Yelahanka evictions: Urgent resolution needed, says Grand Mufti of India
Kozhikode: The demolition of nearly 200 houses using bulldozers at Faqeer Layout and Wasim Layout colonies on Bande Road in Bengaluru has caused deep concern and anguish, said Indian Grand Mufti Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar. He stated that evicting residents, mostly economically backward Muslims and Dalits, from a densely populated area during severe cold is inhumane.
Housing is one of the fundamental needs of human beings, and it is unjustifiable that a responsible government itself carries out demolitions instead of ensuring shelter, the Grand Mufti said. He emphasised that authorities should proceed with land acquisition or similar actions only after giving due time, showing humanitarian consideration, and ensuring proper solutions and rehabilitation.
Calling for immediate action, the Grand Mufti urged the government to immediately come forward to rehabilitate the poor who have lost their homes, livelihoods, and documents. He also said he has communicated the matter to the Karnataka Chief Minister and other government authorities, seeking urgent intervention.
The Grand Mufti demanded that the government take the lead in identifying suitable land and ensuring adequate housing for all affected families, and until then, arrange temporary facilities. He further stressed that all possible temporary relief measures must be provided to people left without shelter in the harsh cold.
Following his appeal, activists of SYS Santhwanam in Bengaluru have reached the area and are actively engaged in relief and support activities for the displaced residents.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
UP: Petrol pump manager booked for denying fuel to ambulance; causing man's death
Ballia (UP) (PTI): Police on Saturday registered a case against a petrol pump manager in connection with the death of a 50-year-old man who allegedly could not be taken to hospital in time after a private ambulance was denied fuel.
The case has been filed against Ashok Kumar Bharti, manager of M/s Bhushan Service Station in Tengrahi village, under sections of the Essential Commodities Act, officials said.
According to police, the FIR was lodged following a complaint by Supply Inspector Indresh Kumar Tiwari. During the inquiry, the manager admitted that an ambulance had arrived at the petrol pump around 9.20 pm on April 22 seeking fuel, stating that it had run out of petrol. However, fuel was not provided, citing non-availability, officials said.
The ambulance allegedly remained stationed at the pump for about 15 minutes. However, records showed that the petrol pump had sufficient stock on that day, including 4,595 litres of motor spirit, 4,784 litres of high-speed diesel and 3,475 litres of premium petrol, indicating that fuel was available but not supplied, the FIR said.
District Magistrate Mangla Prasad Singh said an inquiry was conducted under the supervision of the Additional District Magistrate by a team comprising the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Bairia and the District Supply Officer. Based on the findings, directions were issued to register a case.
Circle Officer (Bairia) Mohammad Fahim Qureshi said police have launched a probe and are searching for the accused manager.
Earlier, District Supply Officer Devmani Mishra had said that Chhatthu Sharma (50), a resident of Pandeypur village in Bairia tehsil, fell critically ill on the night of April 22. His family was taking him to the district hospital in a private ambulance when it ran out of fuel on the way.
The family approached a petrol pump near Tengrahi village for fuel, but the operator allegedly refused, citing a shortage. The family claimed that Sharma died on the way as he could not be taken to the hospital in time due to a lack of petrol.
The district magistrate said that CCTV footage confirmed that the ambulance had reached the petrol pump and sought fuel, which was not provided. He added that the pump operator cited low stock, but inspection revealed sufficient stock of petrol and diesel at the outlet.
Officials said that representatives of Indian Oil have also visited the site, and further action against the petrol pump will be recommended based on the findings.
