Latest news with #Shafiq
The Star
19 hours ago
- Sport
- The Star
Defender Syafiq makes strong presence on pitch
BUKIT JALIL: Put him anywhere on the pitch, and national hockey player Shafiq Hassan will find a way to excel there. Defender Shafiq (pic) played his part in Malaysia's 4-2 win against South Africa in the Nations Cup fifth to eighth classification match yesterday, and the 25-year-old said it was thanks to head coach Sarjit's tactics.
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Time of India
3 held for raping mentally ill woman in Gorakhpur
Gorakhpur: In an incident reported from Belghat area of Gorakhpur, a 55-year-old mentally challenged woman was raped on Wednesday evening by three men while she was walking towards a riverbank on the outskirts of her village. The accused identified as Sonu alias Gappa, Mohammad Rajja alias Bablu, and Shafiq Khan alias Golu, allegedly dragged the woman to a secluded spot and raped her. She raised an alarm and women nearby, alerted by the her cries, rushed to the scene, prompting the trio to flee. An FIR was registered on Thursday based on a complaint filed by the woman's husband and a manhunt was launched. Two of the accused, Sonu and Rajja, were nabbed on Friday morning. Later that night, police received tip-off that the third accused, Shafiq, was trying to flee the village. A team launched search operation on Gauriganj Road, where Shafiq was spotted. On being challenged, he opened fire at the police team. In retaliatory fire, Belghat SHO shot him in the leg and arrested him. A country-made pistol and one used cartridge were recovered from his possession. Shafiq was first taken to CHC Belghat for treatment and later referred to the district hospital, where he is undergoing treatment under police custody. SP (Crime) Sudhir Jaiswal confirmed the arrests and said further investigation was underway. tnn Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
The Print
07-06-2025
- The Print
Death row man acquitted in minor's rape-murder back in jail in similar case—tale of 2 FIRs & a ‘confession'
However, two FIRs have been lodged in the latest incident. One is a suo motu FIR by the police. The other, registered on a complaint of kidnapping by the girl's father, has no mention of Chotkau, or sexual assault. This time, Chotkau was arrested in the early hours of 12 May. According to the UP Police, a team was sent to pursue him when he was trying to escape to Nepal, and he opened fire at them with 'intent to kill'. New Delhi: Over two years ago, the Supreme Court acquitted a UP man on death row for the rape and murder of a six-year-old girl, after he spent 10 years in prison. Now, Alauddin alias 'Chotkau' is back in jail, for the alleged abduction and sexual assault of a seven-year-old girl in UP's Shravasti district. The police have booked Chotkau under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POSCO) Act, as well as on attempted murder charges in connection with his alleged attack on the team that went to nab him. According to the suo motu FIR by Station House Officer (SHO) Ashwini Kumar Dubey at Ikauna police station in Shravasti, it was lodged largely on the basis of Chotkau's 'confession' while he was interrogated in custody. The complaint filed by the minor's father, names a different individual called Shafiq and two unidentified persons as accused. The father claims he found his daughter with Shafiq and personally brought them to the police. Ikauna police officers told ThePrint they arrested Chotkau after recovering CCTV footage of him with the minor, and speaking to eyewitnesses, while probing the complaint by the girl's father. Shafiq was not found to be involved, according to their probe. He was booked based on the father's 'assumption', they added. Chotkau's family however has denied his involvement, and alleged that police dragged him out of a hospital where his mother was undergoing treatment, and arrested him. They claim Chotkau was framed in both the latest case and the previous one. Meanwhile, Ikauna SHO Dubey, who lodged the suo motu FIR, has since been transferred, officers at the police station confirmed to ThePrint. Chotkau was earlier arrested in March 2012 for the rape and murder of a six-year-old girl, also in Shravasti district, and was sentenced to death by a trial court in 2014, a verdict upheld by the Allahabad High Court in 2016. The Supreme Court then stayed his execution in 2018, and eventually acquitted him in 2022, citing 'no shred of evidence', ThePrint had reported in October 2022. Post his release, he began working as an e-rickshaw driver. Also Read: Serial killer 'Dr Death' lived as a priest for 18 months after jumping parole. Calls to wife gave him away The father's FIR In the latest case, the father of the victim in his complaint said that at around 9.15 pm on 9 May, his daughter was abducted by accused Shafiq, along with two unidentified accomplices, in an e-rickshaw. ThePrint has seen a copy of the FIR. Following an extensive search, the girl was found with Shafiq on a road beyond the Mohanipur crossing in Shravasti district, the FIR quoted the father as saying in his complaint. When he tried to confront them, Shafiq tried to flee, but was caught by the father, while the other two escaped. The complainant then brought Shafiq and his daughter to the police, the FIR added. However, according to the police, Shafiq only happened to be present at the scene, and was caught by the girl's father 'in the heat of the moment'. 'We questioned Shafiq, and also asked the girl to identify him. She clearly said that he was not the one,' an officer at Ikauna police station told ThePrint. He added that Shafiq owns an egg cart, and used to work for the girl's father, who had once lent him Rs 5,000, which he never returned. 'He was sleeping near Mohinipur road when the incident occurred. The girl's father saw him there, assumed that he was involved out of personal spite, and caught him in anger. We took him into custody to prevent unrest, and filed the FIR. But after questioning, it became clear that Shafiq had no role in the incident.' On Chotkau's alleged involvement, the officer said, 'We spoke to a few eyewitnesses and also checked CCTV footage, where we saw Chotkau taking the girl. After careful assessment, we proceeded to take appropriate action and arrested him.' Chotkau's 'attempt to flee & confession' According to the suo motu FIR registered by SHO Dubey, the police got a tip-off that Chotkau, alias 'Alauddin', a suspect in case 110/2025 (FIR lodged on by the girl's father), might attempt to flee to Nepal that night, using his vehicle (the e-rickshaw). Acting on this input, Dubey, along with 11 officers, set out to arrest him on the night of 11 May. Three police teams were deployed in different directions to intercept Chotkau. They allegedly received real-time location updates from an informer, and eventually 'spotted' the accused travelling in an e-rickshaw. 'When signalled to stop, the person (Chotkau) in the rickshaw panicked, turned left abruptly, and hit a tree. As he exited the vehicle and tried to flee, we warned him to surrender. Instead, he fired at us with the intent to kill,' the suo motu FIR said. The police allegedly returned fire in self-defence. Chotkau was shot in both legs and apprehended. He was arrested at 4.45 am on 12 May, and taken to Community Health Centre Ikauna for treatment for his injuries. A country-made pistol of .315 bore with a trigger, a hammer, and an eight-inch iron barrel, along with cartridges marked '8mm KF', were allegedly recovered from the accused. The FIR further said that he was later referred to Labhanga Hospital, where he confessed to having bought the pistol from an unknown person at the Nepal border. The FIR included a purported statement by Chotkau in which he acknowledged attempting to flee to Nepal. He is quoted as saying that on spotting the police, he turned his e-rickshaw and in his attempt to escape, collided with a tree. He further said in the statement that upon exiting the vehicle, he intended to flee on foot, but decided to fire at the police, believing it might give him a chance to escape. 'With the intent to kill, I fired my country-made pistol at you,' the FIR quoted him as saying. It also said that the police returned fire, and Chotkau was struck in both legs. 'I fell on the spot, and my pistol slipped from my hand. That's when I was caught,' the FIR further quoted him as saying. Chotkau also allegedly confessed to kidnapping and raping the seven-year-old. 'On the evening of 9 May at around 9 pm, I took my e-rickshaw, which was parked nearby, and went to a place where food arrangements had been made,' Chotkau is quoted as saying in the FIR. He allegedly admitted that he then grabbed the girl by the hand, made her sit in the rickshaw, and drove to Mohanipur. 'From there, I turned towards Kailashpur turn and, taking advantage of the darkness, I committed a wrongful act with her both in the e-rickshaw and outside on the ground,' he said. The FIR added that the girl was bleeding and convulsing after the sexual assault. 'I left her by the roadside, turned my vehicle around, and fled past J.P. School,' Chotkau's statement read. Chotkau was booked under sections 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for attempted murder, 137(2) (kidnapping), 65(2) rape, 71 (punishment for repeat sexual offenders), sections 3 and 25 of the Arms Act for illegal possession and use of firearms, and POCSO. Foul play, says Chotkau's family According to Chotkau's sister Rukhsaar, he had gone to the hospital with their mother and his wife, from where he was arrested. She said the local sarpanch was behind the allegations, adding that the family was embroiled in a long-drawn land dispute case against him a few years ago. 'The case was in court, where he even said that my mother (the owner of the land) was dead, while she is still alive. We believe he is involved in his arrest,' she told ThePrint. Chotkau's wife said they had taken his mother to Tulsiram Hospital around 5 pm as she was experiencing severe abdominal pain. 'I went to get food and returned to the hospital around midnight,' she recalled. 'That's when I saw the police were already there.' She claimed that two police vehicles, and around 20 officers, were present at the spot. 'The police were drinking alcohol,' she alleged. According to her, the officers entered the hospital, dragged Chotkau out, and beat him up. 'They even took all the money we had and threatened to hit me, too,' she told ThePrint. 'We had just started our life. I don't know what's going to happen next.' (Edited by Mannat Chugh) Also Read: Why Delhi still awaits the 9,945 CCTVs promised after 20-yr-old was dragged to death at Kanjhawala Mor
New Straits Times
06-06-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Airport frontliners recognised for acts of courage and compassion
IT was an ordinary day at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 — until it wasn't. On Oct 15 last year, a Myanmar passenger walking near the information counter suddenly went into labour. Without warning, she found herself on the floor, in pain, and far from home. In that critical moment, a team of frontliners quickly rushed to her side. Airport CARE Ambassadors Nur Senorita Mussie, Nur Amalia Ramli and Arishahromnizam Idris; Terminal Services' Yogeswari Nagaiah; Aviation Security (AVSEC) officer Rohaizasalwa Omar; Airport Operations Control Centre (AOCC) staff Mohd Razlie Che Arshad, Noor Fadhilah Md Sulong, and Noorhidayah Mohd; paramedic Jeganathan Kunasegaran; and Dr Jayabalaganesan Nagendralingan from Menara Clinic worked together swiftly and calmly, helping the woman safely deliver her baby until further medical help arrived. What could have turned into a crisis became a testament to teamwork, compassion, and professionalism. For this remarkable effort, the team was honoured with the Best Front liner STAR Award, the highest recognition at the 2025 Best Front liners Awards hosted by Malaysia Airports. Held recently at Sama-Sama Hotel KL International Airport, the ceremony celebrated individuals and teams across Malaysia Airports' network who displayed extraordinary courage, sharp judgment, and professionalism in high-pressure situations. These recognitions reflect Malaysia Airports' broader direction as it moves forward, placing strong emphasis on service excellence following the company's recent privatisation. COURAGE, COMPASSION AND CALM UNDER FIRE On Jan 7 last year, amidst the usual airport bustle, an Indonesian passenger suddenly went into labour, and without hesitation, one of Malaysia Airports' own stepped in to help. With remarkable composure, AVSEC officer Lance Corporal Fatin Zafirah Zakaria supported the woman through labour and successfully delivered a healthy baby before paramedics arrived. For going above and beyond her role, Fatin received the Best Front Liner Award. At the same awards, AVSEC officer Corporal Mohammad Shafiq Safi'ai was recognised for confronting an armed man who had discharged a firearm inside Terminal 1 on April 14 last year. "I heard a loud bang, like a firecracker, then another shot. I saw a man pointing a pistol," Shafiq recalled. "I drew my weapon and took cover. I aimed at the suspect, who then pointed his gun at me. I held my position, and after a few seconds, he turned and ran." Shafiq's quick decision-making and composure under life-threatening conditions helped prevent further harm. "The situation made me realise how important it is to be alert, work with your team, and stay calm. I am truly grateful for this recognition," he said. SMALL ACTS, BIG IMPACT Not every heroic act involves dramatic scenes. Sometimes, it's the quiet persistence and teamwork that make all the difference. Airport CARE Ambassador Vivie Nurhailiza Mohd Faisal Leong was recognised for rescuing a young child left locked inside a car at the airport on Dec 9. She noticed something was off when she heard repeated honks and trusted her instincts. "I found a young child alone in a locked car, crying. "I stayed calm, reassured the child, and slowly coached them to unlock the door. It took a while. Later, we found out the child had been inside for over 40 minutes." For Vivie, the incident served as a powerful reminder: "We advised the parent not to leave a child alone again, no matter the reason. Anything could have happened." That same spirit of attentiveness and compassion was mirrored by another frontliner team comprising Customs Officer Siti Aishah Ahmad Iusof, Airport CARE Ambassador Nur Syasya Razli, Mohd Ashyik Abdul Hamid from AOCC, paramedic Nurul Syuhadah Asyqin Ossman, and ambulance driver Nor Idham Muqris Shahrol Nizam. On the evening of June 24 at KLIA Terminal 2, a 78-year-old woman collapsed near the customs screening area and was swiftly attended to by the prompt, coordinated teamwork of airport staff. Medical help arrived quickly, and the team gently assisted her to the arrival curbside where her taxi was waiting, offering comfort and care that deeply moved both her and her family. STORIES FROM ACROSS THE AIRPORT NETWORK The spirit of service extends far beyond KLIA. In Sandakan, Airport Fire and Rescue Service (AFRS) staff member Sahdan Aidil Ladah revived a passenger who had collapsed from a heart attack on Nov 15, performing CPR and using an automated external defibrillator until the ambulance arrived. In Bintulu, AFRS officer Andrew Joey stepped in when a vehicle at a petrol station caught fire. Acting decisively, he activated the suppression system and evacuated civilians, preventing a possible explosion. Even at Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (owned by Malaysia Airports), kindness crossed borders. Staff member Barış Burak Demirayak went out of his way to replace a child's lost toy. When the original couldn't be found, he sourced an identical one online, had it delivered, and included a handwritten note. The grateful mother later shared a photo of her daughter smiling again, a small but touching reminder of the impact thoughtful service can have. HONOURING THE HEART OF THE AIRPORT Malaysia Airports managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani paid tribute to the frontliners, calling them the "face, rhythm, and energy" of the airports. "From check-in counters to custodial teams and security checkpoints, frontliners are the first and lasting impression of our airports. "Today's winners remind us that leadership happens at every level, and that the human touch transforms ordinary service into extraordinary moments." He added that delivering a seamless, world-class passenger journey requires every part of the airport community, from ground handlers and security to retail partners and government agencies, to work in unison. "As we look to the future, these stories of courage, empathy, and dedication remind us that no single team stands alone. "Every act of service, big or small, shapes the airport experience, and when we unite as one, we create moments that passengers remember long after they leave our terminals. Sometimes, that teamwork even saves a life."
New Straits Times
27-05-2025
- New Straits Times
'I couldn't just drive away,' says man who aided family with stranded car
KOTA BARU: When 21-year-old Mohamad Shafiq Haiqal Hamid saw two children pushing a stalled car by the roadside just after midnight, something tugged at his conscience. At first, he drove past, concerned that it might be a ploy by someone with bad intentions. But the image of a boy and a young girl struggling to push the Perodua Kancil lingered in his mind, and he knew he couldn't just leave them behind. "At first, I just watched and continued driving because I was worried it could be a ploy by someone with bad intentions. "But I couldn't bear the thought of the children, so I turned back. I was determined, and I wasn't alone. Plus, the road was busy with vehicles," said Shafiq from Kampung Kedai Buloh here. He was heading home with two cousins when the incident occurred last Saturday near Pantai Kemayang. What he found upon returning was a mother and her three children, including a toddler, stranded in the car. The woman had just finished her small business for the day and was trying to get home. One of her children, an 11-year-old boy, had walked to a petrol station earlier but could only afford RM2 worth of fuel. "I initially thought it was a battery issue, so we tried using jumper cables to start the car, but it didn't work. "Then I asked if there was petrol in the tank. When the woman said her son had only managed to fill RM2 worth, my heart sank," he said. Moved by the family's situation, Shafiq drove to the nearest petrol station to buy more fuel. He also picked up some food for the children before returning. "I couldn't speak to her for long, but she thanked me before leaving. I felt relieved to have helped, but I regretted not asking for her phone number," he said. Determined to offer further help, Shafiq turned to the comments section of his now viral TikTok video, which has since garnered over 500,000 views, to track her down. "Alhamdulillah, I eventually got her number. She was initially hesitant when I said I wanted to visit, but she agreed in the end," he said. During the visit, Shafiq discovered that the woman was also caring for her husband, who is a person with disabilities following an accident. "Their situation really touched me. I'm just thankful I could help, even in a small way," he added.
