If removed as minister for acting in films, will consider myself 'saved': Suresh Gopi
Kochi, Aug 21: Actor-cum-politician Suresh Gopi said on Wednesday that if he is removed as Union Minister of State for acting in films while holding his ministerial post, he would consider himself "saved".
Gopi also said that he has requested permission to commence shooting for the film 'Ottakomban', but has not received it yet.
"But I will start shooting for it on September 6," he said.
The Union Minister of State for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Tourism said that there were 20-22 films he really wished to do after hearing the script, and has agreed to act in them.
When he sought permission from Union Home Minister Amit Shah to act in the films, he was asked how many.
"I said around 22. On hearing that, Amit Shah set aside my request letter. But he said permission will be given. Anyways, I will be here on September 6," Gopi said while speaking at an event held here by the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce.
He said that he will bring three or four officials from the ministry along with him to help him carry out his ministerial duties and for that special arrangements would have to be made on the film sets.
"All this I want to do. So, if they remove me for it, I would consider myself saved. That is all I can say," he said.
Gopi said that he never wished to be a minister and still does not desire it.
"I bowed to their (his leaders) decision to make me a minister after they said that they were giving the post to me for the people of Thrissur who voted me to power and not for myself. I accepted that decision.
"I still obey my leaders and will continue to do so. But without my passion (cinema), I will die," he said.
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NCW chief condemns rape-murder of 4-year-old girl in Pune, calls for swift action
New Delhi (PTI): National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has condemned the alleged rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in Maharashtra's Pune, calling it "deeply distressing" and a "blot on humanity".
The girl was allegedly raped and killed by a 65-year-old labourer, who has a criminal record, in Bhor tehsil of Pune on Friday. The accused allegedly lured the child to a cattle enclosure on the pretext of giving her food. After raping her, he killed her by hitting her with a stone, according to police.
The accused has been arrested.
In a post on X on Saturday, Rahatkar said the incident in the Nasrapur area in Pune was heartbreaking and has shaken society.
"The brutal torture and murder of a four-year-old innocent girl in Nasrapur (Bhor, Pune) is deeply painful, heartbreaking, and shocking. It is a blot on humanity," she said.
She said Pune Rural police has arrested the accused and noted that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar have assured strict action in the case.
Rahatkar said the NCW has taken cognisance of the matter and written to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), requesting the body to ensure necessary and prompt action.
It has also been recommended that the case be pursued under stringent provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and be closely monitored from the filing of the chargesheet to proceedings in a fast-track special court to ensure time-bound justice, she added.
Ensuring justice for the victim and stringent punishment for the accused is a collective responsibility, the NCW chairperson underlined.
In a post on X, the NCW said it has taken suo motu cognisance of the extremely "heinous" incident.
"This heinous crime causes profound pain and outrage, and it highlights serious concerns regarding the safety of young girls," it said.
Strongly condemning this grave "inhuman act", the NCW said such crimes constitute a serious violation of children's rights and raise questions about society's security system.
