#Teesta Setalvad

[beardedmrbean]

Police in the Indian capital, Delhi, have raided the homes of prominent journalists and authors in connection with an investigation into the funding of news website NewsClick.

NewsClick's founder Prabir Purkayastha and a colleague were arrested. Police also seized laptops and mobile phones.

Officials are reportedly investigating allegations that NewsClick got illegal funds from China - a charge it denies.

Critics say the move is an intentional attack on press freedom.

Started in 2009, NewsClick is an independent news and current affairs website known to be critical of the government. In 2021, it was raided by tax authorities on allegations of breaking India's foreign direct investment rules.

The co-ordinated raids at 30 locations on Tuesday are some of the largest and most extensive on India's media in recent years. Police later confirmed they had arrested Mr Purkayastha and Amit Chakravarty, the website's head of human resources.

"A total of 37 male suspects have been questioned at premises, nine female suspects have been questioned at their respective places of stay and digital devices, documents etc have been seized/collected for examination," a police statement said.

Opposition leaders accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of a "fresh attack on the media". But Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said investigative agencies were merely doing their job.

How did the raids happen?

Among those also questioned were journalists Abhisar Sharma, Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, Aunindyo Chakravarty, Urmilesh, Bhasha Singh, popular satirist Sanjay Rajoura and historian Sohail Hashmi. Some were taken to police stations.

Searches were also carried out at the website's office in Delhi, news agency ANI reported.

In Mumbai, activist Teesta Setalvad's house was also searched. Ms Setalvad has long fought for victims of the deadly 2002 riots in Gujarat state and has written articles critical of the government for NewsClick.

A source close to Mr Purkayastha told the BBC that more than 15 policemen arrived at the editor's home at 06:30 local time (01:00 GMT).

"They did not produce any warrants or paperwork, questioned him for several hours and took away all the electronic devices they found at home," they said. Later, news agencies showed him being taken away by the police in a vehicle.

Mr Rajoura's lawyer, Ilin Saraswat, said the comedian was raided at the same time and that police took away his laptop, his two phones, some DVDs of his old work and some documents.

"The police said that Mr Rajoura is not named in the current investigation, but since he has worked with the website, he will be interrogated. We have not been provided a copy of the police complaint," he added.

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According to reports, the raids are in connection with a case registered against NewsClick in August after a New York Times report alleged that the website had received funds from an American millionaire to spread "Chinese propaganda".

It claimed that Neville Roy Singham worked closely with the "Chinese government media machine" and used his network of non-profit groups and shell companies to "finance its propaganda worldwide".

A case was reportedly registered against the website under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, or UAPA, a draconian anti-terror law that makes it nearly impossible to get bail. NewsClick has rejected all the charges as false.

Who was raided?

All the people who were raided have been associated with NewsClick - some are employees, while others have worked on freelance projects.

Prabir Purkayastha, its founder and editor-in-chief, is the author of a number of books and a founding member of the Delhi Science Forum. During the 1975 Emergency - when civil liberties were suspended - he was jailed along with several opposition politicians.

Bhasha Singh is an activist and journalist who has reported extensively on manual scavenging and farmers' suicides. She has accused the government of being anti-women and on Monday appeared in a NewsClick video expressing concern over the increasing trend of members of the governing BJP praising the man who assassinated India's independence leader Mahatma Gandhi.

Abhisar Sharma is a prominent video journalist known for his critical views of the government. He worked for BBC Hindi before moving to work at the NDTV news channel. One of his last videos covered widespread protests by government employees against a new pension scheme.

Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, writer, journalist and filmmaker, is best known for his investigations into billionaire tycoon Gautam Adani and is facing several defamation suits filed by the industrialist. Earlier this year, he was mentioned in a report by Hindenburg Research which alleged that companies owned by Mr Adani had engaged in decades of "brazen" stock manipulation and accounting fraud - allegations denied by the industrialist who is perceived as being close to PM Modi.

[importantwomensbirthdays]

Teesta Setalvad

Human rights activist Teesta Setalvad was born in 1962 in Mumbai, India. In 2002, Setalvad founded Citizens for Justice and Peace to provide legal assistance to the victims of the Gujarat riots. This organization has secured over 100 convictions related to the riots. Setalvad, who seeks the prosecution of government officials for complicity in the violent riots, has faced reprisal for her activism. Her home and office have been raided and her bank accounts have been frozen. In 2022, she was arrested and detained in retaliation for her work.

[kathor]

Teesta Setalvad Refuses to be Silenced

[dainiksamachar]

कभी SC तो कभी हाई कोर्ट.. गुजरात दंगों पर जब अदालतों ने तीस्ता की मंशा पर उठाए सवाल

अहमदाबाद: सामाजिक कार्यकर्ता और दंगों में प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी को फंसाने के आरोपों का सामना कर रही तीस्ला सीलतवाड़ (Teesta setalvad) को लेकर गुजरात हाई कोर्ट की नाराजगी नई नहीं है। तीस्ता सीतलवाड़ की मंशा पर पहले भी हाई कोर्ट और सुप्रीम कोर्ट की तरफ से टिप्पणियां की गई हैं। एक बार तो सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने को जांच में सहयोग नहीं करने पर गिरफ्तारी के लिए तैयार रहने की सख्त हिदायत देने पड़ी थी। ताजा मामला में गुजरात हाई कोर्ट ने कहा है कि कथित सामाजिक कार्यकर्ता तीस्ता सीतलवाड़ (Teesta setalvad) को मामले में किसी प्रकार की राहत नहीं दी जाएगी। 2005 में गोधरा हिंसा के बाद पंचमहल जिले के पंडरवाड़ा के पास एक कब्रिस्तान से कब्र खोदने और 28 शवों को निकालने के मामले में तीस्ता का नाम दर्ज है। कोर्ट ने इस बार राजनीतिक उत्पीड़न की दलील को खारिज कर दिया और कहा कि ये आजकल सब बोलते हैं। कड़ी शर्तों पर मिली है रेगुलर बेल सुप्रीम कोर्ट से रेगुलर बेल पाने तीस्ता सीतलवाड़ (Teesta setalvad) को शीर्ष कोर्ट ने कड़ी शर्तों पर जमानत दी है। कोर्ट ने पांच महीने पहले जब सीतलवाड़ की जमानत मंजूरी की थी। तब गुजरात गुजरात पुलिस को गुजरात पुलिस को छूट दी थी कि कहीं भी गवाहों को प्रभावित करने की कोशिश की जाए तो सीधे सुप्रीम कोर्ट आएं। इतना ही नहीं तीस्ता का पासपोर्ट अहमदाबाद सेशन कोर्ट में ही जमा रहने का आदेश दिया था। इससे पहले भी तीस्ता सीतलवाड़ की मुश्किलें भी सुप्रीम कोर्ट के फैसले के बाद ही बढ़ी थीं। इस टिप्पणी के बाद हुई थीं अरेस्ट सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने 2002 के गुजरात दंगों के मामले में तत्कालीन सीएम नरेंद्र मोदी को क्लीन चिट देने वाली एसआईटी रिपोर्ट के खिलाफ याचिका को 24 जून, 2022 को खारिज कर दिया था। इसे जकिया जाफरी ने दाखिल किया था। जकिया जाफरी के पति और कांग्रेस नेता एहसान जाफरी की इन दंगों में मौत हुई थी। सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने कहा कि जकिया की याचिका में मेरिट नहीं है। कोर्ट ने यह भी कहा था कि मामले में को-पिटीशनर तीस्ता ने जकिया जाफरी की भावनाओं के साथ खिलवाड़ किया। कोर्ट ने तीस्ता की भूमिका की जांच की बात कही थी। इसके बाद तीस्ता को मुंबई से गिरफ्तार किया गया। जांच में करें सहयोग नहीं तो...आठ साल पहले भी सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने तीस्ता सीतलवाड़ (Teesta setalvad) को सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने कड़ी फटकार लगाई थी। कोर्ट ने गुजरात की गुलबर्ग सोसाइटी में म्यूजियम बनाने के नाम पर इकट्ठा की गई राशि में कथित हेराफेरी मामले में तीस्ता और उनके पति की गिरफ्तारी पर रोक तो लगाई थी लेकिन न्यायमूर्ति अनिल आर दवे, न्यायमूर्ति फकीर मोहम्मद कलीफुल्ला और न्यायमूर्ति वी गोपाल गौड़ा की खंडपीठ आगाह भी किया कि वे जांच में पुलिस को सहयोग करें अन्यथा गिरफ्तारी के लिए तैयार रहें। सीतलवाड़ गुलबर्ग सोसाइटी में ‘म्यूजियम ऑफ रेसिस्टेंस’ के लिए जमा राशि का के गबन के आरोपों का ���ी सामना कर चुकी हैं। तुंरत सुनवाई का नहीं आधार... इसी साल अगस्त महीने में गुजरात हाई कोर्ट ने तीस्ता सीतलवाड़ (Teesta setalvad) की अर्जी पर तुरंत सुनवाई से इनकार कर दिया था। तब गुजरात हाई कोर्ट के जस्टिस संदीप भट्‌ट ने कहा था कि तुंरत सुनवाई का कोई आधार नहीं है। जब 2018 के मामले अभी अटके हुए हैं। तीस्ता सीतलवाड़ प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी को गुजरात दंगों में फंसाने और इसकी साजिश रचने के मामले में राहत के लिए हाई कोर्ट पहुंची थीं। इससे पहले तीस्ता द्वारा सेशन कोर्ट में अपील लगाई गई थी उसके खिलाफ कोई मामला नहीं बनता है, इस खारिज कर दिया था। जिसे सेशन कोर्ट नामंजूर कर दिया था। इसी मामले में गुजरात हाई कोर्ट एक और जस्टिस निर्जर देसाई ने तीस्ता की रिट याचिका खारिज करते हुए कहा था कि तीस्ता को बेल देने से गुजरात में सांप्रदायिक धुव्रीकरण हो सकता है। बाद में तीस्ता सुप्रीम कोर्ट गईं थीं। जहां उन्हें राहत मिली थी। http://dlvr.it/T0s2sY

[storizenmagazine]

#BookReview: "The Peacemakers," compiled by Ghazala Wahab and published by Aleph Book Company, is a compelling and moving collection of stories about those who have shown great bravery and devotion to peace in the face of bloodshed and war. This book, compiled by diverse authors, gives optimism in a country riven by communal violence and upheaval.

The book contains multiple narratives, each focusing on a different period or place in India's history. Rajmohan Gandhi focuses on Mahatma Gandhi's post-independence attempts to reduce violence in Bihar and Bengal. Nandita Haksar, a human rights lawyer, investigates the difficulties of establishing peace in Nagaland, a conflict-torn region. Rahul Bedi looks at the 1984 Delhi Sikh massacre, revealing testimonies of the criminals and the brave individuals who rescued lives.

The book digs into the aftermath of major events as well. Uttam Sengupta investigates how Bihar stayed relatively quiet following the destruction of the Babri Masjid in 1992, while Jyoti Punwani interviews heroic members of civil society who risked their lives during the ensuing communal craziness. Teesta Setalvad, a journalist-activist, shares personal stories of the 2002 Gujarat inferno and peacekeeping operations.

The stories continue to shed light on different areas of strife and resilience. Sunil Kumar delves into Maoist violence in Chhattisgarh and highlights individuals working for peace and justice in this volatile region. Teresa Rehman's inspiring story follows the work of a non-governmental organization that empowers women in Assam's once-conflict-ridden areas. Ghazala Wahab reflects on the optimistic years of 2005-2008 in Kashmir, documenting the sacrifices and efforts made by individuals seeking a peaceful future.

Ghazala Wahab, one of my favourite authors, analysts, journalists, and the editor of this book, wrote one of the most significant articles, Jammu and Kashmir, 2004-19: No Peace without Justice. Not just because Ghazala edited the book but also because her exhausting reporting on Jammu and Kashmir topics over many days has always piqued my interest.

"The Peacemakers" provides a ray of hope amid despair by highlighting the strenuous efforts of peacemakers across India. These tales highlight the extraordinary bravery, compassion, and perseverance of activists, journalists, legislators, leaders, and everyday residents. By sharing their stories, the writers encourage hope and motivate readers to rise beyond prejudice and violence.

Read here - https://tinyurl.com/2s3m9yts

[mahampsc]

Clear-headed approach: The Hindu Editorial on the judiciary, the police and the grant of bail

Courts should adopt a clear-headed and common sense approach while considering the grant of bail, and should eschew the tendency to keep someone in prison merely because the police oppose bail with great vehemence. In granting regular bail to activist Teesta Setalvad, the Supreme Court of India has effectively rebuffed the Gujarat police stand that the purported gravity of the offence she is…

[9327005315]

Supreme Court Granted Bail To Sonia’s Friend Teesta Setalvad | Rajeev Ku...

[jhapalitimes]

LIVE: Supreme Court Shields Teesta Setalvad, Halts Arrest Order for One Week

In a significant late-night development, the Supreme Court has come to the aid of social activist Teesta Setalvad, safeguarding her from imminent arrest. The apex court has stayed the Gujarat High Court's order, which had rejected Setalvad's plea for regular bail and directed her to surrender promptly. The case pertains to allegations of fabricating evidence to falsely implicate innocent individuals in the post-Godhra riot cases of 2002. During a special late-night hearing, a bench comprising Justices B R Gavai, A S Bopanna, and Dipankar Datta expressed concerns over the denial of sufficient time for Setalvad to appeal against the High Court's decision. The bench emphasized that even an ordinary criminal is entitled to some form of interim relief and questioned the haste in denying such an opportunity to Setalvad. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the remarkable progress made by public sector banks (PSBs) under the government's initiatives. She revealed that PSBs' net profit has nearly tripled in the past nine years, soaring to an impressive Rs 1.04 lakh crore in the current fiscal year, compared to Rs 36,270 crore in FY2014. Sitharaman stressed the need to sustain this momentum to invigorate the economy further. In France, the unrest stemming from the killing of a 17-year-old by the police continues to grip several cities, despite the deployment of a massive police presence. Rioting, arson, and looting persist, with damages observed across various locations, including Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and even French territories overseas. The government, however, expressed a glimmer of hope, suggesting that the security measures implemented are beginning to curb the violence. Nonetheless, the widespread destruction remains a cause for concern. Tragically, a 54-year-old individual lost their life in French Guiana after being struck by a stray bullet. These events reflect the multifaceted landscape of today's news, encompassing legal battles for justice, economic strides, and the social challenges faced by nations. Stay tuned for further updates on these unfolding stories.Read More:-  LIVE: Supreme Court Shields Teesta Setalvad, Halts Arrest Order for One Week Read the full article

[seetharamaiah1]

Gujarat High Court asks Teesta Setalvad to surrender immediately | Raje...

[znewstech]

Gujarat High Court Judge Steps Aside In Teesta Setalvad Regular Bail Case

Gujarat High Court Judge Steps Aside In Teesta Setalvad Regular Bail Case

Ms Setalvad is out on interim bail granted to her by the Supreme Court on September 2. Ahmedabad: Gujarat High Court judge Justice Samir Dave on Tuesday recused himself from hearing the regular bail plea of activist Teesta Setalvad in connection with a case of the alleged fabrication of evidence to frame innocent people concerning the 2002 Gujarat riots. When the matter came up for hearing…

[squarwell-breakingnews]

Gujarat High Court Judge Steps Aside In Teesta Setalvad Regular Bail Case

Gujarat High Court Judge Steps Aside In Teesta Setalvad Regular Bail Case

Ms Setalvad is out on interim bail granted to her by the Supreme Court on September 2. Ahmedabad: Gujarat High Court judge Justice Samir Dave on Tuesday recused himself from hearing the regular bail plea of activist Teesta Setalvad in connection with a case of the alleged fabrication of evidence to frame innocent people concerning the 2002 Gujarat riots. When the matter came up for hearing…

[wishopenastar]

I've been thinking a lot about how Teesta Setalvad told me to get angry when I'm scared of despair overtaking me.

Anger has historically not helped me, and so she confused me. But then she talked about how we need communities and support networks here. And they don't run on anger. Anger is just what pulls us out of the sinking and the hopelessness.

People are those who sustain action.

[kathor]

Sangh Terror and Failures of Justice -Teesta Setalvad

[todaynewsguru]

India rarely saw accountability of state in targeted violence: Teesta Setalvad

India rarely saw accountability of state in targeted violence: Teesta Setalvad

Social activist Teesta Setalvad has said the country had rarely seen accountability of the state as far as targeted violence is concerned, and added that survivors and citizens supporting them are among the “fallout” of such violence. Delivering the Girish Patel Smarnanjali Lecture here on Sunday, Setalvad said the story of targeted violence begins with the build-up that is created with hate…