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New York truck attack suspect faces 22 charges
New York, Nov 22 (IANS) The US Attorney’s office has announced that a grand jury has decided to charge the New York terror attack suspect with 22 counts after he killed eight persons on Halloween.
Sayfullo Saipov also injured 12 others as he mowed down a bike path on October 31, Efe news reported.
The jury charged Saipov with eight counts of murder and 12 counts of attempted murder, one count of providing or attempting to provide material support to the terrorist group Islamic State (IS) and another count of violence and destruction of a motor vehicle, the prosecution said in a statement.
The 29-year-old Uzbek immigrant, who currently remains in prison, was shot and arrested by police after committing multiple hit-and-run attacks in lower Manhattan.
He was initially charged with two counts: one of providing resources and material support to the IS, and the other of violence and destruction of a vehicle, but these charges have now been extended to 22.
During the trial process, evidence is sent to a grand jury, which has the authority to drop or extend charges against a felony suspect, which occurred in this case.
Saipov, resident of the neighboring state of New Jersey, arrived in the US in March 2010.
On October 31, Saipov, who allegedly began planning the attack a year ago, plowed a rental truck into pedestrians and bicyclists on a bike lane in Manhattan to “kill as many people as he could”.
He committed the crime possibly inspired by IS videos on his mobile phone, according to the authorities.
Saipov allegedly chose October 31 as the date of the attack believing that it would cause more deaths as there was a traditional Halloween parade in the city.
According to the authorities, the Uzbek immigrant left the truck yelling “Allah is great” in Arabic and supposedly wanted to carry the IS flag, but gave up because he did not want to attract too much attention to himself.
One of the mobile phones seized from Saipov contained videos distributed by the IS, as well as about 3,800 images, many of which appeared to be propaganda for this terrorist group.
According to the statement, Saipov could face a minimum of ten years in prison for attempted murder, and a maximum of life imprisonment or capital punishment.
“Like so many terrorists before him, Saipov will face justice in an American court,” said Joon H. Kim, acting US attorney for the Southern District of New York, adding that “we expect justice in this case will be swift, firm and resolute”.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.