No place for 'cowards' like Hedgewar in textbooks under Congress government: BK Hariprasad
Shivamogga: Congress MLC BK Hariprasad has stated that the Congress government will not approve the inclusion of life stories of individuals like Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the founder of RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh), whom he referred to as 'cowards' and 'fake freedom fighters,' in school textbooks.
Addressing reporters in Shivamogga, Hariprasad emphasized that the ideology of the Sangh Parivar, the family of Hindu nationalist organizations including the RSS, will not be allowed to influence the functioning of any government department.
Regarding Hedgewar, Hariprasad stated that there is no evidence to suggest that he was a freedom fighter. He also expressed his refusal to accord respect to individuals who he believed pretended to be freedom fighters while seeking mercy from the British. Hariprasad pointed out the recent statement by someone claiming Nathuram Godse, who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi, to be a freedom fighter. He highlighted the contrasting views of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Sangh Parivar with regards to whom they consider as freedom fighters, emphasizing the Congress' respect for those who genuinely contributed to the Independence Movement.
Hariprasad further criticized the BJP and the Sangh Parivar, noting that their own books mention six instances when their leader submitted mercy petitions to the British. He demanded an explanation from the BJP and the Sangh Parivar regarding these mercy petitions. He regarded the Hedgewar issue as an election agenda that would ultimately backfire for the BJP, leading to rejection by the voters.
The MLC expressed concern about the rise in cases of moral policing in the coastal belt and declared that the Congress is prepared to confront organizations like the Bajrang Dal. He advised the BJP to focus on the welfare of the people and strive towards building a peaceful society with religious harmony, rather than exploiting the Bajrang Dal issue for political gains.
Regarding the caste census, Hariprasad mentioned that the data collected through the census will be disclosed soon, as stated by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. He clarified that it would be inappropriate to label it as an outdated survey and assured that any updates or changes required would be made accordingly.
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'Strong evidence' available against Saif attacker, police tell court while opposing his bail plea
Mumbai, Jul 25 (PTI): Police have opposed the bail plea of the Bangladeshi national arrested for allegedly stabbing Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan with a knife and injuring him at his home here in January this year, telling a Mumbai court there was "strong evidence" against the accused.
Citing a Forensic Science Laboratory report, police reiterated before the sessions court their earlier claim knife fragments that got lodged near the actor's spine during the attack as well as a part found at the crime spot have matched with the weapon recovered from the accused, Shariful Islam.
These three pieces were part of the same weapon (knife) used to attack the filmstar, the police said in a written response to the accused's plea submitted in the court on Thursday (July 24).
Khan was repeatedly stabbed with a knife by an intruder inside his 12th floor apartment in upscale Bandra on January 16 during a robbery attempt.
The 54-year-old actor underwent surgery at Lilavati Hospital to remove a piece of knife that got lodged near his spine during the attack. He was discharged from the private hospital after five days.
Shariful Islam, a Bangladeshi national, was arrested two days later for allegedly stabbing Khan.
The police, in their response, highlighted that the accused is a Bangladeshi citizen residing illegally in India.
If granted bail, there was a possibility that he may flee India and not appear before the court during the trial. The crime committed by the accused is of a "very serious nature, and strong evidence" is available against him, they argued.
In his bail plea, filed through advocate Vipul Dushing, the accused asserted he was innocent and had no prior criminal record.
Investigation into the case has practically concluded with only the filing of a chargesheet pending, the accused contended while seeking bail.
The alleged attacker has been booked under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections related to house trespass, robbery and dacoity with attempt to cause death or grievous injury.
