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MEA rejects claims that ‘Grand Mufti from Kerala’ played a crucial role in halting Nimisha Priya’s execution in Yemen: Read how media hailed the cleric for work done by Indian govt

Chandrani Das
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MEA rejects claims that ‘Grand Mufti from Kerala’ played a crucial role in halting Nimisha Priya’s execution in Yemen: Read how media hailed the cleric for work done by Indian govt

The execution of Kerala Nurse Nimisha Priya was postponed by Yemeni authorities, informed the sources of Indian authorities on Tuesday, July 15. She narrowly escaped execution, which was originally scheduled for July 16. She has been sentenced to death for allegedly murdering her Yemeni business partner, Talal Abdol Mehdi.

While the Indian government has made immense efforts to fight with this sensitive case, some media outlets and opposition leaders have claimed the intervention of the “Grand Mufti from Kerala” behind the postponement of the execution. It was claimed in multiple media reports that Grand Mufti Sheikh Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar held talks with religious authorities in Yemen and ensured that the execution was postponed.

A statement issued by Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar said that Grand Mufti Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad was approached by Puthuppally MLA Chandy Oommen to intervene in the matter, after which he contacted globally renowned Sufi scholar Habib Umar bin Hafeez. As per the statement, Habib’s office then  contacted the North Yemeni authorities and the victim’s family, after which the decision was taken to postpone the execution.

However, now the Indian government has denied any such intervention by the cleric, saying that the postponement is the result of diplomatic efforts of the govt.

The Indian government’s refusal of any information on intervention

During a press briefing on Thursday, July 17, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, addressed the current scenario regarding the Nimisha Priya case. He stated that this is a very sensitive matter, and the Government of India has been offering all possible assistance in the case. Asserting to this, he continued by saying that a lawyer has been appointed to assist the family in every possible way by providing legal support.

Jaiswal assured that regular consular visits are being carried out by her family, and the government is in touch with local authorities as well as the family to resolve the issue. “This included concerted efforts in the recent few days to seek more time for the family of Miss Nimisha Priya to reach a mutually agreeable solution with the other party. The local authorities in Yemen have postponed carrying out her sentence that was scheduled for July 16, which you’re well aware of,” he said.

Jaiswal informed the media that the MEA continues to closely follow the matter and provide all possible assistance in the case. “We are also in touch with some friendly governments in this regard,” he added, indicating India’s continuous effort to seek help from other Islamic countries in the Gulf to solve the case.

When questioned about the MEA’s reaction to the report of a cleric from Kerala named Shri Kanthapuram AP Abubakr Musaliar, who is said to have played a big role in the matter, he simply responded, “I have no information to share on this account.” His statement reflects the rejection of false claims made by the media regarding the intervention of the “Grand Mufti from Kerala” in halting Nimisha Priya’s execution in Yemen.

Congress and other media’s claims

Over the past few days, it has been widely covered by some media outlets regarding the role of the “Grand Mufti of India” in postponing the execution of Priya. According to PTI, the turning point behind this could be the intervention of Sunni Muslim leader Musliyar, also known as the “Grand Mufti of India.” Kanthapuram was reportedly part of the last-minute efforts to halt the execution of Priya. The Sunni Muslim leader had earlier held talks with religious authorities in Yemen.

Headline in HT

According to ANI, Kanthapuram stated, “Islam has another law. If the murderer is sentenced to death, the family of the victim has the right to pardon. I don’t know who this family is, but from a long distance, I contacted the responsible scholars in Yemen. They would do what they could. They have officially informed us and sent a document stating that the date of execution has been postponed, which will help facilitate the ongoing discussions.” In fact, the Kerala media also claimed that Kanthapuram is a key figure who is representing and currently in touch with the family of the victim.

In a press statement on Tuesday, July 15, Abubakr announced that the scheduled execution had been officially postponed following his humanitarian intervention. It was claimed that the initiative began after he was approached by Congress MLA Chandy Oommen to help in the Nimisha Priya execution case. The statement highlights that it was due to a deep sense of national responsibility and humanitarian concern that he decided to act upon this request.

Mint report mentions Congress leader’s role in contacting the Mufti

Reading the media headlines, one would think that it was the Mufti from Kerala who halted the execution in Yemen.

Who is Kanthapuram A.P. Abubakr Musliyar?

Abubakr, officially known as Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, is a prominent Muslim cleric and a key figure in the community. He was elected the “Grand Mufti of India” in February 2019 by the All India Tanzeem Ulama-e-Islam, a national body of Sunni clerics. Musliyar was born in Kanthapuram, Kozhikode, Kerala, and has gained national prominence through his long-standing leadership in Islamic education, social welfare, and public discourse.

He holds the baton of the “Grand Mufti of India” and has become one of the few scholars from South India to hold the post.
In the case of Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya, who was accused of murdering her Yemeni business partner, Talal Abdol Mehdi, in July 2017, Musliyar claimed to have played a crucial role by intervening in the matter to help settle the issue.

India says a strong no to ‘non-veg milk’: Know what is it, and why Modi government has a ‘non-negotiable red line’ on US dairy products in trade deal talks

OpIndia Staff
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India says a strong no to ‘non-veg milk’: Know what is it, and why Modi government has a ‘non-negotiable red line’ on US dairy products in trade deal talks

As trade negotiations between India and the United States enter their final phase, an unusual term, “non-veg milk,” has emerged as the deal-breaker. India has firmly declared its refusal to allow US dairy imports calling it a “non-negotiable red line“. This comes amid US President Donald Trump’s 1st August deadline to reach a deal with countries or face steep tariffs.

What is “non-veg milk”?

“Non-veg milk” refers to milk and dairy products derived from cows fed animal-based products. According to reports by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer in 2004, in the US, “Cows are allowed to eat feed that can include parts of pigs, fish, chicken, horses, even cats or dogs… And cattle can continue to consume pig and horse blood for protein, as well as tallow, a hard fat from rendered cattle parts, as a fattening source”.

Even though cows are herbivorous animals, US regulations allow cows raised for dairy and meat to be fed meat, fat and blood of other animals. This has made US dairy product imports a big no for India. Because in India, cattle are raised on plant-based diets, and they are never fed animal derived feed.

Why India Says “No”: The religious and cultural imperativeto

According to the 2023 World Atlas report, 38% Indians are vegetarians. Milk and Ghee are considered sacred here and are used in daily rituals and offerings by Hindus and Jains. Milk products used in these rituals must be satvik (pure). Products derived from cows fed animal parts are considered ritually impure and unacceptable.

“Imagine eating butter made from the milk of a cow that was fed meat and blood from another cow. India may never allow that,” Ajay Srivastava of Global Trade Research Institute (GTRI), a New Delhi-based think tank, told PTI.

India’s Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying mandates veterinary certification for food imports. A condition to issue these certificates states: “The source animals have never been fed with feeds produced from meat or bone meal, including internal organs, blood meal and tissues of ruminant origin and porcine origin materials except milk and milk products.”

The economic “red line”: Protecting millions of livelihoods

Beyond culture, India’s refusal is also meant to protect the backbone of its rural economy. India is the world’s largest milk producer. In 2023-24, India produced 239 million metric tons of milk, contributing Rs 7.5-9 lakh crore, which is 2.5-3% of the national GDP. The dairy sector directly supports over 80 million people, predominantly small and marginal farmers with just 2-3 cows or buffaloes.

Allowing subsidised US dairy imports ($8.22 billion global exports in 2024) would flood the Indian market with cheaper products. A State Bank of India (SBI) analysis predicts this could crash domestic milk prices by at least 15%, causing annual losses of ₹1.03 lakh crore to farmers.

Mahesh Sakunde, a Maharashtra farmer, voiced widespread anxiety: “The government needs to make sure we’re not hit by cheap imports… If that happens, the whole industry will suffer, and so will farmers like us”.

Stalemate at the negotiating table

With President Trump’s deadline looming on 1st August, after which higher US tariffs on Indian goods could be imposed, the dairy deadlock threatens to derail the broader goal of boosting bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. Indian negotiators remain unmoved. A senior government source emphatically stated, “There is no question of conceding on dairy. That’s a red line”.

The US also raised the matter at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). According to the Times of India, the US hinted that India’s updated dairy certification, implemented in November 2024, does not address such concerns.

Mizoram: ASI declares the ancient menhirs in Lianpui village as ‘monument of national importance’

OpIndia Staff
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Mizoram: ASI declares the ancient menhirs in Lianpui village as ‘monument of national importance’

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has declared the ancient menhirs located at Lungphun Ropui in Lianpui village of Mizoram as the ‘monuments of national importance’. The site will now be protected and maintained by the central government.

The official announcement was made on 14th July, after a two-month public notification period, which was issued by the central government on 9th February. The notification period is a requirement under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, for inviting objections before bringing a site under national protection. The lengthy process of recognition commenced in 2021 with a preliminary notification in the Gazette of India. On 7th July, the ASI Director (Monuments) visited the site in the village before the final notification was issued.

Image via ANI

Lianpui is a tiny hilly village located around 54 km southeast of Champai town. It was founded by and named after Lusei chief Lianpuia in the 18th century. The village was initially established at Mualbawk before being relocated to its current site. The Lianpui menhirs are the second site in Mizoram to be declared as a monument of national importance by the ASI after the Kawtchhuah Ropui in Vangchhia village. The menhirs, or the ancient upright stones with carvings of pre-Christian Mizo iconography, hold great cultural and historical significance. The uniquely carved stones offer a glance into the life, rituals, customs, and beliefs of the early Mizo people.

“The stones feature carvings of human figures, birds, animals, mithun heads, gongs, and lizards, offering insights into the cultural practices of the Mizo people before the advent of Christianity. These menhirs are arranged into eight alignments—four running north-south and four east-west—suggesting a deliberate and possibly ceremonial layout,” said Vanlalhuma, an archaeologist with Mizoram’s department of art and culture.

The site will now be developed by adding fences, walkways, restrooms, and drinking water facilities to promote tourism in the area.

What are Menhirs?

Menhirs are upright standing large stones found individually or in clusters. They generally bear unique, intricate carvings relating to the communities that created them. Menhirs usually have uneven shapes, often four-sided and are often found placed in circles, semi-circles, ellipses or parallel rows. They are found across continents, including Europe, Asia and Africa, but exist in large numbers in Western Europe. Menhirs are found in various states across India, including Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

Some of the famous menhir sites in the world are Stonehenge and Avebury (UK), Mên-an-Tol (Cornwall, UK), Almendres Cromlech (Portugal), Drenthe (Netherlands) and Carnac Stones (France).

Robert Vadra, Congress government in Haryana, and a land deal worth 58 crores: What does the ED chargesheet against Priyanka Gandhi’s husband say

OpIndia Staff
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Robert Vadra, Congress government in Haryana, and a land deal worth 58 crores: What does the ED chargesheet against Priyanka Gandhi’s husband say

A chargesheet has been filed against businessman Robert Vadra, husband of Congress MP from Wayanad, Priyanka Gandhi, by the Enforcement Directorate on Thursday, July 17.

Robert Vadra has been accused of being involved in a money laundering case related to a 3.53-acre land deal in Shikohpur village in Gurugram, Haryana, in 2008.

Vadra was charged just a day after attaching his properties worth Rs 37 crore in a Rouse Avenue court, terming him of “Proceeds of Crime” in the land deal worth over RS 58 crore. Apart from Vadra, ED has accused 11 others in its chargesheet including Satyanand Yajee, Kewal Singh Virk, M/s Sky Light Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., M/s Onkareshwar Properties Pvt. Ltd.

The chargesheet says he purchased 3.5 acres in Shikohpur village in Gurugram’s sector 83 through his Skylight Hospitality Pvt Ltd. In 2008, Feb 12, he bought the property from Onkareshwar Properties Pvt Ltd for Rs 7.5 crore. The Congress government in Haryana at that time gave him a commercial licence to develop the property over 2.7 acres. But in a shocking revelation, it came to light that the same land was sold to DLF for Rs 58 crore. This action makes a high jump profit of direct Rs 50 crore within months of purchasing it.

Currently, the money laundering probe is based on an FIR lodged by the Gurgaon police in 2018. It was registered over fraudulent transactions in the land deal. The police said that the purchase was made through a “false” declaration. On July 16, the ED attached 43 properties worth over Rs 37 crore associated with Vadra and his entities. This also includes his Skylight Hospitality Pvt Ltd.

While the ED has charged Vadra, his office is claiming that the “present proceedings are nothing more than an extension of the political witch hunt by the present government”. He further stated that he would defend and clear his name in court. “As a law-abiding citizen, Vadra has always and will continue to extend his fullest cooperation to the authorities, and he is confident that at the end of it all, he will be cleared of any wrongdoing,” the statement claimed.

This is the first time any probe agency had registered complaint against him, who is booked under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). While some media claimed that Vadra is facing several cases of money laundering in many land deals. It was observed that he negotiated this under the then Congress government in Haryana and Rajasthan, led by then CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda. The CM has allowed to make modification in land use for agricultural to commercial/residential for properties acquired by Vadra, leading to windfall gains for him.

Madras HC says no ‘Nama Sankeertanam’ can happen in residential societies without permission, says ‘peace and silence are best prayers’

OpIndia Staff
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Madras HC says no ‘Nama Sankeertanam’ can happen in residential societies without permission, says ‘peace and silence are best prayers’

The Madras High Court on Wednesday (16th July) put a restriction on the organisation of Nama Sankeerthanam, a Hindu religious practice of chanting the names of deities, in a residential society without the permission of the district collector.

“Peace is the best prayer, and silence is the greatest prayer. The day people realise this truth, they will not disturb others by indulging in loud and noisy ways of praying to God,” said a bench of Justice N Anand Venkatesh forbidding the use of premises of a residential society for congregational prayers without the permission of the district collector.

The decision came during the hearing of a writ petition filed by Prakash Ramachandran, a resident of Krishnamachari Street at Radha Nagar in Chromepet, Chengalpattu district, in Tamil Nadu. The petitioner filed the petition against the recitation of Nama Sankeerthanam by a private organisation called the Global Organisation for Divinity (GOD) in the residential premises belonging to his neighbour, which the organisation was using as its office. He contended that the Nama Sankeerthanam recitation on the premises was causing disturbance to other residents of the locality.

Responding to the petition, the private organisation filed a counter-affidavit to show that they had the consent of all other neighbours for the Nama Sankeerthanam. The organisation said that their religious rights were protected under Article 25 of the Constitution. It further submitted that uttering the names of God would bring peace of mind.

After hearing the contentions of both sides, the court said prayers should be confined within the four walls of a house and should not cause inconvenience to others. The judge referred to an earlier order of the court, which restricted the use of a residential premise for Christian congregational prayers without obtaining the collector’s permission in the Kanniyakumari district. “The same will apply here, too. Except for the change in the name of God, all other things are the same. How can you have Nama Sankeerthanam without the Collector’s nod?” the judge said. The court directed the Inspector of Chitlapakkam police station to ensure compliance with the court order.

The present High Court ruling attempts to maintain harmony between the religious rights and the residential rights of the people. However, we have seen in the past how even courts sometimes fail to uphold this harmony across all religions.

In February 2022, the same Madras High Court had directed a Hindu petitioner to exhibit tolerance after he moved the court complaining about the use of loudspeakers in a newly constructed church in Neduvilai in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. The petitioner had also alleged that the church had installed CCTV cameras pointing towards his house. He pleaded with the court to direct the removal of the loudspeakers and the concerned CCTV cameras as they were causing him inconvenience.

The High Court dismissed his plea and reminded him of what the true meaning of being a ‘Hindu’ was. The court told him that the fundamental tenet of being a Hindu was tolerance and that he should learn to live with everybody else around him. The court further explained to him that India is a secular country, which recognises the practice of religion and therefore, the petitioner should not complain against the same.

EU imposes sanctions on Vadinar Oil Refinery in Gujarat in the latest round of sanctions against Russia, calls it one of the strongest sanctions package

OpIndia Staff
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EU imposes sanctions on Vadinar Oil Refinery in Gujarat in the latest round of sanctions against Russia, calls it one of the strongest sanctions package

The European Union has announced the latest round of sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine. In the 18th package of the sanctions announced today, the EU targets Russian oil exports, including refining of Russian oil in other countries. This includes “the biggest Rosneft refinery in India,” and the Indian flag registry.

EU has also announced that the Nord Stream pipelines will be banned. The union has lowered the cap on Russian oil prices to 15% below market prices, to hit the oil revenue earned by Russia.

European Commission’s vice president Kaja Kallas, also the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, made the announcements in a post on X. She called it one of its strongest sanctions package against Russia to date

Kallas wrote, “The EU just approved one of its strongest sanctions package against Russia to date. We’re cutting the Kremlin’s war budget further, going after 105 more shadow fleet ships, their enablers, and limiting Russian banks’ access to funding. Nord Stream pipelines will be banned. A lower oil price cap. We are putting more pressure on Russia’s military industry, Chinese banks that enables sanctions evasion, and blocking tech exports used in drones.”

Kallas further added, “For the first time, we’re designating a flag registry and the biggest Rosneft refinery in India. Our sanctions also hit those indoctrinating Ukrainian children. We will keep raising the costs, so stopping the aggression becomes the only path forward for Moscow.”

The EU also imposed new restrictions on Russian banks, resulting in 20 more Russian banks being cut off from SWIFT, the international payment settlement system.

While the EU has not named the refinery in India that processes Russian oil, the sanction has been imposed on Vadinar oil refinery at Vadinar, Gujarat. Constructed by Essar Oil, it is currently owned and operated by Nayara Energy Limited, in which Rosneft owns a 49.13% stake.

Kallas also mentioned that a flag registry in India is also being sanctioned. A flag registry contains the list of ships that fly the flags of a country. By sanctioning, EU will have the power to take action against Indian flag carrying ships for their purported support to Russian oil trade.

Notably, EU has not banned the sale of Russian oil, but has sanctioned the sale of Russian Oil above the price cap, which is set 15% lower to the market cap.

Karnataka: Researchers find evidence of a 4,000-year-old human settlement in Maski, 110 years after Ashoka inscription was discovered at the site

OpIndia Staff
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Karnataka: Researchers find evidence of a 4,000-year-old human settlement in Maski, 110 years after Ashoka inscription was discovered at the site

A remarkable archaeological finding has drawn attention to the Karnataka’s Maski town. It has been revealed that humans lived in that are around 4,000 years ago. Scientists who were searching for additional information about the captivating location in the Raichur district made the discovery. A collaborative team of 20 researches from India, Canada and the United States worked together to learn more about the area’s past.

Researchers have been excavating around Mallikarjun Hill, close to the Mallikarjuna Temple and the town’s Anjaneya Swamy temple. They have come across a variety of artefacts and other tools that date back four millennia which suggests that the area was once a vibrant settlement. 

Professor Dr Andrew M. Bauer of Stanford University in the United States, Dr. Peter G. Johansen of McGill University in Canada and Hemanth Kadambi of Shiv Nadar University in Delhi-NCR (National Capital Region) alongside their team of over 20 researchers have been seeking evidence of human habitation and civilisation in Maski for the past three months.

They approached Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for approval and afterward the crew began exploring Maski. The scientists identified 271 places of interest in the area and began their work. They unearthed evidence that the area surrounding the temple and Mallikarjun Hill was occupied by people from the 11th to the 14th century BCE.

They located an array of antiquities, including cooking tools like earthen pots and pans. Kadambi declared, “We have found evidence that indicates that there was a human settlement in Maski around 4,000 years ago.”

Maski inscription

Notably, British gold mine engineer C. Beadon found the Maski inscription in 1915. The region made its place on the archaeological map when the inscription, which dates to the time of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka, came to light. It was etched onto a rock surface within a cave.

One of the earliest inscriptions from the Mauryan era, it prominently displays the emperor’s name and his title as “Devanampriya” (Beloved of the Gods). A long-standing disagreement about whether the legendary ruler was actually referred to by the title or not was resolved when the same was mentioned alongside his name. It was written in Brahmi script and in the Prakrit language, highlighting his adherence to non-violence.

‘Burnt cash at home’ fame Justice Yashwant Varma moves Supreme Court against inquiry committee report, claims it “violates his rights”

OpIndia Staff
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‘Burnt cash at home’ fame Justice Yashwant Varma moves Supreme Court against inquiry committee report, claims it “violates his rights”

The Supreme Court has received a writ petition from Justice Yashwant Varma, contesting the report of the in-house probe committee that implicated him in the cash-at-home scandal. Justice Varma had “strong inferential evidence” of “covert or active control” over the warehouse where the stacks of 500 rupees notes were found, according to the panel. It added that he also failed to offer a convincing explanation for their origin.

Additionally, Justice Varma has challenged former Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna’s recommendation to the President and Prime Minister regarding his impeachment proceedings. The judge alleged that the proposal was based on a “unsustainable” report that was created through a procedure which violated his rights as a person and constitutional functionary.

Justice Varma acknowledged that there might have been some cash in his home’s outhouse but insisted that further investigation was necessary to prove ownership, legitimacy and other important details. He claimed that instead, the panel hurried to wrap up the proceedings.

He asserted that the timetables for the enquiries were simply motivated by the desire to complete the process as rapidly as possible, even at the expense of procedural justice.

According to Justice Varma, the in-house inquiry group reached its conclusions without providing him with an adequate opportunity to respond. He stressed that the committee followed a preset process and despite the lack of hard evidence, reversed the burden of proof requiring him to investigate and refute the accusations as well as made negative conclusions about him.

The three-judge inquiry panel was accused in Justice Varma’s appeal of reaching unfavourable conclusions without giving him a fair and thorough hearing. Furthermore, it charged that the committee neglected to look into basic information that would have been required to prove culpability, specifically those pertaining to the cash discovered at his place.

He further described the process as outcome-driven and predicated on a preconceived narrative. The petition is still awaiting its listing before a bench. Meanwhile, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju expressed, “The removal of a Supreme Court or a High Court judge is a matter that is the authority of Parliament. It is independent of what is happening in the Supreme Court,” while talking to The Indian Express.

Prior to introducing the motion of removal, minister Rijiju has been consulting with the leaders of each party to reach an agreement on the issue. He pointed out, “The impeachment of a High Court or Supreme Court judge on corruption issues cannot be political. Government should take everyone on board as there is no scope for differences among parties on this.” Rijiju has previously told the opposition leaders that they need to take a “unified stand” on this issue.

The development transpired as the impeachment motion against Justice Varma is expected to be introduced during the Parliament’s monsoon session. Notably, a few days earlier the Supreme Court also consented to consider a new petition asking for instructions to the Delhi Police and Enforcement Directorate to submit a formal complaint and carry out a thorough and extensive investigation into the recovery of the significant amount of unaccounted cash at Justice Varma’s home. The plea maintained that the police had a duty to file an FIR since the finding of such currency constituted a “culpable and cognisable offence.”

The background of the matter

During a firefighting operation on 14th March, a massive stack of cash notes was inadvertently found at an outhouse of Justice Varma’s official residence. At the time, he was serving as a judge of the Delhi High Court. He was then sent back to the Allahabad High Court where his judicial duties were suspended while the inquiry was conducted. The issue was investigated by a panel that was appointed by then-CJI Sanjiv Khanna. He also wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu concerning the panel’s findings.

The committee ruled that cash was discovered in Justice Varma’s official property after reviewing technological evidence, including videos and photos taken by fire department personnel. 55 witnesses, including Justice Varma and his daughter were also questioned. The committee determined that there was adequate justification for taking action against the judge since he was unable to fulfil his duty by providing a credible explanation other than a “flat denial or a bald plea of conspiracy.”

Meanwhile, Congress stalwart and senior advocate Kapil Sibal referred to Justice Varma as the finest judge. “I can say with full responsibility that he (Varma) is one of the best judges I have argued before. You can ask any lawyer of the High Court or Supreme Court, this judge is not accused of doing anything wrong.”

Uttar Pradesh: Abdul Rehman raped minor Dalit girl for two months in Shravasti, forced her into an abortion, arrested

OpIndia Staff
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Uttar Pradesh: Abdul Rehman raped minor Dalit girl for two months in Shravasti, forced her into an abortion, arrested

An incident of rape of a Dalit girl by a Muslim man has come to light from the Malhipur police station area in the Shravasti district of Uttar Pradesh.

As per reports, the accused, Abdul Rehman, a resident of Laxmanpur Kothi, got in touch with the victim, a native of the Betalghat police station area in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, through social media. In the first week of March 2025, the victim boarded a bus and reached Nanpara town in the Bahraich district to meet Abdul Rehman, who took the victim to his house. Rehman later kept the victim at the homes of his various relatives and raped her on multiple occasions. When the victim got pregnant, he forced her to undergo an abortion.

The victim was found abandoned by the police in the Chaugain village in the Buxar district of Bihar. She was rescued and handed over to her relatives after a medical examination. A case was registered by the police on the complaint of Yogendra Mani Tripathi, president of a social organisation named Sadbhavna, on 15th July under sections 137(2), 87, 142, 64(2)(m), 89 of the BNS and sections 5(L)/6, 5(J)(II)/6 of the POCSO Act. Along with the main accused Abdul Rehman, the Police have arrested his father Naseer, his brother-in-law Israfil, his sister Alimun, and a local villager Maiku.

According to police, on an earlier occasion, the accused Abdul Rehman went to Nainital and picked up the victim. However, she was handed over to her parents by the police. This time, the minor victim came to meet Abdul Rehman and he kept her at homes of his relatives for about two months.

Role of cops under scrutiny

Some local police personnel are also facing scrutiny for their role in the entire incident. On finding prima facie evidence of negligence in relation to the case, Superintendent of Police Ghanshyam Chaursia ordered the suspension and initiation of departmental proceedings against Sub-inspector Atul Yadav, Constable Girish Sharma (Police Station Sonwa), Constable Vijay Yadav, and Constable Devesh Shukla (Police Station Malhipur). The role of the Station in-charge of the Sonwa police station is also being investigated in the case.

Bengaluru traders call for Bandh on 25th July against GST notices linked to UPI transactions, put display boards saying ‘Cash Only’: Read why

OpIndia Staff
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Bengaluru traders call for Bandh on 25th July against GST notices linked to UPI transactions, put display boards saying ‘Cash Only’: Read why

On 25th July, Bengaluru is set to see a city-wide bandh. Thousands of small business owners are set to protest against GST notices issued by the Karnataka Commercial Taxes Department. The notices target businesses that accepted digital payments exceeding GST registration thresholds, sparking fears of financial ruin and a rapid shift back to cash transactions in India’s tech capital.

Why are traders protesting?

Bangaluru was one of the first cities to adopt UPI very fast, but now it’s witnessing a sharp reversal. Small vendors across the city are abandoning UPI transactions and returning to cash.

Based on UPI transaction history from FY 2021-22 onwards, the department identified 14,000 traders whose UPI transactions crossed ₹40 lakh (for goods) or ₹20 lakh (for services), which are the legal GST thresholds, yet they hadn’t registered under GST. Over 5,500 have received notices of tax demands. Some exceeding ₹2 crore on a single PAN card.

Many unregistered vendors, including roadside stalls and small shops, embraced UPI during the digital push but now face penalties for non-compliance. Traders argue the notices ignore their actual low turnovers (e.g., daily sales of ₹3,000) and mix personal/family transfers with business income.

Traders say they are being unfairly targeted and fear harassment, seizure of goods, and even eviction from public spaces. Advocate Vinay K Sreenivasa, joint secretary of the Federation of Bengaluru Street Vendors Associations, notes, “Many fear harassment by GST officers and eviction by civic authorities”.

Traders have announced a three-day protest plan. On 23rd July, milk sales will be suspended. Gutka and cigarette sales will be halted on 24th July, and Full closure of bakeries, condiment shops and petty stores will be on 25th June.

Reversal of digital adoption

QR codes are being removed by the vendors. “No UPI, Only Cash” signs can be seen in the markets like KR Market, Shivajinagar, and Horamavu and many other areas. Traders are abandoning the UPI to avoid scrutiny, undermining India’s digital payment goals. Shanker, a shopkeeper in Horamavu, told, “I’ve stopped accepting UPI completely.”

No UPI, Only Cash signboards | Photo Credit: X @HubliCityeGroup

Government stance

The tax department insists notices targeted only threshold violators and urges registration under GST or the Composition Scheme. Former tax official H.D. Arun Kumar stresses authorities must “validate data before enforcing penalties”.

Broader implications

Experts warn similar crackdowns could spread to Mumbai and other cities as states chase revenue targets. Karnataka aims to collect ₹1.20 lakh crore in 2025–26 amid welfare funding pressures .

The 25th July bandh highlights a crisis of trust between micro-businesses and digital governance, testing policymakers’ ability to balance transparency with equitable enforcement. Many are saying that the government has failed in outreach and awareness efforts, and is fanning fear under the garb of enforcing compliance.

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