Amnesty India chair Aakar Patel says he was stopped from flying to US due to CBI lookout notice
Bengaluru(PTI): The Amnesty International India chair Aakar Patel alleged on Wednesday that he was stopped from leaving India at the airport here as Immigration officials told him that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has issued a lookout circular against him.
The CBI raided the premises of human rights watchdog's offices in Bengaluru and New Delhi in November 2019.
About 15 CBI officers had visited Amnesty office in Indiranagar, a posh locality near the central business district in Bengaluru taking away details pertaining to multiple compliances, organisation structure and others.
In 2018, the Enforcement Directorate raided the Amnesty International India office in connection with a foreign exchange contravention case.
The searches were in connection with the alleged violation of foreign direct investment norms linked to a previous case of revocation of Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) license of the NGO by the Home Ministry in 2010.
Back then, the Amnesty International India alleged that a pattern of harassment has emerged every time Amnesty India stands up and speaks out against human rights violations in India.
It said that it stands in full compliance with Indian and international law.
Patel said on Wednesday when he went to the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) here in the morning to catch a flight from Bengaluru to Boston, Immigration officials stopped him saying that he was on the lookout circular by the CBI.
"I don't know why I am on the lookout circular. I did not know about it that I could not fly. I missed my flight and now I am back home. They (Immigration officials) did not let me go," Patel told PTI. Patel alleged that there was a case filed against him by a BJP MLA in Surat for which his passport had been impounded. He got the passport back from the court. He wanted to fly to the USA to deliver lectures in three universities-- Michigan University, Berkley University and New York University, Patel said.
"The talks are this month. The court released my passport. I got my Visa. I went to the airport. I was stopped at Immigration. I was told that I am on a lookout circular, that's the word that was used, from the CBI for the case that they had filed against the Amnesty in which I have neither been arrested nor I am on bail," the Amnesty International India chair said. Wondering why he was on the lookout circular, he said he had no clue that he could not fly.
Patel said he will see what legal options were available because he has to speak to his lawyers.
"This issue suddenly came up. Last time they (CBI) had called me was 14 months ago and I went there," he added.
CBI officer called to say I am on the Look-Out Circular because of the case Modi govt has filed against Amnesty International India
— Aakar Patel (@Aakar__Patel) April 6, 2022
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Passing out parade held at IMA Dehradun, 491 young officers join Indian Army
Dehradun(PTI): After undergoing rigorous training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, 491 cadets participated in a grand Passing Out Parade on Saturday and will now be commissioned as officers in the Indian Army.
The spectacular parade, held at the historic Drill Square in front of the academy's Chatwood Building, was reviewed by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, who served as the reviewing officer.
Along with 491 Indian cadets, 34 foreign cadets from 14 friendly countries also participated in the Autumn Term 2025 Passing Out Parade.
A total of 525 officer cadets from the 157th Regular Course, 46th Technical Entry Scheme, 140th Technical Graduate Course, 55th Special Commissioned Officers Course, and Territorial Army Online Entrance Exam 2023 Course participated in the Passing Out Parade.
The 'Sword of Honour' and gold medal for securing first place during training was awarded to ACA Nishkal Dwivedi, the silver medal to BUO Badal Yadav for second place, and the bronze medal to SUO Kamaljeet Singh for third place.
The silver medal for securing first place in the 'Technical Graduate Course' was awarded to Officer Cadet Jadhav Sujit Sampat, and the silver medal for first place in the 'Technical Entry Scheme-46' was awarded to WCC Abhinav Mehrotra.
The silver medal for the 'Special Commission Officer Course' was given to Officer Cadet Sunil Kumar Chhetri.
Among the foreign cadets, the first place in merit was secured by JUO Mohammad Safin Ashraf from Bangladesh. The Army Chief's Banner for overall best performance in the Autumn Term was awarded to Imphal Company.
As the parade concluded, helicopters showered flowers on the newly commissioned officers from the sky.
On this occasion, General Dwivedi congratulated the new officers in his address for successfully completing their training. He praised the young officers for their high level of discipline, leadership qualities, and endurance, and urged them to uphold the glorious traditions of the Indian Army and serve the nation with loyalty, commitment, and honour.
General Dwivedi said that joining the army marks the beginning of a lifelong duty and selfless service.
The parents and guardians of the newly commissioned officers were also present during the passing out parade.
