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Palestine flag waved, stone-pelting, sword fights, gunfire and murder of a Hindu youth – Multiple Muharram processions across Bihar descend into chaos

OpIndia Staff
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Palestine flag waved, stone-pelting, sword fights, gunfire and murder of a Hindu youth – Multiple Muharram processions across Bihar descend into chaos

On 6th July, several incidents of violence and Islamic flag-waving occurred during Muharram processions across Bihar. In Jamui district, two separate flag-related controversies surfaced. In one viral video from Sonou block’s Paramathihana village, one Muslim man was seen waving a Pakistani flag while standing atop a DJ system during a Muharram procession. The incident sparked widespread outrage on social media. Reportedly, police personnel were present but failed to intervene.

Following the backlash, Sonou police station in-charge Dharmendra Kumar admitted that the flag was not noticed during the event. He assured that legal action will be taken after identifying the individual involved in waving the Pakistani flag.

In another incident from Jamui town, a Palestinian flag was waved in broad daylight during a similar Muharram procession. Though no violence was reported in this case, the matter has been taken up by the SDPO, who confirmed that an investigation is underway. Additional police force has been deployed in the district to avoid further tensions.

Hajipur violence turns procession into stampede-like chaos

In Hajipur of Vaishali district, communal tension escalated near Karbala on the morning of 7th July when an argument broke out over the display of sharp weapons during a Tajia procession. The dispute led to severe stone-pelting between two groups. Several persons were injured and a stampede-like situation formed at the site of the incident.

SDPO Subodh Kumar led the police response along with the SDM. He said in a statement that the situation was promptly brought under control. The injured were given first aid. He confirmed that the confrontation began over the provocative display of weapons and was not a premeditated clash. Further investigation in the matter is underway. Additional police personnel have been deployed in the sensitive areas.

Hindu man killed in East Champaran as tensions explode

A 22-year-old young man named Ajay Yadav was brutally murdered and two others were critically injured during a violent clash in East Champaran’s Menhasi block on the night of 6th July. The incident took place near Kothiya Bazar. There was already tension between the two communities in the region that escalated during the Muharram procession.

According to the police, a group of Muslim youths allegedly attacked the other side with sticks and stones. Two individuals have been detained so far. The authorities are trying to identify the remaining accused in the case using video evidence and eyewitness accounts. A flag march was conducted on the morning of 7th July. Internet services have been put under surveillance to prevent the spread of rumours.

Bhagalpur sees swords and gunfire in the streets

On the evening of 6th July, the Goradih area of Bhagalpur district turned into a warzone. Two groups clashed during a Muharram procession which began peacefully but soon turned into violent chaos involving sword fights, open gunfire, and massive stone-pelting.

According to the eyewitnesses, the procession passed through a neighbourhood with a history of communal tensions. One group provoked the other by hurling abuses and entering sensitive areas, which led to a full-blown confrontation.

Several people were injured. Mobile videos of gunshots and armed men went viral on social media. Several FIRs have been registered by the police on the complaint of both sides. Police have vowed strict action in the matter. A senior police officer told media, “We are analysing CCTV and mobile footage. The guilty will not be spared.”

Tensions in Lodipur and Navgachia

On 6th July, violence broke out in Ustu village of Lodipur during a Muharram procession, reportedly over a route disagreement. A Muslim group wanted to take the procession through a path passing close to the residential area where the other faction lived. When opposed, the argument escalated to gunfire and baton fights. Several people were injured.

Local police acted swiftly on receiving the information and rushed to the spot to restore order. Injured persons were taken to the nearby hospital. Meanwhile, in Navgachia’s Nhawanipur Balha area, stones were allegedly thrown from a mosque’s rooftop on the passing procession, in which several participants were injured. Senior individuals camped at both locations and additional forces were deployed.

Official response

Authorities across the affected districts have said that strict action will be taken against those involved in violence. Peace meetings between community elders were organised by the local authorities. Law enforcement agencies remained on high alert.

According to the Additional Chief Secretary, district administrations have been instructed to enhance pre-emptive intelligence gathering and ensure visible policing during all upcoming events.

Relentless attacks on journalists by Islamist mobs — 14 incidents exposed by OpIndia. Yet, the Editors Guild remains conveniently silent: Free speech only matters selectively?

Saumya Singh
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Relentless attacks on journalists by Islamist mobs — 14 incidents exposed by OpIndia. Yet, the Editors Guild remains conveniently silent: Free speech only matters selectively?


On July 4, All India News journalist Supriya Pathak and cameraman Shyam were brutally attacked by an Islamist mob in the Bengali colony of the Seemapuri area of ​​Delhi. The Burqa-clad women assaulted Supriya and pulled her hair, along with attacking the cameraman accompanying her.

This, however, is not the first time that Islamist mobs have attacked Hindu journalists. There have been numerous incidents wherein Muslim mobs assaulted Hindu journalists if their reporting centered on bringing up facts instead of peddling the Muslim victimhood narrative. OpIndia has compiled 14 such incidents.

All India News reporter Supriya and cameraman Shyam attacked by Muslim mob in Seemapuri

On Friday, 4th July 2025 evening, All India News reporter Supriya Pathak and her cameraman Shyam were brutally attacked by a Muslim mob in the Bengali settlement of the Seemapuri area of ​​Delhi. The attack took place when Supriya was reporting on the issue of illegal encroachment on government land and slums and her cameraman Shyam was holding the camera in front of a mosque near the Bengali market.

The Burqa-clad Muslim women pulled Supriya’s hair, and the mob assaulted both her and her cameraman Shyam with stones and belts. Supriya’s leg suffered a fracture in this attack. The attackers snatched the camera and mic along with Supriya’s phone and purse.

Muslim mob attacks Hindu woman journalist in Delhi

On Wednesday, 2 July 2025 in Delhi, a Hindu female journalist went to talk to some Muslims residing there illegally. In no time, a Muslim mob surrounded her and started beating her. The fundamentalists attacked the female journalist with stones while she was reporting. When she questioned their illegal stay there, the mob started threatening her with a knife.

Female journalist doing ground report from Jaipur’s Muslim-dominated area, gets threats and chased out

In Rajasthan’s Jaipur, a female journalist went to a Muslim-dominated area for reporting on 28th April 2025. The Muslim mob asked the female journalist to turn off the camera, and when she refused to do so, they threatened her and started chasing her out of the area.

Sudarshan News journalists attacked by pro-Waqf board mob in Delhi

On 17th March 2025, Muslim protesters were protesting against Waqf in Delhi. Like other media persons, journalists of Sudarshan News also asked questions about this to the Muslims gathered there. Since the Muslims interacting with the reporter could not answer, they resorted to what they are best at and attacked the journalists.

AmarUjala journalist attacked by Muslim mob in Haldwani, Nainital

On 8 February 2024, an administrative team reached Haldwani in Nainital to demolish the illegal mosque and madrassas built in Banbhulpura. Media personnel were also present there during this time. Miffed over the decision to demolish the mosque despite it being illegal, the local Muslims not only assaulted the administrative teams but also beat up journalists.

Ironically, these included journalists who had once published news in support of the same Islamists. Amar Ujala journalist Rajendra Singh Bisht was also injured in this attack. Not only this, Muslims also burnt down police stations and petrol pumps and tried to burn a policeman alive.

Hindu journalists were selectively attacked in Haldwani

In the February 2024 violence in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani, the rioting Muslims identified the police officials and the Hindu journalists reporting there and attacked them. Sanjay, a journalist at Amrit Vichar was also critically injured in this attack and was admitted to the ICU for several days.

Monis and Ehsaan chopped off the fingers of a journalist in Lucknow

In Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow, the renowned and courageous journalist Kavi Tiwari was ambushed by Mohammad Monis, Mohammad Ehsan and his companions on 29th April 2025. The Muslim assailants attacked Kavi Tiwari when he was going to the temple.

Tiwari suffered serious injuries in this sudden attack. The attackers stabbed him several times with a knife, due to which not only his fingers but also his face was badly cut.

Muslims stopped a woman journalist’s car for hours in Jharkhand

On 18 October 2024, journalist Archana reached Pakur in Jharkhand to report on illegal Rohingyas and Bangladeshis staying there. When her car was passing through Pakur, Muslims came close to Archana’s car and threatened her. Muslims stopped her car created a ruckus for a long time and prevented her from leaving. However, Archana somehow managed to save her life and get out of there.

Female journalist beaten up in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh

On 31 March 2024, in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, female journalist Archana Tiwari, who had gone to report after the death of Mukhtar Ansari, was attacked by a Muslim mob. During the reporting, the female journalist was also pushed and shoved by the local Muslims. Archana was also injured in this attack.

Dainik Jagran journalist attacked by Muslim mob

On 10 July 2024, Dainik Jagran journalist Amit was attacked with a sharp weapon by people of the Muslim community in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh. He suffered serious injuries in this. Amit somehow saved his life from the Muslim mob.

Muslim mob attacked Sudarshan News journalist

A journalist of Sudarshan News was reporting on 31 August 2023. Meanwhile, a Muslim man attacked him. Not only this, he also tried to run his car over the journalist. Due to this, the journalist fell to the ground.

Muslim mob attacks woman journalist who exposed cow slaughter in Karnataka

On 5 December 2020, a Muslim mob attacked a female journalist who exposed the truth of the illegal cow slaughter gang in Pension Mohalla of Hassan district in Karnataka. The burqa-clad women in the mob not only misbehaved with the female journalist but also threatened to kill her.

Republic TV journalist Pooja Prasanna attacked by a Muslim mob in Kerala

Republic TV journalist Pooja Prasanna was attacked by a Muslim mob while covering the Sabarimala temple on 17 October 2018 in Pathanamthitta, Kerala. Meanwhile, Islamic fundamentalists also tried to break the glass of Pooja Prasanna’s car.

India Today journalist attacked for reporting on illegal slaughterhouse in Karnataka

On 10 August 2018, while an India Today journalist was reporting on a raid against illegal slaughterhouses in Kodipalya village in Karnataka’s Ramnagar district, a Muslim mob attacked the journalist and the police team outside the slaughterhouse. After the raid, 71 calves were rescued and an FIR was registered against 7 accused.

There is an evident pattern that Islamists are following across the country and that pattern is to resort to violence to silence those voices, especially media voices, which do not align with their agenda. When journalists question them about any illegal construction and these Muslims do not have an answer, then they start deadly attacks to prevent the truth of their sinister intentions from coming out.

India to build 8 mega shipbuilding clusters, Modi govt’s ₹25000 crore maritime push taking shape along coastlines

Balendu Singh Angad
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India to build 8 mega shipbuilding clusters, Modi govt’s ₹25000 crore maritime push taking shape along coastlines

In a monumental stride towards making India a global maritime hub, the Modi government has unveiled plans to develop eight mega shipbuilding and repair clusters along India’s coastline. This ambitious initiative, central to India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 aims to propel the nation into the world’s top five shipbuilding powers by 2047, directly challenging the dominance of China, South Korea, and Japan in the $220 billion global market.

The Blueprint: Clusters, capacities, and coastal transformation

This project is a cornerstone of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. The blueprint includes five greenfield hubs in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, designed as integrated ecosystems for ship manufacturing, equipment production, and allied services.

Complementing these are three brownfield expansions at Vadinar and Kandla in Gujarat, and Cochin in Kerala, focusing on specialised ship repair and large vessel construction. Land with statutory clearances and road-rail connectivity has been secured, with state governments forming Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) to accelerate development.

Financial engine room: Policy, funds, and incentives

Fueling this vision is unprecedented financial backing. The Union Budget 2025-26 established a ₹25,000 crore ($3 billion) Maritime Devlopment Fund to finance infrastructure and ship acquisition, targeting ₹1.5 lakh crore ($18 billion) in sectoral investments by 2030. A revamped Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy (SBFAP 2.0) allocates ₹18,090 crore ($2.2 billion) for subsidies, including 30% support for green vessels.

The grant of infrastructure status for large ships is expected to reduce capital costs by 20-25%. A flagship ₹57,000 crore investment at Kandla Port featuring a VLCC shipyard for 320,000-tonne crude carriers epitomises the project’s scale.

Global partnerships: Technology transfer and market access

To bridge technology gaps, India is forging strategic global partnerships. South Korea’s HD Hyundai is finalizing a ₹10,000 crore joint venture with Cochin Shipyard in Tamil Nadu for container vessels. European collaborators like Norway’s Kongsberg Maritime and Denmark’s Maersk are advancing projects in smart ports and green shipping, while Japanese giants Imabari and Mitsubishi are being courted for green hybrid vessel projects in Andhra Pradesh.

Economic ripple effects: Jobs, trade, and security

Economically, the clusters promise transformative impact: India’s domestic shipbuilding market share is projected to surge from under 1% today to 7% by 2030 and 69% by 2047, creating 1.1 million direct and indirect jobs in allied industries. The newly launched Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL) will enhance trade resilience, reducing reliance on foreign vessels exposed during crises like Red Sea disruptions.

Sustainability Imperative: Green ports and corridors

Sustainability is woven into the plan, with ports like Kandla, Paradip in Odisha, and Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu pioneering green hydrogen bunkering. A pilot coastal corridor between Kandla and Tuticorin will showcase hydrogen/ammonia-powered vessels, while all major ports must deploy eco-friendly “green tugs” within three months.

Navigating challenges

Despite momentum, the Challenges still remain, including port capacity deficits. Port capacity must quadruple to 10 billion tonnes by 2047 to handle projected 6-7 billion tonne cargo flows. SBFAP 2.0 is giving subsidies to counter 15-20% higher building costs compared to Asian rivals, and execution speed. The Shipping Ministry’s “Chintan Shivir” aims to complete 150 maritime projects by September 2025 to maintain momentum.

The horizon ahead

As cranes rise over coastal Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, India’s shipbuilding gamble embodies a broader economic ambition. With ₹2 trillion already committed to maritime projects and global supply chains diversifying from China, these clusters could anchor India’s ascent as a $30 trillion economy by 2047.

“Ports are pivotal to our Aatmanirbhar Bharat journey,” declared Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. “We aim not just to build ships, but to craft a new industrial ecosystem”. If successfully executed, these shipyards may well become the engines propelling India from a maritime participant to a global maritime powerhouse.

Muharram violence: Muslim mob lynch a Hindu man in Motihari; temple attacked in Katihar

OpIndia Staff
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Muharram violence: Muslim mob lynch a Hindu man in Motihari; temple attacked in Katihar

Inter-communal tensions flared up in Bihar‘s two districts during the Muharram procession on Sunday, 6th July, as Katihar and Motihari witnessed violence. In both regions, clashes during Muharram processions took a serious turn, resulting in stone pelting, property damage, and even loss of life. 

Hindu man killed in Motihari

A Muslim mob assaulted and killed Ajay Yadav while clashing with a group of Hindus during the Muharram procession in Mehsi block on the outskirts of Kothia Bazaar of Motihari on Sunday night. As per reports, tension already existed between the two groups within the locality. In the course of the procession, a quarrel broke out that soon developed into a brutal fight. 

Members of the Muslim community allegedly attacked with swords and sticks, news reports said. Ajay Yadav was hit in the neck with a sword and died on the spot. Two other Hindu individuals were seriously injured and are receiving treatment at SKMCH Hospital in Muzaffarpur.

A local named Vipin Baitha had already reported to the police that there could be violence. However, the administration failed to take preventive measures, which has sparked controversy over the negligence of the police.

Police arrived on the scene after the incident and arrested two suspects. SDPO is camping there, and police are trying to arrest other accused individuals. High tension continues in Kothia and surrounding villages.

Extra forces are deployed, and police are also keeping a check on internet usage in order to prevent the circulation of rumours. Flag marches are being held in order to keep peace intact.

Stone pelting during Muharram procession in Katihar

In another shocking incident, an aggressive episode took place in Katihar’s Naya Tola locality on the afternoon of Sunday, 6th July, during the Muharram procession. According to reports, some individuals in the procession began showering stones on the Mahavir Mandir of Ward Numbers 34 and 35 of the Nagar police station area.

This occurred at approximately 2 PM as the procession was walking past the temple. The first floor of the temple was hit by stones, and the assailants attempted to break the idols. Windows of nearby houses were broken, and two motorcycles and an ATM were also shattered.

When the news of the attack broke out, the locals came in huge numbers, and panic started emerging. Top officials like District Magistrate Manish Kumar Meena and SP Vaibhav Kumar Sharma immediately reached the spot along with a strong police force. 

The locality has now been made a police zone to avoid any further clashes. Former Deputy CM Tarkishore Prasad and MLC Ashok Agarwal also reached the spot. Police assert the matter is in hand, and further investigation continues.

Muharram violence in Bihar: Darbhanga ASI Stabbed during procession, clashes in multiple districts

Shriti Sagar
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Muharram violence in Bihar: Darbhanga ASI Stabbed during procession, clashes in multiple districts

Violence erupted late at night on Saturday, 5th July, in Bihar’s Darbhanga district during a Muharram procession when a youth reportedly stabbed a police officer. The incident occurred at around 11 PM in Khajasarai area under the Laheriasarai police station.

The police said that a group of young men were creating the disturbance on the road in the Muharram procession. When the police attempted to stop, an argument broke out. During the chaos, Sub-Inspector Amit Kumar slipped on the road. Seizing the opportunity, the accused, Mohammad Rabbani, took out a knife from his pocket and stabbed the officer on his left thigh.

Despite the injury, the officer, along with other police staff, was able to catch the attacker. Rabbani was brought to the police station, and Amit Kumar was admitted to DMCH (Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital).

Shortly after Rabbani’s detention, relatives of Rabbani barricaded the Laheriasarai-Baheri road in protest. They set the tyres on fire and held a demonstration for nearly an hour. No residents, however, joined the protest. 

Senior officers, such as SDO Vikas Kumar, SDPO Rajiv Kumar, Cyber DSP Rahul Kumar, and SHOs of Laheriasarai, Bahadurpur, Benta, Kotwali, and other units, rushed to the place along with QRT and SSB teams.

While police managed to clear the road, some protesters hurled stones at police officials. SHO Amit Kumar escaped injury by a whisker. Police have assured that action will be taken under the law against the people who obstructed the road and caused unrest.

This act is an addition to a series of violent incidents reported in Bihar this year during Muharram.

In another incident in the Muzaffarpur district, two groups belonging to different communities fought during a procession in Gaurihar under the Bariyarpur police station area. Two were injured. SSP Sushil Kumar said the altercation began after a heated argument between the two groups. 

At the same time, a bus mishap during a Muharram procession in Vaishali district sparked mob fury. A Mahadev bus hit two people near Chikanota despite the driver honking repeatedly. In anger, people in the procession forced passengers out and set the bus on fire. The situation was controlled after Durga Shakti, an SDPO of Mahua, and local police rushed to the spot.

China used its embassies to undermine Rafale sales post Operation Sindoor: French intel agencies

OpIndia Staff
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China used its embassies to undermine Rafale sales post Operation Sindoor: French intel agencies

In a startling revelation that underscores the intensity of global geopolitical rivalry. French intelligence agencies have uncovered a coordinated Chinese campaign, using its embassies and diplomatic channels, to undermine the global reputation and sales of Dassault Aviation’s Rafale fighter jets following India’s high profile Operation Sindoor in May 2025. The revelations come as France’s flagship fighter faces a barrage of disinformation, much of it traced to Chinese diplomatic efforts and amplified by Pakistani narratives.

China’s disinformation offensive

According to French intelligence reports, Chinese defence attachés stationed in embassies worldwide spearheaded a targeted effort to dissuade countries especially those in Asia and Africa from purchasing or expanding orders of the Rafale. Countries like Indonesia, which had already signed contracts for the French jet, were specifically lobbied to reconsider their procurement plans in favor of Chinese-made aircraft. This campaign includes:

•Dissemination of manipulated images, AI-generated videos, and even video-game footage purporting to show downed Rafale jets.
•Social media operations designed to amplify doubts about the Rafale’s combat performance during the India-Pakistan conflict.
•Direct diplomatic pressure on countries considering Rafale purchases, promoting Chinese alternatives as superior.

Operation Sindoor and the Pakistani narrative

French intelligence sources also noted that Pakistan played a key role in reinforcing false narratives about the Rafale’s performance during Operation Sindoor. In the days following the operation, multiple Pakistani media outlets and social media influencers began circulating unverified claims that the Indian Air Force had lost at least two Rafales during the cross-border strikes despite no visual evidence, official acknowledgment, or satellite confirmation.

However, these claims have been robustly dismissed by both Indian officials and Dassault Aviation, the Rafale’s manufacturer. No independent evidence has emerged to substantiate Pakistan’s assertions, and Indian defence sources have labelled the narrative as baseless propaganda.

Air Marshal AK Bharti, speaking after Operation Sindoor, declined to confirm any Rafale losses, while Dassault CEO Eric Trappier categorically called the claims “inaccurate,” reaffirming the fighter’s reliability and effectiveness. Defence analysts in India and France have similarly pointed to the absence of verifiable proof supporting Pakistan’s statements.

A coordinated China-Pakistan strategy?

French officials believe Pakistan’s rapid push to publicise unverified claims of Rafale losses may have been an extension of China’s broader strategy to erode confidence in the French jet and promote Chinese military exports. The timing and scale of the information campaign combining diplomatic, media, and online tactics suggest a coordinated effort to shift the regional arms balance and diminish France’s growing defence ties in Asia.

French responce

Paris has strongly rejected the disinformation, emphasising the Rafale’s proven combat record and strategic value. French authorities see the campaign as a direct challenge to France’s defence industry and its role as a security partner in the Indo-Pacific. China, for its part, has denied the allegations, calling them “groundless rumours and slander”.

The episode highlights the growing use of information warfare and diplomatic influence in the global arms market, as major powers vie for both commercial and strategic advantage.

Conclusion

As India and France deepen their military partnership in the Indo-Pacific, the fallout from Operation Sindoor continues to echo. With Beijing accused of turning diplomacy into a tool of disinformation and Islamabad amplifying those narratives, the battle over the Rafale has moved from the skies to the shadows where perception is power, and the truth must fly faster than the lies.

Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind approaches multiple HCs to stop the release of Udaipur Files, movie based on murder of Kanhaiya Lal: Read how this outfit has a history of defending Islamic terrorists

OpIndia Staff
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Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind approaches multiple HCs to stop the release of Udaipur Files, movie based on murder of Kanhaiya Lal: Read how this outfit has a history of defending Islamic terrorists

On Saturday (5th July), the President of the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, Arshad Madani, stirred the hornet’s nest after he informed that the Islamic outfit had filed petitions in several High Courts to prevent the release of the movie ‘Udaipur Files Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder.’

The movie is based on the gruesome killing of Kanhaiya Lal, a tailor in Udaipur, on 28th June 2022 by Islamic terrorists Muhammad Riyaz Attari and Muhammad Ghaus. Lal had extended support to former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma in the aftermath of so-called ‘blasphemy’ allegations against her.

Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, which has a history of protecting terrorists, objected to a movie based on the life of Kanhaiya Lal and his eventual murder by two Islamic terrorists. It has approached the High Courts of Delhi, Gujarat and Maharashtra to stop the release of ‘Udaipur Files Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder.’

Screengrab of the tweet by Arshad Madani

The development was confirmed by the President of the Islamic outfit, Arshad Madani. He also dog-whistled against the makers of the ‘Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder’, claiming that ‘the film’ carried ‘blasphemous’ remarks about Prophet Muhammad.

“The film’s trailer includes the controversial statement made by Nupur Sharma, which had not only set the entire country on fire but also caused adverse impact on the friendly relations of our country with other nations – damaging the image of our great nation at the global stage, and then forced the BJP to expel her from the party,” Madani brazened out.

He also made veiled threats about Muslims unleashing mayhem and creating a law and order crisis across the country if the film is released.

Arshad Madani remarked, “The trailer presents objectionable remarks against the Prophet of Islam ﷺ and his holy wives, which could disturb peace and public order in the country. The film portrays Deoband as a hub of extremism and uses extremely inflammatory language against its scholars (Ulama).“

He claimed that the film maligned the Muslim community and promoted hatred. The Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind President also whined about references made in the film about the Gyanvapi Mosque, an illegal structure built on the Vishweshwar temple.

“Such content is a violation of the fundamental rights granted under Articles 14, 15, and 21 of the Indian Constitution,” Arshad Madani concluded.

Udaipur Files: What we know about it

The ‘Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder’ is set to hit the theatres on Friday (11th July). The movie features actor Vijay Raaz in the lead role.

Other actors including Rajneesh Duggal, Preeti Jhangiani, Kamlesh Sawant, Kanchi Singh, Mushtaq Khan are part of the film.

Bharat S Shrinate is the director and writer of the film, which is based on the murder of Udaipur tailor Kanhaiya Lal. The producer is Amit Jani, and the distributor is Reliance Entertainment.

Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind and its history of defending Islamic terrorists

Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind has a history of providing ‘legal services’ to Islamic terrorists. The legal cell, set up by Arshad Madani in 2007, takes up the cases and enlists lawyers to defend the terror accused in the courts.

According to a New Indian Express report, the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind has offered its services to around 700 accused. What is worrying about such interventions is that they have been able to get acquittals of at least 192 terror accused since 2007.

Most of the acquittals have not come because they were found innocent; instead, they were being released due to technicality or lack of evidence or because of the poor investigation by the police.

The 7/11 Mumbai train blasts, the 2006 Malegaon blasts and the Aurangabad Arms cases were some of the initial cases that were taken up by the JUH legal cell. Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind had also defended the accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case, the 2011 Mumbai triple blasts case, Mulund blast case, Gateway of India blasts case.

On its website, the JUH has listed the terror-related cases it is fighting on behalf of the accused Muslims.

In 2013, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind had provided free legal aid to Indian Mujahedeen terrorist Mirza Himayat Baig, who was accused in the German Bakery bomb blast case. The Indian Mujahideen terrorist was sentenced to death by a Pune court on April 18, 2013, along with co-accused Yasin Bhatkal.

Some of the other cases in which Jamiat has come forward to provide legal aid to terror-accused:

  • Lashkar Connection Case (Abdul Rahman V/s State SLP)
  • ISIS conspiracy case Kochi (State of Kerala v/s Arshi Qureshi & others)
  • ISIS conspiracy case Mumbai (Arshi Qurashi & others v/s State of Maharashtra)
  • ISIS conspiracy case (State of Rajasthan v/s Sirajuddin)
  • 26/11 Mumbai attack case (Syed Zabiuddin v/s State of Maharashtra)
  • Chinnaswamy Stadium Bomb Blast Case (State V/s Qatil Siddiqui and others)
  • Jungli Maharaj Road Pune Bomb blast case (A.T.S. v/s Asad Khan & others)
  • Indian Mujahideen Case (Maharashtra VS Afzal Usmani & others)
  • Zaveri Bazar Serial Blast (State v/s Azaz Shaikh and others)
  • SIMI conspiracy case (Madhya Pradesh) State V/S Irfan Muchale & others)
  • Jama Masjid Blast Case (Delhi State V/s Qateel Siddqui Others)
  • Indian Mujahideen conspiracy case (State vs. Yasin Bhatkal & others) Ahmedabad Serial Blast Case 2008 (State V/s Jahid & Others)

In addition to supporting the terror-accused, the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind had recently stoked a controversy by extending all possible legal and financial aid to the killers of Hindu leader Kamlesh Tiwari, who was brutally assassinated in his office in Lucknow.

The Jamiat had said that it is willing to bear all the legal costs and had also offered the head of their legal cell to defend the five accused in the Kamlesh Tiwari murder.

In June 2021, the Deoband-based organisation had also deputed its lawyers to defend alleged Al-Qaeda terrorists in Uttar Pradesh. The organisation had declared that it would provide legal assistance to the two terror suspects.

In February 2022, it came to the rescue of 49 terrorists, who were convicted for planning and executing 21 bomb blasts in Ahmedabad that killed nearly 56 innocent people.

Well, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind has every right to defend convicts and accused that it perceives were implicated on false charges.

However, when it jumps to the rescue of those charged with terrorism, including convicts who have a watertight case against them, it is essentially sending a message to all radical elements that no matter what, they will continue to support them regardless of their culpability.

Mann govt to introduce new sacrilege bill in Punjab: Protecting faith or legitimising violent fanatics who lynch and harass people over dubious allegations

Anurag
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Mann govt to introduce new sacrilege bill in Punjab: Protecting faith or legitimising violent fanatics who lynch and harass people over dubious allegations

On the surface, an anti-sacrilege bill may appear to be a step to protect religious sentiments. However, when such bills are examined more closely, they open a dangerous legal doorway to embolden vigilantes, legitimise mob violence, and erode the constitutional framework of justice and due process. On 5th July, the Chief Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann, met representatives of the Sarb Dharam Beadbi Rokko Kanoon Morcha during which he announced that a new bill would be introduced in the Punjab Assembly against sacrilege.

The bill proposes life imprisonment and potentially even the death penalty for those accused of desecrating religious scriptures, which include the Guru Granth Sahib, Quran, Bible and Bhagavad Gita. In a statement, Mann argued that the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) is silent on scripture desecration and hence it is necessary to bring a special state law. Notably, two such bills have been pending since 2018 for the President’s approval.

Mann has called a special session of the Punjab Assembly on 10th and 11th July to table the bill. The Cabinet is expected to clear the bill before the session. Sacrilege is a major political issue in the state of Punjab, and by reviving it, Mann has set foot on a slippery slope.

Pakistan’s blasphemy model – a cautionary tale

While Punjab is looking at a possible anti-sacrilege act, provided the Mann government manages to get approval from the President, it has to be noted that such acts have far-reaching consequences. Pakistan is a textbook example of what happens when a state writes laws on religion not as protection, but as punishment.

Pakistan’s blasphemy laws are based on colonial laws which were later Islamised by Zia-ul-Haq in the 1980s. Sections 295 to 298 of the Pakistan Penal Code or PPC deal with so-called blasphemy. While the laws are supposed to protect religious sentiments, misuse of the laws has led to a wave of lynchings, murders, and wrongful imprisonments, most often without evidence. These laws have been used to settle personal vendettas as well.

For instance, in Pakistan’s Sialkot in 2021, a Sri Lankan factory manager, Priyantha Kumara, was lynched and set ablaze by a mob for allegedly tearing a poster with Quranic verses. The allegations were later found to be baseless.

In 2023, over 20 churches and dozens of Christian homes were torched following an unverified claim that pages of the Quran were desecrated.

In May 2024, a Christian man was stoned to death by a mob for allegedly desecrating the Quran in Sargodha. His family insisted he was mentally unstable.

In all the cases, there was no due process, no proof, and just an accusation that led to an unfortunate death. Human rights groups, though sounding like a joke when it comes to Pakistan, have repeatedly called for the repeal of these laws. Pakistan’s own HRCP has called for the same. However, the damage caused by such laws has been institutionalised.

India is not far behind – mob justice over “hurt sentiments”

India too has witnessed disturbing incidents that reflect a similar pattern. Over the last decade, several people have been assaulted, killed, or harassed over unverified claims of sacrilege or disrespect to religion. With this new bill, the state of Punjab risks formalising this outrage culture.

For instance, in December 2021, a man was lynched inside the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar for allegedly attempting sacrilege. No legal process was followed. The mob acted as judge, jury and executioner.

In the same month, just days after the Golden Temple incident, another man was killed by a mob on mere suspicion of sacrilege in Kapurthala. Later, the police confirmed that no desecration had occurred. Yet, the man was already dead.

A labourer was killed by Nihang Sikhs at the Singhu border during the farmer protests in October 2021, claiming the man attempted sacrilege. His mutilated dead body was hung at the border as a warning to others.

Similar cases have happened in other states as well. For example, in June 2022, tailor Kanhaiya Lal was brutally murdered by radical Islamists for a social media post. His killers filmed the act and justified it as “blasphemy revenge”.

In all the cases, the lynching occured without concrete evidence. The mob acted before the law could take its course. Imagine a legal system that now gives these mobs the power to claim legitimacy through legislation. This opens the possibility that individuals may face severe punishment, including life imprisonment or even death, based on mere accusations

Dangerously vague definitions, dangerous implications

The real problem with such laws is not just in their intent. The issue is how they are defined and enforced. How does the law or the people enforcing it define “sacrilege”? Is tearing a religious book blasphemy? Can quoting scriptures in a debate lead to a complaint under the new law? Is drawing cartoons going to become a blasphemy act, or will posting memes fall under the purview?

When laws are not clear and well-defined or have loopholes, vagueness becomes a weapon. There is no technological or forensic method to prove someone’s intent, whether complainant or accused, in these cases. When sentiments run high, facts become irrelevant. It becomes all too easy for a neighbour, business rival, or a political opponent to level an accusation and let the mob or the police handle the rest. The case may go on for years, even decades, while the accused, even if he or she has done nothing, will live looking over the shoulder for the rest of their life.

Constitutional clash – a state law against a secular spirit

While the Mann government insists the matter lies in the Concurrent List, which gives states the right to legislate, the bill, if it becomes law, will possibly be in violation of Articles 14 (equality), 19 (free speech), and 21 (right to life) of the Constitution of India.

Moreover, BNS Sections 298 and 299 already deal with religious insults. Under these two sections, jail terms of up to two and three years have been prescribed respectively. It reflects a balanced approach. However, the proposed Punjab bill seeks capital punishment. This disproportionate leap raises fundamental legal questions.

If passed, it may be challenged in the courts. However, it will set a precedent for other states to follow, which they may do out of compulsion of vote bank politics.

Conclusion

CM Mann claimed his bill protects the faithful. However, it is the citizens who need protection first. The Punjab government is reviving the dangerous idea of criminalising “hurt sentiments”. So far, there is no clarity if it is going to be a blanket law or will have watertight definitions.

Punjab, a state under extreme financial burden, needs investment in education, de-radicalisation, police reforms, and fast-track courts for real crimes. There is no need to empower the vigilantes with legal muscle.

There is no need for another headline “accused of sacrilege, lynched by mob”. Justice must not be buried. The state must not surrender to populist pressures or allow legal systems to be shaped by emotion over evidence.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh inaugurates Phenome India ‘National Biobank’ and India’s own Longitudinal Population Data study, says personalised treatment regimens will be reality in future

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Union Minister Jitendra Singh inaugurates Phenome India ‘National Biobank’ and India’s own Longitudinal Population Data study, says personalised treatment regimens will be reality in future

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Vice President of CSIR, Dr. Jitendra Singh, inaugurated the state-of-the-art Phenome India “National Biobank” at the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) in the capital today.

The newly launched facility marks a significant stride towards building India’s own longitudinal health database and enabling personalised treatment regimens in future.

The Biobank will serve as the backbone of a nationwide cohort study, collecting comprehensive genomic, lifestyle, and clinical data from 10,000 individuals across India. Drawing inspiration from the UK Biobank model, the Indian version is tailored to capture the country’s unique diversity—across geography, ethnicity, and socio-economic backgrounds. Researchers believe the initiative will aid early diagnosis, improve therapeutic targeting, and bolster the fight against complex diseases such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular ailments, and rare genetic disorders.

“Today, we hold the promise of a future where every Indian may receive individualised treatment tailored to their genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environment,” Dr. Jitendra Singh said while addressing the scientists and researchers at IGIB. “This transition to personalised healthcare is no longer theoretical—it is becoming reality, driven by indigenous innovations.”

Reflecting on the unique health challenges faced by Indians, Dr. Jitendra Singh noted the high prevalence of central obesity, a risk factor often underestimated. He highlighted past research showing that seemingly lean Indians may carry disproportionate fat around their waist, underlining the need for population-specific health strategies. “Our conditions are complex and deeply heterogeneous. This is where the Biobank becomes vital—it allows us to decode that complexity,” he said.

The Minister emphasised that India’s scientific landscape is evolving rapidly, citing recent advances in quantum technology, CRISPR-based genome editing, and the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). “India is no longer lagging behind—we are among the early adopters, sometimes even ahead,” he said. The Biobank, he added, will complement these efforts by generating the kind of high-resolution data that can power AI-driven diagnostics and gene-guided therapies.

Dr. Jitendra Singh also called for deeper collaboration between research institutions, government departments like the Department of Biotechnology, and industry partners, particularly in areas such as AMR and drug development. “Research must extend beyond the lab—it must find takers in the market and beneficiaries in society,” he noted.

The Phenome India Project, under which the Biobank has been launched, is designed to be a long-term, data-rich study tracking the health trajectories of individuals over several years. It will help scientists uncover disease patterns, gene-environment interactions, and response to therapies—all within the Indian context.

Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR and Secretary, DSIR, commended the launch of the Biobank as a bold step toward India’s self-reliance in healthcare data. Describing the initiative as a “baby step” with the potential to evolve into a global benchmark, she noted that the diversity and depth of the Indian cohort data could one day rival or even surpass global counterparts like the UK Biobank. Dr. Kalaiselvi highlighted CSIR’s holistic efforts in areas like sickle cell anaemia through indigenous CRISPR-based therapies, affordable diagnostics, and collaborative interventions with tribal communities, while urging IGIB scientists to continue setting national examples in data-driven, people-centric research.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Souvik Maiti, Director of CSIR-IGIB, reflected on the institute’s pioneering role in genomics over the past two decades. “We were the first institute in India to begin decoding the human genome at a time when sequencing tools were practically non-existent,” he said. Highlighting achievements such as the development of over 300 genetic diagnostics for rare disorders, extensive work on COVID-19 genome sequencing, and the launch of India’s first drug genome project, he emphasised IGIB’s mission of using global technologies to solve local health challenges. Dr. Maiti also pointed to ongoing work on women-centric studies, breast cancer genomics, and the development of indigenous CRISPR-based therapies for sickle cell disease, adding that IGIB’s research now extends to domains like space biology and AI-based pilot fitness assessments in collaboration with the Indian Air Force.

BRICS nations voice serious concerns about unilateral imposition of tariffs and non-tariff measures by US violating WTO rules, issue joint statement at Rio de Janeiro summit

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BRICS nations voice serious concerns about unilateral imposition of tariffs and non-tariff measures by US violating WTO rules, issue joint statement at Rio de Janeiro summit

The Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) of the BRICS nations have voiced “serious concerns” about the unilateral imposition of tariffs and non-tariff measures, in apparent reference to the US, which they deemed inconsistent with World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules.

In a joint statement following their first meeting under Brazil’s chairmanship on Saturday, the Group emphasised the resilience of the BRICS nations–Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa–along with new members in the face of these challenges and pledged to safeguard a non-discriminatory, open, fair, inclusive, equitable, and rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, underscoring a collective commitment to global economic stability.

“The global economy and financial markets have increasingly been subject to elevated uncertainty and bouts of intense volatility. We voiced our serious concerns with the unilateral imposition of trade- and finance-related actions, including the raising of tariffs and non-tariff measures, which distort trade and are inconsistent with World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules,” the statement read.

“In this testing environment, BRICS members have demonstrated resilience and will continue to cooperate among themselves and with other countries to safeguard and strengthen the nondiscriminatory, open, fair, inclusive, equitable, transparent, and rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, avoiding trade wars that could plunge the global economy into recession or further prolong subdued growth,” it added.

The statement from the BRICS members comes amidst a challenging global economic context marked by heightened uncertainty and volatility, as the deadline date of the 90-day pause on reciprocal tariff escalations announced by US President Donald Trump approaches, after the initial announcement of these punitive measures on April 2. The 90-day pause in reciprocal tariffs ends on July 9.

Under current inflationary conditions, the ministers reaffirmed their dedication to central banks’ price stability mandates, confident that responsible monetary policies benefit all stakeholders.

“Collectively, we will continue to pursue constructive and active engagement in international financial institutions and a rules-based multilateral trading system to meet the needs of developing countries and advance intra-BRICS cooperation to further the development and resilience of our economies,” they stated.

The statement also addressed the need to de-escalate trade tensions, promote balanced global growth, and foster inclusive economic globalisation.

“We will cooperate to facilitate the de-escalation of trade tensions, including by reinforcing solidarity and promoting strong, sustainable, and more balanced global growth, fostering a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation,” it noted.

Additionally, the BRICS nations committed to enhancing coordination between debtors and creditors to address debt issues in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs) from a development perspective, ensuring fair and constructive solutions.

In their joint statement, BRICS member nations have called on advanced economies and the international financial system to provide “substantial” finance for climate mitigation in developing economies.

“…We call on advanced economies and other relevant actors in the international financial system as well as the private sector to provide substantial finance for climate actions in developing countries, including by expanding concessional finance and increasing private capital mobilization,” Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of the BRICS countries have said in a joint statement Sunday, just ahead of the Summit.

“Given the significant adaptation needs of EMDEs (Emerging Market and Developing Economies), we call on international financial institutions to scale up support for adaptation and to help create an enabling environment that encourages greater private sector participation in mitigation efforts,” the joint statement continued.

BRICS members acknowledge the need to address structural challenges stemming from climate change and energy transitions, biodiversity and nature conservation, among others.

“We reaffirm that predictable, equitable, accessible, and affordable climate finance is indispensable for just transitions, in line with country circumstances and development priorities, and for meeting the goals of the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement,” the joint statement read.

India, a BRICS member, has always been vocal about climate finance arrangements, primarily from the developed countries that are huge carbon emitters. India continued to be vocal about the need for adequate finance, particularly for the Global South.

Climate finance typically refers to any financing that seeks to support mitigation and adaptation actions that will address climate change.

Developing countries have been of the view that developed nations bear a greater historical responsibility for emissions and should take the lead in mitigation and finance.

(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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