A temple festival in Kerala’s Kannur district has sparked a heated political controversy after flags bearing images of those convicted in the 2005 murder of BJP member Elambilayi Sooraj were waved by CPM workers.
A video of the celebration by CPM workers has gone viral on the internet. The snippet shows a group of CPM workers enthusiastically dancing and waving the flag carrying pictures of BJP member Elambilayi Sooraj’s murderers.
Murderers being glorified by CPM workers in a temple procession in Kerala’s Kannur ?? ?? the pictures on the flags are the men convicted for the murder of BJP worker Sooraj in 2005 pic.twitter.com/rSe5Yoqf4z
The BJP’s Kannur leadership slammed the act, accusing the CPM of using religious spaces for political propaganda and glorifying murderers. The contentious flags were waved during the kalasha procession at the Kuttichathan Madom festival in Parambayi on Sunday (March 30) night. The event, featuring DJ performances, slogans, and dancing, took a striking departure from traditional temple celebrations, which typically focus on devotional songs and rituals.
BJP Kannur South district president Biju Elakkuzhi alleged that the display was orchestrated with full awareness of the CPM leadership.
“Temple processions are meant for devotion, not political sloganeering. Yet, in CPM-dominated areas, we’re seeing deliberate attempts to glorify murderers and distort temple traditions,” Biju charged.
He further accused the CPM of systematically exploiting Hindu temples for political gain. “Turning sacred spaces into platforms for celebrating criminals is an outright attack on religious customs,” he stated.
Biju also linked the incident to broader unrest, pointing to recent violence at the Manolikkavu temple festival in Thalassery under CPM’s leadership.
The controversy follows the March 8 ruling by the Thalassery District Sessions Court, which sentenced eight CPM workers to life imprisonment for Sooraj’s brutal murder on August 7, 2005. Among those convicted were T.K. Rajeesh, E.V. Yogesh, K. Shamjith, P.M. Manoraj, and Neyyoth Sajeevan. Three others—Prabhakaran Master, K.V. Padmanabhan, and Monambeth Radhakrishnan—were found guilty of criminal conspiracy.
Investigations revealed that Sooraj had previously been attacked by CPM activists six months before his murder, leaving him with a severe leg injury. After months of recovery, he was targeted again and killed.
Despite the verdict, CPM district secretary M.V. Jayarajan defended the convicts, insisting on their innocence and pledging to appeal the ruling. Meanwhile, party workers rallied in support, chanting slogans and following police vehicles as the convicts were transported from the Thalassery court to Kannur Central Jail.
Adding fuel to the fire, CPM-affiliated social media accounts, including Red Army and Porali Shaji, have since circulated videos celebrating the convicts—further deepening the political storm.
The State of West Bengal has descended into complete chaos in recent times, with the breakdown of law and order and targeted attacks on the Hindu community.
The ruling Mamata Banerjee-led-Trinamool Congress regime has failed to contain the orgy of violence, arson, vandalism targeting Hindu places of worship, shops, business establishments and homes.
The situation has been further exacerbated by the appeasement politics of Mamata Banerjee and police laxity and inaction against the perpetrators. In March 2025 alone, West Bengal witnessed 8 attacks on the Hindu community.
Hindu shops and properties under attack in Naoda
On 9th March, BJP MLA Suvendu Adhikari took to X (formerly Twitter) to inform that shops and properties belonging to the Hindu community came under attack at Patikabari bazar in Naoda block in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district.
Adhikari tweeted, “A couple of hours ago, miscreants have vandalised and set on fire Shops & Properties owned by Hindus at Patikabari Bazar, at Naoda Block of Murshidabad District.”
He requested the urgent intervention of the West Bengal police and the Chief Secretary of the State. The BJP leader called for the deployment of forces to bring the law and order situation under control.
A couple of hours ago, miscreants have vandalised and set on fire Shops & Properties owned by Hindus at Patikabari Bazar; at Nawda Block of Murshidabad District. I am requesting DG @WBPolice & @chief_west to instruct the Murshidabad District Administration to immediately deploy… pic.twitter.com/LtTQx3qisK
Suvendu Adhikari also sought the deployment of the Border Security Force (BSF) to pacify the situation.
“If you are not able to control the situation, kindly request Hon’ble Bengal Governor for the deployment of BSF personnel so that the law & order Situation is restored and normalcy is reimposed as early as possible,” the BJP MLA emphasised.
BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya also shared the video of the attack on Hindu shops and properties. He blamed supporters of Mamata Banerjee of orchestrating vandalism and arson.
Idol of Goddess Shitala set on fire in Baruipur
On 7th March, a Muslim man named Sheikh Indu vandalised the idol of Goddess Shitala and then set it on fire. The incident occurred in Baruipur city in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.
Visuals of charred idols and the damaged Hindu temple could be seen in multiple posts on social media. The locals were able to apprehend the accused, Sheikh Indu, who was involved in the vandalism and arson attack.
The temple & idol of Goddess Shitala were demolished by Atrak Molla. This incident happened in Baruipur, West Bengal, not in Bangladesh.And the police are said to be extremely active in saving that miscreant!! I got the whole incident from Facebook, link – https://t.co/WyNMTXoNPBpic.twitter.com/dh3VaFKHhv
The Baruipur police posted a tweet on 7th March claiming that the accused is a ‘person of unsound mind’ with ‘mental health issues.’
“Local people apprehended him and police took custody of the person. A case has been registered and investigation is on. The detained person is an outsider and has mental health issues,” it alleged.
Screengrab of the tweet by the Baruipur police
Attack on Kali temple in Basirhat
On 9th March, BJP leader Dilip Ghosh took to X (formerly Twitter) to inform about the attack on a Kali temple and the vandalism of the idol of the Hindu deity.
The incident occurred in Shankchura Bazar in Basirhat city in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. The BJP leader stated that the attack on the temple took place under the leadership of local TMC politician Shahanoor Mondal.
1.1 In a shocking incident, the idol of Goddess Kali was vandalized at the Kali temple in Shankhchura Bazaar, under the jurisdiction of the Basirhat Police Station. The act of vandalism reportedly took place under the leadership of Shahanoor Mondal (TMC) of Nindaria Panchayat. pic.twitter.com/9t3z5by2KG
— Dilip Ghosh (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DilipGhoshBJP) March 9, 2025
Hours later, the West Bengal Police on Sunday (9th March) took to social media to claim that there was ‘no communal angle’ behind the heinous crime.
The cops went on to claim that the extremist behind the vandalism of the idol of Goddess Kali has ‘mental health issues.’
Screengrab of the tweets by the Basirhat police district
Idol of Hindu deities vandalised in Nandigram
On 14th March, BJP’s national spokesperson Amit Malviya took to X (formerly Twitter) to inform about yet another attack on a Hindu temple. The incident occurred in Kamalpur village in Nandigram Block 2 in Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal.
He shared a video wherein idols of Hindu deities could be seen in a vandalised state. “In Kamalpur, within the Amadabad region of Nandigram Block 2, local residents had been engaged in worship since last Tuesday,” Amit Malviya informed.
“However, when the puja and Ram Narayan kirtan continued uninterrupted, certain individuals—unable to tolerate the chanting of Shri Ram’s name—vandalized the site and desecrated the idols,” the BJP national spokesperson added.
Screengrab of the tweet by Amit Malviya
“This is a critical situation…The response of the police is muted…You can see that the cops are not doing anything,” a man was heard saying in the viral video. A cop was also seen intimidating the man recording the visuals of the desecrated Hindu idols.
Muslims run rampage in Mothabari, Malda
On 27th March, violent Muslim mobs ran rampage in Mothabari village in the Malda district of West Bengal. They vandalised public property and selectively targeted business establishments owned by Hindus.
A Hindu woman recounted the horror perpetrated by the extremists on her family. The video was shared by BJYM leader Achintya Mondal.
“Muslims have destroyed Hindu homes…Hindus have been forced to hide under their beds with their young kids and family…No one was spared,” a victim was heard narrating her ordeal.
The woman pointed towards Muslim homes in the village and showed how they have been left unharmed. “They carried out bloodshed… They have finished our homes, shops and took away our money and belongings. How will we survive now? Show us a way,” the Hindu victim broke down in tears.
She narrated how the residence of her son-in-law was also destroyed by violent Muslim mobs. “The police ran for their lives. They did not save us,” the Hindu woman lamented.
— Achintya Mondal অচিন্ত্য মন্ডল (@Achintya_Hindu) March 28, 2025
“What will we eat now? They have looted everything, including our grains…If Muslims continue these atrocities on us, how will we survive?” she asked.
While speaking to the media, a Hindu woman said that they are forced to hide their religious identity. “We have to remove our Sakha Pola and wear a head covering like the hijab. And we have to do it against our will,” she informed.
“Women are being abducted and subjected to torture…Stones are being pelted at our homes,” the woman further added. She informed that the Muslims are threatening to kidnap and murder kids if Hindu women do not comply with their diktat.
Our children are sitting at home due to their trouble…We will not be able to survive without working…Why should we be forced to remain confined to our homes?” another Hindu woman asked.
One visibly angry woman added, “No action is taken against them, even though they are the ones who have committed the crimes.”
Another woman narrated, “Our children are unable to go to school.” One Hindu woman emphasised, “We want peace. We need justice. Can we live under such atrocities? They are threatening to abduct Hindu women.”
Hindu-owned betel farms set on fire in Jhaubona
On 29th March, BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar took to X (formerly Twitter) to share videos of targeted attacks on the Hindu community in Jhaubona in Murshidabad district of West Bengal.
“Another horrifying attack on Hindus under Mamata Banerjee’s appeasement regime! Jihadi mobs unleashed terror in Jhaubona, Naoda (Murshidabad), after the Mothabari rampage. Under the cover of darkness, they deliberately set fire to Hindu-owned betel farms, looted shops in Jhaubona & Trimohini Bazaar, and launched violent assaults on innocent Hindus,” he tweeted.
Another horrifying attack on Hindus under Mamata Banerjee’s appeasement regime!
Jihadi mobs unleashed terror in Jhaubona, Naoda (Murshidabad), after the Mothabari rampage. Under the cover of darkness, they deliberately set fire to Hindu-owned betel farms, looted shops in… pic.twitter.com/zVLQZKOLmn
While demanding immediate action against Jihadi mobs, Sukanta Majumdar said, “Hindus are second-class citizens in Bengal! Mamata’s shameful appeasement politics have endangered the lives of Bengal’s Hindus, but we are not afraid!”
“The entire Hindu community is uniting against this oppression. No amount of TMC’s police brutality or jihadi terror will stop the resistance!” he added.
Muslim mobs attack Puja pandal in Purba Medinipur
On 29th March, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari took to X (formerly Twitter) to inform about an attack on a Puja pandal by violent Muslim mobs. The incident occurred in Dakshin Barbaria village in Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal.
He stated that the Muslims attacked the Puja Pandal of Maa Chandi and severely injured 10 Hindu devotees using sharp weapons.
“The injured have been taken to the Mugberia Hospital for treatment. The photos & video annexed herewith are from this incident,” Suvendu Adhikari added.
Selective targeting of Hindus continue unabated in West Bengal. Hindu religious events, properties and persons are being attacked by the Peaceful Community (শান্তির ছেলেরা). Today also such incidents happened in two places, one in Nowda; Murshidabad district and the other in… pic.twitter.com/O2MlX8rahi
“Selective targeting of Hindus continues unabated in West Bengal. Hindu religious events, properties and persons are being attacked by the Peaceful Community,” he pointed out.
Idol of Shitala Mata vandalised in Dakshin Dinajpur
On 30th March, BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar took to X (formerly Twitter) to inform about the attack on a Hindu temple in Keshabpur village in South Dinajpur (Dakshin Dinajpur) district of West Bengal.
In visuals that have surfaced on social media, it could be seen that the idol kept within the premises of the Shitala Mata temple has been desecrated and defiled.
“See the devastation at the Shri Shri Shitala Mata Temple in Keshabpur, Jahangirpur region of South Dinajpur. Under the cover of night, the temple was vandalized, and the idol of the goddess was shattered in a manner reminiscent of fundamentalist jihadists in Bangladesh.”
See the devastation at the Shri Shri Shitala Mata Temple in Keshabpur, Jahangirpur region of South Dinajpur. Under the cover of night, the temple was vandalized, and the idol of the goddess was shattered in a manner reminiscent of fundamentalist #jihadists in #Bangladesh.
“If an immediate investigation is not conducted to reveal those responsible for this disgraceful and barbaric attack on this sacred place of Hindu faith, the Karyakartas of Bharatiya Janata Party, West Bengal, will soon give a fitting response to the incompetent police administration of the appeasement-driven TMC government,” he added.
On 30th March, Arshan Sheikh and four other Islamists were booked by Kurar Police for allegedly assaulting seven Hindu men for wearing saffron attire and chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ during a Gudi Padwa procession in Malad East. The incident took place near Noorani Mosque, located on Ranisati Marg in Pathanwadi, at around 5:30 PM. Reportedly, a group of Hindu men were travelling with saffron flags to attend a celebratory programme when the Islamists attacked them.
Rajkumar Choube, who runs a mobile repair business in Sakinaka, filed a complaint. According to the FIR filed based on his complaint, the assailants were dressed in white kurtas and net caps. They targeted Hindu men for wearing saffron attire. Choubey stated that he heard someone shout, “Beat all of them who are wearing saffron clothes,” moments before the attack happened.
When Chaube tried to intervene, the attackers verbally abused and beat him while saying, “Why did you people come into this crowd?” His friend, Sujit Sharma, immediately went to a police van parked nearby and informed them about the incident. Police rushed to the spot and managed to separate the attackers from Chaube and his friends. After that, the injured Hindu youth were rushed to hospital in a police van for treatment. Later, Chaube reviewed the video footage of the incident and identified Arshan as one of the attackers.
The FIR in the matter has been registered under Sections 118(1), 115(2), 352, 189, and 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police have detained Arshan Sheikh, who was seen in a viral video beating one of the victims with a wooden stick. The remaining accused are being identified by the police using CCTV footage.
Bajrang Dal, BJP and Shiv Sena demand strict action
The incident sparked sharp political reactions. Konkan Prant co-organiser of Bajrang Dal, Gautam Ravriya, said, “We are demanding strict action against the accused. The police should arrest them immediately. We have informed the police that the festivals of Ram Navami and Ram Janmotsav are approaching and should be celebrated without fear.”
Speaking to Opindia, Ravriya said, “When the Gudi Padwa procession was passing through in the morning, some Hindu boys were walking with saffron flags. A few Muslim boys from Pathanwadi saw them and objected. Chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ while holding a saffron flag is not a crime anywhere in India—both the Supreme Court and High Court have stated this in clear judgments. This incident wasn’t spontaneous; it was part of a well-planned conspiracy. It did not just happen here – it happened in Tiwari Chawl, Chembur, Kurla, and other places across Mumbai. This is a systematic pattern of jihad – targeting Hindu festivals, mob lynching, and mentally breaking Hindus so they can’t celebrate their festivals freely. We demand strict action from the administration. All those seen in the video must be arrested immediately, and their names should be added to the FIR.”
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam accused the local MLA of shielding the attackers and said, “Houses of those ‘jihadis’ who tried to engineer riots on Sunday and attacked Hindu boys should be bulldozed.” BJP MLC Pravin Darekar called the violence “extremely serious” and urged police to act swiftly.
Hindu youth allegedly targeted for chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’
According to eyewitnesses, the situation escalated when a few Hindu youths chanted “Jai Shri Ram”. Islamists claimed that the chants were raised during Muslim prayer time. One of the eyewitnesses quoted by The Tribune blamed Hindus for provoking Muslims, “Thousands were gathered for ‘Asr’ prayers. Suddenly, six people with saffron flags arrived and stood in front of the mosque, raising slogans.”
Notably, police have downplayed the religious angle in the matter and termed the scuffle a “misunderstanding”. Deputy Commissioner of Police Smita Patil said investigations are ongoing and urged the public not to believe rumours.
Political leadership urges immediate police action
Following the attack, the ruling party leaders have instructed the police to remain vigilant and act without any delay in such cases.
In the Shirur area of Maharashtra’s Pune district, a youth was attacked on 30th March over a social media post on Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar. The incident unfolded near Nakshatra Building in the evening when a 24-year-old Vaibhav Santosh Bhosale, a resident of Pawar Mala, was attacked by the accused Roshan Devre and three others.
A case has been registered against the four accused at the Shirur Police Station on the victim Vaibhav Bhosale’s complaint. The police said the accused created a fake social media account in the complainant’s name on 8th January and posted objectionable content against Dr Ambedkar on the Bhimsena Maharashtra Group. This stirred discontent among the group members. Under the pretext of resolving the dispute, the accused called Vaibhav to meet them; however, the accused assaulted the complainant.
As per a Punekar News report, the accused Roshan Devre kicked and punched Bhosale and brutally assaulted him. The accused also threatened the victim to give his mobile phone. Upon refusing, Devre allegedly threatened to kill the victim.
“One of the four attackers struck Bhosale’s right arm with an iron rod, while another hit him on the head with a fighter tool, causing serious injuries. Meanwhile, a third assailant whipped him on the back with a blue cable,” Punekar News reported.
On Friday (28th March), frenzied Muslim mobs carried out processions in Medinipur city of West Bengal after accusing Hindu man of ‘insulting’ the Prophet Muhammad. They also raised genocidal slogans and vowed to kill those who commit ‘blasphemy.’
The development came hours after several radical Muslims in Medinipur took to Facebook to dogwhistle against a Hindu man over his posts on the social media platform.
One of them happened to be Syed Abu Jayed, the Secretary of Madrasha Madania Ahmadia Tazbidul Quran. He had shared the posts of the Hindu man calling for ‘strict action’
Screengrab of the Facebook post by Syed Abu Jayed
Later that day, he shared posts where a large mob of Muslims could be seen carrying out marches against the Hindu man. Syed Abu Jayed dubbed the procession a ‘peaceful’ protest against ‘insult’ to the honour of Prophet Muhammad.
He had uploaded a reel, which was juxtaposed with a highly provocative song dubbed ‘Labbaik ya Rasool Allah,’ which talks about the love of Muslims for Prophet Muhammad and their ability/might to avenge ‘blasphemy’.
Ironically, Syed Abu Jayed runs an organisation by the name of ‘Help For Needy Foundation (HNF).
Screengrab of the Facebook reel by Syed Abu Jayed
Another radical Muslim, who incited violence against Hindus, includes a Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader named SK Meheraj Ali.
Screengrab of the Facebook profile of Sk Meheraj Ali
He had uploaded reels on his Facebook profile with the caption ‘Insult to the honour of the Prophet in Medinipur.’ The video shows a group of Muslims who had gathered around a banner.
There was a background audio, which said, “Whoever talks ill of the Prophet till Qayamat (Judgment Day), the directive is that you kill him.”
This is reminiscent of the Sar Tan see Juda slogans raised by Muslims to lay the foundation for murdering people, whom they accuse of dishonouring Islam and the Prophet Muhammad.
Screengrab of the Facebook reel by Sk Meheraj Ali
Islamists in Medinipur, West Bengal, used Pak TLP founder Khadim Rizvi's statement, calling for the ßeheΔding of blasphemers, in their videos.
It should be noted that most ßeheΔdings and 'STSJ' calls in India have been inspired by Pak TLP. pic.twitter.com/ZgXNdnrzr0
The TMC leader shared a video of an Islamic cleric, who was leading the march of Muslims in Medinipur on Friday (28th March) against alleged blasphemy.
“I am warning the blasphemers sternly that we believers are still alive…We can give away our lives for the sake of Iman,” he was heard saying.
Screengrab of the Facebook reel by Sk Meheraj Ali
SK Meheraj Ali shared another video wherein one Islamic cleric declared, “If you need to give your life for the sake of Allah’s Deen, protecting the strength of Islam and the Quran and safeguarding the honour of the Prophet, then, don’t be afraid…Those who die for the Deen of Allah resurrect again.”
In one video, a Muslim man participating in the ‘peaceful procession’ against alleged blasphemy threatened to finish Hindus in 2 seconds instead of 15 minutes (a genocidal remark previously repeated by AIMIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi).
Medinipur, West Bengal. Muslim mob threating a man who shared a meme on Prophet. pic.twitter.com/dkmIE2vq27
Blasphemy, STSJ sloganeering and Pakistani origins
Interestingly, the murderous chant of ‘Sar Tan se Juda (STSJ)’ which has been weaponised by Islamists in India against Hindus such as Kamlesh Tiwari, Yati Narsighanand Saraswati and Nupur Sharma, has been the gift of Khadim Hussain Rizvi.
After Salman Taseer was assassinated by Qadri in 2011, Rizvi took out a march to mobilise support for the assassin. Two slogans were chiefly chanted during the procession. One was “Rasool Allah, Rasool Allah” and the other, “Gustakh-e-Rasool Ki Ek Hi Zaza, Sar Tan Se Juda, Sar Tan Se Juda.”
Rizvi would ask the audience during the mass demonstrations, “Gustakh-e-Rasool ki Ek hi Saza?” The protestors would respond by chanting “Sar Tan Se Juda, Sar Tan Se Juda”.
While Rizvi died in 2020, his slogans have assumed a life of their own, living through murderous Islamists in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, who routinely invoke the call for the beheading of those perceived to have blasphemed against Prophet Muhammad.
In a sense, the Islamic cleric set a template for his radical co-religionists to follow, sanctioning the murder of those considered “guilty” of blaspheming against Prophet Muhammad.
On Friday (28th March), the New York Timespublished an article targeting the Indian public sector aerospace and defence company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
The American newspaper dubbed HAL as a ‘major supplier of Moscow’s blacklisted state weapons agency.’ It insinuated that HAL shipped equipment sourced from a British manufacturer H.R. Smith Group, to the Russian arms agency ‘Rosoboronexport’.
This is despite clarification from H.R. Smith Group that the concerned equipment is not meant for military use.
“The records do not prove that H.R. Smith’s products ended up in Russia. But they show that, in some instances, the Indian company received equipment from H.R. Smith and, within days, sent parts to Russia with the same identifying product codes,” alleged the New York Times.
Screengrab of the report by The New York Times
“The Indian stateowned company, Hindustan Aeronautics, is identifiable in public records as a supplier to the Russian military but is not under financial sanctions,” it further claimed.
The American newspaper further attempted to guilt-trip India for not being overtly hostile to Russia, making aspersions about its supposed complicity in fuelling the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
The New York Times further claimed made H.R. Smith Group sent 118 shipments of ‘restricted technology’ to HAL for $2 million between 2023 and 2024.
It alleged that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited sold 13 shipments of parts (similar to the one procured from H.R. Smith Group) to Rosoboronexport for $14 million during the same period.
Indian govt slams The New York Times
Sources within the Indian government have rubbished the claims made by the New York Times as ‘factually incorrect’ and ‘misleading.’
“It (The New York Times) has tried to frame issues and distort facts to suit a political narrative,” they stated.
India Trashes New York Times Report. Sources say that the said "report is factually incorrect and misleading. It has tried to frame issues and distort facts to suit a political narrative.' pic.twitter.com/UsNQ3AzC8k
“Indian entity has scrupulously followed all its international obligations on strategic trade controls & end-user commitments. India’s robust legal and regulatory framework on strategic trade,” they emphasised.
Sources: We expect reputed media outlets to undertake basic due diligence while publishing such reports, which obviously was overlooked in the instant case.
The government sources concluded, “We expect reputed media outlets to undertake basic due diligence while publishing such reports, which obviously was overlooked in the instant case.”
This is not the first time when The New York Times has resorted to anti-India propaganda. OpIndia has repeatedly exposed their lies. Our extensive coverage can be read here.
A woman who visited the Hanuman temple in Urkondapeta, located under the Kalwakurthy police station limits in Nagarkurnool district, was allegedly gang raped by eight individuals, Telangana Police official said on Monday.
According to the Inspector of Kalwakurthy Police Station, a case has been registered, and an investigation is underway. Authorities are examining the details of the incident, and further information will be provided as the probe progresses.
“A woman who visited the Hanuman temple in Urkondapeta, under Kalwakurthy police station limits in Nagarkurnool district, was allegedly sexually assaulted by eight individuals. The incident has been reported, and we have registered a case. We are currently investigating the matter, and more details will be provided later,” the Police official added.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia Staff)
On 17th March, Nagpur witnessed one of its most violent communal incidents in recent years. Over 100 vehicles were burnt, and Hindu homes and shops were vandalised in Hansapuri. The violence reportedly flared up following rumours of desecration of the Quran by members of Hindu groups during protests against Aurangzeb’s tomb.
Security agencies now believe that Syed Asim Ali, a man facing trial for conspiring in the brutal murder of Hindu Samaj Party leader Kamlesh Tiwari in 2019, was at the centre of the violence. Intelligence reports have revealed that he was seen on CCTV at riot epicenter mobilising Islamists outside Ganeshpeth police station just hours before violence erupted.
Furthermore, his mobile records traced his presence at multiple flash points and showed calls to several individuals who are now under arrest. Notably, he had been rallying youth against the proposed Maharashtra Security Act alongside Fahim Khan, another accused in the Nagpur violence. Khan had even contested the 2024 Lok Sabha polls from Nagpur against Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on a Minorities Democratic Party (MDP) ticket. MDP’s founder and chief, Hamid Engineer, has also been arrested in connection with the Nagpur violence.
Syed Asim Ali is also a former candidate of the MDP but received only 600 votes in the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections against Nitin Gadkari. Though he was arrested in connection with Tiwari’s murder and later released by the Supreme Court in 2024, Ali remained active in community mobilisation, specifically among radicalised youth. Following the violence, he disappeared.
Times of India quoted an unnamed intelligence officer saying, “Ali is untraceable since violence erupted in Nagpur. No one seems to have any clue about him even at his Zingabai Takli home or at his business outlet at Hansapuri. He’s aware police are trying to track him down.”
Kamlesh Tiwari murder – The slogan, the planning and Syed Asim Ali’s role
In 2019, Syed Asim Ali was arrested for his alleged involvement in the murder of Kamlesh Tiwari in Lucknow. Tiwari was brutally stabbed and shot in his office in broad daylight. The murder was fuelled by Islamist hate. Though Asim was not at the crime scene, he allegedly played a vital role in the conspiracy to kill Tiwari.
Back in 2017, Asim had created a front called the “Humanity Democratic Party”. Under its banner, he released a video titled “Kamlesh Tiwari apni maut ke kareeb hai, sirf maut ki saza ka haqdar hai”. The video effectively promoted killing him in cold blood over so-called blasphemy. Syed’s role, while contesting his bail plea in Sessions Court, was described by the prosecution as that of an ideological mobiliser.
The prosecution informed the court that Asfaq and Moinuddin, the main accused in the case, got in touch with Asim after watching the video and joined his front. Asfaq and Moinuddin were already planning to murder Tiwari since 2016. Furthermore, he was allegedly involved in the planning of Tiwari’s murder. The Lucknow court, citing the gravity of charges and his deep link to the communal conspiracy, had denied him bail in 2020.
Asim applied for bail in Allahabad High Court but his bail was denied on the grounds of “extreme communal hatred”. Later, in July 2024, the Supreme Court of India granted him bail, overruling the Allahabad High Court’s judgment. The apex court observed that while Asim was allegedly in touch with the main accused in the case and meant to provide legal aid, there were no other criminal antecedents against him.
The court further observed that Asim had already been incarcerated for over four and a half years, and 8 of the 13 accused had been released on bail. Sixteen of the 25 prosecution witnesses had already been examined by that time. The Bench, led by Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih, decided to grant him bail.
While the Sessions Court and High Court flagged multiple concerns in their judgments while denying him bail, the Supreme Court showed leniency and effectively allowed Asim to walk free on bail. However, less than a year later, he vanished after allegedly being involved in hatching a conspiracy to cause violence in Nagpur.
Syed Asim Ali’s social media accounts still active
Interestingly, the Facebook page, Instagram account and YouTube channel of Syed Asim Ali are still active. On 2nd October 2024, he posted a video announcing his return to social media, less than three months after the apex court granted him bail.
Another interesting aspect that came to the fore was that Asim was in talks with Chandrashekhar Azad’s Azad Samaj Party in mid-January this year, and there were speculations that he might join it.
Source: Facebook
On 13th January, he confirmed his ongoing discussions with the party and asked his followers to join a Google Meet session.
OpIndia also spotted an old video that Asim uploaded on his old Facebook Page in 2018 where he openly called for murder of Kamlesh Tiwari.
In another video, followers of his party were seen burning an effigy of Kamlesh Tiwari. The title of the video clearly stated members of MDP would burn Kamlesh alive.
Source: Facebook
Despite his alleged role in Kamlesh Tiwari’s murder, the Azad Samaj Party attempted to rope him in, and he continued to maintain an active presence on social media.
Syed Naseruddin Chishty, the chairman of the All India Sufi Sajjadanshin Council (AISSC) and successor of the spiritual head of Ajmer Dargah, has hailed the BJP’s (Bharatiya Janata Party) initiative of distributing ‘Saugat-e-Modi’ kits to the underprivileged Muslims ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. Chisty stated that the kit has reached 22 lakh people. He added that people are fortunate enough to live in a country which has Ganga-Jamuni culture as people are celebrating both Navaratri and Eid-ul-Fitr on 31st March. He also endorsed the Waqf Amendment bill.
“We are fortunate that we are living in a country which has Ganga-Jamuni culture. Yesterday, it was Cheti Chand, Navaratri is ongoing, and it is Eid ul-Fitr today. I am confident that across India today, you will see people congratulating each other on these festivals. It is the culture of the country to stay together, and this is our strength,” he stated.
Speaking on the Saugat-e-Modi kits, he conveyed, “This is a good initiative. We also try to reach out the people who are financially poor and help them to celebrate the festival. PM Modi has done the same as a Prime Minister of India. PM Modi has ensured that ‘Saugat-e-Modi’ reaches 22 lakh people in the country. I believe there is a need for amendment in the Waqf bill. I am confident that this bill will bring transparency.”
BJP Minority Morcha had launched its “Saugat-e-Modi” campaign, with the aim to distribute special kits to 32 lakh underprivileged Muslims across the country ahead of Eid. The initiative was kicked off from Nizamuddin in Delhi under the guidance of BJP National President JP Nadda and seeks to ensure that poor Muslim families can celebrate the festival without any hardship. As part of the campaign, 32,000 minority morcha workers collaborated with 32,000 mosques nationwide to reach the needy.
#WATCH | Ajmer | On 'Saugat-e-Modi' kits distributed before Eid, Chairman of All India Sufi Sajjadanshin Council and successor of the spiritual head of Ajmer Dargah, Syed Naseruddin Chishty says, "We are fortunate that we are living in a country which has Ganga-Jamuni culture.… pic.twitter.com/OEBj3TZHFL
According to Syed Naseruddin Chishti, the Waqf Amendment bill does not imply the demolition of homes or mosques. “It would be wrong to say this. This is a part of democracy. The government is in no hurry, this bill has been brought with great ease after discussion in the JPC (Joint Parliamentary Committee).” He added that he is absolutely certain that the change will ensure openness in Waqf’s operations and the protection of its assets. The community will benefit from the removal of encroachment and the increase in Waqf rent.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board is opposing the law, he pointed out, despite the fact that many Muslim religious authorities support it. “Why were people asked to wear black bands in protest against this bill? The amended law has not yet presented in the parliament. First let it be introduced, then mislead us by saying that our mosque will be taken away. When Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has assured no mosques will be taken away, still you are deceiving us like this,” he charged.
Meanwhile, BJP MP and chairman of the JPC committee on Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Jagdambika Pal highlighted that this bill is for the betterment of Waqf. “This will end the row. Kerala’s thousands years old church was declared as Waqf. Properties of many places were given to Waqf. The new parliament was declared as Waqf property. So, it means that this bill will end this controversy,” he emphasised.
“While many Muslim clerics are supporting this bill, All India Muslim Personal Law Board is objecting to it. On the day of ‘Alvida Namaz’ they asked people to wear black arm bands in protest against this bill, and even today, on Eid, they have appealed to people to protest against it. But why,” he questioned.
#WATCH | Delhi | JPC Chairman & BJP MP Jagdambika Pal says, " While many Muslim clerics are supporting this bill, All India Muslim Personal Law Board is objecting to it. On the day of 'Alvida Namaz', they asked people to wear black armbands in protest against this bill, and even… pic.twitter.com/NY54M6xFDJ
“First, let the amended law come. Today, Muslims are thanking PM Modi for Saugat-e-Modi. While we are talking of ‘Sabka saath, sabka vikas’ Congress, Owaisi and AIMPLB are looking at Muslims as a vote bank, doing appeasement. 1.25 crore people have sent their representation on this bill. We even heard people from all over the country, including Jammu and Kashmir’s Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. The bill will be tabled on the date BAC (Business Advisory Committee) gives,” Pal noted.
On the other hand, lending support to the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) has urged the members of Parliament from Kerala to vote in favour of the Bill when it is tabled for discussion. In a press release dated March 29, 2025, the KCBC asked for the amendment of the “unconstitutional and unjust sections” of the Waqf Act. The press release referred to the Munamban land dispute in which the Kerala State Waqf Board laid claim to around 404 acres of land in the Munambam suburb of the Ernakulam district in Kerala.
The claims were opposed by 600 families living on the land, primarily Christians from the Latin Catholic community and Hindus from backward sections. The families insisted that they own the legal rights to the land as they purchased it decades ago from Farook College, which was once entrusted with its management.
Amit Gupta, the regional head of Tech Mahindra for Qatar and Kuwait, was detained on 1st January 2025 with no formal charges revealed. Since then, he has been languishing in a Qatari jail. Multiple media reports have confirmed that his detention has now crossed three months, and the Qatari authorities are not revealing the exact reason behind the detention, leaving his family in distress. Amit’s family has alleged he is in solitary confinement. Furthermore, he has not been provided with any consular access and there is no clarity on legal proceedings.
Detained without explanation
Amit’s father, JP Gupta, spoke to the media and said that his 42-year-old tech executive son was picked up by Qatari state security officials while he was out to have food on New Year’s Day. His family came to know about the detention the next morning. Since then, he has been in custody, which is getting extended repeatedly. First, he was put under 31-day detention, which was extended for 20 days and then for 15 days in March. Authorities have not provided any clarification to his family or the Indian authorities.
Speaking to CNBC-TV18, he said, “We still don’t know under what charges Amit has been detained… There is absolutely no clarity on the official charges, what Amit is accused of, or when he will be released. Each passing day makes things more suspicious for us.”
The only alleged reason shared informally, according to the family, is a vague accusation that Tech Mahindra “manipulated and took over other contracts”. Amit reportedly offered full cooperation, but the family says nothing has progressed since.
A senior official with a clean track record
Amit joined Tech Mahindra in 2012. In 2022, he was made the country head for Qatar and Kuwait. In 2013, he moved to Doha after completing an MBA in Marketing and Systems from the International Management Institute (IMI), New Delhi, and a B.Tech in Computer Science from MNIT, Jaipur. Over the years, Amit rose from a senior sales manager to a key figure managing the regional operations in the Middle East for the company.
His father said, “All these years, life was as peaceful and content as any family would want until the 2nd of January, when we woke up to the tragic news of Amit being detained.”
Solitary confinement, minimal sunlight, and no consular access
According to his family, he has been kept in solitary confinement, allowing him to speak to them only for five minutes every Wednesday. Apart from that, Amit only gets 10 minutes of sunlight a day. His father added, “He has no interaction with others. Even after we visited Qatar for a month in February, all our efforts to provide him some relief have been in vain.” The family says they have managed to meet Amit only once, for 25–30 minutes.
The Indian Embassy also made efforts to ensure Amit gets official consular access, however, to date, there has been no clarity on that aspect of the case either. The family said, “His custody has been indefinitely extended.”
The family has met Vadodara’s Lok Sabha MP, BJP leader Hemang Joshi. He promised to take the matter with the Centre and meet officials in Qatar Embassy.
Gujarat: BJP MP Hemang Joshi says, "Our Baroda citizen, Amit Gupta, who has been working in Qatar Tech Mahindra for the past 10 years, and he had this problem. He was going out after eating, and the local security agency took him into custody. His parents had gone to Qatar for a… https://t.co/aeBnU3s4hbpic.twitter.com/e9dhJogfww
In a statement to CNBC-TV18, Tech Mahindra said, “We remain in close contact with the family, providing necessary support to them. We are also actively coordinating with authorities in both countries and adhering to due process. Ensuring the well-being of our colleague is our top priority.”
Hindustan Times quoted unnamed sources from the Indian Embassy in Qatar and stated that the mission is “providing all possible assistance” and is “closely following the case”. However, Gupta’s family say there has been “no positive response” from any side.
A painful wait for answers
Amit’s father said that they have submitted appeals to the Ministry of External Affairs, the Prime Minister’s Office, and Tech Mahindra. However, they have been waiting for any tangible response. He said, “We expect little progress unless higher authorities intervene. The conditions Amit is living in now are extremely inhumane and cruel—for both him and us.”
This is the second high-profile case involving an Indian citizen being detained in Qatar in recent years. In 2022, eight former Indian Navy officers were arrested and later sentenced to death. Their sentences were commuted, and they were released in February 2024 following strong intervention by the Indian government.
