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Modi govt awards Padma Shri to Satyanarayan Nuwal: Read how the weapon systems of his company, Solar Industries, were successfully battle-tested during Operation Sindoor

Rukma Rathore
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Modi govt awards Padma Shri to Satyanarayan Nuwal: Read how the weapon systems of his company, Solar Industries, were successfully battle-tested during Operation Sindoor

On the eve of Republic Day, Satyanarayan Nuwal, the founder and chairman of Solar Industries India Limited, was conferred the Padma Shri for Trade and Industry. His company manufactured the “Nagastra” weapon systems used in “Operation Sindoor” last May, reported The Times of India. He is the chairman of Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), which is perhaps the first and largest private military-grade explosives manufacturing facility in the nation. Notably, SDAL also provided boosters for BrahMos missiles.

Nuwal, who was chosen for his exceptional contributions to industry and society, is the only businessman from Vidarbha of Maharashtra to have bagged the esteemed honour in recent years. “I did not expect that such a big honour would be conferred on me. The award only adds to my commitment towards the country, and profit is not the objective in running the defence business,” he voiced while speaking to the TOI.

Nuwal is a first-generation businessman who started modestly in the mid-1990s as a supplier of commercial explosives to Coal India Limited. He frequently travelled alone and waited on train platforms. However, he successfully entered into defence when his company began producing military-grade explosives in 2010.

The 74-year-old recounted, “It was an entirely new field for a private-sector company to enter. I used to hear about the supply-side challenges faced by the armed forces and realised that the country needs more players. Considering the scenario, we decided to make a small contribution towards the country’s defence.”

During his visit to the SDAL facility this month, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed that the company’s Nagastra drone-mounted loitering munition hit enemy objectives precisely during India’s pivotal military action. “In America or any other country, they can launch four missiles simultaneously. But our Bhargavastra fires 60 micro-missiles at once. No such system exists anywhere else in the world to date,” Nuwal had informed Singh at the time. Bhargavastra is a multi-layer micro-missile Anti-Drone or Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS).

The union minister was also told about the Pralay short-range ballistic missile. “We make so many motors of Pralay but our capability is that we can manufacture the whole missile,” a company official mentioned, outlining that they could develop the entire missile in only two months if given the chance.

Furthermore, SDAL created SE-BEX-2, considered the most potent high-energy material after an atomic bomb and twice as potent as conventional trinitrotoluene (TNT). It was the first private entity to provide the Army with a whole munitions system, including multimodal hand grenades that replaced the outdated models.

The company started off as a military manufacturer by filling orders for Pinaka rockets. Afterwards, it produced multimodal grenades, the first complete systems built by a commercial enterprise, adding another milestone to its record. It then grew over time to produce anti-drone devices and drones. SDAL recently purchased land in Nagpur’s Mihan-SEZ to create robotics-based and artificial intelligence technologies.

The humble beginnings

Nuwal is among the richest persons in India with a net worth of $5.2 billion (more than ₹46,500 crore), according to the Forbes list. His company is widely recognised in the field of defence and was the initial corporation in India to be granted a government licence to produce explosives for the armed forces. However, the individual who established this business empire originated from a modest family in Rajasthan’s Bhilwara. His father was a government accountant who stressed the value of developing business acumen early in life.

Nuwal was unable to continue his studies after 10th grade because of financial constraints after which he tried his hand at small businesses as he spent a year in Mathura with his gurudev. He noted, “More than education, I was interested in doing business,” in a Forbes interview.

He experimented with a variety of ventures, such as manufacturing fountain pen ink, leasing companies and even a transportation company after returning home. Meanwhile, Nuwal was married at the young age of 19 as the load of obligations continued to mount. He left home to provide for his family and went to Chandrapur in Maharashtra in 1977 to work with a relative. He had to spend nights at the train station since he was unable to afford basic living expenses.

Nuwal met Abdul Sattar Allah Bhai, who owned a gunpowder depot and was licensed to use explosives. He negotiated renting the place for ₹1,000 per month but the amount was too much for him. His firm eventually flourished and he started getting substantial orders from coal mines. His company evolved to become a consignment agency by 1984 and he was a crucial explosives dealer by 1990.

A new light dawns

The 1990s marked a turning point for him when he founded Nagpur-based Solar Industries in 1995 because of his extensive experience in this field. He managed ₹60 lakh from the bank along with other savings and began producing slurry explosives and soon ventured into the production of bulk explosives alongside detonators. Coal India Limited was listed as one of the company’s major clients. The public sector undertaking (PSU) has been using the explosives for its mines.

The business made the decision to go public in 2006 when it had a net profit of about ₹11 crore and a turnover of ₹78 crore. The funds were mostly utilised to build up the operation and set up 13 production facilities. Solar Industries opened six plants in Zambia, Ghana, Nigeria, Turkey, Tanzania and South Africa while its units already spanned 29 cities in nine states. It also started its plants in Thailand, Indonesia and Australia.

Furthermore, it was the first private business to be granted a government licence to produce weapons and explosives for the country’s armed services. Nuwal understood that ammunition would ultimately have to be produced domestically. Hence, he commenced developing capacity for expansion into ammunition, including grenades, medium and large calibre ammunition as well as high energy explosive (HMX) and HMX compounded products, propellants and warheads.

Solar Industries was awarded an ammunition order for the delivery of multi-mode hand grenades (MMHG) valued at around ₹450 crore to be delivered over a two-year period. For the first time in the annals of India’s defence, it distinguished itself as the first private entity to be awarded an ammunition order.

Chairman of Sandeep Metallics, a division that manufactures ammunition round systems, Sandeep Agrawal also explained Nuwal’s hardships as a self-made entrepreneur who began as an explosives supplier to the mining industry. He expressed, “Over the years, he came up with systems which were never put in place by private industries in the defence sector. He started investing in the sector in 2010, and only now the company started getting dividends, though the commitment remains strong.”

The company is currently one of India’s key private-sector partners in strategic weapons manufacturing for multiple Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)-made missiles, such as Pralay, Pinaka, Akash and other guided weapon systems. It is also a major supplier of solid rocket motors and propulsion systems.

Similarly, Nuwal is now well known for transforming Solar Industries into a worldwide-renowned corporation while upholding a strong commitment to social responsibility. Likewise, his steadfast support for social welfare, education, and community development earned him appreciation across the country. His Padma Shri award emphasises not just his career accomplishments but also his vital role in nation-building.

Rajasthan: Nagaur police seize 10,000 kg ammonium nitrate ahead of Republic Day, accused Suleman Khan arrested; Read what FIR says

Anurag
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Rajasthan: Nagaur police seize 10,000 kg ammonium nitrate ahead of Republic Day, accused Suleman Khan arrested; Read what FIR says

On the intervening night of 24th and 25th January, Nagaur police in Rajasthan carried out a major security operation and seized around 10,000 kg of ammonium nitrate along with a huge cache of detonators, fuse wires and other explosive material from a farmhouse in the Thanwala police station area. The raid was conducted in Harsaur village. The explosives were stored illegally in multiple rooms of a farm structure built on agricultural land.

The police arrested one accused identified as Suleman Khan during the raid. According to police officials, the recovery was among the largest ammonium nitrate seizures in recent years. Notably, ammonium nitrate was used in a car blast near the Red Fort in Delhi in November last year. The development came at a sensitive time as security has been heightened across the country ahead of Republic Day celebrations. OpIndia accessed the FIR in the matter.

Detonators, fuse wires and blasting material recovered

According to police, the seizure was not limited to ammonium nitrate alone. Large quantities of detonators, detonating cords, safety fuse wires and other accessories commonly used in blasting operations were also recovered. Officials pointed out that the material seized was sufficient to cause devastation if used for unlawful purposes or mishandled.

Senior officers indicated that preliminary questioning suggested the explosives were being supplied to those involved in legal and illegal mining activities in the state. However, given the volume and timing of the seizure, the possibility of wider misuse has not been ruled out. Central agencies have been informed and are expected to join the investigation.

What the FIR says

The FIR has been registered at Thanwala police station in Nagaur district of Rajasthan on 25th January on the complaint of ASI Surendra Kumar under Sections 5 and 9(b) of the Explosives Act, Section 5 of the Explosive Substances Act, and Sections 112(2) and 288 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against 58-year-old Suleman Khan of Harsaur.

Source: Rajashtan Police

How the raid unfolded

According to the details provided by ASI Surendra Kumar in the FIR, he, along with police staff, departed from the police station on 24th January at 4:51 PM. The team reached the kachcha road leading to Harsaur, where they met SI Vijay Singh, DST in charge, and other team members. The DST team informed ASI Surendra that there could be explosive material stored in a house built in the fields belonging to Suleman.

Additional police personnel were called. When the police team reached the front of the house, one person was found who was identified as Suleman Khan. When he was asked about the items kept inside the rooms, he initially did not provide any satisfactory answer. After being questioned further, he stated that explosive material was kept inside.

The team opened the rooms and checked them. In one of the rooms, white plastic sacks were found filled with ammonium nitrate. In another room, multiple cartons and bundles of explosive accessories and blasting material were found, including detonators, blue and red wire bundles, gelatine sticks, dudet and AP SOD packets.

It was noted in the FIR that Suleman acknowledged that the material was explosive in nature. The police then asked him to produce any licence or permit authorising him to keep such explosive material in his possession. Suleman failed to provide the same.

On this basis, the complainant stated that Suleman’s act of illegally storing explosive material created an apprehension of danger to human life and serious damage to property.

Though police requested people present nearby to become independent witnesses, they refused to help. Thereafter, constable Mukesh and constable Narsiram were appointed as witnesses.

The seizure also included detonators comprising three large cartons with 1,250 units each, five smaller cartons weighing 20 kg each, and one carton containing 388 detonators. In addition, 12 cartons of blue safety fuse wire weighing 10.5 kg each and three plastic sacks containing a total of 15 bundles were recovered. Red safety fuse wire was seized in eight cartons of 1,500 metres each, four cartons marked “Tiger Card” of 1,500 metres each, and two plastic sacks containing five bundles.

Source: Rajashtan Police

The recovery further included five cartons of large gelatine sticks with nine units per carton, 25 cartons of smaller gelatine sticks weighing 25 kg each, dudet consisting of four large cartons with 500 units each, five smaller cartons with 400 units each, one carton containing 200 units, and one plastic sack. Two wooden cartons of AP SOD were also seized, one containing 20 packets and another containing six packets.

After confirming the recovery, Suleman was made aware of the offence and informed of his constitutional rights. He was then arrested at the spot, and a seizure memo and arrest memo were prepared. The seizure memo and arrest memo are crucial as they are required to be submitted in court. Furthermore, the raid was videographed.

Accused has history of similar offences

Police stated that Suleman has a criminal history, with three previous cases registered against him under explosives related laws. Two of those cases are reportedly pending before courts. He was acquitted in one earlier matter. Police are now probing the source of the ammonium nitrate, how it was transported and stored, and whether there are links to a larger supply network operating across districts or states.

In a statement, Superintendent of Police, Mridul Kachhawa, said, “A major action was carried out yesterday by the district police. A large quantity of explosive material has been seized from the spot, which is substantial in amount and possibly. This is the biggest action under the Explosives Act in the state so far. Around 10,000 kilograms of ammonium nitrate have been seized.”

Delhi Red Fort blast case

The seizure in Nagaur has renewed focus on the repeated misuse of ammonium nitrate in terror attacks and large-scale blasts. Notably, it is the same explosive material that was used in the deadly blast near Delhi’s Red Fort on 10th November 2025, in which 15 people were killed. The blast was linked to a white-collar terror module associated with the Al Falah university network.

Security experts have repeatedly warned that while ammonium nitrate has legitimate industrial and agricultural uses, its diversion in bulk quantities poses a serious national security risk. The Nagaur seizure, coming just a day before Republic Day, has been described by officials as a crucial intervention that may have prevented a major disaster.

West Bengal SIR – Why is it necessary: An OpIndia Research Paper

Dhruv Mishra
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West Bengal SIR – Why is it necessary: An OpIndia Research Paper

The report examines the electoral rolls crisis unfolding in West Bengal in the backdrop of the Election Commission of India’s nationwide Special Intensive Revision (SIR). A massive, legally mandated voter roll review started across 12 states and Union territories. The decision to adopt a national SIR followed Bihar’s SIR, which exposed profound structural distortions in voter lists, including unmatched entries, duplicate voters, and suspected foreign nationals. The findings in West Bengal, however, have proven far more alarming.

The ECI’s mapping exercise has already flagged significant discrepancies in West Bengal during the SIR. About 24.16 lakh voters have been identified as deceased in the course of the revision exercise. UIDAI has informed the Election Commission that roughly 34 lakh Aadhaar cardholders in the state have been marked as deceased, with an additional 13 lakh deceased individuals who did not possess Aadhaar, according to the latest data shared during the process.

The SIR exercise has proven self-correcting in certain situations as well. The fact that a roll revision is being conducted has led to several illegal infiltrators fleeing the country back to their country of origin (especially Bangladesh), owing to the fear of being detected. Border forces have confirmed nearly 1,600 illegal migrants fleeing to Bangladesh within weeks.

West Bengal has historically been a state where administrative tasks have been challenging to conduct, owing to political intimidation, pressure, and violence. For example, on November 28th 2025, the Calcutta High Court came down heavily on the Mamata Banerjee government for failing to submit a status report on the Bengal-Bangladesh border fencing. The Central Government revealed in court that the border fencing process had stalled because the Mamata Banerjee government was refusing to cooperate and failing to facilitate land acquisition. Mamata Banerjee has also been shielding and protecting illegal Bangladeshis, at one point, claiming that an exercise like the NRC (National Registry of Citizenship) would lead to bloodshed and civil war. 

During the SIR exercise as well, several ground-level disturbances made the process far more complicated. Reports of intimidation, protests by politically backed committees, and aggressive obstruction by ruling party workers reflect a volatile environment in which the clean-up is taking place. The Supreme Court’s ongoing hearings have reinforced the legitimacy of SIR, with the Chief Justice noting that fears of mass deletions had not materialised in Bihar and that citizens had not approached the Court alleging wrongful disenfranchisement.

West Bengal’s SIR must be seen within a broader historical pattern of electoral manipulation.  A series of documented cases from illegal cross-border Bangladeshi obtaining voter IDs to fake voter networks operating in North 24 Parganas, Nadia, and West Midnapore demonstrate that the distortions uncovered today are not new, accidental, or administrative glitches. They are the result of systematic negligence, political interference, and logistical vulnerabilities across border districts.

The ongoing SIR represents India’s most ambitious attempt to restore electoral integrity in the state, but it is also exposing the depth of distortions previously hidden beneath surface-level processes. This study examines why the SIR exercise is a necessity in West Bengal, relying on publicly available data and case studies. 

Click on the button to download the full research paper.

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Stone pelting, idol vandalism and more: Here are 9 instances of attacks and disruptions during the 2026 Saraswati Puja

Shraddha Pandey
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Stone pelting, idol vandalism and more: Here are 9 instances of attacks and disruptions during the 2026 Saraswati Puja

Vasant Panchami is an auspicious occasion of worshipping Maa Saraswati, the giver of knowledge and wisdom. Across the country, Saraswati Puja and subsequent immersion are performed by Hindus with immense devotion. However, as disrupting the celebration of Hindu festivals has become an opprobrious trend seen during Ram Navami, Hanuman Jayanti and other festivals, anti-Hindu elements attacked or disrupted Saraswati Puja at several places this year.

Jharkhand: Stone pelting by a Muslim mob at the idol of Maa Saraswati during an immersion procession in Hazaribagh after objecting to the DJ

On 24th January, a Muslim mob pelted stones at a Saraswati Puja immersion procession in Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh. A procession was being taken out to immerse the idol of Saraswati in Beltu village, under the Keredari block. Suddenly, a Muslim mob began pelting stones at the Hindu procession. In retaliation, some participants in the procession retaliated.

The dispute began over the songs being played on the music system during the procession. The Muslim side was offended by the ‘provocative’ songs, and in no time, the matter escalated into violence as Muslim men began pelting stones at Hindus, leaving several people injured.

Hazaribagh has been a hotbed of Islamic violence against Hindus. Be it Ram Navami, Hanuman Jayanti, or Holi, Muslims often come up with trivial excuses like Hindus playing music, or carrying saffron flags, etc, to attack Hindus over the years.

Back in 2020, Muslims had attacked a Saraswati Puja immersion procession in  Lakhe Sundi Basti near Hazaribagh. A Muslim mob pelted stones and damaged several vehicles back then. Four to five people were injured as well. The same modus operandi continues to be followed by Muslims against Hindus celebrating their festivals even now.

Assam: Saraswati idol vandalised in Dibrugarh

On 24th January, an idol of Maa Saraswati was vandalised by unidentified individuals on the day of the Puja. So far, there is no information regarding the people behind this act. Local Hindus have demanded that the culprits be identified and punished.

Tripura: Muslims cause unrest during Saraswati Puja in Kailashahar

In Tripura’s Kailashahar, tensions prevailed after it was alleged that around 16 Muslim youths armed with machetes and sticks attempted to disrupt a Saraswati Puja. Clashes erupted in the Katal Dighirpar area.

BJP Mandal president Pritam Ghosh stated that around 16 Muslim youths carrying machetes and sticks tried to disrupt Saraswati Puja by attacking Hindus. “As soon as we rushed to the spot after receiving information, they attacked us indiscriminately. The situation turned more violent. These miscreants are trying to replicate the dangerous environment of Bangladesh. We must fight unitedly against such forces,” Ghosh said.

Pritam Ghosh was injured in the attack, while the house of the district president of the BJP youth wing, Arup Dhar, was also vandalised. Reports say that an unofficial office of the BJP in Katal Dighirpur was torched.

Police forces were deployed to bring the situation under control.

West Bengal: TMC infighting disrupts Saraswati Puja in North 24 Parganas district

On Friday (23rd January), infighting within the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) party led to the disruption of Saraswati Puja in Kamarhati city in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.

Reportedly, the Belghadia Sarbajanin Sr Sri Durga Chowk Society Mandir has been locked up by one faction of the TMC. As a result, local Hindu women are unable to worship Maa Saraswati. The local police refused to intervene and remove the lock unless the warring TMC factions find a common ground.

TMC leader threatens students against organising Saraswati Puja at the alma mater of Mamata Banerjee

A female student studying at the government-sponsored Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri College in South Kolkata has informed that a TMC leader has threatened them against organising Saraswati Puja.

As per the victim, the TMC leader was identified as Daud Alam Molla. The student narrated in a viral video, “Daud Alam Molla is standing outside. He has threatened me that he will f*** my LLM.”

Coincidentally, Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri Law College is the alma mater of West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee.

Infighting between TMC factions stops Saraswati Puja celebrations in Cooch Behar

On Friday (23rd January), the Saraswati Puja Mandap at Dinhata College in Cooch Behar district of West Bengal was abandoned after infighting broke out between two factions of the ruling TMC.

The police were later called in to maintain law and order. On learning about the matter, the in-charge of Dinhata police station and SDPO reached the college campus. Hindu devotees, who went to attend the Puja festivities, were forced to flee for their safety and security. Visuals captured from the site showcase how the college campus was turned into a battlefield by the ruling TMC goons.

Hindu students are not allowed to perform Saraswati Puja inside school premises because over 50% students are Muslims

In another incident from Barasat city in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, Hindu students were denied permission to organise Saraswati Puja within the school premises.

Reports say that the permission was denied because the school had more than 50% Muslim population. In a video that has surfaced on social media, police officials were seen stopping students from worshipping the deity.

Later, Hindu students were forced to organise the Puja outside the premises of the school and on the footpath.

A man named Pradip Chatterjee was heard saying, “They said that Puja cannot be conducted here since Hindus are a minority in this school…There is no difference in the plight of Hindus residing in West Bengal and Bangladesh.”

If the ‘50% Muslim students’ logic is applied nationally, Hindus can also claim tomorrow that their population is more than 50% in the country, and thus Namaz should not be allowed.

Jharkhand: Muslims attack Hindus over Saraswati Puja procession in Lohardaga

On 25th January, a Muslim mob attacked Hindus in Jharkhand’s Lohardaga area during a Saraswati Puja procession. The incident unfolded in during the Saraswati Puja immersion ceremony in Baridih village, under the Kudu police station area of Lohardaga. Hindus were taking out the jhanki of Maa Saraswati through the village; however, the vehicle carrying the idol slightly touched the roof of the house of a Muslim family.

Subsequently, the Muslim family and their local co-religionists gathered and assaulted the driver. By early morning, the matter escalated into full-fledged violence, with the Muslim mob attacking Hindus and their houses. Upon receiving the information, police from the Kudu police station and a bike squad from the Border Security Force arrived at the scene.

Image via AajTak

Three people were injured in the attack and are undergoing treatment at a local hospital. The police have brought the situation under control.

Bangladesh: Saraswati idol vandalised in Gopalganj

Ever since the forced ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, Bangladesh has witnessed a continued persecution of Hindus. The local Hindus have been attacked, raped, looted, and killed by Muslims. Muslim mobs have on numerous occasions vandalised Hindu temples under the patronage of the Islamist Yunus regime.

In a fresh incident of anti-Hindu attack, Muslims vandalised a Saraswati idol at a public puja mandap in Mukshudpur Upazila of the Gopalganj district on Friday.

Saraswati idol vandalised in Gopalganj, Bangladesh. (Image via Daily Republic Bangladesh)

Mukshudpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abdullah Al Mamun said that the anti-Hindu crime was committed after Saraswati Puja concluded at the communal puja site in West Ujani Kandanipara village, Ujani Union. The devotees left the mandap after concluding the Puja. Later, Muslim attackers twisted the neck of the Saraswati idol, leaving its head dangling in a deliberate act of sacrilege.

The Hindu-dominated Gopalganj district has witnessed several anti-Hindu crimes perpetrated by Muslims in the last two years.

Uttar Pradesh: Who is Samajwadi Party leader Rizwan Mansuri alias Chotu Tiger, accused of kidnapping a Hindu woman in Jalaun

Anurag
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Uttar Pradesh: Who is Samajwadi Party leader Rizwan Mansuri alias Chotu Tiger, accused of kidnapping a Hindu woman in Jalaun

Communal tension erupted in Jalaun district of Uttar Pradesh after a Hindu woman was allegedly kidnapped from the Konch police station area on 19th January. The incident triggered protests following allegations of police inaction and political influence in the matter, as the accused is now the suspended Jalaun district chief of the Mulayam Singh Youth Brigade, the youth wing of the Samajwadi Party, Rizwan Mansuri alias Chotu Tiger.

While Rizwan has been arrested and the woman has since been safely recovered, the incident has raised concerns over the conduct of SP party leaders. OpIndia has accessed the FIR registered in the matter, which sheds light on the allegations levelled by the family.

The incident, which took place under the jurisdiction of Konch Kotwali Police Station, led to heightened tension in the area. Hindu organisations staged protests and accused the police of initially dragging their feet due to the accused’s political links.

Case triggers protests and allegations of police delay

According to media reports, the 21-year-old Hindu woman went missing on 19th January after leaving home for the market. When she did not return, her family began a search for her and later approached the police.

The matter led to communal tension after local residents and Hindu organisations said that despite the seriousness of the case, prompt action was not taken against the accused. On 23rd January, Hindu organisations and community members protested outside the Konch Kotwali and accused the police of acting under pressure. They demanded the immediate arrest of the accused.

The situation further deteriorated after objectionable photos, chats, and videos linked to the woman and the accused surfaced on social media. In one of the videos, the woman was heard saying that she left her home on her own and that no one pressured her to do so. She further accused her parents of forcing her to get married while she wanted to continue her studies. She further stated to have submitted an application in Allahabad High Court seeking protection. The family said that these were circulated under pressure to influence public perception and to psychologically harass the woman.

Accused arrested, woman recovered safely

Following sustained pressure from Hindu organisations and community members, the police arrested Rizwan. The abducted woman was subsequently recovered safely and sent for a medical examination. She was later produced before a court for the recording of her statement.

In a statement, Parmeshwar Prasad, Circle Officer (CO), said, “On 20th January 2026, the complainant submitted a written complaint at Konch Kotwali stating that his 21-year-old daughter had been enticed and taken away by Rizwan Mansoori alias Chotu Tiger. Acting on the said complaint, the Konch Kotwali police immediately registered a case under the relevant sections of law and took the accused Rizwan Mansoori alias Chotu Tiger into custody, where he is currently being interrogated. The abducted woman has been recovered. She is being subjected to a medical examination and is being produced before the Hon’ble Court for recording of her statement. Further investigative proceedings are underway.”

What the FIR says

OpIndia accessed the FIR registered in the matter. It was registered on 20th January on the complaint of the father of the victim at Konch Kotwali Police Station in Jalaun district of Uttar Pradesh under Section 87 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against Rizwan Mansuri alias Chotu Tiger and Usman Qureshi.

source: UP Police

According to the complaint, the Hindu woman left her home around noon on 19th January stating that she was going to the market. When she did not return for several hours, her family searched for her. They later learned that she had allegedly been lured away by Rizwan with the assistance of Usman.

Source: UP Police

The complainant further stated that the woman had taken approximately Rs 3 lakh in cash from her house before leaving. Despite extensive efforts, the family was unable to trace her whereabouts, following which they approached the police for legal action against both accused.

Political links of the accused

Rizwan Mansuri is affiliated with the Akhilesh Yadav led Samajwadi Party. He was serving as the district head of the Mulayam Singh Youth Brigade (MSYB). Interestingly, the FIR was registered on 20 January at 11:38 AM, and by 4 PM, Rizwan was removed from the post of district chief of the Mulayam Singh Youth Brigade (MSYB). The suspension letter was issued by the State Chief of the MSYB, Anees Raja.

Source: MSYB/Facebook

This is not the first time he was removed from the party or from the position he was serving. In September 2024, he was removed from the party for being “involved in anti party activities”. However, on 7th April 2025, his suspension was revoked.

Source: Facebook/Instagram

In September 2025, he was reinstated as district head of MSYB.

When OpIndia reviewed Rizwan’s profile, it found several instances in which he was seen visiting Hindu households and getting rakhi tied on Raksha Bandhan. His social media activity also shows him sharing posts wishing Hindus on festivals such as Diwali, Holi, Ram Navami, and Navratri, and participating in Hindu cultural occasions, including having tilak applied on his forehead during Bhaiya Dooj.

Source: Facebook

While political outreach across communities is not uncommon, these repeated displays raise questions about whether Rizwan leveraged his organisational position to build acceptability and visibility among members of the Hindu community in the region. In light of the allegations he now faces, his carefully curated public persona and social media presence warrant closer scrutiny, particularly over whether such outreach was driven by genuine engagement or political convenience.

The authorities have assured proper investigation in the matter. CO Prasad said that action would be taken strictly on the basis of evidence and legal provisions, and no guilty person would be spared.

What is the ‘Mother of all Deals’ and why the trade pact between India and Europe is seen as historic

विशेषता
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What is the ‘Mother of all Deals’ and why the trade pact between India and Europe is seen as historic

The dates of 26th and 27th January are being seen as historic not just for India, but for global politics and economics. A major agreement is about to be signed between India and European countries, which is being called the “Mother of All Deals.” It has been awaited for the past 20 years. 

To finalise this long-awaited deal, top European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, have arrived in New Delhi. The Indian government has rolled out a grand welcome, underlining the importance of the moment.

This occasion is also special because, for the first time in India’s history, European leaders will be the chief guests on our Republic Day (26th January), and a contingent of the European military will also parade down Delhi’s Line of Duty. The primary objective of this entire agreement is to facilitate “free trade.”

This will open up a huge market for 2 billion people. Furthermore, it will make both India and Europe stronger partners for trade, rather than relying on China and the United States.

The ‘Mother of All Deals’: A market of 2 billion people and 25% of global GDP

European leader Ursula von der Leyen has called this agreement the “Mother of All Deals,” meaning it’s the largest and most important trade agreement ever. The key reason is that when India and 27 European countries come together, they will create the largest and most powerful trading market in the world. This market will be so vast that nearly a quarter of the world’s total revenue will be tied to this deal alone.

The biggest beneficiaries of this agreement will be small and large Indian businesses. Currently, when Indian goods, shoes, jewellery, or IT services are exported to Europe, they face heavy taxes. However, with this deal, our goods will be sold in European markets without any additional taxes, resulting in significant profits for Indian companies.

The deal will also benefit European companies and Indian consumers. Luxury European cars such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Volkswagen currently attract very high import duties in India, making them expensive.

Under the new agreement, these tariffs will be reduced significantly. This means European cars could become more affordable for Indian buyers in the coming years. The same applies to European wines and other premium products, which are currently heavily taxed in India.

This tariff reduction is expected to increase competition in the Indian market, giving consumers more choices and better prices.

Defence and Technology: India’s entry into the ‘SAFE’ programme

This agreement is not limited to the exchange of goods; India and Europe are now beginning a new chapter of friendship, called the “Security and Defence Partnership.” This step will significantly help India become self-reliant in its military and weapons. Following this agreement, Indian defence companies will be able to participate for the first time in Europe’s special fund (SAFE program), which holds approximately 150 billion euros.

To date, no non-European country has had the opportunity to benefit from such a large fund, which is a matter of pride for India. Additionally, India and Europe will now share intelligence. Whether it’s maritime security, cyberattacks on the internet, or combating terrorism, both sides will work together.

Europe has openly supported India after the recent terrorist attacks, stating that India has every right to retaliate in its own defence. This is a major diplomatic victory for India internationally. Another important development is that major European companies are now looking to make India their new destination, leaving China.

They want to set up their factories in India, which will not only increase work in modern sectors like chips (semiconductors) and clean energy here, but India will also emerge as a major manufacturing centre for the entire world.

Job boom: Golden Opportunity for Youth and Skilled professionals

This major agreement will have a significant impact on employment in our country. Experts say that it will employ millions of people. Best of all, it will become much easier for Indian engineers, doctors, and scientists to travel to Europe and work. To this end, both sides are developing a special mobility framework that will eliminate visa difficulties and provide better opportunities for our talent abroad.

Additionally, major European car companies will now locate their factories and parts manufacturing units in India. This will open up recruitment opportunities for thousands of engineers and technicians. Furthermore, Europe is now relying on India for its pharmaceutical supplies. This will significantly increase research and drug manufacturing in our pharmaceutical companies (pharma sector) and create thousands of new jobs.

India and Europe will also collaborate on the energy of the future, generating electricity from Solar, wind, and hydrogen. This will create a plethora of jobs in India for experts working in the field of clean energy. Overall, this deal will prove to be a major boost to the careers of Indian Youth. 

New World Order and India’s dominance

This “Mother of All Deals” isn’t just a piece of paper, but a profound sign of a changing world. At a time when the United States is making drastic changes to its trade policies and trust in China is waning, Europe has chosen India as its most reliable democratic partner. This agreement will transform India into a global economic powerhouse, establishing a new identity for itself, independent of the pressures of the United States and China.

Experts say that today, Europe’s population is ageing, so it desperately needs India’s youth and its large market to work. On the other hand, India needs Europe’s advanced technology and significant investment to progress. This means that this friendship offers significant benefits to both. However, India must be careful not to exploit this agreement to allow a third country like China to sell its cheap goods into our market. When it is ratified on 27th January, it will be considered India’s biggest and most historic victory to date.

(This article is a translation of the original article published on OpIndia Hindi.)

‘No signature, no seal’: Indian Law Ministry twice refused to serve US SEC summons to Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani

Shraddha Pandey
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‘No signature, no seal’: Indian Law Ministry twice refused to serve US SEC summons to Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani

The Indian Law Ministry twice refused to formally serve the summons issued by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on businessman Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani. The Law Ministry cited the absence of an ink signature, official seal and a technical objection as reasons behind the refusal on two occasions, Indian Express reported on 24th January 2026.

The first refusal came in May 2025, and the second in December 2025. This led the US SEC to approach a New York federal court to bypass standard international service procedures and serve an “effective” summons to Gautam and Sagar Adani via email.

After the news of the US market regulator seeking to send summons to the Adanis emerged, the Adani Group’s listed stocks dropped between 3.3% and 14.6% or cumulatively Rs 1 lakh in market capitalisation on Friday (24th January 2026).

In its request filed before a New York federal court, the US SEC said, “Given the Ministry’s position, and the time elapsed since service was first attempted pursuant to the Hague Convention, the SEC does not expect service to be completed through the Hague Convention.”

The bribery case against Gautam Adani, nephew Sagar Adani and other Adani Group executives

It must be recalled that back in November 2024, the US SEC accused the Adanis of violating the “antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws by knowingly or recklessly making false and misleading representations concerning Adani Green Energy Ltd in connection with a September 2021 debt offering by Adani Green.”

U.S. prosecutors charged Gautam Adani, his nephew Sagar Adani, and several executives from the Adani Group with orchestrating a $250 million bribery scheme to secure solar power project contracts in India. The indictment includes securities and wire fraud accusations, alleging that Gautam Adani, Sagar R Adani, and Vneet S Jaain misled U.S. investors about their anti-bribery policies while engaging in corruption. The Adani Group had denied all the allegations back then.

The indictment also accused them of obstructing FBI, DOJ, and SEC investigations. Then US Attorney Breon Peace alleged they undermined global financial markets.

The charges were presented against them by Breon Stacey Peace, who was the 48th United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. OpIndia reported earlier that Breon Peace had a connection to George Soros, hinting at a larger conspiracy to yet again damage the Indian industrialist’s reputation and business. 

Alongside the criminal case, the US SEC is also pursuing a civil lawsuit against the Adanis for allegedly violating the securities laws.

After the US Justice Department indicted Gautam Adani in November 2024, the Adani Group withdrew the $ 600 million bond offering.

Why did the Indian Law Ministry refuse the US SEC summons issued in February and December 2025 against Gautam Adani?

The US Securities and Exchange Commission made its first formal request to the Indian Law Ministry in February 2025, seeking assistance under the Hague Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters. 

At that time, the Indian Law Ministry denied the request, citing the absence of an ink signature on the cover letter of the SEC, in addition to a missing seal on the required forms.

“It is observed that the forwarding letter bears no seal & signature, and the Model Form bears no seal of the requesting authority as well. Hence, this Department is unable to verify and confirm the authenticity of the documents/Request, and therefore, the Documents are being returned to you for necessary action,” the ministry told the US SEC.

In December 2025, the Indian Law Ministry denied the service of summons, citing US laws and also raised doubt over the applicability of the Hague Convention in this issue. The letter cited by the Indian Express report reads, “The documents have been checked and in view of the Rule 5(b) of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)’s Informal and Other Procedures, 17 C.F.R. § 202.5(b), it is found that the above mentioned summon does not cover in the above said categories. Therefore, the same is returned herewith.”

The Law Ministry further listed what actions the SEC can take during or otherwise. “After investigation or otherwise the Commission may in its discretion take one or more of the following actions: Institution of administrative proceedings looking to the imposition of remedial sanctions, initiation of injunctive proceedings in the courts, and, in the case of a willful violation, reference of the matter to the Department of Justice for criminal prosecution. The Commission may also, on some occasions, refer the matter to, or grant requests for access to its files made by, domestic and foreign governmental authorities or foreign securities authorities, self-regulatory organizations such as stock exchanges or the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., and other persons or entities.”

In its court filing, the US SEC interpreted it as the Indian Law Ministry telling them that the SEC “lacks authority to invoke the Hague Convention or seek service of the Summonses.”

Consequently, now the US SEC is seeking a federal court approval to use an alternative, email service of summons to the Adanis, bypassing the Indian government.

Adani Green Energy says SEC proceedings “civil in nature”, company not party to the legal proceedings

On Friday (23rd January 2026), Adani Green Energy stated in its stock exchange filing that the company is not a party to the ongoing legal proceedings, nor has it been charged.  It reiterated that the SEC proceedings are “civil in nature”.

“The Company is not a party to these proceedings, and no charges have been brought against it. Further, as clarified in our intimation to the stock exchanges dated November 27, 2024 (1:16:32hrs), the Defendants have not been charged with violation/(s) of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act i.e. there are no charges of bribery or corruption against the Defendants. The SEC proceedings are civil in nature,” Adani Green Energy stated.

This statement came in response to the queries raised by the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) regarding the news about the US SEC seeking to issue summons to Gautam and Sagar Adani.

Mirzapur conversion racket: 5 gyms, 50+ women targeted, constable Irshad Khan and Farid Ahmed arrested after encounter, 7 arrested so far for blackmailing and extortion

Shraddha Pandey
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Mirzapur conversion racket: 5 gyms, 50+ women targeted, constable Irshad Khan and Farid Ahmed arrested after encounter, 7 arrested so far for blackmailing and extortion

In Uttar Pradesh’s Mirzapur district, an Islamic conversion racket operating at five gyms was busted by the police after two Hindu women lodged separate complaints accusing Muslim gym trainers of sexually exploiting them, extorting money, and pressuring them to convert to Islam. During the investigation, it turned out that a Bhadohi police constable, Irshad Khan, was also involved in this Islamic conversion racket.

GRP constable Irshad Khan built an empire for himself using money made from extortion

GRP constable Irshad Khan and his accomplice Farid Ahmed lured over 50 girls under the guise of running “Iron Fire” and “KGN 2.0” gyms. Earlier, the Mirzapur Kotwali Dehat Police arrested two accused men identified as Mohammad Sheikh Ali Alam and Faisal Khan.

The police arrested GRP constable Irshad Khan and his accomplice Farid Ahmed after an encounter near Kharanja Falls. Farid was shot in the leg by the police. The Mirzapur Police recovered an illegal pistol and a mobile phone from Farid.

Accused Farid Ahmed (L), Farid injured during police encounter (Centre), accused GRP Constable Irshad Khan (R) (Images via Bhaskar, AajTak)

Meanwhile, a lookout circular has been issued against the racket’s mastermind, Ashfaq alias Lucky Ali Khan and his brother Imran Khan to ensure they do not manage to flee the country. The police have announced a bounty of Rs 25,000 for both brothers.

According to the police investigation, Constable Irshad Khan drove expensive cars and had established a chain of gyms with money he earned through illegal extortion.

Muslim woman ‘Sanno’ was tasked with winning the trust of Hindu women who attended the gyms run by the accused Muslims

In a typical ‘Kerala Story’ scenario, a Muslim woman named Sanno was actively involved in the racket and was tasked with winning the trust of Hindu girls and entrapping them.

The accused Muslim men would “share” the Hindu girls among themselves; if a victim failed to be trapped at one gym, the responsibility for trapping them would be assigned to another gym.

Five gyms where Hindu girls were targeted for conversion to Islam sealed after DM order

So far, the police have seized five such gyms, KGN-1.0, KGN-2.0, KGN-3.0, B-Fit, and Iron Fire, to prevent evidence tampering.

KGN 3.0 gym (Image via Bhaskar)

The sealing of the five gyms came after DM Pawan Kumar Gangwar imposed a complete ban on the operation of these gyms under Section 163 until 27th February 2026.

Upon examining the mobile phones of the arrested accused, the police found incriminating digital evidence, including hundreds of photos, videos, and chats.

The police are investigating the financial trail of this gym-based Islamic conversion network. Amit Dubey, the landlord, said that he was unaware that the now-sealed KGN 2.0 gym was being used for such illegal activities. Reports say that the expensive equipment at this gym was purchased with money from religious conversions. Local residents say that women often frequented the gym late into the night,and parties took place.

Speaking about what happened and the police action in the case, Mirzapur SP Somen Verma said, “This case is from Kotwali Dehat. Two women (victims) filed a complaint alleging harassment by the owner and trainer of the gym they attended. The gym owner and others face serious allegations of exploiting the women, extorting money from them, and pressuring them to convert to Islam illegally. We are currently investigating the allegations in this case.” 

Meanwhile, ASP City Nitesh Singh said that four of the five gyms are run by three brothers and a brother-in-law.

The modus operandi

The matter came to light after two of the many victims filed complaints. The Mirzapur Police swung into action and sealed three such gyms and arrested two accused men identified as Mohammad Sheikh Ali Alam and Faisal Khan.

The two Hindu women who came forward and filed separate complaints at the Kotwali Dehat Police Station alleged that the accused Muslim men working as gym trainers in Mirzapur first befriended them and lured them into a trap, took private photos and videos, they also made AI-generated obscene videos and photos, and eventually blackmailed and pressured the Hindu women to convert to Islam.

On 20th January, a case was registered against Mohammad Sheikh Ali Alam, resident of Natwan Millat Nagar and Faisal Khan, resident of Gosai Talab, Kotwali City police station. Based on interrogation and digital evidence, the police also detained Zaheer and Shadab for questioning. Police say that all the arrested and detained accused have been associated with different gyms and were running an organised love jihad network.

Accused Zaheer is the owner of the KGN-1 gym and has also been associated with the KGN-2, KGN-3, and Iron Fire gyms. The victims have previously attended the KGN gym, where they came in contact with the accused Muslim men.

One of the complainants who attended the B-Fit gym revealed that the accused Sheikh Ali befriended her, gradually lured her into his love trap, established physical relations, and took private photos and videos. Subsequently, Sheikh Ali allegedly blackmailed her and extorted money. He even took a loan in her name and kept asking for the OTP.

According to the victim, accused Sheikh Ali Alam clicked pictures of her in a Burqa several times and pressured her to offer Namaz five times a day. He took the victim to a dargah, made her recite the Islamic Kalma, and forced her into converting to Islam.

However, when the Hindu victim protested, the accused Sheikh Ali Alam allegedly abused her, threatened to make her obscene videos viral online. He also threatened to kill her. The victim alleged that gym trainers Faisal and his associates are also involved in this love jihad and conversion racket.

Across all five gyms now sealed, the accused Muslim persons lured as many as 50 Hindu girls, exploited them, blackmailed them and were working on the agenda of converting them to Islam.

Now, the police are not only investigating the call data records of all the accused persons but also probing the funding of the gyms in question. Although the gym trainers were paid between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000, they wore branded shoes and clothing, and used expensive mobile phones. It has been reported that Mirzapur’s prominent businessmen and public representatives are among those who invested in these gyms.

UP’s historic leap under CM Yogi: Read how targeted welfare schemes lifted 60 million citizens out of poverty as the state celebrates Uttar Pradesh Day 2026

रामांशी
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UP’s historic leap under CM Yogi: Read how targeted welfare schemes lifted 60 million citizens out of poverty as the state celebrates Uttar Pradesh Day 2026

Uttar Pradesh, once known mainly for its struggles with poverty and unemployment, is today being projected as one of India’s fastest-changing states. On the occasion of Uttar Pradesh Day 2026, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath shared a heartfelt “paati” with the people, highlighting what his government calls a historic turnaround, with nearly 60 million people moving out of poverty between 2017 and 2025.

Quoting figures from NITI Aayog, the Chief Minister said the state has now become India’s “growth engine.” He urged people to renew their resolve for a “developed Uttar Pradesh,” stressing that poverty reduction is no longer just a goal but a visible reality in many districts.

A state weighed down by poverty before 2017

Before 2017, Uttar Pradesh was facing deep-rooted poverty. The multidimensional poverty rate stood at 37.68 % in 2015-16, meaning nearly half the population struggled with a lack of income, education, healthcare, housing and basic services. From Independence till 2017, several welfare schemes were launched, but their impact remained limited and uneven, especially in rural areas and among SC, ST and OBC communities.

The situation began to change after 2017, when poverty alleviation became a central focus of governance. According to NITI Aayog data, the poverty rate dropped to around 22.93 22.95 % by 2019-21, showing that government interventions were finally reaching the ground.

60 million lives changed in eight years

Between 2017 and 2025, around 59.4 to 60 million people crossed the poverty line in Uttar Pradesh. The government now claims that the remaining poor are being identified through a “Zero Poverty” campaign, with efforts underway to bring every family into the mainstream through jobs, skills, credit and social security.

This progress has been more visible in rural belts and among historically disadvantaged communities, where employment opportunities and incomes were once extremely limited.

Districts that saw the biggest shift

Some districts recorded striking improvements. Maharajganj saw the highest reduction in multidimensional poverty at 29.64 %, followed closely by Gonda at 29.55 % and Balrampur at 27.90 %. Kaushambi and Kheri also witnessed sharp declines of 25.75 % and 25.23 %, respectively.

Officials say this change did not come from a single scheme, but from a mix of local industry support, skills training and easier access to self-employment.

Local businesses and ODOP changed the rural economy

One of the biggest drivers has been the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, launched in 2018. Under this programme, each district focuses on one key product from handicrafts to food items and receives support for quality improvement, branding, training and market access.

The scheme has helped create around five lakh jobs. About 916 entrepreneurs were directly supported, leading to over 10,700 new jobs. In districts like Maharajganj, ODOP-linked activity alone contributed to a 25-30 % fall in poverty levels. Small units, traditional artisans and first-time entrepreneurs, especially from SC, ST and OBC groups, benefited the most.

Skills that led to jobs and self-employment

Skill training played a major role in helping youth earn a living. The Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission (UPSDM), active since 2013, expanded rapidly after 2017. It offers free training in 283 courses across 34 sectors, including basic computer skills and spoken English. Millions of young people, especially from rural areas, have been trained under this mission.

Alongside this, the Kaushal Satrang Yojana focused on unemployed youth by linking training with real jobs and self-employment options. Around 2.37 lakh youth were targeted, while nearly 30,000 startups received encouragement. Apprentices were given a monthly stipend of ₹2,500, and training partners were paid up to ₹20,000 per trainee.

Support for artisans and traditional workers

The Vishwakarma Shramik Samman Yojana helped revive traditional skills. Under the scheme, artisans received 10 days of free training along with toolkits and financial support ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹10 lakh. Around 1.43 lakh artisans benefited, and loans worth ₹372 crore were given to over 66,300 people. For many families, this became a steady source of income and a way out of poverty.

Youth entrepreneurship and startup push

To boost self-employment further, the government launched the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan (MYUVA) in 2024. Educated youth are provided interest-free loans and grants up to ₹5 lakh to start micro-enterprises. The annual target is one lakh entrepreneurs, backed by a ₹1,000 crore budget, with a strong focus on MSMEs.

At the same time, the Startup Seed Fund Scheme, under the UP Startup Policy 2020, offered funding support up to ₹5 crore, along with help for prototypes and patents. Thousands of startups have benefited, creating over 16,500 direct jobs and pushing innovation-led growth in the state.

Social security strengthened alongside jobs

Poverty reduction was not limited to employment alone. Social security schemes played a strong supporting role. Around 1.06 crore families received annual pensions of ₹12,000. Free food grains reached nearly 15 crore people. Under the Ujjwala Gas Scheme, 1.86 crore families received cooking gas connections, while 4.77 crore daughters were supported through marriage assistance schemes.

These measures reduced household expenses and gave families a sense of stability while they worked towards better incomes.

What lies ahead: challenges and the road forward

Despite these achievements, challenges remain. Gaps between rural and urban areas still exist, and many self-employed workers struggle with limited access to markets. Technical support and better digital skills will be important to make small businesses sustainable in the long run.

Looking ahead, the government needs to focus more on digital training and new technologies. Increasing women’s participation across sectors is another key area, especially as lessons from recent political and social trends show the need for wider inclusion

A long journey, but a clear shift

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s Uttar Pradesh Day message reflected both pride and responsibility. Lifting 60 million people out of poverty is a historic milestone and has clearly improved living standards for millions of families. Uttar Pradesh is now seen as a leader in poverty reduction, not just within India but also as an example of large-scale change.

The challenge now is to sustain this momentum. If the focus on skills, small businesses, startups, and social security continues, the goal of a developed and inclusive Uttar Pradesh may no longer be far from reach.

Temple locked, threats by TMC goons, permission denied because most students are Muslims: Read about 4 cases where Saraswati Puja celebrations were disrupted in West Bengal

OpIndia Staff
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Temple locked, threats by TMC goons, permission denied because most students are Muslims: Read about 4 cases where Saraswati Puja celebrations were disrupted in West Bengal

The annual Hindu festival of Saraswati Puja has been disrupted at multiple locations in the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC-ruled state of West Bengal.

On Friday (23rd January), infighting within the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) party led to the disruption of Saraswati Puja in Kamarhati city in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.

According to a report by DD News Bangla, the Belghadia Sarbajanin Sr Sri Durga Chowk Society Mandir has been locked up by one faction of the TMC.

As a result, local Hindu women are unable to worship Goddess Saraswati. The TMC councillor has not been able to provide a resolution so far.

The local police have refused to intervene and remove the lock unless the warring TMC factions find a common ground.

“We want this temple to be a common place for worship. There will be only one lock, with 2 keys. One key will be in their possession while the other one will be with us,” a woman narrated.

Another woman stated, “This is not the property of an individual. It belongs to everyone.”

TMC leader threatens students against organising Saraswati Puja at the alma mater of Mamata Banerjee

A female student studying at the government-sponsored Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri College in South Kolkata has informed that a TMC leader has threatened them against organising Saraswati Puja.

As per the victim, the TMC leader was identified as Daud Alam Molla. The student narrated in a viral video, “Daud Alam Molla is standing outside. He has threatened me that he will f*** my LLM.”

Coincidentally, Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri Law College is the alma mater of West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee.

OpIndia had reported in January 2025 how Mohammad Shabbir Ali, the then General Secretary of the West Bengal State Trinamool Chhatra Parishad, threatened students with rape and murder if they dared to perform Saraswati Puja.

Infighting between TMC factions stops Saraswati Puja celebrations

On Friday (23rd January), the Saraswati Puja Mandap at Dinhata College in Cooch Behar district of West Bengal was abandoned after infighiting broke out between two factions of the ruling TMC party.

According to a report by ABP Ananda, the police were later called in to maintain law and order. On learning about the matter, the in-charge of Dinhata police station and SDPO reached the college campus.

Hindu devotees, who went to attend the Puja festivities, were forced to flee for their safety and security. Visuals captured from the site showcase how the college campus was turned into a battlefield by the ruling TMC goons.

Hindu students are not allowed to perform Saraswati Puja inside school premises because more than 50% students are Muslims

In another incident from Barasat city in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, Hindu students were denied permission to organise Saraswati Puja within the school premises.

As per reports, the permission was denied because the school had more than 50% Muslim population. In a video that has surfaced on social media, police officials were seen stopping students from worshipping the deity.

Later, Hindu students were forced to organise the Puja outside the premises of the school and on the footpath.

A man named Pradip Chatterjee was heard saying, “They said that Puja cannot be conducted here since Hindus are a minority in this school…There is no difference in the plight of Hindus residing in West Bengal and Bangladesh.”

He added that the police showed the door to Goddess Saraswati, forcing students to offer floral tributes to the Hindu deity on the side of the road.

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has strongly condemned this incident. In a tweet, he asked, “Has West Bengal now turned into Bangladesh?”

“This incident teaches us one thing – How will Hindus be treated if they become a minority?” he added.

The above-mentioned 4 incidents are the ones that have been reported in the local Bangla media. As is often the case in West Bengal, stories about Hindu rights are often ignored by mainstream media houses. It will not be surprising if the cases of disruption of Saraswati Puja run into dozens.

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