Belthangady MLA urges police action against spread of misinformation on Dharmasthala burial probe
Mangaluru: Belthangady MLA Harish Poonja has called on police to take strict action against those spreading false information regarding the ongoing investigation into alleged burials near Dharmasthala. Speaking to the media on Saturday, he said that he has refrained from commenting publicly on the matter, in order to avoid disrupting the Special Investigation Team’s (SIT) work.
Poonja pointed out that the SIT has yet to provide any official updates or submit an interim report to the State government. He asked law enforcement to file suo motu cases against those disseminating unverified claims, whether in support of or against the investigation as misinformation circulating about the probe has upset the local community. The MLA further urged the state government to take appropriate measures to maintain peace and order in the region.
Addressing a related issue, Poonja mentioned that around ten Hindu activists and BJP workers have been named in connection with a group clash at Pangala in Dharmasthala on August 6, following the assault of three YouTubers and a cameraman. He maintained that these activists are innocent and said that police registered cases under political pressure from left-wing groups and the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI).
He also encouraged authorities to act equitably and avoid targeting Hindu activists and BJP workers and warned against actions that could instill distrust among the people.
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Withdraw 'disrespectful' remark against Rahul Gandhi and apologise: Pilot asks Rijiju
Mumbai (PTI): Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Thursday hit out at Union minister Kiren Rijiju for passing a "disrespectful and inappropriate" remark against Rahul Gandhi, and asked him to apologise for it.
He was answering a query regarding Rijiju's reported statement in which he described Gandhi as the "most dangerous person" for India's security, and a purported video of a man claiming to be from Karni Sena issuing death threats to the Congress leader.
Addressing a press conference here, Pilot said, "When ordinary journalists criticise the government, they face FIRs and jail. But when threats are issued against the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha (Rahul Gandhi), there is silence. This shows the government's intention. LoP is a constitutional position. To describe him as a security threat is inappropriate and disrespectful. Even as such open threats are being made, the government is not taking any action."
"The statement 9against Gandhi) should be withdrawn and an apology should be issued," the Congress general secretary said, adding that it is the job of the LoP to seek accountability from the government and ask questions.
To a query on the plane crash in which Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was killed on January 28, Pilot said, "I do not want to speculate. There should be a transparent, time-bound inquiry. If there are doubts, a high-level investigation should clarify facts."
When asked about the demand for leadership change in the opposition INDIA bloc, he said, "Leadership decisions are internal matters. The alliance worked remarkably well in the last Lok Sabha election. The gap in numbers between the INDIA bloc and the NDA was not very wide. We are working together strongly and will continue to do so."
The Congress has been helming the INDIA bloc, a coalition of Opposition parties formed before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections to counter the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). However, voices from disgruntled Congress members and those associated with the UPA dispensation suggested that the leadership of the opposition alliance should be given to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee or Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin.
On Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Indian economy, Pilot said, "India is a major IT power. We have talent and capability. Many countries see India as a natural partner. But we must use our strengths wisely and not compromise our sovereignty under pressure."
"India should have the freedom to decide where to buy oil from. That is a sovereign decision," Pilot said.
On the issue of illegal migration, he said anybody staying illegally in India should be removed regardless of religion or caste.
"But this issue should not be politicised. If the border has been under control for 11 years, how did illegal immigrants enter? The government should provide data on how many people have been deported," he said.
"This government's intent and policies are anti-farmer and there is no accountability. The opposition will continue to demand answers from the government and stand with farmers and the people of India," he said.
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