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Busting the brainwashing industry: ‘His Story of Itihaas’ challenges India’s distorted history taught in textbooks and reclaims stolen civilizational memory

अनुपम कुमार सिंह
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Busting the brainwashing industry: ‘His Story of Itihaas’ challenges India’s distorted history taught in textbooks and reclaims stolen civilizational memory

“Did Emperor Ashoka really embrace Buddhism out of remorse for the Kalinga war?”
“Was Akbar truly great?”
“Was Tipu Sultan a freedom fighter?”
“Is Aurangzeb really a ‘living saint’?”
“Did Vasco da Gama ‘discover’ India?”
“Did Islamic invaders really rule India for 1000 years?”
“Was Sati an obligatory ritual for Indian widows?”
“Has India truly contributed nothing to science and mathematics?”
“Is the Swastika a Nazi symbol?”
“Is biryani a foreign dish in India?”

We all know the answers we read to these questions in our school textbooks. But were those answers really true? Or is the truth something else – systematically hidden from us for generations? Were entire generations deliberately misled? Were our children made to feel ashamed of their own nation and culture? ‘His Story of Itihaas’ is a film that attempts to seek answers to these very questions.

Before we go further, let’s talk about the film. The story revolves around a physics teacher, played by the acclaimed Marathi actor Subodh Bhave. Bhave has been active in the Marathi industry for years and has won several awards. With a strong background in theatre, his acting needs no justification. Alongside him, seasoned actor Yogendra Tiku plays a history professor – an artist we’ve all seen in many films. We strongly recommend you watch this film in theatres. That’s why this review doesn’t reveal the plot. It’s a low-budget film made with immense struggle and effort – it’s our duty to respect that effort. The struggle is real – nearly 60 actors rejected the script simply because of the film’s subject. Directed and produced by Manpreet Singh Dhami under the banner of ‘Panchkarma Films’, the film is a rare gem in today’s cinematic landscape.

‘His Story of Itihaas’ Digs Deep into a Critical Crisis

The film is based on real incidents. If you’ve read Neeraj Atri’s book ‘Brainwashed Republic’, you’ll have a clear idea of what the film covers. Atri has long raised his voice against the distortions in our school textbooks. He questioned NCERT over several so-called historical facts taught to children, and the board could not provide a single piece of credible evidence in response. Atri went on to write an entire book on the subject. Through his YouTube channel Politically Incorrect, he continues to raise awareness.

Back to the film, it never bores you, despite dealing with a sensitive and serious subject. The portrayal of leftist professors and historians feels real—you’ll recognize them. For many viewers, this might be the first time they truly understand how parents and children get trapped in their ideological web. The film runs a parallel narrative of two families – one wealthy, one not. And it successfully shows that the issue affects everyone, regardless of class or gender.

It’s a story of resistance against a powerful system. It’s a challenge to the status quo, and a lament for the helplessness of the new order that emerges after change.

‘His Story of Itihaas’ is your story, your household’s story

  • It’s the story of brainwashed mothers who tell their children “sit karo” & ‘eat kro’ to flaunt their English.
  • It’s the story of brainwashed fathers who take loans to send their kids to missionary schools, only to develop BP and diabetes under the pressure.
  • It’s the story of a brainwashed child who views the Swastika as a symbol of hatred.
  • It’s the story of a brainwashed teen who tries to look “cool” and begins walking the path of Christian conversion through Western influence.
  • It’s the story of a brainwashed IAS officer who sees his own country with contempt.

This is also the story of an entire brainwashing industry.

  • An industry that includes activist women with oversized bindis, who consider their writings to be the ultimate truth—and dismiss any challenge as a “rant.”
  • An industry with historians who call temples mosques just to keep certain narratives intact.
  • An industry where professors who try to teach real history are mocked for their language and accent.
  • An industry where even leaders who promise change are rendered helpless once in power.
  • An industry that has perfected tactics to manipulate everything – from streets to parliaments to universities, to maintain its grip on the system.

Films Are Now Being Made on Once ‘Untouchable’ Topics This is not a technical review, because this film transcends that. The story is set in Delhi and Noida, so there’s not much visual grandeur to showcase. The narrative is contained within homes, schools, and university halls – occasionally reaching a gurdwara, which also carries a message.

The fact that films are now being made on topics once considered “untouchable” is a victory in itself. What began with The Kashmir Files in 2019 has now reached Chhava and His Story of Itihaas. Perhaps if we had been taught history truthfully, there would have been no need for films like The Kashmir Files or Chhava in the first place.
This film exposes the brainwashing industry that has long controlled our minds.

“The government may be theirs, but the system is still ours.” This powerful line from The Kashmir Files resonates even more deeply after watching His Story of Itihaas.
Because even today, the academic and creative space is dominated by those who are hell-bent on erasing or tarnishing anything positive about India. And this is a battle that cannot be won by just one film. The problem is too deep-rooted—it will take many such efforts to cleanse the rot.

A rare confluence of religion, governance, and service, Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar left a mark from Kashi to Kedarnath: An introspection on her 300th birth anniversary

Harish Chandra Srivastava
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A rare confluence of religion, governance, and service, Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar left a mark from Kashi to Kedarnath: An introspection on her 300th birth anniversary

Whenever public welfare is discussed in the context of Indian history, some personalities shine like stars – one of these brightest star is the name of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, who was born on May 31, 1725 in Chaudi village of Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. Her father Mankoji Shinde was an ordinary farmer, but was a very religious and cultured person. Right from her childhood, Mother Sushila Bai taught Ahilyabai the values ​​of religion, penance, service and tolerance, which became the foundation of her entire life.

The beginning of an extraordinary life

Contrary to social customs, Ahilyabai had the good fortune of being noticed by Malharrao Holkar, the ruler of the Holkar dynasty, in her childhood itself. Impressed by her culture, intelligence and behaviour, Malharrao wanted her to marry his son Khanderao. Thus, she became the daughter-in-law of the Holkar royal family in Indore.

Ahilyabai’s life was full of struggle from the very beginning. The untimely death of her husband Khanderao in a war 1754, then the death of her father-in-law Malharrao Holkar (1766), and then the death of her only son Malerao – all these tragedies could break any ordinary woman. But Ahilyabai, with the strength of her tolerance, patience and extraordinary ability in governance and management, was able to handle not only herself but also the entire Holkar empire.

Leadership symbolizing sacrifice and austerity: In 1767, Ahilyabai took over the reins of the Holkar empire. She kept her personal life extremely simple by cutting down administrative expenses. She never misused the state treasury. She considered the welfare of the common people as the main objective of governance and this approach led to her title of ‘Lokmata’.

During her reign, Maheshwar was made the capital of the empire, where she lived a simple life. Her residence still exists there which can serve as a symbol of an ideal lifestyle for leaders, administrators and people associated with the judicial system.

The ideal of justice and love for the people

Ahilyabai’s justice system was so transparent and quick that she is compared to King Harishchandra of ancient times. She used to personally sit in the court and hear cases. Her view was, “The first duty of a king is to serve his subjects, not his own benefit.” She empowered all sections of society by providing fair pay to soldiers, reducing taxes to help farmers, and expanding trade facilities.

Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar was the patron of Indian culture

Devi Ahilyabai was not only an efficient administrator but also a major inspiration for Indian cultural revival. She built hundreds of temples, ghats, wells, dharamshalas, sadavrat (free eateries) to help travelers across the country. The list of religious places built by her is so extensive that its compilation can be a subject of research in itself.

Kashi, Ayodhya, Mathura, Vrindavan, Somnath, Dwarka, Rameswaram, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Trimbakeshwar, Ujjain, Gangasagar, Tirupati, Jagannath Puri – there is hardly any major pilgrimage site in India that does not bear the mark of Devi Ahilyabai’s contribution.

Particularly the reconstruction of the Kashi Vishwanath temple (1780) is a symbol of her religious consciousness and cultural commitment. When Aurangzeb demolished this temple in 1669, it remained neglected for a long period. Ahilyabai not only got it rebuilt, but also made complete arrangements for the proper management of the priests, travelers, dharamshalas and pilgrims there.

A ruler with a modern outlook

Ahilyabai also revived roads, improved water management, transport, security and communication. During her reign, a road was built from Kashi to Calcutta, so that pilgrims could travel conveniently. British officer Sir John Malcolm praised Devi Ahilyabai in his book ‘Memoirs of Central India (1823)’ and wrote that his assistant Captain D.T. Stuart saw dharamshalas and wells built by the Holkars in inaccessible pilgrimage sites like Kedarnath and Devprayag.

Glory of women in Sanatan culture: In Indian culture, women power is considered to be Jagadjanani, Ardhanarishwar, Shakti-Swarupa. Devi Ahilyabai was the embodiment of that tradition. She was a mother, a widow, an administrator, a judge, a donor, a Yogini, a scholar and a saint. She proved through her life that coordination of Dharma and power is possible, when the objective is public welfare.

Why is Ahilyabai relevant in today’s era? Today, when moral values ​​are eroding in politics, administration and religion, personalities like Ahilyabai inspire that governance can be done with honesty, sacrifice and service.

Every aspect of her life is a school for modern public life on how to do good for people even with limited resources, how power should be used for the national interest rather than for self-interest, and how, despite being a woman, one can pass the tests of supreme leadership.

Tricentenary anniversary: ​​Not just a celebration, but an opportunity for introspection

On Saturday (May 31, 2025), 300 years of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar’s descent on earth will be completed. This is not just a fact but an opportunity for introspection for a nation.

It is time to think:
● Are we able to learn something from her justice and administrative ideals?
● Have we imbibed her love for her subjects in our conduct?
● Do we have the same reverence and spirit of service towards religious places and cultural heritage?
● Can her ideals become an inspiration for today’s leaders and administrators?

Unless these questions can be answered with a ‘yes’, the celebration of the 300th birth anniversary of Devi Ahilyabai will remain a mere formality.

The eternal message of a visionary

Ahilyabai’s entire life is a book, which has sacrifice, religion, ethics, leadership and above all, the spirit of public welfare. For her, power was a means of service, not enjoyment.

Today there is a need to tell our children the story of her life, make our leaders aware of her principles, and connect our society with her life. Only then will this legacy of ‘Lokmata’ remain alive in reality.

(The author Harishchandra Srivastava is a social and political thinker)

UPI rules, ATM withdrawals, Credit Cards, EPFO, Aadhaar updates etc: Here are the key changes set to kick in from June 1

OpIndia Staff
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UPI rules, ATM withdrawals, Credit Cards, EPFO, Aadhaar updates etc: Here are the key changes set to kick in from June 1

Some significant financial changes are set to take effect from June 1, 2025 across the country which are likely to impact the everyday finances of the common man. The changes are taking place in credit cards, Aadhaar system, UPI, TDS etc. Here is a list of the changes to be implemented from tomorrow:

EPFO 3.0

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is likely to introduce the EPFO 3.0 system from 1st June. The new system will simplify the process of withdrawal of Provident Funds, streamline Know Your Customer (KYC) updates, and expedite claim processing. To make the process of withdrawal of PFs easier, an ATM-like feature has also been introduced.

Aadhaar Card update

Those looking to change their Aadhaar details online can do that for free by June 14, 2025. After the deadline, any changes in the Aadhaar details such as names, address, etc. will incur a charge of ₹25 through online mode and ₹50 at the physical centres.

TDS Certificate deadline

June 15, 2025 is the deadline for the issuance of the TDS (tax deduction at source ) certificate under Form 16. It is a document provided by employers to salaried employees, which confirms tax deduction from their salaries. It is a proof that the decucted salary has been submitted to the Income Tax Department and is required for filing returns (ITR). The certificate is issued by June 15 of the relevant financial year.

UPI rules

In a significant step, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has mandated all UPI apps to display the verified names of the beneficiaries during transactions instead of QR codes or edited names. This decision, effective from 30th June, has been taken to reduce fraud and misdirected payments.

Additionally, the NPCI will restrict UPI balance enquiries and will set specific hours for processing UPI autopay mandates from August 1, 2025. This is intended to reduce load on servers and improve performance.

Credit Card Payments

Some banks are introducing new rules regarding credit card transactions such as payment of bills from June 1. For example, Kotak Mahindra Bank will charge 1% fee on fuel payment exceeding monthly cap. The bank will also put a limit on reward points items like rent, utility bills, and insurance.

Similarly, Axis Bank will introduce phased changes to its REWARDS Credit Card from 20th June which will involve changes in reward points, cashback percentages, lounge access, and spending categories for certain cards. From 10 June 2025, HDFC is also revising its lounge access policy for Tata Neu Infinity and Tata Neu Plus credit cardholders. As per the new policy, lounge access will be available through vouchers based on quarterly spending instead of direct card swipes.

ATM withdrawal fee

Some banks are likely to introduce increased fee on withdrawal of money from ATMs above the free threshold. The charges might differ from bank to bank.

FD Rates

Some banks may alter the interest rates on fixed deposits (FDs) from 1st June. ICICI Bank has reduced rates by upto 20 baic points on select tenures. Suryodaya Small Finance Bank has also decreased interest rates from 8.6% to 8% for 5-year FDs. For deposists below ₹3 crore, the bank will offer interest rates from 4% to 8.4% for tenures between 30 to 36 months.

Mutual Funds

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced changes in the cut-off timings for overnight mutual fund schemes, effective from 1st June. As per the new cut-off timings, 3pm has been set for offline transactions and 7pm for online transactions. This means that any order made after these cut-off timings will be processed the next working day and may get a different net asset value (NAV) calculation process.

LPG cyliner

The prices for domestic LPG cylinders will also be revised at the beginning of the next month. The prices may increase, decrease or remain unchanged based on oil companies and market conditions

Maoist leader Basavaraju’s international connections, Turkey’s leftist terror group pays tribute to the terrorist killed by Indian security forces

OpIndia Staff
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Maoist leader Basavaraju’s international connections, Turkey’s leftist terror group pays tribute to the terrorist killed by Indian security forces

Turkey’s Maoist terror group called Türkiye Komünist Partisi-Marksist Leninist (TKP-ML) paid tribute to the dreaded Maoist leader Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju. The General Secretary of the Maoist Party was killed along with 26 naxals by the Indian security forces during an anti-naxal operation on 21st May in the forests of Abujhmad in the Narayanpur district of Chhattisgarh.

“We send our condolences to all the workers, peasants and laborers of India, especially to the fighters and commanders of our sibling army PLGA. We respect the memory of the immortals and declare our eternal commitment to their struggle,” said the Maoist group in a video message.

TKP-ML, which is fighting the “people’s war” in Turkey, criticised the Indian government, describing it as “fascist Brahmanical Hindutva RSS-BJP Regime” for killing Basavaraju. “The fascist Brahmanical Hindutva RSS-BJP Regime is using fascist terrorism to defend the interests of large mining companies and multinational monopolies. Under the name of operations against Maoist guerrillas, it is massacring indigenous peoples who resist large mining companies and manipulating these operations by presenting everyone they killed as guerrillas,” said a masked Turkish Maoist terrorist reading out a message in the video.

The Maoist group hailed Basavaraju, who was responsible for orchestrating brutal attacks in which several politicians and security persons lost their lives, as a hero of the workers and the peasants. They said, “Throughout his entire life of struggle, Comrade Basavaraju worked for the liberation of the workers and peasants with a consciousness of fire and a will of steel. He dedicated his life to the freedom of the poor people living on the soil of India. He understood the revolution not only as a duty but as a way of life, and he brought the Indian revolution into existence in his own life.”

The Maoist terror group avowed to continue with the “struggle of the masses” and “to leap even further on the illuminated path of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism in the flowing struggle of the masses like a flood. The absolute victory of the People’s War will shine like a star in the skies of South Asia.”

India’s fight against Naxalism

The Indian government has resolved to uproot Naxalism from the country by March 2026. To achieve this end, the government has adopted an aggressive military approach to counter Naxal terrorism which entered its last phase under Operation Kagar which was launched by the government in January 2024.

Under the operation, around 1 lakh para-military troops, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), its elite CoBRA units, District Reserve Guards DRG), and state police, equipped with modern technology, have been deployed in the left-wing terrorism affected areas to completely uproot the naxal terrorism from its last remaining strongholds. Since the inception of the operation, the security forces have eliminated over 400 naxal terrorists so far while more than 800 Maoists have surrendered.

Kolkata police travel 1500 kms to arrest a 22 year old girl who spoke against Pakistan and in the process, “offended Muslims”

OpIndia Staff
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Kolkata police travel 1500 kms to arrest a 22 year old girl who spoke against Pakistan and in the process, “offended Muslims”

Two weeks after an online Muslim mob issued rape and death threats against a Hindu influencer named Sharmistha, the Kolkata police have arrested the victim on Friday (30th May).

Instead of chasing the Muslim social media users who doxxed and gave ‘Sar Tan se Juda’ threats to the Hindu influencer, the Mamata Banerjee’s police force have arrested Sharmistha instead.

The Kolkata police travelled 1500 km to Gurgaon to make this arrest possible. According to social media activist Sunaina Holey, the cops did not have proper documents or warrant. However, they were able to obtain a Magistrate order.

Screengrab of the tweet by Sunaina Holey

According to Sunaina Holey, the victim is currently in Kolkata and will be produced before a court at 12 pm on Saturday (31st May).

How Muslims hounded Hindu influencer Sharmistha

The controversy began on 14th May when a Pakistani Muslim handle attempted to whitewash the massacre of 24 Hindus during the Pahalgam terror attack. Islamic terrorists had confirmed religious identity of the victims before shooting them dead.

An enraged Sharmistha mocked the Pakistani Muslim handle for believing that India started a war without any reason and asked if she had heard of Pahalgam and other Pakistan-sponsored terror attacks.

Sharmishta further asked if Indian forces should just sit and do nothing about these terror attacks. The video was taken out of context by Pakistani and Indian Muslims alike to allege insult to Islam and Prophet Muhammad.

Screengrab of the rape and death threats issued to Sharmistha

Soon after, Muslims from both countries joined hands to issue rape, death and STSJ threats to the Hindu influencers. The Indian Muslim social media users began tagging the police, demanding her arrest.

Forced by circumstances, Sharmistha deleted her video and even tendered an unconditional apology. The Kolkata police, however, chose to travel 1500 km to Gurgaon to arrest the victim instead of those who issued rape and death threats.

From condoling Pakistan to backing India: How Colombia’s U-turn proves Indian diplomacy is working

OpIndia Staff
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From condoling Pakistan to backing India: How Colombia’s U-turn proves Indian diplomacy is working

On 30th May (local time), Colombia, which had earlier expressed condolences over Pakistani casualties during India’s Operation Sindoor, withdrew its controversial statement. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who is leading one of the all-party delegations to foreign nations, met senior Colombian officials and clarified India’s position on terrorism and self-defence. Following the meeting, Colombia not only withdrew the statement but is also set to issue a strong message of support for India.

Colombia’s earlier statement triggered disappointment

The Indian delegations are currently on a multi-nation diplomatic visit to several countries. The one led by Tharoor has reached Colombia in the Americas after stops in Panama and Guyana. Speaking from Bogota on Thursday, he had expressed “disappointment” over Colombia’s initial reaction, as it appeared to sympathise with Pakistan rather than acknowledge the Pahalgam terrorist attack that claimed the lives of 26 innocent Hindus in India.

Speaking to media in Bogota, Tharoor said, “We were a little disappointed in the reaction of the Colombian government, which apparently expressed heartfelt condolences on the loss of lives in Pakistan after the Indian strikes, rather than sympathising with the victims of terrorism.”

Firm rebuttal and facts shared by India made the difference

The Indian delegation, which included MPs from both Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress, laid out the sequence of events leading to India’s counter-terror strikes under Operation Sindoor. They highlighted that the airstrikes were in response to the Pahalgam attack and showed photographic evidence of Pakistani military officials attending funerals of killed terrorists during the operation.

Tharoor said, “There can be no equivalence between those who dispatch terrorists and those who resist them. We are only exercising our right of self-defence. If there is any misunderstanding, we are here to dispel it.”

Colombia now aligns with India’s position

Following the meeting with the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio, Tharoor confirmed that Colombia had withdrawn its earlier statement. He said, “We had some good news: they have withdrawn their statement that disappointed us earlier and will issue a statement of strong support for our position and understanding of our position.”

Speaking to ANI, the Vice Minister acknowledged that the Colombian side had gained a clearer understanding of the situation after a detailed explanation by the Indian delegation. She said, “we are very confident with the explanation that we received today and the detailed information that we now have regarding the real situation, the conflict, and what happened in Kashmir, we can also continue the dialogue.”

Diplomatic outreach gaining momentum

Speaking to media, former Ambassador and BJP leader Taranjit Singh Sandhu added that Colombia’s change of stance shows the value of face-to-face diplomatic engagement. He said, “The end result was that they are withdrawing one of the other statements which had come out and have promised and stated, actually quite clearly, on terrorism and the issue.”

BJP MP Shashank Mani noted Colombia’s history with terrorism and said the nation now better understands India’s position. He said, “It is notable that terrorism has affected Colombia as well. However, after a long struggle, Colombia is now a peaceful country. We have come here with a message of peace. We have clearly stated that we will give a fitting response to every terrorist attack, and when it is over, we want nothing but peace.”

After Colombia, the Indian delegation is headed to Brazil and the United States. Colombia, soon to be a member of the United Nations Security Council, now standing with India rather than Pakistan is being seen as a win for India’s focused and assertive diplomacy. It is also a strong reply to those who were questioning India’s decision to send all-party delegations to different countries to explain India’s position against terrorism and its sympathisers.

Mubarak Mansoori, who used to read ‘Islam and Sex’ and exploited Hindu women, portrayed as ‘Tantrik’: How long will Dainik Bhaskar distort facts to fits its narrative?

जयन्ती मिश्रा
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Mubarak Mansoori, who used to read ‘Islam and Sex’ and exploited Hindu women, portrayed as ‘Tantrik’: How long will Dainik Bhaskar distort facts to fits its narrative?

Manipulating words to create confusion in the minds of readers is an old trick in the media’s playbook. Most casual readers may never realize the psychological influence of the terminology being served to them. A glaring example is how the media routinely labels Muslim clerics or faith-healers as “tantriks”, “priests”, or “sadhus”—terms deeply associated with Hindu traditions—while concealing the actual identity of the accused. It’s a propaganda tool that’s been in use for years.

And it’s happening again.

Case in point: Dainik Bhaskar recently published a sensational report with the headline:
“40–50 women fall prey to tantrik in Mandsaur: Called husband insane, then sexually exploited them, village in panic.”

The man accused in the story is Mubarak Mansoori—not exactly the name one would associate with a Hindu tantrik. Locals report that in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, Mansoori lured 40–50 women to his den under the pretense of exorcisms and ritual healing. Once there, he drugged and sexually assaulted them, even recording the abuse.

During the police investigation, fake IDs and obscene literature were recovered from his premises. Among the books seized were titles like “Shaam-e-Karbala” and “Islam and Sex”—hardly something from a tantrik’s library. Yet the media chose to represent the story as if a Hindu mystic were the culprit.

Let’s look at the Bhaskar headline again. Any uninformed reader scanning that title would immediately picture a man with ash smeared on his forehead, chanting mantras before a fire—not someone named Mubarak Mansoori. But that’s the idea: plant a Hindu image in the reader’s mind while the truth is buried in the fine print.

This is not an isolated case. The mainstream media, consciously or not, runs an agenda—confusing and demonizing Hindu cultural symbols while covering up religious identity when the accused belongs to a different faith. If that means using misleading terms or omitting key details, so be it.

OpIndia has been flagging this issue since 2019. Time and again, we have pointed out that when a Muslim cleric performs similar rituals of healing or “black magic,” the media never labels them tantriks—even though their actions are functionally the same. Why the double standard?

And Dainik Bhaskar is no stranger to this game. Just three days before the Mandsaur story, they published another piece with the headline:
“Mubarak Mansoori became Hindu Tantrik in Garoth, arrested: Targeted Hindu women, was into occult practices for 10 years.”

Later, in a follow-up report, they themselves admitted—based on locals’ accounts—that Mubarak comes from a Muslim family that moved to the village 30 years ago. So even if we give them the benefit of the doubt and say the initial report was misinformed, shouldn’t the outlet correct the earlier headline now that the truth is known?

But this isn’t their first offense. When a minor was kidnapped and duped in Meerut, the accused was Rashid Khan, but the word tantrik still made it to the headline. In Sitapur, when an Islamic cleric named Ishtiyaq brutally burned a girl with incense sticks in a supposed healing ritual, the media still painted him as a tantrik. And again, in Sultanpur, when a maulvi defrauded a Hindu woman, the label tantrik was used.

The pattern hasn’t changed from 2019 to 2025. Crimes committed by individuals from other faiths are still misrepresented using terms associated with Hinduism. Even in translations, Christian priests are often called pūjāris, subtly transferring blame and stigma onto Hindu figures. And when questioned, these distortions are justified under the veneer of “Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb”—a façade of secular harmony that conveniently silences scrutiny.

The result? Readers are conditioned to associate heinous crimes like sexual exploitation and black magic not with the actual perpetrators, but with the Hindu identity the media implants in their minds.

DGCA grants one-time last and final approval to Indigo to extend lease agreement with Turkish Airlines for 2 Boeing 777s for 3 months

ANI
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DGCA grants one-time last and final approval to Indigo to extend lease agreement with Turkish Airlines for 2 Boeing 777s for 3 months

Indigo has been granted a one-time last and final extension of three months up to August 2025 for the “damp-leased” aircraft from Turkish Airlines, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said on Friday.

Indigo is operating two B777-300ER aircraft under a “damp lease” from Turkish Airlines, which was permitted till May 31, 2025.

Indigo had requested a further six-month extension, which the regulator did not agree to.

“However, in order to avoid passenger inconvenience due to immediate flight disruption, Indigo has been granted a one-time last and final extension of three months,” the DGCA said.

“This extension is based on the undertaking from the airline that they will terminate the damp lease with Turkish Airlines within this extension period, and shall not seek any further extension for these operations,” the DGCA added.

With one new aircraft joining the fleet every week throughout 2025-26, IndiGo anticipates surpassing a fleet size of 600 aircraft by 2030, the airline said on the network expansion front.

Additionally, the airline has signed an agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways for the damp lease of six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. Deliveries will be completed by early 2026, and the A350S are anticipated to arrive in 2027.

These additional aircraft strengthen the airline’s long-haul capabilities.

2025-26 will also be the year in which the long-range A321XLR joins IndiGo’s fleet, opening doors to new long-range international markets not previously connected directly to India.

Continuing IndiGo’s strategy of internationalisation, the airline is planning to add an impressive 10 new international destinations-in all directions from India- to its route network in the year to come, bringing it to over 50 international destinations.

It has already announced commencement of long-haul operations with non-stop, direct flights connecting Mumbai with Manchester and Amsterdam starting July 2025, respectively. As IndiGo’s fleet of damp leased B787s expands later this year, the airline is planning to expand its long-haul network to London and Copenhagen.

With the extended range capabilities of the A321XLR aircraft joining the IndiGo fleet, will allow to further build its European network with direct connectivity to markets where Athens is planned to be introduced over the course of the coming year.

The airline will continue to build on its strong regional international network, with four more Central Asian destinations being added. The airline will also re-activate services to Almaty and Tashkent with new non-stop services from Mumbai. Tbilisi will also see additional capacity with non-stop connectivity from Mumbai.

Direct flights to Siem Reap will be IndiGo’s foray in the India – Cambodia market, and yet another destination connected in Southeast Asia after the successful launch of services to Langkawi, Penang and Krabi last year. The airline will also add capacity to Denpasar Bali (Indonesia) as well as Ho Chi Mihn City and Hanoi in Vietnam.

In the domestic market, IndiGo plans to add four more stations to its network, increasing it from 91 to 95 destinations to literally every corner of the nation. IndiGo is all set to become the first airline to start operations at the Navi Mumbai International Airport and Noida International Airport in Jewar (serving both the Uttar Pradesh and Delhi catchment area).

In addition, IndiGo will launch flights to/from Adampur Airport in Jalandhar on July 1, 2025, and Hindon Airport in Ghaziabad in due course.

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

Supreme Court cancels bail to goons accused of attack and sexual assault on BJP member’s family during post-poll violence, calls it attack on democracy

OpIndia Staff
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Supreme Court cancels bail to goons accused of attack and sexual assault on BJP member’s family during post-poll violence, calls it attack on democracy

The Supreme Court on Thursday cancelled bail granted by the Calcutta High Court granting bail to five accused in a rioting and attempt to rape case during the post-poll violence in West Bengal. Accepting CBI’s appeal against the bail order, the apex court said that the allegations in the case were serious and had the effect of shaking the conscience of the Court.

The five accused,  Sekh Jamir, Sekh Nurai, Sekh Asraf alias Sk Rahul alia Asraf, Jayanta Dome and Sekh Kabirul, are accused of vandalizing the complainant’s house, assaulting him, and attempting to rape his wife for supporting BJP.

Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta noted that the attack on the complainant’s house by the accused was an act of vengeance for his political support for the BJP. The bench said, “we feel that the present one is a case wherein the allegations against the accused respondents are so grave that the same shake the conscience of the Court. Furthermore, there is an imminent propensity of the accused persons adversely affecting the proceedings of the trial”.

The court said that the Calcutta High Court erred in granting bail to the accused despite the gravity of the allegations and their alleged attempts to obstruct trial proceedings. It added that the allegations of sexual assault and communal targeting had the effect of undermining democratic foundations.

The bench further said, “The concerted attack on the complainant’s house was launched on the day of election results with the sole objective of wreaking vengeance because he had supported the saffron party. This is a grave circumstance which convinces us that the accused persons including the respondents herein were trying to terrorize the members of the opposite political party whom the accused respondents were supporting.”

The case was filed by a Hindu person from Gumsima village in West Bengal, who said that he and his family were attacked by a mob affiliated with the ruling Trinamool Congress party because he had campaigned for the BJP during the assembly elections. As per the complaint, around 40 to 50 armed people vandalised their house, looted valuables and sexually assaulted his wife on 2 May, 2021.

The FIR stated that the mob dragged his wife by her hair, undressed her and then molested her. In a desperate attempt to protect herself, she poured kerosene on her, threatening to immolate herself, after which the mod fled from the scene.

However, when the family later went to file a complaint with the police, the police refused to register FIR against the TMC goons. The cops instead advised them to leave the place for their safety. Later when Calcutta HC ordered CBI to register all such cases, FIR in this case was also registered by the central probe agency. The accused were arrested in November 2022, and a chargesheet was filed.

But they were granted bail by the high court in 2023, and this order was challenged by the CBI at the Supreme Court.

Cancelling the bail, the Supreme Court said that the fact that local police refused to register the FIR shows that the complainant is right that the accused have political influence in the area. Calling the assault on the family an attack on democracy, the court noted, “The reprehensible manner in which the incident was perpetrated shows the vengeful attitude of the accused persons and their avowed objective to subdue the supporters of the opposite party into submission by hook or by crook. The dastardly offence was nothing short of a grave attack on the roots of democracy.”

Delhi Court compounds defamation case against wrestler Bajrang Punia after he apologised to coach Naresh Dahiya for saying he is ‘rape accused’

ANI
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Delhi Court compounds defamation case against wrestler Bajrang Punia after he apologised to coach Naresh Dahiya for saying he is ‘rape accused’

Delhi’s Patiala House Court on Thursday compounded a defamation case against Olympic wrestler Bajrang Punia after his apology. Coach Naresh Dahiya filed the case against Punia. Metropolitan Magistrate Yashdeep Chahal compounded the matter on Thursday.

A detailed court order has yet to be uploaded. ” I tender my unconditional apology to Mr. Naresh Dahiya for the wrong and insensitive statement made by me against him during the press conference held at Jantar Mantar during the agitation, in public view,” the apology reads.

Advocate Rajesh Kumar Rexwal, along with advocates Ravinder Singh and Lovinder Chaudhary, is counsel for the complainant. Advocate Rexwal said that the matter has been compounded after Bajrang Punia gave his written apology.

Advocate Tushar Giri, counsel for Punia said that after tendering of apology, matter was settled between the parties and complaint was compounded.

Earlier, Punia was granted bail by the court after his physical appearance.

The Court on August 3, 2023, issued a summons to Olympic medalist wrestler Bajrang Punia.

Through a criminal defamation complaint, the complainant or Coach Naresh Dahiya, stated that during the protest at Jantar Mantar on May 10, 2023, Bajrang Punia made defamatory remarks against him in a press conference.

The Court had noted that, the relevant extracts reveal that the accused Bajrang Punia had referred a rape case ongoing against the complainant (Naresh Dahiya) in Tis Hazari Court.

The accused allegedly referred to the complainant by name and stated that the complainant has no credibility to oppose the protest as he was himself facing a rape case.

But during recording of statement complainant categorically deposed that he was acquitted in the said rape case in 2019 itself and the said fact was well known to the accused as well, who is a part of the same fraternity.

Metropolitan Magistrate Yashdeep Chahal, while issuing summons to Bajrang Punia, had said that on a consideration of the complaint, supporting documents and presummoning evidence, I am of the prima facie view that all the ingredients of defamation are made out.

He further said that the statement made in the press conference appeared to be malicious and not made in good faith. In view of the same, let the accused, Bajrang Punia, be summoned to commission an offence punishable under Section 499 read with Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code.

However, the Court clarified that at the stage of summoning, it is fairly settled that the Court is not required to conduct a comparative analysis of the possible defences that the accused may take.

It was submitted that the fact of acquittal was well known, and a malicious attack was made by the accused to tarnish the reputation and credibility of the complainant to dissuade him from supporting the WFI President in the protest.

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

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