In the Bulandshahr moving car gang rape and murder case of a minor, the Allahabad High Court on Friday (04th October) commuted the death sentence of the three convicts Zulfikar Abbasi, Dilshad Abbasi and Malani alias Israel, to 25 years of imprisonment. The court did not consider it a ‘rarest of the rare’ case and emphasized the possibility of rehabilitation and reform of the convicts. The crime is from January 2018, when 17-year-old Aarushi (name changed) was kidnapped, gang-raped, and murdered in a moving car in Bulandshahr district.
Allahabad High Court commutes the death sentence
According to the Live Law report, during the hearing, the Allahabad High Court bench of Justice Arvind Singh Sangwan and Justice Mohammad Azhar Hussain Idrisi said that this case does not fall in the category of ‘rarest of the rare’, so the culprits cannot be hanged. The court sentenced the three convicts – Zulfiqar Abbasi, Dilshad Abbasi and Israel alias Melani – to 25 years of imprisonment, with no remission.
According to the prosecution, on the evening of January 2, 2018, the convicts saw the victim going on her bicycle and kidnapped her. They dragged her into their car and raped her one by one in the moving car. When the victim started screaming, they strangled her to death with her dupatta and dumped her body in a canal.
During the hearing of the case, the POCSO court of Bulandshahr had awarded death penalty to all the three convicts in March 2021. The court had said that the incident has created an atmosphere of fear in the society and people, especially parents, have become anxious about sending their daughters to school. The convicts were convicted under sections 364 (kidnapping), 376D (gangrape), 302/34 (murder), 201 (destruction of evidence) and 404 (snatching property) of the Indian Penal Code and the POCSO Act.
High Court hearing on review petition of death sentence
The three convicts, who were sentenced to death in the POCSO court, had filed an appeal in the Allahabad High Court against the verdict. The High Court reviewed the lower court’s decision in this case and found that it did not fall in the category of ‘rarest of the rare’ case. The court said that the lower court had not given any special reasons on the basis of which only death penalty should be given.
The High Court said that the convicts had no previous criminal record and they also had the responsibility of their families. Apart from this, the age of the convicts was around 24 years, and one of them had health problems. In view of these circumstances, the court said that reform and rehabilitation of the convicts is possible, so instead of death penalty, a sentence of 25 years of imprisonment would be appropriate.
What was the entire matter
This case is related to the incident of January 2018, when 17-year-old victim Aarushi (name changed) was kidnapped and gang-raped in a moving car in Bulandshahr district and later murdered. After this gruesome incident, tension spread in the entire area. On 4th January 2018, the body of the victim was found in a canal. The family members had registered a case against Israel, Zulfiqar, and Dilshad, naming them.
In this case, the negligence of the police also came to the fore. It was alleged that the then outpost in-charge did not present the evidence recovered after the incident in the court, even though that evidence were important for the case. After the court’s displeasure, the police expedited the investigation and collected solid evidence against the three accused.
The POCSO court had sentenced them to death
In March 2021, the POCSO court of Bulandshahr sentenced Israel, Zulfiqar, and Dilshad to death in this case. The court said that the crime was so serious and gruesome that it created an atmosphere of fear in the society and people became worried about the safety of their daughters. The court convicted the accused under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the POCSO Act. After the death sentence was pronounced, the victim’s mother had said that she wanted to see the three convicts hanged. She described the incident as extremely sad and humiliating for her daughter and the entire family.
However, now the High Court has changed the death sentence to 25 years of imprisonment, this decision was taken keeping in mind the possibility of rehabilitation of the convicts and the nature of the crime. The court said that points such as the age of the convicts, their no criminal record and responsibility towards their family were enough to reduce the sentence in this case.
On Friday, 4th October, Bulandshahr witnessed significant tensions following the Jumma Namaz. Islamists protested and indulged in stone pelting in Bulandshahrover remarks made by Dasna Temple Mahant Narsinghanand Saraswati. A police officer was reportedly injured as a result of the stone pelting. Heavy police and PAC forces were deployed to control the situation across the region.
Bulandshahr Breaking:
बुलंदशहर के सिकंदराबाद में यति नरसिंहानंद सरस्वती के बयान के बाद बवाल।
जुम्मे की नमाज के बाद मुस्लिम समुदाय के लोगों ने यति नरसिंहानंद सरस्वती के पोस्टर फाड़ किया हंगामा।
पुलिस द्वारा पकड़े गए आधा दर्जन लोगों को न छोड़ने पर एक संप्रदाय के लोगों ने किया… pic.twitter.com/9X2MYsR6vT
As per reports, the incident took place in the Sikandrabad area. A large number of Islamists gathered outside Hazrat Ali Mosque to protest against the statements made by Narsinghanand about Prophet Muhammad. During the protest, when the police tried to calm the situation down, a section of the crowd started pelting stones at the police. Inspector Ravi Ratan of Sikandrabad Kotwali was injured and was subsequently rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Following the incident of stone-pelting, District Magistrate CP Singh and Senior Superintendent of Police Shlok Kumar rushed to the scene. Additional police forces were called to disperse the mob. Police took eight individuals into custody in connection with the violence. Surveillance across the region was also intensified to ensure peace.
Heavy police presence after repeated clashes
The situation was initially brought under control following the afternoon protests. However, tensions flared up again following the evening prayers as members of the Muslim community once again gathered on the streets. The local police attempted to calm the situation but the stone pelting resumed. Additional forces were called in, including officers from nearby police stations and PAC units, to control the situation.
As a result of the violence, several shopkeepers were forced to close their shops early. Widespread panic was noticed among the local residents. A heavy police presence was maintained throughout the night to prevent further escalation of the situation.
Eight arrested, social media under scrutiny
Following the violence, the police started a crackdown on those who indulged in stone-pelting. Eight individuals were taken into custody. So far, two cases have been registered by the police in connection with the stone-pelting incidents. SSP Shlok Kumar emphasised that strict action would be taken against those responsible for disturbing the peace. He added that law enforcement agencies were closely monitoring social media platforms to prevent the spread of false information or inflammatory content.
He said, “If anyone is found spreading misinformation or attempting to incite further violence, they will face legal consequences.” The authorities have urged the public to remain calm and avoid gathering in large numbers.
थाना सिकन्द्राबाद क्षेत्रान्तर्गत गद्दीवाड़ा में हुए पथराव व गिरफ्तारी के सम्बन्ध में वरिष्ठ पुलिस अधीक्षक बुलन्दशहर की बाइट। pic.twitter.com/gbcfQ79T92
The protests and violence stemmed from recent remarks made by Narsinghanand, the Mahant of Dasna Devi Temple in Ghaziabad, regarding Prophet Muhammad and the Quran. Members of the Muslim community have been protesting against Narsinghanand since then.
Yati Narsinghanand’s controversial past and an assassination attempt against him
It is worth noting that this is not the first time that Islamists have targeted Narsinghanand for his remarks. In 2022, Narsinghanand was arrested after a woman filed a complaint against him for making derogatory remarks against women. Islamists had then alleged that he had called for the genocide of Muslims during an event called ‘Dharma Sansad’ where he had called upon Hindus to keep sharper weapons in self-defence against the looming threats posed by Islamists.
The near-constant barrage of online attacks by Islamists against Yati Narsinghanand came to a head in 2021 when Delhi Police foiled an assassination bid to kill him. Mohd. Dar, a JeM terrorist was arrested by the police and one .30 bore pistol along with two magazines and 15 live rounds were recovered from him. His belonging also included a Bhagwa kurta, a Kalava, a Mala and a Chandan-tika. The recovery of overtly Hindu symbols highlighted the modus operandi employed by Mumbai 26/11 terrorists who carried Hindu paraphernalia on their suicide mission to pin the blame of the attack on Hindus and in the process, promote the “Hindu terror” bogey, a fabrication that was conjured up by the UPA government to shield Islamic extremism.
On Thursday (3rd October), the Uttar Pradesh police apprehended 3 Muslim men who entered the Dasna Devi temple near Ghaziabad by pretending to be Hindus. They were identified as Rahul, Nanak and Wazir Khan and hailed from Mathura district.
As per reports, the trio used Hindu names and claimed to be a part of Ramlila to gain access to the temple headed by priest Yati Narsinghanand.
The development comes at a time when Islamists are threatening the Dasna temple priest with ‘Sar Tan se Juda (STSJ)’ threats after being prodded by Alt News co-founder Mohammed Zubair over his speech on Prophet Muhammad.
Muslims used Aadhar cards bearing Hindu names
The accused reportedly used Aadhar cards bearing Hindu names to gain entry into the Dasna Devi temple despite being Muslim by Faith.
While speaking about the matter, ACP Lipi Nagayach informed, “During checks, the police on duty at the temple found that the three men were using Aadhaar cards with Hindu names though they are Muslims. They had arrived there to perform at the Ramlila.”
“After inquiry, the men were arrested and booked for cheating by impersonation and defiling a place of worship. The group performing the Ramlila at the temple did not know that the men were Muslims,” the top cop added.
Accused wanted to insult the Hindu Faith: FIR
A case was registered suo motu against the three Muslim men on Thursday under Sections 298 (defiling place of worship) and 319 (2)(cheating by impersonation) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhia.
The First Information Report read, “The three men had the intention of insulting the Hindu religion, and that is why they were trying to enter the temple.”
While speaking about the incident, Yati Narsinghanand reiterated that Muslims are barred from entering the Dasna Devi temple. “The men were there to create some mischief and the police arrested them in a timely manner. The matter should be investigated,” he added.
In May 2023, a man named Mohsin was detained for barging into the Dasna Devi temple along with 2 minor girls. Reportedly, one minor girlwass Hindu and the other one was Muslim. The trio entered the Hindu temple using the Aadhaar card of the Hindu girl.
Muslims create chaos outside Dasna temple
On Friday (4th October), a group of Muslim youth created chaos and unrest outside the Dasna Devi temple. The Ghaziabad police swung into action and dispersed the mob.
इस संदर्भ में कुछ लोगो द्वारा अफवाहें फैलाई जा रही हैं । कृपया कोई गलत अफवाह न फैलाएं । गलत अफवाह फैलाएं जाने पर सम्बन्धित के विरुद्ध कठोर कार्यवाही अमल में लाई जायेगी । बाइट-श्री सुरेन्द्र नाथ तिवारी, पुलिस उपायुक्त ग्रामीण
— POLICE COMMISSIONERATE GHAZIABAD (@ghaziabadpolice) October 4, 2024
Yati Narsinghanand is being hounded by Islamists over his speech at Hindu Bhawan in Ghaziabad on 29th September this year.
During the event, he stated, ”…Even thousands of years since Ravan committed a small mistake, we burn his effigy. But until now, such criminals have taken birth that Ravan’s existence would fail in front of them. I want to exhort all Hindus from this stage if you want to burn an effigy, burn the effigy of Mohammad.”
The life of the head priest of the Dasna Devi temple is now in danger as Islamists continue to threaten him with beheading over supposed ‘blasphemy’.
Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) terrorist Yasin Malik, who was convicted of criminal conspiracy and waging war against India, has claimed that he adopted a ‘Gandhian way of resistance’ since 1994.
In a recently filed affidavit before the UAPA tribunal, he sought a review of the ban on his terror organisation. Malik claimed that he left ‘armed struggle’ (read terrorism) 30 years ago to establish a ‘United Independent Kashmir’ through Gandhian ways.
The UAPA tribunal had upheld the ban of JKLF-Yasin under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act for an additional 5 years. In his affidavit, Malik alleged that top Union government officials and politicians have engaged with him to seek a ‘peaceful resolution’ in Kashmir.
The Modi government was quick to point out his role in terror financing and creating unrest in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly between 2008 and 2016.
“He used his new facade to become one of the most important channels of financial resources for the violent campaign. JKLF-Y continued its anti-national activities and…played a vital role in the riots which broke out during the years 2008, 2010 and 2016,” the Centre told the UAPA tribunal.
Life and crimes of Yasin Malik
In May 2022, Yasin Malik was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Special NIA court for terror funding activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
The court convicted him under UAPA. He had earlier pled guilty in the case, admitting that he had been associated with terror funding activities in Jammu and Kashmir. NIA had sought the death penalty for Malik.
Malik was awarded two life imprisonment sentences, besides five 10-years sentences. However, all the punishments were ordered to run concurrently.
Malik is also accused of kidnapping former Union Home Minister Mufti Mohammed Saeed’s daughter Rubiya Saeed in 1989 and killing 5 IAF personnel in early 1990.
He is also allegedly involved in the killing of Justice Neelkanth Ganju, the judge who had ordered the death sentence for JKLF terrorist Maqbool Bhatt, and the murder of the former director of Doordarshan Kendra in Srinagar, Lassa Kau
A minority alliance in Bangladesh took to the streets of Dhaka on Friday, demanding that the government accept their eight-point demand to ensure the safety and well-being of minority communities in the country.
The alliance made this demand at a mass rally at the central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka. Thousands of people from the minority community from all over Bangladesh joined the rally.
Esteemed spiritual leaders from various temples and monasteries across the country, especially from Dhaka and Chittagong, students from various colleges and universities, leaders of minority communities, concerned citizens from various professions and representatives of the Bangladesh Combined Minority Alliance were present at the rally.
#WATCH | Bangladesh Combined Minority Alliance organised a massive protest rally today in Dhaka, ahead of Durga Puja. The Alliance put forth an 8-point demand, including, the guarantee of justice for the persecution of minorities, and urged that the same be accepted.
The Bangladesh Combined Minority Alliance, which organised the rally ahead of Durga Puja, said that the minority community across Bangladesh has been facing atrocities, including arson, vandalism, looting, forced occupation, murder, rape, threats of exile, and extrajudicial killings under the guise of mob justice since August 5.
Two months ago, a student-led movement ousted Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, after weeks of protests and clashes that killed over 600 people. Sheikh Hasina fled to India on August 5 and an interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus was formed.
The minority groups in Bangladesh alleged Hindus were attacked immediately after the political changes, but the interim government says those were not religious but political in nature.
Speakers at the mass rally urged for protest agaisnt the “unprecedented communal attacks” on minority communities across the country, to stop all injustice, to provide proper compensation to the victims, to ensure exemplary punishment to the culprits by bringing them under the law quickly, and the speedy implementation of the eight-point preannounced demand.
The eight-point demands by the minority include – Guaranteeing justice for the persecution of minorities, especially, the Sanatani Hindus. A “Neutral Investigation Commission” must be formed, followed by the establishment and effective functioning of a “Fact-track Trial Tribunal” to provide swift and appropriate punishment to the perpetrators, along with adequate compensation and rehabilitation for the victims.
The demands also include enacting a “Minority Protection Act” immediately; forming a “Ministry of Minority Affairs”; upgrading the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust to a “Hindu Foundation” as well as upgrading the Buddhist and Christian Religious Welfare Trusts into foundations.
The other demands are enacting a “Law for the Recovery and Preservation of Endowed Property” and properly implementing the “Vested Property Return Act”; building “Place of Worship” for minority students at all Public/Private Universities, University College, and every Higher Education institution, and allocate prayer rooms in every hostel; modernising the “Sanskrit and Pali Education Board”; and declaring a 5-day public holiday for the Sharadiya Durga Puja festival. Along with this, necessary leave must be provided for the major religious festivals of each minority community.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
In a major step towards preventing cybercrime using spoofed phone calls, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), in collaboration with Telecom Service Providers (TSPs), has introduced an advanced system designed to identify and block incoming international spoofed calls before they can reach Indian telecom subscribers.
In a statement issued on Friday, the DoT said that citizens are receiving many fraudulent calls, often disguised as originating from Indian mobile numbers. These calls are in fact manipulated by cyber-criminals operating from abroad. The statement said that these criminals exploit the Calling Line Identity (CLI) to mask the actual origin of the calls, which has led to a spate of incidents involving threats of mobile number disconnection, fake digital arrests, and even impersonation of government officials or law enforcement agencies. Recent cases have included false accusations involving drugs, narcotics, and sex rackets, further intensifying public concern.
In response to this growing threat, DoT has introduced the new system in collaboration with Telecom Service Providers. This system is being deployed in two phases: first, at the TSP level, to prevent calls spoofed with phone numbers of their own subscribers; and second, at a central level, to stop calls spoofed with the numbers of subscribers from other TSPs.
The DoT statement said that all four TSPs have successfully implemented the system, and about one third of total spoofed calls at 4.5 million spoofed calls are being stopped from entering the Indian telecom network. The next phase, involving a centralized system that will eliminate the remaining spoofed calls across all TSPs, is expected to be commissioned shortly.
As per the DoT, as a result of the proactive actions, 1.77 crore mobile connections taken on fake/forged document have been disconnected. The dept undertook targeted action of disconnection of 33.48 lakh mobile connections and blocking of 49,930 mobile handsets used by cyber criminals in cyber-crime hotspots/districts of the country.
Other than that, 77.61 lakh mobile connections exceeding the prescribed limits for an individual have been disconnected. 2.29 lakh mobile phones involved in cyber-crime or fraudulent activities have been blocked across India. Moreover, about 12.02 lakh out of 21.03 lakh reported stolen/lost mobile phones have been traced.
About 20,000 entities, 32,000 SMS headers and 2 lakh SMS templates involved in sending malicious SMSs have been disconnected. Around 11 lakhs accounts have been frozen by the banks and payments wallets which were linked to disconnected mobile connections taken on fake / forged documents.
Additionally, about 11 lakhs WhatsApp profiles/accounts have been disengaged by WhatsApp which were linked to disconnected mobile connections taken on fake / forged documents. 71,000 Point of Sale (SIM Agents) also have been blacklisted. 365 FIRs have been registered in multiple States/UTs.
DoT said that as fraudsters continue to adapt and devise new methods to deceive the public, it is taking timely measures to protect telecom users as these new ways are reported. “ In the age of rapidly evolving technology, the DoT has taken multiple measures to make the telecom eco-systems safer and secure. However, even with these robust safeguards, there may still be instances where fraudsters succeed through other means,” the statement said.
The Department of Telecommunications has asked the citizens to proactively report suspected fraud communications to help DoT in identification and prevention of misuse of telecom resources for cyber-crime, financial frauds. It will also help in safeguarding citizens from impersonation, exploitation, and enabling proactive action against potential threats.
Citizens can report such scam calls at Chakshu facility available on the Sanchar Saathi platform by providing details about suspected fraud calls, SMS, and WhatsApp messages including screenshot, medium of receipt, category of intended fraud, date and time of receiving such communication.
The statement said that the Chakshu facility is a significant step towards safeguarding citizens from cyber fraud. By providing a streamlined process for reporting suspicious activities, it helps in the early detection and prevention of potential frauds, thereby protecting users from financial and personal losses.
Amid the ongoing Islamist onslaught on religious minorities in neighbouring Bangladesh, Hindus in West Bengal are leading an organic, grassroots-level campaign to boycott products manufactured in the Islamic Republic.
The ‘Bangladesh Out’ movement was borne out of the necessity to stop funding a rogue State, which has fallen into the hands of Islamists since the 5th of August this year.
After having learnt of targeted attacks on the Hindu community, their temples and businesses in Bangladesh, Hindu residents in West Bengal took it upon themselves to lead an economic boycott of goods and services produced in the neighbouring country.
Hindus in West Bengal pledge to boycott Bangladeshi products
OpIndia spoke to Mayukh Pal, an organiser of the #BoycottBangladesh campaign. He informed us that the movement was unorganised at the start.
People joined in voluntarily, contributed funds and spread it to 12 districts of West Bengal just through word-of-mouth within a month.
Motivated to bring about a change on the ground, Pal along with his foot soldiers printed posters and pasted them on walls in busiest parts of towns and cities across West Bengal.
Hindus in West Bengal protest for Hindus in Bangladesh, demand their safety
Bus stands, railway stations, and bustling markets were the prime targets of the ‘Bangladesh Out’ campaigners.
The volunteers approached strangers, made them aware of the alarming situation in Bangladesh and encouraged them to take a pledge to boycott products from that country.
Many empathised with the cause so much so that they took an oath on camera to refrain from using Bangladeshi goods and services.
Demands of the Hindu Bengalis of West Bengal
Mayukh Pal told OpIndia that they distributed over 2500 posters and influenced more than 1 lakh Hindus so far.
We also spoke to Hindu activist R Bangopadhyay, who has been closely associated with the #BoycottBangladesh campaign. He outlined four simple demands of the Bengali Hindus spearheading the movement on the ground.
Immediately stop issuing visas (including tourist and medical) to Bangladeshi nationals.
Identify and deport Bangladeshi nationals, living in India and running anti-India propaganda on social media.
Blacklist radical Islamic outfits such as Hefazat-e-Islam, Jamaat-e-Islami and others involved in hate speech against Hindus
Completely stop importing and using products manufactured in Bangladesh
‘Bangladesh Out’ posters on random walls, trees and railway stations in West Bengal
R Bangopadhyay clarified that the first 3 demands were addressed to the Indian government while the fourth demand was for the broader Hindu community to fulfill.
The progression of the #BoycottBangladesh Movement
OpIndia reviewed the posters that are at the forefront of the ‘Bangladesh Out’ campaign. The English version highlighted key issues of an imminent Hindu genocide, the need to save the community and break the deafening silence around the ongoing atrocities.
A large section of the poster was dedicated to highlighting the murders, abductions, rapes, and destruction of temples and homes belonging to the Hindu community. It also included a QR Code where additional information could be accessed by the readers.
English poster of the #BoycottBangladesh campaign
The Bengali/ Bangla version of the poster read, “Hindu der rokte rangano Bangladeshi jama kapad borjon karun (Boycott Bangladeshi garments that are stained with the blood of Hindus).”
Unlike the English poster, the Bangla one instructed the Hindu community to boycott specific brands such as Zara, H&M, GAP and others.
When OpIndia pointed out that the said brands were headquartered either in Europe or the US, we were informed that the garments of these companies were produced en masse in Bangladesh and exported to India.
Bengali poster of the #BoycottBangladesh campaign
The Bangla poster also listed items that are imported from Bangladesh
Saree, Churidars
T-shirts, Shirts
Denims, Jeans
Sweater, Jackets
Kurti, Tunic
Lungi, Towels
The campaign kickstarted with volunteers targeting busy junctions of towns and cities across West Bengal and sticking posters calling for the economic boycott of Bangladesh.
Volunteers spearheading the #BoycottBangladesh campaign
The posters, available both in English and Bangla, captivated the interests of the onlookers. Some of them were inquisitive while others were hesitant to ask.
Nonetheless, the volunteers used the opportunity to educate, advocate and make the public aware of the perilous situation of Bangladeshi Hindus.
They also took the time to warn people to not fall for dubious social media narratives, attempting to whitewash the atrocities committed against the Hindu community.
Day 3 The hearts of Hindu Bengalis in West Bengal are crying after seeing the plight of persecuted minorities in Bangladesh. Eight to Eighty all souls are angry.
The response of the common public was overwhelming. Bengali Hindus concerned over the plight of the community members in the neighbouring Islamic Republic also vowed to not have Hilsa of the Padma river.
OpIndia had previously reported how the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus reversed the annual ritual of sending consignments of Hilsa fish (originating from the Padma River) to India before Durga Puja, which was followed by his predecessor Sheikh Hasina.
It later backtracked and began Hilsa exports to India. Nonetheless, Bengali Hindus in India have their priorities sorted. No exotic fish is more important than the life of a Hindu in Bangladesh.
"We don't want Hilsa, we want the protection of the Hindus of Bangladesh" @Tithiroy1160992 of West Bengal erupted over the torture of minorities in Bangladesh. She also said "Bangladeshis get all kinds of benefits from jobs to medical treatment in india…"#SaveBangladeshiHinduspic.twitter.com/dcWBfpLaFJ
Some junior Doctors and students, studying at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, have also joined hands to call for the economic boycott of Bangladesh over the treatment meted out to the minority Hindu community.
“The condition of Hindus in Bangladesh is alarming. Women are being subjected to atrocities including rape. Hindu temples are being destroyed. So, we are giving a call to boycott Bangladesh,” a doctor was heard saying in Bangla.
Doctors are also calling for Bangladesh boycott. Indian doctors have protested the killing of Bangladeshi Hindu victims of torture and ®ape. "Boycott those who are demolishing Hindu temples" – said the doctor.#BoycottBangladesh#SaveBangladeshiHinduspic.twitter.com/NjRGBAShD3
— Stories Of Bangladeshi Hindus (@LandOfHindusBD) October 3, 2024
Hindu saint, who went viral on social media for braving water cannons of the Kolkata police, also spoke in support of the campaign and demanded a boycott of Bangladeshi products over the ongoing genocide of Hindus and other religious minorities.
In protest against the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh, today Prabir Bose campaigned with us. He said, "Please embark against persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh, Don't fall for cheap hilsa, We have to boycott them completely…"#SaveBangladeshiHinduspic.twitter.com/FbovX3FTH8
The ‘Bangladesh Out’ initiative has received much-needed support on social media including from prominent Bengali YouTubers and activists like Rudra Prasad Banerjee and Sourish Mukherjee.
Organiser Mayukh Pal is happy that the boycott campaign has resonated with the Hindu community.
“Our movement started in North 24 Parganas, then spread to other parts of the State. The civil society has taken it forward. Just yesterday, we sent softcopy of our posters to other parts of India for printing and creating awareness,” he told OpIndia.
Attack on Hindus in Bangladesh
There have been at least 205 attacks on Hindu temples, shops and businesses since the ouster of Sheikha Hasina as Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
OpIndia had reported how a Hindu boy named Utsab Mandal was almost lynched by a Muslim mob on accusations of ‘blasphemy’ in the Sonadanga residential area of Khulna city.
We previously exposed how Muslim students have forced as many as 60 Hindu teachers, professors and government officials to resign from their positions.
Human rights activist and exiled Bangladeshi blogger, Asad Noor, has recently revealed that the minority community is now being coerced into joining ‘Jamaat-e-Islami’.
On 6th September, a procession of Hindu devotees carrying the idol of Lord Ganesha came under attack in the Kadam Mubarak area in Chittagong city of Bangladesh.
Ahead of the Durga Puja celebrations, a radical Muslim man vandalised the idols of Goddess Durga and other Hindu deities in Gouripur town in the Mymensingh district of Bangladesh on 25th September.
While the foreign advisor kept telling world about safeguarding hinuds, the reality stands just the opposite.
In yet another systematic attack on hindus, idols meant for celebration of #DurgaPuja are vandalized at a temple at Gouripur Upazila in #Mymansing.
The accused was identified as 22-year-old Yasin Mia. The police arrested him on 26th September for his involvement in the desecration of Hindu idols.
Mia entered the premises of Gobindajew temple in the wee hours of Wednesday and began destroying the idols, which had been sculpted for the past 20 days. While attempting to take the idols away, he was spotted by a Hindu woman named Dolly Rani.
She raised alarm and Mia was quickly apprehended by two locals, Akhil Chandra Bishwasharma and Bipul Ghosh. The accused was then handed over to the police
Idol vandalism at the Manikadi Palpara Barwari Pujamandap in Pabna
In the latest series of attacks, idols of Goddess Durga and other Hindu deities were vandalised at the Rishipara Barwari Puja Mandap and the Manikadi Palpara Barwari Pujamandap on 28th September and 1st October respectively.
The attacks were carried out in Sujanagar upazila in Pabna district in Rajshahi Division of Bangladesh. While a total of 4 idols were defaced at the Rishipara Barwari Puja Mandap, another 5 Hindu idols were destroyed at the Manikadi Palpara Barwari Pujamandap.
The attacks have raised concerns among the local Hindus, who have sought immediate intervention from the law enforcement authorities and district administration.
On Thursday (3rd October), 7 idols of Hindu deities were destroyed at the Gopinath Jiur Akhara Durga Puja mandap. The incident occurred in Kishoreganj in the Dhaka Division of Bangladesh.
Idols of Hindu deities vandalised at the Gopinath Jiur Akhara Durga Puja mandap
The vandalism was carried out in the wee hours of the night when the guards, responsible for ensuring the security of the temple, were asleep. The accused scaled the walls and broke off the heads of the idols. The Hindus staged a protest on Thursday evening.
They took to the streets and assembled outside the office of the district commissioner, seeking justice. Despite assurances by Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Khan and SP Mohammad Hasan Chowdhury, no arrests have been made so far.
In total, 16 idols of Hindu deities and three temples were attacked in the past 6 days in Bangladesh. So far, there have been many attempts to downplay violence against Hindus as ‘fake‘, ‘exaggerated‘ or ‘politically motivated‘.
Earlier yesterday, Islamists of several hues had a meltdown over Yati Narsinghanand Saraswati’s remarks in a public event held on September 29 at Hindi Bhavan in Lohia Nagar, Ghaziabad. X, formerly known as Twitter, was replete with posts of a viral video of Yati Narsinghanand Saraswati, with Islamists accusing him of committing blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad, an accusation levelled against him in the past as well.
Mohammed Zubair, the co-founder of Alt News, a far-left propaganda portal that often shields Islamists, appeared all worked-up when he shared a video of Yati Narsinghanand Saraswati with a sensational claim that the Dasna Temple chief abbot had targeted Prophet Muhammad.
One more derogatory and hateful speech by UP Priest Yati Narasinghanand targeting Islam and Prophet Mohammad. In his recent speech, he says "If you have to burn effigies on every Dussehra, then burn the effigies of Mohammad". There are several FIRs against him for hate speeches… pic.twitter.com/saBw6PTDnF
“One more derogatory and hateful speech by UP Priest Yati Narasinghanand targeting Islam and Prophet Mohammad,” Zubair tweeted, claiming that Narsinghanand was calling for burning the effigies of the Islamic Prophet. Ironically, Zubair, who champions himself as a ‘fact-checker’ committed to exposing “hate mongers”, has so far maintained a deafening silence on disparaging remarks made against Sanatana Dharma by Congress and DMK leaders.
Before long, other IT cell warriors who routinely share provocative posts, including tweets mocking Hinduism, were also outraged over what they claimed was an ‘unpardonable sin’ committed by Yati Narsighanand Saraswati. Posting inflammatory posts designed to whip up a communal frenzy against Narsinghanand, they claimed that he had spoken against the honour of their beloved prophet and that the police should jail him for committing the “gustakhi” (audacity).
Samiullah Khan, an Islamist crackpot who almost always remains on the boil, has been constantly posting provocative tweets calling for action against Yati Narsinghanand Saraswati.
#BREAKING Another incident of insulting Prophet Muhammad PBUH by hate-monger Hindu priest Yeti Narsinghanand, in a public speech he appealed to Hindus to burn the effigy of Prophet Muhammad: he said, "Instead of burning effigies of Ravana and Meghnad, burn the effigy of… pic.twitter.com/RO1ev1YHP4
Others too, pulled in to target Yati Narsinghanand Saraswati and call for action against him.
ग़ुस्ताखे रसूल नरसिंघानंद ने सारी हदे पार करदी। उसने हमारे प्रोफेट मोहम्मद(PBUH) की शान में ऐसी गुस्ताखी की जिसका भारतीय मुसलमान या विश्व का कोई भी मुसलमान किसी भी क़ीमत पर बर्दाश्त नहीं करेगा। ये सांप्रदायिक तनाव फैलाने वाला भड़काऊ भाषण है ! सैकड़ों FIR होने के बावजूद इसे आज… pic.twitter.com/EjxclNRKjV
An X user, seemingly an Indian, tagged official foreign ministry handles of the Gulf countries, including Turkey, UAE, Qatar, Maldives, and even Iranian despot Khamenei, exhorting to stop trading with India over allegations of blasphemy against Yati Narsinghanand Saraswati.
Hours after Islamists targeted Yati Narsinghanand over his viral video, an FIR was filed against him under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code on the complaint of a police officer at Sihani Gate police station named Trivendra Singh, for hurting religious sentiments.
What Yati Narsinghanand Saraswati said
While speaking at the event, Saraswati said,”…Even thousands of years since Ravan committed a small mistake, we burn his effigy. But until now, such criminals have taken birth that Ravan’s existence would fail in front of them. I want to exhort all Hindus from this stage if you want to burn an effigy, burn the effigy of Mohammad.”
Yati Narsinghanand’s controversial past and an assassination attempt against him
It is worth noting that this is not the first time that Islamists have targeted Narsinghanand for his remarks. In 2022, Narsinghanand was arrested after a woman filed a complaint against him for making derogatory remarks against women. Islamists had then alleged that he had called for the genocide of Muslims during an event called ‘Dharma Sansad’ where he had called upon Hindus to keep sharper weapons in self-defence against the looming threats posed by Islamists.
The near-constant barrage of online attacks by Islamists against Yati Narsinghanand came to a head in 2021 when Delhi Police foiled an assassination bid to kill him. Mohd. Dar, a JeM terrorist was arrested by the police and one .30 bore pistol along with two magazines and 15 live rounds were recovered from him. His belonging also included a Bhagwa kurta, a Kalava, a Mala and a Chandan-tika. The recovery of overtly Hindu symbols highlighted the modus operandi employed by Mumbai 26/11 terrorists who carried Hindu paraphernalia on their suicide mission to pin the blame of the attack on Hindus and in the process, promote the “Hindu terror” bogey, a fabrication that was conjured up by the UPA government to shield Islamic extremism.
Adnaan Shaikh, who made headlines after his wedding to fiancée Riddhi Jadhav, who converted to Islam and is now known as Ayesha, is facing a number of serious claims from his own sister Iffat. Iffat accused the Bigg Boss OTT 3 contestant of abusing and assaulting her and her father-in-law. She revealed some surprising details about the social media celebrity and his wife Riddhi aka Ayesha.
Adnaan’s sister Iffat filed an FIR at Bangur Nagar Police Station in Goregaon, Mumbai against him saying that he hit her on her private parts and abused her. She also stated that Adnaan who recently came into the limelight due to his wedding after Big Boss OTT 3 assaulted her father-in-law resulting in an elbow fracture.
The video of Iffat exposing Adnaan is making rounds on social media. “I came to Bangur Nagar police station to register a complaint against my brother. He thrashed me. After a few struggles, my FIR was finally lodged by the police,” she said.
मेरे भाई ने मेरे गुप्तांगों पर लात मारी! मेरा सगा भाई मुझ पर बुरी नजर रखता है
: बिग बॉस ओटीटी-3 फेम अदनान शेख की बहन इफ्फत ने अपने भाई के खिलाफ मारपीट और यौन हमले का मामला दर्ज कराया है।
इफ़्फ़त ने यह भी दावा किया कि अदनान की पत्नी आयशा का असली नाम रिद्धि जाधव है और उसने… pic.twitter.com/UNYo4BZk1g
As per the initial reports, Adnaan is believed to have hit Iffat for leaking the pictures of his wife Riddhi Jadhav who converted to Islam to marry him and is now known by the name Ayesha. After conversion, ‘Ayesha’ who was a Hindu earlier seems to be following ‘purdah’. As per the FIR, Adnaan didn’t want to reveal the face of his newlywed wife.
However, Iffat posted a picture with her after the wedding on Instagram revealing that Ayesha was Riddhi first.
Adnan meanwhile commented on the said incident and called the FIR bogus. Adnan has also responded to all of the charges against him on his Instagram account. He further stated that he filed a non-cognizable complaint (meaning that the police cannot arrest or interrogate the accused without a court order) against his sister’s FIR.
“I have seen that for the last three days, some rumors have been spread about me and I don’t think it is appropriate to answer all these, but then the PR people are putting that thing because Adnan’s wedding was very hyped and it bothered many people, especially some of my old friends. They are making false allegations and putting fake FIR copies. So it doesn’t matter, you are also here, and we are also here. I have also done many NC (non-cognizable) FIRs, at the right time the wrongdoer will be behind bars. I have full faith in Mumbai Police and the Indian Constitution.” Along with this, he told his fans not to worry and said, “All of you who are my fans, please don’t panic. The truth is going to come out very soon,” he said.
However, in an exclusive conversation with the Free Press Journal, Adnaan’s sister Iffat blamed Riddhi for her and her brother’s now ruined relationship. She said that she and her brother shared a really close bond but things began to change when his now-wife, Riddhi, joined the picture. Iffat blamed Riddhi for their split. As per the reports, when they first met, Adnaan talked to her about Riddhi and asked her to care for her and teach her how to wear the ‘Hijab’. He had stated to her: “She will leave her home, live with you, and you should teach her these things.” She did as he asked and even had a photo, which Riddhi had previously shared on her Instagram account. In the photo, Riddhi thanked Iffat for educating her about hijab, stating, “Whatever hijab I wear today is because of her.”
Adnaan’s sister went on to say that when Riddhi first joined the family, they formed a close bond. Riddhi was pleasant with everyone because she was going to be his wife. They exchanged some intimate secrets with each other, but when Riddhi and Adnaan started arguing, Riddhi disclosed all of her secrets to Adnaan. In response, she also revealed what she knew about Riddhi. This, she claims, was the source of her and Adnaan’s problem.
She further stated that Adnaan had issued harsh warnings to their family, banning them from having any contact with Riddhi and saying that he was the one leading the household. She accused Adnaan of beating her and her father-in-law during an altercation on the road while she pleaded for someone to record it. She also said that he kicked her in the private areas. She said that Adnaan was jailed after her complaint but was eventually released on bail.
Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday vacated the 6, Flagstaff Road residence to move to his new address in the Lutyens’ Zone.
Kejriwal moved to a bungalow at 5 Ferozshah Road, which is currently allotted to AAP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal.
Calling Kejriwal “an example of sacrifice,” the Aam Aadmi Party said that now the public will show their trust in Kejriwal’s honesty and make him the CM again.
“An example of sacrifice: Kejriwal. Today former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal vacated the Chief Minister’s residence along with his family. Now the public will show their trust in Kejriwal’s honesty and make him the CM again,” the AAP posted on X.
“Arvind Kejriwal, the hero of ‘politics of work’, left the CM residence and went to the public’s court. Arvind Kejriwal, who started a new chapter in politics by lighting up millions of homes in Delhi, left the Chief Minister’s residence today with his family,” it added.
Earlier, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) confirmed, “Arvind Kejriwal will shift to the bungalow allocated to party MP Ashok Mittal at 5, Ferozshah Road.” Notably, as per sources, Mittal had himself extended the offer for Arvind Kejriwal to shift to his residence.
AAP RS MP Ashok Mittal who offered his official residence to Kejriwal said he was happy that the AAP National Convenor was going to stay with him.
“When Arvind Kejriwal resigned as the CM a few days back, I came to know sometime later that he doesn’t have a house to live in. I invited him to reside in my Delhi house as my guest. Perhaps other workers and leaders of the party also invited him…I am delighted to know that he has chosen my home and decided to stay with me until he gets a house. So, this is delightful for me as an AAP worker and MP. I would get the opportunity to learn from him. I hope that in the upcoming Delhi elections, the public will support him like always and he will be the CM of Delhi once again with an absolute majority,” Ashok Mittal.
On September 17, Kejriwal tendered his resignation as Chief Minister to Delhi LG VK Saxena, following which Atishi staked claimed to form the new government days after the AAP chief was released on bail from Tihar jail in the excise policy case.
Kejriwal said that he would return to the post only if he gets a renewed mandate and a “certificate of honesty” from the people of Delhi in the assembly polls likely to be held in February 2025.
Atishi took oath as the Chief Minister of Delhi on September 22 after she was named successor to the post by AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
