the force on Saturday from Bengaluru, sent the ‘toolkit’ to teen climate activist Greta Thunberg via the Telegram app. Nath also claimed that Disha deleted a WhatsApp group she created to spread the ‘toolkit’. Disha sent the toolkit to Greta Thunberg through the Telegram app. How much to believe in the entire police statement that time will tell, but one thing is sure that the tweet by these girls has created discomfort for the government. Agitated farmers wanted their voices to be heard and many think tanks and environmental activists supported their agitation. These young activists have their own opening and they are not influenced by anyone or anything. This generation knows exactly what they want and how they have to go about it, these global kids might have joined the stream in support of farmers, but they are not trouble for the country for sure.

Remember Licypriya Kangujam, the 8-year-old environmental activist from Manipur, became news after she turned down PM Modi’s offer to be part of the #SheInspiresUs initiative for Women’s Day. Licypriya had become a ‘Twitter liberal hero’ when she turned down PM Modi’s offer to be part of the #SheInspiresUs Initiative for Women’s Day. She became news after claims of going to represent India as a speaker addressing the UN in the 6th session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Geneva last year. Well, the story behind Licypriya’s climate change movement isn’t that sweet. Licypriya is the daughter of Dr. Kangujam Karnajit, a self-proclaimed youth leader from Manipur and founder of Club 25 International, Manipur unit. Earlier, police had arrested Kangujam on the charges of fraud, assault, and breach of trust. An investigation of this case in May 2015 showed that Kangujam had conned the state and foreign dignitaries by using the UNESCO flag on his car. He had allegedly duped foreign delegates by promising travel allowances reimbursement, collected funds for the Nepal earthquake, and also tried to implicate a cabinet minister who had sexual harassment charges against him.

Also read: Once India Was Largest Democracy

Licypriya Kangujam began raising her voice to combat climate change and disaster risk reduction when she was seven. In June 2019, she protested in front of the Parliament House addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enact the climate change law in India. She is one of the youngest climate activists globally and has addressed world leaders at the United Nations Climate Conference 2019 (COP25) in Madrid, Spain asking them to take immediate climate actions. Licypriya has been campaigning for climate action in India since 2018, to pass new laws to curb India’s high pollution levels, and to make climate-change literacy mandatory in schools. She has been regarded as India’s Greta Thunberg, though she does not like the usage of this term.

Licypriya started advocating against climate change in July 2018. On 21 June 2019 inspired by the climate activist Greta Thunberg, Licypriya started spending a week outside the Indian parliament House to draw the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to pass a climate change law in India. On 31 August 2019, Licypriya received the “World Children Peace Prize 2019” handed over by Mr.Charles Allen, Director of Partnerships of Global Peace Index – Institute of Economics & Peace (IEP), Australia in an event organized by the Regional Alliance of Fostering Youth and Ministry of Youth Sports and Community Empowerment, Government of Maldives.

Also read: The Greta Effect On Farmer’s Agitation India

These young activists are here to bring change by saying no to conditioning and slavery. Well with their arrest what is going to change and who would benefit? The newspapers and TV channels get matters for sensationalism. They improve their TRP to get advertisements. The police get publicity and brownie points in their career if not bribes and bata. Those who don’t like them will enjoy his predicament; the advocates get fees and publicity. The overseas initiators sit safely in their cozy rooms and enjoy their handiwork but the person who made the post has to go from pillar to post for relief. In the meanwhile, they have to suffer mental and perhaps physical injury. Their parents have to weep pitifully and helplessly. Nobody thinks of the consequences or can even imagine or understand. Can’t the investigator quietly meet the person and get whatever information they need and take away any material that is relevant and tell that person to keep quiet until they are cleared? So much hype, suffocation, arrests, press conferences, why do we need all this? Even after arresting these young activists the voices around are going to stop?

Once India Was Largest Democracy

By

Vaidehi Taman

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February 15, 2021

There were constant hard-hitting headlines about Disha on almost all Indian news channels. Disha’s arrest marks the first in the case registered by the Delhi police over some ‘toolkit.’ Disha Ravi assumed to be an Editor of the Toolkit Google Doc and key conspirator in document’s formulation & dissemination. She started WhatsApp Group & collaborated to make the Toolkit doc. She worked closely with those farmers’ supporters to draft the Doc In this process, police believe that they all collaborated with the pro-Khalistani Poetic Justice Foundation to spread disaffection against the Indian State. She was the one who shared the Toolkit Doc with Greta Thunberg. Later, she asked Greta to remove the main Doc after its incriminating details accidentally got into the public domain. This is many times more than the 2 lines editing that she claims. This particular tool kit has bothered many entities those who are ruling party supporters.

In court, the Public Prosecutor alleged that Disha was part of a larger conspiracy against the Indian government, with links to Khalistani separatists. Disha denied being part of any conspiracy, and that she doesn’t know any such group. “I was just supporting farmers,” she said, as she broke down, “I supported farmers because they are our future and we all need to eat.” She added that she didn’t create the toolkit, and just made two edits to it. In a statement, Delhi police said that Disha was “one of the Editors of the Toolkit Google Doc and a key conspirator in the document’s formulation and dissemination.” Though the ‘toolkit’ shared by Greta has triggered a big row, it is to be noted that ‘toolkits’ are documents, that contain basic information on any issue, tweet suggestions, and information on what hashtags to use and whom to tag on social media, and are a regular inventory while organising protests online. Various forms of toolkits are also used by social media teams of political parties as well when they need to plan a particular social media campaign. The police’s contention is that in this case, the document was made with an intention to malign India.

Disha Ravi is a co-founder of the ‘Fridays For Future’ campaign, which was inspired by Greta Thunberg’s protest for the environment. She was arrested under the FIR filed by the cyber-crime unit of the Delhi police on February 4 against the creators of the “toolkit” on farmers’ protest under charges of sedition, criminal conspiracy, and promoting hatred. Currently, Disha Ravi, who graduated from Mount Carmel College in Bengaluru, is currently working as a culinary experience manager with a company that produces plant-based food. After 22-year-old Disha Ravi’s arrest, two more activists are wanted by the police in the case involving a “toolkit” shared by climate campaigner Greta Thunberg in support of the farmer protests. Warrants are out against activists Nikita Jacob and Shantanu and they face charges that are not bailable. Disha Ravi, a climate activist, has been accused of sedition and is in police custody.

The police claim according to their investigations, the organisation behind the “toolkit” shared by Greta Thunberg – Poetic Justice – had contacted Nikita Jacob to organise a “tweetstorm” ahead of the Republic Day protest by farmers. The organisation is a Khalistani group, the police say. The new warrants have emerged at a time outrage is spiraling over the arrest of Disha Ravi, a Bengaluru college graduate, and climate activist, on conspiracy and sedition charges.

The protestors are Deeply saddened by the conduct of the duty magistrate…who remanded a young woman to five days in police custody, without first ensuring that she was being represented by counsel. Magistrates must take their duties of remand seriously and ensure that the mandate of Article 22 of the constitution is scrupulously followed. If the accused was not being represented by counsel at the time of the hearing, the magistrate should have waited till her counsel arrived or, in the alternate, provided her with legal aid. Several opposition parties and activists have condemned the arrest and the manner in which it was done. “Completely atrocious! This is unwarranted harassment and intimidation. Thousands of farmers have been protesting since November on highways outside Delhi against three central laws. On January 26 Republic Day, a tractor rally dissolved into chaos and clashes when the protesters broke through barricades and even stormed the Red Fort. On February 3, Greta Thunberg had tweeted a “toolkit” to show support for the farmers’ Republic Day protest. She later deleted the tweet, posting an updated one. The police say the “toolkit” was aimed at waging a cultural war against the government and creating divisions among various groups. The government also hit out at “sensationalist social media hashtags and comments” by celebrities following posts from Greta Thunberg and pop singer Rihanna, who also tweeted in support of the farmer protests.

Colleges Reopens Across India

By

Afternoon Voice

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February 15, 2021

Rural parts of Maharashtra’s Thane district, February 15, after being shut for nearly 11 months in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Collector Rajesh Narvekar in an order issued on February 14 allowed the reopening of colleges only in rural areas of the district. The order said only 50 per cent attendance will be allowed in a day and the educational institutions will have to strictly follow all COVID-19 prevention guidelines. Action will be taken against colleges that are found to be violating the regulations and not holding sessions as specified in the order, the collector said. With regard to colleges falling under urban limits, directions of the municipal corporation concerned will be applicable, he said. On Sunday, Thane reported 354 new cases of COVID-19, taking the tally in the district to 2, 57,745. So far, 6,202 people have died of the viral infection in the district, as per official figures.

As part of its phased reopening amid the COVID-19 outbreak, Delhi University will also be allowing research scholars and faculty members to access four more libraries across its campuses. After allowing access to the central library last week, the varsity reopened the Central Science Library, Ratan Tata Library, South Delhi Campus Library, and Faculty of Law Library for PhD and MPhil scholars and faculty members on Monday. It announced that users will have to make prior registration to use the library facilities from 10 am to 4 pm on weekdays.

“Library facilities under Delhi University Library System (DULS) will be made operational in phases. In the first phase, only bona fide faculty members, PhD/MPhil scholars will be allowed to use library reading room facilities. The reading room facilities would be limited from 10 am to 4 pm during the weekdays i.e. Monday to Friday,” the university said in a notice.

As part of its eighth and ninth phase of reopening, the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has allowed final-year PhD students to return to the campus. While the “9B students” (day-scholars), who have to submit their theses on or before June 30, are allowed to enter the campus from Monday, PhD scholars residing in the hostels will be allowed to return from February 22, a notification dated February 12 said. The university has also allowed the reopening of the library canteen with immediate effect.

Twitter Trials – Micro Blogging Spreading Hatred Through Fake News

By

Afternoon Voice

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February 12, 2021

The Supreme Court on Friday issued a notice to Twitter and the Central government on a petition filed by BJP leader Vinit Goenka asking for a mechanism to check fake news and inflammatory messages being spread via Twitter. The SC bench, headed by the Chief Justice of India SA Bobde, issued a notice on the petition and directed that the matter be tagged with similar pending petitions seeking social media regulation. The SC heard the plea at a time the Central government has been pressing Twitter to block over 1,000 accounts and posts that it says have been spreading misinformation and provocative content linked to the farmers’ agitation against the three new farm laws.

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has said that the Centre respects social media for empowering common people but action will be taken if it is misused to spread fake news and violence.

While addressing the Rajya Sabha Ravi Shankar said “We respect social media a lot, it has empowered common people. Social media has a big role in the Digital India program. However, if social media is misused to spread fake news, violence then action will be taken,”. The apex court has tagged Goenka’s matter with a bunch of similar petitions already pending before it.

Advocate Ashwini Kumar Dubey, appearing for the petitioner, submitted that the PIL seeks a mechanism to screen hateful advertisements and anti-India content on Twitter. Goenka’s petition said that there were hundreds of fake Twitter handles and Facebook accounts in the name of eminent people and dignitaries and he had sought action, but none was taken. Social media accounts were used by political parties to “tarnish the image of opponents”, particularly during elections, and to spread “anti-India and venomous messages” aimed at provoking violence in various parts of the country, the BJP leader had said.”The said platform (Twitter) is being used to call upon separatist, creating panic in some sections of the society, challenging the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of India”, the plea stated.

State Has Allocated More Centres For Women’s Redressal

By

Hema Singh

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February 12, 2021

To keep the safety of women in mind and to reduce the crime against women across the state, the Maharashtra government has decided to open offices at the divisional level where they (women) can register a complaint with the help of respective police officers. Many a time due to technical reasons or family problems the crimes don’t even get reported.

Perhaps the state government has decided to open more centers where women can register their complaints. As of now, there is only one office in Mumbai which handles all such complaints (Atrocities against women) and forwards instructions to the respective divisional office after submitting a review, and according to the authority, it is a time-consuming process which is why the government has, came with this initiate.

Besides, Mumbai the government is planning to set up the division offices in Pune, Aurangabad, Nagpur, Konkan, Nashik and Amravati. This comes after when Maharashtra’s Women and child development minister Yashomati Thakur on Wednesday said that the division will have four members of the women’s commission who will handle such cases, which would ensure speedy justice. Also, this step would be helpful for these women to get justice.

Initially, the government will start offices at the divisional level and later on they will start such offices at the district level as well. Afternoon Voice newspaper spoke to several women to share their opinion about opening more divisional office in the state for the safety of women, here are what they have to say!

Neeti Goel, Famous Restauranteur/philanthropist and co-founder “Khaana Chaiye” and “Ghar Bhejo” with actor Sonu Sood (started by Actor Sonu Sood) said, “An overbearing concern each of us has about women in our families has lent a sense of urgency for a dialogue on the critical and pressing issue of women’s safety. The opening up of 6 divisional offices in the state where women can register their grievances is a much-needed change and comes as a huge relief to know that this issue is now being addressed. Hopefully, with this positive change, the whole process of registering a complaint to getting relief will be fast-tracked and the crime against women could be reduced to a significant extent.”

Shweta Singh, a Senior PR from Mumbai said, “I think it’s a step in the right direction because women’s safety has been an issue that doesn’t always get tackled the right way. The crimes don’t even get reported most times for numerous reasons and women feel shame by virtue of how they’ve been raised, or by unsupportive systems that surround them. It was horrifying for me when I read about the Bombay HC verdict that said groping a minor’s breast without “skin to skin contact” cannot be termed as sexual assault as defined under POCSO Act. I’m sure all women know and relate to the fears and shock that come as a reaction to that verdict.

Singh further continued stating, “I hope that opening 6 divisional offices (in the state where woman can register their complaints on crimes against them) also means people are going to empathies more with victims and not invalidate their experiences, shame them and even degrade them. I also hope women across the state and country for that matter find the courage to report crimes and not let their assailants roam free.”

An Advocate from Bombay high court, Kiran Mishra said, “A step been initiated by Smt. Yashomati Thakur for setup of six divisions for women’s commission in state is helpful for the women in the rural areas who are unable to travel to Mumbai being it the only Divisional Office where the complaint is lodged but there is a need for time frame within which the complaint shall be disposed of. There is a need for the commission to be setup in all districts in order to curb the burden on the commission solely. Furthermore, there should be various campaigns, workshops in the rural areas to educate the women about their rights and the appropriate authority to be approached in case of violation if any. There is a need for an NGO in every rural district whereby the aggrieved woman can consult for help without any hesitation and she shall be helped with all means of legal aid.”

Sanika Choudhari , a law student from Chembur said, “Yes, there should open a divisional office in the state where women can register their complaints. During the crimes, people often forget that they cannot take law into their own hands. India is a civilized country where people believe in rule of law. We fully believe in the ability of the courts to make sure justice is being served to the people who have been wrong. Reducing crime against women is need of the hour and I think it’s the best decision by the government”

Twinkle Dedhia, a digital content producer and media analyst said, “Empowering women isn’t just a politically correct caption or subject matter for a potentially viral reel on Instagram. It’s a constant action in motion in real life where the disadvantages of patriarchy or male privileges are still prevalent. Although feminism isn’t a stick to beat men with or to seek revenge of the injustice perpetuated by probably the deceased men conditioned subconsciously by our society itself, it certainly is a shout out for equality in terms of consideration, wage and safety. So don’t strip the country of progression by creating an atmosphere that’s not conducive for the security and development of women and our upcoming generation. Though women aren’t as suppressed as they used to be, we still have miles to go to make it feel like a safe place. In my opinion, freedom is just an illusion where women and children feel defenseless so let’s learn from the past and support to make the world a better place for everyone involved in it. Hope this venture truly serves justice, supports and enforces our society to thrive in the best direction.”

Simone Chhabda, Media Relations Consultant from Mumbai told Afternoon voice, “In spite of all problems, measures should be taken to ensure safety and security for women and children at any cost. With that being said, this is a thoughtful initiative by the Women and Child Development Minister of Maharashtra to decide to open 6 divisional offices in the city. It’s time we take accountable actions on crimes committed not only towards Women and children but all the people of the country. With this and many more collective initiatives, we will be able to look upon stringent punishment that will help in reducing the number of crimes in the city as well as the country.”

Annies Minu, a college professor said, “Opening divisional office is great, but will 6 be enough for a state? Rather there should be sub-divisions that run under the 6 divisions, also women don’t open up easily, they know they won’t win if the accuse is rich/has influences, so I think women’s should be made aware and encouraged to make use of these divisional offices and not give up. As this would work only if there would be right justice and not influences.”

Doctor Bhakti M Vanjara said, “Every day we come through the news of crime against women like rape, dowry death, domestic violence, etc. Sometimes many cases are not even registered by a woman and her family, because of the pressure of society or they don’t believe in getting justice. Firstly, every woman should stay strong to make complaints and ask for justice. The government and authority should give justice as soon as possible without being biased. I am glad that the government is coming up with such an initiative for the safety of women.”

According to National Crime Record Bureau’s (NCRB) ‘Crime in India Report 2019’ Maharashtra reported the highest number of rape with murder incidents across the country. The cases of crime against women registered in the state are on the rise. The total cases of crime against women in 2019 were 37,567, while 35,497 were filed in 2018 and 31,997 in 2017. Though Uttar Pradesh (59,853) has the highest number of crime against women cases but Maharashtra (37,144) ranks third after Rajasthan (41,550).

No Rallies, No Big Public Programs On Shiv Jayanti

By

Web Team

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February 11, 2021

Shiv Jayanti, the birth anniversary of the iconic 17thcentury ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on February 19, is celebrated in Maharashtra with great fervor and excitement. However, in a view of the COVID 19 pandemic, the Maharashtra government on Thursday announced that this year there will be no rallies or big public gatherings on Shiv Jayanti this year.

The government has urged the people to avoid big public events and asked them to celebrate the occasion in a simple, manner due to the global pandemic.

Shivaji Maharaj was born on February 19, 1630, on the Shivneri fort in the Pune district and people gather on that and other forts in large numbers on the midnight of February 18 every year. The government advisory reads, ” It is expected that Shiv Jayanti festival will be celebrated in a simple manner without coming together on a big scale to avoid the spread of COVID-19.”

Processions, motorbike rallies should be avoided and cultural programs should be telecast through cable networks or online platforms instead of holding them in public. Statues or portraits of Shivaji Maharaj can be garlanded in the presence of maximum of 10 persons by observing social distancing, according to the release advisory.

The government has planned several blood donation camps and programs to spread awareness about COVID-19, malaria, dengue and other diseases while observing social distancing.

Meanwhile, on February 10, Maharashtra recorded new 3451 coronavirus cases. Out of these, Mumbai reported 558 new fresh Covid cases.

Koo – An Indian Alternative To Twitter, Promoted By The Government Officials

By

Afternoon Voice

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February 11, 2021

The Indian Twitter lookalike Koo is being heavily promoted by government officials including Union Minister Piyush Goyal, who recently invited users to join him on the app via a post on Twitter. Koo, which is available on desktop, iOS, and Android, offers a Twitter-like experience in Indian languages. The app had won the government’s Digital India AatmaNirbhar Bharat Innovate Challenge last year, which was meant to encourage local app development. Koo has been developed by Aprameya Radhakrishna, who is also the Co-Founder and CEO of the platform that was launched in March last year.

Koo, an Indian microblogging platform that offers a Twitter-like experience in Indian languages, has been accused of exposing its users’ personal data by French security researcher Robert Baptiste, who goes by the pseudonym Elliot Alderson (@fs0c131y on Twitter). Baptiste said that he spent 30 minutes on Koo at the request of users on Twitter and found that the microblogging platform was exposing sensitive information of its users, such as email addresses, names, gender, and more. He also posted a series of tweets to detail his findings of Koo. The new Indian social media platform recently gained some traction after Twitter refused to block some accounts related to the ongoing farmers’ protest at the request of the government.

Through screenshots posted on Twitter, Baptiste appears to suggest that it was fairly easy for him to get to the personal information of users of Koo. He said the app leaked personal data of its users including email, date of birth, marital status, and gender. In more screenshots, Baptiste also suggested that Koo had a domain registered in the US with the registrant based in China.

Cases Related To Crimes Against Women Are Pending In Courts

By

Vaidehi Taman

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February 11, 2021

According to the world health organisation, 1 in 3 women has experienced – physical or sexual violence during the lockdown and in post lockdown challenges. If you are experiencing violence, it may be helpful to reach out to family, friends, and neighbours, to seek support but now the Maharashtra state government has opened many centres where you can register your complaint. India recorded an average of 87 rape cases daily in 2019 and overall 4, 05,861 cases of crime against women during the year, a rise of over 7% from 2018, and the latest government data released on September 29, 2020. The findings come amidst widespread outrage over the gang rape and brutalisation of a Dalit woman in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras. The country recorded 3, 78,236 cases of crimes against women in 2018, the data compiled by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) showed. A total of 32,033 cases of rape were lodged in 2019, which was 7.3% of all crimes against women during the year, the data showed.

The number of rape cases in Mumbai went up from 728 in 2015-2016 to 904 in 2019-2020 (a 24% increase), according to the city-based Praja Foundation report. The number of rape cases in Mumbai went up from 728 in 2015-2016 to 904 in 2019-2020 (a 24% increase), there has been an increase in crimes against women and children. A total of 2,145 molestation cases were registered in 2015-2016, as against 2,677 in 2019-2020, an increase of 25%. The report stated that children were victims in 61% of the rape cases in Mumbai in 2019. According to the report, probes in 67% of the 15,654 crimes against women, and 73% of the 11,268 crimes against children were pending. It also stated that 61% of investigations (3,039 cases) under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act were pending. The report also stated similar pendency across courts in Mumbai — 94% of the 23,791 cases related to crimes against women were pending in courts, while 92% of the 8,126 cases of crime against children were pending in courts. 89% of the 4,250 cases under the POCSO Act too were pending in courts, stated the report. Also, the report stated that of the 222 cases tried in 2019, only 20% were finished within a year, section 35 of the POCSO Act states that the court should complete the trial within one year of cognisance of the offence. There are multiple reasons for trials to be delayed. An increase in cases and a shortage of police personnel are among them. There are lots of factors responsible for the delay. Sometimes, witnesses are not available or cannot come on a particular date. Or, at times, either the public prosecutor or defence lawyers are not available, or the courts could be busy in some other cases. In a criminal case, the most important thing is homework for a case and case papers of investigation. The police officer has to make sure that he has prepared all documents as per mandatory provisions. At times, for technical reasons, the accused gets the benefit of the doubt and many cases never reached justice. Maybe this is the reason the state commission for women in Maharashtra will set up offices at the divisional level where complaints can be registered and, with the help of the respective police superintendent, immediate steps would be taken. Currently, there is only one office in Mumbai which handles all such complaints and forwards instructions to the respective divisional office after submitting a review, which is a time-consuming process.

In 2018, 33,356 rapes were recorded across the country, up from 32,559 in 2017, according to the data from corresponding years. The majority of these cases under the Indian Penal Code were registered under ‘cruelty by husband or his relatives’ (30.9 per cent) followed by ‘Assault on women with intent to outrage her modesty’ (21.8 per cent), ‘kidnapping and abduction of women’ (17.9 per cent), the NCRB data for 2019 showed. The crime rate registered per lakh women population stood at 62.4 in 2019 in comparison with 58.8 in 2018, it showed. The NCRB, which functions under the Union Home Ministry, is tasked with collecting and analysing crime data as defined by the Indian Penal Code and special and local laws in the country.

There were a total of 4,05,861 cases of crime against women which was registered in 2019. The number is a 7.3% increase over last year’s where the number of registered cases were 3, 78,236. 30.9% of the crimes against women were labelled under ‘Cruelty by Husbands or his relatives.’ This implies that 30.9% of all the crimes last year against women were perpetrated by people who were close to the victim. 21.8% of these crimes were registered under ‘Assault on women with intent to outrage her modesty.’ There were 1, 08,025 victims of kidnapping or abduction in 2019, out of which 84,921 were women. Among these, 55,370 female victims were children. Out of the 3, 80,526 people who went missing last year, 2, and 48,397 were women. The overall figure of missing persons in the country has increased by 9.5% in 2019 from last year. India’s massive 1.3 billion population, an ancient culture, and rapidly changing attitudes combine to create one of the world’s most fascinating destinations. But, there is no guarantee for female travelers’ safety. India could well be one of the most rapidly-changing cultures on earth – and these changes are leading to tensions in society. We are a civilised society and talking about equality, development, and growth but somewhere deep down in our roots mankind needs a correct approach towards females.

Porn Movies, New Wage For Bollywood Strugglers

By

Web Team

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February 11, 2021

Small-time actresses and models that came to Mumbai with big dreams, landed up doing porn shoots and films for various web portals during the lockdown. The private bungalows on the outskirts of Mumbai are the prime locations for shooting such movies.

Sana Shah a struggling model from Gujarat told Afternoon Voice, “Money is certainly relevant for models like us to survive in Mumbai. From paying rent to getting groomed everything needs money, we are left with no option. The film industry extras have a poor reputation, there is no work right now, and wherever we approach with a portfolio they offer us some C-grade movie or porn film. We have no choice”.

Sara Morales says, “It is not very difficult to get into this porn industry; there are always ads on social media for example looking for girls to participate in adult movies. That is how I landed my first porn movies recently. The pay is fine and it gives you a taste of what it is like. Once you get to know a few people it gets easier and I have done several such movies already.”

Nagma, one such victim says “The porn industry has a habit of swallowing a girl’s whole and spitting them out the other side, and often they can have had a pretty shitty experience with the whole thing. If you want to get the roles and stay relevant in porn, often you have to do things that you wouldn’t usually. These roles generally pay higher, but sometimes, there are so many girls going for roles in standard hetero porn, that you have to think and work outside of the box. This industry is huge and hardly anyone gets caught”.

Mumbai Police had raided a bungalow in the Madh area of Malad last week on Friday, where a porn movie was being shot. On Wednesday the police have arrested one more person, who directed nude films for OTT platforms, in connection with a pornographic films racket busted recently. With this the total number of those held in the case so far to nine, including an actress.

According to a crime branch officer earlier, after arresting five accused in this racket, another woman who was forced to act in the porn films approached Malwani police station with a complaint. Subsequently, the second FIR was registered against three persons, including Khan, her husband, and another accused.

Police initially arrested five persons in the case, including Khan who is alleged to be the producer and director of the film. Based on the interrogation of the five arrested persons, police had arrested actress Gehna Vasisht and Umesh Kamat, the representative of a UK-based production house, who was alleged to have uploaded some of the porn videos sent to him by Vasisht. Police registered the second FIR after another woman alleged that she was forced to act in porn films.

The second FIR was registered at Malwani police station against three persons, including Yasmin Khan, who was previously arrested following the registration of the first FIR by the Mumbai Crime Branch, her husband, and another accused. As part of its investigation in the first FIR, Mumbai Police arrested one Dipankar Khasanvis alias Shyam Banarjee (36) on Tuesday, who is Khan’s husband. With the fresh arrest on Tuesday, the total number of arrests in the case has reached eight. As per police, Khasanvis, too, was part of the company that ran the application on which obscene and pornographic content was allegedly being broadcast. The officer said that Khasanvis was also involved in the shooting of the content.

MahaReRa Appoints Ajoy Mehta As New Chairman

By

Hema Singh

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February 10, 2021

Ajoy Mehta, a Former Municipal Commissioner and the principal Advisor to Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has been appointed as the chairman of Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) on Wednesday. The order is being issued by the Housing department.

Reportedly the post had been vacant after the retirement of Gautam Chatterjee. Mehta, an IAS officer of the 1984 batch, was the collector of Ahmednagar for four years. He was also the municipal commissioner of Mumbai for four years and later became the chief secretary.

The main aim of MahaReRa is to infuse efficiency and transparency in the real estate business. The Maharashtra version of RERA (MahaRERA) has made heads turn and is now setting an example for other states to follow.