Monsoon exposes the serious lapses in our urban planning and more so in its execution. Unless we get our basic drainage system right, we can’t save our cities from monsoon fury. The need of the hour is investing in better, effective drainage systems across all major cities. We need to build good quality wide roads with no potholes to decongest the cities when the skies open up. For that, we need more money, world-class technology and political will and no corruption while delivering the work. Mumbai needs urgent attention from the concerned authorities. If we can’t protect them from rain, we better forget our plans or dreams of making them model cities or smart cities or world cities. Each year heavy overnight rains lash Mumbai and adjoining areas causing waterlogging in several low-lying areas, resulting in the slow movement of peak hour rail traffic for two days. After almost more than three long months of lockdown, the city is yet to come back to normal; the COVID cases are on rising, and deaths have taken a toll above all, monsoon and garbage piles. Entire BMC is busy in pandemic and hardly any attention to the city’s other crucial issues. Mumbai has specific problems with the old drainage system limited to a few lakhs of population. Another significant issue is reaching each corner of the slum to disinfect the consisted areas within.
After COVID-19 its monsoon that is challenging the civic authorities. Encroachment of public and natural spaces that can help in solving the flood problems. A simple issue of deepening and widening of Mithi river for the past 15years, since 2005 the last severe floods. We Mumbaikar are very successful in making all sorts of efforts during each forgetting the fact that the civic authority has always failed to manage the disaster. We lack the best preventive measures and future planning commitments. The political leaders think of you when elections are approaching, and the government machinery cares only when you can offer something. So why not Mumbaikar start simple agitation to set things right by the richest corporation, not only floods, potholed roads, illegal constructions, dilapidating bridges and many more issues.
Natural or Geographical problem with Mumbai is that the city is aligned along the Arabian Sea, high tides pose a challenge for water to be pumped out of the mainland. As far as this issue is concerned, there is very little anyone could do about this. Having specific guidelines for road and building construction in order to minimize the impact of water-logging and having a well-developed drainage system does help to an extent. Having a flood-management control room should come handy. This year there are many announcements from the government let’s see how they are going to come true on their claims. When it rains the entire city, traffic comes to a halt in Mumbai, India’s second most important city in the country after Delhi. Every year at least a dozen people get washed away in flood water here, as usual nobody cares. Monsoon puts our governments, city civic bodies and urban planners to shame every year. But nobody cares. Major cities across India resembling huge water bodies when the skies open up is a regular feature during monsoon. When it pours, life comes to a halt and lakhs of people suffer. Mumbai receives more rain than many other major cities in India; the commercial capital of the country suffers the most and makes it to headlines. Once the rain stops and flood water recedes, everybody, including the people of Mumbai choose to forget it till the next monsoon.
The local trains on the Harbour line are always stalled or run late by 15 to 20 minutes. The trains on Central and Western lines, however, make it to move. The disaster management team is keeping a tab on the situation, but that is not enough. Every year monsoon arrives and exposes the authorities and government with continuous pouring. Every year, there is at least one picture of a BMC worker who is working towards clearing the choked drainage, the silent messages depicted in photos, but what is the point in it? Every year Government is making budgets for drainage, and those people are doing their jobs. The ever-procrastinating people, who are not answerable to anybody, waste much of government funds. Just one or two rains hit Mumbai, but look at the conditions around, Railway’s station escalators are not protected against weather, there are water logs everywhere on the stations to metro and skywalk, tiles are broken and holes. Of course, there are attempts being made to ‘advance’ the facilities to passengers by installing escalators worth nearly 80 lakhs per set, which can speed up enough to cope with the rising demand of urgency for citizens.
Every arrival of monsoon in the city, the opposition always disputes with the ruling party. Congress-NCP used to attack now BJP is attacking MVA, leaving these political parties aside from the civic body’s claim that most of the city nullahs have been cleaned. But if you visit Borivali nullah near the national park to Andheri most of them are filthy, overflown with plastic covers and all sort of garbage. The work at the Dahisar river nullah was yet not complete. At many nullahs, the parapet walls have not been built. The nullahs of Dahisar River, Chandavarkar nullah, did not have proper parapet walls causing flooding during heavy rains. Lack of funds is one of the reasons that parapet walls have not been built at some nullahs. The NL Complex nullah, which starts from Dahisar east near Sanjay Gandhi National Park and flows into the Mira Bhayander creek, is still not cleaned properly. In case of high tide, there are chances that water might go backwards and flood some areas, instead of flowing into the sea. This is the main cause of water-borne diseases. People suffer from different kinds of strange viral infections. Most of the seashores are dirty, beaches and dumped with all sorts of waste. Lakes are stinking. Since a large number of Mumbaiites are used to urinating, spitting and defecating in public places, rains promptly absolve us of the guilt of our reckless conduct. In this way, we can continue to blame the authorities for not making our areas hygienic and mosquito-free while ensuring ourselves unrestricted use of the freedom we won so dearly. Common public and BMC both blame each other, but main issues get side-lined, above all politics kills the substance of the purpose. I have been witnessing Mumbai rains since my birth, but every year issues are the same without any solution. There is no other season or weather that can fill one with as deep and different emotions as the rains. But every season the stories are the same, just the rulers may change. You voted for this government with great faith, hope they live up to your expectations and do not leave in monsoon mess of Mumbai.
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Taking up the 2009 contempt of court case against lawyer Prashant Bhushan, the Supreme Court said on Tuesday that there is a thin line between free speech and contempt, adding that the issue now is how to save the system’s grace and bring the matter to an end as well.
A bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra asked Senior Advocate Rajeev Dhavan, representing Bhushan, to suggest ways to resolve this matter.
Justice Mishra told Dhavan: “Can you suggest some way to avoid this rigmarole? You can resolve it.” In response, Dhavan said that Bhushan had already provided an explanation on the matter.
After a brief hearing on the matter through videoconference, the hearing was turned into the in-camera proceeding. But before that happened, the bench had asked Dhavan for a solution to the case.
The contempt case pertains to Prashant Bhushan’s comments on the judiciary during an interview with a leading magazine in 2009.
In the previous hearing on the matter, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Tarun Tejpal from Tehelka magazine, had submitted that since the last hearing was held in 2012 he was yet to go through the documents in the case.
In response, Justice Mishra had replied that the court would have to resume the hearing. When Sibal pleaded that he needed time to prepare, Justice Mishra said the court would give him enough time for the purpose.
Dhavan too had said that time was required to go through the records and prepare for the hearing. He pointed out that Senior advocate Ram Jethmalani, who appeared for Bhushan earlier, had passed away last year.
Incidentally, the same bench has also issued notice to Prashant Bhushan on July 22 in a suo motu case taken up by the apex court over his two tweets in connection with the higher judiciary.
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi has welcomed the Bhumi Pujan ceremony in Ayodhya which is to be performed on Wednesday to start construction of the Ram temple.
Priyanka in her statement said, “On August 5, the programme of Bhumi Pujan is scheduled, this programme with blessings of Lord Ram and his teachings should become a symbol of national unity, brotherhood, and cultural amalgamation.”
The statement comes in the wake of many leaders in Congress coming out in support of construction of Ram temple and in the strategy committee meeting held on Thursday last week leaders of UP expressed their views that Congress should support the construction of the temple.
“In the Indian subcontinent and in the world Ramayan has put a stamp on every mind and the story of Bhagvan Ram, Sita, and name of Ram is a catalyst of connecting humanity,” said Priyanka.
Congress spokesperson and Lok Sabha MP Manish Tewari also congratulated the people of the country on the historic occasion.
Congress has welcomed the decision of the Supreme Court which paved the way for the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Congress leaders are now trying to claim credit as former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath said that late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi wanted to build the temple.
Rama’s descendants out of Bhumi Pujan and trust says Raja Ramchandra Ji, descendent of Lord Rama. The Hindu Mahasabha fought the entire battle for the construction of Ram temple from the beginning to the last in the court. On the other hand, the All India Kshatriya Mahasabha are sidelined by the people who built the Ram temple.
Hindu Mahasabha Pt. Pramod Joshi and All India Kshatriya Mahasabha national president Ramvanshja Raja Rajendra Singh Ram temple are raising voices of protest over not taking both the Shilanyas and the trust, Kshatriya dynasties, according to the tradition, gave one of the descendants of Ramchandra.
It was imperative to invite someone while laying the first foundation stone of the temple at the Shilanyas, because the Supreme Court had presented the pedigree by Raja Rajendra Singh, the national president of the All India Kshatriya Mahasabha, without which the court has given its decision.
National President of the Kshatriya Mahasabha, Raja Rajendra Singh, told us, that the people of Kshatriya society have become so impotent that they are not able to come forward to register their protest correctly in this matter.
He on the phone said that we are taking all action at our level, and we have also lodged a complaint against the Prime Minister for not inviting any real descendant of Kshatriya society in Bhumi Pujan in this matter.
Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead in his apartment in Mumbai on June 14. In the six weeks since Sushant Singh Rajput’s death has become a full-blown political wrangle. The clamor for a CBI probe into his death is growing louder by the day. Mumbai Police, which is probing the case, has called it a suicide but is continuing its investigation to rule out any foul play. Sushant Singh Rajput left no suicide note. Mumbai Police, during its investigation, said he was under medication for depression. While Mumbai Police kept calling Bollywood celebrities and people in close contact with Sushant Singh Rajput for questioning, a campaign gained momentum on social media for a CBI probe. Several people alleged that the Mumbai Police had a “hidden agenda” and was trying to prove it a case of suicide. At the same time, there is no truth in these allegations’ states, Maharashtra home minister. The most prominent angle in this entire episode is Money transfer; here are some of the details of transactions made from his Kotak Mahindra bank account in the Bandra branch.
Money transactions from Sushant’s account
Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh told media, “We have the statements of the people present.” On money in Sushant’s bank account clearing the air about money being transferred to various bank accounts, Singh said that there is no misappropriation of funds from Sushant’s bank accounts. Also, no money has been moved to his girlfriend, Rhea Chakraborty’s accounts. The Mumbai Police are seeking professional help in bank transactions as well.
“Earlier there were around Rs 18 crore in Sushant’s account. At the time of his demise, there was Rs 4.5 crore in his account. According to our investigation, out of this money, no money was transferred to Rhea’s account was but our detailed investigation is on”.
From January 2020 to June 2020, 2 crores and 78 lakhs were spent from Sushant Singh Rajput’s Kotak Mahindra Bandra branch account. From this account, 61 lakhs of Rs were paid to some Talent Management company, Seema Lalvani was paid 60 lakhs as house rent, she is the owner of the place where Sushant was residing, real estate agent was paid 3 lakh 87 thousand as brokerage. Rs 2 lakh and 64 thousand were paid to Smatani Pawna Dam Resort, in the outskirts of Mumbai, where Sushant frequently used to go and stay. This huge amount was paid as farmhouse rent. Four lakh and 87 thousand were transferred to Rhea’s brother Showik’s account. Sushant and Rhea both went on a Europe tour; Thomas Cook travel agency arranged their travell, so 50 lakhs rupees were paid to the agency. Two crores were spent on Assam and Kerala trip. Nine lakhs of Rs were donated to Milap foundation, for the welfare of cancer patients. Apart from this, he made a fixed deposit of 2 crore rupees in the same bank. However, the transaction details of Sushant’s bank account include a telescope worth Rs 3 lakhs and 38 thousand and a wristwatch of whopping Rs 20 lakh. According to sources, Rhea’s expenses, such as beauty parlors, boutique, and other expenditures were deducted from Sushant’s account. They both were in love and living together as partners, Sushant used to love her, and he made many expenses without Rhea asking for it. At that point, he took her as his responsibility.
Meanwhile, Sushant’s friend Siddharth Pithani said that the actor’s family members called him and asked him to call someone on Whatsapp and say that Rhea has transferred 15 crores from Sushant’s account. “I wrote a letter to Mumbai Police regarding the same so that there is no foul play,” he said. Talking about him, he said that Sushant used to take his own decisions, and Rhea’s opinions were sometimes a part of it.
Whereas Sushant Singh Rajput’s Chartered Accountant (CA) Sandeep Shridhar rubbished the news of any major money transfers between the two. CA Sandeep Shridhar said, “No major transfer except a few thousand to Rhea’s account. Once Rhea’s mother had transferred him Rs 33,000. He was a film star, so he had to maintain his lifestyle and expenses. They both traveled together, and he lived as per his wish.”
Earlier Police officials said, “We will submit the details of these bank transactions in court once asked for it,” the officer said. “Sushant’s bank balance is around Rs 2-4 crore, and Rhea had carried out a few transactions which seem to be with his knowledge. Police said Sushant’s family members did not level any allegations during their interaction with them, and what is coming out now is an afterthought.
The Enforcement Directorate has filed a money laundering case against Rhea Chakraborty and her brother Showik. They will be summoned next week and interrogated regarding the same. ED will probe Rs 15 crore transactions from or Sushant Singh Rajput’s account. As of now, no one knows from which account the FIR stated and from where this transaction was made. The ED will also record statements of others related to the case, and the Mumbai branch of ED will carry out the investigation.
Former Vs. Present Girlfriend
Meanwhile, Sushant’s former girlfriend and actress Ankita Lokhande told the media that she was not in touch with Sushant Singh Rajput once they broke off, and she never met Rhea Chakraborty. The theories of sharing a few chats with Bihar are rumors. Two years back, Sushant’s father called her because Sushant was not reachable to him to get connected to his son. By then, Sushant’s number was changed, and Ankit’s lost connection.
Ankita met the investigation team at Bandra police station in June, but her statement was not recorded. She did not mention anything about the details she shared with Bihar police. She also said Sushant was normal and did not have any complaints of depression earlier. On the other hand, Rhea was called twice to record her statements, but the police did not find any discrepancies. Rhea also said she had informed his family about the treatment. These days Ankita Lokhande is seen on many television channels talking loudly about Sushant Singh.
Meanwhile, Rhea Chakraborty’s location is currently unknown. On Friday, Rhea, in her 20-second video, said, “I have immense faith in God and the judiciary. I believe that I will get justice. Even though a lot of horrible things have been said about me in the electronic media, I refrain from commenting on the advice of my lawyers, as the matter is sub-judice. Satyamev Jayate. The truth shall prevail.”
Now, according to the latest report in the media, Rhea and her family have left their home almost three to four days back in the middle of the night. The building manager seems to have revealed this piece of information to the channel’s reporter. Speaking about Rhea and her family leaving, he said that the four of them — parents and brother — left together in a blue car and had big suitcases with them. He also added that Sushant had not visited their apartment for a while now.
Politics on Sushant’s death
BJP is taking every opportunity as vengeance because, despite various efforts, they could not retain power in Maharashtra. Devendra had to step down on a humiliating note. Sushant Singh hails from Bihar, BJP is making its political fortune in forthcoming Bihar elections. BJP MP from Jharkhand Nishikant Dubey is among those demanding a CBI probe into the death of Sushant Singh Rajput. On June 18 — four days after Sushant was found hanging — Dubey claimed that Sushant Singh Rajput was “pressured” to end his life. Dubey blamed his death on “mafia” and “syndicate” operating in Bollywood. He demanded a probe by the CBI or a judicial officer or the NIA, which usually probes terror-related cases. The demand for a CBI probe kept growing with BJP leaders one after another, saying they had no confidence in the Mumbai Police to investigate the matter. The list includes actor-turned BJP MP Rupa Ganguly and Sushant Singh Rajput’s cousin Neeraj Singh, an MLA in Bihar. BJP MP Subramanian Swamy also shot off letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding a CBI probe into Sushant Singh Rajput’s death. In his second letter, Swamy listed 26 reasons why there should be a joint investigation by CBI, ED, and NIA into Sushant Singh Rajput’s death.
There is a Shiv Sena-Congress-NCP government in Maharashtra. So, the BJP leaders’ demand appears politically natural. But they are not the only politicians to demand such a probe. In Bihar, BJP’s principal rival RJD held a press conference to demand a CBI probe into Sushant Singh Rajput’s death. Sushant Singh Rajput was from Bihar, and his death by suicide has triggered an emotive response among the state’s people. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav held the press conference with another actor-politician from Bihar Shekhar Suman. Now, miffed with the Congress over developments in Rajasthan, BSP president Mayawati too has pressed for a CBI probe. Her comments came after Sushant Singh Rajput’s father filed a case against the actor’s girlfriend, Rhea Chakraborty, for abetment of suicide in Patna.
The demand for a CBI probe has intensified even as Maharashtra home minister and Congress leader Anil Deshmukh rejected the call for an investigation by the central agency. Mayawati, in her response to Deshmukh’s refusal, said Maharashtra government should get “serious” as its stand is “not appropriate”. Curiously, the Mumbai Police have continued questioning people in connection with the case even after a viscera report indicated no foul play. Prepared by the Kalina-based Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), the viscera report was “negative”, meaning the forensic team found no suspicion of foul play.
Post-mortem reports
Sushant’s post mortem reports indicate the actor died of asphyxia due to hanging and that there were no external injury marks on the body. His visceral reports have also tested negative for toxic chemicals.
Mumbai Police Vs. Bihar Police
Commissioner of Police Param Bir Singh told media during his press conference that so far, the statements of 56 people have been recorded. Sushant’s
Three sisters, his brother-in-law, and father KK Singh’s statements have also been recorded by the police. “A detailed and professional investigation is being done in the case. Sushant’s mobile phone, laptop, and other gadgets are being examined. Zone 9 DCP Abhishek Trimukhe is supervising the case,”. He also revealed that the late actor’s family did not doubt anyone when they first spoke to the police, and they did not come to Mumbai when called for further investigations. “The law is clear. If the jurisdiction is not there, it has to be registered as a zero FIR. We do not know how the Bihar police are investigating the case. They asked for some documents, we asked them under what sections they were asking for the documents,” he said.
The Bihar police team investigating the alleged suicide of Sushant Singh Rajput is so far receiving no cooperation from their counterparts in Mumbai. A four-member team that was dispatched from Patna by the Bihar Police to investigate further the allegations made by Sushant’s father and family in an FIR is getting a lot of resistance from the Mumbai Police. Bihar police accused the Mumbai police of offering no vehicles for the Bihar Police team to conduct a hassle-free investigation. At the same time, they are roaming around in the city with all sorts of posh cars sponsored by their kith and knees.
Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister, Sushil Kumar Modi, said, “The Mumbai police are deliberately putting obstructions to a fair investigation by Bihar police in Sushant’s case. BJP feels that CBI should take over this case.” Bihar’s Advocate General, Lalit Kishor has also accused the Mumbai Police of not extending any cooperation to the team of Bihar Police, while it has always been a practice that the host state’s police extend all possible assistance to the investigating teams of other states that travel interstate for various reasons. As per Bihar’s AG, “If one state’s police go to another state for investigation, both works together. The home state police extend their support in the whole investigation process. But in this case, Mumbai Police is not giving any help or support to the Bihar Police. We only want the investigation to be done transparently. We are acting on the wishes and FIR by Sushant’s father.”
A video is also doing the rounds on social media, in which Mumbai Police officials are allegedly seen pushing Bihar Police officials towards a van. The said the video had raised grim questions on the mishandling of the Bihar Police officials by their counterparts in Mumbai. But the fact is that since a large number of media persons had gathered at the spot, the Mumbai police personnel took the officers of Bihar police in their vehicle and dropped them at a safe place nearby. As per some reports, the Bihar Police team has not been given the post-mortem report of Sushant Singh Rajput, even days after their arrival in Mumbai. Some reposts state that they have Disha Salian and Sushant both the post mortem reports with them.
Meanwhile, state Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has slammed attacks on Mumbai Police. He said, “The state police and Mumbai police are fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. They are Covid-19 warriors, and not to trust them is an insult to them. I would like to tell all Sushant Singh Rajput’s fans that they should trust Mumbai Police and pass on whatever information you have (about the case) to them.
New Twist
Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh said after assessing the CCTV footage, Singh also ruled out any party happening at Sushant’s Bandra apartment on June 13, a day before his demise. “No political leader was present in the party said CP to media. On links with Disha’s death, Mumbai CP also said that there is no link between the deaths of Sushant and his former manager Disha Salian. “We visited the house of Disha Salian. There was a party going on with four other friends.
The mother of celeb manager Disha Salian, Vasanti, has said her daughter’s death on June 8 has no connection with Sushant Singh Rajput’s death. Disha has worked with Sushant for a short period. There have been speculations about a link between the two deaths, with reports suggesting that Bihar Police may investigate Disha’s death by suicide as well. Disha’s mother also said that while she is open to an investigation into her daughter’s death, she doesn’t want to experience the same pain all over again. Talking about the cases, Disha’s mother told the media, “This cannot have a connection with Sushant’s death, she never took his name. We didn’t know that she was Sushant’s manager. We came to know later. Only once, she had told us that she had gone to Sushant’s house with somebody. How can there be a connection after meeting him just once? She was his manager for a very short time.”
She said her daughter had earlier worked with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan for two years. “She worked with her for three films: Jazbaa, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, and Sarabjit.” She added that Disha was a bit tense after she was asked to work on Ranbir Kapoor’s wedding but was later removed from the deal. Sharing her pain on hearing of various conspiracy theories around her daughter’s death, she said, “My daughter was not like what we had to hear from the news channels.”
On being asked if Bihar Police should investigate the matter, Disha’s mother said, “We are pained by reopening everything. I don’t know how long they will dig into the matter. Our daughter is not going to come back. If I could bring back my daughter by reopening the matter, we would have done something. We are open to investigation if anyone has done something wrong. Just don’t bother us.”
Mahesh Bhat finally opened up.
Mahesh Bhatt was snapped at the Santacruz police station as he arrived to record his statement in Sushant Singh Rajput’s death case. According to the reports, the filmmaker stated that he only met the ‘Kedarnath’ actor twice. The report further noted that Bhatt was close to Sushant’s girlfriend, Rhea Chakraborty, because of their film. Sushant Singh wanted to work with Mahesh Bhatt, but he never gave him any such opportunity because there was no work for him.
In 2018, Rhea and Mahesh Bhatt’s pictures went viral in which they were seen hugging and getting close. The photos sparked controversy, and Rhea herself shared them on Bhatt’s 70th birthday. She wrote, “Happy birthday to my Buddha @maheshfilm. Sir, this is us – you held me with love, you showed me love, and you have unclipped my wings forever, you are the “heart hitting “fire that ignites every soul it comes by! Words fail me. I love you.”
To which Mahesh Bhat gave media statements, too, that Rhea is like a child to him.
Media played very foully on this entire case, all those who had no name fame came forward speaking about the case and grabbed some publicity. Whereas Mumbai police are doing its job, and handing over the case to CBI is in the central home minister’s hand. Right now, if we Indians want that justice should be delivered, then we should stop believing in media trials.
In the greed of earning TRP and fame, Indian media looked most profane on Sushant Singh Rajput’s death saga. They all created their imaginary scripts by hurling non-stop rants. They tried to project, Mumbai police most incompetent, they attacked Maharashtra CM and his Son who is also a minister in his father’s cabinet for his alleged presence is some imaginary party hosted by Sushant Singh Rajput. And above all Rhea Chakraborty, a girlfriend of Sushant Singh was exhibited as a blood-sucking witch. These are the media houses that pretended to be Sherlock homes, top cops, judges, judiciary, and authority. There is no control over their maniac broadcasting.
Media first started its attacks with the topic of nepotism in Bollywood, and their flag bearer was an actress called Kangana Ranaut. In her 13 years in the industry, she has done various films, and the first break was given to her by director Mahesh Bhatt whom she later on accused as abuser and pervert. Despite being a success story in Bollywood, she has gone random on attacking every successful person in the industry. A few years back in an interview with Rahul Kanwal on AajTak News Channel, she confessed that she loves men who are obese, abusive, and groping. Rahul expressed his shock about her choices, to which she smiled and ignored answering. Such women are called sadists; this provokes a new public reaction. People were questioning her sanity, virtuousness, and motives; why would someone like an abusive man? What was wrong with Kangana that she would say this? Maybe it’s something to do with her hidden fantasies? Perhaps that is the reason the men in her life, be it, producer, director, or co-actor were abusive to her? If, she likes abusive men, then why foul cry?
Well, let me come back to my main topic, from nepotism to Bollywood mafias, then the insiders and outsiders of the film industry the debates went non-stop. All of a sudden one fine morning, Sushant Singh Rajput’s father wakes up and files an FIR against actor Rhea Chakraborty for the abetment of suicide. Lawyer of Sushant’s father explains why the FIR was lodged after a month; the news of FIR goes widespread. Immediately, the media and social media change its narrative on Sushant’s death. Interestingly, nepotism, Bollywood mafia, opportunities in films, the insider-outsider debate takes a pause, and entire focus grasps to CBI probe. The accusations and questions prompted great pushback – Police, state government, girlfriend, her lawyer, and chartered accountant everyone’s integrity came under a question mark because these media houses assume, they have right to attack all those who don’t suit their agenda.
Much of the coverage, especially on TV, was speculative, sensationalized, and irresponsible. Whoever has peddled his pictures of dead body and conspiracy theories have done significant damage to not only Sushant Singh Rajput but also all his loved ones. It seems Social Media hasn’t learned its lessons from the death of Rishi Kapoor where even his last moments in a hospital were spread without any hesitation. In the absence of common sense and sensitivity, social media will end up becoming the parallel image of mainstream media.
Now, for Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, the coverage went overboard, but there was no decent discussion as if there were no news or serious issues in India or around the world to highlight. Some media outlets reacted to the actor’s psychiatrist, giving private details of his personal life and treatment to the viewers. Many of those who seek help from mental health councillors worry justifiably about confidentiality and the sanctity of the conversations they have with their psychiatrists. But the damage was already done. This coverage sowed the seeds of doubt in the minds of many people, about the confidential nature of doctor-patient communication. This repeated coverage gave a sense of uncertainty about the Mumbai police. To a greater extent, they were trying to project the Mumbai police as the most worthless entity. This is very cruel of the media houses, celebrities, and actors those who follow certain political ideologies and the political party they divided people by creating fear and fear is the most saleable factor in today’s time. They went on giving too many details on the suicide methods. They brazenly violated all the rules and code of conduct. There is evidence to show that going into a lot of gratuitous detail about how a person ended their life can induce imitational behaviour in viewers who may be at risk. This is called initiating or toxicity effect. Trust me all those who were already mentally disturbed got imbalanced after the repeat telecast of his suicide. Suicide is a complex event and is often the outcome of different causes, including mental illness. What explanation can there be for these catastrophic intensifications? The answers are that the media has a significant impact on our lives. How suicide is reported has a definite influence in promoting or reducing suicide rates and attempts. Unfortunately, in recent days journalistic ethics have taken quite a hit, as reportage of actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death becomes increasingly frenzied.
We’ve seen sting operations conducted, and allegations and counter-allegations being hurled, even as the police make headlines over their efforts to conduct an investigation. All this and more has been devoured by curious viewers — creating a feedback loop of sorts. Increasingly unrealistic coverages, the tipping point for many was an on-air ‘post mortem’ being conducted on a dummy. Footage of the mannequin with a white cloth wrapped around its neck that has gone viral. Over the years even social media has emerged as a corrective to the pathetic journalism of the mainstream media; however, the fact that the photos of Sushant’s body were gleefully circulated across social media proves that social media is fast becoming another mainstream media. Through their coverage of Sushant’s untimely demise, the mainstream media yet again discovered new lows of journalism. The unfortunate passing away of Sushant Singh Rajput has brought out the worst of Indian mainstream media. Their coverage was on expected lines – insensitive and crass. What if tomorrow their propaganda journalism gets a befitting reply? Will they be able to hide their faces? Will, they ever are trusted again?
(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com)
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Monday questioned Union Home Minster Amit Shah’s choice of a private hospital over a government one after he tested positive for Coronavirus on Sunday.
Taking to Twitter, Congress leader Tharoor said, “True. Wonder why our Home Minister, when ill, chose not to go to AIIMS but to a private hospital in a neighbouring state.”
“Public institutions need the patronage of the powerful if they are to inspire public confidence,” he added.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday informed that he has tested positive for coronavirus and has been advised by the doctors to be admitted to the hospital.
True. Wonder why our Home Minister, when ill, chose not to go to AIIMS but to a private hospital in a neighbouring state. Public institutions need the patronage of the powerful if they are to inspire public confidence. https://t.co/HxVqdREura
Taking to Twitter, Shah said that he underwent coronavirus test after getting the initial symptoms of the virus. He also appealed to people who have come in contact with him in the last few days to isolate themselves and get tested.
“On getting the initial symptoms of corona, I got the test done and the report has come positive. My health is fine, but I am being admitted to the hospital on the advice of doctors. I request all of you who have come in contact with me in the last few days, please isolate yourself and get your test done,” Shah tweeted.
Two days ahead of the ‘Bhoomi Pujan’ of Ram temple in Ayodhya, senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Monday said that the foundation stone for the temple was laid by former Prime Minister late Rajiv Gandhi.
“The foundation stone has already been laid, Rajiv Gandhi Ji did it,” Singh said when asked to comment on party leader Kamal Nath’s remark that Rajiv Gandhi also wanted the construction of Ram temple to take place.
However, Singh did not make any clarifications on his comment. He further said that the Congress party is not against the construction of the Ram temple but the politicisation of the issue.
“I am a student of Swami Surupanandji Maharaj, Jagatguru Shankracharyaji, Dwarka Joshimath. I asked him when every important ceremony is done on ‘mahurat’ (auspicious time), why is the Ram temple foundation laying ceremony being done in August, which falls in ‘Bhadav’. He said that this is wrong. I even posted it on my social media,” Singh said.
This comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to lay the foundation stone for the Ram temple in Ayodhya on August 5, a much-anticipated ceremony that is likely to witness the attendance of several national leaders.
The statement of 56 people has been recorded till now in connection with the actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death case, confirmed the Mumbai Commissioner of Police on Monday. According to the police, all angles are being investigated in the case.
Speaking to reporters, Param Bir Singh, Mumbai Commissioner of Police said, “Till now statements of 56 people have been recorded, all angles are being investigated be it a professional rivalry, financial transactions or health.” Rhea Chakroborty was one of the 56 people questioned by the Mumbai Police, Singh added saying, “Her (Rhea) statement was recorded twice and she was called to the police station several times. Although I cannot comment about her whereabouts.”
Singh further said, “The statements of Sushant’s father KK Singh, sister and brother-in-law’s statement were recorded on June 16. At that moment, they did not raise any suspicion neither did they complain about any lapse in our investigation.” As per the Police Commissioner, Sushant was undergoing treatment for bipolar disorder.
On being asked about the case development, Commissioner Singh told, “It has come to surface that he had bipolar disorder, he was undergoing treatment and taking medicines for it.” “What circumstances led to his death is the subject of our investigation,” Singh added.
The Police Commissioner also stated that the Bihar Police FIR says Rs 15 crore were siphoned off from Sushant’s account. “During the probe, we found he had Rs 18 cr in his account of which around Rs 4.5 cr are still there,” Singh said. No trace of a direct transfer to Rhea’s account has been found till now and the probe is still on, he added.
A team of Bihar Police is in Mumbai to probe the matter on the basis of an FIR which was registered in Patna, based on a complaint filed by Rajput’s father KK Singh against actor Rhea Chakraborty under several sections including abetment to suicide.
They are the biggest group of Hindu ascetics who are devotees of none other than Lord Ram. Their name means, roughly, “Group Without Attachment.” They have given up the material world for the company of their God. They are “sadhus” – or Hindu holy men often considered by the hermetic leanings. They were the one who always asserted that there is no mosque called Babri Masjid at the site in Ayodhya, nor did the Mughal commander Babur make any defeat or any occupation of territory in India. They also claimed the site is of ancient antiquity and has existed before the living memory of man. They are lord Rama’s representatives who received another third of the site. It is one of the fourteen akharas recognized by the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad and belongs to the Vaishnava sampradaya. The Nirmohi Akhara, which is a body of seers, claims to have been the worshippers and devotees of Lord Ram for over seven centuries. Shebaitship is a legal concept deriving from Hindu law where devotees are considered guardians of a deity’s daily affairs and associated property. It is not simply an office but accompanied by certain rights.
The akhara, which was founded by poet-seer Ramanand, operates on the collective memory of the sect — there is no written text, just oral traditions. It is a wealthy sect that owns many temples and mathas in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Bihar. Members are expected to lead simple and austere lives of celibacy and to accept Rama as their deity. They have abandoned the material world for the company of Rama. They are sadhus, Vedic holy men often given to self-discipline. New recruits are mainly in their teens and can be from any Indian caste. They are put through a grueling schedule to master the Vedic scriptures (Vedas and Upanishads) as well as certain martial arts. In former times, members of the sect had a mandate to provide protection to the followers of Rama and were given rigorous training in archery, swordsmanship, and wrestling. Portions of this curriculum are still observed, though it is more moderate in practice.
Certain adherents have garnered public attention, since 1949, in connection with the Ayodhya debate, when a suit was filed on their behalf to reclaim the disputed site of the Babri Mosque. They have claimed in court that there is no mosque referred to as “Babri Masjid” at the disputed site in Ayodhya. Nirmohi Akhara filed a suit in 1985[clarification needed (see talk page) with the sub-judge of Ayodhya, seeking consent to construct a temple to Rama in the Ram Chabutra, the area adjacent to the unauthorised structure. The sub-judge held that two large religious structures in close proximity could potentially be a “threat” to public order. In 1989, the Nirmohi Akhara filed a lawsuit against the Uttar Pradesh State government, claiming that they had been worshiping the deities installed at a temple at the then disputed site since ancient times, and requesting the Court to hand the management of the temple over to them. However, this fight wen so long and many Hindu organizations joined them in this movement, all right-wing organizations supported Nirmohi Akhara in getting a temple land in Ayodhya.
But on 9 November 2019, the Full Bench of the Supreme Court, which included the Chief Justice of India, overturned the verdict of the Allahabad High Court and dismissed the suit filed by the Nirmohi Akhara stating that the suit of the Akhara was time-barred and beyond limitation. The Supreme Court ruled that the outer and inner sanctum of the site would belong to the deity itself and would be managed by a Trust formed by the Central Government for that very purpose. the disputed site which was in the receivership of the Government was directed to be handed over to the trust by an appropriate notification. The Central Government was directed to give appropriate representation to the Nirmohi Akhara in the trust if the same was deemed necessary and appropriate by the Central Government.
Gradually with power and political interference and involvements, Nirmohi Akhara got divided. Their unity came at stake and they are now at the mercy of power mongers.
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi has welcomed the Bhumi Pujan ceremony in Ayodhya which is to be performed on Wednesday to start construction of the Ram temple.
Rama’s descendants out of Bhumi Pujan and trust says Raja Ramchandra Ji, descendent of Lord Rama. The Hindu Mahasabha fought the entire battle for the construction of Ram temple from the beginning to the last in the court. On the other hand, the All India Kshatriya Mahasabha are sidelined by the people who built the Ram temple.
Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead in his apartment in Mumbai on June 14. In the six weeks since Sushant Singh Rajput’s death has become a full-blown political wrangle. The clamor for a CBI probe into his death is growing louder by the day. Mumbai Police, which is probing the case, has called it a suicide but is continuing its investigation to rule out any foul play. Sushant Singh Rajput left no suicide note. Mumbai Police, during its investigation, said he was under medication for depression. While Mumbai Police kept calling Bollywood celebrities and people in close contact with Sushant Singh Rajput for questioning, a campaign gained momentum on social media for a CBI probe. Several people alleged that the Mumbai Police had a “hidden agenda” and was trying to prove it a case of suicide. At the same time, there is no truth in these allegations’ states, Maharashtra home minister. The most prominent angle in this entire episode is Money transfer; here are some of the details of transactions made from his Kotak Mahindra bank account in the Bandra branch.
