Safilguda’s closed railway gate worsens commuting and health woes

HYDERABAD: The Secunderabad Railway Police and Railway Protection Force (RPF) jointly busted a significant ganja smuggling racket on Sunday at Secunderabad Railway Station. The joint operation led to the arrest of Abubakar Kasam Shaikh. Shaikh caught while transporting 18 KG of ganja from Vishakhapatnam to Mumbai via Secunderabad.

Abubakar Kasam Shaikh (47) a plumber residing in Jogeshwari East, Mumbai, was found in possession of ganja worth Rs. 4.5 lakhs. The operation was part of a surprise check organized by the Secunderabad Railway Police and RPF, targeting drug peddlers on platforms and trains at the Secunderabad Railway Station.

Authorities conducted the raid on Platform number 1 at 10 AM, where they apprehended Shaikh with a trolley suitcase containing the contraband. According to police reports, Shaikh purchased the ganja for Rs. 90 thousand from an unknown person in Vishakhapatnam on June 29, intending to sell it in Mumbai at a higher price.

High-value seizure at Secunderabad Railway Station

The seized ganja, worth approximately Rs. 4.5 lakhs highlights the growing issue of interstate drug trafficking. Shaikh, who hails from Amina Nagar in Mumbai, was transporting the ganja to Mumbai to supply needy individuals at inflated prices. The arrest and seizure were done by the Secunderabad Railway Police Station.

B. Saieashwar Goud, IRP/SHO of RPS Secunderabad, along with D. Ramesh SIRP and RPF staff members SK Quadeer Ahmad, M. David Raju, and V. Satyam Naidu, played crucial roles in apprehending the accused. The operation was conducted under the supervision of Chandana Deepti IPS, Superintendent of Police, and S.N. Jawed, DSRP SC(U).

ADGP Railway and Road Safety, Mahesh M Bhagwat IPS, commended the officers and men of GRP Secunderabad for their exemplary work. He announced that they would be suitably rewarded for their efforts in curbing the drug menace.

This successful operation underscores the commitment of the Secunderabad Railway Police and RPF to combating drug trafficking. As the investigation progresses, authorities aim to dismantle the network of suppliers and peddlers involved in this illegal trade.

Hyderabad: In response to a recent press release by a student group, the University of Hyderabad (UoH) strongly denied allegations of targeting marginalized students and reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students on July 1.

However, the UoH clarified its stance on recent disciplinary actions against a student group. The university stated that the actions, which included trespassing into the Vice Chancellor’s residence past midnight and laying siege to it for 12 hours until noon the next day, were not aligned with the description of a ‘democratic and peaceful’ protest as claimed by the students.

The protest centered around a non-academic issue regarding the annual fest for which alternatives were offered. The university described the behavior as unbecoming of students at a premier higher education institution. It emphasized that these actions traumatized the Vice Chancellor, his wife, and his 95-plus-year-old sick mother, curbing their democratic rights.

The university maintained that the disciplinary actions were solely based on unacceptable behavior during the protest and not due to any political motivations. The administration emphasized its unwavering commitment to inclusivity and academic integrity. It clarified that the fines collected from the penalized students would be deposited into a fund specifically benefiting underprivileged students.

Despite the severe intrusion into his and his family’s democratic rights at unearthly hours, the Vice Chancellor, in a meeting of the Executive Council, offered to withdraw the suspensions and convert them into monetary fines to preserve the academic futures of the penalized students. This decision was unanimously endorsed by the Council.

Professor B. J. Rao, the Vice Chancellor, stated, “The allegations of political bias entirely misrepresent the values and principles upon which the University of Hyderabad stands. Our primary concern is the well-being and success of our students. To this end, we have opted to revoke the suspensions and impose a monetary penalty instead, allowing the students to continue their education without interruption.”

Hyderabad: Indian cricketer Mohammed Siraj’s tweet, “Thank you almighty Allah,” following India’s T20 World Cup victory, has ignited controversy with mixed reactions from Twitter users. The tweet, posted on June 30, along with a picture of the Indian team hoisting the World Cup trophy, has gone viral.

Thank you almighty Allah 🤲🤲 pic.twitter.com/3QxWQs1ezx

— Mohammed Siraj (@mdsirajofficial) June 29, 2024

Mixed reactions on Twitter

Chandan Sharma, @ChandanSharmaG, responded critically to Siraj’s post, stating, “It’s the victory of Team India, not Allah. It’s the victory of Captain Rohit Sharma. It’s the victory of Team 11. It’s the victory of 1.1 billion nationalist citizens of India. Why is everything attached to Islam?”

Thank you almighty Allah 🤲🤲 pic.twitter.com/3QxWQs1ezx

— Mohammed Siraj (@mdsirajofficial) June 29, 2024

Sumanreddy Lakkireddy, @Sumanreddy_88, questioned the relevance of thanking Allah in the context of Team India’s efforts, saying, “What does Allah have to do here? Why are you attributing the victory solely to Allah’s blessing when there are non-Muslim players in Team India’s playing 11? Shame on you.”

What Allah got to do here…why you thanking him…you are down playing team India efforts simply attributing the victory as Allah’s bless.. you know muslim player there in team India playing 11.. shame on you..

— Sumanreddy Lakkireddy (@Sumanreddy_88) June 30, 2024

In contrast, Confusedicius, @Erroristotle, supported Siraj’s sentiment, commenting, “Don’t listen to the insecure people in your comments, Siraj. You deserve this win and the right to express gratitude to whomever you choose. Hindus question this lack of understanding of their own religion. Congratulations and thank you!”

Afzal, @YourDadAffu1, stood in solidarity with Siraj, urging him to ignore negative comments. He stated, “Ignore the Andhbhakts who are commenting disgustingly with a cheap mindset…!! You are part of the Champions Team India, and we are proud of you.”

Ignore the Andhbhakt who are commenting disgusting with the cheap mind set…!!

You are the Part of the Champions Team India and Proud of you 🇮🇳💪🏻

— 𝘼𝙛𝙯𝙖𝙡 \ ᴬˢⁱᵐ ˢᵗᵃⁿ (@YourDadAffu1) June 30, 2024

India’s victory and nationwide celebrations

As India won the T20 World Cup against its rival South Africa, celebrations nationwide soared. However, the vibe in Hyderabad was unmatched on Saturday night.

On Saturday night, India etched history by winning the cup. Looking at the match details, India had set a target of 177/7 for the South African team. The team could only manage 169/8 in 20 overs, falling short by seven runs, resulting in India’s victory.

As glimpses of the victory were telecasted on screens, a sea of fans assembled at the Telangana Secretariat to showcase their pride after India won the World Cup after 17 years. People were seen holding Indian flags, setting off fireworks, and sharing happy moments with each other. Celebrations were at a fever pitch at RTC X Roads in Secunderabad and the Secretariat, which is usually a tourist point in the city.

Social media users reacted enthusiastically. One user shared, “Did #Hyderabad win the World Cup or #India? No city can match the madness of Hyderabadis regarding cricket.” Meanwhile, another user compared the vibe to New York Times Square, “#India #T20WorldCup. Sea of Fans @ Telangana State Secretariat. Now this place in #Hyderabad has more vibes than Times Square!” Another user said, “CRAZY CELEBRATIONS IN HYDERABAD ON INDIA’S WORLD CUP WIN.”

A user also noted that the celebrations showcased deep love for the game. “#Hyderabadis celebrated passionately into the night after India’s thrilling victory over South Africa in the #ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Streets buzzed with jubilant crowds, showcasing their deep #love for cricket, chai, and biryani—the heart and soul of Hyderabad’s fervor and pride. The city’s adoration for the sport was palpable as families and friends came together, sharing moments of pure joy and camaraderie under the glittering night sky.”

Celebrations were also high in Gachibowli and the financial district. Sharing a glimpse, a user wrote, “Celebration at #DLF #GACHIBOWLI #Hyderabad India India finally won the world cup lots of love and emotions.”