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With 128 FIRs, 32 arrests: Read how the Yogi government is uprooting the codeine cough syrup drug syndicate and how accused Alok is connected to SP supremo Akhilesh Yadav

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With 128 FIRs, 32 arrests: Read how the Yogi government is uprooting the codeine cough syrup drug syndicate and how accused Alok is connected to SP supremo Akhilesh Yadav

The campaign launched by the Yogi Adityanath government to uproot the illicit drug trade in Uttar Pradesh not only transcends state borders but is also proving to be a milestone in dismantling the empire of the drug mafia at the international level. While Phensedyl, a common cough syrup made from codeine, is used to treat coughs, it is being misused as a cheaper narcotic to spread addiction through illicit trafficking.

In Uttar Pradesh, a racket involved in the illegal sale of this drug was exposed, which was responsible for the illicit sale of the drug not only within the country but also abroad. In 2024, the Yogi Adityanath government ordered a joint operation to investigate the matter. The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) and the state’s Special Task Force (STF) received orders to investigate the illegal storage and smuggling of codeine-based drugs and syrups.

The investigation began in 2024, and a vast network was uncovered by 2025, leading to the filing of 128 FIRs, the cancellation of 280 drug licenses, the seizure of over 3.5 lakh vials, and the arrest of 32 key accused. This illegal empire, estimated to be worth over ₹425 crore, stretched from 28 districts of Uttar Pradesh to Nepal, Bangladesh, Dubai, and Pakistan.

From super-stockist firms to shell companies, political connections, and even a terror funding angle have been exposed during the investigation. The suspected links of some Samajwadi Party leaders, including those close to Samajwadi Party chief and former Uttar Pradesh CM Akhilesh Yadav, with the drug trade have stirred political turmoil. Pursuant to the instructions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a joint operation by the STF, FSDA, and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) dismantled a ‘halal’ drug syndicate, which has been ruining youth and endangering national security. The SIT and ED are now conducting an investigation into the drug syndicate, which could uncover money laundering and terror funding worth thousands of crores.

What is codeine and its syrup?

Codeine is a derivative of opium. It is commonly used in cough syrups and can cause mind-numbing effects if taken in excessive amounts. Long-term use of codeine has the potential to cause addiction, similar to heroin or opium. In recent years, its use as a soft drug has increased. Using 10 ml of codeine in 100 ml of syrup can cause addiction.

How did the first case come to light?

In February 2024, a raid was conducted in the Sushant Golf City area of ​​Lucknow. The UP Special Task Force (STF) had received information that a large quantity of Phensedyl, a codeine-based syrup, was being illegally stored there. The raid revealed fraudulent documentation, and the syrup’s supply chain raised suspicions.

An FIR was registered at the Sushant Golf City police station under various sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS) and the Indian Penal Code. The action was taken based on inputs received over several months. Following this raid, all aspects of the case were investigated for more than a year.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued a direct order that no leniency should be shown in dealing with the drug syndicate. The investigative agencies of Uttar Pradesh followed the CM’s direction. Over the course of about a year, the STF and the FSDA conducted a thorough investigation, scrutinised all the details of the case to ensure that no culprits escaped their sight and the entire racket behind it was exposed.

Super stockist and drug mafia nexus

During the investigation of the case by the STF, it was revealed that some firms were super-stockists, licensed to stock large quantities of medicines. The investigation revealed that legitimate purchases of large quantities of codeine-containing cough syrup were first made in the name of these super-stockist companies. Thereafter, fake firms were set up to sell the cough syrup illegally.

By forging records, the syrup was sold on the black market as a narcotic syrup instead of a medicine. This drug was then supplied to Nepal and Bangladesh via the nearby states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Bengal. The illegal drug trade spanned 28 districts in Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow, Lakhimpur Kheri, Bahraich, Varanasi, Jaunpur, and Saharanpur, and several other states.

Several scandals, ranging from political connections to the international drug mafia, surfaced. The biggest challenge for the state government and administration was to arrest the kingpin and expose the syndicate.

How was the syndicate exposed?

After nearly a year of investigation, a truck was seized in Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh on October 18, 2025. Inside the truck were found a large number of cartons of chips (snacks). But when these cartons were opened, a huge cache of drugs was found inside. The cartons contained bottles of cough syrup containing codeine. To the shock of the administration, the value of these drugs was estimated to be around Rs 3 crore. Three smugglers from Madhya Pradesh, Hemant Pal, Brijmohan Shivhare, and Ramgopal Dhakad, were arrested.

Since February last year, the STF had been connecting links of the drug syndicate to similar smuggling operations. When this information came from Sonbhadra, the dots began to connect. Initial investigations revealed that the consignment was headed to Pakistan via Nepal. Within fifteen to twenty days, large consignments of drugs were also seized from Jharkhand and Ranchi.

A thorough investigation into the case revealed a name: Shubham Jaiswal. The agencies arrived at Shubham’s name after screening over 300 firms. Out of these firms, 133 were shortlisted as being either directly involved in the drug trade or facilitating diversion. A few months before the truck was seized in Sonbhadra, agencies had started conducting similar raids to reach the roots of the entire drug nexus.

Banaras to Dubai connection and drug syndicate

As the STF swiftly pursued the investigation, the layers of the drug syndicate began to come off. Shubham Jaiswal, originally from Varanasi, currently lives in Dubai. On November 27th, the STF arrested Amit Kumar Singh, alias Amit Tata, near Gauri Square in Lucknow’s Vibhutikhand area. During interrogation, it was revealed that he was a key link in this drug trade and operated the entire network from Dubai at Shubham Jaiswal’s behest.

The digital devices recovered from Amit Tata revealed the supply route, transaction routes, and the syndicate’s entire network map. Shubham’s father, Bhola Prasad, was also involved in his drug dealings. He was arrested at Kolkata airport while trying to flee to Thailand, fearing action by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF).

The Chief Minister ordered the Special Task Force (STF) and the Uttar Pradesh Drugs Department to crack down on the entire network. As the investigation intensified, agencies discovered that the drug syndicate used supply chains belonging to major pharmaceutical companies, including Laborate, 3B Healthcare, and Abbott.

The name of Alok Kumar Singh, a dismissed Uttar Pradesh police constable, also surfaced. His 7000 sq. ft. mansion stunned the ED officials. Subsequently, a photo of SP chief Akhilesh Yadav with Alok Kumar Singh surfaced. Names of several influential politicians also emerged, although the agencies have not yet released any names. Photos and videos of these politicians with Shubham Jaiswal and Amit Tata are going viral on the internet. Furthermore, with such a vast business spanning across borders, there are suspicions that some high-profile individuals may be involved. This is the reason that CM Yogi Adityanath has ordered strict and swift action under a zero-tolerance policy of the government.

What action has been taken so far?

Following these arrests and the discovery of the syndicate’s kingpin, the investigative agencies focused on dismantling the entire network. On 8th December, Principal Secretary of the Home Department Sanjay Prasad, Director General of Police (DGP) Rajiv Kumar Krishna, and FSDA Commissioner Roshan Jacob held a joint press conference in Lucknow, detailing the actions taken so far.

It was reported that 128 FIRs have been registered so far, 280 drug licenses have been cancelled, and 3.5 lakh vials have been seized. Thirty-two people involved in this smuggling network have been arrested till now. The prominent names identified in these arrests are Vibhor Rana, Vishal Rana, Saurabh Tyagi, Bhola Prasad Jaiswal, Alok Pratap Singh, Abhishek Sharma, Akash Pathak, and Amit Singh alias Amit Tata.

During the investigation into this entire racket, the UP Special Task Force (STF) discovered that the illegal drug trade could amount to thousands of crores. A rough estimate of approximately ₹425 crore has been made. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to thoroughly investigate every detail related to the case. On 3rd December, the ED filed an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against 67 accused. The ED conducted simultaneous searches at 25 locations, including Lucknow, Saharanpur, Varanasi, and Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh, and the capital cities of Jharkhand and Gujarat.

During the search, it was discovered that 700 fake firms were registered in the names of 220 individuals, which were created directly for money laundering. The ED estimated that the total amount involved could exceed thousands of crores and is therefore preparing to take action in this case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act,2002 (PMLA).

Recently, in a press conference held in Lucknow on 8th December, UP Police DGP Rajiv Krishna stated that a total of 11 cases have been registered in the Lucknow zone, 4 cases in the Bareilly zone, 10 cases in the Gorakhpur zone, and 2 cases in the Varanasi zone. Through these cases, preparations are underway to dismantle the entire network through which the illegal drug trade was being conducted.

Halal intoxication is cough syrup, and the angle of terror funding is also coming to the fore.

There have been reports of BSF operations on the India-Bangladesh border on several occasions, including intercepting and confiscating cough syrups. During the ED investigation in the current case, it was revealed that the proceeds from the drug smuggling were used to fund terror.

Names of two smugglers, Asif and Wasim, from the Meerut district in Uttar Pradesh have also surfaced in the case. It is reported that Asif smuggled money to other Gulf countries via Bangladesh. The hawala network used to launder money is suspected of benefiting terrorists.

Furthermore, it is said that since alcohol is prohibited in Islam, the use of such cough syrups for intoxication has increased rapidly. Cough syrups are promoted as ‘halal’ intoxicants. Reports suggest that the consumption of cough syrups is higher in areas with a majority Muslim population.

Here is a list of 12 names who are the main accused in the Codeine Cough Syrup case:

Shubham Jaiswal: A resident of Varanasi, he currently lives in Dubai. He is the mastermind behind the entire racket.

Bhola Prasad Jaiswal: A resident of Varanasi, he is the father of Shubham Jaiswal. He owns Sally Traders, which has a turnover of 100 crore rupees.

Manohar Jaiswal: A member of Shubham Jaiswal’s family. He played a key role in establishing shell companies.

Vibhor Rana: A resident of Saharanpur, he is the main superstockist and supplies the syrup through GR Trading Company.

Saurabh Tyagi: A resident of Ghaziabad, he was found in possession of 1.57 lakh bottles. He was the one who provided Shubham Jaiswal’s name to the agencies.

Vishal Rana: A resident of Saharanpur, brother of Vibhor Rana, who orchestrated the network of fake billing and shell firms.

Pappan Yadav: He is a resident of Lakhimpur Kheri/Bahraich. He worked in transport and oversaw the Nepal supply route.

Shadab: A resident of Varanasi/Jaunpur. He is accused of stocking locally using a fake license.

Abhishek Sharma: A resident of Lucknow, he is accused of possessing a fake drug license. 8 million bottles were seized from his possession.

Vishal Upadhyay: A resident of Lucknow, he handled bogus billing and paperwork.

Akash Pathak: He is a resident of Varanasi and used to handle the business at the local level.

Vinod Agarwal: A resident of Lucknow/Varanasi, he is a CA by profession and used to manage the money trail through shell companies.

The drug syndicate’s connection to Samajwadi Party leaders came to light

Among the many names circulating on social media in connection with the drug syndicate, one name is Rahul Yadav. He is a close associate of Lucky Yadav, a Samajwadi Party MLA from the Malhani seat in Jaunpur district. In a viral photo, Rahul Yadav can be seen shaking hands with Akhilesh Yadav.

Photos of dismissed UP Police constable Alok Singh with Akhilesh Yadav are also circulating on social media. As per the information mentioned in 128 FIRs registered across 28 districts, many of the accused received drug licenses during Akhilesh Yadav’s tenure. The accused are said to have played a key role in spreading the illegal trade. Currently, they are working as retailers at the local level.

Samajwadi Party is upset with the action of the Yogi Adityanath government

The Samajwadi Party’s frustration is growing at the same pace with which Uttar Pradesh agencies are apprehending codeine offenders. As the entire network of major drug mafias is being dismantled with the precise planning of Uttar Pradesh agencies, which have been given free rein by the government, the Samajwadi Party’s annoyance is clearly visible.

The photo of dismissed UP Police constable Alok Singh’s meeting with SP chief Akhilesh Yadav hints at a political connection. As the investigation advances, the Samajwadi Party’s troubles are likely to increase.

Codeine has become a poison that has devastated a large population. Those who profit from its trade are considered close to the Samajwadi Party. Many more names and their connections to the Samajwadi Party are yet to be revealed. The names of those mafias who have long had good relations with Akhilesh Yadav’s father, Mulayam Singh Yadav, have also surfaced.

The Yogi government has made it clear through its sustained action over the past several months that no one linked to the drug syndicate will be spared. The ED has expanded its investigation to terror funding. The government and the administration have made clear their intention to destroy this drug trade.

‘Permit Christmas events only for those officially registered as Christians’: Why Hindus in villages of Dharampur and Kaprada are raising this demand — Ground Report

મેઘલસિંહ પરમાર
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‘Permit Christmas events only for those officially registered as Christians’: Why Hindus in villages of Dharampur and Kaprada are raising this demand — Ground Report

In several villages of Dharampur and Kaprada talukas in Valsad district, which locals allege are increasingly becoming hubs of illegal religious conversion and proselytising activities, applications have been submitted to the Mamlatdar’s office over the past few days. Hindu residents of these villages have demanded that permission to celebrate the Christmas festival on December 25 be granted only to those who are officially recorded as Christians in government records. Hindu organisations have raised this demand, citing apprehensions that such events could accelerate illegal religious conversions.

Over the last few days, Hindu leaders from more than ten villages in the Dharampur and Kaprada talukas have submitted memoranda to the Mamlatdar’s office through various organisations such as Dev Birsa Sena and Adivasi Sanskriti Bachao Sena.

The applications state that for the past several years, people belonging to the Christian faith have been organising large gatherings, peace festivals, seminars and similar events in different villages of tribal areas with the intention of carrying out religious conversions. Missionaries and pastors reportedly arrive during the month of December and organise Christmas programmes in various villages.

The memoranda further claim that through these Christmas events, a conspiracy is underway to detach tribals from their original culture and traditions and to ultimately erase their indigenous identity, which the organisations describe as a serious matter. The organisations have clarified that they do not discriminate against any religion and respect all faiths and sects. However, they insist that only those individuals who are legally recorded as Christians in official government records should be granted permission to organise Christmas programmes.

They have demanded that anyone seeking permission to organise Christmas events must first be asked to produce certificates proving that they are legally registered as Christians, and that permission should be granted only after proper verification.

What are local Hindus saying?

When OpIndia visited some villages in Dharampur to gather further details, several striking observations emerged. One notable point is that as one moves away from Dharampur town into more remote areas, the number of churches visibly increases. Churches have been constructed in many villages. It is also worth noting that in the past, several cases have come to light in these very areas where illegal churches were built on government land without any permission.

A church located in a remote area of Dharampur

Hindu leaders from Gadina village, located barely two kilometres from the Maharashtra border, have also applied to the Dharampur Mamlatdar’s office. Speaking to OpIndia, village leaders said that Gadina has a population of around 1,400, but not a single person is officially recorded as a Christian in government records. Despite this, a church has been built in the village, where programmes are frequently organised, and Hindu villagers are also made to participate.

Local Hindus allege that initially, innocent tribal Hindus are included in such programmes. Later, missionaries and pastors offer inducements, claim to cure illnesses through miracles, promise money, and propagate the Christian faith, encouraging participants to bring others into the fold as well.

Speaking to OpIndia, Gadina’s local leader, Pilubhai Chaudhary, said, “Most churches have been built illegally, without obtaining any permission. These churches then become centres for conversion activities. Once local Hindu tribals start going there, they are gradually persuaded not to worship Hindu deities, not to visit temples or traditional places of worship, and eventually, the individual becomes completely disconnected from their religion and culture.”

OpIndia spoke to locals about the menace of conversion rackets operated by Christian groups

Pilubhai further stated that if there is not a single person officially registered as a Christian in government records in a village, there is no justification for organising such programmes there. Even if permission is granted, authorities should clearly disclose how many Christians reside in that village.

Village leaders also pointed out that in many villages, people are converted through inducements, but they continue to be recorded as Hindus in government records and keep availing government benefits. This, they say, explains why despite the mushrooming of large churches in many villages, the officially recorded Christian population remains negligible.

Local Hindus fear that Christmas programmes could once again intensify proselytising activities. Therefore, they are demanding that permission be granted only to registered Christians.

Not just Dharampur-Kaprada, the entire eastern belt of South Gujarat is affected

This issue is not limited to a few villages in Dharampur or Kaprada. Over the past few years, rapid demographic changes have been observed across the eastern belt of South Gujarat—from Dharampur and Kaprada to Dang, Tapi, and even the northernmost areas of Surat district, such as Umarpada and Dediapada. Since converts often do not undergo legal religious conversion, they continue to be recorded as Hindus in government records, but the Hindu religion and culture gradually disappear from their lives.

Recently, OpIndia published a special report on the construction of an illegal church in Umarpada, indicating that this problem is slowly spreading from South Gujarat towards Central Gujarat.

Demographic changes have led to several other issues. In many villages of Dang and Tapi, followers of Hinduism have reportedly become a minority. Temples are disappearing from villages, and tribal sacred sites are either being destroyed or altered. For instance, in 2022, a case came to light in a village in Songadh where an ancient tribal sacred site was demolished and replaced with a shrine dedicated to Mother Mary.

For all these reasons, local Hindus say they have become alert ahead of Christmas this time and are raising their demands before the administration. What decision the administration and the government take on this matter remains to be seen.

OpIndia attempted to contact the Dharampur Mamlatdar for his response on the issue, but could not establish contact. The report will be updated once a response is received.

SHANTI Bill set to transform healthcare, agriculture, and energy through nuclear power; private sector entry allowed with strong safety safeguards: Here’s what it means for you

रुपम
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SHANTI Bill set to transform healthcare, agriculture, and energy through nuclear power; private sector entry allowed with strong safety safeguards: Here’s what it means for you

The SHANTI Bill, 2025, which permits private participation in India’s nuclear energy sector, is historic in more ways than one. It marks a fundamental shift in the country’s nuclear architecture and is poised to deliver benefits far beyond electricity generation, spanning healthcare, agriculture, food processing, industry, and climate action. By opening the sector to responsible private and joint-venture participation, the Bill also removes long-standing legal and investment bottlenecks that have deterred both domestic and global investors for decades.

A structural reform in a sensitive sector

Nuclear energy has traditionally remained under complete government control due to its strategic and sensitive nature. While that core principle remains intact, the SHANTI Bill introduces a calibrated reform. It allows private players to participate alongside public sector entities, while making it explicitly clear that highly sensitive materials and strategic controls will continue to remain exclusively with the government.

Radioactive materials, nuclear fuel, and heavy water will remain under strict state oversight. Safety norms, licensing, and operational clearances will be determined by the government and enforced by an empowered regulator. In essence, the reform expands capacity and investment without compromising national security.

What exactly is the SHANTI Bill?

The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025replaces two key legislations:

  • The Atomic Energy Act of 1962, and
  • The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010.

A major institutional reform under the Bill is granting statutory status to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). This move significantly strengthens regulatory oversight and ensures independent, transparent, and robust supervision of radiation safety and nuclear operations, something India’s nuclear ecosystem has long required.

Clearing the investment logjam

Despite economic liberalisation, nuclear energy remained an exception due to rigid liability provisions, particularly supplier liability under the 2010 law. Global nuclear companies were reluctant to invest in India due to legal uncertainty and disproportionate exposure to risk.

The SHANTI Bill addresses this directly by clearly defining liability structures, thereby providing legal certainty to operators and suppliers. This reform is critical if India is to attract cutting-edge nuclear technology, global partnerships, and long-term capital.

Compensation, liability, and safety: addressing the criticism

The opposition has alleged that the Bill dilutes compensation provisions and weakens supplier accountability while opening the door for corporate interests in a sensitive sector. These claims were categorically rejected by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh.

The government has clarified that:

  • Victim compensation has not been reduced.
  • Operator liability is now linked to reactor capacity to encourage new technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
  • Liability limits range from ₹100 crore to ₹3,000 crore, depending on reactor size.

In addition, compensation will be ensured through:

  • Operator liability,
  • The government-backed Nuclear Liability Fund, and
  • India’s participation in international nuclear compensation conventions.

Crucially, the “no-fault liability” principle continues, meaning victims do not need to prove negligence. Operators are also mandated to maintain insurance equal to their liability exposure. If compensation exceeds an operator’s capacity, the Central Government will step in to cover the remainder.

Penalties under the Bill range from ₹5 lakh for minor violations to ₹1 crore for serious offences, and criminal liability for negligence remains intact.

Independent dispute resolution and licensing

The Bill also proposes the creation of a Nuclear Energy Dispute Resolution Advisory Council to handle operational and liability-related disputes. All operators, public or private, must obtain government licences and AERB safety clearances before commencing operations.

The legislation also provides for compensation in case a nuclear incident in India causes damage beyond national borders, subject to specified conditions—aligning India with international nuclear law norms.

Is the public sector being weakened?

The opposition has argued that encouraging private participation undermines public sector undertakings. This narrative does not withstand scrutiny.

Over the past decade, the government has increased the Department of Atomic Energy’s budget by nearly 170%. India’s nuclear power contribution to the energy mix remains modest compared to peer economies. With rising demand from data centres, healthcare, manufacturing, and digital infrastructure, nuclear energy is indispensable alongside coal, hydro, wind, and solar.

According to the government, the SHANTI Bill enables responsible private and joint-venture participation without compromising public sector strength, national security, or public interest. Its objective is to reduce project delays, overcome resource constraints, and achieve 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047, up from the current ~8.2 GW, while supporting India’s net-zero target by 2070.

Climate action and clean energy transition

For the first time, the definition of nuclear damage under Indian law explicitly includes environmental and economic harm. Nuclear energy is a low-carbon, non-intermittent power source that operates round-the-clock, unlike solar or wind.

While uranium mining, fuel processing, and plant construction are energy-intensive, lifecycle emissions from nuclear power remain among the lowest of all energy sources. Unlike coal-based plants, nuclear reactors produce no air pollution or CO₂ during operation, helping industries avoid carbon taxes and emissions penalties.

By promoting advanced technologies such as Small Modular Reactors, the Bill supports India’s transition away from coal while ensuring energy security.

Managing radioactive waste

Radioactive waste remains a legitimate concern. However, its handling, covering storage, transportation, processing, and disposal, remains strictly controlled by the government.

Waste is categorised into low-level and high-level waste, each with established and internationally accepted disposal protocols. In volume terms, nuclear waste is far smaller than waste generated by fossil fuel-based energy. This is precisely why developed economies continue to expand their reliance on nuclear power.

Agriculture and food processing: a silent revolution

Nuclear technology is already transforming Indian agriculture. Radiation-based techniques have helped develop 72 new crop varieties, including mustard, soybean, sunflower, pulses, rice, jute, and banana.

Food irradiation extends shelf life, reduces dependence on expensive cold storage, eliminates pests, and enhances food safety. These applications strengthen food security, reduce post-harvest losses, improve farmer incomes, and boost India’s competitiveness in global agricultural trade.

Healthcare and public welfare gains

The Bill must also be viewed through the lens of public health. Radiation plays a critical role in cancer diagnosis and treatment, medical imaging, and biomedical research. Expanded nuclear infrastructure will accelerate innovation, research, and access to advanced healthcare technologies.

Institutions like Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) have already deployed nuclear-based water purification technologies in flood-prone areas, significantly reducing disease outbreaks. Nuclear desalination projects are operational in states such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, addressing both water scarcity and salinity.

Private capital, global partnerships, and national ambition

To fully harness nuclear energy’s potential, India requires private capital, advanced technology, and global collaboration. Indian conglomerates such as Reliance, Tata Power, and Adani Power have shown interest, while foreign companies are also exploring opportunities under the new framework.

To achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat, India must scale up nuclear energy, not merely as a power source, but as an enabler of healthcare, agriculture, exports, industry, and technological self-reliance.

The SHANTI Bill, 2025, is therefore not just an energy reform; it is a strategic, economic, and developmental milestone. By balancing safety, sovereignty, sustainability, and growth, it lays the foundation for a cleaner, stronger, and more self-reliant India.

Major boost for ‘Make in India’: Apple planning to shift its iPhone chip assembly and packaging to India

Shraddha Pandey
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Major boost for ‘Make in India’: Apple planning to shift its iPhone chip assembly and packaging to India

In a major boost for the ‘Make in India’ initiative, Apple Inc. is exploring a massive expansion of its supply chain in India by holding discussions with Indian semiconductor firms to assemble and package certain iPhone components domestically. With this decision, Apple has again defied Trump’s threat to stop manufacturing in India.

Reports say the talks between Indian semiconductor companies and Apple particularly centre on outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OAST) processes, the backend steps of assembling dies into finished chips and packaging them, rather than full chip fabrication.

The CG Semi, a unit of the Murugappa Group, is the primary partner in the exploratory talks. CG Semi is building a major OSAT facility in Gujarat’s Sanand.

The initial focus could be on display driver integrated circuits (DDICs) used in OLED panels of the iPhone. Currently, South Korea, Taiwan and China provide chip fabrication and packaging facilities to Apple.  

Notably, Apple sources its iPhone display panels from the world’s top OLED manufacturers: Samsung Display, LG Display, and BOE. The DDICs used with these panels are supplied by Samsung, Novatek, Himax, and LX Semicon.

While the discussions remain in the initial stage, Apple’s reported move builds on the US-based tech giant’s rapid scaling of iPhone production in India. It was reported earlier that iPhone assembly in India reached $22 billion in value by March 2025, marking a 60 per cent year-on-year increase.  Tata Electronics, Foxconn, and Pegatron handle iPhone’s full device assembly in India.

India is becoming Apple’s ‘apple of the eye’ as diversification away from China becomes a necessity

Apple has consistently been expanding its manufacturing footprint in India as the company is intensifying diversification away from China. What drives this strategy is India’s vast potential, US-China trade risks and ever-looming threat of more and more Trump tariffs. Apple is aiming to produce most iPhones sold in the US at Indian factories by the end of the year 2026.

Interestingly, Apple’s reported plans of shifting assembly and packaging to India reflect a step up the value chain from just device assembly. Even though advanced processors like A-series and M-series chips continue to be fabricated by Taiwan’s TSMC, localising backend processes shortens supply chains, slashes transportation costs and import duties while also improving resilience against disruptions. Besides, Apple will also benefit from India’s skilled labour pool and rapidly growing precision engineering ecosystem.

Regarding this, Prabhu Ram, vice president, industry research group, CyberMedia Research, told TOI, “As India evolves into a crucial component of the global electronics supply chain, Apple could gain from increased stability and variety by potentially collaborating with an Indian chip manufacturer.”

If everything goes right, this development could give a massive impetus to India’s nascent but emerging semiconductor industry, especially in the OSAT segment, which, although is less capital-intensive than front-end fabrication, is significant for scaling production.

The CG Semi facility alone will create high-skilled jobs, in testing, assembly and packaging, if the Apple-CG Semi talks materialise. In addition, with a broader ecosystem growth, thousands of jobs in ancillary roles.

Besides, local packaging in India would curb reliance on East Asian hubs and attract suppliers for material and equipment, etc, creating a thriving ecosystem akin to those in Vietnam or Taiwan. This would encourage other global players to invest in India and expand partnerships. Needless to say that Apple’s investment in India’s capabilities will signal confidence and serve as a catalyst for other global tech giants to pour investment into the sector.

Not to forget, Intel has partnered up with India’s Tata Electronics recently for “collaboration focused on consumer and enterprise hardware enablement, and semiconductor and systems manufacturing.” With this, Tata Electronics’ upcoming Fab in Assam and OSAT facility in Assam will manufacture and package Intel products for local markets, in addition to advanced packaging.

India’s domestic firms and startups in semiconductor could also benefit from a partnership with Apple, as such collaborations involve knowledge sharing in quality standards, processes and testing.  

As the Indian government is offering subsidies for OSAT facilities, Apple’s plans to shift assembly and packaging to India could elevate the country from low-value assembly to higher-value semiconductor backend work and open doors for further progress, aligning with India’s Semiconductor Mission.  

Notably, the Modi government provides a financial support of 30% of the Capital Expenditure to the eligible applicants for setting up of Compound Semiconductors / Silicon Photonics (SiPh) / Sensors (including MEMS) Fab and Semiconductor ATMP / OSAT facilities in India.

In addition, the government also provides financial incentives, designs infrastructure support across various stages of development and deployment of semiconductor design for Integrated Circuits (ICs), Chipsets, System on Chips (SoCs), Systems & IP Cores and semiconductor-linked design.

The government scheme also offers “Product Design Linked Incentive” of up to 50% of the eligible expenditure, subject to a ceiling of ₹15 Crore per application, and “Deployment Linked Incentive” of 6% to 4% of net sales turnover over 5 years, subject to a ceiling of ₹30 Crore per application.

The success of Apple’s partnership with Indian semiconductor companies could also accelerate progress towards much-needed self-reliance in the electronics sector.

Moreover, this partnership could reinforce appeal as a reliable and efficient alternative to China. The Modi government’s Production Linked Incentives (PLI) schemes are already luring foreign companies to expand investment in India.

For Apple, diversifying chip packaging away to India curbs vulnerability to Taiwan Strait tensions, which are on the rise currently, and other disruptions in the region. For India, this partnership could create massive job opportunities, enhance the semiconductor industry and contribute significantly to economic growth.  Although the road is not without challenges, however, this could pave the way for more sophisticated components or even front-end fabs; however, it is a long game.

It must be recalled that in September this year, despite repeated threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to stop manufacturing in India, Apple Inc. announced plans not only for expanding iPhone assembly lines in India, but also increasing the localisation of the production of specialised machinery critical to the process.

It was reported that Apple Inc. is pivoting beyond component sourcing to manufacture the very capital equipment and tools used in iPhone production. 

Pakistan as the Muslim face of Gaza demilitarisation: How Washington and Jerusalem shift the cost and keep the control  

Divyansh Tiwari
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Pakistan as the Muslim face of Gaza demilitarisation: How Washington and Jerusalem shift the cost and keep the control  

The most recent reports on Gaza’s post-war peace plan follow a well-known pattern, Israel establishes the red lines, the United States builds the architecture, and an army with a majority of Muslims is supposed to provide the troops and withstand the criticism. Reuters has once again highlighted Pakistan in the past 24 hours as a nation that Washington is pressuring to provide troops to a proposed International Stabilisation Force (ISF) for Gaza. The broader plan is specifically focused on reconstruction and ‘demilitarisation,’ a euphemism for dismantling armed groups and permanently decommissioning weapons.

At the same time, today’s reports highlight how fragile the ceasefire is and how the next phase, containing an international force and Hamas disarmament, is slipping. According to the Associated Press, the second phase of the ceasefire is meant to involve international peacekeepers and stabilisation, the establishment of new governance mechanisms, disarming Hamas, and additional Israeli troop withdrawals; however, the process is hindered by violence, allegations of violations, and political impasse. The what’s next dilemma is similarly framed by Reuters. Disarmament and international force are essential to the Trump plan, but they are still unresolved, with Hamas opposing disarmament in the absence of political guarantees.

Pakistan’s potential involvement in that situation is more important as a geopolitical tool than as a peacekeeping contribution. The nuanced reality is that Pakistan runs the possibility of becoming both (1) the front line enforcer for tasks few Arab states want tied to their own flags and (2) the Muslim legitimacy shield for a coercive security design if it is drawn into Gaza under a framework supported by the United States. In contemporary conflict management, being used takes the form of responsibility flowing downward and control flowing upward.

The headlines are about ‘stabilisation’, but the paperwork is about force

The idea of ISF is marketed as a stabilising mechanism. However, Reuters’ coverage of the plan’s UN track is direct on the legal framework. According to a draft language that Reuters saw, an ISF would be permitted to employ all necessary measures a basic diplomatic code that permits force to fulfill its mandate. Demilitarisation is a primary goal, according to Reuters’ December planning report, but it acknowledges that the difficult question is how Hamas would be disarmed.

This is the first method that powerful governments use on others. While the main architects attempt to keep their own soldiers out of the bomb radius, the mission is publicly presented as humanitarian stabilisation, but the legal and operational architecture keeps the possibility of violence at the center.

Additionally, according to an Axios article that Reuters quoted, the Trump administration intended to name a two-star general from the United States to lead the ISF. If the reporting is correct, it shows the hierarchy, outsourced boots, but centralised command influence a setup that lets Washington shape results while allowing other nations to bear the political fallout on the ground.

 akistan is attractive as a tool, not as a peacemaker

Pakistan is being discussed because it satisfies three criteria that mission designers frequently look for.

First, the demand for optics: in a region with a majority of Muslims, Muslim troops can be promoted as culturally acceptable, which lessens the perception of Western occupation.

Second, the need for capacity: Pakistan’s army is sizable and well-versed in institutional logistics and deployments.

Third, the need for political management: Pakistan’s military establishment, which is largely responsible for making security-related decisions, has the authority to make important foreign decisions, even if they are contentious.

The final point that Washington may negotiate with a small command circle rather than a wide democratic consensus is reflected in Reuters’ portrayal of Pakistan’s army leader as being under pressure. Given that Gaza is politically poisonous, high-risk, and time-sensitive, this is helpful to the plan’s designers.

However, this is precisely where use becomes apparent. Israel offers the security doctrine and veto power; Washington offers structure and international cover, Pakistan offers Muslim legitimacy and manpower, and the troop contributor becomes the face of any coercion.

Everyone wants Hamas disarmed, but nobody wants to be the one doing it

According to Reuters’ December reporting, international troops could be deployed as early as January as part of a UN-authorised mission, but the disarmament issue remains unresolved. From the perspective of the ceasefire, AP reporting makes the same point, although disarming Hamas and sending in foreign peacekeepers are part of the second phase, the truce is crumbling, and both sides accuse one another of violating it.

Assigning the most difficult work to someone else creates a foreseeable temptation. In this case, Pakistan serves as a Muslim enforcer in two ways. The designers of the plan can assert that this isn’t Israel occupying Gaza, it’s an international Muslim backed force ensuring security, if Pakistani forces take on Hamas or demand disarmament. The same architects can back out if things don’t work out and can state we urged peace, local dynamics turned violent.

Strategic insulation is what that is. Pakistan may be positioned as a moral shield even while being pushed into coercive duties, which is why it is being floated despite its public pro-Palestinian stance.

Pakistan’s own public stance already exposes the trap

Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister, stated that his country was prepared to provide troops to a peace force in Gaza, but he specifically stated that disarming Hamas was not his country’s job and distinguished between peacekeeping and peace enforcement.

This is important because a mission cannot be both a force that openly opposes demilitarisation and a force that ensures demilitarisation.

Therefore, when the plan stalls, either the mandate will be modified in practice (making the mission symbolic) or Pakistan will face pressure to do more, first in private and then publicly. Pakistan becomes useful at the pressure point when it is requested to sign up for a benign label and then progressively given coercive duties after it is inside the apparatus.

Historical precedent: Pakistan in the theatre, Palestinians paying the price

When people bring up Pakistan in the Arab-Israeli conflict, they frequently mention Pakistani pilots who served as advisers/volunteers with Arab air forces. When Palestinian armed movements and Arab regimes clashed, stability took precedence, and the Palestinian presence was seen as the issue.

Black September in Jordan (1970), not the 1967 war, is the most obvious and well-documented instance of widespread Palestinian murder by Arab forces, in which military officers with ties to Pakistan are reportedly involved as trainers or advisers. Zia ul Haq is specifically mentioned in a CIA historical assessment that indicates Jordan’s army benefited from Pakistani expertise, which helped reorganise training and prepare for conflict. The number of casualties for Black September varies greatly between sources. Encyclopaedia Britannica describes the event as ‘brief but bloody,’ with estimates ranging from roughly 1,000 to 2,000 in some discussions, while other accounts claim much higher figures; the variation itself is part of the political history.

The same CIA study also documents covert communications between King Hussein and Israeli officials after 1967, including a description of Hussein’s intention to visit Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir, demonstrating the coexistence of private backchannels and public posture in the same setting. Therefore, the historical warning is this: Muslim regimes have frequently turned their guns inward on Palestinians when stability becomes the top objective, and military networks connected to Pakistan have been implicated in enhancing such regimes’ capability for coercion. The demilitarisation phase in Gaza runs the risk of repeating this cycle.  

There are two under-the-radar consequences of that history for the present: When forces presumably supporting the Palestinian cause fight Palestinians, external troop engagement in the name of security can quickly morph into internal repression. The Pakistani establishment has a history of being present in these kinds of situations as advisors and trainers close enough to be relevant but far enough to disavow primary responsibility.

Even though the language used on social media is historically unclear, regional power arrangements have frequently resulted in incidents where Palestinians were slain by Arab forces, sometimes with military involvement connected to Pakistan. Gaza’s demilitarisation phase runs the risk of recreating that dynamic.

Behind the curtain, Israel-Pakistan contacts: denials, loopholes, and selective engagement

According to Dawn, which refuted reports that the clause was eliminated, Pakistan does not formally recognise Israel and even keeps the passport phrase ‘valid for all countries except Israel.’ However, no recognition has never meant no contact.

Documented public contact: The foreign ministers of Israel and Pakistan met in Istanbul in 2005, a historic event that was simultaneously reported by several media outlets and recognised by Israel’s foreign ministry. Dawn has also reexamined this incident, stating that it resulted in more extensive diplomatic interactions during that time.

Claims of covert channels: According to certain investigations, there have traditionally been covert intelligence exchanges between Israeli and Pakistani services, particularly in the context of Cold War-era regional dynamics. These should be regarded as claims rather than gospel since they are disputed and difficult to establish conclusively in public sources.

Current rumors and denials: Pakistan’s information ministry has openly refuted any talks or understandings between the CIA, Mossad, and Pakistan regarding deployments to Gaza, declaring them false, in response to claims made by Indian media and online narratives.

More recently, after a picture went viral, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s Foreign Office claimed to have no information of a Pakistani official interacting with an Israeli tourist ministry official in London. Such a reaction is a classic indication of bureaucratic distance. It is neither an investigation nor a confirmation, but rather just enough ambiguity to limit domestic fallout.

What can we legitimately say about the behind-the-curtain reality?

  • Although Pakistan’s stated stance is maximalist (no Israel), it has made high-level contacts when beneficial (2005).
  • When allegations of covert coordination jeopardise internal legitimacy, particularly with regard to Palestine, Pakistan responds violently.
  • Even if it were done indirectly through intermediaries, a Gaza force would need operational coordination with Israel (movement, airspace, information deconfliction), which would almost certainly lead to hypocrisy.

This is interpreted in India as typical Pakistani establishment behaviour to maintain a pro-Palestine public narrative, maintain pragmatic operational channels, and strategically exploit the divide between the two.

How the US and Israel use Pakistan in the Gaza plan predictably

Step 1: Create a UN wrapper that permits the use of force.

The U.S. draft resolution’s all necessary measures phrasing, as reported by Reuters, demonstrates how the plan seeks legal justification for coercion without referring to it as an occupation.

Step 2: Retain American influence while keeping American soldiers out

Washington avoids direct troop participation while maintaining enormous operational leverage, as demonstrated by the Reuters-cited Axios claim about a U.S. general possibly commanding the ISF.

Step 3: Call for demilitarisation, but leave the physical risk to others.

Demilitarisation is crucial, according to Reuters, which also notes that few nations enjoy sending soldiers to disarm Hamas.

Step 4: Find a Muslim face to both absorb and lessen criticism

Pakistan’s ability to present itself as a Muslim contributor and its internal power structure’s ability to make choices fast make it appealing. Another indication that Washington views Pakistan as a lever rather than a partner with equal agency is the way Reuters presents Pakistan’s predicament in terms of internal backlash vs U.S. pressure.

Step 5: The troop contributor is held accountable if the strategy fails.

The narrative shifts to Hamas refused, the stabilisation force failed, and local actors escalated if disarmament leads to conflict. The enforcer becomes the headline, but the architect stays architect.

By positioning them in the area between ideology and enforcement, where reputations perish, powerful regimes use mid-tier forces in this way.

India’s perspective

India maintains ties throughout the area and has consistently emphasised humanitarian aid, stability, and measured diplomacy in West Asia. However, India has also experienced firsthand the consequences of internationalising and legitimising Pakistan’s security system without holding it accountable.

Expanding its influence networks in West Asia, rebranding Pakistan’s military as a peace provider, and giving it a moral shield (we were there for Palestine), even if its operational engagement turns into coercion against Palestinians, are all possible outcomes of a Pakistan-led role in Gaza.

There is more to India’s deeper interest than just Gaza. It sets the pattern for Pakistan’s army to be acknowledged as a Muslim security contractor, obtaining new sources of financing, prestige, and strategic cover while its Indian subcontinent posture remains unchanged.

Conclusion: the quiet lesson of this entire episode

Pakistan may yet attempt to portray any involvement in Gaza as peacekeeping or moral solidarity. However, the present reporting already depicts a distinct reality, a demilitarised force with Israeli security expectations and a command structured by the United States, looking on Muslim troops to bear the visible load.

Pakistan won’t be in charge of the strategy if it takes on that role. In addition to being required to perform the most difficult tasks that the architects themselves are afraid to perform in public, it will be renting out its uniform to a structure over which it has little influence. History also indicates what happens when an external force imposes stability on Palestinian politics. Palestinians are frequently damaged by forces claiming to be assisting them, while the true creators of the structure remain at a remove.      

Gujarat HC rejects over 150 petitions by Waqf Boards seeking exemption from court fee, clarifies no petition will be heard if fee not paid

पूजा राणा
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Gujarat HC rejects over 150 petitions by Waqf Boards seeking exemption from court fee, clarifies no petition will be heard if fee not paid

In a big decision, the Gujarat High Court has ruled that Waqf boards must pay court fees just like other religious institutions when filing cases. The court dismissed around 150 petitions filed by Waqf groups seeking exemption from paying court fees after a week of hearings. This is one of the largest mass rejections of Waqf cases.

It puts a stop to the old idea that Waqfs get special treatment in courts and tribunals, while temples and other religious places always had to pay fees.

150 Waqf petitions get dismissed

Justice JC Doshi of the Gujarat High Court gave the order rejecting the pleas. The petitions came from Waqf boards wanting back their properties from encroachers, plus other benefits like profits from them. However, their petitions were not listed as they didn’t pay the required court fee.

Groups like the Sunni Muslim Idgah Mosque Trust, Vadodara Saher Masjid Sabha Trust, and Sarkhej Roza Committee of Ahmedabad filed the pleas. They were challenging orders from the Gujarat State Waqf Tribunal saying that the court fees must be paid before any hearing on disputes.

The High Court said these were real disputes between parties, needing a decision on rights and duties. So they counted as full-court fights, not just simple applications.

The court clearly stated that applications under Section 83 of the Waqf Act are judicial proceedings. They are litigation, so the Gujarat Court Fees Act, 2004, applies to them. Therefore, it is mandatory to pay the court fees.

High Court refuses to interfere with Waqf Tribunal orders

The Gujarat High Court pointed out the Waqf Tribunal’s first order. It told them to set the right value for the case based on court fees and jurisdiction. Waqf groups didn’t challenge that order on time in a higher court.

They only complained later, when the tribunal dismissed their cases for skipping fees. The High Court said you can’t throw out the second order just because fees weren’t paid on the first one. There was no big legal mistake, no lack of power, or error in law from the lower court. So all the petitions got dismissed.

Court: Fees required, no escape just by calling it an ‘Application’

Waqf lawyers argued the Waqf Act doesn’t mention court fees, so applications under it don’t need them. The High Court did not accept this argument. The court said, Section 1(5) of the Gujarat Court Fees Act, 2004 states that fees apply in all courts and public offices unless another law specifically provides for court fees.

The court also said that, as per Section 4 of the Gujarat Court Fees Act, no document can be filed, shown, or recorded in court without the right fees. Even the Public offices can’t take them. The Waqf Tribunal acts like a civil court with full powers to hear cases and enforce decisions. Calling something an “application” doesn’t make it different from a lawsuit if it decides rights and duties between parties, the court stated. That’s why court fees apply to Section 83 proceedings under the Waqf Act

Years of Confusion on Waqf Fees ended

For years, Waqf groups from small dargahs to big mosque boards thought they didn’t need to pay court fees in disputes. The old Waqf Act didn’t mention fees, so they skipped them. But now that’s over.

The court has clarified that Muslim Waqf trusts must pay fees like other religious trusts and charities when they go to court for litigating cases.

Ruling comes during National Waqf debate

This decision comes at a time when the country is talking about Waqf administration. Parliament passed the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, earlier this year to make Waqf land and property management better and more modern. Some praise it for transparency and strength, while others criticise it.

Supporters say it brings fairness. Government sources believe the High Courts’ order is a step to equality under law and fixes old unfairness in courts.

Deputy CM calls it historic

Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Ramesh Sanghvi called the decision historic. He said all religions are equal in India, and the court made sure everyone has equal rights.

He added, “The Waqf Act, which was introduced by Congress for vote bank politics. It lets Waqf properties and tribunal cases skip court fees. But temples, gurdwaras, and other religious places had to pay.”

Thiruparankundram Deepam row: Hindu devotees slam Tamil Nadu govt for ‘undisguised scorn and contempt’ for Hindu faith, forcing surrender of religious rights

Aditi
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Thiruparankundram Deepam row: Hindu devotees slam Tamil Nadu govt for ‘undisguised scorn and contempt’ for Hindu faith, forcing surrender of religious rights

A group of Hindu devotees on Wednesday (17th December) told the Madras High Court that the Commissioner of Tamil Nadu’s Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE Department) has “undisguised scorn and contempt” towards the Hindu faith.

The remarks were made by the devotees during the hearing of an appeal filed by the Tamil Nadu government and the Madurai authorities against a single judge’s order directing the lighting of the Karthigai lamp atop the Thiruparakundram Hill, which houses both the Arulmigu Subramania Swamy temple and the Sikkandar Badhusha Dargah.

The appeal challenged an order passed by Justice GR Swaminathan in a contempt plea on 4th December, wherein he quashed the prohibitory orders issued by the Madurai district administration to prevent Hindu devotees from lighting the Karthigai lamp atop the Thiruparakundram Hill.

The appeal came up before a Division Bench of Justices G Jayachandran and KK Ramakrishnan for hearing. Another set of appeals was filed before the court challenging the December 9 order of Justice Swaminathan in a contempt plea, wherein he directed the appearance of the Chief Secretary, ADGP, DCP, and impleading the Union Home Secretary. Justice GR Swaminathan had allowed the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam atop the Deepathoon, saying that the Deepathoon was not located in the area that belonged to the Muslims, and thus lighting the lamp would not affect the rights of the community.

The state cannot object to the lighting of a second lamp atop the hill: Hindu devotees

Appearing for a Hindu devotee, Senior Advocate S Sriram pointed out before the High Court that the HR&CE Commissioner earlier commented that even if Lord Murugan has two wives, two lamps cannot be lit at Thiruparankundram. “My trust in my Gods, my faith, is a subject matter of scorn by the Commissioner! It is sheer contempt for my faith. Please don’t send me to a Commissioner who has undisguised scorn and contempt for my faith!” Sriram said.

Senior Advocate KPS Palanival, representing another Hindu devotee, also submitted that the authorities have no right to object to the lighting of a second lamp on the hill. “Lighting of the lamp is an essential religious practice, which has to be lit on top of the hill. We can’t say, you are already lighting one, why a second? Deepam has its own relevance to religion,” Palanival said.

“It’s lit for very many reasons. It’s a manifestation of God. Secondly, everyone in the village can see. Third, at that time, there was no electricity, so lighting had its own significance. A mountain can have multiple peaks. There are mountains with dual peaks. In this case, there are 2 peaks, even as per the photographs. An appropriate place for lighting would have been the peak that’s occupied by the dargah. For some reason, the temple lost its highest peak. Therefore, the next lower peak is selected,” Palanival said, explaining the significance of the Karthigai deepam.

State wants Hindus to coexist by surrendering their rights: Hindu devotees

Senior Advocate Sriram urged the court not to accept the state’s argument that the devotees should approach the HR&CE authority to settle the dispute, instead of litigating the matter. “I do not think my rights are safe in the rights of the authorities … What further scorn and contempt I will have to face there?” he said.

Ruling out the possibility of the case being settled through mediation, Sriram contended that every time a peace meeting has been held, the temple ended up having to retreat or relinquish its rights. “It is like saying ‘we will wound, let you in pain (and then offer mediation)’ – it is a case of toxic mental cruelty, as is referred to in the matrimonial scene. Every other resolution meeting ended with Hindus retreating, giving up little more of their rights,” the counsel stated.

He accused the state authorities of being biased against Hindus and said that the state wanted coexistence at the cost of Hindus surrendering their rights. “The submission of the State is ‘keep retreating, don’t assert your right, live for another day.’ This is the stand of the State, which is the guardian, who needs to be secular and fiercely neutral to protect my rights under Article 25 … The State wants us to coexist, but I can coexist only if I surrender,” Sriram argued.

Senior Advocate Sriram further submitted that there have been attempts to encroach upon the temple’s rights. “It’s not mere apprehensions of encroachment; this is the stance of the other side, calling it Sikkandar Hill, asking for animal sacrifice, defacing the walls. Religion should not have colour, but the hills have been painted green during a festival by the other side,” Sriram pointed out.

State trying to change the nature of the Hill: Hindu devotees

Sriram defended the order passed by Justice Swaminathan, who is facing an impeachment motion initiated by the entire INDI bloc led by the DMK for upholding the legitimate rights of Hindu devotees. Refuting the allegations of the order passed by Justice Swaminathan being based on “whims and fancies,” Sriram said that it was a reasoned order. “It is a reasoned order .. If there is whim and fancy, it is at the foot of appellants, actuated by the compulsions of being blinded to one side and being welcoming to the other. That has percolated to the temple and the trust board, who refuse to speak, and the executive officer who toes the line of the State,” Sriram said.

Countering the claim that the Places of Worship Act prevents Hindus from changing the nature of the stone pillar by calling it a deepathoon, Sriram said, “If anyone is changing the religious nature of the hill, it is the State. It was always a deepathoon meant for (Hindu devotees).”

The state could not prove that the stone pillar is not deepathoon: Hindu devotees

Appearing for another Hindu devotee, Senior Advocate Valliapan contended before the High Court that lighting the Karthigai lamp atop the Thiruparakundram hill is an essential Hindu religious practice. “It is an essential religious practice amongst Hindus to light the deepam on the day of Karthigai on top of the hill for many reasons. We see the manifestation, the jyothi swaroopam of God. Everybody can see …. Lighting agni (fire) atop the hill has got religious significance. We consider it as God itself, that is why it is lit on top of the hill,” Valliapan said.

He pointed out that the State could not produce any record to prove that the pillar is not a deepathoon. “Yesterday, there was an argument (by the Muslim side) that the ‘entire hilltop belongs to us.’ No, the entire hill belongs to the Devasthanam barring some portions,” he stated.

Advocate Krishnavalli raised questions on the State’s intent behind its insistence on the matter being settled outside the court, while the Muslim side did not object to the litigation.”Every time a Hindu or member of the public comes to (court) to see worship is done in a manner, it is done at the appropriate stage and place, what is the problem of devasthanam and HRCE to say we should go to HRCE?” the advocate asked.

Muslims built flats on ancient Hindu temple, non-veg shops opened: Gujarat CM orders investigation into Danilimda controversy, OpIndia ground report reveals shocking details

લિંકન સોખડિયા
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Muslims built flats on ancient Hindu temple, non-veg shops opened: Gujarat CM orders investigation into Danilimda controversy, OpIndia ground report reveals shocking details

In Gujarat’s Ahmedabad, a massive row erupted over ancient Hindu temples located opposite the Mewati ki Chalini, in Danilimda ward, being demolished for the illegal construction of a building. Multiple complaints were made to the local municipal corporation in this regard. Despite there being a law-and-order situation and strong opposition from Hindus, permission was granted to Muslims to build flats on top of the Puranic Hindu temples. For this, two temples were demolished, and flats were also constructed.

While most of the temples are reported to have been demolished, one ancient temple remains inside the building where all the flats are owned by Muslim families. Outraged by this, local Hindus filed complaints before the municipal corporation and even the collector’s office; however, no action was taken.

It was only after a complaint was filed in Gandhinagar that Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel took cognisance of the matter and ordered an investigation. Local Hindus hope that the government will take immediate action and demolish the illegally constructed flats and buildings and liberate the temple. The OpIndia team also went to the spot and investigated, and also spoke to the locals. 

Notably, in 2016, the municipality permitted the building of flats on the peak of the ancient Jogni Mata temple. A builder named Sakir Ahmed had submitted the plan for the construction of the building to the corporation, which was also approved by the AMC. Even then, local Hindus strongly opposed it, but no action was taken. However, now CM Bhupendra Patel has ordered an investigation into the matter. 

‘We were fighting for years against Muslims building flats on Hindu temples’: Local Hindus tell OpIndia

In conversation with the OpIndia ground team, locals said that the name of the illegally constructed building is ‘Kabir Heights’ and Muslim families live in all the flats in it. A local person said that the Chief Minister has taken cognisance of the matter. However, he said that Hindus have been fighting for years regarding the illegal flats built on this temple. He said that despite making several representations and complaints at the local level, no solution was found. 

Another local said that many years ago, there was a village well at this place, which is what derives this place’s name. There was a temple of Mataji in the village well, and over time, this temple was built incorrectly. He demanded that this construction be completely removed. The BJP president of Danilimda also spoke to OpIndia regarding this incident.

He said that for a long time, there was a period of discussion, struggle and petitions in this area, locals had also filed petitions in many places, and now keeping that in mind, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has ordered an investigation. The local Hindus expressed hope that after the Chief Minister’s order, it seems that they and the Hindu temples will definitely get justice. Meanwhile, the locals also expressed their gratitude to the Bhupendra Patel-led BJP government.

It is worth noting that the spire of the temple was also visible in the middle of the building earlier, but now, for a long time now, boards have been put up outside the building in such a way that the spire is covered. In addition, it can also be seen in the video that efforts have been made to hide the identity of the Hindu temple by putting up a net.

This report was first published in OpIndia Gujarati which can be checked here.

Maharashtra: 27,397 births recorded for a population of 1,500 in a Yavatmal district village, BJP leader suspects beneficiaries include Bangladeshis; probe underway

Aditi
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Maharashtra: 27,397 births recorded for a population of 1,500 in a Yavatmal district village, BJP leader suspects beneficiaries include Bangladeshis; probe underway

A major birth registration scam has been uncovered in the rural area of the Yavatmal district in Maharashtra. In an alarming revelation from Shendursani Gram Panchayat in Arni taluka of the district, 27,397 births were recorded for a population of 1,500 in the civil registration system (CRS) within three months from September to November. The matter first came to light on 24th November, and an FIR was lodged at the Yavatmal city police station on Tuesday (16th December) on the complaint of the district health officer (DHO). The FIR was registered under Sections 318(4), 337, 336(3), and 304(2) and Sections 65 and 66 of the IT Act. “A complaint regarding irregularities in birth registration entries of Shendursani has been received, and a probe has been launched,” said Police Inspector Nandkishor Kale.

Former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya visited the village on Wednesday (17th December) and demanded an investigation into the matter. Speaking to the media, Somaiya expressed the suspicion that the credentials of the gram panchayat’s computer operator might have been misused by someone.

In a post on X, he said there are suspicions that thousands of Bangladeshis are beneficiaries. He has requested an SIT investigation into the matter.

He said that most of the names found in the records belong to people from West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and surrounding regions. “I have spoken to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and demanded that all these birth registration entries be cancelled,” Somaiya added. Notably, the CRS ID (MH18241RE) of Shendursani gram panchayat was also found mapped in Mumbai, indicating a cyber fraud.

A verification drive was initiated at the direction of the state government on 16th December to identify and cancel illegal and delayed birth and death registrations in the gram panchayat. During the verification, the officials of the health department in Arni came across 27,397 birth entries and seven death entries recorded between September and November 2025 in the CRS software. The numbers were clearly disproportionate to the actual population of the village.

Consequently, the DHO informed Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mandar Patki, about the anomaly. The CEO constituted an inquiry committee headed by the deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Panchayat department. An on-site inspection was conducted by the committee at the village, which revealed that 27,397 birth records and seven death records did not fall within the gram panchayat’s jurisdiction and were considered highly suspicious.

Subsequently, a technical investigation was initiated by the Deputy Director of Health Services, Pune. The investigation done using the state login system disclosed that the CRS ID of Shendursani has been mapped to Mumbai. Thereafter, the case was referred to the office of the Additional Registrar General of India, New Delhi, and the National Informatics Centre (NIC). According to their assessment, this was a case of cyberfraud. The finding was then communicated to the Deputy Director of Health Services, Pune, on 11th December, who subsequently informed the Zill Parishad.

Maharashtra: Man suffers fractured shoulder, deep injuries as Imran Ahmed Shaikh and two others assault him for shooing away a stray dog; Exclusive FIR details

Anurag
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Maharashtra: Man suffers fractured shoulder, deep injuries as Imran Ahmed Shaikh and two others assault him for shooing away a stray dog; Exclusive FIR details

On 16th December, a late-night walk home in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar turned violent after a man and his relatives were assaulted for merely shooing away a barking stray dog. The victim, identified as Salikram Bholanath Yadav, suffered a fractured shoulder and head injuries requiring stitches following an attack by three local men in the Pantnagar police station limits. OpIndia has accessed the FIR registered in the matter.

What happened on the night of the incident

The incident occurred in the early hours of 16th December at around 2:30 am near Shravasti Buddha Vihar in Ramabai Colony, Ghatkopar East. The complainant was walking home with his nephew Akash Yadav and a relative, Rajan Yadav, after finishing work and having a meal.

According to Yadav, the trio briefly stopped as his nephew needed to use the restroom. At that point, a stray dog began barking aggressively at Akash. To scare the dog away, Akash raised his slipper. However, he did not hit the animal. Three men, sitting nearby and warming themselves by a bonfire, objected and accused Akash of hitting the dog.

The trio attempted to explain that no harm was caused to the dog and walked away peacefully. However, the three men allegedly followed and stopped them, leading to a violent assault.

What the FIR says

OpIndia accessed the FIR registered in the case at Pantnagar police station on the complaint of Salikram Bholanath Yadav. The case has been registered under Sections 115(2), 118(1), 118(2), 3(5) and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

Source: Maharashtra Police

According to the FIR, the accused have been identified as Imran Ahmed Shaikh, Sampat Bhagirath Sutar and Hritik Sanjay Chandramore. All of them are residents of Ramabai Colony. The complainant stated that Hritik first struck him on the head with a wooden plank, which caused a bleeding injury. After that, Imran used the same wooden plank to hit Yadav on his left shoulder, left leg and back, which resulted in severe injuries.

Source: Maharashtra Police

Furthermore, Sampat assaulted Akash and Rajan with fists and kicks, causing them injuries. After the assault, the three accused fled the spot. Yadav later went to Rajawadi Hospital for treatment with a relative. Doctors informed him that he had suffered a fracture to his left shoulder and required multiple stitches on his head.

Source: Maharashtra Police

Fear and insecurity after the assault

In his statement, Yadav said that he had lived in the area for 25 years and nothing of this sort had happened earlier. He expressed fear for his safety and that of his family. He questioned whether residents are even allowed to protect themselves when faced with an aggressive stray dog.

Further investigation in the matter is underway.

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