Kolkata, Dec 8: A video showing stacks of currency notes being counted as part of the donations for the proposed Babri Mosque at Beldanga in Murshidabad district has drawn wide attention after suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir posted it on his social media page.

The footage has circulated rapidly, prompting fresh debate on the scale and source of the funds collected.

The legislator from the Bharatpur constituency has hinted that he may launch his new political party on December 22.

Kabir said on Monday that 11 trunks filled with currency notes had been collected as cash offerings from local residents since Saturday, the day the foundation stone for the proposed mosque was laid.

“The exact worth of the currencies collected as cash donations is yet to be ascertained,” he said.

He added that online contributions had also come in, noting that about Rs 93 lakh had been received through a QR code he had posted on his social media page.

Kabir, however, did not divulge the details about an unnamed donor whom he says has pledged about Rs 80 crore for the project. He only described the individual as a Muslim businessman with an annual turnover of more than Rs 4,000 crore. He did not disclose the person’s identity or place of origin, which has led to further questions.

He reiterated that the proposed mosque budget is Rs 300 crore, with plans to replicate the original structure that stood in Ayodhya, which was demolished on December 6, 1992.

“The complex will also include a school and a hospital,” he said.

The TMC rebel legislator is reportedly preparing to launch his new political party on December 22. He intends to unveil the list of office bearers on the same day. Although he had earlier stated that he would resign from his Assembly seat before the formal launch, he reversed his position on Sunday.

He said he would hold back his resignation for the time being, a decision that has added another layer of uncertainty to the unfolding developments.

Mumbai: After FIRs registered against the directors of The Roppen Transportation Services Pvt Ltd (Rapido) in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, the Amboli police have now filed a case against directors of Ola company for allegedly operating bike-taxi services illegally within Mumbai city without a licence or permission from the Maharashtra State Government or the Regional Transport Authority (RTA).

The case was registered on December 5 based on a complaint received from the Regional Transport Office (RTO). Media contacted both companies; however, the management of Ola and Rapido has not yet responded. The RTO took action against the two-wheelers of both companies between November 11 and December 3 in Andheri West.

Babu Teli, 36, a Motor Vehicle Inspector with the RTO, filed a complaint and the case was filed under Sections 318(3) (cheating) and 223 (disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 66, 93, 192(A), 193 and 197 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

According to the FIR, both Rapido and Ola have not received any permission from the government and were operating their vehicles via mobile applications, facilitating passenger transport without the requisite approvals and allegedly earning financial gains. The FIR further stated that both companies were risking passengers’ lives by conducting illegal transportation on two-wheelers. It also noted that the companies did not verify the drivers’ character certificates and failed to follow safety rules.

Mumbai, Dec 8: Indian stock markets started the week on a weak note on Monday as benchmark indices opened lower in the absence of strong domestic cues.

The Sensex slipped by 93 points, or 0.11 per cent, to trade around 85,619. The Nifty also drifted lower and was seen at 26,137, down 50 points or 0.19 per cent.

Analysts said that Nifty is expected to trade within a defined range today, with near-term resistance placed around 26,300-26,350, where profit-booking may emerge.

“On the downside, support is seen around 26,000-26,050, a zone that has held firm through recent consolidation,” experts said.

Several heavyweight stocks dragged the indices in early trade. Shares of Bajaj Finance, BEL, NTPC, Asian Paints, Power Grid, Trent, Sun Pharma, and ICICI Bank were among the biggest losers on the Sensex.

At the same time, some major technology and auto names helped limit the downside. Eternal, Tech Mahindra, TCS, Tata Motors PV, Infosys, HCL Tech and Tata Steel were the top gainers.

The broader market also showed signs of pressure. The Nifty MidCap index slipped 0.12 per cent, while the Nifty SmallCap index fell more sharply, declining 0.40 per cent.

Sector-wise, real estate, public sector banks, and pharmaceutical stocks were under the most selling pressure, with the Nifty Realty, PSU Bank, and Pharma indices falling between 0.3 per cent and 0.5 per cent.

On the other hand, the Nifty IT index managed to rise 0.5 per cent, supported by gains in large tech stocks. The Nifty Metal index also inched up by 0.2 per cent.

Analysts said that the market mood remained cautious in early trading as investors awaited fresh triggers to set the direction for the day.

“Given the prevailing conditions, a buy-on-dips strategy remains appropriate. Traders may consider adding long positions if Nifty pulls back toward 26,000-26,050 or if Bank Nifty finds stability above 59,400,” market watchers added.