Tag Archives: Muslims of Aurangabad

Aurangabad Chapter of Innocence Network India Launched to Combat Wrongful Incarceration

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Aurangabad, MAHARASHTRA :

Advocate Faiz Syed leads new regional initiative inspired by Abdul Wahid Shaikh’s movement for justice and reform.

On 28th September, the Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar) chapter of the Innocence Network, India was formally established, with an ad-hoc committee of 14 advocates led by Advocate Faiz Syed.

Speaking to Muslim Mirror, Syed said, “We felt the urgent need to start this chapter due to the widespread issues of wrongful incarceration, false implication, filing of bogus cases, and arbitrary arrests across the country. When a sole breadwinner or a poor individual is drawn into this legal labyrinth, it becomes incredibly difficult for them to navigate their freedom.”

He added, “Our aim is to provide legal aid and guidance across the Marathwada region and ensure that no instance of wrongful implication goes unchallenged.”

The Innocence Network was founded by Abdul Wahid Shaikh, one of the accused in the 2006 Mumbai train bombings (7/11 case), following his acquittal by the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court in 2015. Shaikh spent nine years in Arthur Road Jail before being acquitted. “We had fought the case to the best of everyone’s ability,” he recalled. “Yet, we were convicted. That experience made me question the limits of legal struggle alone.”

As he was released, Shaikh’s co-accused urged him to continue the fight for their freedom—a moral responsibility that, he says, became his life’s mission. After returning to work as a teacher, Shaikh began assisting Advocate Yug Mohit Chaudhry, who led the 7/11 defense in the Bombay High Court. It was during this time that he met Advocate Pari Jata and researcher Sharib Ali, both deeply involved in civil rights work.

Inspired by the global Innocence Network movement, Ali proposed launching an Indian chapter. Together, they began mobilizing civil society to challenge wrongful convictions, especially in terrorism cases. Their first public gathering in Delhi—attended by lawyers, students, scholars, and activists—marked the formal establishment of the Innocence Network India.

The Network describes itself as “an all-India collective of individuals and organisations working for the rights of those wrongfully prosecuted or convicted, especially under charges of terrorism.” Led by exonerees and supported by lawyers, researchers, and civil rights groups, it focuses on criminal justice reform, rehabilitation, and policy advocacy. Its website also archives documents related to the 7/11 case.

Shaikh’s first book, “Innocent Prisoners,” exposed what he described as fabricated evidence by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in framing 13 innocent men. The book was widely discussed as a crucial work highlighting the pattern of false implication of young Muslims in terrorism cases.

In 2016, the Network organized its first Innocent People’s Tribunal at the Constitution Club of India, where 16 wrongfully prosecuted individuals testified publicly about their ordeal. The report from this tribunal later informed the Law Commission’s Report No. 277. Another tribunal followed in Kolkata in 2018.

Since 2017, the Network has hosted two annual programs in Mumbai—one on the anniversary of the 7/11 bombings and another, the Shahid Azmi Memorial Lecture, in memory of the lawyer who represented the 7/11 accused. These events feature legal experts, journalists, and filmmakers such as Justice Abhay Thipsay, Hansal Mehta, Yug Mohit Chaudhry, Susan, Nazia Sayed, and Faisal Qazi, among others.

Shaikh has also used books, media, and digital platforms to expand his advocacy. His YouTube channel “Begunah Qaidi” features over 250 videos documenting cases of wrongful incarceration. His “Mobile Legal Aid” helpline operates 24×7, offering immediate support to those facing fabricated charges. “It has already helped prevent several cases of wrongful incarceration,” he noted.

Beyond advocacy, Shaikh continues to assist exonerees with legal representation, education, and rehabilitation. His upcoming books include an autobiography with Roli Books and a collaborative work profiling his co-accused.

Recently, the Innocence Network launched a think-tank to document wrongful incarcerations and misuse of draconian laws. “Our team includes researchers, professors, and lawyers,” Shaikh said, adding that a detailed report is in progress.

Sohail Shaikh, one of the 7/11 exonerees, told Muslim Mirror: “The Innocence Network may have been formally established in 2016, but its roots go back to Arthur Road Jail. Shaikh has only continued the work we all started in prison. The Network’s work made it possible for society to finally recognize our innocence.”

Advocate Shruti, a researcher with the network, emphasized, “The kind of miscarriage of justice in the 7/11 case represents a double injustice—innocent people are tortured while real perpetrators remain free. The Network’s work is vital to restoring ordinary citizens’ faith in justice.”

Shaikh revealed that new chapters of the Innocence Network are being planned in Bangalore, Jalgaon, Jalna, and Hyderabad, set to be launched later this month.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Human Rights> Indian Muslim> Positive Story / by Osama Rawal / October 20th, 2025

Qayyum Nadvi Honored with “Aamhi Bharti” Award

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Aurangabad, MAHARASHTRA :

Aurangabad:

Social and educational activist Mirza Abdul Qayyum Nadvi received the “Aamhi Bharti” award for his contributions to education and literature. The Balwant Rao Varale Memorial Foundation selects three awardees from Maharashtra each year for their efforts in social work, education, and literature.

Nadvi, President of Read and Lead Foundation Aurangabad, runs the Mohalla Bal Pustakalaya Abhiyan, providing books to children of laborers in streets, slums, and huts. Other awardees included social worker Asha Sirsat and Vidya Sagar Dornalikar, recognized for their contributions to education and literature.

At the event, Nadvi emphasized that unity, integrity, and brotherhood are essential for the nation, aligning with the constitutional spirit of “We the people of India.” He expressed gratitude to the foundation for the honor.

The award ceremony featured Dr. Rajendra Gonakar as the special guest and was presided over by Malti Varale. All three awardees shared their thoughts and pledged to continue their work.

The event was moderated by Sudha Varale and Manisha Ghatge, while Varsha Ghoble spoke about Balwant Rao Varale’s contributions. Advocate Indumati Varale introduced the program. Chetan Chopra, Kunal Varale, and Ajay Dehade performed, and Parakshit Varle, Dhamma Wahul, Buddha Bhushan More, Abhishek Suradkar, and Prithvi Magre contributed to the program’s success. Sunita Ghatge delivered the vote of thanks.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards> Focus / by Radiance News Bureau / February 03rd, 2025

Sambhajinagar mathematician in Stanford rankings

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Aurangabad, MAHARASHTRA / Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA :

City resident Dr Sharief Deshmukh, a professor in Mathematics at the King Saud University, Riyadh, in Saudi Arabia, has featured in the list of the top 2% of mathematicians in the world.

Sambhajinagar mathematician in Stanford rankings
Dr Sharief Deshmukh

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar :

City resident Dr Sharief Deshmukh, a professor in Mathematics at the King Saud University, Riyadh, in Saudi Arabia, has featured in the list of the top 2% of mathematicians in the world.

Each year, depending on paper publications, citations, as well as contributions to the field of research, Stanford University identifies research and recognises them under its prestigious list.

Deshmukh, who specializes in ‘differential geometry and its applications’ is the first from the district to bag this prestigious recognition in 2021 and 2022.

Deshmukh intends to give back to society by guiding and helping students in Mathematics.

“Our country has a lot of exceptionally good talent, but it needs proper guidance to perform, compete and excel on the global platform,” Deshmukh told TOI.

As a research scientist, he has 190 publications to his credit. Deshmukh’s work has also been published in the world’s leading international journals and about 2,000 indexed publications.

Deshmukh completed high school and studied BSc Honors in Mathematics from Deogiri College under Marathwada University (Now BAMU) in 1972. He was among the toppers in his master’s degree in 1974.

source:http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> City News> Aurangabad News / by Mohammed Akhef, TNN / July 20th, 2023

A Maulana’s noble initiative of water distribution in summer to the roadside vendors and beggars

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Museums, Libraries (wef. April 16th, 2022), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Aurangabad, MAHARASHTRA:

Maulana Abdul Qayyum Nadvi on his mission.

Maulana Abdul Qayyum Nadvi, who has been successfully running his book store ‘Mirza Book world’ in Aurangabad has hit upon another novel plan to quench the thirst of the poor and needy on the roadside.

Every day he buys some cartoons of 300 ml water bottles, refrigerates them overnight and in the morning around 10 am on his way to his book store, when the sun is already hot and shining bright, distributes the water bottles to the road side vendors, beggars and whoever asks for it.

He shared that he began this water distribution activity around 5-6 years back on the occasion of World Water Day. “ At that time, I used to collect empty water bottles from functions, events and gatherings, take them home, sterilise them with hot water, then fill them up, keep them in the fridge and distribute them in the morning to people who were thirsty and could not afford to buy a water bottle”.

“Now, I no longer collect water bottles, I buy them. When my friends saw what I was doing they too joined in and together we pool the money and buy the water bottles. It is much easier,” he explained.

Maulana Abdul Qayyum is not new to social work. He also supports the Mohalla libraries with his daughter Maryam Mirza who is running more than 30 small libraries in the slums of Aurangabad. Many of the books in these mohalla libraries have been donated by the Maulana from his book store.

He runs a foundation called Read and Lead Foundation (RLF) which is mostly about promoting the culture of reading, preserving Urdu language and other social-charity activities with some of his like-minded friends.

“Books have always been my passion”, he said. “ And I chose the career of running a book store so I get to spend my time amidst books. I started the book store in 2002 but before that I used to sell the books on my bicycle cycling around the whole city. It was quite a struggle but it paid off when there were patron demanding books to be supplied in the libraries of schools and colleges,” he added sharing his journey.

Apart from that he has also donated almost 50000 kiddy banks to children in schools in 30 English and Urdu medium schools for the children to save money and buy a book of their choice. His sole aim is to revive the dying culture of reading books.

“ I want children to inculcate the habit of reading a book instead of spending their time playing games on mobile phones. Reading is such a rich hobby, it ignites imagination, helps the children to improve their vocabulary and grasping abilities. But today we see children are no longer interested in reading but after this kiddy bank campaign, I have received positive feedback from the school teachers that students are now reading books in their free time.” he explained with a note of satisfaction in his voice.

His initiative of gifting kiddy banks was picked up by other schools who began gifting the same to their children to get them into the habit of saving money to buy books.

The Maulana then takes time in the afternoon when the sun is at its peak to ride around the vicinity with his bags of water bottles and distribute the cold water to the thirsty people irrespective of their caste, religion, gender, he sees on the roadside. His daughter ordered customised bags with the caption: ‘ Choti si neiki, Pyase ku pani’ which can hold at least 50 bottles.

“ Many passersby give coins to these beggars but when I give them a water bottle, they are happy and utter blessings, their happiness clearly visible on their faces. It gives me satisfaction when I see them drinking the cold water”, he shared beaming with happiness.

He also explains that he is not after recognition or awards. He does these activities because he wants his 5 children to look up to him and learn good values. Good morals and principles to lead a righteous life as per Islamic Values is the legacy I want to leave behind.

But awards have also come his way when he has been covered by the media for his earlier work of mohalla libraries, distribution of kiddy banks, promoting Urdu, water distribution program.

Nadvi’s efforts for preserving Urdu through the foundation have not gone unnoticed. He received the ‘Shaan- e- Aurangabad’ award in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 2023 by the Aurangabad Jeddah Association. The Maharashtra Urdu Academy and the Telangana Urdu Academy have both awarded him. Many other organisations have felicitated him for his efforts to promote Urdu and reading culture.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Positive Story / by Nikhat Fatima / by Muslim Mirror / April 01st, 2024

Aurangabad: CISF Inspector conferred with prestigious Utkrisht Seva Padak

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Aurangabad, MAHARASHTRA :

Inspector Shiraz Khan getting 2022 SP Reward. | Picture by arrangement

Inspector Shiraz Khan has received more than 20 rewards for outstanding service at the Central Industrial Security Forces (CISF). 

New Delhi :

Inspector Shiraz Khan, a native of Aurangabad, has been conferred the Union Home Minister’s prestigious Utkrisht Seva Padak.

Born to a middle-class family, Shiraz Khan studied at Milind Multipurpose Government High School in his hometown of Aurangabad. In 1999, Khan joined the forces to serve in Central Industrial Security Forces (CISF) and was first posted at Mumbai airport. Throughout his career in CISF, he has served in different airports in India, including Pune, Raipur and Aurangabad. He has been part of many vital government installation missions during his service. He is now posted in Assam. 

Shiraz Khan is appointed on deputation to Hajj Mission 2022 and is presently in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In 2019, Inspector Khan received DG DISc at Aurangabad airport. He was also rewarded by the Senapati district Superintendent of Police Karthik Malladi IPS for peacefully carrying out the 12th State Assembly Election in Manipur. He has also received more than 20 rewards for outstanding service at the CISF. 

Utkrisht Seva Padak, along with Ati Utkrisht Seva Padak, was instituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, in 2018 for permanent police personnel and other permanent support staff in consideration of long service medal based on the length of service after 15/25 years of service. Inspector Shiraz Khan has been awarded this prestigious award for his longtime service of 23 years with CISF. 

Basil Islam is an independent journalist and researcher based in South India. He tweets at @baasiie

source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCirlcles.net / Home> Local Story / by Basil Islam, TwoCirlces.net / August 06th, 2022

Aurangabad Children Mohilla libraries celebrate World Book Day in style

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Events, Exhibitions, Conferences (wef. Nov 18th, 2021), Museums, Libraries (wef. April 16th, 2022), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Aurangabad, MAHARASHTRA :

Aurangabad:  

On World Book Day, the Maryam Mirza Mohilla (neighbourhood) library movement commemorated the occasion with zeal. Several book reading and distribution activities were held in city mosques and Urdu schools under the auspices of the Read & Lead Foundation.

The Foundation’s President, Mirza Abdul Qayyum Nadvi, announced the commencement of a “Book at Home, Book at Every Home” campaign at the event. He stated that the book-reading awareness campaign is only getting started because today’s young generation is losing interest in reading due to the introduction of new electronic gadgets, particularly smart phones

Urdu, Marathi, English books were distributed to the children members of Maulana Syed Abul Hassan Ali Nadvi Mohalla Library situated in  Masjid Faiz Beri Bagh, Harsol area of  Aurangabad.

It should be noted that for the past year in Aurangabad, 28 libraries have been working under the aegis of the Read & Lead Foundation in various sections of the city, slum mosques, Urdu schools, and neighbourhoods. More than 5,000 children are connected to these libraries.

It’s worth noting that eleven (11) of the 28 libraries are dedicated to children are located in mosques. Masjid Shadab Hina Nagar, Ahmadi Masjid, Shatabdi Nagar, Maulana Hasrat Mohani Mohalla Library, Misrarwadi, Qazi Iqbaluddin Mohalla Library, Bismillah Masjid, Madrasa Falah Darin Ghulam Mustafa,  Sher Khan Pathan Mitra Mandal Library, Narey Village Mohalla Library and other places.  In addition to this, Al-Huda Urdu High School Baijipura, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Mohalla Library Baijipura and other libraries celebrated World Book Day.

Maulana Sheikh Yusuf Nadvi, Imam of Masjid Faiz, where the Maulana Syed Abul Hassan Ali Nadvi Mohalla Library is located, stated that he would do everything in his power to ensure that the library benefits the children and women of the area as much as possible. After Friday prayers, he also declared the start of the door-to-door book drive.

Sheikh Nargis Fatima, Headmistress of Al-Huda Urdu High School, stated that her school’s students and instructors would be more active in the campaign and would offer all available assistance. Farhat Jahan, a school teacher, and other teachers took part in the presentation and offered their opinions..

Children’s monthly periodicals such as “Bachu ki Dunia,” “Umang,” “Taleemi inquilab,” “Majhi Marathi,” “Meri English Kitab,”,” “Gulzar Urdu,” and other books, magazines, and journals were distributed to members of the aforementioned libraries.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Positive Story / by Special Correspondent / April 26th, 2022