TOKYO (TIP): A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 shook southern Japan on August 8 but no major damage was reported and only relatively minor tsunami waves lashed the coast. The quake hit at 4:42 pm (0742 GMT) off Kyushu at a depth of 25 kilometres (16 miles), the United States Geological Survey said.
The USGS had initially reported two strong quakes, with magnitudes of 6.9 and 7.1, but later said there had only been one tremor. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) also said there was one quake with a magnitude of 7.1. Broadcaster NHK showed footage of traffic lights shaking violently in Miyazaki on Kyushu’s southeast coast.
“The surface of the sea is wavering. I felt an intense jolt when the quake happened which lasted for between 30 seconds and a minute,” one local official told NHK.
The broadcaster also reported that three people were hurt in Miyazaki but gave no indication of the extent of their injuries.
Tsunamis of up to one metre were initially expected to arrive or had arrived in some coastal areas in Kyushu and Shikoku islands, the JMA said. The agency also said a small tsunami was possible in Chiba, about 850 kilometres (530 miles) from the epicentre.
“Tsunamis will strike repeatedly. Please do not enter the sea or approach the coast until the warning is lifted,” the JMA said on social media platform X.
However, tsunamis of only 50 cm, 20 cm, and 10 cm were confirmed to have hit some places, including the port of Miyazaki, more than an hour after the quake, it said.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a warning that said hazardous tsunami waves were possible within 300 kilometres (185 miles) of the epicentre.
No abnormalities were reported at atomic power plants in the area, according to the nuclear regulation authority. Government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said “damage to people and property” was still being assessed.
“In view of this situation, the prime minister instructed (officials) to provide the public with timely and accurate information on tsunamis and evacuations,” he said.
Unverified footage shared on social media showed only minor damage, including dishes and books that had fallen off shelves and a small wall that had collapsed in a car park. The Japanese government set up a special task force in response to the quakes, according to a statement. (AP)
Month: August 2024
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Strong quake, small tsunamis hit southern Japan with minor damage
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Britain is on alert for further unrest even after anti-racism campaigners faced down the far right
LONDON (TIP): British authorities said August 8 they were preparing for the possibility of further unrest, even as they applauded the efforts of anti-racism campaigners and police officers who largely stifled a threatened wave of far-right demonstrations overnight.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer sounded the note of caution after a week of anti-immigrant violence that has scarred communities from Northern Ireland to the south coast of England. Starmer spoke to reporters at a mosque in Solihull, near Birmingham, where demonstrators shut down a shopping center on Sunday.
“It’s important that we don’t let up here,” Starmer said.
At an emergency meeting with law enforcement officers at his office, Starmer said on Thursday evening that police need to remain on “high alert,” Britain’s Press Association reported. He credited strategic police staffing and swift justice for rioters in the courts for creating a deterrent that kept trouble at a minimum the night before.
Police across the United Kingdom had braced for widespread disorder on Wednesday, after far-right activists circulated a list of more than 100 sites they planned to target, including the offices of immigration lawyers and others offering services to migrants.
But those demonstrations failed to materialize as police and counter-protesters filled the streets. Carrying signs saying “Refugees Welcome” and chanting “Whose streets? Our streets,” people turned out in force to protect asylum service centers and the offices of immigration attorneys.
The government also declared a national critical incident, putting 6,000 specially trained police on standby to respond to any disorder. Police said that protests and counter-protests were largely peaceful, though a small number of arrests were made.
“The show of force from the police and, frankly, the show of unity from communities together defeated the challenges that we faced,” said Commissioner Mark Rowley, the head of London’s Metropolitan Police Service. “It went off very peacefully last night, and the fears of extreme right disorder were abated.”
But tensions remain high after right-wing agitators fueled the violence by circulating misinformation about the identity of the suspect in a knife attack that killed three young girls in the English seaside town of Southport last week. The last child hospitalized in the July 29 stabbing has been released, police said on august 8. (AP) -
Indian-origin shoplifter-fraudster jailed for 10 years in UK
LONDON (TIP): An Indian-origin woman was on Tuesday, July 30, sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment by a court in south-west England after she was found guilty of conning retailers and other businesses out of thousands of pounds. Narinder Kaur aka Nina Tiara, 54, was previously found guilty of 26 counts of fraud, money laundering and perverting the course of justice in March 2023. Prosecutors said she had shoplifted on an industrial scale and deceived shops into refunding her for items that she had never actually purchased. She was sentenced at Gloucestershire Crown Court for stealing from more than 1,000 shops across the UK. “This sentence today sends out a clear message that West Mercia Police will deal seriously with prolific fraudsters,” said Steve Tristram, fraud investigator from West Mercia Police’s Economic Crime Unit.
“Kaur is a calculated individual who committed offences across the country, dishonestly claiming refunds on items she had stolen. She showed no remorse for her actions and even thought she would get away with submitting false documents to the court with the intention of perverting the course of justice,” he said. The police force took ownership of the investigation into Kaur in 2018 and worked with the UK’s National Business Crime Solution, an organization representing retailers, and other police forces as a “multi-agency approach”.
“We were able to investigate further into her criminal activity and found fraudulent activity in her bank accounts which subsequently brought her to justice,” added Tristram.
Kaur was found to have travelled extensively across the country to steal from well-known high street stores and then dishonestly claimed refunds on those items.
Between July 2015 and September 2019, it is estimated Kaur netted around GBP 2,000 worth of refunds per week, equating to over half a million pounds in fraudulent refunds and stolen goods.
Knowing that she was under investigation for these offences, she is then said to have embarked upon a scheme to defraud other businesses using the dishonestly obtained credit card details of members of the public.
In March 2023, she was convicted of fraud, possessing and transferring criminal property and perverting the course of justice at Gloucester Crown Court. At the time, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) West Midlands said that working with the police it was able to use financial data, retail records, witness evidence and CCTV which proved Kaur’s pattern of offending.
She was seen on CCTV entering stores, taking items from the shelves and taking them to the tills as if they had been previously purchased. Close examination of her accounts confirmed the pattern of purchases and refunds and that the same process seen on the CCTV was being repeated on hundreds of occasions.
(Source: PTI) -
Indian-origin student charged for falsifying records for US university admission
BETHLEHEM , PA (TIP): A 19-year-old Indian-origin student, who was arrested and charged with falsifying records to gain admission to a US university, will have to return to India under a plea deal entered with American authorities. Aryan Anand had submitted fake and falsified documents to secure admission into Lehigh University, a private research university in Pennsylvania for the 2023-2024 academic year. A report in the Lehigh University’s student newspaper ‘The Brown and White’, said last month that a police investigation had found that Anand had falsified admission and financial aid documents. He had even “faked his father’s death” as part of the conspiracy to obtain admission and scholarship, it said.
Anand was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Jordan Knisley on June 12, with a bail of USD 25,000. He pleaded guilty to one count of forgery.
As part of the plea deal, he was sentenced to one to three months in Northampton County Prison, “which amounted to a time-served sentence”, lehighvalleylive.com quoted defense attorney Molly Heidorn as saying. As part of the deal, Anand is required to return to India and Lehigh chose not to seek restitution of about USD 85,000. He was released to the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. According to a release issued by the office of Northampton County’s district attorney Stephen Baratta, Anand had created a fake email address impersonating a school principal, the report in lehighvalleylive.com said. The release had said that Anand’s father is alive and in India.
Anand’s forgery came to light after a post he shared on the social media site Reddit titled ‘I have built my life and career on lies’ prompted the investigation into his case. In that anonymous post, he had laid out the details of his fraudulent scheme.
The Brown and White report said that the investigation began when a Reddit monitor notified Lehigh’s Admissions Department of the post on April 26.
“The criminal complaint revealed the thread was authored by someone with the username ‘u/transportationOK4728,’ and ‘the creator was following only one University group of Reddit and that University was Lehigh University’,” the report said.
Further investigation by the Lehigh police identified Anand as the author of the post, which has since been deleted but in which he had outlined his scheme.
Anand had indicated that he “created a fake email address in the format of principal@schoolname.com for his application, submitted a death certificate for his father to acquire additional hardship financial aid, falsified tax documentation, altered his secondary school year 1-3 transcripts and created a false “Senior School Certificate Examination” to show success in his final year of secondary school”, the report said.
Anand said it was “all for the purpose of securing admission and financial aid to attend a university in the United States”. -
Indian-origin techie Siddhant Patil’s body recovered from Avalanche Creek
WEST GLACIER PARK, MONTANA (TIP): Authorities at Glacier National Park have confirmed that a body recovered on Saturday, August 3, in Avalanche Creek is believed to be that of Siddhant Vitthal Patil, a 26-year-old hiker from India who tragically fell into the creek and drowned on July 6, 2024. The recovery brings a somber close to weeks of intense search efforts that began immediately after the incident.
The discovery was made around 10:30 AM when a park visitor reported seeing a body in the creek below the gorge. Rangers responded quickly and initiated recovery efforts, which were successful in retrieving the body. Clothing and gear matching those worn by Patil on the day of the incident were also found at the scene. The Flathead County coroner is now working to confirm the identity through DNA or dental records. The search for Patil was hampered by dangerous conditions in Avalanche Creek. Submerged obstacles like fallen trees and rocks, along with the high-water levels and swift currents characteristic of spring and summer runoff, made it difficult for rangers to access certain parts of the gorge. Despite these challenges, rangers utilized long poles and drones in their search efforts. As water levels receded, they were able to probe deeper sections of the gorge, leading to today’s discovery.
Patil’s fall occurred while he was hiking with friends along the Avalanche Lake Trail. According to witnesses, he diverted from the trail and, while standing on a large rock above the gorge, either slipped or lost his balance, falling into the creek below. He was briefly seen resurfacing before being swept away by the strong current into the gorge, from where he did not emerge.
Search efforts have been ongoing since the day of the accident, with aerial searches conducted by ALERT helicopters and ground searches by rangers. Despite these extensive efforts, Patil’s body remained elusive until today, with only some personal items being recovered downstream in the weeks following the incident.
The tragedy was compounded by the drowning of another visitor, 28-year-old Raju Jha from Nepal, on the same day. Jha, who had been living in Oregon, drowned while swimming in Lake McDonald near Sprague Creek Campground.
Patil had been residing and working in California before his visit to Glacier National Park. The park’s officials have expressed their deepest condolences to Patil’s family and friends, hoping that the recovery of his body brings some measure of closure to those who knew and loved him.
The Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Lake Trail were temporarily closed during today’s recovery efforts but were reopened to the public by mid-afternoon. -
Indian lawyer struck off UK solicitors’ register for ‘sham marriages’ conviction
LONDON (TIP): A 44-year-old man who qualified as a lawyer in India has been struck off from practising in the UK by the solicitors’ watchdog after a tribunal heard of his conviction eight years ago for organising sham marriages for migrants to settle in Europe.
Mathew Moghan Rajamohan Chellam faced charges of fraudulent applications by Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and a disciplinary tribunal concluded in its ruling that there was no doubt that he knew or ought to have known that his conduct was in material breach of the obligations to protect the public and the reputation of the legal profession.
In a judgment dated July 5 released recently, the tribunal notes that Chellam has since returned to India and that his current address in India was unknown. “The tribunal ordered that the respondent, Mathew Moghan Rajamohan Chellam, solicitor, be struck off the roll of solicitors and it further ordered that he do pay the costs of and incidental to this application and inquiry fixed in the sum of GBP 4,058.00,” read the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal order.
“In assessing culpability, the tribunal took account of the fact that the respondent’s motivation for the misconduct was for monetary gain, the fact that the misconduct arose from carefully planned actions including by using sham marriages with a view to abusing applicable laws, and that the circumstances giving rise to the misconduct were under the direct control of the respondent and concluded that respondent’s level of culpability was extremely high,” it notes.
According to the order filed with the UK’s Law Society, Chellam was admitted to the UK’s Roll of Solicitors in February 2013 through Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test (QLTT) route as he was already a legal advocate in India. In 2015, he is said to have “self-reported” and confirmed that he had been charged with criminal offences under the UK’s immigration legislation and that he was contesting those charges.In September 2016, at Snaresbrook Crown Court in London, he was convicted of assisting unlawful immigration into a European Union (EU) member state, five counts of providing immigration advice and one count of seeking to obtain leave to remain in the UK by deception and was sentenced to a total term of imprisonment of eight years. As a result, the tribunal concluded that Chellam, who was not represented at its hearing last month, had “caused tremendous harm to the reputation of the legal profession” and his misconduct “constituted various criminal offences”. He has now been struck off from practicing as a lawyer in the UK.
(Source: PTI) -
Indiaspora condemns racial attack on Indian political candidates
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Influential Indian diaspora body Indiaspora Wednesday, August 7, condemned the increasing racial attacks on Indian origin-political candidates in the United States.
The Indian diaspora in the United States cares deeply for the country and is committed to being a force for good, Indiaspora said in a statement.
“During this election cycle, prominent Indian-American leaders in public service on both sides of the political aisle have been shamefully targeted based on their race,” it said.
“At Indiaspora, we believe that such behavior stands in stark contrast to the higher values — of inclusion, respect, and strength in diversity — that our nation has aspired to hold and practice,” said the statement. “We believe strongly in the vision of a better America, indeed of a more perfect union, towards which we endeavor to contribute,” it said.
It said that the recently released Indiaspora Impact Report shows there are 150 Indian-Americans in senior governmental positions in the current administration — a sign of the diaspora’s commitment to serve the United States. This number has been steadily rising across administrations of both political parties and has increased by 150 percent over the past decade. Moreover, five Indian-Americans serve as elected officials in the US House of Representatives, with at least two more currently running in the upcoming elections, it said.
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Harris and Walz officially certified as Democratic Party’s nominees for President and Vice President
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): US Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz have officially been certified the Democratic Party’s nominees for President and Vice President respectively, the ruling party announced on Tuesday, August 6.
Harris and Tim Walz officially accepted the nominations Tuesday, following the close of delegate voting on Monday, August 5th, and the official certification of the roll call by Convention Secretary Jason Rae. Convention Chair Minyon Moore then certified Walz as Harris’ running mate.
“It is my great honor and privilege to congratulate the Democratic Party’s official nominees for President and Vice President, Kamala Harris and Tim Walz,” said DNC Chair Jaime Harrison.
“A Harris-Walz ticket represents the future of the Democratic Party and our country. Their vision to lower costs for working families, ensure reproductive freedom for every American, and stand up for our democracy will guide us as a Party as we mobilize supporters to get out the vote this November,” he said. “The momentum and unity of our party is unprecedented, with 99% of all delegates in our roll call casting their vote to turn Vice President Harris into President Harris this November,” Harrison said.
Minyon Moore said the Democratic Party has now officially certified Harris and Walz as their nominees for President and Vice President of the United States.
“Throughout this process, thousands of delegates made their voices and the voices of their communities heard, and their diligence and dedication has ensured that every voter has the opportunity to vote for our Democratic nominees this November,” he said.
“Now the eyes of the world turn to Chicago, where our delegates will celebrate this historic ticket with a ceremonial roll call and tell the story of Vice President Harris, Governor Walz, and the Democratic Party as we prepare to defeat Donald Trump once again,” Moore said.
Meanwhile, a new poll from NPR/PBS News/Marist National Poll showed that Harris edges former President Donald Trump by three percentage points in a head-to-head matchup among registered voters, including those who are undecided yet leaning toward a candidate.
This marks a four-point shift from late last month when Trump was +1 percentage point against Harris just after President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race.
Harris has made inroads among independents, Black voters, white voters with a college degree, women, and voters 35 years of age or older. Harris maintains her edge in the multi-candidate field, which includes Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Jill Stein, Cornel West, and Chase Oliver.
(Source: PTI) -
ABC says Trump and Harris have agreed to participate in a presidential debate on September 10
NEW YORK (TIP): ABC says both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have agreed to a September 10 presidential debate, setting up a face-off between the Republican and Democratic nominees.
The announcement on Thursday (August 8, 2024) came shortly after Trump told a news conference that he had proposed three presidential debates with three television networks, saying he agreed on certain dates in September.
Trump is rejoining the ABC debate days after posting on his social media network that he would not appear on the network, citing a lawsuit he has filed. His decision sets up a highly anticipated moment in an election where the first debate led to a massive change in the race — with Democratic President Joe Biden ending his reelection bid and endorsing Harris.
“I think it’s very important to have debates,” Trump said Thursday. “I look forward to the debates because I think we have to set the record straight.”
The Harris campaign had no immediate comment.
Trump had teased an announcement about the presidential debate earlier this week after pulling out of an ABC News debate scheduled for September 10 after President Joe Biden ended his reelection campaign. Trump had said he would prefer that Fox News sponsor the debate, but on Wednesday was showing willingness to reconsider ABC. Trump also echoed criticism from his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, that Harris has not held a news conference or sat down for interviews since Mr. Biden’s withdrawal last month and she entered the race.
Ms. Harris has a travelling press pool with her on Air Force Two for all trips. Trump does not have a set travelling press pool that regularly accompanies him on his plane when he goes out to campaign.
Mr. Vance has journalists flying with him, and he campaigned this week in states where Ms. Harris and Mr. Walz had their own events scheduled. That included on Wednesday, when Mr. Vance’s plane and Air Force Two ended up on the same tarmac in Wisconsin. Mr. Vance started walking toward the Democrats’ plane but did not reach it before a motorcade carrying Ms. Harris, Mr. Walz and the travelling press pulled away.
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National Indo-American Museum Launches New oral history initiative
CHICAGO, IL (TIP): A late report from Chicago says the National Indo- American Museum (NIAM) launched its latest Oral History initiative called Broadening Narratives on July 19, 2024. The event, held at NIAM’s Umang and Paragi Patel Center at 815 S. Main St. in Lombard, was attended by the Consul General, Mr. Somnath Ghosh, other invited speakers, and members of the community including those whose stories are already featured on NIAM’s website https://oralhistory.niam.org/
Funded by the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelly foundation, the Broadening Narratives project seeks to go beyond the portrayal of Indian Americans as a highly educated and successful immigrant group. It will diversify NIAM’s Oral History collection by adding the voices of Indian Americans from a broad range of socio-economic levels, including marginalized and under-represented groups, such as LGBTQ+, retail clerks, gas station attendants, people living in shelters or on government assistance, and the undocumented.
Padma Rangaswamy, Project Director, introduces the Broadening Narratives project The Consul General spoke of the importance of a community capturing its own story in authentic, first person voices instead of leaving it solely in the hands of others to interpret the Indian American experience. NIAM Board members explained the process by which interviewees would be sought out and interviewed by well trained professionals on the project team. Team members including Project Director Padma Rangaswamy, Board member Devalina Law, Exhibition Chair Raja Nadimpalli, and Project Manager Amita Banerji, addressed the audience. NIAM digital archivist Ina Cox and NIAM consultant Peter Alter, Chief Oral Historian at the Chicago History Museum gave the audience a fuller understanding of how to get the most out of the NIAM oral history web pages. The new oral histories will be posted on the NIAM website and made accessible to the widest possible audience, including historians and researchers.
Members of the audience also viewed NIAM’s latest exhibition Desi Roots and Wings, which narrates the little-known history of Indian immigrants to the US from 1620 to World War 1. Among the many individuals whose story is told in the exhibition is revolutionary freedom fighter Har Dayal Mathur (1884 – 1939) who lived in the US and devoted his life to the cause of Indian independence from the British. His great granddaughter, Nisha Grover, was one of the featured speakers at the Broadening Narratives event. She presented a fascinating family story of her great grandfather, his worldwide travels, and his connection to the homeland.
Desi Roots and Wings is open to the public at 815 S. Main St. in Lombard on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 4 pm. Group tours at other times are available by appointment. Admission is $10, free for children 5 and younger. Free parking is available.
The National Indo-American builds bridges across generations and connects cultures through the colorful stories of all Indian Americans.
(Photographs by Asian Media USA & Press release by Staff writer) -
12 years since Wisconsin gurdwara shooting in Oak Creek, ‘the lessons learnt since then’
US lawmakers pay tributes to Sikh victims on 12th anniversary of massacre
NEW YORK (TIP): US lawmakers paid tributes to the members of the Sikh community who were killed in a massacre at a Milwaukee gurdwara 12 years ago, underscoring the need to reject bigotry and recommit to fighting hate and racism, as well as ending the gun violence epidemic in America. US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield visited the Oak Creek Sikh Temple in the Wisconsin city on the 12th anniversary of the “deadliest massacre of Sikhs on US soil” when a white supremacist claimed the lives of seven members of the Sikh community, according to a statement issued here Monday by the US Mission to the United Nations Spokesperson Nate Evans. “The Ambassador joined the victims’ families, community members, and temple leaders to honor those lives lost and lead a conversation on their ongoing efforts to combat hate against marginalized communities,” the statement said.
Thomas-Greenfield “heard firsthand accounts of the impact of hate crimes, reiterated the ongoing efforts of the Biden-Harris Administration and across the UN to promote religious freedom, and commended the families of the victims, whose remarkable resilience allowed the tragedy to become a point of necessary reform”.
On August 5, 2012, Wade Michael Page (40) entered the gurdwara in Oak Creek and opened fire, as members of the congregation had gathered to prepare for Sunday service.
The victims of the massacre were Suveg Singh Khattra (84), Satwant Singh Kaleka (65), Ranjit Singh (49), Sita Singh (41), Paramjit Kaur (41), Prakash Singh (39) and Baba Punjab Singh (72).
Baba Punjab Singh had remained almost fully paralyzed after being shot during the attack and passed away in March 2020 from complications related to his injuries.
Members of The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released statements in observance of the anniversary. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois said that Sikh Americans were killed and others injured after the white supremacist, driven by hate and bigotry, opened fire at the Oak Creek Gurdwara in Wisconsin.
“Today, as we remember the lives lost and impacted by this senseless act of violence, we must recommit ourselves to fighting hate, racism, and prejudice in all its forms, as well as ending the gun violence epidemic in America,” he said.
Krishnamoorthi said that all Americans should be able to worship and practice their faiths without fear, and “it falls on all of us to make the United States a better and more tolerant country for people of all faiths and backgrounds”.
Representative Ro Khanna of California said that the Sikh community was devastated by a senseless act of hate, bigotry and violence. “As my CAPAC colleagues and I remember and grieve the six innocent lives lost, we are more committed than ever to pushing for transformative gun legislation. It is our duty as a nation to work together to remove weapons of war and ensure everyone is safe to worship without fear,” he said.
Representative Shri Thanedar of Michigan said that on the anniversary of this tragic event, “we reaffirm that violence against any group is never acceptable. As the Chair of the Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, and Jain American Congressional Caucus, I am committed to ensuring that Sikhs and all other religious groups can practice their religion freely without fearing for their safety.” Representative Pramila Jayapal of Washington stressed the need to “recommit to fighting the scourge of bigotry and racism that we see directed at the AAPI community. On this difficult day, I send my prayers and strength to the Oak Creek community and Sikh communities across the country and stand with them in the battle against both hate and gun violence”.
CAPAC Chair Representative Judy Chu of California said the “horrific act of hate and gun violence” in the place of worship should not happen anywhere.
“Sikh Americans, and all Americans, deserve to live, learn, worship, and play with a sense of safety. White supremacy, hate, and xenophobia rip apart the fabric of equality and unity that binds our nation, and we must reject any bigotry that puts more lives at risk,” Chu said.
CAPAC First Vice Chair Representative Grace Meng of New York said, “We must remain committed to standing up against bigotry and racism in all its forms. In the United States diversity is our strength.
CAPAC Chair Representative Judy Chu of California said the “horrific act of hate and gun violence” in the place of worship should not happen anywhere.
“Sikh Americans, and all Americans, deserve to live, learn, worship, and play with a sense of safety. White supremacy, hate, and xenophobia rip apart the fabric of equality and unity that binds our nation, and we must reject any bigotry that puts more lives at risk,” Chu said.
CAPAC First Vice Chair Representative Grace Meng of New York said, “We must remain committed to standing up against bigotry and racism in all its forms. In the United States diversity is our strength.
“There is no place for the mass violence and religious intolerance that took place in Oak Creek. As a nation we must remain committed to creating a more tolerant and accepting society where everyone can freely and safely worship without the fear of violence and persecution.”
CAPAC Whip Rep. Ted Lieu of California said white supremacy and xenophobia have no place in America. “Together, we must ensure that all individuals, regardless of religion, race, or ethnicity, can live without fear for their safety.” Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers proclaimed August 5 2024 as ’12th Anniversary of the Oak Creek Sikh Temple Shooting’ throughout the state. It said that the “anniversary remains a painful reminder of the work that still must be done to protect all communities in the United States against the rising threat of targeted, hate-fueled violence, it is also a shining example of resilience in the face of tragedy, and a continued, shared hope that a better tomorrow can exist for all.”
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In Tim Walz, Kamala Harris gets a trump card to trump Trump
“Yet the fact that despite an assassination attempt and a decision by an incumbent President to withdraw from the race, Mr. Trump trails narrowly in polls with only three more months to go for voting, suggests that the Democrats have landed a sweet spot with Ms. Harris’s candidacy and in her choice of a running mate. How the ticket manages the campaign, uses the new found energy among the Democratic base to turn out the vote, utilizes Mr. Walz’s and Ms. Harris’s identities, backgrounds and experience to reach out to the diverse electorate in the U.S. and most importantly, tackles the already-ongoing attacks by Republican partisans and well-funded Political Action Committees, will determine whether Ms. Harris will become the first woman to become the President of the U.S and waltz her way with Mr. Walz to the White House.”
As a “progressive doer”, and a moderate politician who has shown the ability to work with Republican representatives to pass legislation, besides being a loyal party man, Mr. Walz has managed to get the support of all ideological factions of the Democratic Party and beyond, getting endorsements from fiscally conservative centrists such as West Virginia senator Joe Manchin to establishment Democrats such as former Speaker Nancy Pelosi to firebrand progressives such as Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and independent Senator Bernie Sanders.
By Srinivasan Ramani It has not been a month since the former U.S. President Donald Trump was shot at, in an assassination attempt and just more than a month since a disastrous debate performance by President Joe Biden helped Mr. Trump to gain a decisive 2-3 point advantage in national opinion polls in the run-up to the presidential elections in the country. Yet, after Mr. Biden dropped out of the race, following a push by his own party leaders and adverse opinion about his faculties – the 81-year-old President has been prone to verbal gaffes and memory slips – and following the nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris, the race has seemingly been upended. Ms. Harris now leads Mr. Trump in most national polls by at least a point (and close to three points in weighted polls according to forecasting models such as the one maintained by ace pollster Nate Silver).
Trump’s campaign would point out that Ms. Harris’s lead was narrow and in any case, national polls aren’t that pivotal as polls held in “swing States”. After all, the presidential election’s winner needs a majority of votes in the U.S. Electoral College (i.e more than half of the 538 votes), which means that the swing States – where both the Democrats and the Republicans are competitive – become crucial in (over)determining the winner. Interestingly, Nate Silver’s model shows that in nine swing States – Pennsylvania (Ms. Harris leading by one point), Wisconsin (by 1.4), Michigan (2.4), Georgia (trailing by 1.2 points), North Carolina (-2), Arizona (-1.3), Nevada (-0.5), Florida (-5.5) and Virginia (4.7) – Ms. Harris is leading in four and trailing in five, but those leads are enough for a path towards a majority in the electoral college. Wins in these States where Ms. Harris leads in the polls, will give her exactly 270 votes as against 268 for Mr. Trump, provided and if as expected, the Democratic strongholds are retained.
Still, this upturn in fortunes since Mr. Biden dropped out, has only made Ms. Harris competitive and not ensured a thoroughgoing victory. In such a tight contest where every margin matters, choices made by the candidates such as the running mate – the vice presidential candidate – are of consequence.
Vice presidential (VP) candidate choices are primarily made keeping in mind factors such as compatibility with the head of the ticket (political, ideological and personal affinity) and the accretion of support. Many Democratic strategists and commentators wanted Ms. Harris to choose a VP candidate from a competitive swing State, so as to enhance her chances of a victory in that State. The popular choice was Governor Josh Shapiro, a charismatic moderate from Pennsylvania, a key swing State. Even though polling boosts through vice presidential candidates are generally minimal, even the possible 0.5 to 1 point bump could have been useful for Ms. Harris, earning her vital electoral college votes in a narrow path towards victory. Or so the argument went.
Walz ticks a lot of boxes
But Ms. Harris threw what is called a curveball in baseball terms, choosing the less-known Governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz as her VP candidate. The factor that went into this choice was a relatively simpler one – “balance”. Mr. Walz is an affable Democrat leader with experience as a former military man with the U.S.’s National Guard followed by a career as a social science teacher and a football coach, before entering politics by taking the electoral plunge as a Congressman from Minnesota’s District 1 in 2006.After a decade in the House of Representatives and with a relatively moderate record, Mr. Walz went on to become the Governor of his State, and is now serving his second term in the post.
As Governor, Mr. Walz implemented a slew of progressive measures in recent years which include making abortion legal at all stages of pregnancy in Minnesota and access to reproductive health care, major gun control measures, paid family, medical and sick leave for workers, allowing immigrants of any status in Minnesota to obtain drivers’ licenses, restoring voting rights for former felons and most importantly, providing free breakfast and lunch for school children in public schools in the State. These measures have endeared him to progressives, who expect such policies to be implemented country-wide.
As a “progressive doer”, and a moderate politician who has shown the ability to work with Republican representatives to pass legislation, besides being a loyal party man, Mr. Walz has managed to get the support of all ideological factions of the Democratic Party and beyond, getting endorsements from fiscally conservative centrists such as West Virginia senator Joe Manchin to establishment Democrats such as former Speaker Nancy Pelosi to firebrand progressives such as Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and independent Senator Bernie Sanders.
Apart from his work, his rural origins, having been born into a farming and working-class family in Nebraska and an everyman image provides the Democrats a VP candidate with whom a large section of the U.S. electorate can identify with, especially among a constituency that has increasingly preferred the Republican party in the last decade or so.
In the most recent national elections – the 2022 mid-term polls – Pew Research found that 68% of urban voters preferred Democrats as opposed to 30% for Republicans, the suburban vote was split 50%-48% in favor of Democrats, while the rural vote split 69%-29% in favor of Republicans. It is clear why the Democrats wanted to have a VP candidate with a rural background, to “balance” Ms. Harris on the ticket. After all, Ms. Harris is a former senator from California after extensive experience as an attorney from the city of San Francisco and her mixed ethnic heritage, born to immigrant parents – an Indian-origin mother and a Jamaican-origin father – is seen as an advantage that works with the multi-ethnic base of the Democrats.
Balance in the ticket
In choosing a white man with rural, working-class roots and an everyman image, Ms. Harris’s campaign managers achieved balance, something that even the Republicans did for their ticket.
One important reason for Mr. Trump’s choice of JD Vance, a 40-year-old junior Senator from Ohio, that leans Republican, was to address concerns about his age.
Can Mr. Walz’s presence on the presidential ticket overcome the gulf that separates rural voters and the Democratic Party in swing States at least? That is a difficult question to answer, as VP candidates only have a marginal effect as voters still look at the presidential candidate to firm up their choices. But there seems to be something about Mr. Walz that has energized the Democratic base as the campaigns have heated up, brought grudging respect from Republican partisans and an acknowledgement of endearment even among voters who have not heard of him before.
Even before his naming as the VP candidate, Mr. Walz was playing the role of an efficient “attack dog” taking on the Republicans. His terming the Trump-Vance combination and others of the Trump wing of the Republican party as “weird people” has resonated well with the Democratic base and independent voters as well. His electoral history – becoming only the second Democrat to win in Minnesota’s 1st district since 1891 and remaining a representative well into the urban-rural shift in the U.S. politics in the 2010s – suggests that Mr. Walz’s identifiability factor with the white working class could indeed help the Democrats as he makes it difficult for the Republicans to use the usual “class-war” tropes to attack his party.
The Gaza invasion
Another reason that contributed to the dampening of enthusiasm among Democratic voters for Mr. Biden was his government’s position on Israel’s invasion of Gaza following Hamas’s terror attacks in October 2023. The indiscriminate nature of the attacks, the continual displacement of the residents of Gaza and the severity of the suffering with thousands being killed and maimed on a daily basis combined with the fact that the U.S. continues to supply Israel with arms, ammunition and funds has alienated a lot of progressives, Arab-Americans and Muslim voters who had favored the Democratic Party.Ms. Harris has sought to redefine her ticket’s outlook to a more critical position on Israel unlike Mr. Biden’s and this also reflects in the fact that her campaign chose not to take the Jewish and pro-Israel Governor Shapiro as her running mate. Mr. Walz has evinced a relatively more nuanced position on the Gaza invasion.
While he unequivocally condemned the Hamas’s attacks and ordered Minnesota’s state flags to fly at half-mast, he also said that the “vast majority of Palestinians are not Hamas and Hamas does not represent [them]”, and called for a permanent “working ceasefire” following the killing of thousands of Gazans by the Israelis. He went on to say in an interview with Minnesota Public Radio that “[y]ou can hold competing things: That Israel has a right to defend itself, and the atrocities of October 7 are unacceptable, but Palestinian civilians being caught in this… has got to end.”
This has encouraged Arab-American voters. For example, Abdullah Hammond, the mayor of Dearborn in Michigan State, told Arab News that “Picking [Mr. Walz] is another sign of good faith”.
Besides alienated Democratic supporters, those among the donor classes who fund the Democrats also seem to be enthused following Mr. Walz’s ascension to the ticket. Reports suggested that Ms. Harris’s campaign raised $41 million in funding just a day after announcing Mr. Walz as the VP candidate.
Republican reaction
Already the Republicans have sought to paint Mr. Walz as a “dangerous liberal” from the “radical left” besides going on to spew falsehoods about his military record as Mr. Vance did recently. This is right out of the Donald Trump playbook of using lies and insulting epithets to characterize his opponents and to vitiate the contest to obfuscate the policy differences between the candidates. Aided by a vast conservative apparatus that includes television and social media, this has helped Mr. Trump build a narrative and a base for the Republican party under his leadership.Yet the fact that despite an assassination attempt and a decision by an incumbent President to withdraw from the race, Mr. Trump trails narrowly in polls with only three more months to go for voting, suggests that the Democrats have landed a sweet spot with Ms. Harris’s candidacy and in her choice of a running mate. How the ticket manages the campaign, uses the new found energy among the Democratic base to turn out the vote, utilizes Mr. Walz’s and Ms. Harris’s identities, backgrounds and experience to reach out to the diverse electorate in the U.S. and most importantly, tackles the already-ongoing attacks by Republican partisans and well-funded Political Action Committees, will determine whether Ms. Harris will become the first woman to become the President of the U.S and waltz her way with Mr. Walz to the White House.
(Srinivasan Ramani is Deputy National Editor, The Hindu) -
Trysts and Turns : Adding caste to creed deepens disunity
That feeling of being Indian, first and foremost, is sadly being eroded
As endemic corruption weakens the moral fiber, communalism and casteism militate against unity that is essential to make India stand up as one against poverty, illiteracy and the feudal mentality that presently pervades the national psyche.
By Julio Ribeiro Now that Rahul Gandhi has decided to become a full-time politician, he can pose a challenge to Narendra Modi’s leadership. His choice of caste politics to combat the communal politics of Modi and the Sangh Parivar is, to my mind, a dangerous one. To add casteism to the two main evils that the country faces — communalism and corruption — will prevent our country from progressing, and is certainly a dangerous move.
As endemic corruption weakens the moral fiber, communalism and casteism militate against unity that is essential to make India stand up as one against poverty, illiteracy and the feudal mentality that presently pervades the national psyche.
Religious and caste identities are not going to disappear in the foreseeable future. It is a fact of life in India, been there for centuries. In rural India, where more than half of our people live, caste is a factor of daily existence. In urban India, where interaction is perforce impersonal, caste and even religious identity was slowly losing its relevance.
The attempt by Opposition parties to further divide the majority Hindus on the basis of caste for electoral gain is going to end in disaster.
I live in a building that boasts of 20 flat owners belonging to different religions (Hindu, Muslim and Christian); different castes (brahmins, SCs and OBCs, rajputs, khatris, kayasthas). They hail from different states of India — Maharashtra. Punjab, UP, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Gujarat and Goa. All of us get along famously with each other, eat together once a year on the terrace of the building and settle quarrels among the grandchildren by asking them to settle their quarrels themselves. You may have guessed it right — we are all educated, middle-income citizens. So, we have a headstart on integration.
In 1981, I was a guest of the Japanese government, attending a seven-week workshop on the judicial process system in Asia. The other participants were from the US, Australia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Samoa, Malaysia, Singapore and the host country, Japan. On one Sunday in Tokyo, I went to a church, accompanied by the Australian, who was a judge, and the Samoan, who was a police chief. Returning to our hostel after the Service, I noticed a couple who was obviously Indians walking on the other side of the road. I waved to them. They waved back. My companions asked me if I knew them. I replied I did not. Then, why I had greeted them, they asked. It surprised them when I said that I identified with them at once as not many of my countrymen could afford to be travelling in an affluent foreign land.
That feeling of being Indian, first and foremost, is sadly being eroded. First, it was the Hindu-Muslim divide accentuated at the time of elections and now, this attempt by Opposition parties to further divide the majority Hindus on the basis of caste for electoral gain. That is going to end in disaster, like the division on religious grounds is leading us to.
If dividing and weakening India on religious and caste lines was not enough, the Supreme Court, in a six-to-one decision of a seven-judge Constitution Bench, overturned its own 2004 ruling that had pronounced that all SCs constitute one homogenous body. By that ruling, the more educated units of SCs, like the Mahars in Maharashtra or the Chamars in Punjab, cornered most of the reserved seats allotted to the Scheduled Castes, leaving the less educated bereft of the benefits that reservation promised.
The 2024 Supreme Court majority verdict, of which the CJI was a part, argued that the categories of SCs who had not benefited from reservation should now be treated separately so that the principle on which reservation was conceived was upheld. This judgment will further divide Indian citizens and produce demands for inclusion from sub-castes whose existence itself was not known to most citizens.
Five years ago, just before Covid struck, I broke the neck of my femur bone after a fall in the bath. The result was that I needed a young man, full time, to help me with my daily physical chores. He was a Dalit from Bihar, but just before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, I learnt he was a “maha Dalit”, a category that I was not aware of. There could be such neglected elements in Maharashtra also.
Be that as it may, the presence of these dispossessed sub-castes of SCs, obviously quite numerous in the north of the country, has been noted by the Supreme Court. The court has rightly deigned that they, too, should be given a part of the reservation pie. The enforcement of the court’s order is not going to be easy. More difficult will be to calculate the political fallout of this further divide in the polity.
Last Saturday, the KES (Kandivali Education Society) College of Law in Mumbai invited me to interact with their students online. I answered a volley of questions shot at me by the students. Many of them concerned reservations in college admissions and jobs with the government. I explained the rationale behind affirmative action but was at a loss to justify the heady mix of rectifying centuries-old injustices with the necessity of maintaining higher standards of service, which the common man was entitled to.
Both factors need to be kept in mind by the decision-makers while formulating a “via media”. Political parties, starting with the Congress under Jawaharlal Nehru right up to the BJP under Narendra Modi, have neglected education and health, the bedrocks of a successful society. China has stolen a 50-year march over us in ensuring 100 per cent literacy, as now exists in the advanced countries of the West.
If we had achieved total literacy, we could have selected the really bright boys and girls from the neglected castes and enrolled them at the State’s expense in the best schools to ensure that they could compete with their sisters and brothers of the advanced castes on an even plane. The problem of admitting a candidate who achieved rank 821 in the civil services exam into the IAS would not have arisen, as it did in the recent case of Puja Khedkar.
Recently, Rahul Gandhi predicted an ED raid on his premises for criticizing the government for some action it had taken. He need not lose sleep over such an arrest. It will boomerang on the government — it will increase his slowly rising popularity, accelerate it a bit. But if the ED conjures up a case for a raid because of his raking up the caste issue, I, for one, will not defend him.
(The author is a former governor and a celebrated retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer) -
Welcome Step in Correcting a Serious Miscarriage of Justice: On Supreme Court of India Granting Bail to Sisodia
By Prof. Indrajit S. Saluja On August 9, the Supreme Court of India granted bail to Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manjit Sisodia, marking a significant moment in a case that has drawn national attention. Sisodia, a prominent leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), had been incarcerated for 17 months under circumstances that many believe were politically motivated. His arrest and the prolonged detention have raised serious questions about the integrity of India’s legal and political systems.
Manjit Sisodia was arrested on March 3, 2023, in connection with an alleged liquor policy scam in Delhi. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) accused Sisodia of involvement in irregularities related to the Delhi Excise Policy, which was claimed to have caused significant financial losses to the government. The charges against Sisodia included money laundering, corruption, and abuse of power. However, from the outset, the case against him appeared tenuous, with the evidence presented by the investigating agencies coming under scrutiny.
Despite the high-profile nature of the case, the investigating agencies failed to present a solid case in court. Over the course of 17 months, no formal charges were filed against Sisodia, and the evidence against him remained unconvincing. The prolonged detention without trial led to widespread speculation that the case was less about justice and more about political retribution. The Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail to Sisodia is a reflection of the growing concerns over the misuse of investigative agencies for political ends.
The CBI and ED’s handling of the case has raised serious questions about their independence and the potential influence of the central government. The agencies’ inability to produce substantive evidence against Sisodia suggests that the case may have been politically motivated. The Modi government, which has been at odds with the AAP government in Delhi, is seen by many as using these agencies to target its political rivals.
The timing of Sisodia’s arrest and the prolonged nature of his detention suggest a deliberate strategy to undermine the AAP government. The BJP, which has struggled to dislodge the AAP from power in Delhi despite multiple attempts, may have viewed Sisodia’s arrest as a way to destabilize the Kejriwal administration. By keeping Sisodia and other senior AAP leaders like Satyendra Jain and Arvind Kejriwal entangled in legal battles, the BJP could have hoped to create administrative chaos in Delhi and weaken the party’s standing among voters.
The case against Sisodia and his prolonged incarceration without trial represent a significant challenge to India’s democratic norms. The principle of the rule of law requires that individuals accused of crimes be given a fair and timely trial. However, in Sisodia’s case, this fundamental right appears to have been denied. The 17-month-long detention without any substantial legal proceedings raises concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and the potential misuse of state power.
The Modi government’s approach to dealing with political opponents through legal means reflects a worrying trend in Indian politics. By leveraging the power of investigative agencies, the government can sideline opposition leaders, reducing their ability to function effectively and weakening democratic checks and balances. This tactic not only undermines the rights of individuals like Sisodia but also poses a broader threat to the health of India’s democracy.
The Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail to Sisodia is a critical intervention in this context. It signals that the judiciary remains a vital check on the excesses of the executive branch. The Court recognized that Sisodia had been kept in detention for an extended period without any formal charges being brought against him. This decision reaffirms the importance of upholding individual rights and ensuring that the legal process is not misused for political purposes.
However, the case also highlights the limitations of the judiciary in dealing with the sheer volume of politically motivated cases. The Modi government may have calculated that the lower courts would be hesitant to challenge the actions of powerful investigative agencies, and that the Supreme Court, burdened with numerous cases, might take time to address such issues. This strategy of delay and legal entanglement is a tactic that can be used to keep political opponents in a state of limbo, even when the evidence against them is weak.
The Sisodia case underscores the need for a thorough review of the powers granted to India’s investigative agencies. The ability to arrest and detain individuals for extended periods without trial is a draconian measure that can easily be abused. There is an urgent need to reform the laws governing these agencies to ensure that they operate within the bounds of justice and fairness. This includes setting clear guidelines for the initiation of investigations, the collection of evidence, and the timelines for bringing cases to trial.
The case also calls for greater judicial oversight of the actions of these agencies. The judiciary must be empowered to act swiftly to prevent the misuse of power and to protect the rights of individuals. This includes the ability to scrutinize the evidence presented by investigative agencies and to ensure that arrests and detentions are based on solid legal grounds, not political calculations.
The Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail to Manjit Sisodia is a welcome step in correcting a serious miscarriage of justice. However, the case highlights the broader issues of political interference in the legal system and the potential abuse of power by investigative agencies. As India grapples with these challenges, it is essential to reaffirm the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of individual rights. The Sisodia case should serve as a catalyst for much-needed reforms to ensure that the legal system is not used as a tool for political vendettas, but as a means of delivering justice fairly and impartially. The motto “Satyamev Jayate” needs to be seen in practice , and not just as an emblem in government offices and the portals of the courts.
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NYC Comptroller Audit Finds City Overpaid $11M On Migrant Contract
NEW YORK CITY (TIP): A new NYC Comptroller audit claims that the City overpaid for a firm’s services during the midst of the migrant crisis. Comptroller Brad Lander in the audit says about $11 million paid to DocGo by the Adams administration should be recouped.
Eighty percent of the $13.8 million payment shouldn’t have been paid for the first two months of the firm’s contract in May and June 2023, Lander argues. DocGo was awarded a $432 million no-bid contract by Mayor Eric Adams to help migrants in the city last year.
The audit reviewed payments used to provide hotel rooms, food and other services to migrants.
10,000 hotel rooms in New York City and Upstate New York that the city paid for were never used, according to the audit. 3,500 unused rooms at the Crowne Plaza JFK Hotel reserved for ten days racked up a $570,000 bill in June 2023.
According to the audit, $833,000 was spent for 4,902 unused rooms at the Armoni Inn in Upstate Orangeburg for 61 nights in May and June 2023.
The city Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) was tasked with overseeing the contract and services provided by DocGo.
According to the audit, HPD did not hold DocGo to contract terms and conditions and did not require DocGo to provide appropriate documentation. The audit also found a $2 million overpayment by DocGo used for security subcontractors, 80 percent of the 189 hotel rooms paid for had no microwaves and refrigerators and some had roaches, bed bugs and rats.
Also, DocGo overspent thousands on meals for migrants in hotels, among other charges.
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DA Katz dismisses convictions of 46 defendants following perjury plea by former NYPD Detective
QUEENS, NY (TIP): Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz petitioned the court on Thursday, August 8, to vacate the convictions of 46 defendants whose cases involved NYPD Detective James Donovan, who was convicted of perjury last year. The disgraced detective, who was assigned to the Warrant Squad at the 103rd Precinct in Jamaica, pleaded guilty in 2023 to falsely testifying before a Queens grand jury, and an extensive review was conducted of his previous cases by the District Attorney’s Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU).
“Today, I am asking the Court to vacate and dismiss 46 criminal cases where former Detective James Donovan was the primary witness,” Katz said. “We cannot stand behind a conviction where the essential witness was a law enforcement officer convicted of a crime that irreparably impaired his credibility.”
After identifying the 46 affected convictions, the CIU contacted the Wrongful Conviction Unit at The Legal Aid Society and filed joint motions in each case seeking to vacate the convictions.
“We applaud District Attorney Melinda Katz for taking further action to vacate convictions involving a discredited detective who was convicted of perjury after he testified falsely in the grand jury in a separate case,” said Elizabeth Felber, supervising attorney of the Wrongful Conviction Unit at The Legal Aid Society. “While we hope this moment delivers justice and closure to the New Yorkers impacted by these tactics, the sad reality is that many were forced to suffer incarceration, hefty legal fees, loss of employment, housing instability, severed access to critical benefits and other collateral consequences resulting from criminal convictions.”
Acting Queens Supreme Court Justice Joanne Watters granted the motions and dismissed the charges. According to the motions, Donovan pleaded guilty to perjury in the third degree before Queens Supreme Court Justice Anthony Battisti in May 2023. On Aug. 11, 2021, Donovan testified under oath to a Queens grand jury that he arrested a wanted individual in November 2020. Donovan claimed that he found the individual sleeping in a car and discovered a loaded firearm in the car. He later admitted his testimony about the arrest was false when interviewed by a prosecutor preparing the case for a hearing.
Subsequent interviews confirmed that, although Donovan was present at the address, a different detective actually made the arrest outside of Donovan’s presence. Because of Donovan’s perjury, the District Attorney’s Office was required to dismiss the gun charges brought against the individual. Donovan’s perjury conviction led to the review by the DA’s CIU of all cases in which he was the arresting officer. The CIU identified the 46 cases which required dismissal.
“After an unflinching review proactively conducted by my Conviction Integrity Unit, I believe it is necessary to take this step to protect the public’s confidence in the justice system,” Katz said.
Including the motions granted on Thursday, the CIU has vacated 148 convictions since the office was launched by Katz in May 2020. The unit has dismissed 132 convictions based on the unreliable police work of former detectives later convicted of crimes committed on the job that undermined their credibility. Another 16 convictions have been vacated for a variety of other reasons, including newly discovered evidence.
“The Legal Aid Society urges DA Katz and other local prosecutors to continue to conduct these reviews on a rolling basis with full transparency,” Felber said. “The same lens used on our clients charged with criminal conduct must be applied to those in law enforcement. Anything less will erode the public’s trust in the criminal legal system to hold those accountable for egregious acts of misconduct.”
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Suozzi Celebrates U.S.-India Relations, BAPS 50th Anniversary in U.S.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Congressman Tom Suozzi (D – Long Island, Queens) introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing the importance of the U.S.-India relations ahead of the 50th anniversary of the first BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu temple in the United States on August 4, 2024.
“Introducing legislation to commemorate the 50th anniversary of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in the United States is an honor. This legislation not only acknowledges the historic milestone of the Mandir but also celebrates the invaluable contributions made by BAPS and its volunteers to our community over the past 50 years,” stated Suozzi. “Additionally, the legislation underscores the shared values of freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and religious pluralism between the U.S. and India while celebrating the enduring friendship between our two nations.”
Congressman Suozzi, a long-time friend and supporter of the Indian American community, proudly represents New York’s 3rd Congressional District. The district, which extends from northeast Queens to Nassau County, including Hicksville, one of the most heavily concentrated populations of Indian residents on Long Island, is home to a large, active, and diverse community with roots in South Asia.
The bipartisan resolution, H.Res. 1394, “Celebrating the principles of democracy, religious pluralism, human rights, and the rule of law shared by both the United States and India, the strong people-to-people ties between the United States and India, and the success of the Indian diaspora in the United States,” currently has 37 co-sponsors. This resolution also celebrates the religious pluralism of India, and the prosperity of the Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist, Christian, and Jain communities.
“India is the world’s most populous democracy in the world and an important strategic partner of the United States,” said Congresswoman Young Kim (R-CA), lead co-sponsor of the resolution and Chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific. “I celebrate 50 years of our vibrant BAPS community in Chino Hills and across Southern California and am so proud to represent more than 10,000 Indian Americans who are making our community a better place. I will do my part on the Foreign Affairs Committee to foster U.S.-India relations and advance our shared principles, which are more important than ever as we see rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific.”
The resolution also commemorates the first BAPS mandir in North America, built by the Pramukh Swami Maharaj on Flushing’s historic Bowne Street in 1974. Since then, six traditional stone Hindu mandirs and 108 Hari Mandirs have been built in the United States and Canada, including the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, NY.
“As a volunteer with BAPS for over 40 years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible impact our community has had across the nation. The resolution introduced in the House recognizing our 50-year journey in North America is not just an honor for our organization but a testament to the dedication and hard work of our Gurus —Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj — as well as every volunteer and well-wisher. We are grateful for this recognition that reaffirms our commitment to preserving our cultural heritage and serving society,” said Girish Patel, Lead Community Outreach Volunteer, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Melville, NY.
H.Res. 1394 promotes U.S.-India relations by:
- Recognizing the importance of the United States-India strategic bilateral relationship;
- Celebrating the people-to-people bonds of friendship between India and the United States;
- Affirming the commitment to freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and religious pluralism shared by the United States and India; and
- Recognizing and celebrating the countless contributions of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and its volunteers over the last 50 years in the United States.
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A Conversation with Dr. Avinash Gupta, President of FIA NY NJ CT NE on the forthcoming India Day Parade in New York City
The India Day Parade organized by the FIA NY NJ CT NE in New York City is billed as the largest India Day Parade outside of India. And it is just a few days away. The Indian Panorama spoke with the FIA President Dr. Avinash Gupta on August 4 to know about the preparations for the 42nd edition of the parade on August 18.
Here are some excerpts.
TIP: Thank you for taking out your time to speak with the Indian Panama. The world famous, one of the largest India Day parades, and the largest India Day Parade outside of India is just about a few days away now, and as the time comes nearer, in spite of the arrangements that you have had in place till now, you might be quite nervous. Are you?
Avinash: It’s natural to be nervous, but I’m very much at it because of our hardworking and dedicated team. And you will be surprised to know that our preparation starts the day after the parade for next year. So, it was a long time and long way.
TIP: So, you got the whole year to prepare for it.
Avinash: Yes, we have to take the New York City permits; we have to have floats. We have to put up the review stand, press stand. Then we have to arrange for a gala. We have to select caterers. Then there is a cultural program. And the biggest and most difficult is to get the celebrities from India.
TIP: You have a very impressive array of guests this year, I think, topped by the famous Bihari origin famous Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha. If I am not mistaken, she is going to be the Grand Marshal.
Avinash: Yes. Our theme this year is Vasudhaiv Kutambakam. World is one family. And we are celebrating unity and diversity and inclusiveness. I’m proud to announce that our Grand Marshal is Bollywood superstar Sonakshi Sinha, and we have two guests of honor. One is a versatile actor, Mr. Pankaj Tripathy, and the other is Member of Indian Parliament, and actor and singer, Mr. Manoj Tiwari.
TIP: Is it a coincidence, or it’s by design that you have all the three coming from Bihar.
Avinash: It’s just a coincidence.
TIP: Somebody was saying, look here the president this year is from Bihar or Jharkhand, if you prefer to say. Because he’s from there so he has a preference for people from his own state .Is that so?
Avinash: No, that’s not true. It was just a coincidence. Just a coincidence, because these three names are recognized all over India. They are pan global stars.
TIP: The head of the organization is a Bihari. And the three guests that are coming to the to bring glory to your career, they also happen to be Bihari. So, do we call it a Bihar affair?
Avinash: Not at all. I’m a proud Bihari, but before that, I’m a proud Indian, and we are celebrating India’s Independence Day. We have to show our strength. There are 5 million of us in this country, and we don’t have a say. But I’m very much excited that more and more people are coming into mainstream, whether it is science, technology or even politics. And that day, just like you saw the sea of blue after the World Cup win, you will see a sea of American Indians, or I would say, Indian Americans in Madison Avenue, between 38th Street and 28th Street.
TIP: Besides those three names that you have taken, who are celebrities in their own right, and they are coming here as your special guests, what other celebrities or VIPs do you think would be appearing at the parade?
Avinash: I’m proud to announce that Mayor of New York City has always come. And this year also he has he’s coming. And this year, Governor of New York State Kathy Hochul will also be there.
TIP: Can you give us an outline of the program for the 18th, the day of the parade?
Avinash: Actually, before the parade which is on the 18th , we have 15th of August, which is the Independence Day. We hoist a tricolor on Times Square, and we have been doing it for three years.
TIP: And what time is that?
Avinash: It’s at 1030 AM at Times Square.
TIP: And is it open to public?
Avinash: It’s open to public, and usually the Consul General hoists the flag, and we invite all the local congressmen, senators. And then in the evening, we have lighting of the Empire State Building in tricolor. And we are going to get a celebrity to do that. And then after the 15th of August, on Sunday, August 18 is the parade. We start at 12 noon from 38th Street and Madison Avenue and march all the way down to 28th Street. And then there are booths. We have lot of booths, and they are all filled up. We have food booths. Vendors are there. They are promoting local business. So, although the premium booth is for $2500 and standard booth is for $1500 there is a special pricing for women entrepreneur. We just don’t talk women empowerment; we practice it also. For women entrepreneur it is only $500. Then we have the Gala. It’s a grand Gala, and this year it is a very relevant location- Smithsonian National Museum of American Indian in Battery Park, One Bowling Green, from six o’clock to 10 o’clock .
TIP: Is it on the same day- August 18?
Avinash: Yes, the same day, same day, the 18th. All the celebrities will be there. The governor will be there. And all the businesspeople, who’s who of New York City and tri state area are there. So, it’s a good opportunity to meet with the celebrities and also network with the businesspeople. And like I said, Who’s Who of New York is there.
TIP: That apart. What is there for the common people who would be coming to the parade? They would of course, be watching the parade. And also, you said there is a cultural program. Is it open to public?
Avinash: Yes. Cultural program is open to public.
TIP: And what my readers would like to know from you, the kind of program that you are presenting, the artist who are coming?
Avinash: There is a patriotic dress competition.
TIP: That’s something new.
Avinash: And that’s very popular. And there is cash prize for that, and a ticket to the gala also. And then in the cultural program which is actually very top class, because all the famous dance schools will participate. And this year, Mr. Manoj Tiwari has agreed to sing there. So, that will be an added attraction, in addition to all the dance schools.
TIP: Are the celebrities going to appear on the stage?
Avinash: Yes, all three celebrities, and that’s on 25th Street from 2. 30 PM to 5 PM.
TIP: How many people do you expect in this parade this year?
Avinash: We are expecting more people this year because of all the three celebrities and so, definitely more than 100,000 or 150,000 people on both sides of the street, and the highlight of this year is the Ram Mandir afloat.
TIP Can you please talk about Ram Mandir float?
Avinash: Yeah. So, this is the exact replica of the Ram Mandir, which was built in Ayodhya after 500 years of wait, and all the Ram bhaktas are going to march with the float. And this float has already been built and shipped from India, and it’s being assembled as we speak. And there are nine streets and 18 corners. There will be Ram Bhaktas there. Each corner is assigned to a temple, and the people are coming by bus to the corner, and there they will be provided refreshment when they reach there, and they will be given flower petals to shower on the Ram Mandir when the Ram Mandir float passes through that street.
TIP: Some time ago, there was a mention about FIA organizing a bhandara. Can you comment on that?
Avinash: Yeah. So, we are still planning on that. We are talking to Mr. Vikas Khanna who is the celebrity Chef. He was planning to do the bhandara. We will give to 5000 people the Prasad, some of it is coming from Ayodhya directly
TIP: This food will not be for everybody, because there will be so many people?
Avinash: Yeah. first come, first served.
TIP: And where will it be served ?
Avinash: It will be in the booth area.
TIP: So, Mr. Khanna will have a booth there?
Avinash: Yes. that would be after the parade.
TIP: How many booths you think are there?
Avinash: Now, there are 50 booths, and 30 of them are already filled up.
TIP: 30 of them? 20 are left? You said, for women, it’s a subsidized rate at $500?
Avinash: Yes.
TIP: Another thing about the floats. How many floats are going to be there, besides the Ram Mandir float? Is it going to be the first float?
Avinash: Actually, every year we have a Siddhi Vinayak temple float . They come first. Ram Mandir float will be the second. And then FIA float, then Consulate float, State Bank of India float. So, that’s like that.
TIP: How many floats are there?
Avinash: 25 floats are already registered, but we are expecting at least 10 more. And we have invited all religious entities, all ethnic entities, all states. And I have been talking constantly to everybody. So, the Christians are participating, Muslims are participating, and Sikhs hopefully will participate also.
TIP: I remember you mentioning this at the time of the curtain raiser in the Consulate. Very clearly you said that you invite to all people, people belonging to all faiths, to come with their religious signs. People belonging to all states, all kinds of people are welcome because it is India Day Parade. I remember very distinctly you said that, and that was very good of you. It was taken in a very good spirit, in the right spirit that you wanted to convey to people. So, is there anything that you would expect in particular from community?
Avinash: Yes, definitely. I appeal to all the community members with family and friends to give your three hours and come to the parade and enjoy. There will be something for everybody. The colorful floats, the food stalls, the DJ music, Gala, cultural program. So, there will be something for everybody. So, everybody should come and show our strength, show our unity in diversity and inclusiveness, and enjoy the parade.
I hope readers of The Indian Panorama have a fairly good idea of what they can expect at the world famous, the largest India Day Parade outside of India in New York City on Sunday, August 18. Get set and come over for a lovely experience. Let me tell you, the weather god is pleased , and it is going to be a perfect weather for an outing. Come yourself, bring your family, friends and neighbors, in particular the non-Indian ones. Let them know who we are and what we value.
Bharat Mata Ki Jai!
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Legislator Koslow Celebrates Freeport Day 2024
FREEPORT, N.Y. (TIP): Nassau County Legislator Seth I. Koslow (D – Freeport) joined the community at Freeport Day on Saturday, July 27. The annual daylong event, which is presented by Freeport’s Family and Friends, Inc., AMT Children of Hope, and an array of community sponsors, the event was brimming with music, food, music, live entertainment, and other family-friendly attractions.
“Every year, this event shines a bright spotlight on the diversity and pride that makes Freeport so vibrant and unique,” Legislator Koslow said. “Congratulations to the organizers and supporters of Freeport Day 2024 for making this such a tremendous success!”
PHOTO CREDIT – Office of Legislator Seth I. Koslow
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Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is Kamala Harris’s V-P pick
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to be her running mate on Tuesday, August 6, choosing a progressive policy champion and a plain speaker from America’s heartland to help win over the rural, white voters. Harris announced the selection in a text message to supporters. “I’m pleased to share that I’ve made my decision: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will join our campaign as my running mate,” she said. “Tim is a battle-tested leader who has an incredible track record of getting things done for Minnesota families. I know that he will bring that same principled leadership to our campaign.”
Walz, a 60-year-old US Army National Guard veteran and former teacher, said he was honored to join Harris on the ticket. “I’m all in,” Walz wrote on X, adding: “Vice-President Harris is showing us the politics of what’s possible. It reminds me a bit of the first day of school.” Harris was expected to appear with Walz at an event in Philadelphia on Tuesday evening.
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Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus takes oath as head of Bangladesh’s interim government
Student leaders Nadid Islam and Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan join the new dispensation in Bangladesh headed by Muhammad Yunus
DHAKA (TIP): A 14-member interim government in Bangladesh, under the leadership of Noble Laureate Muhammad Yunus, was sworn in on Thursday, August 7, 2024, three days after Sheikh Hasina stepped down as Prime Minister and left the country after mass protests.
President Mohammad Shahabuddin administered the oath to the 84-year-old as the Chief Adviser of the interim government, and the Cabinet members at 9:20 p.m. local time at a ceremony held in Bangabhaban, the official residence of the President.
Military officers, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secretary-general Mirza Fakhrul Islam, Jamaat-e-Islami amir Shafiqur Rahman, Jatiya Party chairman Ghulam Muhammed Quader as well as foreign diplomats from the U.K., Japan, China, the Philippines, Iran, Argentina, Qatar, the UAE and the Netherlands were present at the ceremony.
No one from the Awami League, Ms. Hasina’s party, was seen at Bangabhaban.After Mr. Yunus, 13 out of the 16 advisers of the interim government were sworn in. The Cabinet members are Saleh Uddin Ahmed, Asif Nazrul, Adilur Rahman Khan, Hasan Arif, Tauhid Hossain, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Brig. Gen. (Retd) M. Sakhawat Hossain, Supradip Chakma, Farida Akhtar, Bidhan Ranjan Roy, A.F.M. Khalid Hossain, Nurjahan Begum, Sharmin Murshid, Md. Nahid Islam (students’ representative), Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan (students’ representative) and Farooqui Azam.
As Gonobhaban, the Prime Minister’s Office and official residence, remains in shambles after protesters stormed it following the resignation of Ms. Hasina, the state guesthouse Jamuna will be the office and residence of the Chief Adviser.
Sources said a committee will be formed to assess the damage to these two important installations, and renovation will begin soon afterwards.
Earlier in the day, after landing in Dhaka from a trip to France, Mr. Yunus gave an emotional speech, recalling the sacrifices made by students who were met with a heavy-handed response from the Ms. Hasina-led government.
In his speech, he addressed the people of Bangladesh as “one big family” and said the young protesters had given them a “new birth”. However, he condemned the recent violence directed against the country’s religious minorities.
“My first word to you is to protect the country from disorder. Protect it from violence so we can follow the path our students have shown us,” he said.
Restoring stability and stopping anarchy have become immediate priorities as attacks, looting and destructive activities persisted on Thursday in many parts of the country, in the absence of government and enforcement agencies.
However, the Bangladesh Army, alongside other law enforcement agencies, said they would take strict action to stop the ongoing attacks across the country.
Following the newly appointed Inspector-General of Police’s call to return to duty within 24 hours, some police personnel have started to report back, but many others are waiting for security assurances before returning to their posts. Many force members are fearful of further violent reprisals from the public after having opened fire on protesters and the general public under the Hasina regime.
Shamsus Sadat Selim, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Public Administration, confirmed that all contractual appointments of officials made during the tenure of the recently ousted Awami League government are set to be cancelled. Also, there is a growing demand to remove other officials who benefited from the last government’s tenure from key positions.
Meanwhile, during a regular briefing in Washington on Wednesday, Matthew Miller, the U.S. State Department Spokesperson, said the U.S. believes the interim government should respect democratic principles, the rule of law, and the will of the Bangladeshi people. Mr. Miller also mentioned that they think the interim government will play a vital role in establishing long-term peace and political stability in Bangladesh.
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Manish Sisodia walks out of Tihar jail after spending 17 months behind bars
“I got bail due to the power of Constitution and democracy. This power will ensure our leader Arvind Kejriwal is also released,” Mr. Sisodia said after walking out of jail.
NEW DELHI (TIP): Former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi and senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia walked out of Tihar Jail on Friday, August 9, 2024, after 17 months behind bars.
(Also Read Editorial – Welcome Step in Correcting a Serious Miscarriage of Justice: On Supreme Court of India Granting Bail to Sisodia)The Supreme Court gave him bail earlier in the day and said his long incarceration without trial had deprived him of the right to speedy justice.
The former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister was arrested by both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in corruption and money laundering cases linked to the alleged Delhi Excise policy scam. Holding aloft flags and cheering loudly, crowds of AAP supporters waited to welcome Mr. Sisodia as stepped out of jail.
Addressing supporters outside Tihar, Mr. Sisodia said “You all have supported me for the last 17 months, I am out for the benefit and welfare of the people of Delhi”.
“We have brought this legal battle to its logical end through the Constitution. I thank you all for being with me,” he said amid chants of “Kejriwal, Kejriwal”.
“Today truth has won. In the end, only truth wins,” said a post by “Team Kejriwal” on the Delhi Chief Minister’s official handle on X. Mr. Kejriwal is in Tihar jail in the same case.
On the Supreme Court granting bail to him, Mr. Sisodia said he was “feeling indebted to Baba Saheb Ambedkar after this order”.
“We have brought this legal battle to its logical end constitutionally,” he said after walking out of jail. “Grateful to Supreme Court that used power of Constitution to give tight slap on dictatorship, he added. “I got bail due to the power of Constitution and democracy. This power will ensure our leader Arvind Kejriwal is also released.”
While granting bail to Mr. Sisodia, a Bench of Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan said the right to a speedy trial and personal liberty were sacrosanct. Bail cannot be withheld as a punishment. If the state, prosecution agencies or even courts do not have the wherewithal to protect an accused’s right to a speedy trial, they should not withhold bail on the ground that the alleged crime was serious. The apex court allowed bail to Mr. Sisodia in both Directorate of Enforcement (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) cases and ordered him to be released on payment of ₹10 lakh in bail bonds. The Aam Aadmi Party leader has to surrender his passport and report to the police station every Monday.
(Source: The Hindu) -
Indian Consulate in New York is worried about travel agents’ malpractices
They overcharge and submit fake documents
NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Consul General of India in New York Mr. Binaya Srikanta Pradhan on August 7, invited the media persons to the Consulate to brief them on the consular services and to share with them his worries about the malpractices indulged in by the travel agents.
Mr. Pradhan first spoke about the growing Indian student population in his jurisdiction which has 10 States. They face various kinds of situations to meet which they need the guidance from the community. The Consulate, Mr. Pradhan said, is constantly in touch with the students, and their needs are always considered on a priority basis. The various services being provided and the digital platforms created by the Consulate for providing information etc. were part of the Consul General’s address.
Finally, the Consul General touched upon the issue for which he had invited the media persons. He said that several instances have come to the notice of the Consulate where travel agents have overcharged applicants for assistance in getting Consular services. He said the Consulate or the VFS do not charge any extra fee other than the one stipulated by the Consulate. Mr. Pradhan spoke about fake documents being submitted by these agents. He also said that a number of fake E-Visa websites, claiming to provide E-visa services, were active on the internet.
He sought the help of the TV channels and newspapers in cautioning the public against falling prey to the unscrupulous agents, and avail the services directly from the Consulate and the VFS Global, the designated agents to provide consular services.
The information about the fees for various services can easily be found at the Consulate’s website https://www.indiainnewyork.gov.in, and at the VFS Global website https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/.
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Pakistani man charged for plotting to kill Donald Trump
NEW YORK (TIP): A Pakistani citizen has been charged in an elaborate plot that reads like a spy thriller to assassinate Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
US Attorney General Merrick Garland, who announced the charges against Asif Merchant on Tuesday, August 5, indicated that the target was Trump, but did not name him.
“For years, the Justice Department has been working aggressively to counter Iran’s brazen and unrelenting efforts to retaliate against American public officials for the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani,” he said. Trump was the US President who ordered the killing of Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad in 2020, which points the assassination plot towards Trump. According to court documents, others may also have been intended victims because of the mention of targets in the plural.
Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI) Chief Christopher Wray said, “This dangerous murder-for-hire plot exposed in today’s charges allegedly was orchestrated by a Pakistani national with close ties to Iran and is straight out of the Iranian playbook.”
The alleged plotter, who is also known as Asif Raza Merchant, told officials that he has two wives, one each in Pakistan and in Iran, as well as children in both countries.
In the complaint filed in the Federal court in Brooklyn, the plot reads like a spy thriller with an elaborate scheme to burglarize the home of a target, creating diversions with protests and rallies, and killing the politician. It also included a show of bonding between Merchant, 46, and the undercover officers he thought were professional killers.
The court papers said the plot involved multiple elements: stealing documents or USB drives from a target’s home; planning protests, and killing a politician or government official.
Merchant made up code names for each element in the plot: “tee-shirt” for protests, “flannel shirt” for stealing documents, “fleece jacket” for the assassination, and “yarn-dye” for their meetings. To entice the person, he contacted first and who informed officials, Merchant told him that he has an uncle in the “yarn-dyed” business in Pakistan and he could go into business with them.He asked the government source he thought was an assassin for hire to explain how the target would die in different scenarios.
The revelation about this plot comes less than a month after the July 13 failed assassination attempt on Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. However, there does not seem to be a connection between the plot by Merchant and that attempt, which officials have said was carried out by a lone wolf, a person unconnected to any group or organization.
The plot failed because Merchant tried to recruit FBI agents for the assassination attempt.
“Fortunately, the assassins Merchant tried to hire were undercover FBI agents,” said Christie Curtis, the Acting Assistant Director of the New York FBI Field Office.
He was arrested on July 12 as he was getting ready to catch a flight out of the country.
Merchant arrived in the US in April from Pakistan after spending time in Iran, according to the version of the plot in court papers.
He contacted a person he thought could help him and that person reported it to law enforcement and became a confidential source. In mid-June, Merchant met with people he thought were hitmen, but were undercover US law enforcement officers (the UCs) in New York.
He told them he wanted them to steal documents, arrange protests at political rallies, and kill a “political person”.
The plot would have to be carried out after he left the country and in either the last week of August or the first week of September they would be told who the target was, Merchant told the undercover officers. He received $5,000 from overseas and made a down payment to the undercover agents.
According to the court papers, one of the agents said after getting the money, “Now we know we’re going forward. We’re doing this,” to which Merchant responded: “Yes, absolutely.”
Political violence is a constant worry in the US.
Last week, a man was arrested in Virginia for allegedly threatening to kill the Democratic Party presidential nominee Kamala Harris. “Kamala Harris needs to be put on fire alive. I will do it personally if no one else does… I want her to suffer a slow agonizing death,” Frank Lucio Carillo posted on a right-wing social media site, according to the FBI complaint in a Federal court. He also allegedly threatened President Joe Biden and FBI Chief Wray.