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Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Eid & Shivaji Maharaj Coronation Anniv: Nagpur Police Fortify City
Nagpur: In a proactive move in view of the anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's coronation as per Hindu calendar on June 6 and Bakri Eid the following day, Nagpur Police has rolled out an extensive security plan to ensure peace and harmony. In the backdrop of tensions flaring up between two communities in March over Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb, the police have deployed over 5,000 personnel across the city. Commissioner of police (CP) Ravinder Singal, who chaired a high-level meeting on Friday, outlined a comprehensive strategy to maintain law and order. "Nearly 70 critical and sensitive locations, including places of worship and busy public areas, will be cordoned off to prevent potential disruptions. The police have also intensified night patrolling to ensure round-the-clock vigil," he said. The police have also persuaded several Hindu right-wing outfits to postpone their planned coronation anniversary celebrations to a later date. This step aims to reduce the risk of clashes flaring up again following different narratives put forth over Aurangzeb and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The violence in March, following protests by groups like Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal demanding razing of Aurangzeb's tomb, had led to multiple days of curfew and several arrests. "To secure places of worship, 20 key sites — 11 open prayer spaces and nine shrines — have been fortified with layered security. Additionally, 11 slaughterhouses have been provided with dedicated police protection. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation has been directed to promptly remove animal remains post-sacrifice to maintain hygiene and avoid potential flashpoints," said the CP. Two companies of State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) have been deployed to maintain law and order. Drone surveillance at critical locations has already started and CCTV-mounted vehicles have been stationed at strategic points to monitor crowd movement and detect suspicious activities. N ine entry and exit points to the city will see heightened screening, with teams checking vehicles, particularly load carriers, to prevent illegal cattle smuggling, which could inflame communal sentiments, said Singal. Joint commissioner of police (Jt CP) Navinchandra Reddy said, "Around 10 deputy commissioners of police (DCPs) will be on the ground with striking forces, supported by supervisory officers, conducting regular checks on deployment and preparedness." Police stations and traffic units have been instructed to set up checkpoints across the city, while the crime branch has been tasked with responding swiftly to any complaints of communal nature, he said. "Cyber cell has also been put on high alert, intensifying social media monitoring to curb inflammatory posts and misinformation. This follows earlier incidents when inflammatory posts had resulted in escalated tensions. Maharashtra Cyber had acted against 144 inflammatory links in March alone. Any content with the potential to disrupt public order will be dealt with firmly," a senior cyber cell official said. Nagpur Police are also engaging with community leaders and peace committees to foster harmony. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Time of India
Nagpur Crime Branch Unit 5 Busts MD Drug Racket, Two Arrested
Nagpur: In a significant crackdown, Crime Branch Unit 5 of Nagpur Police arrested two drug peddlers — Sajid Ali alias Sajju Hafeez Ali (38) and Sheikh Amin Sheikh Rashid (31) — on Tuesday for possessing 90.44 grams of mephedrone (MD) powder worth ₹5.42 lakh. According to sources, Sajid, a garage owner and auto dealer, turned to drug peddling after becoming addicted to MD himself. Acting on a tip-off, the crime branch team, led by senior inspector Sandeep Buwa, raided multiple locations, including Sajid's residence at Munshi Gali in Mahal, an area behind the salt factory in Ganjakhet, and Mohsin Engineer Works in Old Mangalwari. The operation resulted in the seizure of 90.44g of MD powder, ₹28,300 in cash, four mobile phones, a steel chopper, a knife, an iron kunhad, digital weighing scales, and a two-wheeler — all valued at a total of ₹7.41 lakh. During interrogation, the accused confessed to sourcing the drugs from Akola and Mumbai, with the help of an accomplice, Mohammad Waqar alias Gauss. Nagpur: In a significant crackdown, Crime Branch Unit 5 of Nagpur Police arrested two drug peddlers — Sajid Ali alias Sajju Hafeez Ali (38) and Sheikh Amin Sheikh Rashid (31) — on Tuesday for possessing 90.44 grams of mephedrone (MD) powder worth ₹5.42 lakh. According to sources, Sajid, a garage owner and auto dealer, turned to drug peddling after becoming addicted to MD himself. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Costco Shoppers Say This Wrinkle Cream Is "Actually Worth It" The Skincare Magazine Undo Acting on a tip-off, the crime branch team, led by senior inspector Sandeep Buwa, raided multiple locations, including Sajid's residence at Munshi Gali in Mahal, an area behind the salt factory in Ganjakhet, and Mohsin Engineer Works in Old Mangalwari. The operation resulted in the seizure of 90.44g of MD powder, ₹28,300 in cash, four mobile phones, a steel chopper, a knife, an iron kunhad, digital weighing scales, and a two-wheeler — all valued at a total of ₹7.41 lakh. During interrogation, the accused confessed to sourcing the drugs from Akola and Mumbai, with the help of an accomplice, Mohammad Waqar alias Gauss.
The Print
20-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Faiz's ‘Hum Dekhenge' recited at Vira Sathidar memorial event, wife Pushpa & 2 others booked
The event, held last week in memory of human rights activist Vira Sathidar, featured the recitation of 'Hum Dekhenge', a celebrated Urdu nazm that Faiz wrote in 1979 as a critique of General Zia-ul-Haq's authoritarian rule in Pakistan. The FIR was lodged on the basis of a complaint by Nagpur resident Dattatray Shirke that they recited a Pakistani poet's words 'at a time when the country valiantly fought Pakistani forces' after the Pahalgam terror attack. Mumbai: The Nagpur Police has booked social activist Pushpa Sathidar over the recital of Faiz Ahmed Faiz's poetry at a commemorative event she organised in the city for her husband, actor Vira Sathidar. Shirke's complaint, which ThePrint has seen, said, 'At a time when the country valiantly fought Pakistani forces, the radical left in Nagpur were busy singing Pakistani poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz's poem. Through the poem it is said that we have a fascist government and 'takht hilane ki jarurat hai' (there is a need to shake up the throne), meaning the government should be changed,' the complainant said. The police have registered an FIR against Pushpa Sathidar and two others. According to the FIR copy, which also ThePrint has accessed, the complainant referred to a news report in which a speaker at the event is quoted as saying, 'Due to this song, the powers were shaken. Similarly, even in our country, it's time to shake the throne. We are going through fascist times. These times are snatching our freedom of expression.' Pushpa Sathidar has been booked under sections 152 (act that excites secession, armed rebellion, or subversive activities, or encourages separatist feelings) 196 (promoting enmity or disharmony) 353 (public mischief) and others of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. 'We received the complaint along with what sections to be included and we did so. The further investigation is going on and we will analyse whether the sections are necessary or need amending, and (based on that we) would take a further call,' inspector Rakhi Gedam of the Sitabardi police station told ThePrint. ThePrint reached Pushpa Sathidar's family lawyer Nihalsingh Rathod, but he refused to comment. The programme was organised 13 May by the Vira Sathidar Smriti Samanway Samiti in association with the Samata Kala Manch—a Mumbai-based Ambedkarite cultural collective advocating resistance through art. Vira Sathidar, a social activist, accomplished actor, writer and political thinker, died during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. Pushpa Sathidar is one of the organisers of the annual event. The Samata Kala Manch performed Faiz's poem at the event. The poem 'Hum Dekhenge' was written in 1979 by Faiz as a critique of General Zia-ul-Haq's authoritarian rule in Pakistan. The poem is used as an anthem of resistance and hope in the subcontinent. In the complaint filed 16 May, three days after the programme, Shirke alleged the performance and the accompanying speeches were inflammatory in nature. 'Samata Kala Manch is an extremist and controversial group. They even have a background of Naxalism. Just at a time when the entire country is standing behind the armed forces and opposing the terrorist attack by Pakistan in Pahalgam, here the Left extremist organisation Samata Kala Manch performed the poem written by Pakistani poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz,' Shirke says in his complaint. 'Naxalite organisations such as these through such events spread the thought of overthrowing democratically elected governments. So, the Samata Kala Manch at an event organized to remember Vira Sathidar sang the poem by a Pakistani poet and spread the provocative thought to dethrone the government',' he added further. So the event threatens the unity of the country and divide the society, the complaint further said. Gedam said that the police are investigating the matter and have started taking statements of Sathidar and others. No arrests have been made so far. (Edited by Ajeet Tiwari) Also Read: There was more to Vira Sathidar than 'Court'. He fought caste with theatre for 40 years
Indian Express
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Kerala student activist Rejaz Sydeek booked under UAPA
Rejaz M Sheeba Sydeek, a student activist and independent journalist from Kerala, arrested from Nagpur last week has now been booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) by the Nagpur Police. The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) Maharashtra has been granted further custody of Sydeek till 18th May. Special Inspector General of Police Sandeep Patil, who heads the Anti-Naxal Operations (ANO), informed that Sydeek has been booked under Sections 38 (member of a banned organisation) and 39 (supporting a banned organisation) of the UAPA. Sydeek, along with a female friend, was arrested on May 8 from a hotel in Nagpur. During the probe, police had found that Sydeek had posted against Operation Sindoor and Operation Kagaar (anti-Maoist operation) on social media platforms and raised anti-India slogans. According to officials, preliminary investigation suggests that Rejaz also has connections with Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)—the premier intelligence agency of Pakistan. However, the forensic analysis of his phone call records is underway, and the claim can be confirmed only after the analysis is completed, said police. The Maharashtra police had also conducted a search at the Kochi residence of Sydeek, assisted by the Anti-Terrorist Squad of Kerala police. Sydeek had earlier been booked under Sections 149 (preparing to wage war against the government of India), 192 (giving provocation with intent to cause riot), 351 (criminal intimidation), and 353 (statements conducing to public mischief) among other provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. His female friend, Isha Priya Kumari—a law student hailing from Patna—was detained for a day and then let go.
The Hindu
12-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Nagpur police to seek custody extension of Kerala-based youth accused of ‘waging war against govt.'
The Nagpur Police conducted searches and seizures relating to the arrest of a 26-year-old Kerala youth, who claimed to be an 'independent journalist'. The police will seek an extension of the custody of Rejaz M. Sheeba Sydeek, who was arrested in Nagpur on May 8 for 'waging war against the government' after his photo carrying guns was found by the police. He had posted slogans against the Indian Army over Operation Sindoor, police told The Hindu. 'He has claimed to be an independent journalist. We are verifying the claim,' an official told The Hindu. He will be produced before the judicial magistrate in Nagpur on Tuesday, as his remand is set to end. No weapons have been recovered so far. He has been booked under Sections 149 (deals with collecting arms or ammunition with the intention of waging war against the Government of India), 192 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot), 353 (1) (B), 353 (2), 353 (3) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita and Section 67 of the Information and Intelligence Act. The other seizures made during his arrest in Nagpur are three books which include one on Prof. G.N. Saibaba and on Marxism-Leninism. Material in support of the banned CPI (Maoist) was also found, the FIR stated. The police said fresh searches led to many more seizures, but refused to divulge details about them. The details of the remand application too were termed 'confidential' information which could not be shared. 'He is not from Nagpur. He was arrested from a hotel in Lakadganj. He was accompanied by one more person. But the other person has not been arrested, neither have any charges been pressed against them so far. He had posted on social media saying, 'Operation Sindoor murdabad!' we are investigating if it is because of trauma or any past association. A high-level interrogation is going on,' Maharashtra Police sources said. As per the FIR registered at the Lakadganj police station in Nagpur, a letter was also seized from him. It allegedly stated, 'Nazariya is a Marxist-Leninist-Maoist journal grounded in the belief that revolutionary theory and organised resistance are essential to building a new world — one free from exploitation, inequality, and oppression. We see our role as part of the broader struggle for a society where no class dominates another, and where the hopes and needs of the people shape the course of history. We are currently working on a booklet on advocating for peace talks. The Indian state continues its brutal war against the poorest and most oppressed people in the country.' It further stated, 'Operation Kagaar, like previous counterinsurgency campaigns, is nothing short of war on Adivasi life, on land, and on any form of resistance to state and corporate violence. At Nazariya, we believe that a political solution — not military suppression — is the only path forward. We are calling for immediate peace talks between the Indian state and the CPI(Maoist) and a ceasefire to end ongoing state repression. The demand for peace talks is not just about ending violence — it is about recognising the political roots of the conflict: land alienation, caste oppression, state terror, and class exploitation. If there is to be any real peace, it must be grounded in justice. We are working to build political pressure for such a dialogue — through a booklet which we will be releasing soon.' It also sought funds for the printing of these booklets. 'Declare a ceasefire with CPI (Maoist)! Stop the encirclement of Karregutta!' the letter stated, as per the FIR. Mr. Sydeek posted his photo on his Insta handle where he was allegedly seen carrying two weapons on him. The post allegedly read, 'Licenced to defend and resist.' On his Instagram account, the police allegedly found an 'objectionable story' on the Government of India and the Indian Army. His post allegedly carried a photo of an injured child. 'This is a child!!!! targeting kids is serving justice??? Indian Army Murder.!!!! Such and condemnable Operation Sindoor and Operation Kagar,' his post allegedly stated. The FIR said it led to spreading discontent among people against the Indian Army.
