He raised his voice against the atrocities on Bangladeshi Hindus and lost his respect
Two big personalities of the British Indian community in the UK have been stripped of their positions. Conservative Party member Rami Ranger and Hindu Council UK Managing Trustee Anil Bhanot have been stripped of their honors. Millionaire Rami Ranger has been removed from the post of CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire). At the same time, Anil Bhanot has been removed from the post of OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire).
After this, both the personalities will be asked to return their insignia to Buckingham Palace. Anil Bhanot was honored with the post of OBE for promoting community solidarity. Explaining the reason for the removal of the post, he said that he has been accused of Islamophobia in the complaint filed against him.
What is the allegation against Anil Bhanot?
Anil Bhanot said that in the year 2021, he had posted on social media handle X regarding violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. He has been accused of Islamophobia for these posts. However, he said that despite the Institute of Chartered Accountants and the Charity Commission having acquitted him on the grounds of freedom of expression in this case, he still does not know who informed the seizure committee about this.
What is the allegation against Rami Ranger?
There is a complaint against Rami Ranger that when a BBC documentary “India: The Modi Question” was published, he came out in defense of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and criticized the documentary. There is also an allegation regarding the US-based group Sikhs for Justice, which is banned in India. Another complaint against him is related to comments made about a trustee of the Southall Gurdwara.
What did Anil Bhanot say about the complaints?
Anil Bhanot has denied the allegations against him. He said, when temples were demolished in Bangladesh and Hindus were attacked, the BBC did not cover it and I felt that someone should raise voice against it. I have not done anything wrong and I have not defamed the honor system. He further said, freedom of expression has become history in England. I am sad about this.
Rami Ranger will take legal action
Rami Ranger was awarded the CBE in 2016. He was given this honor for British business and community service. On the withdrawal of the honor, Ranger said, I am not worried about the post of CBE, but I feel that freedom of speech has been reduced and they are now honoring the wrong people. Rami Ranger also said that he will take legal help in this matter and he is planning to do a judicial review and take the case to the European Court of Human Rights.