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Rawatpura Medical college bribery case: CBI uncovers massive bribery scam involving senior officials, retired bureaucrats and godman ‘Rawatpura Sarkar’

Aditi
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Rawatpura Medical college bribery case: CBI uncovers massive bribery scam involving senior officials, retired bureaucrats and godman ‘Rawatpura Sarkar’

In what is being described as one of the biggest medical scams in the country, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has, so far, named 35 individuals, including senior government officials, former bureaucrats and a self-styled godman, in its FIR. The scam is related to obtaining illegal approvals for sub-standard medical institutions and is spread across the states, including Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka.

The massive scam was unearthed by the CBI at Shri Rawatpura Sarkar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (SRIMSR), in Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The agency had reportedly received some complaints regarding some officials of the National Medical Commission (NMC) accepting bribes for preparing favourable inspection reports for substandard medical institutions to help them secure approval.

CBI laid a trap to nab the culprits

To nab the individuals involved in the bribe scam, the CBI conducted raids at more than 40 locations across 6 states, including Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi on 1st July. Subsequently, the agency laid a trap and caught red-handed six individuals, including three doctors, in Bengaluru accepting a bribe of Rs 55 lakh in lieu of issuing a favourable inspection report for the institute.

The CBI reportedly recovered Rs 38.38 lakh from an aide of the inspection team head and Rs 16.62 lakh from the residence of another official. The bribe was planned and collected through hawala channels and was then distributed among the individuals in the inspection team. Along with the Rawatpura Institute, 40 other medical colleges across the country have come under the agency.

An FIR was filed by the CBI against 35 individuals, including the chairman of the Rawatpura Institute, Ravishankar Maharaj, who is popularly known as ‘Rawatpura Sarkar’ and director Atul Tiwari for offering a bribe to a team of the NMC for granting approval to the institute and allowing expansion of seats.

Rawatpura Sarakar, the tainted self-styled godman

Ravishankar Maharaj, or ‘Rawatpura Sarkar’, is a spiritual figure popular in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. His list of followers has the names of several ministers, politicians, and bureaucrats. Ravishankar was born in Chipri village of Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh on July 12, 1968. He was the eldest among his five siblings. It is said that he was spiritually inclined since childhood and did not go to school.

At the age of 11, Ravishankar Maharaj left his home and set out on his spiritual journey, which started in a Hanuman temple in Rawatpura village (Lahar, Bhind, Madhya Pradesh). From there, he came to be known as ‘Rawatpura Sarkar’. He developed Rawatpur Dham as his spiritual centre, which gained popularity with time.

Later on, he established Rawatpura Sarkar Lok Kalyan Trust in 2000. Several schools, colleges, hospitals, blood banks, nursing colleges and old-age homes are run by his trust. Shri Rawatpura University, Raipur and Shri Rawatpura Sarkar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (SRIMSR), Raipur, have also been set up under the trust.

This is not the first time that Ravishankar Maharaj’s name has come up in a controversy. His trust has been accused of receiving undue favours in government schemes, road access projects, and electricity subsidies. Allegations of land encroachments, running unapproved colleges, forcing students into religious participation, and even mental harassment of female followers inside ashrams have also been levelled against him.

Retires IFS, former UGC chairman, among accused

The list of persons accused in the case, includes some high-profile names, including D P Singh, Chancellor Tata Institute of Social Sciences and former UGC Chairman (2018-2021), Dr CN Manjappa, Professor and HOD (Orthopaedics) at Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences and his associate Dr Suresh from Bengaluru, and Mayur Rawal, Registrar, Gitanjali University, Udaipur. Besides, three members of the NMC inspection team, namely, Dr Chaitra, Dr P Rajni Reddy, and Dr Ashok Shelke, have also been named as accused.

The name of Jitu Lal Meena, a former full-time member of the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB), is also mentioned in the FIR, which says that he acted as a middleman and misused his influence to extract bribes. Another prominent name in the FIR is Sanjay Shukla, a former IFS officer, who is a trustee of the Rawatpura group. Shukla has served as the chairman of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) and was a former head of the Chhattisgarh Forest Department and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF).

Former Union Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal head Sukhbir Badal declared ‘Tankhaiya’ by Sikh body, read what it means and how the former Deputy CM will have to ‘atone for his sins’

Shriti Sagar
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Former Union Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal head Sukhbir Badal declared ‘Tankhaiya’ by Sikh body, read what it means and how the former Deputy CM will have to ‘atone for his sins’

Former Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal has been declared ‘tankhaiya’. The Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones) at Takht Sri Patna Sahib, one of the five highest seats of power in Sikhism, decided to declare him a ‘tankhaiya’, a word in Sikhism for anyone guilty of religious misconduct.

This move has raised controversy in the Sikh community, particularly as this is not the first time Badal has been issued a tankhaiya. His failure to show up in front of the Sikh religious authority on two occasions prompted this move.

Sukhbir Badal was asked to report to the Panj Pyare because he was accused of having favoured individuals who were convicted of going against a religious decree or ‘Hukamnama’. Badal received notices more than once, but he neither replied nor attempted to present himself. His refusal to cooperate was considered an insult to the authority of the Takht, and thus, he was made a tankhaiya.

This is not the first time that Sukhbir Singh Badal has been pronounced a tankhaiya. In August 2024, the Akal Takht, Sikhism’s highest seat of temporal power, had pronounced him guilty of religious impropriety over decisions made while in office as Punjab’s Deputy Chief Minister from 2007 to 2017.

Then the five Akal Takht high priests had issued directions to Badal and some other Sikh cabinet ministers to give written explanations within 15 days. Then, religious punishment was imposed upon Badal; he was asked to do ‘seva’ like shoe cleaning, washing vessels, and bathroom cleaning at the Golden Temple.

He was seen guarding the entrance of the temple with a plaque around his neck. He did the duty on a wheelchair due to a fractured leg.

What Does ‘Tankhaiya’ Mean?

In Sikhism, a ‘tankhaiya’ is an individual who has made a religious error or offence. The word and penalty are derived from ancient traditions adopted by the Sikh community. This is declared by the highest institution of the Sikh body. If a Sikh commits a religious offence, he or she must appear before the local Sikh Sangat (community), apologise, and afterwards face whatever penalty the Sangat and the religious leaders impose.

The procedure is conducted in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book, representing the fact that judgment isn’t done by humans but in the presence of the Guru.

How can a tankhaiya ‘atone for his sins’

Punishment for a tankhaiya is not legal, but religious and symbolic. It is intended to humble the offender and assist him in becoming a member of society once again. Sweeping the floor of gurdwaras, washing community kitchen utensils (langar), shining devotees’ shoes, and sometimes even walking around wearing a board with the offence written on it are common punishments.

Once the individual has undergone the punishment and done an ardaas (prayer), they would normally be forgiven and accepted back into society. However, if they do not take or fulfil the punishment, they are excommunicated from the Sikh religion. This would mean a total religious and social boycott, and an individual cannot take part in any Sikh religious ceremony or be regarded as part of the religion.

The famous people who have been declared Tankhaiyas in the past

Sukhbir Badal joins a long list of prominent personalities who have been declared tankhaiya in Sikh history. These included the first Sikh emperor, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, former President of India Giani Zail Singh, former Punjab CM Surjit Singh Barnala, former home minister Buta Singh, former SAD president Jagdev Singh Talwandi and even a former jathedar of the Akal Takht, Darshan Singh.

Possibly the most well-known among them is the founder of the Sikh Empire, Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Ranjit Singh was declared tankhaiya in 1802 after he married Moran Sarkar, a Muslim dancer. The then jathedar of the Akal Takht, Akali Phula Singh, made Ranjit Singh publicly apologise. He was nearly flogged but pardoned after offering his regrets.

Jagdev Singh Talwandi, a former president of SAD and then SGPC president, was announced as a tankhaiya in 1979 for not obeying Akal Takht’s directions regarding the merger of Akali factions. He later apologised and finished his punishment.

Former President of India Giani Zail Singh and former Union Minister Buta Singh were also declared tankhaiya for their actions during the Operation Blue Star of 1984. Whereas Zail Singh was pardoned on a written apology, Buta Singh was excommunicated and forgiven only 10 years later when he presented himself before the Akal Takht.

Baba Santa Singh, the leader of a Nihang group, was also announced as tankhaiya for initiating reconstruction work on the Akal Takht, following Operation Blue Star, without the community’s sanction. He apologised in 2001 and was requested to serve at all five Takhts.

In 1986, then Punjab Chief Minister Surjit Singh Barnala was excommunicated by the Akal Takht for letting the police into the Golden Temple during Operation Black Thunder. He was fined, made to wash devotees’ shoes, and forced to recite Sikh prayers. He finished serving his punishment five years later and was reaccepted into the Sikh religion.

In 2003, Gurbaksh Singh ‘Kala Afghana’ was excommunicated due to his writings that were deemed offensive to the Sikh religion. When he was declared a tankhaiya by the Akal Takht, he reacted rudely and did not show up. Later, he was permanently excommunicated.

Recent declarations and political controversies

The decisions of the Akal Takht have frequently fueled controversies. In 2009, its then jathedar, Professor Darshan Singh Khalsa, was declared a tankhaiya and subsequently excommunicated in 2010.

In 2017, in the Punjab elections, more than three dozen Akali Dal and Congress leaders were issued a ruling as tankhaiyas for trying to seek votes from Dera Sacha Sauda, a step that upset the majority of Sikhs. These leaders were told to render religious service such as sweeping gurdwaras, mopping floors, and serving in the langar.

Interestingly, these leaders, including Surjit Singh Rakhra and Sikandar Singh Maluka, are now a part of the rebel faction that has revolted against Sukhbir Badal. One of their prime charges is that the pardon accorded in 2015 to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was instigated by Badal, which was subsequently withdrawn following intense opposition.

Dera chief had been at the centre of tensions with the Sikh community since 2007 when he appeared dressed like Guru Gobind Singh. This was a great insult in the eyes of the community. He was excommunicated, but in 2015, the Akal Takht pardoned him unexpectedly on a written apology. This move sparked protests throughout Punjab, prompting the Takht to rescind the pardon later.

In 2017, Sucha Singh Langah, who is a senior Akali leader, was excommunicated when an obscene video of him surfaced and went viral. Though he was acquitted in 2018, he was only pardoned by the Akal Takht in 2022.

The Akal Takht in 2022 also labelled former jathedar of Takht Patna Sahib, Giani Iqbal Singh, a tankhaiya for his role in internal power struggles within the gurdwara.

What if a ‘tankhaiya’ refuses to comply?

As per Sikh customs, once one is proclaimed as a tankhaiya, they have to fulfil the penalty bestowed by the Takht. If they fail to do so, they are excommunicated, and no Sikh is permitted to maintain social and religious connections with them.

Such an individual can perform prayer at the Golden Temple but not at the Akal Takht Sahib, which is the supreme spiritual authority for Sikhs.

Sukhbir Singh Badal’s fresh declaration as tankhaiya revoked the debates over religious responsibility, political action, and community leadership within Sikhism. Whether or not he takes the punishment this time around or defies excommunication once more remains to be determined, but the affair demonstrates how seriously religious behaviour is taken within Sikh traditions, even if one is politically prominent.

“Voter list needs to be updated before every election as part of law”: Clarifies CEC Gyanesh Kumar amid objection to the process by opposition parties in Bihar

ANI
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“Voter list needs to be updated before every election as part of law”: Clarifies CEC Gyanesh Kumar amid objection to the process by opposition parties in Bihar

As opposition parties continue to raise concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), which is to be carried out in Bihar, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Saturday said it is a general practice to update the voter list before every election as a part of the law.

CEC Kumar said opposition parties themselves in the past have complained about issues pertaining to the voter list.

“As part of the law, before every election, the voter list needs to be updated. A detailed investigation of the voter list and all voter details was not conducted after January 1, 2003. This is supposed to be a general practice,” he said.

“Nearly every political party complained about issues in the authenticity of the voter list, and demanded updates. More than 1 lakh booth-level officers are working on it with the support of all political parties. No ineligible person will be able to make it into this list,” the Chief Election Commissioner told reporters.

The Special Intensive Revision is a focused voter list update exercise conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure electoral rolls are accurate ahead of upcoming elections.

Earlier today, Congress leader Sachin Pilot raised concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls being conducted in Bihar, questioning the Election Commission’s “haste” and said EC should carry out its work in a “transparent manner.”

Speaking to reporters in Dausa, Rajasthan, Pilot said, “The haste with which the Election Commission has taken this step raises significant doubts, and a group of opposition parties met them and asked questions, but no satisfactory answers were received.”

Opposition parties, including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), have expressed concern that the SIR process may be misused to disenfranchise voters, particularly the poor and marginalised communities.

In response, the ECI stated that the exercise is being conducted strictly in line with the provisions of Article 326 of the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act of 1950. It said the aim is to remove ineligible entries while ensuring that no eligible voter is left out.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Bangladesh: Muslim students harass Hindu Professor, forcibly stop his promotion, targeting of minority teachers continues unabated under Muhammad Yunus

OpIndia Staff
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Bangladesh: Muslim students harass Hindu Professor, forcibly stop his promotion, targeting of minority teachers continues unabated under Muhammad Yunus

On Friday (4th July), Muslim students studying at the Chittagong University in Bangladesh harassed a Hindu Professor named Dr Kushal Baran Chakraborty and forcibly stopped his promotion.

Dr Chakraborty is an Assistant Professor of Sanskrit at the varsity. He was being considered for promotion to the position of Associate Professor.

As part of the procedure, the Hindu faculty was called in at the office of the Vice-Chancellor for an interview by the University board.

However, Muslim students gathered outside the office building in a pre-planned manner and began creating a ruckus. Many of them were members of the radical Islami Chhatra Shibir (ICS), the student wing of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.

They demanded the cancellation of the promotion board and expulsion of the Hindu Professor from the varsity. To force the administration into submission, they locked down the building.

Later, Islami Chhatra Shibir leader Habibullah Khaled was seen inside the Vice-Chancellor’s office and harassing Dr Kushal Baran Chakraborty. He was heard yelling at the top of his voice and pointing fingers at the Hindu Professor.

Dr Chakraborty is a member of the Sanatani Jagran Jote and the Sanatan Vidyarthi Sangsad of the Chittagong University. He is a vocal Hindu activist, who speaks out against atrocities committed against the minority community in Bangladesh.

As such, attempts were made to demonise Dr Chakraborty as a ‘murder accused’ and a facilitator of ‘oppression’ under the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government.

Muslim students succeed in cancelling promotion of Hindu Professor

While speaking to the media, the Hindu faculty informed, “The allegations brought by students against me are completely baseless. I was not involved in any criminal offence. It seems someone is instigating the students.”

Dr Chakraborty was harassed and blocked in the office of the Vice-Chancellor for about 3 hours. He was later escorted to his house in a university vehicle in the evening.

In the meantime, the pressure tactics of the Muslim students succeeded as the varsity cancelled the promotion board. Dr Chakraborty informed that he was threatened by the Associate Vice-Chancellor, Md. Kamal Uddin

The university’s acting registrar, Mohammad Saiful Islam, also condoned the harassment of the Hindu Sanskrit Professor by Muslim students and dubbed it as consequence of the victim’s past actions.

Another member of the administration, Dr Shamim Uddin justified, “When students began protesting against his promotion, saying he was named in an attempted murder case, we decided to suspend the board meeting.”

Hindus stage protest

Hindus who are part of the ‘Sanatani Jagran Jote’ staged a protest at Dhaka University on Friday (4th July) against the targeted harassment of Dr Kushal Baran Chakraborty.

They also demanded the safety and security of the Hindu Professor. Activist Suman Kumar Roy remarked, “Today, dictatorship reigns supreme in this country. There is no rule of law here. It also seems that there is no democratic government in the country.

Hindus stage protest, image via Prothom Alo

Since the undemocratic ouster of Sheikh Hasina as Prime Minister of Bangladesh by violent ‘student activists’ on 5th August 2024, several teachers and Professors belonging to the Hindu minority community were forced to resign.

OpIndia had reported how students who gherao Hindu faculties and coerce them into resigning. If the Hindu teachers did not give in to their demand, they were threatened with physical harm and violence.

Bangladesh witnessed a drastic rise in Islamism after Muhammad Yunus came to power. He first revoked the ban on the radical Islamist outfit ‘Jamaat-e-Islami.’ Thereafter, he released the leader of the radical outfit ‘Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT)’ Muhammad Jasimuddin Rahmani.

At the same time, Muhammad Yunus downplayed the targeted attacks on the Hindu community by violent Muslim mobs. He has gone on record from lamenting about attacks on Hindus to saying that the claims of atrocities are ‘exaggerated‘.

Indore: NSA invoked against absconding Congress councilor Anwar Qadri who gave lakhs to Muslim men to trap Hindu girls

OpIndia Staff
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Indore: NSA invoked against absconding Congress councilor Anwar Qadri who gave lakhs to Muslim men to trap Hindu girls

Anwar Qadri, Congress councilor from Indore of Madhya Pradesh has been charged under the National Security Act (NSA) for orchestrating “love jihad” and using financial inducement to trap Hindu women. The action took place after Muslim men identified him as the person who paid them to target Hindu women, and convert them.

Rs 10,000 is also announced as reward for information leading to the arrest of Qadri, who is absconding and continuous efforts are made to nab him at earliest. Collector Asheesh Singh issued the order of imposing NSA against him on the evening of 1st July.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Addl. DCP) Rajesh Dandotiya told ANI, “A rape case was reportred under Banganga police station in the district in which Anwar Qadri is wanted, accused of having involvement in criminal conspiracy. A case was prepared by Sadar Bazaar police station against him and it was sent to the Collector for NSA. Following which, the collector confirmed the imposition of NSA against him (Qadri). Now, an arrest warrant has been released and he will be arrested under the NSA.”

The officer further said that continuous efforts are being made to nab the accused and soon he would be arrested.

“It was a rape case in which he (Qadri) was also made accused under the sections of involvement in criminal conspiracy. He is still on the run. Due to the criminal record of more than a dozen cases, an application was sent before the Collector for NSA action against Qadri. The collector has confirmed the NSA imposition. Now a warrant has been issued and the arrest will be made soon. A reward of Rs 10,000 was announced for his arrest and now NSA is also included,” he added.

Qadri has been booked under multiple sections of Indian Penal Code along with Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act. The Indore District Collector authorised the use of the National Security Act against him after considering the gravity of the charges and his prior criminal history.

Congress councilor Anwar Qadri, also known locally as “Anwar Dacoit,” is absconding after he was named in financing “Love Jihad” operations and being involved in multiple criminal activities. Notably, Anwar Qadri had given lakhs of rupees to his two henchmen, Sahil Sheikh and Altaf Khan, to trap Hindu girls, and then later convert them to Islam after marrying them.

Sahil admitted that he was given Rs 2 lakh to marry a Hindu girl. At the same time, Altaf also admitted that he too had received Rs 1 lakh. The councilor had promised to give the remaining amount after ‘the work’ was completed. A video of the statements of both is also going viral.

Sahil and Altaf were caught red handed by Bajrang Dal workers when they had gone to meet a Hindu girl in a public place.

(With inputs from ANI)

PM Modi arrives in Argentina as part of his 5-nation tour: Read why the visit to the South American nation is strategically important for India

Aditi
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PM Modi arrives in Argentina as part of his 5-nation tour: Read why the visit to the South American nation is strategically important for India

For the third leg of his 5-nation tour, PM Modi reached Argentina on Friday evening (local time). He arrived here following after concluding his two-day visit to Trinidad and Tobago, where he signed six agreements, and was conferred with the country’s highest civilian honour, ‘The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’. PM Modi became the first foreign leader to receive the award. His first visit during the 5-nation tour was to Ghana.

PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome after his arrival at the Ezeiza International Airport, in the capital city of Buenos Aires. This is the second time that PM Modi is visiting the country since the G20 Summit in 2018. In the last 57 years, this is the first time that an Indian Prime Minister has arrived in the country for a bilateral visit. The Indian diaspora in Argentina accorded a grand welcome to PM Modi after his arrival in a hotel in Buenos Aires.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), during his visit, PM Modi will hold talks with Argentinian President Javier Gerardo Milei on a wide range of issues, including defence, agriculture, mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, trade and investment, to enhance the partnership between the two countries.

Argentina’s rich mineral reserves

The South American country is blessed with vast reserves of critical minerals such as lithium, copper, and shale gas, which make it a potential long-term energy partner for India at a time when it is trying to expand and diversify its energy supplies. Argentina has the world’s second-largest shale gas reserves, mostly untapped, and the fourth-largest shale oil reserves. It also has significant reserves of conventional oil and gas deposits.

Argentina is one of the three countries in the Lithium Triangle, along with Bolivia and Chile. Lithium Triangle is a region having rich Lithium reserves, located in the Andes Mountain range encompassed by the borders of the three South American countries. Lithium is an area of interest for India as it is a crucial component in rechargeable batteries of mobile phones, laptops, electric vehicles and grid storage, and therefore is essential for India’s clean energy goals. India has already made a move towards procuring Argentinian lithium with Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL), a joint venture firm of the Indian government, securing rights for lithium exploration in the Catamarca province of Argentina.

Moreover, Argentina is also working on developing a large-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, called Argentina LNG, to explore the untapped Vaca Muerta shale formation, which is a massive shale formation located in the Neuquén Basin of Argentina, known for its substantial unconventional oil and gas reserves. With Argentina aiming to expand its LNG exports internationally, the project, planned in a phased manner, intends to boost Argentina’s LNG exports up to 30 million tons per year by 2030. The country is also looking to expand its LNG exports internationally. It has also indicated its interest in attracting Indian investment in the upstream sectors.

Bilateral trade between India and Argentina

In the past year, the bilateral trade between India and Argentina went beyond $5.2 billion. India is among the top six trading partners of Argentina. Historically, the trade between the countries was focused on edible oils but the countries have recently expressed their inclination towards expanding their trade ties to include sectors like defence, energy, mining, and trade and investment. Argentina has indicated interest in importing Indian pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and IT services, while India is also looking to access Argentina’s agricultural market.

The economic visions of both the country seem to align as the Argentinian President, Javier Milei, who took charge in December 2023, expressed his openness to have economic partnerships beyond the West, and India is also manoeuvring to revive trade relations with MERCOSUR, (or ‘the Southern Common Market’), a South American trade bloc focused on regional economic integration. Argentina, a founding member of the bloc, has also expressed its desire to reform the MERCOSUR.

India-Argentina defence cooperation

The countries are also expected to hold discussions on defence collaboration, digital public infrastructure, and telemedicine. Argentina showed interest in India’s defence systems, like the Tejas light combat aircraft. It was also inspired by India’s large-scale digital governance platforms and affordable healthcare delivery models. Some future collaboration between the space agencies of the two countries, which have worked together in the past, might also be formalised for a low-cost satellite deployment. The two countries also share a common stance on the issue of terrorism. Notably, Argentina was among the first countries to condemn the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack. With a history of terrorist attacks, which happened in 1992 and 1994, Argentina has an understanding of the threat of terrorism.

Significance of PM Modi’s visit to Argentina

With the volatility in the Middle East, India is gradually working towards removing its energy supply dependence on the Middle Eastern countries and diversifying its energy supplies to evade any conflict-driven market fluctuations. PM Modi’s ongoing visit to five nations, including Argentina, is a significant step in that direction. Over the last few years, when some major conflicts have taken place around the world, from the Russia-Ukraine war that started in 2022 to the latest Israel-Iran war, India has learnt that the best bet is to have multiple options in the basket when it comes to energy supply. India’s decision to import Russian crude oil at cheaper rates following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, despite America’s threats, was in line with India’s strategy to diversify its energy supply. This is important for the stability of the country’s economy. With this vision, the Indian government is actively working towards establishing trade ties with countries which could be India’s potential energy partners.

After Argentina, PM Modi will travel to Brazil to attend the 17th BRICS Summit, which will be followed by a state visit. And in the finak leg of his journey, PM Modi will travel to Namibia. He has already visited the countries of Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago.

Muharram-Kanwar Yatra season begins, so do peace committee meetings — But are Hindus being set up as scapegoats in the name of harmony?

श्रवण शुक्ल
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Muharram-Kanwar Yatra season begins, so do peace committee meetings — But are Hindus being set up as scapegoats in the name of harmony?

Like every year, this time too, Muharram and the Kanwar Yatra are set to coincide. While Hindus undertake the Kanwar Yatra to offer water to Lord Shiva, the Muslim community commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain during Muharram. Both are significant religious events in their own right, but when they occur simultaneously, reports of tension and violence often surface.

To prevent such incidents, police and local administrations across the country have begun organizing peace committee meetings, especially in areas with mixed Hindu-Muslim populations. However, one recurring question remains—regardless of whether violence occurs or not, why are Hindus often the ones blamed? What’s behind this pattern?

Where are peace committees holding meetings?

Peace committee meetings are being held in various parts of the country where Hindus and Muslims live together. They aim to maintain communal harmony during Muharram and the Kanwar Yatra. Some of the places where meetings have taken place include:

  • Delhi: Meetings were held in areas like Seelampur, Jahangirpuri, and Mandawali to discuss Kanwar Yatra routes, loudspeaker volume, and security.
  • Uttar Pradesh: District administrations in Ghaziabad, Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, Moradabad, Sitapur, and Rae Bareli have held meetings with religious leaders from both communities.
  • West Bengal: Peace committees are active in Muslim-majority districts like Murshidabad, especially after the protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025.
  • Bihar and Jharkhand: Similar meetings have been held in sensitive areas with participation from both communities.

These meetings typically include police, administrative officials, and community representatives, and focus on route sharing, timing, and preventing disputes. But many question whether these committees are truly neutral, or if they’re being used to corner Hindus.

The habit of blaming Hindus

In recent years, there have been several incidents where, despite violence being initiated by another group, Hindus were blamed. Some notable examples:

  • Jahangirpuri, Delhi (2022): Stones were pelted at a Hanuman Jayanti procession. Many, including police officers, were injured. Investigations revealed the attackers were from the Muslim community. However, peace committee discussions and parts of the media framed Hindus as the provocateurs.
  • Khargone, Madhya Pradesh (2022): A Ram Navami procession was attacked with stones. Shops and houses were burnt. Yet the administration and sections of the media blamed Hindus for allegedly raising provocative slogans.
  • Muzaffarnagar, UP (2016): A minor incident during the Kanwar Yatra escalated into violence. Later, police and local leaders pinned the blame on the Kanwariyas.

These incidents reveal a pattern: no matter who initiates violence, Hindus often end up being held responsible. In peace committee meetings too, it’s mostly Hindus who are advised to exercise “restraint,” lower loudspeaker volumes, or reduce crowd sizes in processions so as not to “provoke” the Muslim community. But are similar advisories ever given to the Muslim community? This remains a pertinent question.

Why are peace committees needed?

According to police, peace committees are essential because of past incidents of violence during Muharram and Kanwar Yatra. Some major examples include:

  • Ahmedabad Riots (1969): Clashes during Muharram and other events resulted in nearly 1,000 deaths.
  • Moradabad Riots (1980): Violence during Eid led to hundreds of casualties.
  • Muzaffarnagar Riots (2013): A small incident escalated into major communal violence, resulting in deaths and the displacement of thousands.

Police argue that peace committees help open channels of communication between communities, discussing matters like procession routes, timings, and security. However, many believe these committees are mere formalities, with the underlying goal of keeping Hindus “in check.”

Congress and the origin of peace committees

The roots of peace committees can be traced back to the Congress era. After the 1947 Partition, India saw a spate of communal violence in places like Noakhali (Bengal) and Bihar, leading to thousands of deaths. The Congress government then initiated the formation of peace committees (or Aman Committees) with the intent to rebuild trust between Hindus and Muslims, prevent religious tensions during festivals and to reduce the risk of violence.

However, critics argue that Congress used these committees to solidify its vote bank, particularly in Muslim-majority areas, portraying itself as a guarantor of Muslim safety, while repeatedly urging Hindus to “show restraint.”

Why only in Muslim-majority areas?

Peace committees are mostly formed in Muslim-majority regions like Seelampur and Jahangirpuri in Delhi or Murshidabad in West Bengal. The rationale is that these areas are more prone to communal tensions. But this raises key questions:

  • One-sided policy: Why aren’t similar committees formed in Hindu-majority areas? Or are they simply not needed there?
  • Pressure on Hindus: During Hindu events like the Kanwar Yatra, Hindus are advised to lower loudspeaker volume, keep processions small, and avoid Muslim-dominated localities—to avoid causing “offense.” Why isn’t similar caution enforced during Muharram?
  • Blame game: Even if violence begins on the other side, Hindus are often accused of incitement. Investigations often reveal that the Muslim community started the altercations.

This approach not only appears biased but also raises concerns about whether the administration is engaging in appeasement of the Muslim community.

Why are Hindus constantly advised?

During Hindu festivals such as the Kanwar Yatra, Ram Navami, or Hanuman Jayanti, Hindus are repeatedly advised to:

  • “Keep loudspeakers at low volume.”
  • “Avoid large crowds during processions.”
  • “Stay away from Muslim-majority areas.”

This is done to avoid provoking the Muslim community. However, such restrictions are rarely seen during Muslim events like Muharram. And when both festivals coincide, peace is sought from both sides—but in the event of violence, Hindus are still mostly blamed. This fuels a dangerous narrative: that violence from the Muslim side is somehow “understandable,” while Hindus must always exercise “restraint.”

Once again, peace committee meetings are being held ahead of Muharram and the Kanwar Yatra. Police and administration in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal are on alert. Yet, as usual, the advisory burden seems to fall more heavily on Hindus. If violence erupts this year, will Hindus be blamed again?

Many now view peace committees as mere performances, because:

  • Hindus always blamed: Regardless of who starts the violence, Hindus are often held accountable.
  • Political agenda: Some political parties use these committees to secure their vote banks.
  • One-sided advisories: Hindus are consistently urged to be cautious, while similar sternness is not shown toward the Muslim community.

All of this creates an atmosphere where Hindus feel afraid to celebrate their festivals freely, even in their own country.

Creating peace committees is not wrong. If they genuinely help maintain peace, they are a welcome initiative. But their functioning and intent need scrutiny. The habit of blaming Hindus repeatedly is not only unfair, it adds fuel to communal tensions.

If peace committees are truly impartial, then responsibilities must be shared equally between both communities. Violence should never be justified in any form. As Muharram and Kanwar Yatra approach this year, everyone hopes for peace, but for that, both the administration and peace committees must act with neutrality.

MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) holds joint anti-Hindi rally in Mumbai, Uddhav Thackeray says “We have come together to stay together” on his reunion with Raj Thackeray

ANI
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MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) holds joint anti-Hindi rally in Mumbai, Uddhav Thackeray says “We have come together to stay together” on his reunion with Raj Thackeray

While addressing the ‘Awaz Marathicha’ joint rally in Mumbai, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said that he has come to “stay together” with his brother Raj Thackeray.

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Shiv Sena (UBT) are holding a joint rally in Mumbai to oppose the alleged imposition of the Hindi language over Maharashtra by the state government.

“We have come together to stay together”, Uddhav Thackeray said while addressing the gathering.

The former Maharashtra CM stated that ever since the announcement of this program, everyone was “eagerly” waiting for his and Raj Thackeray’s speech. He hailed Raj Thackeray’s vocal skills and stated that he has always delivered an “outstanding” speech, so there is no need for him to speak.

“Since we announced this program, everyone was eagerly waiting for our speech today, but in my view, we are both coming together, and this stage was more important than our speeches . Raj has already given a very outstanding speech, and I think there is no need for me to speak now”, Uddhav Thackeray said.

Hitting out at the Centre and Maharashtra government, Uddhav Thackeray questioned what the government has done in its tenure of 11 years for Maharashtra and Mumbai, while referring to him being asked what the Shiv Sena (UBT) has done for Mumbai being in the BMC.

Uddhav alleged that the Centre has pushed Mumbai’s important establishments to Gujarat, and these are all attempts to break the “backbone” of Maharashtra.

“They always ask us what we did for the Marathi people in Mumbai during our rule in BMC. They all forced Marathi people to go out of Mumbai, but now we are asking a question: in the last 11 years of your rule, what have you done? You have pushed away Mumbai’s important establishments to Gujarat. Businesses are being transferred to Gujarat. Big offices are going to Gujarat. The diamond business has already shifted to Gujarat, so you have made all attempts to break the backbone of Maharashtra and continue to do that, and you are asking questions to us”, Uddhav Thackeray said.

Earlier, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray launched a veiled attack on Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and said that the Chief Minister did what could not be possible for Balasaheb Thackeray, as he brought the two estranged brothers of the Thackeray family together.

Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray shared a hug at the Worli Dome in Mumbai as they held a joint rally after the Maharashtra government scrapped two Government Resolutions (GRs) to introduce Hindi as the third language.

The Thackeray brothers garlanded the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at a joint rally of their parties, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), at the Worli Dome in Mumbai.

Addressing the gathering, Raj Thackeray said, “I had said in one of my interviews that my Maharashtra is bigger than any politics and fight. Today, after 20 years, Uddhav and I have come together. What Balasaheb could not do, Devendra Fadnavis did it… The work of bringing both of us together.”

BJP leader Gopal Khemka shot dead outside his residence in Patna, CCTV footage shows killer fleeing on scooter after shooting him in his car

OpIndia Staff
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BJP leader Gopal Khemka shot dead outside his residence in Patna, CCTV footage shows killer fleeing on scooter after shooting him in his car

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and prominent businessman Gopal Khemka was shot dead late on the night of July 4 near his residence in Patna, Bihar. The incident occurred around midnight as Khemka was returning home.

65-year-old Khemka, who also owned Magadh Hospital, was attacked near Ramgulam Chowk in the Gandhi Maidan police station area. He was stepping out of his car when bike-borne assailants shot him at point-blank range. He was immediately rushed to a private hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

“An armed criminal shot at him from close range when he was about to reach his apartment located on the Exhibition Road late on Friday night. The businessman was rushed to a hospital where he died,” said Central City SP Diksha. The police have recovered one bullet and a shell casing from the crime scene. The SP said that CCTV footage is being analysed to ascertain the identity of the assailant.

The Bihar police have also formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the case.

CCTV visual of the incident has emerged, which show a man wearing a blue shirt and a black helmet standing outside the BJP leader’s home. After some time  two cars arrived, waiting for the guard to open the iron gate. The first car was driven by Mr Khemka himself, while the second car behind him was driven by another man. 

As Khemka was waiting in his car, the accused ran towards him, shot him in his car, and fled the scene on his scooter. When the guard opens the gate after that, Khemka can be seen lying forward on the steering wheel of his car, with the person in the second car rushing out. As per officials, the BJP leader died on the spot.

Shockingly, the police arrived at the crime scene nearly one and a half hours after the incident. According to officials, Khemka was returning from the Bankipore Club when the attack occurred. The Gandhi Maidan police station is only 300 meters from the spot. Despite this proximity, law enforcement was significantly delayed. Shankar Khemka, the victim’s younger brother, alleged negligence and slow response by the police.

Purnia MP Pappu Yadav visited Khemka’s residence later that night to offer condolences to the grieving family.

In addition to his hospital business, Khemka also owned petrol pumps and ran several other enterprises. The murder has drawn parallels to a previous tragedy involving his son, Gunjan Khemka, who was similarly shot dead in the Hajipur industrial area of Vaishali district.

Patna’s Senior Superintendent of Police, Kartikey Sharma, has constituted a special task force to track down the perpetrators. However, no arrests have been made so far.

The incident sparked strong political reactions, with the opposition lashing out at the Nitish Kumar-led government over the deteriorating law and order situation.

“Nitish Kumar is completely disconnected from ground realities, and bureaucrats have taken full control. He is only focused on clinging to power and targeting our leader Tejashwi Yadav, who has been consistently questioning the state’s law and order,” said RJD spokesperson Ejaz Ahmed.

Gopal Khemka’s son Gunjan Khemka was also shot dead by armed criminals in 2018. Gopal Khemka’s second son is a doctor in Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), Patna while his daughter lives in United Kingdom (UK). 

Rajasthan: Shahrukh and others lynch Hindu man near a mosque, set his vehicle on fire after it accidentally hits the cart of a Muslim seller

OpIndia Staff
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Rajasthan: Shahrukh and others lynch Hindu man near a mosque, set his vehicle on fire after it accidentally hits the cart of a Muslim seller

On Friday (4th July), communal tensions broke out in Jahazpur in Bhilwara district of Rajasthan after a Hindu man was beaten to death by a violent Muslim mob, following a minor accident near a mosque.

As per police and witness reports, four friends namely Sikandar, Sitaram, Dilkhush, and Deepak, were in Jahazpur when their car skidded and knocked over a vegetable cart loaded with onions and potatoes near Takia Masjid.

The cart was owned by a local seller named Raees Fakir. When vegetables spilled over and the cart fell over, Sitaram got out and folded his hands in apology, even promising to pay for the damage.

But soon the situation became violent. A group of some Muslim men, including Babu Khan, Wasim, Shahrukh, Saddam, Hasnain, Mohsin, Sahil, Islam, Tanveer, Sharif, Hanif, Abid, Idrees, Gulzar, and Murtaza, brutally assaulted the Hindu man.

Even though his friends attempted to stop them, the mob beat Sitaram mercilessly and he succumbed to injuries on the spot. The crowd also torched their car, cutting its wires so that no one could escape. Sitaram’s friends somehow managed to get him to the nearby hospital on a motorcycle, but doctors declared him dead upon arrival.

When the news of the murder spread, a huge mob of agitated locals massed at the government hospital, seeking instant action and justice. BJP MLA Gopichand Meena arrived at the scene and lashed out at the incident, calling for severe punishment for the perpetrators.

To manage the increasing tension, a large police contingent has been sent to the region, and all markets have been closed. One suspect has been arrested so far, and others have been taken into custody for questioning.

The brutal murder of a Hindu boy by a Muslim mob has caused unrest among the community, with locals demanding a proper and open investigation into what they are terming as a targeted and communal act of brutality.

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