Mangaluru: An FIR had been registered against members of CPI-CPM and like-minded organizations for protesting against Israeli attacks on Palestinians near clock tower in Mangaluru city limits, a report stated on Wednesday.

On Monday, CPM-CPI and like-minded organizations had organized a protest against Israel's continued assaults on the civilians in Gaza and other parts of Palestine. Terming the attacks a genocide, the protesters had demanded a cease-fire to the year-long conflict. Condemning US assistance to the brutal conflict that has taken the lives of more than half a million people, they had urged the Indian government to continue its historical pro-Palestinian policy and stop helping Israel.

However, as the Mangaluru DCP had denied permission for both the protest and using of mike, the protest was held without using any microphones. Based on a complaint filed by ASI Praveen K, an FIR has been registered at the Mangalore South Police station against the protesters for unlawful assembly and contravention of orders.

The complaint states that the protesters had raised slogans and made speeches despite the denial of permission for the same. Along with CPI leaders Munir Katipalla and Sunil Kumar Bajal, the FIR also names Nagesh Kotian, Vasanth Achari, Yadav Shetty, Sukumar Rao, Imthiyaz, Santhosh Bajal, Yogesh Jeppinamogaru, Hayavadana Rao and Seetharama Berinje.

Responding to the FIR, CPM leader Vasanth Achari stated that every citizen of the country had a right to protest. The current action of the police had made democracy seem meaningless, he said. "Protesting against violence, wherever it might happen, is essential. Siddaramaiah led Congress government is making a mistake in such matters. This makes it clear that when the BJP declares open support to Israel, Congress is indirectly doing the same. We feel doubts regarding the existence of a Congress government in the state. When the leftist parties were engaged in protest against Israeli atrocities, the Congress government should have provided protection, and not try to silence them by registering cases. This is highly condemnable", he stated.

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New Delhi, Nov 22: Flipkart's co-founder Binny Bansal has stepped down from the board of PhonePe, the fintech company said on Friday.

PhonePe also announced the appointment of Manish Sabharwal as an Independent Director and Chair of its Audit Committee.

In this role, Sabharwal will be instrumental in upholding the integrity and effectiveness of PhonePe's financial reporting, internal controls, and risk management practices, he company said in a release.

"PhonePe also announced that Flipkart's co-founder, Binny Bansal has stepped down from its Board of Directors. Binny acquired PhonePe in 2016 and has been on its Board since then," the release said.

Commenting on the board rejig, Sameer Nigam, CEO and Founder of PhonePe said, "I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Binny Bansal for being one of PhonePe's earliest and staunchest supporters. His active engagement, strategic guidance, and personal mentorship have profoundly enriched our discussions. Binny will be missed!"

Nigam further said that Sabharwal's depth of understanding of India's macro economy, coupled with his leadership in shaping India's policies for education, employment, and employability will be invaluable as PhonePe continues to work ahead towards shared vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Sabharwal is Vice-Chairman of Teamlease Services, India's largest staffing and human capital firm.

Bansal played an instrumental role in Flipkart's acquisition of PhonePe way back in 2016 and had been on its board since then (the payments firm separated from Flipkart in 2022).