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From demolishing terrorists’ houses to detaining terror sympathisers: How Indian Security Forces have launched a major crackdown on terror

OpIndia Staff
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From demolishing terrorists’ houses to detaining terror sympathisers: How Indian Security Forces have launched a major crackdown on terror

On 22nd April 2025, terrorists affiliated with The Resistance Force (TRF), which is an offshoot of Pakistan-based Islamic terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, orchestrated the deadly Pahalgam attack that claimed the lives of 27 Hindus. Following the deadly attack, Indian security forces have launched a massive and coordinated crackdown on terrorists and their sympathisers across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Following India’s strong response, even TRF took a U-turn denying involvement after officially claiming responsibility.

According to media reports, security agencies have intensified combing operations in the forests surrounding Pahalgam. Simultaneously, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have expanded their crackdown on suspected terror sympathisers across the Valley.

Reportedly, Union Home Minister Amit Shah gave directions to the agencies to take stringent measures to root out terrorists and dismantle their support networks in J&K. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been tasked with the investigation of the Pahalgam terrorist attack and has filed a fresh FIR. The agency recreated the crime scene with the help of eyewitnesses and recorded their statements.

Furthermore, combing operations are being jointly carried out by multiple agencies including local police, the Indian Army and paramilitary forces. Speaking to media, a senior police official said, “The searches have been going on for the last three days. The forces are moving slowly and cautiously from different directions.”

Notably, the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam, where the attack took place, is connected by dense forests to Kokernag in the south, Kishtwar forests in the southwest, Sonamarg and the Amarnath cave shrine in the north, and Tral and Dachigam National Park in the northwest. The Dachigam National Park further connects to Srinagar. On the other hand, Kishtwar forests connect to Doda and other areas of Jammu. The location and surroundings make it one of the most difficult regions for combing operations because of the dense flora and fauna in all directions.

Demolition of houses belonging to terrorists and their associates

The central government and security agencies are not in the mood to show any leniency to terrorists and terror sympathisers in the wake of the recent attack. Reportedly, authorities have demolished at least nine residences linked to active terrorists and their associates in the past 72 hours. Controlled explosions were used to carry out the demolitions.

On the night of 24th April, the house of Aadil Ahmad Thoker in Bijbehara, Anantnag, was demolished. On the same night, the house of Asif Ahmad Sheikh in Tral, Pulwama, was demolished. Thoker has been named as one of the three terrorists involved in the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Sheikh’s involvement is under investigation.

On the night of 25th April, the house of Ehsan-ul Haq in Muran, Pulwama, was demolished. Furthermore, the houses of Shahid Ahmad Kuttay in Chotipora, Shopian, and Zakir Ahmad Ganie in Matalhama, Kulgam, were demolished. According to the official sources quoted by Economic Times, Ehsan-ul Haq was trained in Pakistan in 2018. He recently infiltrated into the Valley. Shahid is a top LeT commander and had been active for three to four years. Zakir has been active since 2023 and was under surveillance for multiple terror-related activities.

Source: Kashmir Observer

The residence of Farooq Ahmad Tedwa in Kalaroos, Kupwara, has also been demolished. Tedwa crossed over to Pakistan in 1990. Another terrorist whose house was demolished was Jameel Ahmed Sheer Gojri. He has been active since 2016 from Naaz Colony, Bandipora. Amir Nazir Wani, a Jaish-e-Mohammed affiliate from Khasipora, Tral, also faced the heat for his involvement in terrorist activities. He had joined terrorist activities in 2024.

Large-scale detentions and raids across Kashmir

Apart from the demolitions, J&K Police initiated a crackdown on the network of the suspected terrorist sympathisers in the Valley. Around 2,000 people have been detained by the police in the past four days from different regions. In Srinagar district alone, police conducted raids at over 60 locations. A woman was among the detained suspected terrorist sympathisers.

In a statement, the police said, “This decisive action of J&K Police aims to dismantle the terrorist ecosystem by identifying and taking legal action against individuals engaged in such anti-national and criminal activities.”

The reports further stated that the raids have been focused on seizing weapons, documents, digital devices and other materials to aid evidence collection and intelligence gathering.

In Anantnag district of south Kashmir, 175 suspects were detained by the police for questioning. The police have increased cordon and search operations in the district using mobile vehicle checkpoints set up across key routes. Officials confirmed that search operations have been happening day and night, specifically in and around high-density forest areas.

Clashes during operations and casualties

During one such operation in Bandipora district, terrorists opened fire at a police team who had taken an alleged overground worker (OGW), Altaf Lalli, to point out a hideout in Kulnar. Lalli was shot dead in the firing. Two police personnel were injured. Terrorists managed to escape.

The Srinagar Police stated, “Any individual found furthering the agenda of violence, disruption, or unlawful activities will face strict legal consequences under the law.”

Ongoing efforts to dismantle the terror ecosystem

The aggressive pursuit of known terrorist associates and sympathisers across the Valley is underway to avoid any further attacks similar to Pahalgam. Speaking to media, a J&K Police spokesperson said, “In its relentless efforts to dismantle the terrorist ecosystem, Srinagar Police conducted searches across the length and breadth of the city at the residences of OGWs and terrorist associates involved in cases registered under UAPA.”

Escalation along the Line of Control

Amid the crackdown in Kashmir, tensions along the Line of Control have escalated. According to media reports, Pakistani posts carried out unprovoked small arms firing for a second consecutive night. Indian troops responded appropriately. No casualties were reported. Furthermore, the Pakistan military has been put on high alert after Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that the terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack would be pursued “to the end of the earth”.

Earth-like exoplanets common across the cosmos: Astronomers reveal after a study

ANI
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Earth-like exoplanets common across the cosmos: Astronomers reveal after a study

Astronomers have discovered that super-Earth exoplanets are more common across the universe than previously thought.

While it can be relatively easy to locate worlds that orbit close to their star, planets with wider paths can be difficult to detect.

Still, researchers estimated that for every three stars, there should be at least one super-Earth present with a Jupiter-like orbital period, suggesting these massive worlds are extremely prevalent across the universe.

Using the Korea Microlensing Telescope Network (KMTNet), an international team of researchers has discovered that super-Earth exoplanets are more common across the universe than previously thought, according to a new study.

By studying light anomalies made by the newly found planet’s host star and combining their results with a larger sample from a KMTNet microlensing survey, the team found that super-Earths can exist as far from their host star as our gas giants are from the sun, said Andrew Gould, co-author of the study and professor emeritus of astronomy at The Ohio State University.

“Scientists knew there were more small planets than big planets, but in this study, we were able to show that within this overall pattern, there are excesses and deficits,” he said. “It’s very interesting.”

While it can be relatively easy to locate worlds that orbit close to their star, planets with wider paths can be difficult to detect.

Still, researchers further estimated that for every three stars, there should be at least one super-Earth present with a Jupiter-like orbital period, suggesting these massive worlds are extremely prevalent across the universe, said Gould, whose early theoretical research helped develop the field of planetary microlensing.

The findings in this study were made via microlensing, an observational effect that occurs when the presence of mass warps the fabric of space-time to a detectable degree.

When a foreground object, such as a star or planet, passes between an observer and a more distant star, light is curved from the source, causing an apparent increase in the object’s brightness that can last anywhere from a few hours to several months. 

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

YouTuber Ravish Kumar gets rattled after India suspends Indus Water Treaty, cries about BJP using water as ‘weapon’ against Pakistan

OpIndia Staff
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YouTuber Ravish Kumar gets rattled after India suspends Indus Water Treaty, cries about BJP using water as ‘weapon’ against Pakistan

The suspension of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) by India as retaliation against Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack seems to have rattled YouTuber Ravish Kumar.

Visibly disturbed by India’s decision to stop the water of rivers flowing into Pakistan, Kumar posted a video on YouTube questioning the BJP for taking the decision.

In the video, Kumar questioned the capability of the Indian government to stop the water flowing into Pakistan. He alleged that the BJP was using water as a weapon against Pakistan.

Accusing the government of playing to the gallery and fooling people, Kumar mockingly remarked, “You can stop the water of six rivers, who gets to decide that? Nature or Modi’s ministers.”

In his more than half an hour long rant video, Kumar claimed that it was not at all possible for India to stop the flow of rivers into Pakistan. He alleged that the Modi government is misleading people by announcing to suspend the Indus Water Treaty.

Notably, after announcing the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, India stopped the water of the river Chenab into Pakistan.

India halted the water of the river at the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Plant and the Salal Hydroelectric Power Station.

India suspends the Indus Water Treaty (IWT)

As a retaliatory measure against Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 Hindu tourists were gunned down in cold blood by Islamic terrorists, India suspended the Indus Water Treaty on 23rd April 2025.

The IWT, signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, allowed Pakistan to use around 80% water of the rivers of the Indus River System. The Indus River System has six rivers categorised as Eastern rivers and Western rivers.

Under the Treaty, India was allowed to use the water of Eastern rivers, namely, Ravi (originating in Himachal Pradesh), Beas (flows through Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, and Sutlej (originates in Tibet, flows through India into Pakistan), and Pakistan was allowed to use the water of Indus, Jhelum and Chenab which amounts to about 80% water of the system. Being an agrarian economy, Pakistan counts on the water of western rivers for irrigation.

Currently, India does not have the required infrastructure to entirely control the flow of the Western rivers. However, after the suspension of the IWT, India is no longer required to inform Pakistan about building any projects on the western rivers.

Rajasthan: Man working at jewellery shop of Shaukat Ali removes saffron flag, arrested after Hindus protest

OpIndia Staff
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Rajasthan: Man working at jewellery shop of Shaukat Ali removes saffron flag, arrested after Hindus protest

Communal tensions flared up in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur on Saturday (26th April) after a shop employee was captured on CCTV removing a saffron flag in Ghodon ka Chowk market area the previous night.

As soon as the news of the incident came out, locals and members of Hindu organisations gathered in the area and staged protests. They demanded action against the accused.

As per reports, the CCTV footage showed the man removing the saffron flag (bearing Lord Hanuman’s picture) from a vehicle parked in the market and throwing it on the ground.

The video went viral, and locals and Hindu organisations gathered there in large numbers and started protesting. They slammed the employee for disrespecting the saffron flag, a religious symbol of Hindus.

The police intervened and detained the employee whose identity could not be ascertained. The shop he worked at belonged to one Shaukat Ali. Both the employee and the shopkeeper are reportedly from West Bengal.

The police attempted to disperse the protesters from the market areas, following which they gathered in front of the Sojati Gate police chowki and demanded action against the culprit.

President of Jodhpur Jewellers’ Association, Naveen Soni, accused shopkeeper Shaukat Ali of harbouring radical views. Ali is currently absconding.

“The owner of the shop has been absconding since the incident. He is also from West Bengal and is known for his radical outlook and activities,” Soni said.

What the police said

Alok Srivastava, DCP Jodhpur, said, “Today, around 11:30 AM, I received a call from the SHO of Sadar Bazaar regarding an incident of disrespect in front of a shop involving a saffron flag. The individual responsible for the misconduct was detained at the police station. Following this, some local leaders and members of different organisations gathered and pressured to close down the market. We spoke with them. The market has been shut down, with around 300-400 people gathered at the scene. Action will be taken against the culprit under the law.”

The market was reopened later in the evening after peace was restored. However, police personnel have been deployed in the market area to prevent any untoward situation.

Pahalgam terrorist attack: Muslim mob protest against Hindus for putting up ‘Pakistan Murdabad’, ‘Terrorism Murdabad’ posters in Jaipur

OpIndia Staff
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Pahalgam terrorist attack: Muslim mob protest against Hindus for putting up ‘Pakistan Murdabad’, ‘Terrorism Murdabad’ posters in Jaipur

On 25th April, the atmosphere in Jaipur’s Walled City area turned tense after members of the Muslim community became violent over posters with slogans of “Pakistan Murdabad” and “Terrorism Murdabad” pasted outside Jama Masjid. The posters were put up by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Hawamahal, Baba Balmukund Acharya, and his supporters during a protest in response to the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

Following the incident, the Muslim community pressured police to file an FIR against MLA Balmukund and several BJP workers at Manak Chowk police station. As the FIR was registered against those who were condemning a terrorist attack and Pakistan, the hostile neighbouring country, it raises questions about why it caused such outrage among the Muslim community. Notably, this is not an isolated incident. Similar incidents have happened across the country where Muslims raised objections over anti-Pakistan slogans following the terror attack.

How the protest unfolded

On 25th April, MLA Balmukund and his supporters gathered at Badi Chaupad to protest against the Pahalgam terrorist attack. On 22nd April, terrorists killed 27 innocent Hindus in the Pahalgam area of Jammu and Kashmir, sparking outrage across the country. Notably, eyewitnesses and family members of the victims confirmed that the terrorists verified if the victims were Hindus before killing them.

The MLA and his supporters paid tribute to the victims. They also raised slogans including “Pakistan Murdabad” and “Terrorism Murdabad”. Furthermore, they put up posters with the same slogans in nearby areas, including outside Jama Masjid.

A video of MLA Balmukund went viral on social media where he was seen pasting posters and raising slogans against Pakistan and terrorism.

Following the protest staged by the MLA and his supporters, members of the Muslim community gathered around Johri Bazaar. They claimed that slogans of “Jai Shri Ram” were raised near the mosque, which apparently hurt their religious sentiments. They demanded the immediate arrest of the BJP MLA.

Soon after they started gathering, the situation turned volatile. Additional police force was called from five police stations. Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph, Additional CP Hari Shankar Sharma, and Deputy Police Commissioner Rashi Dogra Dudi rushed to the scene to bring the situation under control.

Heavy police presence but no arrests yet

Though the FIR was registered under Sections 298, 300, 302, and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), police did not arrest anyone. Normalcy returned to Johri Bazaar the following morning and the market remained open. However, additional police force was deployed throughout the day in the walled city area to ensure no further escalation happened in Jama Masjid and adjoining lanes.

The mosque committee and several Muslim leaders insisted that mere FIRs would not suffice and threatened fresh protests if the MLA and his supporters were not arrested by the evening. They also scheduled a meeting at the mosque to decide the next course of action.

The next day, on Saturday, a Muslim mob tried to shut down shops in the area demanding arrest of MLA Balmukund. Police had to use mild lathi-charge to disperse the mob.

Muslim mob also targetted Hindus protesting with “Pakistan Murdabad” posters.

BJP MLA stands firm; questions sympathies

Speaking to the media, MLA Balmukund asserted that protesting against Pakistan and terrorists could never be wrong. He said, “Those who are disturbed by slogans against terrorism and Pakistan must introspect about where their loyalties lie.”

Locals came out in support of MLA Balmukund and expressed strong resentment over the FIR lodged against him. They insisted that the protest was against terrorists, and it had nothing to do with hurting religious sentiments.

A protest against terrorism that turned communal

Notably, the slogans raised and posters put up mainly targeted Pakistan and terrorism. However, members of the Muslim community reacted with fury. It raises uncomfortable questions about why condemnation of terrorists and Pakistan irked them.

OpIndia tried contacting MLA Balmukund Acharya but could not establish communication.

Delhi riots 2020: Charges framed against 57 accused, including Wasim, Sajid, Saleem, Suhail, Parvej and others, for violence and arson

Anurag
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Delhi riots 2020: Charges framed against 57 accused, including Wasim, Sajid, Saleem, Suhail, Parvej and others, for violence and arson

On 15th April, Karkardooma Courts, Northeast Delhi, framed charges against 57 accused for their involvement in the Delhi Riots 2020. A single bench comprising Justice Pulastya Pramachala ruled that a prima facie case for offences punishable under Sections 148, 435, 436, 323, and 341 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), read with Sections 149 and 188 of the IPC, against all accused is maintainable and that the accused persons are liable to be tried accordingly.

The matter was related to FIR No 99 registered at Dayalpur Police Station on the complaint of three different complainants accusing persons involved of torching and stealing their vehicles, including a truck, a scooty and a bike, and destroying property. Notably, the driver of the truck that was torched, Om Prakash, tried to save it, but the rioters pelted bricks and stones at him, leading to serious injuries. He had to flee the scene.

Based on the evidence collected, including CCTV footage, police booked 57 persons in the matter, namely Wasim, Meharban alias Bitto, Sajid, Bajuddin, Saleem alias Ashu, Suhail, Zameer Hasan alias Tinku, Parvej, Mohsin, Mohd Nafees, Azhar alias Sonu, Mohd Arif alias Imran, Mohd Suhail alias Sohail, Salman, Shakeel Ahmed, Mohd Mansoor, Irshad Ali, Mansoor, Kasif, Wasif, Shamim, Mohd Aftab, Salman, Khalid, Hamid, Shibu Khan, Zuber Alam, Sameena Khatoon, Sameena, Jaan Mohammad, Shakeel Ahmed, Asif, Javed, Saqib Ali, Irfan Ali, Gulzar, Bablu alias Sajeb, Ubesh alias Manni, Dildar, Imran, Asrar, Siraj Ahmed, Mohd Ahsan, Firoz, Sharif, Firoz Alam, Rahisuddin, Imran, Shokeen, Abdul Rajjak, Mohd Nadeem, Mohd Shakir, Sajid, Waseem, Saleem, Mohd Anees, and Zakir Malik.

They have been charged under Sections 148 IPC (rioting, armed with a deadly weapon), 435 IPC (mischief by fire causing damage to property above ₹100), 436 IPC (mischief by fire causing destruction of a building ordinarily used as a dwelling or for custody of property), 323 IPC (voluntarily causing hurt), 341 IPC (wrongful restraint), 149 IPC (offence committed by every member of an unlawful assembly in prosecution of a common object), and 188 IPC (disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant).

Complaints clubbed under FIR 99

There were three complaints that were clubbed under FIR 99. The first complaint was by Ashish Tiwari, a resident of Swaroop Nagar. He was working with Chartered Logistics. According to his complaint, on 24th February, at around 11 AM, one of the trucks belonging to his company was unloaded. Soon after unloading, riots broke out in the area and the truck was torched by the rioters and the driver was attacked when he tried to save the truck.

Another complaint was filed by Shankar Kumar, a resident of Munga Nagar, Karawal Nagar. According to his complaint, on 24th February, he left home on his scooty for work. Near Chand Bagh, he saw rioters assaulting and looting people. Shankar abandoned his scooty on the road and ran away fearing for his life. When he returned, he found that the scooty was missing.

The third complaint was from Shahzada, a sugarcane godown operator. In his complaint, he stated that on 24th February, his property was torched by the rioters. His office, important documents, two handcarts, sugarcane stock, an old motorcycle and a tractor were burnt to ashes, causing heavy losses.

All three complaints were clubbed in a single FIR based on proximity of date, place and time of the incidents.

Police investigation led to arrest of several rioters

During the investigation, police prepared site plans of the locations where the incidents took place. They recorded statements of eyewitnesses, including police personnel who were present at the sites on duty. CCTV footage from Public Works Department (PWD) cameras covering the 25 Foota Road area at Chand Bagh was obtained. The police personnel and public witnesses identified several rioters by face from the footage.

Mobile phones of several accused were seized and sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for technical examination. Footage from 22nd February was also obtained from the Crime Branch. The footage was attached to FIR 59 in the same police station.

After collecting all the evidence, including witness testimonies, CCTV evidence, CDR analysis and FSL reports, the main chargesheet was filed on 18th February 2022. Two supplementary chargesheets were filed on 23rd February 2023 and 15th October 2024.

Arguments of the defence

Several advocates represented different accused in the case. They argued that there was an inordinate delay in registering the FIR and that the accused were identified much later, mainly based on CCTV footage. They claimed that the footage used to identify the accused did not capture the incident of arson or violence. One of the defence lawyers further contended that the footage was related to a different place and could not connect the accused to the actual incident in question, seeking discharge of his clients.

The defence further submitted that no Test Identification Parade was conducted to confirm the identities of the accused. They cited Supreme Court judgments, claiming that identification of a few individuals from a large mob without TIP cannot inspire confidence and cannot be used to frame charges.

Furthermore, they claimed that there was no evidence that the accused burnt the godown and the vehicles. They further argued that the material on record did not create a strong enough prima facie case against the accused. The defence also argued that only the police witnesses were included, pointing towards a lack of reliable eyewitnesses.

Prosecution arguments

The prosecution countered the arguments presented by the defence and stated that all the accused had been identified by police witnesses and some public witnesses either directly at the scene or later using CCTV footage. The prosecution argued that the accused were present in an unlawful assembly that indulged in rioting, vandalism, and arson with a common object, leading to the burning of the truck, the scooty, and the sugarcane godown.

They further argued that the presence of the accused on the spot was corroborated using mobile phone CDR analysis, which placed several of them in the vicinity of the crime scene at the relevant time. The prosecution further stated that the evidence on record, primarily based on police identification, was sufficient at the stage of framing of charges.

Court’s observations and sentencing

The court observed that the statements of witnesses and materials on record clearly established that a large mob had assembled near the crime scene despite prohibitory orders on 24th February 2020. The mob became aggressive at around 3–3:30 PM and indulged in rioting, vandalism and arson.

The court found that several of the rioters were carrying weapons including lathis, iron rods and dandas. They set ablaze a truck, a scooty and a sugarcane godown, besides damaging property. Specific allegations such as burning the truck, setting fire to the godown, pelting stones, carrying petrol bottles, and attacking Om Prakash, the truck driver, were attributed to some of the accused, while others were found liable by virtue of being members of the unlawful assembly under Section 149 of the IPC.

While witnesses saw Wasim damaging the truck and godown, Sazid was seen pouring petrol on the truck. Meharban instigated others to set it on fire, and Salim, Nadeem and Gulzar were part of the mob. Javed was also carrying petrol in a bottle and was involved in setting the godown on fire. The court observed that the witnesses who identified different accused persons in the footage also vouched for having seen them in the mob of rioters during the incidents.

The court further observed that for offences involving an unlawful assembly, it is not essential to attribute specific overt acts to each accused. The court said that every member of such an assembly is liable for acts done in prosecution of the common object. The court relied on the principles laid down in Masalti v. State of UP and State of Maharashtra v. Ramlal Devappa Rathod, and stated that even those without direct participation can be held guilty if found to have shared the common object of the unlawful assembly.

The court said, “As far as specific role of every accused person is concerned, I find that it is not so required to explain overt act on the part of every member of an unlawful assembly. The evidence on the record prima facie shows that accused persons were part of unlawful assembly, which was present there at the spot and which came into action with common object to go on rampage and damage the properties. In pursuance to that common object, they set fire in the Truck, Scooty and Godown alongwith other articles.”

The court further observed that TIP is only a rule of prudence and not a mandatory requirement. It clarified that substantive evidence is the identification of the accused in court. However, the court found no supporting evidence to charge the accused under Section 120B of the IPC, stating that the prosecution could not prove any existence of a prior agreement or a plan among the accused to commit the acts of rioting and arson. The scenario reflected that a mob gathered and turned violent on the spot rather than a pre-planned conspiracy.

Finally, the court found that a prima facie case was made out for rioting with deadly weapons (Section 148 IPC), mischief by fire (Sections 435 and 436 IPC), causing hurt (Section 323 IPC), wrongful restraint (Section 341 IPC), committing offences as part of an unlawful assembly (Section 149 IPC), and disobedience to public orders (Section 188 IPC). It ordered that all 57 accused be put on trial under these charges.

Anti-Hindu Delhi Riots 2020

The anti-Hindu Delhi riots of 2020 were a premeditated attack on the Hindu community. The riots were orchestrated under the guise of anti-CAA protests. The violence erupted in Northeast Delhi from 23rd February to 26th February 2020. Fifty-three individuals, including Head Constable Ratan Lal, IB officer Ankit Sharma, and Hindu labourer Dilbar Negi, were killed. Around 200 people were injured. The riots were marked by the destruction of Hindu-owned properties, including homes, shops, and temples. The riots were allegedly meticulously planned to incite communal tensions and challenge India’s sovereignty. Individuals like Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Tahir Hussain, Gulfisha Fatima, Safoora Zargar, Natasha Narwal, and Devangana Kalita are among the accused in the larger conspiracy case. OpIndia’s detailed coverage of the riots can be checked here.

Delhi: ‘Lady Don’ Zikra in jail, still Hindu victim Kunal’s family living in fear – 6 Hindus have been killed in the area earlier as well, Hindus of Seelampur demand ‘Yogi Model’

श्रवण शुक्ल
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Delhi: ‘Lady Don’ Zikra in jail, still Hindu victim Kunal’s family living in fear – 6 Hindus have been killed in the area earlier as well, Hindus of Seelampur demand ‘Yogi Model’

Delhi’s Seelampur area has become a hub of terror these days. The brutal murder of 17-year-old Hindu youth Kunal in the area not only destroyed a family, but also brought forth a horrific picture of increasing atrocities against Hindus in the entire area. Locals say that Hindus are being targeted in Seelampur, due to which many families are being forced to migrate. Kunal’s father Rajveer Singh has pleaded for justice for his son in a conversation with OpIndia. He says that his son was killed in a planned manner, and the area’s notorious ‘lady don’ Zikra and her gang are behind this murder.

Kunal was first stabbed in the neck, then stabbed multiple times in the stomach

Last Thursday (17th April 2025) at around 7:38 pm, Kunal was attacked with knives in J-block of Seelampur. He had left the house to get milk and samosas, but little did he know that this would be the last journey of his life.

Kunal’s father Rajveer Singh told OpIndia that some goons called his son and took him out to the street. There Zikra and her associates attacked him with knives. The first blow was on Kunal’s neck. He somehow ran to the local clinic, where he was bandaged. But Zikra’s gang was not going to stop. They surrounded Kunal again and stabbed him numerous times in the stomach. By the time he reached JPC Hospital, doctors declared him dead.

Kunal’s mother is unable to bear this shock. She is fainting repeatedly and Rajveer is taking care of her. Crying, Rajveer said, “My son had gone to get milk. What harm did he do to anyone? Zikra and her goons killed my child. We want justice.”

Who is Zikra, the dreaded don of Seelampur

Zikra, who is accused of this murder, is known as ‘Lady Don’ in the area of ​​Seelampur. Zikra is 27 years old, she roams the streets of Seelampur with a gang of 8-10 people and especially targets Hindus. Zikra also has a child, but stories of her hooliganism are famous in the area. She always keeps a pistol with her and her photos and videos with weapons are also viral on social media.

According to police records, several cases are already registered against Zikra. Just 2-3 months ago, she was released from jail in a case of illegal arms recovery. According to sources, Zikra lived with Zoya, the wife of gangster Hashim Baba, who was lodged in jail. After Zoya went to jail, Zikra formed her own gang, which also included some minor boys.

The reason for Kunal’s murder was Zikra’s old rivalry. Zikra believed that Kunal was a friend of the man ‘Lala’ who had beaten up her brother some time ago. Although Kunal had escaped in that case as he was a minor, Zikra held him responsible and killed him to take revenge.

The pitiable condition of Hindus in Seelampur

OpIndia team visited Seelampur for the ground report. Near Kunal’s house is the Sant Ravidas temple, where his family has taken refuge. The streets around the temple are plastered with posters like ‘Hindus migrated’ and ‘Ghar bikaau hai’ (House for sale). OpIndia has photos of these posters. Locals say that between 2008 and 2025, at least 7 Hindus have been killed by Muslims in Seelampur. Many of these cases are related to old rivalries or communal tensions.

Kunal’s house and Zikra’s house are just two streets away. OpIndia’s team also went to Zikra’s house, which is said to be his grandmother’s house. But there were locks and chains hanging there. Zikra and her entire family are absconding. Locals say that Zikra’s gang used to threaten Hindus every day. A person, on the condition of anonymity, said, “Hindus are not safe here. Zikra and her goons are not letting us live peacefully.”

Many people around Zikra’s grandmother’s house refused to mention Zikra. Even when OpIndia’s ground reporting team reached the spot, people refused to even identify Zikra’s house. There is a mosque in front of the street where Zikra’s grandmother’s house is located and a madrasa also runs in it. People who studied here are Zikra’s strength today. The extent of Zikra’s fear is such that even people standing in her street were seen avoiding pointing out her house.

Hindu families are being forced to migrate from the area, posters put up for sale of houses

Talking to the locals, it was found that Seelampur was once a Hindu majority area, but now the Muslim population is dominating there. According to the locals, many Hindu families are selling their houses and migrating, fed up with the hooliganism of goons like Zikra. At least 3 Hindu families have sold their houses to Muslims in the lane of Sant Ravidas Mandir. Muslim families are rapidly changing the demography of the area by buying houses in the area.

The locals also staged protests against this forced demography change in the area. They expressed their pain by putting up posters like ‘Hindus forced to migrate’. An elderly man told OpIndia, “Our children are not safe here. We live in fear every day. The government and the police do nothing. We are forced to sell our houses and leave.”

If action had been taken against Zikra earlier, Kunal could have been alive

The police acted swiftly after the Kunal murder case. Zikra was arrested on April 18, and by April 20, a total of nine accused were detained. These include two women (Zikra and Zahida) and two minors. The other accused arrested include Sahil (18), Shoaib (35), Nafees (32), Aneesh (19), and Vikas (29). The police conducted raids in Delhi-NCR, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Moradabad, and Amroha to arrest them.

According to the police, there was an old rivalry between Kunal and Sahil, due to which Zikra, Sahil, and two minors hatched a conspiracy to murder Kunal. The rest of the accused helped the main accused to escape and hide. The police are currently searching for the weapons used in the murder. As part of ground report, the OpIndia team also visited the Seelampur police station. The SHO was not present at the spot at that time. A policeman there said, “Now everything is over, then you have come. Zikra and her gang have been sent to jail.”

However, the locals are not satisfied with the police action. They say that criminals like Zikra keep getting out of jail and committing bigger crimes. One person said angrily, “Zikra was caught earlier too, but she was released again. If the police had acted strictly earlier, perhaps our Kunal would have been alive today.”

Delhi CM gave a statement, but people want action

After the Kunal murder, Seelampur was tense for several days. Reports of protests and migration of locals even forced Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to issue a statement, but the local Hindu community believes that the government and mainstream media are trying to suppress the issue. After covering the case once, the mainstream media has ignored the story. No one from the government and administration has reached out to the victim’s family. BJP leaders reached the spot and were also talking about helping the victim’s family, but no special action has been taken by the government. Except for arresting the 9 accused. If the government wanted, it could have also helped the victim’s family financially.

Kunal’s father Rajveer Singh told OpIndia, “Those who killed my son should be punished. Zikra and her gang destroyed our family. We want the government to do something for the safety of Hindus, so that no other family is broken like ours.”

This incidents of atrocities and exodus of Hindus in Seelampur is not just the story of violence against Hindus. It is the story of the fear and insecurity that is making a community homeless from its own homes. The question is, how long will Hindu families be forced to live in this shadow of fear? And how long will criminals like Zikra continue to commit hooliganism in the streets without any fear?

Pope Francis buried outside Vatican, breaking century-old tradition: Here is why

OpIndia Staff
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Pope Francis buried outside Vatican, breaking century-old tradition: Here is why

Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday. He was not buried inside Vatican City like most of his predecessors. He had chosen the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in his will for his final resting place. The Maggiore is located a few miles away from the Vatican.

According to tradition, popes are buried at St Peter’s Basilica. However, Francis made his wishes clear in his will. He had requested a plain tomb “in the earth, simple, without particular decoration” with only the inscription “Franciscus.” His funeral was held at St Peter’s Square. His body was then taken to the basilica.

According to his will, his burial cost was covered by a benefactor.

The basilica’s historic and personal significance

Santa Maria Maggiore is one of four papal basilicas in Rome. It holds historic as well as personal significance. It was commissioned in 431 AD by Pope Sixtus III. Santa Maria Maggiore is known for its mosaics, gilded ceilings, and Classical columns. It is located on Esquiline Hill, which is the highest point in Rome. The Maggiore is linked to the legend of the “Miracle of the Snow”. According to the legend, the Virgin Mary allegedly indicated the site through a snowfall in August 358 AD.

During his tenure as the pope, Francis often visited Santa Maria Maggiore to pray before and after foreign trips and hospital stays. The Salus Populi Romani icon housed in the Maggiore was special to him. In December 2023, he had wished to be buried at the basilica.

Departure from tradition

Seven popes before him were buried at Santa Maria Maggiore. He is also the first pontiff since Leo XIII, who died in 1903, not to be buried at St Peter’s Basilica.

Francis also refused to live in the Apostolic Palace. He stayed instead in a modest guesthouse within the Vatican. In Argentina, he used public transport as a cardinal and preferred a simple Ford Focus even after becoming pope. He also introduced several changes in papal funerals, which made the process simpler. His own burial followed the streamlined rituals that were approved by him during his time as the pope.

Drugged, forced to watch porn, and raped at knifepoint: Bhopal’s ‘Muslim gang’ preyed on Hindu girls, shot videos to further exploit them

OpIndia Staff
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Drugged, forced to watch porn, and raped at knifepoint: Bhopal’s ‘Muslim gang’ preyed on Hindu girls, shot videos to further exploit them

Disturbing details have emerged during the investigation of the Bhopal Muslim Gang accused of trapping Hindu girls, raping them and forcing to convert them. As per reports, police found that the members of the Muslim gang forced the victims to smoke ganja (marijuana), showed them porn and raped them at knife point. They also recorded obscene videos of the victims to blackmail and sexually exploit them later.

An FIR was filed by the police on 18th April in the case, and eight accused, including the main accused Farhan Khan, have been arrested. The remaining accused are Mohammad Saad, Arbaaz, Ayan, Shahrukh, Javed alias Bhaiyyu, Zoya, and Faizan. The police are looking for Mohammad Ali, Abrar Khan, Hamid, Arshad and Siraj, whose names have surfaced in the case.

Investigation has revealed that Farhan and his associates shared obscene videos of the victims among themselves. They used to force the victims to introduce them to other girls. Evidence of threats sent to the girls has also been found on their mobile phones.

Among the victims are two sisters

The police have been able to identify some of the victims after examining the mobile phones of the accused, whose statements are being recorded. Two of the victims are real sisters. According to Dainik Bhaskar, the sisters told the police that they were pursuing B.Tech. at the same college as Farhan, and they met him through a friend. One day, Farhan took them to Hamid’s house where he raped one of them and recorded her obscene video. When she resisted, she was threatened and fed non-veg. Farhan also allegedly forced her to convert and marry him.

The other sister said that Farhan introduced her to Ali, who took her to his house and misbehaved with her. When she resisted, he raped her and discreetly recorded her obscene video. She alleged that Ali shared her obscene video with Farhan, who started blackmailing her. Farhan forced her to have sexual relations with his friends. When she refused, Farhan invited her to Abrar’s house on the pretext of talking. There he drugged her and raped her.

Farhan raped her at knife point and recorded video

Another victim also revealed some chilling details of abuse. She, who is from Indore, told the police that she came to Bhopal to study. She met Farhan in the first year of college and became friends with him. One day, he alleged took the 23-year-old victim to a hotel and raped her. He recorded her obscene video and raped her on multiple occasion by blackmailing her using the video. The victim alleged that when she resisted Farhan’s attempts to rape her, he put a knife on her throat and threatened to kill her. Farhan forced her to introduce him to her friends. Fearing that he would leak her videos, the victim obliged and introduced a friend to Farhan’s friend, Sahil. Sahil allegedly raped the victim’s friend. Similarly, Ali also allegedly raped another friend of the victim in a hotel in Ashoka Garden and recorded her videos. The victim also accused Farhan of extorting money from her.

According to the victim, she was forced to watch porn. If she did not obey, Farhan used to beat her in his car. He kept a knife in his car, using which he used to threaten to kill her. She was pressured to convert to Islam and marry.

Shahrukh raped a minor friend of a victim

Another victim of the Muslim gang named Shahrukh, Ayana and Zoya in her statement. As per reports, the victim alleged that Shahrukh of Bairagarh, Bhopal, lured her into a relationship and raped her. He later forced her minor friend to befriend his friend Ayan. After becoming friends, Ayan raped the minor. He also recorded a video of it. Shahrukh allegedly used the videos to blackmail the victim and forced her to meet his friend Arbaaz who also raped her.

SIT is investigating the case

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the police has been investigating the case. Speaking to the media, Bhopal Police Commissioner Harinarayanachari Mishra pointed at a well-thought-out pattern in the case. He said that he police are trying to contact other victims. Obscene videos of many girls have also been found on the mobile phones of the arrested accused.

Earlier, similar cases of sexual exploitation of Hindu girls by organised gangs of Muslims had come to light from Ajmer and Beawar. All these cases have the same underlying pattern, luring victims into relationships by winning their trust and then sexually exploiting them and recording their videos.

Has India unleashed a water war on Pakistan? Flood alert issued in PoK’s Muzaffarabad as Jhelum swells—Here’s what we know so far

Jinit Jain
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Has India unleashed a water war on Pakistan? Flood alert issued in PoK’s Muzaffarabad as Jhelum swells—Here’s what we know so far

Tension gripped Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Saturday afternoon after a sudden, alarming rise in the River Jhelum’s water levels triggered emergency alerts across Muzaffarabad. Residents, already on edge after a week of heightened India-Pakistan tensions, allege that India released the water without any prior warning to Pakistani authorities.

From the Chakothi border to Muzaffarabad city, locals watched in growing horror as the river swelled rapidly, forcing emergency sirens to blare and mosques to broadcast urgent warnings. Entire villages along the riverbanks — Hattian Bala, Ghari Dupatta, Majhoi — were thrown into chaos, with families scrambling to evacuate to safer ground.

“This was completely unexpected,” said a resident of Ghari Dupatta, describing how mosque loudspeakers urged residents to flee immediately. “The panic is real. No one knows how bad it could get.”

Pakistan claims the sudden surge is no accident but a deliberate tactic by India — part of a broader strategy to weaponize water flows following the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this week. Political analyst Javed Siddique didn’t mince words: “India’s threat to put the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance was not idle talk. Today’s water release was a message — loud and clear.”

The Muzaffarabad administration confirmed the unusual spike in water levels, officially declaring a water emergency in parts of PoK. Reports suggest the sudden torrent flowed from India’s Anantnag district through Chakothi — a stark reminder of how geography and geopolitics are deeply intertwined in this volatile region.

Social media was awash with videos from PoK, showing the river Jhelum raging in full spate.

“India’s reckless release of excess water into the Jhelum River from Anantnag has dangerously raised water levels, threatening lives and livelihoods downstream. India should be dealt with accordingly and stop this water terrorism,” another Pakistani bewailed.

Experts warn that India’s move — if proven intentional — could further erode the fragile peace the Indus Waters Treaty has sustained for over six decades, even through three wars.

Earlier this week, India took a decisive move as it suspended the Indus Water Treaty following the ghastly Pahalgam terror attack, which led to the deaths of 27 tourists and left several injured as Islamic terrorists opened fire on them after confirming their Hindu identities.

In its wake, PM Modi convened a CCS meeting that decided to suspend 1960’s IWT water-sharing treaty between India and Pakistan. Besides IWT suspension, the Indian government has also tightened the noose around terror sponsor from Pakistan as it closed the Attari-Wagah border and asked Pakistanis, including those on medical grounds, to leave India before April 29.

Meanwhile, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for a “neutral and transparent” investigation into the Pahalgam incident. In a sign of deepening regional concern, Iran and Saudi Arabia have reportedly offered to mediate between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

As the waters rise, so too do fears — not just of floods, but of a larger political storm that could sweep the subcontinent.

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