Rape-murder case: Bengal court convicts two; hands death penalty to one

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

Kolkata, Dec 13 (IANS) A district court in Murshidabad district of West Bengal, on Friday, handed a death sentence to one convict and life imprisonment to another in the rape and murder of a minor girl case, which took place in Farkka in October.

The convict, Dinobondhu Halder, has been sentenced to death by Jangipur Fast Track Court in Murshidabad district while the other convict, Subhojit Halder, has been sentenced to life imprisonment.

The charge sheet, trial process, conviction and finally pronouncing of the sentence have been completed within two months from the date of the crime. Both were convicted by the same court.

Last week, there was a similar case of fast completion of the trial process, charge sheet, conviction and pronouncing of the sentence when a district fast-track court in South 24 Parganas district handed the death sentence of Mustakin Sarkar, the convict in a similar minor rape and murder case at Jayanagar, just 62 days after the date of the crime.

Incidentally, the pronouncement of the sentence in the Farkka rape and murder was announced on the same day when a special court in Kolkata granted bail to the former and controversial principal of R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital Sandip Ghosh and the former SHO of Tala Police Station Abhijit Mondal in the case of ghastly rape and murder of a woman junior doctor within the hospital premises in August this year.

The bail was granted to the duo since the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has failed to give a supplementary chargesheet in the case establishing the charges against Ghosh and Mondal of misleading the investigation and tampering or altering with evidence while the initial investigation in the matter was being carried out by Kolkata Police.

The trial process in the R.G. Kar rape and murder case is going on at the same special court in Kolkata on a fast-track and daily basis.

–IANS

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Student shoots self outside Maharshi Dayanand University in Rohtak, critical

Rohtak (Haryana), Dec 24 IANS) In a shocking incident, a 25-year-old student from Chhichharana village in Sonipat district attempted to end his life by shooting himself in the head outside the History Department of the Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak.

Eyewitnesses said he fell on the ground bleeding profusely after he shot himself.

The weapon used in the act was reportedly a pistol meant for shooting sports.

The injured student, identified as Sumit, a Bachelor of Physical Education (B.P. Ed) student at MDU, was immediately rushed to Rohtak PGI, Rohtak by fellow students. His condition is said to be critical.

Authorities, including officers from the PGI police station and a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team, arrived at the scene after getting information about the incident to collect evidence and initiate an investigation.

The family of the student was also informed. They reached PGI Hospital from Chhichharana village and took Sumit to a private hospital where he was undergoing treatment.

DSP Gulab Singh, who is leading the investigation, said: “Sumit, a resident of Chhichharana village, shot himself in the head with a shooting pistol near the gate of the History Department around 1 p.m. He was immediately taken to PGI, but his condition remains critical. We are thoroughly investigating the matter to ascertain the reasons behind this act.”

As per the information, Sumit Kumar had come to the MDU to take the exam and was standing outside the History Department when he shot himself.

While the exact motive remains unclear, authorities are exploring all possible angles, including personal, academic, or mental health concerns. Authorities are working to determine whether it was an accident or a deliberate act.

The university officials and local law enforcement authorities are closely monitoring the situation.

–IANS

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Arvind Kejriwal is an incarnation of Lord Krishna: Avadh Ojha (IANS Interview)

New Delhi, Dec 24 (IANS) Acclaimed Civil services coach Avadh Ojha who was inducted in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) early this month, has likened the party supremo Arvind Kejriwal with God, calling him an ‘avatar of Krishna’.

Speaking exclusively to IANS, the popular educator said, “Arvind Kejriwal is definitely a God, he is an incarnation of Lord Krishna.” The coach-turned politician also spoke on myriad issues ranging from Delhi elections to prospects of Kejriwal becoming Prime Minister by 2029.

Here is the full interview:

IANS: Is Arvind Kejriwal the ‘God of the poor’?

Avadh Ojha: Arvind Kejriwal is definitely a God, I have already said he is an avatar of Krishna. Whenever someone tries to change society or becomes a messiah of the poor, the “Kans” of society go after them. Otherwise, why was Lord Krishna born in a prison? What wrong did Devaki and Vasudeva done? Kans, the societal oppressors, never want anyone working for the poor, labourers, or the oppressed. Look at the situation in Delhi today, it has become an example for all of the country.

Conditions are dire everywhere. Some are worried that Kejriwal might become Prime Minister by 2029. That is why people are targeting him. I firmly believe he is a godly figure. Free education, free treatment in hospitals, he thinks to such an extent that even old people who fall sick and do not have someone to take care of them, he thinks about them. These are god-like traits.

IANS: Poet Kumar Vishwas made a controversial statement saying children should be taught the Ramayana, or else someone else will take away Lakshmi of their household. What’s your view on this?

Avadh Ojha: Kumar Vishwas is a renowned poet with a significant reputation. While he said children should be taught the Ramayana, I would like to add that children should read not just the Ramayana but also the Bible, Quran, Gita, and other scriptures. These books contain the essence of humanity’s upliftment. I myself teach the Gita on my channel. As for the second part of his statement, I believe women have the right to choose. Poet Vishwas might not realise this, but women have always had the liberty to decide their partners. For example, Savitri chose Satyavan. He might have made the comment unintentionally, but it is inappropriate to comment on anyone’s personal life. We all have families and should respect that.

IANS: How would you describe Kejriwal’s simplicity and leadership qualities?

Avadh Ojha: A common teacher like me was embraced by him. Parties of kings and royals don’t even acknowledge common people. But Kejriwal, a national leader, embraced me. I have observed his democratic approach and his focus on merit. He has his own style of working, and he always works democratically.

IANS: Will Rahul Gandhi’s appeal have any impact on the Delhi elections?

Avadh Ojha: Rahul Gandhi is one of the country’s prominent leaders. If he speaks sensibly, people will surely listen to him.

IANS: Congress is accusing Kejriwal of being anti-Dalit. Your thoughts?

Avadh Ojha: The Ambedkar Excellence Study Scheme and the Ambedkar Scholarship for students wishing to study abroad are in Dr Ambedkar’s name. Kejriwal has openly declared from the stage that Dr Ambedkar is his god and that he is a devotee. He has also stated that if anyone speaks against his god, he will not tolerate it.

IANS: AIMIM is fielding candidates in the Delhi elections. Is that a threat to AAP’s dominance?

Avadh Ojha: Our sisters are with us, we have the blessings of our elders, our children are with us, and the youth support us. So, who can pose a threat? In a democracy, everyone has the right to contest elections, and they should. There’s no issue with that.

IANS: Should Delhi’s Chief Minister be a Dalit?

Avadh Ojha: The question of whether the CM should be Dalit or Muslim depends on the party’s rules and processes. Leadership should always be based on merit. During the Swadeshi movement, leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak encouraged Muslims and Dalits to come forward. Where there is merit, it should always be encouraged.

IANS: Will the issue of historical excavations be significant in Delhi elections?

Avadh Ojha: If we dig up the entire country, as one of our leaders Sanjay Singh once said, even the Parliament might reveal something. Should the Prime Minister excavate the Parliament too? I believe the focus should be on economic issues. People are struggling. Education, healthcare, and employment are the real concerns. Why waste time on unnecessary matters?

IANS: Last time, BJP gave Deputy CM Manish Sisodia a tough fight in his constituency. This time, Congress has fielded a former MLA. Will it be a triangular contest?

Avadh Ojha: The excitement remains until the last over of the match. Whoever fights with courage, determination, and God’s blessings will emerge victorious. The one whose chariot is driven by Krishna, will become Arjuna and win this Mahabharata.

–IANS

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