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What is SB 509 Bill: New proposed California law that could prevent opposition to Khalistani activities, persecute Indian-origin Hindu Americans

Dibakar Dutta
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What is SB 509 Bill: New proposed California law that could prevent opposition to Khalistani activities, persecute Indian-origin Hindu Americans

On Wednesday (9th April), the US-based Hindu American Foundation (HAF) opposed the SB 509 Bill, which has been approved by the California State Senate Governmental Organization Committee.

The controversial legislation is prone to misuse against the Indian-origin Hindu diaspora in the United States. The vague nature of SB 509 Bill can lead to labelling of opposition to the violent Khalistani separatist movement as ‘digital, transitional repression.’

The co-legal Counsel for the Hindu American Foundation, Samir Kalra, spoke before the Committee and highlighted the dangerous nature of the SB 509 Bill.

“I want to start by stating unequivocally that we are against transnational oppression in all forms, whether by foreign governments or by foreign organizations. This bill, however, is not the right way to address this challenge,” he pointed out.

“On the contrary, SB 509 lacks the adequate guardrails and safeguards necessary to prevent OAS trainings on transnational repression from being politicized or from institutionalizing biases against diaspora communities from specific countries of origin,” Kalra added.

The co-legal Counsel for the Hindu American Foundation pointed out that the controversial legislation has the potential to label anyone (using digital technology to track the activities of terrorists or those involved in separatist movements) as ‘radicalised by state-sponsored propaganda or ideology’.

He further added, “This would set a to severely curtailing and undermining important first amendment freedom of speech protections. More dangerously, under the guise of protecting dissent, SB 509 would empower law enforcement to criminally prosecute diaspora groups and community organizations who merely speak out against terrorism and extremism by accusing them of being foreign agents or engaging in soft transnational oppression on behalf of a foreign country.”

Samir Kalra highlighted that the SB 509 Bill lacked both clarity and guidance and could create inconsistencies and confusion in the implementation of training for law enforcement authorities. He pointed out that this could be leaving minorities (such as Hindus) at the risk of prosecution.

“The language of the bill, both in its definition of transnational oppression and who is considered an agent of a foreign government, is overly vague and could easily be weaponized to create trainings that demonize specific communities and privilege certain viewpoints,” he concluded.

Details about the SB 509 Bill

The controversial ‘SB 509 Bill’ was introduced in the California State Legislature in February 2025 by Democrat leader and Senator Anna Caballero. The other co-authors of the legislation are Esmeralda Zamudio Soria and Jasmeet Bains.

The Bill seeks the development of ‘transnational regression recognition’ and training of California’s emergency and disaster response services by the Office of Emergency Services and the California Specialized Training Institute.

The proposed law defines transnational repression as “any action taken by government officials, diplomatic personnel, and proxies through acts such as extrajudicial killings, physical assaults, unexplained disappearances, physical or online surveillance or stalking, intimidation, digital threats such as cyberattacks, targeted surveillance and spyware, and online harassment, and coercion such as harassment of, or threats of harm to, family and associates both within and outside the United States.“

It could thus be weaponised against Indian-origin, Hindu Amercians for voicing their opposition to Khalistani extremism and seperatist activities.

The ‘SB 509 Bill’ further claims that transnational repression is a ‘human rights violation’ which is somehow aimed at curbing dissent and preventing individuals from exercising their ‘rights and freedoms.’

The proposed law further states that the California government, by virtue of its State policy, is supposed to

  1. Protect persons and organizations in the state from transnational repression.
  2. Pursue criminal prosecutions, as appropriate, against those who engage in transnational repression.
  3. Provide support services for victims and communities that may credibly be targeted in transnational repression.
  4. Meaningfully hold accountable foreign governments engaged in transnational repression and limit their ability to influence state policy or public opinion.
  5. (Coordinate actions to enhance and complement any federal laws or regulations related to transnational repression.

‘SB 509 Bill’ directs the Office of Emergency Services to develop a ‘transnational repression recognition and response training’ to address so-called ’emerging threats and specific information on tactics used by specific foreign governments’. The deadline has been set to 1st July 2026.

The training will involve identification of different tactics of transnational repression in physical and nonphysical forms, governments known to ’employ transnational repression’, best practices for appropriate local and state law enforcement prevention, gathering information about ‘communities targeted by transnational repression’ and misinformation.

Given that the Indian government has been a vocal opponent of Khalistani activities abroad, aimed at secession of Indian State of Punjab from the Union, it could be labelled as a foreign government (under the proposed California State law) of employing ‘transanational repression.’

The Khalistani Sikhs involved in plotting anti-India activities from American soil might as well be labelled as ‘community targetted by transnational repression.’ This is what makes the ‘SB 509 Bill’ dangerous.

Bihar: Missionaries were building churches by calling them schools, used to convert people to Christianity by luring them with ₹1000 and marriage

OpIndia Staff
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Bihar: Missionaries were building churches by calling them schools, used to convert people to Christianity by luring them with ₹1000 and marriage

On Wednesday (8 April 2025), some angry people demolished an under-construction church in Rewelganj area of ​​​​Chapra in Saran district of Bihar. This church was being built under the guise of a school in a Dalit village in Ward No. 10 of Jasa Tola. The villagers said that Christian missionaries were forcing them to adopt Christianity by luring them. After this, the police implemented section 163 of BNSS (earlier section 144 of CrPC). The missionary organization has lodged a complaint in response.

According to reports, as soon as the police got the news of vandalism in the church, they reached the spot and took stock of the situation. Saran SSP Kumar Ashish said in a press release on Thursday (9th April 2025) that an electric meter and two centering planks were removed from the church during the vandalism. On the complaint of the missionary organization, the police have registered an FIR and also detained a villager.

The SSP said that on Wednesday (April 8, 2025), a video went viral on social media, in which there was talk of Christian conversion in the area. On the complaint of the villagers, the SHO and the Circle Officer started the investigation. The police have not found any evidence of conversion yet, but due to the seriousness of the matter, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Sadar-1, is investigating further.

Christian missionaries were engaged in forced conversion

The villagers say that the construction of the church was going on for two years. A local person Ramnath Manjhi had complained against it on April 3, 2025. Manjhi said that a person named Jyoti Prakash of Jehanabad was talking about buying land and building a school. The villagers also helped in the construction thinking it to be a school. But later everyone was shocked to see the board of the church installed there. Then the missionaries started luring the villagers to become Christians. This angered the people and they stood against the church.

Missionaries used to give ‘holy water’ along with one thousand rupees

Ramnath Manjhi said that the missionaries gradually started coming to the building under construction and started praying every Sunday. Whoever participated in the prayers was given a thousand rupees in an envelope. People were being trapped by luring them with money and ration. The missionaries said that if they convert to Christianity, the expenses of their daughters’ marriage and children’s education would be borne by them. They also started preventing the people from celebrating Hindu festivals like Chhath Puja.

Villagers say that the missionaries gave them bottles of special water and asked them to drink it for 20 days. They also advised them to say ‘Hallelujah’. A local woman Vidyavati Devi said, “They used to say that stop worshiping your God, believe in Jesus, then your suffering will go away.”

The church has been opposed before

A case of conversion came to light in Saran earlier as well. In the year 2022, a church was being built in Jatuan village of Sadar block, which was opposed by the Dalits. A local resident had alleged that we were lured with Rs 1 lakh. Due to the opposition of the villagers, people associated with the Christian mission ran away, all of them were said to be from Andhra Pradesh.

Khalistanis are intimidating Himachali YouTuber over a video about Bhindranwale, demand apology, he narrates his ordeal to OpIndia

OpIndia Staff
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Khalistanis are intimidating Himachali YouTuber over a video about Bhindranwale, demand apology, he narrates his ordeal to OpIndia

A serious issue is unfolding in Himachal Pradesh threatening the state’s peace and communal harmony. A recent controversy erupted when flags featuring terrorist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale’s photo were dismantled in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district after which the separatists in Punjab retaliated by placing his posters on Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses stationed in the state on 16th March.

Now, a similar issue has surfaced in the hill state after a local activist and social media influencer, Rohit Katwal from the Una district, released a video denouncing Bhindranwale which lead to outrage from Khalistani elements. He has encountered threats and abusive messages on WhatsApp, even from international numbers including those from Syria and Dubai. He has even filed First Information Reports (OpIndia has copies) regarding the matter. However, they are relentlessly pressuring him to delete the video, withdraw the official complaints and apologize.

Abuses, threats and FIR

OpIndia talked to Katwal to understand the background of the matter which started from 19th March. “I made a video following an incident where a group of Sikhs, traveling to a religious assembly, had a confrontation with a traffic policeman due to their violation of certain rules. Accidentally, the cop’s hand struck the turban of one individual, which subsequently led to an assault on him. I protested against the vandalism of our state buses, the attack on our policemen and asked when will we speak out against this,” he stated in telephonic conversation.

Katwal further conveyed, “I voiced that there are attempts to portray an individual as a saint to the Hindu community who provoked violence against them, disrespected Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) and rapes were committed in his presence there. He might be viewed as a saint by some, but to Hindus, he is a terrorist. I also highlighted that their behavior is possible solely because the driver and conductor of state-owned buses are government employees. Had they acted this way towards a privately owned vehicle, they have certainly learned a lesson.”

Katwal remarked that he warned if the situation remains unchanged, the Hindu community would also rise up in protests. His comments faced strong opposition, leading to calls to remove the video and issue an apology, which he rejected and said, “They asked me for proof of my statements. I informed them that I possess the evidence, which I intend to present in court rather than in public. In my hometown of Lower Badhera, there is a Khalistani who operates a private Gurudwara.”

The YouTuber added, “He saw my video and attempted to distort its message for communal purposes. He alleged that I sought to incite Hindus against Sikhs and showed disrespect towards the Golden Temple. He directed derogatory remarks towards me and my family, even going so far as to threaten us with physical harm.”

He further added that an FIR has been registered against him under section 196 of BNS, but none of his complaints resulted in any FIR.

Attempts to pressurise police

“Subsequently, I lodged a complaint with the Superintendent of Police (SP), Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Director General of Police (DGP), requesting the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against him. A week later (5th April) we were summoned by the Station House Officer (SHO). I went to the police station with my brother where the opposing party, including children and elderly, dressed in Nihang attire and armed with kirpans (daggers) arrived in significant numbers, approximately 40 to 50 people. They started exerting pressure on the authorities to file a counter FIR against me for provoking communal unrest,” the YouTuber informed.

Nevertheless, Katwal mentioned that he had already presented the SHO with evidence supporting his charges in the video, which included the Gazette of India designating Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) as a terrorist organization, statements from journalists, India Today and ANI articles, as well as testimonies from a former Khalistani associate of Bhindranwale. The SHO stated that he had proof of his assertions and therefore declined to comply with their demands.

The other side indicated that they would protest if he did not take down his post, while also making threats and intimidating him inside the police station. “They announced that if I did not apologize and remove the video, they would arrange a demonstration on 14th April. I declined to accept their diktat. Meanwhile, a Sikh who was with them expressed that they neither support Khalistan nor want to vitiate the atmosphere. I responded by saying that we also want Sikhs to raise their voices and when they don’t, then we have to do so,” he stated.

Katwal added, “I even agreed to remove the video and retract my complaint. However, the youth accompanying them insisted on an apology video. I turned down their demand and even retracted my initial statement. They alleged that they removed the video (made by Khalistani in Lower Badhera) after 2 hours to prevent any unrest. Consequently, I should follow suit and offer my apologies as well. I eventually agreed to take back the complaint but not take down my video as it would have opened a Pandora’s Box. Tomorrow, another group might object to something in my other video and make similar demands, resulting in an ending cycle. It would have cast doubt on my credibility.”

Agitation after Baisakhi, no security to the YouTuber

Katwal narrated that the extremists published a menacing video featuring about 40 individuals, alleging that a YouTuber had disrespected the Golden Temple and declined to issue an apology or suffer repercussions. “I will not be exempted under any circumstances. I must apologize to the entire Sikh community. I documented all the threatening videos and sent them to the SP, indicating that I am facing a credible threat and to take action on them.”

The social activist mentioned, “Subsequently, I began to receive international calls via WhatsApp from Syria and Dubai. The authorities have forwarded my applications to the appropriate agencies and I have even talked to them. On the other hand, I have consistently requested security assistance, which has not yet been granted. I remain uncertain about how they are managing the situation. Many Hindu groups have contacted me to arrange a protest on 12th April but I have refused. We will not be staging a strike or any similar event. I have not made any negative comments regarding the Golden Temple. My focus has been on an individual who has treated this sacred location as their personal property and has permitted vile activities to take place there. I will pursue legal channels.”

A call for agitation was issued between 4th-5th April. “I aimed to convey a definitive message to the entire community that we will not engage in any protests. We will refrain from any actions that could be seen as provocative. Should proof be required, I am prepared to present it in court, as our struggle pertains to a social issue rather than a personal matter, in contrast to the actions of these people. I wanted to bust their fabricated narrative regarding my alleged insult to the Golden Temple and to expose their intention of promoting Khalistani propaganda,” he emphasised and remarked that the person who made the video about him is just a puppet, with his strings being controlled by other Khalistanis who have targeted him in the past as well.

Two Khalistanis and a personal enmity

Katwal outlined that one of those Khalistanis, also from Lower Badhera, had been apprehended by the police and warned over sharing pro-Khalistani content online. “Three key individuals are at the center of this conspiracy. After I published a video to reveal their agenda and pacify the situation, one of them, while intoxicated, abused me on WhatsApp. Furthermore, another one of the trio has a personal vendetta against me stemming from an issue I raised concerning a temple where he was employed,” he stated.

“We requested that the sanctity of the temple be preserved. A shrine dedicated to a Muslim saint was present, while Lord Hanuman and Bhairava were positioned as the gatekeepers. I emphasized that the Hindu deities should only be placed in front of Goddess Durga. The same persisted for the last 20-30 years. However, it has been rectified now after a three-month long campaign started by us. Now, Goddess Durga has been placed there and the shrine has been separated from the temple and the Gurudwara,” he noted.

The YouTuber further informed, “He did not wish for the Panchayat to approve my submission. His goal was to participate in local elections and I had forewarned that if the issue was not resolved, I would proceed to place the temple under government authority. I had already collected the relevant documentation and started the necessary procedure. They made an attempt to intimidate me, but couldn’t. It was seen as a personal defeat by him, despite all the tactics. Hence, he decided to join the other two to attack me who are utter Khalistani radicals.”

He stated, “One of them often posted separatist content on Facebook which he deleted later. However, I have its screen recordings. He uploaded about Jagtar Singh Hawara (Babbar Khalsa terrorist and conspirator in the assassination of Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh). He posted Bhindranwale’s photographs. He even shared a post stating ‘why Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is still alive.’ The second man is equally extremist. He also shared images of rifles and Bhindranwale. His entire account is about Khalistan.”

Katwal characterized the protest on 14th April as an administrative issue and stated that if he is requested to delete the video, he will seek a written directive from the District Commissioner outlining the reasons for the deletion and specifying which footage should be removed. “I cannot be forced to render an apology,” he reiterated and added, “The same things have happened but in the past, no one would raise their concerns. Now, however, the entire Hindu hamlet has taken a stand against them.”

Past incidents

Katwal recounted that numerous young individuals from Punjab travel to the state to participate in religious gatherings during the late winter months, displaying pro-Khalistani flags and images of Bhindranwale on their vehicles and create ruckus. Two years ago, they vandalized vehicles in Manikaran over a tax-related issue. Last year, another group arrived in Dalhousie in the name of tourism and ended up harassing girls. After being confronted by locals, they filed a police complaint and portrayed the situation as a regional conflict.

He also created videos to discuss these matters, which were mischaracterized as “anti-Sikh tourists” by similar factions. Afterward, Himachal Pradesh taxis were targeted in Punjab. Katwal added that he was abused by a local Khalistani at that time who also threatened that Una was once part of Punjab and will retain that status when Khalistan is formed.

“Aman Sood, a hotelier, raised his concerns alongside the local residents about the situation in Manikaran. He took down the Khalistani flags and made it clear that such actions would not be tolerated. Unfortunately, during the altercation, the Nishan Sahib fell, resulting in allegations of disrespect towards the revered Sikh symbol. This incident sparked protests and buses from Himachal Pradesh in Punjab were attacked,” he mentioned.

Katwal added, “The Congress administration led by Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu declined to support Sood. Furthermore, he was also reprimanded by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and was compelled to apologize in a podcast.”

In a video, Sood also highlighted that the Congress government has taken action against the nationalists instead of the separatists and those who want to damage the Hindu-Sikh relations.

“Una has developed into an epicentre for Khalistani separatists, who are currently living in many of the local villages. This district is situated on the border with Punjab. They are small in numbers but they have created this atmosphere by glorifying gangs and gun culture which is also prevalent in Punjabi music. While people may not express their dissent openly, they often resist in silence. At present, the Khalsitanis are apprehensive that if I do not yield, many will likely take a similar stance in the future, which worries them. I am only against anti-India forces. It is unacceptable to me that you have positioned a controversial figure who desecrated the Golden Temple above the sacred place and the ten Gurus,” Katwal concluded.

Centre appoints advocate Narender Mann as special public prosecutor in case against 26/11 mastermind Tahawwur Rana after his extradition

OpIndia Staff
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Centre appoints advocate Narender Mann as special public prosecutor in case against 26/11 mastermind Tahawwur Rana after his extradition

The Mumbai 26/11 attacks mastermind, Tahawwur Rana, was extradited to India from the US on the 10th of April 2025. The Central Government appointed Advocate Narender Mann as Special Public Prosecutor to conduct trials and other matters related to National Investigation Agency case RC-04/2009/NIA/DLI against Tahawwur Hussain Rana and David Coleman Headley, who is in a US Prison following a plea deal.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 15 of the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008 (34 of 2008), read with sub-section (8) of section 18 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), the Central Government hereby appoints Narender Mann, Advocate as Special Public Prosecutor for conducting trial and other matters related to NIA case RC04/2009/NIA/DLI on behalf of the National Investigation Agency before the NIA Special Courts at Delhi and Appellate Courts, for a period of 3 years from the date of publication of this notification or till the completion of trial of the said case, whichever is earlier,” the Ministry of Home Affairs notified on 9th April 2025.

This comes after the US Secretary of State signed the surrender warrant authorizing Rana’s extradition to Indian authorities on February 11. Rana’s legal counsel subsequently filed an emergency stay motion seeking to challenge that order.

On April 7th, the U.S. Supreme Court denied Rana’s petition for a stay of his extradition. Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian national, was convicted in the US for the banned terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives and providing material support to the group responsible for the Mumbai attacks that killed over 174 people.

The Indian government has been seeking his extradition for years, and the US Supreme Court’s recent decision has paved the way for his transfer to India.

According to the NIA, the government registered a case on November 11, 2009, at the NIA Police Station New Delhi as Case RC-04/2009/NIA/DL under various sections.

“As per the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs order No. 11034/10/ 2009-IS.VI dated 11/11/ 2009 National Investigation Agency (NIA) registered a case on 11/11/2009 at NIA Police Station, New Delhi as Case RC-04/2009/NIA/DLI under sections 121A of IPC, Section 18 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Section 6(2)

SAARC Convention (Suppression of Terrorism) Act against 1) David Coleman Headley @ Daood Gilani (US Citizen), 2) Tahawwur Hussain Rana (Canadian citizen) and others,” the NIA stated.

The NIA stated that the accused David Coleman Headley alias Daood Gilani and Tahawwur Hussain Rana were arrested by law enforcement agencies in the USA in their case.

“NIA sent Extradition Requests to USA for extradition of accused persons David Coleman Headley and Tahawwur Hussain Rana, which are still pending for execution by the authorities of USA. A letter Rogatory (letter of request for assistance in investigation) has been furnished to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the reply is awaited from them. After completion of investigation, charge sheet has been filed in the Court of Hon’ble Special Judge, NIA, Patiala House, New Delhi on December 24, 2011 against all 9 accused persons under sections 120 B, read with 121, 121A, 302, 468 and 471 Indian Penal Code and sections 16,18 & 20 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act,” the NIA stated.

Who is Narender Mann?

Advocate Narendra Mann has been practicing in the Delhi High Court for the last 35 years . He has also been the special public prosecutor of the CBI for 10 years. During this time, he has handled many high-profile cases. Among these are the 2018 Staff Selection Commission (SSC) paper leak case, Medical Council scam, AICTE scam, CGHS Society scam, etc.

In addition, he has played a vital role in several other cases including CWG cases, cases under FCRA, cases under Prevention of Corruption Act, banking frauds etc. Advocate Mann is from the chamber of Dinesh Mathur, Senior Advocate, Delhi High Court. He is a graduate from Kirori Mal College, Delhi and LLB from Delhi University.

Protests against Waqf Amendment Bill turn violent in West Bengal after Mamata’s call, vehicles vandalised and saffron flags removed

OpIndia Staff
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Protests against Waqf Amendment Bill turn violent in West Bengal after Mamata’s call, vehicles vandalised and saffron flags removed

West Bengal has been witnessing instances of violence in different areas since the passing of the Waqf Act in the Parliament. The protesters seem to have been emboldened after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee openly rejected the Waqf Act and assured the Muslims in her state that her government would protect Waqf properties. After incidents of violence by Muslim demonstrators were reported from Murshidabad, Nadia and Malda, similar instances have come to light from Santragachi and Kolkata.

BJP IT Cell Head Amit Malviya shared videos allegedly related to two separate instances of violence that took place in Santragachi and Kolkata. In one video shared by Malviya on X, a bus driver can be seen removing a saffron flag from his vehicle. Malviya claimed that the bus driver was forced by Islamist protestors to remove the saffron flag from his vehicle. The bus driver is surrounded by a mass of Muslim demonstrators protesting against the Waqf Act. A few police personnel can also be seen standing there as the Muslim demonstrators shout and cheer while the man removes the saffron flag.

According to Malviya, the incident shown in the video happened in Kolkata. “Saffron is not just a color—it represents both existence and resistance. It was worn with pride by Swami Vivekananda, Swami Pranabananda, and countless other saints who devoted their lives to serving humanity. On our national flag, it stands for courage and sacrifice. Yet a disturbing incident has come to light in Kolkata. A bus driver, simply doing his job ferrying passengers, was reportedly forced to take down a saffron flag, pressured by Islamists, and all in the presence of the police. Has it become a crime to be a Hindu in West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee?” Malviya wrote on X, sharing the video.

In the other video shared by Malviya, some Muslim men wearing skull caps can be seen vandalising a car with a Hindu religious symbol. The incident is said to have happened in Santragachi, as claimed by Malviya. In this video, some policemen can be seen making unsuccessful attempts to control the attackers.

“Take a look at what’s happening in Santragachi, West Bengal—cars belonging to Hindus are being vandalised under the pretext of Waqf protests. Shockingly, police officers are present at the scene but remain passive observers. Vehicles with Mahadev stickers are being specifically targeted, even kicked. All of this is unfolding under Mamata Banerjee’s leadership,” wrote Malviya, calling out the Mamata government.

However, the report cited by Malviya claimed that the vehicle was vandalised after a gun was pointed towards the protestors.

Bihar: Villagers vandalise church being built in the guise of a school in Chhapra, allege forced conversion by Christian missionaries

OpIndia Staff
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Bihar: Villagers vandalise church being built in the guise of a school in Chhapra, allege forced conversion by Christian missionaries

Section 163 of the BNSS (earlier section 144, CrPC) was imposed in Ward No. 10, Jasa Tola, Revelganj of the Saran district in Bihar on Wednesday (8th April) after some outraged locals vandalised an under-construction church that was being built in the guise of a school in the Dalit village. The locals have accused Christian missionaries of enticing them to convert to Christianity. A complaint has been filed by the missionary organisation.

On receiving the information of the vandalism in the church, the police reached the spot and took stock of the situation. Saran SSP Kumar Ashish said in a press release issued on 9th April, that an electric meter and two centering planks were removed from the church building during the vandalism. An FIR has been lodged by the police based on the complaint of the missionary organisation. One person has reportedly been detained.

SSP Kumar Ashish said that a video went viral on social media on 8th April, allegedly showing Christian conversion in the area. A joint investigation was launched by the police station in charge and the concerned circle officer based on a complaint from villagers. The police said that they did not find any evidence of religious conversion; however, considering the seriousness of the matter, further investigation is being carried out by the Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Sadar-1.

Villagers allege forced conversion by Christian missionaries

As per reports, the construction of the church has been going on for two years in the village. A local, Ramnath Manjhi, had filed a complaint against the construction of the church on 3rd April. Manjhi said that a person named Jyoti Prakash, a resident of Jahanabad, bought a piece of land in the area on the pretext of building a school. The locals also contributed to the construction work, believing that it was school. However, they were taken by surprise when they saw a church board placed in front of the building later on. Soon, the Christian missionaries visiting the church began luring the villagers to convert to Christianity. This did not go down well with the villagers, who are now opposing the construction of the church in the area.

Missionaries gave ₹1000, holy water to locals, and asked them to chant Hallelujah

Ramnath Manjhi said that gradually, missionaries started visiting the under-construction building and organising prayers every Sunday. Anyone who participated in the church prayer was given one thousand rupees in an envelope. They have been luring people by offering them money and ration.

The missionaries offered the locals that they would provide expenses for their daughters’ marriages and children’s education if they converted to Christianity. They also started forbidding the locals from celebrating Hindu festivals like Chhat Puja. Locals said that the missionaries gave them bottles filled with special water and advised them to drink it for 20 days. They also asked locals to chant ‘Hallelujah’. “They used to say that you people should stop worshipping your God and worship Jesus Christ, then there will be no sorrow, ” said a local, Vidyavati Devi.

IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw debunks Congress leader’s claim that section 44 (3) of Data Protection Act 2023 ‘destroyed’ RTI Act : Here’s what he said

OpIndia Staff
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IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw debunks Congress leader’s claim that section 44 (3) of Data Protection Act 2023 ‘destroyed’ RTI Act : Here’s what he said

On Thursday, 10th April, Union Information and Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw responded to Congress leader Jairam Ramesh’s letter wherein the latter claimed that Section 44(3) in the Data Protection Act 2023 would “destroy” the Right to Information Act (RTI Act 2005).

In his letter to the IT Minister, Jairam Ramesh had demanded that Section 44(3) of the Data Protection Act, 2023 be repealed as it “destroyed” the RTI Act, 2005. “The Proviso in Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, 2005, which gives citizens equal right to information as legislators who represent them is totally eliminated,” Ramesh wrote.

Responding to the Congress leader’s letter dated 23rd March 2025, Minister Vaishnaw wrote that the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 “is in harmony with privacy principles as enshrined in the Puttaswamy judgment and the principles of transparency in public life as enacted in the Right to Information (RTI) Act.”

He further highlighted that in the Puttaswamy judgment, the Supreme Court held that the Right to Privacy is an integral part of the Right to Life protected as a fundamental right guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. This right to privacy is closely linked to the protection of personal information.

“Therefore, throughout the extensive consultation process, both with the civil society and in multiple parliamentary fora, the need for harmonious provisions between the right to information and the right to privacy was emphasized. The DPDP Act, as enacted by the Parliament, harmonizes this requirement while maintaining the need for transparency in public life. This is ensured through section 3 of the DPDP Act,” Minister Vaishnaw’s letter to Jairam Ramesh reads.

*Subject to the provisions of this Act, it shall -… (c) not apply to… () personal data that is made or caused to be made publicly available by… (B) any other person who is under an obligation under any law for the time being in force in India to make such personal data publicly available,” it adds.

The IT Minister further stated that any personal information that is subject to disclosure under legal obligations under various laws governing our public representatives and welfare programs like MGNREGA, etc, will continue to be disclosed under the RTI Act. He added that this amendment will not restrict disclosure of personal information; instead, it aims to strengthen the privacy rights of individuals and prevent the potential misuse of the law.

India revokes Bangladesh transshipment facility after ‘landlocked Northeast’ comment by Yunus: What it was, why revoked, and how it will impact already troubled Bangladeshi economy

Raju Das
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India revokes Bangladesh transshipment facility after ‘landlocked Northeast’ comment by Yunus: What it was, why revoked, and how it will impact already troubled Bangladeshi economy

Amid the deteriorating relationship between India and Bangladesh after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina regime, the Indian government on Wednesday revoked a transshipment facility given to Bangladesh. This transshipment facility allowed Bangladesh to export its products to third countries through India using Indian ports and airports.

Under the facility granted in 2020, Bangladeshi exporters were allowed to ship their cargo to India by road or rail, from where they were further shipped to other countries. A circular issued by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs under the finance ministry’s revenue department said that that the Circular No. 29/2020-Customs dated 29.06.2020, that had granted the transshipment facility to Bangladesh, has been rescinded.

This means Bangladesh now won’t be able to export its products to other countries using Indian airports and seaports.

What was the transshipment facility?

The finance ministry in June 2020 issued a circular granting the transshipment facility to Bangladeshi exports to third countries. Under this facility, Bangladesh was allowed to send container trucks from the Petrapole Land Port located on the India-Bangladesh border, the largest land port in South Asia, to Kolkata port, Kolkata Airport’s air cargo complex, and Nhavasheva Port in Maharashtra.

Similarly, Bangladeshi exporters could ship their products from Petrapole Land Port, Gede Land Port or Ranaghat Land Port using freight trains to Nhavasheva Port, also known as Jawaharlal Nehru Port. From the ports and airports in India, the cargo was then shipped to their final destination countries.

This facility was particularly beneficial for the Bangladeshi textile sector, the largest industry in the country. While Bangladesh has major seaports at Chittagong and Mongla, using the port in Mumbai offered then logistical advantage in particular in exports to the Gulf and Europe. Shipping the goods by trucks and then trains to Mumbai for loading onto cargo ships in JNPT offered a faster route then shipping directly from Bangladesh as that needs circumventing the Indian peninsula.

Moreover, airports in Bangladesh don’t have enough cargo facilities to handle the country’s exports, and the Kolkata Airport and Delhi Airport offer that facility as it has much higher cargo handling capabilities. Also, Indian airports have direct flights to almost all routes in the world.

Apart from that, cargo shipping costs are lower in India compared to Bangladesh, offering an incentive to Bangladeshi exporters. As per Bangladeshi media reports, shipping products from Kolkata airport to the Western world costs between $1 to $2.50 per kg, while the cost is $3 to $6 for shipping from Bangladesh.

Unlike India, Bangladesh does not have regulatory control over freight charges, resulting in freight operators charging higher amounts in the country. The cost difference is so high that it is profitable for Bangladeshi exporters to ship their products to Kolkata and Delhi on trucks and trains to be loaded onto cargo planes instead of directly shipping from Dhaka Airport.

Why India revoked the facility

The decision by the Indian government came days after controversial remarks by Bangladeshi Chief Advisor Md Yunus on North East India. During his four-day visit to China last week, Yunus pitched for extension of Chinese economy, saying that as Northeast India is landlocked, Dhaka is the “only guardian of the ocean for all this region”.

“Seven states of India, eastern part of India, called seven sisters… they are landlocked country, landlocked region of India. They have no way to reach out to the ocean,” Yunus said.

“We are the only guardian of the ocean for all this region. So this opens up a huge possibility. So this could be an extension of the Chinese economy. Build things, produce things, market things, bring things to China, bring it out to the whole rest of the world,” the chief advisor of the interim govt added.

However, the Ministry of External Affairs has said that the decision was taken due to congestion at Indian airports and seaports caused by Bangladeshi shipments. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “The Transshipment facility extended to Bangladesh had over a period of time resulted in significant congestion at our airports and ports. Logistical delays and higher costs were hindering our own exports and creating backlogs.”

Notably, the MEA also clarified that the withdrawal of the facility wouldn’t impact exports to Nepal and Bhutan through Indian territory.

It is a fact that Bangladeshi exports through India were causing significant congestion at Indian airports. In fact, the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) in February had requested the Central Board of Excise and Customs to cancel the transshipment facility due to this reason.

AEPC Chairman Sudhir Sekhri had said that almost 20-30 loaded trucks arrive in Delhi every day which slows down smooth movement of cargo and airlines are taking undue advantage of this. This has led to an excessive increase in air freight rates, delay in handling and processing of export cargo, and severe congestion at the Cargo Terminal at the IGI Airport, Delhi, Sekhri had added.

While the union government has cited congestion at airports and ports as the reason for withdrawing the facility, outspoken Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has linked with the comments of Md Yunus. He tweeted, “India’s decision to revoke the transshipment facility for Bangladesh underscores Hon’ble Prime Minister @narendramodi‘s unwavering commitment to safeguarding national interests and the security of the Northeast region. This decisive action reflects the government’s firm stance on protecting India’s strategic and economic priorities.”

Impact on Bangladeshi economy

The cancellation of the transshipment facility comes as double trouble for Bangladeshi trade, as the Donald Trump administration has imposed a 37% tariff on exports to the US from Bangladesh.

The ready-made garment (RMG) industry, a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s economy, is anticipated to face notable challenges. While direct shipping has been the primary mode for RMG exports, the withdrawal of transshipment options through India may limit alternative routes, potentially affecting timely deliveries. This could undermine Bangladesh’s competitiveness in the global apparel market.

India’s move will affect the flow of Bangladesh’s ready-made garment exports through India, especially Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, which handles a substantial volume of such shipments.

Now Bangladeshi exports will have to be shipped to Colombo, Maldives, Dubai, or Pakistan first, and then be flown to their destinations. This will add significant delays and cost to the shipments. Notably, Bangladesh has already started exploring other options since last year, and some exporters have been utilizing a sea-to-air transshipment model through the Maldives to reach global markets.

Bangladesh’s textile industry constitutes approximately 85% of the nation’s $55 billion annual exports, and the sector is already under strain as several factories were shut down in the immediate aftermath of the political upheaval. Reports indicate that around 170 factories have shut down, rendering approximately 100,000 workers unemployed. The Beximco Group alone closed 23 textile and garment units in the county, affecting 40,000 workers.

Now, the US tariff and the cancellation of transshipment through India come as additional setbacks for the industry.

It was also feared that the cancellation of the facility would have a major impact on Bangladeshi trade with Nepal and Bhutan. But later, the Indian government clarified that the decision is not applicable for these two landlocked Himalayan nations.

Move comes after BIMSTEC summit

Notably, India’s decision comes just a week after the BIMSTEC summit in Thailand, where regional connectivity was a key theme. Several connective projects were discussed at the summit, such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.

PM Modi proposed a 21-point action plan covering different aspects of cooperation among the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) nations at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. This action plan included setting upthe Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre in India.

Road, rail, air and maritime transport, and trade Facilitation are some of the major objectives of the regional organization. BIMSTEC Master Plan on Transport Connectivity includes 267 projects across maritime, road, rail, and aviation sectors, which includes 216 transport infrastructure projects.

Who is Tahawwur Rana, the Islamic terrorist behind 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, who has been extradited to India by the US government

OpIndia Staff
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Who is Tahawwur Rana, the Islamic terrorist behind 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, who has been extradited to India by the US government

In a breakthrough in India’s efforts to bring the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks to justice, the mastermind of the terror attack, Tahawwur Rana, is being brought to India today. Rana’s extradition comes after last month, the US Supreme Court rejected his plea seeking a stay on his extradition to India. Rana is reportedly being carried on a special flight that departed from the US on Wednesday (9th April), which is expected to land in Delhi later today.

As per reports, a joint team of the National Investigation Agency and the Research and Analysis Wing is bringing Rana back. On his arrival in Delhi, he is likely to be arrested and produced before an NIA judge in Delhi’s Patiala House Court. Security has been enhanced around the Patiala House Court with the deployment of paramilitary forces and Delhi Police personnel. Ahead of Rana’s extradition to India, the Patiala House Court had recalled the trial records and documents relating to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

Notably, on February 14, 2025, US President Donald Trump US President announced Rana’s extradition to India. Trump said that Rana will face justice. The announcement came during Indian PM Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States. Last year in August, a panel of Judges of the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that the (India-US Extradition) Treaty permits Tahawwur Rana’s extradition. The court upheld the decision of California’s Central District Court, which had denied Rana’s habeas corpus petition. Rana had challenged the certification of the magistrate judge that declared him “extraditable to India” for his role in the Mumbai terrorist attacks.

Who is Tahawwur Rana

Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistan-born Canadian, was born in Chichawatni in the Punjab Province of Pakistan on January 12, 1961. He served as a physician in the Military Corps of the Pakistani military. He migrated to Canada in 1997, along with his wife, who is also a physician. He obtained Canadian citizenship in 2001. He is a close associate of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist David Coleman Headley, who is wanted in India for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Rana and Coleman reportedly attended the training camps organised by LeT in Pakistan.

On November 26, 2008, a group of Pakistan-sponsored LeT terrorists entered Indian territory through a sea route in the Arabian Sea. The terrorists carried out ghastly terror attacks on different locations in Mumbai, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station, two luxury hotels- Oberoi Trident and Taj Mahal Palace and Tower hotel, Cama Hospital and a Jewish centre called Nariman House. The chilling terrorist attack that sent shockwaves across the country continued for about 60 hours.

Rana was convicted in the United States for his involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, in which 175 people were killed. He was imprisoned for more than 10 years for supporting terrorist groups and conspiring in the Mumbai attacks. The panel held that the Non Bis in Idem exception (double jeopardy) did not apply in Rana’s case because the Indian charges contained distinct elements from the crimes for which he was acquitted in the United States. The US court noted that India provided sufficient competent evidence to support the magistrate judge’s finding of probable cause that Rana committed the charged crimes.

After the US Supreme Court’s decision in March 2025 to extradite him to India, Rana made a desperate attempt to stop his extradition by playing the religion card. Rana has approached the US Supreme Court seeking an emergency stay of his extradition to India, claiming in his application that he will be tortured in India because he is a Muslim from Pakistan. He also sought relief based on medical grounds. In his application, he submitted that he is suffering from multiple ailments, including an advanced cardiac aneurysm, Parkinson’s with cognitive decline, and possible bladder cancer.

However, all of Rana’s desperate attempts to prevent his extradition proved unsuccessful, and he is finally being brought to India to face the law.

During the investigation of the attack, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) of India booked Rana with conspiracy to wage war, commit murder, commit forgery for the purpose of cheating, using forged documents and electronic records, and commit a terrorist act.

In 2011, he was convicted in a Chicago court of providing material support to the Pakistani terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) that was behind the Mumbai terror attack. He also supported a plot to attack a Danish newspaper for printing cartoons of Prophet Muhammed in 2005. However, that attack never materialized.

As per reports, he allowed Headley to open a branch of his immigration law business in Mumbai based out of Chicago. The aim was to provide Headley with a cover story. He also traveled to Denmark as a representative of the company.

In 2009, Rana was arrested and charged along with Headley for plotting attacks on the office of the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten for publishing cartoons of the Prophet. During the investigation into the matter, it was found that Rana also visited Mumbai and had stayed in the Taj Mahal Palace, one of the locations attacked during the Mumbai terror attack. His brother maintained throughout that Rana was innocent, and Headley duped him.

In 2011, he was convicted by the Jury for his association with LeT and planning an attack on the Danish newspaper. However, he was acquitted of involvement in the Mumbai terror attacks. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison in 2013.

On June 10, 2020, India filed an initial complaint seeking his provisional arrest for extradition. Biden administration supported and approved the request.

He is Canadian: Pakistan distances itself from 26/11 terror accused ex-Pakistan Army doctor Tahawwur Rana after his extradition to India

ANI
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He is Canadian: Pakistan distances itself from 26/11 terror accused ex-Pakistan Army doctor Tahawwur Rana after his extradition to India

Pakistan has distanced itself from the 2008 Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana and said that it is “very clear” that he is of Canadian nationality.

Rana is being extradited to India, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) will take custody of him upon arrival. Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian national, was convicted in the US for the banned terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives and providing material support to the group responsible for the Mumbai attacks that killed over 174 people.

According to reports in the Pakistani media, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan responded to a question about Rana’s extradition to India,saying, “Tahawwur Rana has not renewed his Pakistani documents for over two decades. His Canadian nationality is very clear.”

Notably, Pakistan does allow its citizens who have migrated to Canada to have dual citizenship.

The US Secretary of State had signed the surrender warrant authorizing Rana’s extradition to Indian authorities on February 11. Rana’s legal counsel subsequently filed an emergency stay motion seeking to challenge that order. On April 7, the U.S. Supreme Court denied Rana’s petition for a stay of his extradition.

The Indian government has been seeking his extradition for years, and the US Supreme Court’s recent decision has paved the way for his transfer to India. According to the NIA, the government registered a case on November 11, 2009, at the NIA Police Station New Delhi as Case RC-04/2009/NIA/DL under various sections.

“As per the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs order No. 11034/10/ 2009-IS.VI dated 11/11/ 2009 National Investigation Agency (NIA) registered a case on 11/11/2009 at NIA Police Station, New Delhi as Case RC-04/2009/NIA/DLI under sections 121A of IPC, Section 18 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Section 6(2) SAARC Convention (Suppression of Terrorism) Act against 1) David Coleman Headley @ Daood Gilani (US Citizen), 2) Tahawwur Hussain Rana (Canadian citizen) and others,” the NIA stated.

The NIA stated that the accused David Coleman Headley alias Daood Gilani and Tahawwur Hussain Rana were arrested by law enforcement agencies in the USA in their case.

“NIA sent Extradition Requests to USA for extradition of accused persons David Coleman Headley and Tahawwur Hussain Rana, which are still pending for execution by the authorities of USA. A letter Rogatory (letter of request for assistance in investigation) has been furnished to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and a reply is awaited from them. After completion of investigation, charge sheet has been filed in the Court of Hon’ble Special Judge, NIA, Patiala House, New Delhi on December 24, 2011 against all 9 accused persons uunder sections 120 B, read with 121, 121A, 302, 468 and 471 Indian Penal Code and sections 16,18 & 20 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act,” the NIA stated.

Rana’s extradition marks a significant step in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

(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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