IB, NIA, Press Council rubbish media's terror claim on PFI

safia@coastaldigest.com (CD Network)
November 3, 2013

New Delhi, Nov 3: The Intelligence Bureau (IB) and National Investigation Agency (NIA) have denied that they had shared with media any information on Popular Front of India of the media reports portraying Popular Front (PFI) of India as a terrorist organization.

pfi

The agencies made it clear that they had nothing to do with some newspaper reports dubbing the PFI as a terrorist organization in statements submitted to Press Council of India (PCI) as per the notice sent by the Council. PFI had filed a complaint last year to the Press Council against the tendentious news reports that appeared in some Hindi and English language newspapers linking the organization with terror activities.

The reports published by newspapers like the Asian Age, Deccan Herald, Sunday Guardian and the Pioneer, whose Editor is BJP MP in Rajya Sabha Dr Chandan Mitra had alleged that that PFI was a terrorist organization and was trying to develop relationship with Dalits and Maoists and human rights groups.

Of the 10 complaints filed, 5 were settled in July. But when some newspapers claimed that their reports were based on NIA and IB sources, Press Council sent a notice to both the agencies demanding either to confirm or deny the media claims. When the case was considered again for hearing on Monday VK Upadhyaya, Under Secretary of Home Ministry who appeared on IB's behalf submitted the statement which categorically refuted the claims of the newspapers.

In a similar statement NIA also denied having shared any exclusive information with the defending newspapers. Only Sunday Guardian stuck to their argument that their report was based on IB and NIA sources. Justice Markandey Katju, the Chairman of the Council asked the newspaper to produce the basis for their report or to publish the denial statements of both IB and NIA.

Justice Katju pointed out that it is not the duty of the Council to order the media to reveal the source, but it is the duty of the newspaper to provide information about the source. The advocates appearing for PFI said that it was an organization working for the development of the community. It had contributed 10 Rs lakhs to Uttarakhand Chief Minister's Relief Fund for the flood victims. Justice Katju said that it was unfair to blame an entire organization for some its members' crimes.

Since the very agencies have denied they shared information with the concerned newspapers the Council ordered them to publish the denial statement of the agencies. The Council also dismissed the Sunday Guardian's averment that it would affect the credibility of the newspaper.

According to a release issued by PFI, Justice Katju also asked Dainik Jagaran (Meerut) and Dainik Jagaran (Delhi) to publish a correction that PFI is not a terrorist organization. The Council also disposed of the complains of PFI against Inquilab, Navbharat Times, Deccan Chronicle and New Indian Express with an observation that they should be more careful with their facts while publishing reports.

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News Network
February 11,2025

Mysuru: On Monday night, tensions escalated in front of Mysuru's Udayagiri Police Station as thousands gathered to protest a controversial social media post. The post, which critics say portrayed Muslims negatively, featured images resembling political figures Rahul Gandhi, Aravind Kejriwal, and Akhilesh Yadav, and was titled "three idiots." The post also showed a person performing namaz with Arabic script prominently displayed, further intensifying the allegations of communal insensitivity.

Protesters blocked Mahadevapura Main Road and, at times, resorted to stone pelting directed at the police station, police vehicles, and public property. In response, law enforcement used batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd. The ensuing clashes resulted in injuries to several people, including both protestors and police personnel.

By Tuesday morning, normalcy had largely returned. Senior officials—including ADGP R. Hitendra, Police Commissioner Seema Latkar, and DCPs M. Muthuraj and S. Janhnavi—visited the police station to review the situation. Security was significantly increased around the area, and civic workers from the Mysuru City Corporation cleared stones and debris left behind by the demonstrators.

Police have initiated a suo moto case and arrested 32-year-old Suresh, a resident of Kalyangiri Nagar, in connection with the incident. The unrest not only disrupted pedestrian movement but also significantly hampered traffic on Mahadevapura Main Road and its intersections, with city buses bearing the brunt of the blockade.

Despite initial dispersal following police action, the mob reconvened within minutes. It was only around midnight, after assurances from senior police officials—including DCP Muthuraj—that strict action would be taken against those responsible, that the protesters finally dispersed.

Speaking to media on Tuesday morning, ADGP R. Hitendra confirmed that seven police personnel were injured during the stone pelting and announced that a special team had been formed to identify and apprehend the instigators. “The mob was misled by certain individuals who believed that the accused, who shared the derogatory post, would be let off. We will probe thoroughly to determine who is behind this incident,” he stated. 

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News Network
February 20,2025

boy.jpg

Puttur, Feb 20: In a heartbreaking incident a 13-year-old boy died by suicide at Tannirupanta village in Belthangady taluk of Dakshina Kannada. 

The deceased has been identified as Shravan, a Class 7 student at a private school in Uppinangady. He was the son of Dombayya Gowda. 

According to reports, Shravan had dinner with his mother on Tuesday night (February 18), which included a chicken dish prepared by his aunt. 

After his mother fell asleep, he is believed to have taken his own life by hanging himself from a ceiling fan. Disturbingly, he had saved some of the chicken dish for the next day’s meal and had gathered flower buds for morning prayers, making the incident even more puzzling.

Described as a cheerful and well-liked student, Shravan showed no apparent signs of distress, leaving family, friends, and teachers shocked by his tragic decision. He is survived by his parents and a sister.

As a mark of respect, his school organized a silent prayer to honor his memory.

Mental health matters. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help. Call the toll-free helpline at 9152987821. Remember, no problem is too big to be solved.

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News Network
February 12,2025

Mangaluru: A woman in Mangaluru fell victim to a sophisticated scam, losing Rs 14.02 lakh to fraudsters posing as police and CBI officials. The scammers deceived her under the pretense of a "digital arrest," using fake legal threats and official-looking documents.

The Deceptive Call

On November 12, 2024, the woman received a call from a customer care number claiming that Rs 1 lakh had been fraudulently transferred in Delhi using her ID. The caller warned that an FIR would be filed against her.

Shortly afterward, she received a WhatsApp video call from someone pretending to be a Delhi Police officer. The imposter accused her of being involved in 25 black money cases and instructed her to contact two alleged senior CBI officers.

The Fake Supreme Court Link

While at a research center of a private university, the woman received a suspicious link, supposedly from the Supreme Court. Upon opening it, she saw what appeared to be an official case number, an arrest warrant, and legal documents implicating her in black money transactions.

The fraudsters claimed she would be arrested within two hours unless she took immediate action. To "verify her innocence," they instructed her to transfer money to the RBI, assuring her that the funds would be refunded later.

The Financial Trap

Fearing arrest, the woman complied and transferred Rs 6.50 lakh via RTGS on November 13. To further cement their deception, the scammers even sent her a receipt. However, the threats didn’t stop.

Over the next two weeks, between November 13 and 30, the fraudsters continued pressuring her with dire warnings of imminent arrest and a seven-year prison sentence. Panicked and desperate to clear her name, she transferred a total of Rs 14.02 lakh to multiple accounts.

The Realization and Police Complaint

It was only after discussing the situation with her family that she realized she had been conned. She immediately filed a complaint at Ullal police station.

Authorities have urged citizens to be cautious and verify any legal claims before making payments. Scammers often use fear tactics and fake legal documents to manipulate victims into compliance.

Safety Measures to Avoid Such Scams

  • Verify Official Claims: Government agencies do not demand payments over the phone or WhatsApp.
  • Do Not Click Suspicious Links: Official legal documents are never shared through random links.
  • Consult Family or Authorities: If faced with legal threats, seek advice before taking action.
  • Report Suspicious Calls: Contact the cybercrime helpline if you receive questionable calls.

The case is currently under investigation.
 

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