Nagpur violence: Bulldozer action on alleged illegal portions of key accused Fahim Khan’s house
Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) on Monday carried out bulldozer action against the alleged illegal portions of the house belonging to Fahim Khan, the key accused in the recent violence in the city. The demolition took place under heavy police security after Khan failed to comply with a 24-hour deadline to remove the unauthorized structure.
The violence, which erupted on March 17, reportedly began after rumors spread that a religious 'chadar' had been burned during a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP)-led protest demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The unrest resulted in the death of 38-year-old Irfan Shafiq Ahmed Ansari and left 33 police personnel injured.
A large police force, including a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), two Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACP), 15 officers, and 150 personnel, was deployed at the site to ensure a peaceful demolition.
Authorities also took bulldozer action against Yusuf Sheikh, another accused in the violence, demolishing alleged illegal constructions on his property. Maharashtra Minister Pratap Sarnaik, in a strong statement, said, "Bulldozers should be run over Fahim Khan, not just his house," emphasizing strict action against those responsible for the riots.
Fahim Khan, a leader of the Minority Democratic Party (MDP), was among more than 100 people arrested in connection with the violence. His house in Sanjay Bagh Colony, registered in his wife's name, was targeted by the NMC after officials claimed it lacked necessary approvals.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has vowed to recover the cost of damages from rioters. "If payments are not made, their properties will be seized and auctioned," he said. He also assured strict action against those involved in attacking police personnel.
The curfew, which had been in place for six days following the violence, was lifted on Sunday.
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CM Siddaramaiah alleges ‘criminal conspiracy’ in Sringeri recount, vows legal action
Bengaluru (PTI): Alleging a “criminal conspiracy” by BJP candidate D N Jeevaraj in the Sringeri Assembly poll recounting, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said the outcome was manipulated after valid postal ballot votes in favour of Congress leader T D Raje Gowda were tampered with during the recounting process.
Following a Karnataka High Court order on an election petition filed by Jeevaraj, challenging Raje Gowda’s election, the reverification and recounting were conducted on Saturday.
After the reverification and recount of postal ballots for the Sringeri Assembly constituency, votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda were reduced by 255, the returning officer said.
A report on the matter has been submitted to the Election Commission of India for further action, the officer added.
Congress leader Raje Gowda had won the 2023 Assembly polls from Sringeri by 201 votes, defeating his nearest rival Jeevaraj.
Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said the High Court had directed the recounting of postal ballots and that irregularities were noticed during the exercise conducted on May 2.
“This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” Siddaramaiah said, alleging that valid votes cast in favour of Raje Gowda were altered after being accepted by counting agents of all parties, including Congress, BJP, and JD(S).
He claimed that during the recounting of postal ballots, 255 votes were initially accepted as valid by all agents but were later tampered with by subordinate officials.
“There is a second mark on the votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda. They had accepted these as valid votes. Subsequently, another mark was made by officials. This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” he said.
When asked who was behind the alleged conspiracy, the CM replied, “It was hatched by Jeevaraj and others. It is planned.”
Siddaramaiah further alleged that the returning officer acted improperly by declaring the result despite the presence of an Election Commission observer during the recounting.
“Immediately after the counting, the returning officer announced the result. He should not have done so; this is against the law,” he said.
He pointed out that Raje Gowda had originally won by 201 votes, but after the recounting, the BJP candidate was declared the winner by 52 votes.
“The BJP has committed a criminal act of conspiracy. This is not vote chori but vote dacoity,” he alleged.
The CM said a police complaint had already been filed by Raje Gowda’s election agent, Sudhir Kumar, and emphasised the need for electoral integrity.
“We want transparency and free and fair elections. That is what our Constitution mandates,” he added.
Stating that the government would pursue legal remedies, Siddaramaiah said, “We are preparing an appeal challenging the returning officer’s announcement in a court of law.”
Responding to a separate query on elections in other states, the CM said there appeared to be an anti-incumbency factor in West Bengal, while results in Tamil Nadu were “surprising,” adding that Vijay’s party was emerging as the largest there.
Following the victory of party candidates in Bagalkote and Davanagere South, Siddaramaiah expressed confidence about future electoral prospects in Karnataka.
“Even in 2028, we will win the Assembly elections. We will come back,” the CM said.
Siddaramaiah added that he would order a forensic examination into the alleged tampering of postal ballots.
