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Australian Pro-Palestine pitch invader with LGBTQ flag disrupts ICC Cricket World Cup Final and hugs Virat Kohli in Ahmedabad, arrested immediately

OpIndia Staff
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Australian Pro-Palestine pitch invader with LGBTQ flag disrupts ICC Cricket World Cup Final and hugs Virat Kohli in Ahmedabad, arrested immediately

On Sunday (19th November), the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final between India and Australia was interrupted by a few minutes as a pitch intruder stopped the match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The pitch invader was a Palestine supporter from Australia wearing a t-shirt with pro-Palestine slogans.

The incident unfolded during the 14th over, as a pitch invader successfully evaded the security cordon and entered the field. Wearing a t-shirt bearing the message “Stop bombing Palestine” on the front and “Free Palestine” on the back, the man also carried an LGBTQ flag and had the Palestine flag displayed on his face mask. He was wearing red shorts with the white T-shirt with pro-Palestine slogans. This action by the intruder is seemingly against the war between Israel and Hamas that started on 7th October 2023 when Hamas terrorists attacked Israel.

Despite the heightened security measures, he reached the pitch and embraced Virat Kohli, who was batting alongside KL Rahul after India suffered three rapid wicket losses. This intruder was immediately taken off the field by the ground staff of the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium Ahmedabad where the final match of this ICC Cricket World Cup is being played, and was subsequently arrested.

Following the arrest, the man said that his name is John and he is from Australia. He was taken to the Chandkheda Police Station in Ahmedabad from the stadium. He said that he entered the field because he wanted to meet Virat Kohli, and he was wearing that T-shirt because he supports Palestine. After his arrest, he was seen in a yellow T-shirt, not the white shirt with slogans he was seen in the field. However, he didn’t change into the yellow jersey of the Australian cricket team, it was a yellow shirt with BookMyShow Logo.

Ironically, the Palestine supporter was carrying an LGBTQ Pride rainbow flag. This is ironic because, like other Islamic nations, Palestine also follows the Islamic Sharia law, where homosexuality is banned. In Hamas-controlled Gaza, homosexuality is a punishable offence, and several persons found guilty have been either executed or put in jails for long term.

In the final match, India’s captain Rohit Sharma notched up a quick 47, but both Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer faced setbacks, departing with only 4 runs each. This unfolded subsequent to Australia winning the toss, with skipper Pat Cummins opting for an unexpected decision to bowl first on a sluggish pitch in the world’s largest cricket stadium.

The opening partnership between Rohit and Gill yielded 30 runs before Mitchell Starc dismissed Gill in the 5th over. Despite Rohit and Gill’s efforts, the former fell short of a half-century, succumbing to Glenn Maxwell’s bowling while attempting to accelerate the scoring. Cummins added to India’s woes by claiming Iyer’s wicket in his second over, leaving the 1.30 lakh Indian fans at the venue in stunned silence.

Neither team has made any changes for this match. India is in pursuit of their third ODI World Cup title, the first in a dozen years, while the Australians aim to secure their sixth championship, should they emerge victorious in this pivotal encounter.

Pakistan supplying Israel with 155mm shells amid Israel-Hamas war, claims Pakistan-based media organisation

OpIndia Staff
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Pakistan supplying Israel with 155mm shells amid Israel-Hamas war, claims Pakistan-based media organisation

Pakistan has been supplying 155mm shells to Israel amid the Israeli military’s fight to dismantle the terror infrastructure of Hamas, as per a claim. The development holds great significance in the wake that Islamabad has been a longstanding supporter of the Palestinian cause such that it even denies the existence of the state of Israel. 

The X (Twitter) account of a media organisation named People Talk Show made this bold claim after analysing flight-tracking data. The user asserted that a British Air Force plane flew from Bahrain to the Nur Khan base in Pakistan’s Rawalpindi. Afterwards, it reached an allied base in Cyprus via Oman.

The People Talk Show tweeted, “Pakistan is exporting 155mm shells to Israel. Due to a lack of global supplies, these weapons have been exported to Israel. The British Airforce RRR6664/5 flew from Bahrain to Rawalpindi PAF Nur Khan base, from Nur Khan base to Bahrain. From Bahrain to Duqum, Oman, and Duqum Oman to Cyprus to the Allied base to supply to Israel.” 

It accused Pakistan of having the blood of Palestinian citizens on its hands. The post added, “So the blood of Palestinian Citizens and Children is on the hand of Pakistan armed forces.”

“So the blood of Palestinian Citizen and Children is on the hand of Pakistan armed forces,” the tweet added.

In another tweet, it attached the link to an article that highlighted the flow of airforce traffic to the Akrotiri base which is also at the centre of their claim. 

The British Airforce RRR6664/5 is a Boeing C-17A Globemaster, a heavy-lift military transport aircraft. While the flight tracking maps show that the Royal Air Force plane landed in Pakistan, it is not known how the user determined that ammunition was loaded on the plane, specifically 155 mm shells.

Notably, the Akrotiri base in Cyprus of the British Royal Air Force has emerged as an international military hub. It is being used to supply arms and ammunition to Israel amid its war against Hamas. According to an Israeli newspaper Haaretz’s earlier report, more than 40 US transport aircraft, 20 British transport aircraft, and seven heavy transport helicopters flew to RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus carrying equipment, arms, and forces.

The Haaretz report further added that US planes landing at Nevatim Air Force Base which is located in southern Israel near the Negev desert, have delivered arms for the Israel’s military. The US aircraft have also landed at Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv carrying armoured vehicles, among other things.

The reports gained strength from the fact that Pakistan is a producer of the basic munitions that are needed for ground assaults. In September 2023, The Intercept report had claimed that Pakistan forged a secret arms sale to the US that helped it to facilitate a much-contested bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The arms sales deal was reportedly done to supply the Ukrainian military with 155mm shells among other weaponry. However, the claim was outright denied by Islamabad claiming that it maintains a policy of ‘strict neutrality’ in the Russia-Ukraine war. 

Similar to reports arming Ukraine with 155 mm shells, Pakistan has rejected the claims that it is supplying Israel with the munition needed for ground assault for the Israeli armed forces. 

Pakistan’s stance towards Israel

It is important to note that Pakistan is among the few countries in the world that do not recognise Israel as a country. In 1947, at the time of the creation of Israel, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan voted against the United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine. 

Additionally, the Pakistani passport has an infamous exclusive phrase for Israel stating, ‘this passport is valid for all countries of the world except Israel’.

However, Pakistan has a history of reaching out to the Jewish state via Turkey. Wikileaks, in 2009, reported that Pakistan’s notorious intelligence agency ISI had cautioned Israel against an upcoming terrorist attack in Mumbai. During the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Pakistan-based terrorists also targeted a Jewish cultural centre.

Against the backdrop of the success of the Abraham Accords in 2020, the then Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan had claimed that the United States and “at least one other country” were increased diplomatic pressure on Islamabad to normalise their ties with Israel.

The purported supplies of 155mm shells by Pakistan to Israel has also been linked to some back door deal or armtwisting by Western powers. 

Sharjah Court upholds 25-year jail term of Indian DJ who was framed in a drug case by ‘baker’ Anthony Paul. Here is what happened

OpIndia Staff
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Sharjah Court upholds 25-year jail term of Indian DJ who was framed in a drug case by ‘baker’ Anthony Paul. Here is what happened

The Sharjah court has rendered a decisive verdict, rejecting an appeal by Mumbai-based DJ Clayton Rodrigues. The court’s decision, which sustains Rodrigues’ 25-year jail term, comes in the wake of a high-profile drug frame-up orchestrated by Anthony Paul, a Mira Road-based baker.

Sharjah High Court rejected the relief plea of DJ Clayton Rodrigues

Rodrigues, the unfortunate victim of a convoluted plot, was framed in a drug case and subsequently arrested by Sharjah airport authorities. The denial of Rodrigues’ appeal, following the rejection by the High Court in Sharjah, underscores the complexities of a case that has gripped international attention.

A senior officer from the Mumbai Police emphasised the next legal step, stating, “An appeal will now have to be made before the Supreme Court in Abu Dhabi.” Despite the setback, there remains optimism within legal circles that the Supreme Court will carefully consider the evidence of Rodrigues being framed in this intricate and elaborate scheme.

Anthony Paul’s bail plea has already been rejected in an Indian court

A special Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) court has already rejected the bail plea of Anthony Paul, the prime suspect in the Sharjah drugs planting case, where actor Chrisann Pereira, DJ Clayton Rodrigues and three others were wrongfully implicated. The court’s detailed 10-page order, issued in October 2023, underscored the necessity to consider the impact of Paul’s release on the victim, Chrisann Pereira, who endured “27 traumatic days” in a Sharjah prison. The court also mentioned the 25-year jail term sentenced to the DJ in Sharjah.

The court deemed the nature of the offence prima facie very serious, dismissing standard arguments about Paul being a local resident and the quantity of contraband being below the commercial quantity. Represented by advocate Alisha Parekh, Paul’s defence claimed he had no contact with the victim and was not responsible for giving her the trophy or booking her tickets. The defence argued innocence and claimed false framing, stating that there was no evidence of contraband recovery in the case.

A chargesheet in this case was filed in June 2023

Public prosecutor Wajeed Shaikh, opposing the bail plea, highlighted the severe consequences faced by the victims, with one sentenced to life and DJ Clayton Rodrigues receiving a 25-year jail term. Shaikh emphasized that due to Paul’s actions, victims experienced imprisonment in a foreign land. The court’s rejection of the bail plea was grounded in the seriousness of the offence, the potential impact on the victim, and the overall nature of the orchestrated drug-planting scheme.

These developments unfolded as part of the larger legal proceedings initiated after Paul’s arrest on 24th April 2023. In June, the police filed a 1,550-page chargesheet against Paul, his friend Rajesh alias Ravi Bobhate, and drug peddler Shantisingh Rajput. The charges encompassed sections of the Indian Penal Code for cheating, forgery, breach of trust, and extortion, along with violations of the NDPS Act. The rejection of the bail plea signals a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for the victims targeted in this intricate case.

Background of the case

The roots of this elaborate plot trace back to Anthony Paul’s quest for revenge against five individuals, including Rodrigues and Bollywood actress Chrisann Pereira. Paul, in collaboration with Rajesh Borate, was apprehended in April by the Mumbai Police crime branch. The motive behind the framing was unravelled to be a personal dispute, with Rodrigues allegedly upsetting Paul during a shared trip to a farmhouse in 2022.

Paul’s intricate revenge plot involved Borate posing as an event manager, enticing Rodrigues with a job opportunity in Sharjah. In January, Rodrigues was given a cake containing hidden drugs. Subsequently, Paul tipped off Sharjah airport authorities about Rodrigues carrying drugs, leading to his arrest in February. The Mumbai Police’s chargesheet, submitted in connection with the Chrisann Pereira case, meticulously outlined the details of Rodrigues’ framing.

As the legal saga continues, the Mumbai Police and Rodrigues’s legal team are gearing up to present their case before the Supreme Court in Abu Dhabi. The intricate web of deception and revenge, designed to wrongfully incriminate innocent individuals, awaits further scrutiny in the pursuit of justice.

Additional Victim: Actress Chrisann Pereira’s Ordeal

Bollywood actress Chrisann Pereira emerged as the first victim in this nefarious plot orchestrated by Anthony Paul. Four months after her arrest on 1st April 2023, in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Chrisann finally returned to Mumbai on 3rd August 2023.

Having endured over three weeks in Sharjah prison, she was granted bail and subsequently acquitted, although legal procedures delayed her return to Mumbai. The prolonged ordeal prompted concerns about her mental health, highlighting the toll the unjust incarceration had taken on the acclaimed actress.

Chrisann’s return marked the end of a harrowing chapter, during which her family had expressed apprehensions about her well-being. In June, the Mumbai police filed a chargesheet in the case, unveiling evidence that shed light on how she was allegedly framed by Anthony Paul and two accomplices.

According to the police investigation, Paul harboured a grudge stemming from a dispute with Chrisann’s mother. Seeking revenge, he purportedly concealed narcotics within a trophy and handed it to Chrisann before her flight to Sharjah, subsequently tipping off the authorities.

This revelation added a layer of complexity to the case, emphasizing the personal vendetta that fueled the malicious scheme against the actress. Chrisann, known for her roles in Hindi movies such as “Sadak 2” and “Batla House,” now seeks to rebuild her life after the unwarranted turmoil she endured in the UAE.

Who are the other victims in this case?

Apart from actress Chrisann Pereira and DJ Clayton Rodrigues, Anthony Paul’s sinister plot targeted three other individuals—Ken Rodricks, Munisha, and Rishikesh Pandya. While three of them managed to escape the clutches of the orchestrated drug scheme, Clayton Rodrigues, like Chrisann Pereira, fell victim to the conspiracy and was arrested by the Sharjah police. The elaborate vendetta orchestrated by Paul, fueled by personal disputes, sought to wrongfully incriminate innocent individuals in a series of framed drug cases in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

Rajasthan: ‘Lal diary ka page khulta hai, udhar Gehlot ka fuse ud jata hai’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi targets Congress government over corruption charges

OpIndia Staff
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Rajasthan: ‘Lal diary ka page khulta hai, udhar Gehlot ka fuse ud jata hai’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi targets Congress government over corruption charges

On Sunday, 19th November, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a public rally at Taranagar in Churu, Rajasthan. PM Modi took a dig at the Congress party and said that slowly the pages of the infamous Lal Diary have started opening. He said that as the pages of the Lal diary open, CM Gehlot’s fuse blows.

In an X post about the rally, the Prime Minister said, “The enthusiasm and zeal of my family members in the huge public meeting in Taranagar, Churu is a clear indication that people have faith in the track record of BJP. Salute to all the people who came to give blessings.”

PM Modi said, “Nowadays the whole country is filled with enthusiasm for cricket. In cricket, a batsman comes and scores runs for his team. But there is such a fight among the Congress party that these people are busy running each other out. 5 years of the Congress govt have been spent in running each other out.”

Narendra Modi further said, “The entire story of Congress’s license to loot is recorded in the Lal Diary and now slowly the pages of the Lal Diary have started opening. Here the pages of Lal Diary open and on the other side Gehlot ji’s fuse blows, ‘jaadugar’ ki ‘jaadugari’ ab Lal Diary mein dikhne lagi hai. (The magic of the magician is visible in Lal Diary.)”

He added, “If you choose BJP, we will throw out the team of corrupt people from Rajasthan. BJP will score development rapidly and victory will be for Rajasthan, victory will be for the future of Rajasthan, victory will be for the mothers, sisters, youth and farmers of Rajasthan.”

Mentioning the efforts taken by the BJP government on ‘One Rank One Pension’, he said, “This is a brave land, where the bravery of its sons plays a big role in keeping the entire country safe. Congress has left no stone unturned to deceive the children of such a land. On the issue of ‘One Rank One Pension’, the Congress kept the Bravehearts of this place in trouble for decades, misled them, made them suffer a lot.”

What is the Lal Diary mentioned by PM Modi?

The term “Lal Diary” or “Red Diary” has become synonymous with political corruption in Rajasthan, India. It refers to a mysterious diary that is said to contain sensitive information about financial irregularities, corruption, and other alleged wrongdoings by Congress politicians. The existence of the diary has never been officially confirmed, but its spectre has haunted Rajasthan’s political landscape in 2023.

In 2023, the Lal Diary made headlines when Rajendra Gudha, a former minister in the Rajasthan government, claimed to have the diary. He alleged that the diary contains details of financial transactions between Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and other influential figures. Gudha’s claims created a political storm, with the opposition BJP demanding an investigation. However, the Gehlot government dismissed the allegations as baseless and refused to order an inquiry.

Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the Lal Diary continues to be a source of political speculation and debate in Rajasthan. Its existence remains shrouded in mystery, but its influence on the state’s political landscape is undeniable. The diary has become a symbol of the dark side of politics, fueling allegations of corruption and fueling political rivalries.

Rajasthan Assembly Elections

Rajasthan is gearing up for the upcoming assembly elections, scheduled for a single phase on 25th November 2023. The fate of the state’s 200 assembly seats will be decided on this crucial date, with over 5.2 crore eligible voters casting their votes. The counting of votes will take place on 3rd December 2023, and the results will be declared on the same day.

Karnataka: Woman and her 9-month-old daughter electrocuted due to loose live wire in Bengaluru, case registered against BESCOM

OpIndia Staff
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Karnataka: Woman and her 9-month-old daughter electrocuted due to loose live wire in Bengaluru, case registered against BESCOM

On 19th November, a 23-year-old woman and her nine-month-old daughter were electrocuted while walking close to the Hope Farm intersection in Whitefield, Bengaluru which is regarded as a part of the IT corridor. The deceased have been identified as Soundharya and her baby Suviksha, who were residents of AKG Colony which is within the jurisdiction of Kadugodi police station.

The unfortunate incident occurred around 6 am when the two were on their way to the house of Soundharya’s mother. They had returned to Bengaluru from Tamil Nadu and were electrocuted when Soundharya stepped on a dangling live wire lying unattended on the footpath. The bodies were moved to Vydehi Hospital for a postmortem after the Kadugodi police arrived on the scene after being informed by the passersby. Other items and a trolley bag were strewn all over the accident area.

The mother-daughter duo were charred to death by the time people rushed to help them. The Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) was responsible for the live wire that was found on the side of the road, according to the police, and the service provider is now going to face legal action as a case of negligence has been registered against them. A community organisation called Whitefield Rising called for severe punishments for those responsible.

Shivakumar Gunare, Deputy Commissioner Of Police Whitefield informed, “An investigation has been initiated and the relevant BESCOM officials and staff are being interrogated.” He disclosed that three BESCOM employees have been taken into custody and are being questioned over the fatalities.

Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Bengaluru Central MP P.C. Mohan expressed his condolences and described the instance as “heartbreaking” and remarked that it “highlights the urgency for BESCOM to adopt preventive measures. A heightened sense of responsibility from BESCOM is crucial in averting such incidents and ensuring a safer environment.”

According to a police officer, fibre-optic wires have fallen and are still there on the sidewalk at several city locations. Soundharya reportedly walked on the electric line because she believed it was a fibre-optic cable. Her spouse is from Tamil Nadu’s Cuddalore and has a job at a private company in the industrial town of Neyveli which is close to his neighbourhood.

Notably, similar incidents have taken place in the past as well. A girl in Bengaluru died from electrocution in September of last year after she slipped on a wet road. A 22-year-old guy was electrocuted in Bengaluru earlier in April 2022 after coming into contact with a cable wire.

Sand mafia unleash terror in Bihar running parallel economy, three killed in five days, minister says “nothing new”

OpIndia Staff
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Sand mafia unleash terror in Bihar running parallel economy, three killed in five days, minister says “nothing new”

“Nothing new”, is what Bihar education minister Chandra Shekhar said about a sand mafia tractor mowing down a police sub-inspector this week. The recent killings of police and government officials by the sand mafia reflect a full-fledged return of jungle raj in Bihar. The sand mafias have grown influential to an extent in the state that they are allegedly running parallel governments in their strongholds.

Following the prohibition of all liquor businesses in Bihar, sand mining has grown into one of the state government’s primary sources of revenue. It also awards mining contracts to businesses to extract sand from various rivers for construction purposes. Consequently, mining pockets are acquired by strongmen in numerous regions along rivers such as the Sone, Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, Parman, and many more.

According to reports, the Bihar government earned an all-time high revenue of Rs 1384.46 crore from sand mining during the fiscal year 2022-23. However, it is said that the sand business in Bihar is way bigger which leads to gang wars and clashes among sand mafias to establish their dominance and monopoly in the market.

In the last five days, three murders in sand mafia-related incidents have rocked the state. Meanwhile, the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) accused leaders of the ruling Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) of involvement in the business.

BJP Spokesperson Arvind Kumar Singh alleged that the sand mafia is running a parallel economy in Bihar asserting that the sand market in the state goes beyond Rs 25 lakh crore. Singh alleged that these sand mafias have connections with RJD supremo Lalu Yadav’s family and that the mafias grow stronger whenever RJD comes to power. He further claimed that the sand mafia-related murders are taking place “under the protection of state-owned agencies and political parties.”

The police are claiming that they are taking action against them still many murders, including that of police personnel, are taking place due to the war of supremacy between various gangs. The mafia is doing rampant mining in various rivers and the money generated from it will be used in the forthcoming elections,” the BJP leader said.

On November 14, a police sub-inspector and in-charge of Garhi Police Station Prabhat Ranjan was mowed down by a tractor transporting sand illegally near Mahulia Tand village in Bihar’s Jamui district. Two people were also injured in the incident, including a home guard. The injured duo was admitted to a hospital.

Speaking to Times of India, ADG (HQ) JS Gangwar said that attacks and killings like the one in Jamui in sand related case are “nothing new”. However, Gangwar added that it was the first incident involving a policeman in the recent past. One of the accused was arrested in the matter.

Following the incident, Bihar Education Minister Chandra Shekhar made a shocking and insensitive remark after learning about the incident. Speaking to IndiaToday, he said, “Such incidents are nothing new.” He argued that such incidents keep happening. He added that such incidents have happened in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh in the past.

Shockingly, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswhi Yadav when asked by the media about the incident, said that he had no information about the killing of the police officer.

Before this, a similar incident was reported on November 1, when a police constable was crushed to death by a sand mafia’s tractor in Aurangabad. The incident unfolded in the night when a team of NTPC Khaira police received information that the sand mafia moving sand illegally on tractors. Accordingly, NTPC Khaira police set up barriers on the Kanker Road in Madhepur village. When a sand-laden tractor reached the barriers, Home Guard Rajaram Mahto signalled the driver to stop. The driver, however, instead of stopping the tractor accelerated and mowed down Rajaram Mahto before leaving. A day after, sand smugglers attacked a team of the Mining Department. The attack on November 2 left one Constable injured.

On the morning of November 17, a speeding truck carrying sand struck and killed a 35-year-old man named Sachin Turi, who was driving to the nearby market, on the Kohbarwa-Jhajha road in Jinhara Bazar. The driver subsequently fled the scene.

On November 15, two teenage boys were killed in the same district by a speeding sand truck. One of the victims Aayush Kumar died on the scene, while his friend Rakesh Kumar was badly injured. The event transpired on the Dadpur-Kabar main road in Machindra Village, in the Jhajha police station precinct.

In April of this year, three mining department officers, including a woman officer, sustained injuries in a stone pelting incident while on inspection and search operations in the Patna district’s Bihta block. Later, 44 people were arrested and 50 vehicles were seized by police. Kumar Gaurav, a district mining officer in Patna, and mining inspectors Syed Farhin and Amya Kumari were among those injured.

The list of attacks and killings in sand mafia-related cases can on and on. The question here arises how will the JDU-RJD government stop sand mafias from thriving in the state with impunity and eliminating anyone who dares to stop their illegal businesses? Especially when a minister dismisses such incidents as “nothing new” insinuating that it is normal that people are randomly mowed down by sand mafias and that people should not outrage much over it.

It is worth noting that since the Rashtriya Janata Dal came to power through an alliance with Janata Dal (United)’s Nitish Kumar, such crimes have increased dramatically in Bihar. This is reminiscent of Bihar’s Jungle Raj years in the 1990s when Lalu Prasad Yadav of the RJD and his wife Rabri Devi were the state’s chief ministers.

62 days since Trudeau’s allegations against India, Canada yet to provide any proof of Indian involvement in Hardeep Nijjar’s murder

Anurag
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62 days since Trudeau’s allegations against India, Canada yet to provide any proof of Indian involvement in Hardeep Nijjar’s murder

On 18th September 2023, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dug a deep grave for the India-Canada relationship as he accused Indian agents of being involved in the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. Nijjar, who got Canadian citizenship despite entering the country on fake documents, was a wanted criminal in India.

It has been over two months, or 62 days to be precise since Trudeau accused India of being involved in the murder. However, Canada has not provided any substantial evidence other than saying they have “credible allegations” against India. Here is a timeline of what has happened so far and how it has ruined the India-Canada relationship.

Here is how the controversy unfolded and its aftermath.

Allegations against India and expulsion of Indian diplomat

On 18th September (local time), Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in the Canadian Parliament that there were “credible allegations” against Indian agents. He said, “Over the past number of weeks, Canadian Security Agencies have been actively pursuing credible allegations of a potential link between the agents of the Government of India and the killing of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar.” His allegations led to a diplomatic standoff between India and Canada. “In the strongest possible terms, I continue to urge the government of India to cooperate with Canada to get to the bottom of this matter,” Trudeau added in his statement.

Soon after his address in the Parliament of Canada, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly informed the press that an Indian Diplomat was expelled as Canada was investigating Nijjar’s murder. “If proven true, this would be a great violation of our sovereignty and of the most basic rule of how countries deal with each other. As a consequence, we have expelled a top Indian diplomat,” she said in her statement.

India rejected allegations and expelled senior Canadian diplomat

Soon after, the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, issued a statement rejecting the allegations. The statement read, “We have seen and rejected the statement of the Canadian Prime Minister in their Parliament, as also the statement by their Foreign Minister. Allegations of the Government of India’s involvement in any act of violence in Canada are absurd and motivated.

Similar allegations were made by the Canadian Prime Minister to our Prime Minister and were completely rejected. We are a democratic polity with a strong commitment to the rule of law.

Such unsubstantiated allegations seek to shift the focus from Khalistani terrorists and extremists, who have been provided shelter in Canada and continue to threaten India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The inaction of the Canadian Government on this matter has been a long-standing and continuing concern.

That Canadian political figures have openly expressed sympathy for such elements remains a matter of deep concern. The space given in Canada to a range of illegal activities including murders, human trafficking, and organized crime is not new.

We reject any attempts to connect the Government of India to such developments. We urge the Government of Canada to take prompt and effective legal action against all anti-India elements operating from their soil.”

In retaliation to the expulsion of an Indian diplomat by the Canadian government, the Government of India expelled a senior diplomat of Canada.

On 20th October, 41 more Canadian diplomats and their families left India after the Indian government asked Canada to remove them from Indian soil. India had warned of withdrawing their immunity. Earlier, India suspended Visa service for Canadians in retaliation to the allegations levelled by Canada against India.

Khalistani and anti-India elements grouped against India

Following the allegations, as expected, Khalistani terrorists, pro-Khalistani elements and anti-India elements grouped against India. Khalistani terrorist organisation Sikhs For Justice’s chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun released a video warning Hindus to leave Canada and asked them to go to India. He said, “Leave Canada, Indo-Hindus, Go India. Indo-Canadian Hindus, you have repudiated the allegiance to Canada and the Canadian constitution. Your destination is India. Leave Canada, go to India.”

Furthermore, he alleged that the Canadian Hindus are not only backing India but also supporting its alleged suppression of pro-Khalistan voices. “You are supporting violence by celebrating the assassination of Shaheed Nijjar,” Pannu reportedly said. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is a wanted Khalistani Terrorist by the Government of India. He is known for issuing threats and provoking Sikhs against India. He ran a so-called referendum seeking votes by pro-Khalistan Sikhs worldwide to create Khalistan out of Punjab and other Indian states.

Apart from SFJ, the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) and the World Sikh Organisation of Canada (WSO) jointly issued demands to the Canadian government soon after the Canadian Prime Minister falsely claimed Indian agents were involved in the murder of Nijjar. Their demands included calling for the immediate recall of Canada’s Ambassador to India, the expulsion of the Indian Ambassador to Canada, a freeze on trade negotiations between India and Canada, and a ban on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Their press conference in the Canadian House of Commons raised suspicions about their influence on the Trudeau administration. The NCCM, formerly known as CAIR.CAN is linked to the US-based Council for American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).

The ‘Five Eye’ mess

During the controversy, development came to light that Five Eyes partners’ intelligence agencies shared intelligence that prompted Justin Trudeau to accuse India of Nijjar’s murder. On 23rd September, US Ambassador to Canada David Cohen said that shared intelligence among Five Eyes partners prompted the Canadian PM to accuse India of Nijjar’s murder.

In an interview, he confirmed that intelligence emboldened Trudeau’s remarks in the Canadian Parliament. However, he didn’t specify the nature of the intelligence. The Five Eyes alliance comprises Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the US for intelligence cooperation. He further denied a Washington Post’s report that claimed Canada sought support from the allies to condemn Nijjar’s murder.

British Columbia Premier David Eby expressed frustration, claiming he received only public domain information from Canadian intelligence regarding the matter. Eby emphasised the need for reforms in intelligence sharing.

Nijjar was in contact with Canadian intelligence agencies

Nijjar’s son Balraj Singh Nijjar, claimed his father had regular meetings with Canadian intelligence officers before his murder. He revealed that the meetings revolved around threats Nijjar faced due to his support for the Khalistani movement. The meetings reportedly occurred weekly and had increased in frequency. Balraj said he attended one such meeting last year, where threats to Nijjar’s life were discussed, leading authorities to advise him to stay home. Nijjar’s son also disclosed that the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) are in regular contact regarding the case.

SGPC supported Trudeau in allegations against India

The Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) has come out in support of Canada by heeding the allegations made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau against India. In a statement posted on X, it said, “The executive meeting of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) held today, expressed serious concern over the allegations levelled by the Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau, in the Parliament of Canada, of the involvement of officials of Indian agencies in the murder case of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a resident Sikh there.”

Congress’s Ravneet Singh Bittu called Canada CIA’s puppet

On 21st September, Ravneet Singh Bittu, grandson of former Punjab CM Beant Singh, who Khalistanis assassinated, lashed out at Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his statement in Canadian Parliament accusing India of killing Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. He said that being an emotional community, efforts are being made to create division among Sikhs and break them apart. Remembering the sacrifices the Sikh community made for the country, Bittu said that Sikhs have always stood by India.

Lashing out at Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his statement in the Canadian Parliament accusing India of the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Ravneet Bittu said that it has never happened that a Canadian Prime Minister has spoken against India in their Parliament. He mentioned that when Trudeau’s father was Prime Minister of Canada, he shielded the terrorists who later executed the Kanishka plane bombing in which over 300 people were killed. Nijjar was also a terrorist and the right-hand of Jagtar Singh Hawara, who was involved in Beant Singh’s assassination. Calling Canada CIA’s (American Intelligence) puppet, Ravneet Bittu said, “Trudeau’s recent statement will harm Canada’s image. Canada is just a puppet of the CIA.”

Washington Post report said killers were SIkhs

In a report by the Washington Post, it was revealed that the killers of Nijjar were Sikhs. There were at least six men and two vehicles involved in the murder.

Witnesses say about 50 bullets were fired, 34 hitting Nijjar, and describe the gunmen as wearing Sikh attire with hoodies and masks. The report contradicts Canadian allegations against India, highlighting flaws and raising concerns about the authorities’ response and investigation. Witnesses claim police were slow, and disagreements between agencies caused delays.

Authorities sought public help identifying the gunmen and a silver Toyota Camry over a month after the shooting. Community members express concern over the lack of protection for Nijjar and limited information from authorities. The incident has strained India-Canada relations, leading to diplomatic expulsions and a crackdown on Khalistani terrorists in India.

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka supported India

On September 25, Sri Lanka came out in support of India over misplaced and unsubstantiated allegations by Canada that Indian agents were behind the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka Ali Sabry said, “Some of the terrorists have found safe haven in Canada. The Canadian PM has this way of just coming out with some outrageous allegations without any supporting proof.”

Remembering how Canada accused Sri Lanka of genocide in the past, he said, “The same thing they did for Sri Lanka, a terrible, total lie about saying that Sri Lanka had a genocide. Everybody knows there was no genocide in our country.” He added, “So this is questionable, and we have dealt with it in the past. I am not surprised that sometimes PM Trudeau comes out with outrageous and substantiated allegations.”

On 29th September, Bangladesh extended support to India and slammed Canada while voicing its own grievances. In an exclusive interview with India Today, Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister, AK Abdul Momen said that Canada should stop sheltering all the murderers. “Canada must not be a hub of all the murderers. The murderers can go to Canada and take shelter, and they can have a wonderful life while those they killed, their relatives are suffering,” he was quoted as saying.

“We have a very good relationship with India and we have a good relationship with Canada. Both countries are friends. I don’t know the details of this issue between India and Canada but I know the issue we have with Canada,” he added. The main source of contention in the case of Bangladesh is Canada’s refusal to extradite Noor Chowdhury, the man who admitted to killing Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh.

MEA Dr S Jaishankar said if provided evidence, he would probe

On 15th November, India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr S Jaishankar, responded to questions on the allegations made by the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, regarding Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s murder. The accusations revolved around the involvement of Indian agents, directly or indirectly, in the killing of the Khalistani separatist leader in Canada. In an interview in the UK, Dr Jaishankar categorically denied any evidence pointing to the involvement of the Indian government, direct or indirect, in the murder of Nijjar. He stated that Canada did not provide any basis for the allegations.

He contextualized the situation by highlighting political figures in Canada who back separatist ideology. He added that such ideologies sometimes come with violent means. He expressed his concerns about views in Canadian politics as they provide a shield to the anti-India elements, leading to attacks and threats to Indian diplomats.

Disagreeing with the assertions that other countries like Iran, the United States, Israel, and Saudi Arabia indulge in extraterritorial assassinations and the attempt to put India in a similar situation, Dr Jaishankar disagreed with this comparison, emphasising the need for presenting evidence rather than justifying actions based on historical precedents. He added, “I would not justify it if presented with the evidence. I would look into it.’

Controversial background and Canadian citizenship of Hardeep Singh Nijjar

On 20th September, Immigration Minister of Canada Marc Miller sparked yet another controversy, He claimed to have made an eight-year mistake in stating the citizenship date of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In a statement, he claimed Nijjar obtained citizenship in Canada in March 2015 but later “corrected” it to May 2007, which preceded the Interpol’s Red Corner Notice against Nijjar issued at the request of Indian agencies.

If the initial date was accurate, it suggested Canada expedited citizenship post-RCN. Given prior issues, Nijjar’s citizenship, raised during talks with India, remains dubious. Indian authorities questioned his stay from 1997 to 2015, starting with a fraudulent passport in 1997.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar was a notorious Khalistani terrorist. He was involved in anti-India activities and was designated a wanted criminal by the Indian Government. Nijjar was born in Bhar Singhpura in Jalandhar. He served as the President of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Sahib in Canada. His name was recently added to the list of designated terrorists by the Indian Government.

An award of Rs 10 lakh was announced against Nijjar by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for his role in a conspiracy to assassinate a Hindu priest in Jalandhar, Punjab. The Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), under Nijjar’s leadership, was named as accused in this conspiracy. Additionally, Nijjar had ties to the Khalistani terrorist organisation Sikhs For Justice.

His activities extended beyond borders as he was involved in the Referendum for Khalistan voting by Sikhs For Justice in Australia. The NIA charged him with conspiring to commit terrorist activities against India, citing incriminating remarks, objectionable content, and social media activities aimed at creating tension in the country.

Apart from his Khalistani activities, he also participated in activism as he travelled to Geneva in 2013 to appeal to the UNHRC to recognise the 1984 anti-Sikh violence as a genocide. Despite facing multiple charges and Interpol notices, he continued his separatist agenda, openly calling for the separation of Punjab at the UN Headquarters in 2014.

Nijjar fled India in 1997 under the alias Ravi Sharma. He faced rejection multiple times from Canadian immigration but remained in Canada. Nijjar claimed the Punjab Police tortured him in the 1990s, but Canadian authorities dismissed his plea, citing fabricated documents and unreliable accounts.

Despite facing setbacks for years, he managed to gain Canadian citizenship. While accusing India of his murder, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau referred to him as a citizen, sparking debate over the country’s handling of individuals with controversial backgrounds.

During the controversy over Nijjar’s murder, it came to light that he was on the US ‘no-fly’ list since 2019, revealing his flight risk status. The list was reportedly leaked in January 2023, and it contained names of known or suspected terrorists. Nijjar was also on Canada’s no-fly list in 2017-18.

Known criminal activities of Nijjar

In December 2015, Hardeep Nijjar conducted a terror training camp in Mission Hills, British Columbia, Canada. He imparted training to Mandeep Singh Dhaliwal and other radicalised youth in firing AK-47 rifles, sniper rifles, and pistols. Videos of the gun training camp run by Nijjar had appeared in the media, which showed him brandishing an AK-47 riffle.

In 2016, Nijjar sent Dhaliwal to kill Shiv Sena leaders in Punjab but the Punjab Police arrested the latter. Dhaliwal was arrested in May 2016 and an FIR was filed under sections 124-!, 152, 120-B IPC and under sections 10, 16,18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967 and sections 25/54/59 of the Arms Act.

In fact, in 2016, the Indian government informed Canada about the terror camp run by Nijjar, with Canadian passport number QK139247, planning terror attacks in Punjab. “Nijjar has been imparting arms training to his group in Canada after Interpol arrested former KTF chief Jagtar Tara in Thailand last year. He took Mandeep Singh and three more Sikh youths recently for AK-47 training in a range near Mission where they were made to fire for four hours daily,” a report sent by India to Canada had said.

In November 2020, Nijjar partnered with fellow gangster Arsh Dalla, and they together were involved in the murder of Manohar Lal, a follower of the Dera Sacha Sauda, in Bathinda in 2021.

OpIndia’s report on detailed dossier prepared by Indian agencies against Nijjar can be checked here.

Uttar Pradesh: Encounter between cattle smugglers and police in Rampur, Zahid lost his life while Bablu injured in leg

OpIndia Staff
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Uttar Pradesh: Encounter between cattle smugglers and police in Rampur, Zahid lost his life while Bablu injured in leg

The Patwai Police learned about the arrival of some cattle traffickers from Moradabad late on 18 November night after which an encounter took place between the two sides in the Rampur district of Uttar Pradesh, Amar Ujala reported. One of the accused identified as 23-year-old Sajid son of Zahid, a resident of the Qurbla area which falls under Kundarki police station was shot dead.

The other 30-year-old individual named Bablu, son of Jamil who is from the Thawla region under the jurisdiction of Bilari Police Station was seriously injured and was admitted to a government hospital. He was then being interrogated by the authorities.

The action was followed by the area being checked thoroughly. The car of cow smugglers was coming at high speed from Moradabad towards Shahabad. They spotted the cops and began to race back after which they were pursued and lost control of their vehicle and tumbled down the road.

Authorities cordoned off and tried to apprehend the two miscreants but they opened fire on the team. Police fired shots and struck both perpetrators in their legs, wounding them. They were taken to Rampur district hospital for treatment where Sajid was declared dead by the doctors while Bablu was undergoing medical care.

Notably, three bovines were killed on the night of Diwali, 12 November, in the Doharia village which is located in the vicinity of Patwai police station which prompted the cops to initiate action.

Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: Rescue operation expanded, drilling from top, opposite end and sideways to be done by different agencies

OpIndia Staff
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Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: Rescue operation expanded, drilling from top, opposite end and sideways to be done by different agencies

The rescue operations to bring out the 41 workers trapped inside the tunnel in Uttarkashi entered the eighth day on 19 November (Sunday), but the operation has not achieved much success. While it was expected that heavy auger drilling machines would quickly drill through the around 60 meters of debris, it has faced challenges. As the machine drills, more debris keeps falling, blocking the path. The vibration of the heavy machinery is contributing to this, and the diesel machine needs to be stopped regularly as emits toxic exhaust gases. As a result, a multi-front strategy is being deployed to reach the trapper workers.

It is notable that small diameter pipes are already inserted through the debris, which is being used to send air, water, food and medicine to the 41 persons trapped inside the collapsed tunnel. They also have been provided with communication devices. Apart from food and water, the workers have been provided Vitamin C and other medicines including anti-depression tablets. The health department has set up a camp for health checkups near the site and kept 10 ambulances on standby.

The figure of employees trapped within was altered to 41 after a disparity in their number was discovered on Friday by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) which is building the tunnel through Navayuga Engineering Company Ltd. Reportedly they are facing several health issues like constipation, headaches and growing anxiety and trauma induced by fear and claustrophobia.

Currently, drilling through the debris has stopped, after around 24 meters were drilled and five 6-meter-long steel pipes were inserted by Friday. After that, the drilling has not progressed much, due to falling debris and problems with the heavy drilling machine. The drilling was stopped because of concerns about additional damage to the tunnel after a large crack developed. During the positioning of the fifth pipe, a loud cracking sound was heard in the tunnel which prompted the immediate suspension of rescue operations. An expert involved in the project had also warned about the possibility of further collapse in the vicinity and as a result, the pipe-pushing activity was stopped.

The auger machine had drilled up to 24 meters through the rubble when the process was paused. The mission has been put on hold since 17 November (Friday), however, officials present at the location seek to resume it by Sunday afternoon.

As the current strategy of drilling a 900 mm hole through the debris from the Silkyara end has almost failed, the Prime Minister’s Office has decided to initiate operations from 3 more different fronts, and each of them will be handled by a different agency. “The experts were one in their view that rather than working on just one plan we should work at the same time on five plans to reach the trapped workers as early as possible,” said Bhaskar Khulbe, former advisor to the Prime Minister.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami reached the tunnel site today to oversee the rescue operations.

Expanded rescue operations

The alternative plans, including the current one, for freeing the stranded workers were discussed at a high-level conference conducted by the Union administration on Saturday. Mahmood Ahmed, MD of NHIDCL, has been assigned the responsibility of liaising with the central authorities. Officials are battling against time to find a way to save the workers.

According to RS Rao of the Directorate General Border Roads, creating a four-six-inch-long hole would be one way to help those who are confined by giving them necessities. He said, “If the conditions are favourable, a three-feet diameter hole will also be made so people will be able to come out. This road is about 900 metres long. Hopefully, the road will be ready by tomorrow morning.” It is notable that BRO is building a new road to the tunnel site to reach it quickly and easily.

Following a nearly three-day shutdown of rescue operations, Bhaskar Khulbe stated that everyone should focus on the future and that it is not the right moment to talk about the past. He conveyed that in addition to the NHIDCL, the organisations handling various tasks to provide early access to the stranded personnel are going to include ONGC, RVNL, Satluj Jal Vikas Nigam Ltd, the BRO, and the state PWD.

At his home earlier, CM Dhami held a meeting with the officials and remarked, “Under the guidance of the PMO, the state government is busy making all efforts to evacuate labourers trapped inside the tunnel. We hope we will soon succeed in the mission.”

In the meanwhile, the process of inserting a 6-inch diameter pipe inside the collapsed under-construction tunnel started today. This will be used to send food, medicine and other items needed for the workers trapped in the tunnel. This will be the second such pipe installed.

Bhaskar Khulbe, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Uttarakhand government and former prime minister’s advisor predicted that the coordinated efforts will yield positive outcomes in four to five days. “But if the gods are kind enough, it could happen even earlier than that,” he said.

According to him, a group of experts at the location and representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) decided to collaborate on five different ideas at the same time in order to rescue the stranded workers. These five ideas involve drilling the Silkyara and Barkot sides end to end followed by perpendicular and vertical drilling from the top.

The different plans

It is notable that the drilling through the debris was plan B, which was undertaken after plan A, the removal of debris using excavators and other equipment, failed. Now, the work on Plan C has already started, which is to drill a vertical tunnel from the top. A team of the Indian Army prepared a path to bring a machine to the top, and Hydroelectric power generation company SJVN has started drilling a 1-meter diameter vertical shaft around 120 meters above the collapsed tunnel.

In the meantime, Navyuga Engineering will continue the job of drilling through the debris from the Silkyara end to insert steel pipes. It is estimated that around 60 meters will have to be drilled to reach the workers. Additional reinforcement measures are being taken to prevent more collapse of debris.

Plan D involves drilling from the Barkot end of the tunnel, which is the other end. Tehri Hydro Development Corporation has been given the task of excavating around 400 meters from the opposite end of the tunnel.

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation will start work on another front. The PSU will drill a large-diameter horizontal or inclined hole from the side. This will essentially create a branch tunnel to the collapsed tunnel.

National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) MD Mahmood Ahmed has been made in-charge of coordinating with all the central agencies and has been stationed at Silkyara.

While a heavy American Auger drill machine was earlier airlifted by an IAF transport plane, another and heavier machine is reaching the site from Indore.

Assuring that all efforts will be taken to rescue the 41 persons, Officials from the Prime Minister’s Office assured that they did not lack any “resources, options and ideas” for the mission, and they are taking the help of foreign experts also.

Silkyara Tunnel Collapse

At approximately 5:30 AM on 12 November, a terrible incident transpired in the Himalayan region. A large amount of debris collapsed as a part of a tunnel that was being built on the Yamunotri National Highway in Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand succumbed to the powerful forces of nature. A minimum of forty-one workers were trapped within the tunnel as the ceiling of the still-under-construction structure caved in and put their lives in danger.

The purpose of the tunnel which was designed as a crucial part of the massive Char Dham all-weather road project was to provide continuous access to four revered Hindu pilgrimage sites that are tucked away in the Himalayas. Once completed, a 26 km reduction in distance is anticipated. Unfortunately, this admirable endeavour was eclipsed by tragedy when the 4.5-kilometre tunnel fell around 200 meters from its entrance due to the unrelenting pressures of difficult geological conditions.

World Cup 2023 Final: India looks to exorcise the ghosts of 2003 while Australia aims to lift their 6th trophy

OpIndia Staff
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World Cup 2023 Final: India looks to exorcise the ghosts of 2003 while Australia aims to lift their 6th trophy

On 19th November (Sunday), India is up against Australia in yet another ODI World Cup final. The final fixture brings back the memory of the 2003 World Cup Final when the resurgent Indian led by Sourav Ganguly faced a 125-run defeat at the hands of Australia.

The memories of Ponting’s epic knock and Glenn McGrath’s first over dismissal of in-form Sachin Tendulkar while defending a mammoth total of 360 are still fresh in Indian fans’ minds.

Now the two sides meet again at the largest cricket stadium, the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad, with India aiming to avenge the defeat of the 2003 World Cup. While Australia will step onto the field to create history of their own. Pat Cummings-led Aussies will aim to better their own record five-world cup trophies so far and stretch it further.

Apart from five World titles to their name already, Australia has made a record number of presence in the World Cup finals and this is the eighth time that they will be playing in a World Cup final. In the last seven attempts, they had lost only twice in the finals. No other team dominated the 22-yard pitch like the mighty Aussies did in the 1990s and 2000s. Back then, they made 4 consecutive World Cup final appearances from 1996-2007, winning 3 of them. 

India, on the other hand, has made it to their fourth World Cup finals, clinching the prestigious trophy twice and losing once in 2003.

However, this time the tables have turned and the Indian side is the clear favourite before stepping on the pitch as both sides had a slightly different run to the semifinals. 

While India made it to the final without breaking a sweat, the Aussies started the tournament sluggishly losing their first 2 encounters before finding form and eventually cruising to the knockout stage.

Both sides also met each other in the league phase of the tournament with Indian bowlers steamrolling the Aussie batters and bundled them out for199 runs. The pace duo of left-armer Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazelwood did send chills down the Indian spine sending three Indian batsmen back to the pavilion quickly. Nonetheless, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul steered the ship and easily got the Indian side home. 

For India in this World Cup, all the players from 1 to 11 have given stellar performances and stepped up at crucial stages of the match. Rohit Sharma, Shubhman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja have all been among the runs during the tournament.

While the bowlers have proven to be unplayable with Mohammed Shami leading the pace battery and spin twin of Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav controlling the game in the middle overs. The dominance of Indian bowlers is evidenced by the fact that they dismissed the opposition for double-digit scores twice in the tournament, against Sri Lanka and South Africa. With sky-high confidence, India stands as the clear favourite to lift the trophy. 

For Australia, things have been far from flawless. Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith haven’t been in the best of forms in this tournament, and haven’t played the kind of long knocks Australia expected of them.

While the 2003 defeat is playing on the minds of Indian Cricketing fans, both sides have changed completely since then with Rahul Dravid the only common link from that era.

Whether India manages to reverse the result of the 2003 ODI World Cup Finals and finish this World Cup with a perfect record, or will Australia once again triumph and shatter Indian hearts, either way, this promises to be a mouthwatering final.

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