Bengaluru: TV channels project wristwatch trader as 'terrorist'
Bengaluru: People are outraged over TV channels, which spread panic in City by telecasting a false report projecting an innocent wall clock trader as a terrorist.
This was triggered by an incident on Monday evening at Majestic metro station when a person was termed as a suspected terrorist by some TV channels. But now it has come to the light that the person was 57-year-old wristwatch trader Riyaz Ahmed. He has been doing watch business in Bengaluru for 20 years.
Riyaz Ahmad also has a copy of a certificate issued by the BBMP. Speaking to 'Vartha Bharati' newspaper, Riyaz Ahmed made it clear that he has been selling and repairing wristwatches at a small shop on the BMTC subway at Majestic for over 20 years.
"On May 7, I returned to home by a Metro train after closing my shop. But the next day, a few TV channels projected me as a suspected terrorist in the news. Those who saw the news on social media and news channels started looking me as an anti-national, "he said.
"I am a poor businessman, an ordinary citizen, and has not hurt anyone until now. But what should I do if I am thrown on the street by stigmatising as a terrorist only for wearing 'jhubba' and spotting beard," he added with teary eyes.
Complaint against Public TV Channel
"I have lodged a complaint against Public TV Channel who falsely aired a news projecting me as a suspected terrorist and humiliated me," Riyaz Ahmed informed.
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Violence reported in several parts of Kerala after civic poll results
Kozhikode (PTI): Violence erupted overnight at various places across Kerala, particularly in northern districts, following the announcement of local body election results, police said.
In Eramala in Kozhikode district, tension prevailed throughout the night after the Indira Gandhi Bhavan, a Congress office, was allegedly attacked by CPI(M) workers.
According to an FIR registered at Edachery police station, around 200 people marched towards the Congress office carrying dangerous weapons and vandalised the building, causing damage estimated at around Rs five lakh.
A statue of late prime minister Indira Gandhi was also damaged in the attack, police said. Soon after, UDF activists gathered at the spot, further aggravating the situation.
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However, with the deployment of additional police personnel, the situation was brought under control, an officer said.
Police said another violent incident was reported at Marad, where stones were allegedly pelted at a UDF victory procession, leaving several persons injured.
In Sultan Bathery in Wayanad district, police registered a case after a car carrying a UDF activist and his family members was allegedly attacked by around 40 CPI(M) workers, an official said.
Sultan Bathery police also booked UDF activists in a separate incident for allegedly attacking a CPI(M) worker who objected to the bursting of crackers near his house, the officer said.
In Panoor in Kannur district, houses of several Muslim League activists were allegedly attacked by CPI(M) workers. Vehicles parked at the houses were also damaged.
According to Panoor police, the violence broke out after a UDF victory rally was allegedly stopped by CPI(M) workers armed with swords and daggers. Some UDF leaders sustained injuries in the clash.
Clashes were also reported between UDF and LDF workers at Ulikkal in Kannur district, though police intervention brought the situation under control later in the night, an officer in the Ulikkal police station said.
In Bedakom in Kasaragod district, an LDF victory march turned violent after CPI(M) activists allegedly intercepted UDF workers passing through the area. Some policemen who intervened suffered minor injuries, an officer said.
Similar violence was reported from Neyyattinkara in Thiruvananthapuram district following clashes between CPI(M) and BJP workers. Police said workers from both sides sustained minor injuries and were admitted to hospitals. Cases will be registered after formal complaints are received, police said.
