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Order to interrogate Kapil Mishra, investigate his ‘role’ in Delhi anti-Hindu riots set aside, petition spearheaded by ISIS poster boy Mehmood Paracha: What the court said

Rukma Rathore
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Order to interrogate Kapil Mishra, investigate his ‘role’ in Delhi anti-Hindu riots set aside, petition spearheaded by ISIS poster boy Mehmood Paracha: What the court said

On 10th November, a Delhi court overturned a magistrate’s judgement which ordered Delhi Police to probe the alleged involvement of Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Delhi minister Kapil Mishra in the 2020 Delhi riots. Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh (MLA/MP cases) of Rouse Avenue Court pronounced that the magistrate exceeded his jurisdiction by asking for a further inquiry into the matter.

The lower court earlier ordered the probe due to a complaint that alleged that Mishra’s remarks had fuelled the violence, which was contested by him and the authorities. The case stemmed from a complaint by one Mohammad Ilyas.

He was represented by ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) poster boy Mehmood Pracha, while senior attorney Mahesh Jethmalani was Mishra’s counsel. OpIndia has a copy of the judgment.

Magistrate’s court passed an illicit order, overlooked police ATRs: Revision petitions

The main argument had been that the court went beyond its authority because a “Special Court” was assigned to investigate the Delhi riots under the aforementioned FIR, and it had already been notified via a notification dated 3rd August to try offences under the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act. The Special Court is the only one with the ability to order an additional inquiry and hence the decision infringed upon its jurisdiction.

The magistrate’s court was aware of the ongoing case and evidence of pre-riot conspiracy, as is clear from the order and materials such as WhatsApp discussions from months prior to the riots. It rejected jurisdiction for four incidents and declared that the corresponding trial courts were suitable forums but disregarded the Special Court’s jurisdiction for the matter involving Kapil Mishra and gave directives.

The order was also unlawful because it instructed the DCP North-East to carry out an additional inquiry. However, a magistrate is only allowed to direct an investigation to the Station House Officer (SHO), not a higher official, in accordance with 175 (3) BNSS, which is akin to Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) section 156(3).

The order was disputed on legal, procedural, and evidentiary grounds. The court committed procedural errors by neglecting established guidelines on multiple enquiries and police status reports. Notably, Mishra was found to have no participation in two Action Taken Reports (ATRs). One was from DCP North East (24.09.2024) and another from ACP Special Cell (21.10.2024).

The court ordered further inquiry despite the ATR of the Special Cell’s explicit declaration that Kapil Mishra had “no role in the initiation or orchestration of the violence” and a group seemed to have “deliberately attempted to falsely implicate him.” Likewise, a second FIR for the same incident was also against the law.

The judge violated the law, displayed bias against Mishra

Additionally, it was asserted that by examining the material and challenging the character of Mishra’s interrogation, the court violated Section 175(3) of the BNSS through holding an improper mini-trial on a preliminary application. Its authority is restricted to assessing whether a prima facie cognisable offence has been committed, while it continues to thoroughly examine the evidence in the case that is awaiting trial before the Special Court.

The court passed unwarranted remarks like “there are numerous flaws in such theory building and much guesswork, assumptions, and interpretation has undergone which are questionable. [sic]” It was maintained that its remarks were grave and unfair to Mishra, which caused false media stories implying that a formal complaint had been filed against him.

The court also made factually unfounded assertions and attempted to paint the BJP leader as the “immediate cause of the riots” due to his presence in the region on 23rd February 2020, despite proof to the contrary. It included WhatsApp conversations from several groups that were specifically created for protest and scheduled to take place during the United States President Donald Trump’s visit to Delhi.

It was further stressed that the state’s comprehensive evidence before the court convincingly showed a premeditated scheme that predated Mishra’s purported appearance in the area.

Furthermore, it was submitted that by adding the element of “violence” by Mishra, the court artificially strengthened the original complaint, even though there was no such mention of this. Moreover, the complainant purposefully modified the description from “vehicles” to “carts” to obstruct the identification or verification of the same.

Mishra’s proximity to his home was mistakenly interpreted as involvement and was termed unreasonable because local presence by itself does not imply involvement. It was pointed out that the evidence indicating the conspiracy started in November 2019, which contradicted the court’s observations.

The Special Court acknowledged the conspiracy by accepting the charge sheet, dismissing bail requests, and rejecting several appeals, some of which were dropped and others of which were withdrawn. The Supreme Court repeatedly overturned the high court’s ruling once it was contested there.

Ambiguous order, suffers from a material flaw: Rouse Avenue Court

Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh outlined that the order had a major jurisdictional issue and unlawfully called for “further investigation” into the “first incident” that the complaint claimed happened. The term “further investigation” was used by the magistrate’s court on several occasions, but it never stated that the verdict mandated the probe and filing of a formal complaint about the same.

He conveyed that if a magistrate does not specifically mention the same when directing an investigation under Section 175(3) BNSS, the order should at least make it clear that its requirement and direction are for “investigation.” The law requires the officer-in-charge of the police station to register the FIR for an unveiled cognisable offence, however, the order only suggested and did not specify.

The court was aware that the final report resulting from the FIR was already before a Special Judge’s superior court, and hence, it should have been clear if the intention was to register a fresh official complaint.

“Judicial orders, especially those affecting rights and potentially affecting someone’s liberty, must be unambiguous. Any such order that could impact someone’s rights and liberty must be explicit and free from conflicting interpretations,” the special judge announced.

The recurrent use of the phrase “further investigation” in the decision resulted in different interpretations by both parties in the absence of such a particular observation for investigation or the registration of a new FIR. He noted, “The fact that the impugned order has been interpreted differently by both sides indicates that it suffers from a material flaw.”

Illegal, improper, and incorrect judgement

Singh stressed that as the matter was pending trial before a higher court, the magistrate should have refrained from making personal comments and highlighted that “it lacked jurisdiction to entertain the complaint, as the matter is already under trial before a higher designated court.” He shed light on the magistrate’s contradicting conclusions and judicial overreach.

Singh expressed that the magistrate’s “explicit statement that, for the other four incidents, it cannot be tasked with the duty of monitoring the investigation as the learnt trial court of the particular police station would be the appropriate forum, along with his comprehensive re-evaluation of the investigation into the ‘first incident,’ reflects an inconsistent application of judicial principles regarding oversight of ongoing investigations and demonstrates an overreach into an area reserved for the designated court.”

“The impugned order thus reveals a serious jurisdictional error that makes the order illegal and unsustainable concerning the ‘first incident.’ It is illegal, improper, and incorrect, as it exceeds jurisdiction and constitutes a case of jurisdictional overreach,” Singh determined.

Complaint lacks major details, no mention of violence

The court mentioned that when a magistrate evaluates an application under Section 175(3) of the BNSS (Section 156(3) of the CrPC), the primary task is to ascertain whether a cognisable offence is disclosed and if police assistance is needed for the investigation, “rather than extensively scrutinising and dismissing the findings of an ongoing, complex investigation concerning a larger conspiracy.”

“The scope of that provision is minimal, focusing on whether the allegations amount to a cognisable offence and whether the collection of evidence by the police is required,” it further emphasised. The judge pointed out that the number of Mishra’s associates was also not stated in the complaint’s claims. The magistrate deduced that more than five people were there in order to prove a cognisable violation from Mishra’s testimony in the FIR.

The application did not reveal the commission of a cognisable offence, which is a prerequisite for initiating legal action. The magistrate used comparisons and deductions from Mishra’s interrogation in the broader conspiracy case to presume the same.

“Not only did the complainant not explicitly state in the application of being present at the scene during the incident in question, but the specific time of the incident is neither mentioned nor is it clear whether it occurred in the morning, afternoon, or evening. Though in the complaint to the police, the time of the incident is described as noon,” the judge highlighted.

He pointed out that even Ilyas’s statement missed information about the incident’s timing, precise location at Kardampuri, number of associates and additional details. Furthermore, he made no mention of any “violence” committed by Mishra other than cart vandalism.

Nevertheless, the magistrate’s order “introduced the act of violence by Kapil Mishra and his associates despite the complaint and the statement of 24.09.2024 not alleging any violence.”

Unnecessary comments, inconsistency, and selectivity in judgement

“The allegations by the complainant are there that the DCP and the police force were in connivance with Kapil Mishra and his associates, or that they acted in concert, or that the DCP extended threats to life, but the complainant nowhere even claimed that the warning to end protest was ‘criminal intimidation’ by the DCP or anyone else,” the judge emphasised. The court also observed the several-month delay in submitting the initial application following the incident.

Singh stated that the magistrate reviewed and commented on cases that were already on trial before a higher court, rather than concentrating and restricting observations to whether the “first incident” has been investigated or not, and if it was cognisable offence requiring inquiry.

He added that the assertions like the prosecution’s theory-building had ‘numerous flaws’ and involved ‘guesswork, assumptions, and interpretation’ prematurely adjudicated the merits of an ongoing trial.

It was highlighted that the order mainly depended on how Mishra’s statements during questioning were interpreted. The magistrate’s authority to instruct an investigation was exceeded by his thorough scrutiny of the interrogator’s method of inquiry.

“The order also shows inconsistency and selectivity, as it notes that the magistrate lacked jurisdiction over four of the five incidents because they had already been investigated under different FIRs. In contrast, for the fifth incident, it ordered further investigation while appreciating the evidence collected during the investigation, particularly regarding the examination of Kapil Mishra,” Singh reiterated.

Order fundamentally flawed and unsustainable

The judge questioned whether it was necessary or justified to examine the information or inquiry carried out in the FIR if the magistrate was convinced that the incident on 23rd February 2020, was a distinct incident.

“That itself suggests that what the court intended was further investigation, a term he repeatedly used in his order, rather than a new investigation into the incident,” Singh added and outlined that it was an intrusion into the jurisdiction of a superior court, the court of original cognisance, alongside a grave jurisdictional error.

“Unwarranted, speculative, and prejudicial remarks have been made in the order concerning an investigation pending trial before a higher court. There is a conflation between re-investigation and further investigation in the impugned order,” he pointed out, and expressed that “thereby making the impugned order legally challengeable and unsustainable.”

Singh stated that section 175(4) BNSS would apply to the complainant’s claims that the DCP and the police force conspired with Mishra and his aides, they acted in concert, or the DCP threatened to kill people, but that the necessary prerequisites were not met.

“Therefore, obtaining a report from a superior officer was essential before any investigation could start, and the public servant (DCP) should have been heard. This was not done. Therefore, even if the impugned order were for a fresh FIR and investigation, it would not have been legally sustainable due to the absence of compliance with Section 175(4) of the BNSS,” he added.

The judge, hence, concluded that “the impugned order, viewed from any perspective, is fundamentally flawed, illegal, and improper, rendering it unsustainable.” The instruction for additional inquiry into the incident referred to as the “first incident” in the same verdict has been set aside.

Background of the case and impugned order

The anti-Hindu Delhi riots claimed 53 lives and resulted in the launching of more than 750 FIRs (First Information Reports). On 6th March 2020, Delhi Police’s Special Cell filed FIR No. 59/2020, indicating and looking into an extensive plot behind the unrest.

Meanwhile, Ilyas wrote an email on 15th March 2020 and submitted a typed complaint on 17th March, claiming Mishra and accomplices vandalised Muslim and Dalit carts in Kardampuri on 23rd February, presumably with the help of the police. DCP (Deputy Commissioner of Police) Ved Prakash Surya allegedly threatened to shoot demonstrators if they didn’t stop, according to the complainant.

On 21st August 2024, he submitted an application to the Chief Judicial Magistrate of the Rouse Avenue District Court under section 175(3) Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to register a formal complaint. The impugned order was issued in response to this application.

The complainant described five distinct occurrences that happened on different days in February 2020 and claimed that police officers were either complicit or did not take action. The DCP North East and the ACP (Assistant Commissioner of Police) Special Cell provided reports on the instances.

Police officers asserted that all of the reported incidents were already covered by open FIRs. Furthermore, Special Cell stated that they looked into the allegations against Mishra, and discovered that he was not involved in starting or planning the violence. However, Ilyas insisted that his statement was never recorded and the police had falsely accused certain people while clearing the culprits.

The magistrate’s court demanded “further investigation” into the incident involving Mishra and his companions after conveying that the former’s police questioning was insufficient. It added that certain people, including the DCP, should also be probed. This part of the order has also been challenged.

The current order was reserved on 25th October after Mishra put forward a plea against the lower court’s judgment to file a formal complaint against him in relation to the 2020 unrest in the national capital.

Gujarat ATS busts Ricin plot in recent arrests: How ISIS has been experimenting with Ricin for years, and Jihadis across the world have been working on it for decades

Shraddha Pandey
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Gujarat ATS busts Ricin plot in recent arrests: How ISIS has been experimenting with Ricin for years, and Jihadis across the world have been working on it for decades

On the 9th of November 2025, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested three men, including one Dr Ahmed Mohiyuddin Saiyed from Telangana, who had been researching how to make Ricin, which is banned internationally for its extreme toxicity. These jihadis are linked to the ISIS-affiliate Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP).

According to the ATS, Dr Saiyed, 35, who has a medical degree from China, worked under the instructions of a person named Abu Khadija, a resident of Afghanistan connected with the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). He was also in touch with several people from Pakistan. During interrogation, Saiyed confessed that he had been preparing to make Ricin, also known as “Ryzin,” a highly toxic substance made from castor beans. For this, he had arranged research materials, chemical equipment, and raw ingredients needed for the process.

The ATS team, led by SP K Siddharth, caught Saiyed during a raid near Adalaj Toll Plaza on the Ahmedabad-Mehsana Road after receiving confidential information. He was driving a silver Ford Figo car in which officers found two Glock pistols, one Beretta pistol, 30 live cartridges, and about 4 litres of castor oil stored in a plastic container. Castor oil is the primary material used to make Ricin.

The forensic scan of Saiyed’s devices helped the police track down two others: Azad Suleman Sheikh, 20, a tailor from Shamli in Uttar Pradesh, and Mohammad Suhail Mohammad Saleem Khan, 23, a student from Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh. They had helped Saiyed get the weapons and were working with him from Banaskantha in Gujarat.

Both Islamic Jihadis, according to the ATS, shared extremist beliefs and had conducted reconnaissance at key locations in Lucknow, Delhi, and Ahmedabad as part of the planned attacks.

Unsurprisingly, a Pakistan angle has also emerged in this case. The authorities say that the weapons recovered from the accused Islamic terrorists were received from Hanumangarh in Rajasthan, with their handler sending arms consignments by drones across the Pakistan border.  The ATS seized three pistols, 30 live cartridges, and Ricin-related materials during the operation.

Ricin, bioterror and the Jihadist obsession with poisons to kill Kafirs

Ricin is a highly toxic protein which is derived from the castor bean plant or Ricinus communis. Ricin is not a virus or bacterium; rather, it is a lectin toxic to inhibits protein synthesis in cells. Its consumption can lead to organ failure and quick death. Extraction of Ricin involved mashing castor beans, removing the oil, and then chemically processing the remaining mash to isolate the Ricin-rich pulp. Although a sophisticated work, this process requires only basic lab equipment, gloves and acetone.

The danger associated with Ricin can be understood from the fact that a mere 500 micrograms, which is less than the size of a grain of salt, can kill an adult if swallowed, inhaled or injected. The worst part is that there is no antidote.

Those exposed to Ricin exhibit varying symptoms depending on the route of exposure. If ingested, the symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, gastric haemorrhage, and shock. If injected, internal bleeding and tissue death and eventual collapse of major organ systems. If inhaled, Ricin will irritate the lung linings and airways, leading to weakness and fever, lesions in the lungs resulting in tissue swelling and more damage. In all cases, death and a very painful one at that, is almost certain within five to six days.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has classified Ricin as a category B bioterrorism agent.  Ricin is also listed as a Schedule I toxic chemical under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). The CDC describes Ricin as a “natural poison that can harm the body” through multiple routes, asserting its potential for mass exposure if aerosolised into mists, powders or contaminated food and water supplies.

Ricin has been used for assassination and terror plots since the 1970s. The first reported use of Ricin for assassination was in 1978 to eliminate a Bulgarian dissident and journalist, Georgi Markov. An agent from the Bulgarian secret police shot a Ricin pellet into Markov’s leg from a modified umbrella at the Waterloo Bridge in London. Markov died within days after being shot.

Islamic terrorist organisations have particularly eyed Ricin, considering it as a “poor man’s atomic bomb” since it’s a cheap but lethal means for asymmetric Jihad.

Al Qaeda set up a lab to make Ricin in the early 2000s

In the early 2000s, the Islamic terror group Al-Qaida turned to Ricin to carry out its jihadist agenda. Back in 2003, an Al-Qaida module had set up a lab to carry out attacks on the streets of the United Kingdom with Ricin and other poisons. The British authorities launched a counterterrorism operation and recovered 22 castor beans, equipment and a recipe for Ricin from an address in London. The authorities arrested six Algerian men. Later, an Algerian national, Kamel Bourgass, was sentenced to 17 years in prison for “conspiracy to cause a public nuisance by the use of poisons and/or explosives to cause disruption, fear or injury.”

In his 5th February 2003 speech to the United Nations, then US Secretary of State Colin Powell linked this incident to the Abu Musab al-Zarqawi global terrorist network. By 2004, Zarqawi’s Al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI), the precursor of ISIS, experimented with Ricin in Fallujah labs; their tests also involved cyanide, etc.

In 2003, it happened twice between October and November that two Ricin-laced letters were found. One of the letters was mailed to White House; it was, however, intercepted at a processing facility.

In a separate incident that year, the US coalition forces captured a chemical weapons facility in northeastern Iraq’s Khurmul and found traces of Ricin and other poisons. In the early 2000s, the US coalition forces found numerous chemical weapons laboratories operated by the Islamic State (ISIS) and other Islamic terror outfits in Iraq and Syria. ISIS is reported to have captured stockpiles from Saddam-era sites and tested toxins on captives, including Ricin derivatives, for terror attacks and executions.

ISIS tested on Ricin during their rule

As per the UN, ISIL/ISIS developed eight chemical agents, tested them on humans and animals, and carried out at least 13 attacks during its four-year reign. These chemical agents included aluminium phosphide, botulinum toxin, chlorine, cyanide ion, nicotine, ricin, thallium sulphate and sulphur mustard or mustard gas. The ISIS used these chemicals banned by the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) for mortars, rockets and IEDs. The use of chemical weapons was approved by then-ISIS head Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

The ISIS’s use of chemical agents for terrorist attacks is studied in three phases. During the first phase (between June 2014 and June 2015), the Jihadis relied on tried and tested techniques and available industrial chemicals like chlorine and phosphine. The intent was mostly to create crude improvised explosive devices (IEDs). ISIS’s propaganda magazine, Dabiq, and Rumiyah were continuously promoting ‘Poison Jihad’ and encouraged lone-wolf Jihadis to use readily available materials for carrying out mass casualty attacks. The Islamic terror group encouraged unconventional methods such as chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) materials.

In the second phase (June 2015 to January 2017), the ISIS Jihadis had developed enhanced capabilities by combining the production of sulphur mustard agent with the means to deliver it using projectiles, like mortar bombs and improvised rockets. In this phase, chemical attacks were carried out simultaneously across the caliphate, from Aleppo province in Syria in the west to Iraq’s Kirkuk province in the east. These attacks increased significantly in April 2016, with around 8 incidents in that month. In total, ISIS used chemical weapons in over 37 separate terror attacks in Syria and Iraq. In at least 20 cases, they used chlorine.

During the third phase, there was a last recorded chemical attack in Syria on 8th January 2017. The chemical attacks menace ended with the Islamic State’s apparent discontinuation of its chemical weapons production following the loss of Mosul in July 2017.

In May 2016, the Kenyan and Ugandan law enforcement agencies arrested two ISIS-linked men named Ahmed Hish and Farah Dagane. These Jihadis were planning a terror attack using the lethal Anthrax.

Notably, Anthrax has also been used by terrorists to carry out attacks. One of the first known uses of Anthrax to kill people was the September 2001 Amerithrax case, wherein Anthrax-laced letters were mailed to various media offices and two senators, Tom Daschle and Patrick Leahy. In this case, over seventeen people were injured, while five were killed.

In 2017, the ISIS Jihadis reportedly ordered the construction of a chemical dispersal device in Sydney. Back then, a 40-year-old man named Khaled Merhi and three others were arrested by Australian Police in an alleged plot to blow up a passenger flight. He was later charged with possession of a prohibited weapon. Khaled and his brother, Mahmoud Khayat, were both charged with plotting the attack.

Back in 2011, it was reported that Al-Qaida was trying to produce Ricin poison to carry out multiple attacks in the United States.

Notably, letters laced with Ricin were once intercepted en route to former US Presidents Barack Obama in 2013 and Donald Trump in 2020 before reaching them.

In February 2015, a 31-year-old software programmer from Liverpool in the UK named Mohammed Ali was jailed for eight years after he was found trying to purchase Ricin from the Darknet. Going by the online moniker “Weirdos 0000”, Ali approached a supplier “Psychochem”, on the Darknet to negotiate the price of Ricin. Ali made a payment in bitcoins for 500 mg of Ricin powder. This quantity was enough to kill 700 to 1400 people. It, however, turned out that the vendor was an FBI agent, who informed the UK Police. Although it could not be established that Mohammed Ali was planning a terror attack, he was sentenced to eight years in jail considering the risks of possessing a lethal poison.

From trucks to toxins, ISIS propaganda machinery encouraged Islamic Jihadist lone wolves to carry out vehicular attacks involving trucks or other vehicle-ramming to kill people.

The 2016 Nice attack carried out by a Tunisian national living in France named Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel, wherein over 86 people died, the 2016 Berlin attack carried out by a Tunisian national Anis Amri, which claimed 12 lives, the London Bridge Islamic terror attack, carried out by Pakistani-British national Khurram Butt, Rachid Redouane (Moroccan) and Youssef Zaghba (Italian) that killed 8, and the New York attack in 2017, carried out by Sayfullo Saipov (from Uzbekistan) that claimed 8 lives are just a few of the many vehicular attacks that have been carried out  Similarly, the Jihadist outfits promoted and glorified toxin-based attacks.

Notably, the 2018 Cologne plot was the pinnacle of bioterrorism, wherein a Tunisian migrant, Seif Allah H., an ardent ISIS jihadist, produced 84 milligrams of impure ricin in his apartment in Germany’s Cologne. He planned to smear it on door handles or inject it via syringes. In the latter half of 2017, Seif attempted to travel to Syria twice to join the Islamic State; however, he was stopped in Turkey. Seif’s missing Tunisian passport brought him under the radar of the German counterterrorism forces, and in 2018, the British intelligence agency informed German authorities about suspicious online shopping activities by a Tunisian living in Germany. Seif’s wife, Yasmin, was also aware of his jihadist proclivities.

In June 2018, Seif Allah H. was arrested, although by then, he had already produced 84.03 milligrams of Ricin and stored 3,150 castor beans.

In October 2024, 18-year-old accused Axel Rudakubana was charged with three murders and ten cases of attempted murder after a violent stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, England. The UK police searched Rudakubana’s residence and reportedly uncovered a PDF titled ‘Military Studies in the Jihad Against the Tyrants: The Al-Qaeda Training Manual,’ which prompted the terror-related charge. Authorities also allege that Rudakubana produced the deadly toxin ricin, resulting in an additional charge for creating a biological weapon.

India’s crackdown on ISIS has continued since 2014: Conventional weapons and Jihadist drivers are old, the Ricin bioterror plot adds a new layer

From busting the 2016 Kerala module, probing the 2019 Sri Lanka Easter bombings’ India links, 2022 Bihar terror module, 2023 Pune ISIS terror module, 2025 multi-state operations to nab jihadist planning terror attacks in Pune, Jammu and Kashmir, and Delhi, 2024 Lashkar-e-Taiba terror module in Bengaluru to the ISIS-linked terror module in Delhi, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Anti-Terrorism Squads in each state have been arresting ISIS and other Islamic terror outfit-linked Jihadis and busting terror modules. The Indian agencies have been dismantling the recruitment and financial network of various Islamic terror groups, trying to deepen their roots in India.

However, the sinister biological warfare (bio war) or bioterrorism plot busted by Gujarat ATS is a concerning exposé. After IEDs, shootings, bomb blasts and Islamic radicalisation, India faces the ‘toxic threat’. Reports stated that the ISIS-linked jihadists arrested had prepared to use Ricin as part of their plan to cause mass casualties. For this, these terrorists were surveying crowded food markets and supply chains in Gujarat and other states as potential targets for attacks. The Jihadis planned to poison public food supplies to cause mass killings, as per reports.

While the security agencies remain vigilant and are investigating the Ricin bioterror plot, such cases cannot be dismissed as isolated incidents or mischief or stupidity by ‘Bhatke huye naujawan’ (misled Muslim youth); rather, the busting of the bioterrorism plot should be an eye-opener for the nation to understand the many unique threats it faces from Islamic terrorists.

These Jihadis are highly radicalised, Hoor-seeking terrorists, schooled in encrypted networks, trained to use science technology to make weapons for killing innocent people merely for not following the religion they follow, and are backed by well-oiled jihadi ecosystems.

Although conventional explosives or firearms are never going out of fashion for jihadists, in an era of asymmetric warfare, chemical weapons offer a blend of accessibility and terror amplification. Chemicals like Ricin or Sarin can be synthesised from everyday precursors, such as industrial solvents or castor beans, in basic labs, which would be convenient for lone wolves or small terrorist cells.

The cost-effectiveness, the lesser need for a large-scale infrastructure, and lower chances of being caught make it a preferable option. Preferability increases the probability frequency, making Racin-laced plots or any other form of bio-war a real, though silent, scalable and perfectly suited for killing a large number of people (read non-Muslims).

Islamic terror module of doctors? From GMC Anantnag to Al Falah Hospital in Faridabad, a trail of weapons, 2,900 kgs of explosives and most disturbingly, doctors working for Jaish e Mohammad

Jinit Jain
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Islamic terror module of doctors? From GMC Anantnag to Al Falah Hospital in Faridabad, a trail of weapons, 2,900 kgs of explosives and most disturbingly, doctors working for Jaish e Mohammad

In a chilling revelation that has left the national security establishment on high alert, investigators have unearthed a “white-collar terror network” involving doctors, clerics, and professionals allegedly working for Pakistan-backed terror outfits Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGH). 

The discovery of nearly 2,900 kilograms of explosive material from two houses in Faridabad, just 45 kilometres from Delhi, has exposed one of the most sophisticated terror modules in recent years, one that operated under the unsuspecting cover of educated professionals.

Doctors turned terror operatives

The key accused, Dr Muzammil Shakil, a 35-year-old physician from Pulwama, and Dr Adeel Ahmad Rather, from Kulgam, were allegedly in direct contact with terror handlers in Kashmir and Pakistan. According to interrogation reports, both were awaiting final instructions for a major strike in the Delhi-NCR region.

The handlers, sources say, specifically chose doctors believing “no one would suspect well-educated professionals in white coats.”

Investigators also revealed that both doctors had earlier treated injured terrorists in Kashmir between 2018 and 2021. Their radicalisation was allegedly guided by a cleric named Molvi Irfan Ahmad, the imam of a mosque and a close associate of slain terrorist Zakir Musa.

The Kashmir connection: Posters and the first clues

The investigation began on October 19, when police in Nowgam, Srinagar, discovered posters of Jaish-e-Mohammed threatening security forces. Surveillance footage led to the identification of Dr Adeel, who had been working at Government Medical College, Anantnag, before shifting to Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh.

When Jammu and Kashmir Police traced and arrested him, they found an assault rifle in his college locker, the first sign of how deeply radicalised professionals were embedded within civilian institutions.

Further leads from Adeel’s interrogation led authorities to Faridabad, where the trail widened dramatically.

The Faridabad explosive haul

Raids on Dr Muzammil’s two rented homes in Dhauj and Fatehpur Taga villages of Faridabad left investigators stunned. Over 350 kilograms of explosives, 20 timers, assault rifles, handguns, and ammunition were recovered from a house in Dhauj. In another recovery from a house in Fatehpur Taga, a staggering 2,563 kilograms of ammonium nitrate was found, a chemical commonly used in large-scale bombings.

In total, the two raids yielded nearly 2,900 kilograms of explosive material, including electronic circuits, wires, remote controls, batteries, and metal sheets, enough to assemble multiple powerful Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

Police also recovered a Beretta pistol, a Chinese Star handgun, an AK-56 rifle, and an AK Krinkov rifle.

Faridabad ACP (Crime) Varun Dahiya confirmed that the Fatehpur Taga house had been rented from a maulana, who has since been detained for questioning.

The third doctor and the expanding network

During questioning, Dr Muzammil revealed that a colleague, Dr Shaheen Shahid, a woman doctor from Lucknow, had provided logistical support. When her Maruti Swift Dezire was searched, police found an AK-47 rifle and ammunition concealed inside.

Dr Shaheen was arrested and flown to Srinagar for interrogation, marking the third doctor arrested in this terror module.

With her arrest, the total number of people detained in the case has risen to eight, including Dr Muzammil Shakil (Pulwama), Dr Adeel Ahmad Rather (Kulgam), Dr Shaheen Shahid (Lucknow), Cleric Molvi Irfan Ahmad (Shopian), Arif Nisar, Yasir-ul-Ashraf, Maqsood Ahmad Dar, and Zameer Ahmad Ahanger (all from Srinagar and Ganderbal). 

Pakistan’s shadow and encrypted channels

Investigators have traced the origins of this network to Pakistan, with operational instructions being relayed through handlers in Kashmir. The group used encrypted messaging apps for coordination, logistics, and fund transfers, often disguised as charitable donations or academic grants.

Jammu and Kashmir Police described the syndicate as a “white-collar terror ecosystem”, comprising radicalised professionals and students who used their social credibility to recruit others, move funds, and procure materials for bomb-making.

A terrifying near miss

While investigators are still piecing together the exact plot, early interrogation hints suggest that the intended target was somewhere in the Delhi-NCR region, possibly designed to trigger communal unrest.

The magnitude of the explosive cache, recovered barely an hour from the national capital, has triggered nationwide alarm. Senior security officials admit the plot could have caused devastation on an unprecedented scale, had it not been intercepted in time.

A new face of terrorism

This operation has jolted intelligence agencies into reassessing the evolving face of terrorism in India, one that hides behind the respectability of degrees, stethoscopes, and professional credentials.

From Kashmir’s medical colleges to Delhi’s suburbs, terrorism has changed its strategy. It has spiralled from conventional battleground into academic institutions and hospital corridors, where terrorists don’t wear battle fatigues but don lab coats and wield surgical instruments, waiting to no longer wears fatigues but lab coats.

Jungle Raj, nepotism and more: 14 rallies of PM Modi with special focus on development policies, women empowerment that set the tone for Bihar assembly elections

रुपम
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Jungle Raj, nepotism and more: 14 rallies of PM Modi with special focus on development policies, women empowerment that set the tone for Bihar assembly elections

The issues highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Bihar assembly elections have altered the trajectory and focus of the electoral process. On 24th October, he commenced his election campaign by visiting the family of Jannayak Karpuri Thakur in his native village. PM Modi made a special appeal to women and emphasised the welfare initiatives undertaken by the NDA government.

The infrastructure developments that are propelling the pace of progress were notably addressed, showing considerable improvement in recent years. PM Modi tried to capture the hearts of the populace by enumerating the accomplishments of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government alongside pointing out the shortcomings of the Lalu-Rabri regimes and the scandals associated with the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) rule.

PM Modi has conducted 14 rallies and made seven visits to Bihar. He travelled to Begusarai, Muzaffarpur, Saharsa, Chhapra, Katihar, Arrah, Nawada, Bhagalpur, Araria, Aurangabad and Bhabua, followed by Sitamarhi and Bettiah. He went to the state 4 times and addressed 12 rallies there during 2020 assembly election too. This time around, he has spoken at at least 2 rallies in each visit.

‘Women hold the key to power’

Women accounted for approximately 65% of voter turnout in the initial phase of elections with their voting rate exceeding that of men by 8%. It is believed that the rise is a result of programs aimed at their welfare. Notably, the recent deposit of ₹10,000 into women’s accounts under a welfare initiative has played in a crucial role in boosting confidence. Additionally, the promise of loans up to ₹2 lakh for business growth is also appealing to them.

Women in Bihar have demonstrated a preference for the benefits being offered by the NDA government, including free rations for women and bicycles for schoolgirls. Thus, it is considered that they have leaned towards the NDA and participated in voting in considerable numbers.

This leads to the question: will women’s votes be instrumental in shaping the government? Nitish Kumar, who rose to power in 2005, prioritised women’s welfare and introduced numerous schemes for them. This is why women of Bihar have been a steadfast vote bank for Nitish Kumar’s leadership.

Secondly, women in Bihar are regarded as more politically conscious compared to those in other states. They illustrated increased enthusiasm upon receiving ₹10,000 in their accounts. If the NDA government regains power following the assembly polls, the credit will certainly be attributed to women. This might set a national precedent for perceiving women as an important voting bloc.

Issue of demeaning Chhath

PM Modi also brought attention to the disrespect shown towards Chhath, the most significant festival in Bihar. This celebration is predominantly observed by women and is profoundly embedded in the beliefs of the entire state. PM Modi recounted how the Mahagathbandhan insulted Chhath and unmistakably signaled the intentions for Bihar, through a warning tone in campaign.

Lalu-Rabri’s “Jungle Raj”

Those who experienced the 15-year reign of Lalu Yadav and Rabri Devi prior to 2005 still remember the vivid, painful details of the chaos and violence that ruled the state. During his rally, PM Modi targeted the mafia and their political connections while also outlining the “Jungle Raj.”

The NDA has effectively invoked memories of the horrifying past after Osama, the son of mafia leader Mohammad Shahabuddin, received a ticket from Siwan. The younger generation was told to read and learn about the state of affairs during the Jungle Raaj period.

After the first round of voting, PM Modi spoke at a rally in Sitamarhi on 8th November and thanked the people for their spirited participation in the assembly elections. He stated, “The proponents of Jungle Raj have felt a 65-volt shock.” He further conveyed, “Jungle Raj signifies violence, cruelty, bitterness, poor values and corruption.” He explicitly mentioned that Bihar requires liberation from such misgovernance.

Attack on nepotism and corruption

Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar are free from allegations of nepotism and corruption. As a result, both leaders launched vigorous attacks against the opposition regarding this matter. During multiple rallies, PM Modi charged former Congress chief and its prominent campaigner Rahul Gandhi alongside his RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) counterpart as well as chief ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav with nepotism and corruption.

PM Modi stated, “These parties revolve around merely two families. One represents Bihar’s most corrupt family while the other signifies the nation’s most corrupt family.” He further remarked, “Those who did fodder scam believe they can fool Bihar. Those who promised employment to the underprivileged in exchange of land will not be able to deceive the public once more. The people of Bihar have now understand everything.”

Bihar is home to a large number of small-scale farmers. Hence, PM Modi also talked about their welfare and expressed, “To date, farmers in Bihar have received around 30,000 crore rupees. This entire sum has been credited to their accounts without any commission fees.”

“The individuals responsible for establishing the Jungle Raj, with their allies from the Congress party, would have misappropriated all this money that rightfully belonged to you and enriched themselves had they been in power. I am not the one making this claim. A former Congress Prime Minister (late Rajiv Gandhi) once declared that if one rupee is issued from Delhi, it becomes 15 paise by the time it arrives in the villages,” he added.

PM Modi also consistently highlighted the benefits that the poor receive from all the schemes of his government, including free ration, permanent housing and sanitation facilities.

Nationalism and the matter of infiltrators

PM Modi responded to Rahul Gandhi’s inquiry regarding the army’s valor during “Operation Sindoor.” He voiced, “Terrorists were eliminated by crossing into Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. The Congress-RJD coalition disapproved of this military action. Bombings were occurring in Pakistan while the first family of Congress was restless.” He mocked that both Pakistan and the Congress leaders have yet to overcome the impact of the operation. He charged the I.N.D.I. Alliance with being soft towards infiltrators and vowed to create an “infiltrator-free India.”

‘Mahagathbandhan will be at each other’s throats after the assembly polls’

PM Modi poked fun at the Mahagathbandhan for their inability to achieve a complete agreement on seat-sharing, their failure to announce Tejashwi Yadav as the chief ministerial candidate during Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Bihar and then announcing his name for the post under pressure.

He commented, “The Congress not only put the prince of Jungle Raj in a difficult position but also declined to concur on the chief minister position. The RJD in response decided to teach Congress a lesson by nominating its own candidate against the Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee president. These two parties are in conflict and reports disclose that Congress members are resolute in their efforts to defeat RJD at every polling station.”

‘Rahul Gandhi fled just before the state elections’

Rahul Gandhi commenced his election campaign in Bihar with considerable enthusiasm. He even spearheaded a “Nyay Yatra” (Justice March) in the state, striving to engage with the public. However, he quickly lost his passion. The Lok Sabha MP was “absent” from Bihar for 57 days, despite the election campaign being in full swing. During this time, he was seen travelling overseas, meeting with supporters in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana as well as enjoying sweets in national capital.

He contested the SIR (Special Intensive Revision) and alleged vote theft yet he was unable to persuade the public that the drive had “cut” votes. His repeated allegations against the Election Commission of India have failed persuade the voters.

No resentment towards Nitish government

Despite Nitish Kumar’s two-decade governance, there has been a lack of public anger towards him. Hence, the usual anti-incumbency sentiments that many political leaders inadvertently trigger have been largely absent in Nitish Kumar’s case. Nevertheless, there was notable public discontent in relation to employment opportunities. Therefore, the NDA pledged to generate 10 million jobs in Bihar as part of its manifesto.

PM Modi also reiterated this promise during his rally. Furthermore, the issue of migration has been a major concern for Biharis. PM Modi reassured the public that the government was paying heed to these matters by promoting education, skill development and advocating slogans like “Work in Bihar and make Bihar proud.”

Read the report in Hindi here.

Bloomberg whitewashes crimes of Khalistani terrorists Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and Hardeep Singh Nijjar, blames India for transnational crimes

Anurag
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Bloomberg whitewashes crimes of Khalistani terrorists Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and Hardeep Singh Nijjar, blames India for transnational crimes

On 6th November, Bloomberg published an elaborate article and a documentary accusing India of orchestrating transnational assassinations of Khalistani terrorists, who were presented as “activists”. In its almost 30-minute-long production and extensive feature titled “Finish Him, Brother”, the publication presented what it called an “inside story” of so-called Indian intelligence plots against separatist individuals including Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and Avtar Singh Khanda.

The details provided in the article and documentary relied heavily on statements from US and Canadian intelligence, law enforcement agencies, Pannun and pro-Khalistani elements close to Nijjar. Bloomberg weaved a cinematic narrative of phone calls, WhatsApp chats and undercover operations to blame India for killing Nijjar and Khanda and plotting to kill Pannun.

It sounded dramatic and may sound convincing to those who are not aware of who these people are and how India operates when it comes to dealing with such terror elements abroad. The story by Bloomberg, however, conveniently missed India’s side. While the story cites anonymous “sources familiar with the matter”, it made no attempt to verify whether these sweeping allegations had any factual basis or whether the Western governments themselves have any motive to shift attention from their own failure to curb radical extremism on their soil. Interestingly, despite the availability of enough proof against Pannun, Bloomberg was fine with taking his byte to support the narrative against India.

The Indian government has categorically denied involvement in any criminal activities on foreign land. The Ministry of External Affairs has repeatedly clarified that no arm of the Indian state, no diplomat, and no intelligence operative has ever been authorised to carry out extrajudicial acts in foreign countries. Yet, Bloomberg’s narrative showed the denial as more of a footnote, something that has been mentioned only as a formality. It conveniently ignored that these allegations emerged from the same nations that have long harboured individuals openly calling for the creation of Khalistan by breaking India, which may result in bloodshed.

Any genuine publication would question why men designated as terrorists by India were allowed to operate freely in Canada and the United States, but Bloomberg chose to present them as victims of a “vengeful” Indian state. There should have been a serious inquiry into the double standards of Western nations, but it was turned into a scripted morality play where India was the villain and violent separatists were shown as misunderstood “activists”. In fact, Bloomberg completely ignored asking the Five Eyes nations why they were taping communications of Indian government officials and passing information to each other if the storyline is true.

Selective storytelling – how Bloomberg presented only one version

The most striking flaw in the reportage lies not in what was presented but in what was skipped. The article painstakingly reconstructed the so-called chain of events including intercepted messages and diplomatic tensions. However, it was done completely based on the Western intelligence ecosystem. Every claim of conspiracy heavily relied upon leaks, “assessments” and “people familiar with the situation”. There was no independent verification, no alternative perspective, and certainly no reference to India’s own investigations, statements or dossiers.

Bloomberg portrayed Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Gurpatwant Singh Pannun as “campaigners for Khalistan”. Both have been officially designated terrorists under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Indian agencies have collected voluminous evidence over the years against them. Still, Bloomberg never once mentioned the chargesheets filed by the National Investigation Agency or the Red Corner Notice issued through Interpol, or the multiple FIRs linking Nijjar to violent acts in India. The publication only vaguely named the Khalistan Tiger Force, showing as if the allegations that Nijjar was heading the terrorist outfit were baseless. Not to forget, Nijjar was granted citizenship in Canada despite a Red Corner Notice issued against him.

The report leaned on emotional storytelling and described daily routines, greying beards and morning coffee stops. Bloomberg carefully humanised Pannun and Nijjar without mentioning their history of violent incitement. In reality, what Bloomberg did was not an investigation but an image rehabilitation of designated terrorists, something Western media is expert in. The reportage sought to transform figures accused of terror into symbols of dissent. Funny thing is, only a few years ago, Pannun had no beard which basically goes against Sikh culture, but Bloomberg portrayed him as a devote Sikh.

Source: Caravan/NPR

Even when Bloomberg referred to India’s designation of Nijjar and Pannun as terrorists, it did so with a tone of disbelief. The report read, “India regards advocacy for Khalistan as an unacceptable threat to its sovereignty”. It attempted to show that the existence of a secessionist campaign backed by foreign funding was a minor inconvenience rather than an act of national sabotage.

Bloomberg also omitted evidence against Pannun and Nijjar. There was no mention of public videos where Pannun threatened to attack Indian targets, he explicitly called to repeat the 1985 Air India bombing, rallies in Canada where Indira Gandhi’s assassins were openly glorified, and more. None of this appeared relevant enough for Bloomberg’s editors. They chose a convenient narrative that India hunts, while the Khalistanis merely speak.

The result? A story stripped of context. Bloomberg presented a one-sided chronicle where the victims were selectively chosen and the perpetrators of earlier violence were painted in soft tones of activism.

Who Pannun really is – threats, provocation and glorification of terror

For the Western media, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is an “activist” and a “lawyer defending Sikh rights”. In reality, he is a man who has repeatedly and publicly threatened the sovereignty of India. He is the chief of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a group banned under UAPA for its explicit advocacy of Khalistan, a separatist state carved out of Punjab.

Interestingly, Bloomberg claimed that the demand for Khalistan came after Operation Blue Star, the military operation India conducted to weed out Khalistani terrorists from Sikhs’ holiest shrine, the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The publication conveniently forgot to mention that Khalistani terrorist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale’s top demand was the formation of Khalistan and that even before him, the demand for Khalistan was in Punjab’s air since the mid-1970s.

Coming back to Pannun, his record is not a matter of opinion. He has issued open threats to blow up Air India flights, called upon Indian Sikhs to deface government buildings, to hoist the Khalistani flag on government buildings, to stop Prime Minister Narendra Modi from hoisting flag at the Red Fort on Independence Day, burning and ripping Indian Flag, and to attack Indian missions abroad. He has repeatedly referred to the Indian PM, the EAM, and Indian diplomats as “criminals”, urging Khalistani supporters to “teach them a lesson”. He has sought support from Pakistan, urged separatists in Kashmir and Manipur to join hands for separate nations and more. These are not stray remarks, but they are part of a long pattern of incitement.

From the vandalism of the Indian Consulate in San Francisco to violent demonstrations outside the High Commission in London, SFJ has been at the heart of most anti-India protests abroad. Pannun’s organisation has used social media to glorify terrorists and to provoke Sikh youth to join the cause. He routinely circulates calls for “referendums” on Khalistan, held in Western cities, masquerading as democratic exercises but designed solely to challenge India’s territorial integrity.

Even as his videos surface with direct calls for violence, Western governments continue to shelter him under the garb of “free speech”. Bloomberg’s narrative conveniently leaves out every one of these instances. It does not mention how Pannun’s speeches have been linked to mobs that vandalised Indian properties abroad, or how his supporters celebrate the assassination of Indira Gandhi each year in Canada. Instead, the publication chose to portray him as a lawyer exercising his constitutional rights.

The truth about Hardeep Singh Nijjar – from fake identity to terror camps

Pannun and Nijjar were no different. Nijjar was a part of SFJ holding ground in Canada while Pannun operates from the United States. Nijjar was, without a doubt, the armed face of the Khalistani movement being run by Pannun. However, Bloomberg chose to describe him as a “temple leader” and a “plumber from British Columbia”.

Nijjar went to Canada in 1997 under a false Hindu identity using the name “Ravi Sharma”. His asylum plea was rejected multiple times. However, years later, under unclear circumstances, he managed to obtain Canadian citizenship. It was only revealed after his murder that the Canadian government had granted him citizenship despite India’s repeated requests for extradition.

Nijjar was wanted for several crimes in India including murder, conspiracy, and targeted killings. He was a designated terrorist under UAPA and identified as chief of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), which is a banned Khalistani terrorist outfit. KTF is responsible for several terror attacks in Punjab.

Source: India Today

There are photographs of Nijjar available in the public domain that show him holding an AK-47 rifle. There are multiple reports that mention he was running a training camp in Canada. He was also accused of plotting targeted killings of Hindu leaders in Punjab. In fact, he also visited Pakistan to meet another Khalistani terrorists. He was on a no-fly list for a long time as well.

India passed the information of Nijjar’s involvement in criminal activities via diplomatic channels and official dossiers to Canada. However, Canada did not care about the concerns raised by India and called them “politically motivated”. In 2019, RCMP detained and questioned Nijjar after pressure from India. However, it reportedly did not find any admissible evidence against him. The publication failed to mention FIRs and the Red Corner Notice. Bloomberg’s editors never thought, why would Interpol issue a “Red Corner Notice” if he was not a criminal?

Source: Hindol Sengupta/X

Bloomberg called Nijjar a campaigner and while doing so, it blurred the line between a religious activist and an armed separatist. It blurred the line between advocacy and terrorism. It legitimised the very extremism that has cost thousands of innocent lives in Punjab.

The missing third man – Avtar Singh Khanda’s mysterious death

While Bloomberg focused largely on Pannun and Nijjar, it casually mentioned another name in passing, Avtar Singh Khanda. For most Western readers, the reference meant little, but for India, Khanda was another key cog in the Khalistani machinery. Based in the United Kingdom, he was believed to be an ideological mentor of Amritpal Singh, the Waris Punjab De leader who triggered violent protests in Punjab in 2023.

Khanda openly endorsed Khalistan Referendum events and frequently posted messages glorifying terrorism, including images of armed separatists and slogans celebrating the 1984 assassins of Indira Gandhi. Indian agencies had flagged his name repeatedly to British authorities, citing his role in radicalising Sikh youth through online propaganda and providing strategic direction to separatist networks.

In May 2023, Khanda died in a Birmingham hospital, officially from acute myeloid leukaemia. There was no evidence of foul play, yet the timing, just weeks before Nijjar’s killing, fuelled a wave of conspiracy theories among Khalistanis. Western media used his death to hint at a pattern of “mysterious eliminations”. What none of them mentioned was that Khanda had for years been under observation by Indian agencies for links with banned outfits and financial irregularities linked to foreign Khalistani organisations.

The curious case of information gathered through intercepting communication of Indian officials

Under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), intercepting or taping the communications of foreign diplomats is a clear breach of international law. Article 22 declares that “the premises of the mission shall be inviolable,” meaning the host state may not intrude physically or electronically.

Article 24 extends this inviolability to “the archives and documents of the mission… at any time and wherever they may be.”

Most crucially, Article 27 (1–2) obliges the receiving state to “permit and protect free communication on the part of the mission for all official purposes” and affirms that “the official correspondence of the mission shall be inviolable.”

When Bloomberg mentioned that UK intelligence gathered information from intercepting communications of Indian officials, it admitted that the Five Eyes nations directly contravened these provisions and committed a crime in the eyes of international law. If Western nations deny breaking these rules, then the whole case will fall apart!

Western hypocrisy – free speech for extremists, silence for victims

There is a fundamental hypocrisy at the heart of this Western narrative. The same governments that have waged endless wars on terror, bombed foreign lands in the name of security, and conducted assassinations through drone strikes in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, now accuse India of overreach, that too without a shred of verifiable evidence.

When the United States launches a missile in Yemen, it is celebrated as counter-terrorism. When Israel eliminates a Hamas commander abroad, it is hailed as self-defence. But when India raises legitimate concerns about individuals plotting separatism and violence from foreign soil, it is suddenly branded “transnational repression”, followed by allegations of involvement in criminal activities including murder on foreign soil.

It is a fact that the United States and Canada have refused to act on multiple extradition requests for Khalistani operatives wanted in India. Instead, these countries invoke “freedom of speech” to shield men who glorify bloodshed, provoke attacks on Indian missions, and spread hatred online.

Imagine someone in New York or Ottawa openly called for the dismemberment of the United States or Canada, or threatened to bomb their planes, would Bloomberg celebrate that individual or organisation by calling them “activists” and saying they were just speaking under “freedom of speech”? Yet when the target is India, a democracy of 1.4 billion people, such extremism becomes acceptable rhetoric.

The West’s refusal to take responsibility for the ecosystem of extremism thriving on its soil is equally appalling. Khalistani networks in Canada, the US and the UK are not exiled dissidents but organised, well-funded pressure groups influencing elections, controlling gurdwara boards, and funnelling money into radicalisation. Western intelligence agencies have long been aware, but governments choose silence for the sake of vote banks.

Bloomberg’s report mirrors the blindness of Western governments. It treats Western inaction as neutrality and Indian protest as aggression. The real story is not about alleged assassinations. It is about how the West has normalised sheltering extremists who call for India’s dismemberment. India does not seek moral lectures, it seeks reciprocity. No democracy should be expected to tolerate terrorism masquerading as activism.

How fake ghee worth Rs 250 crore found its way into Tirupati temple’s sacred laddus: Explained

Jinit Jain
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How fake ghee worth Rs 250 crore found its way into Tirupati temple’s sacred laddus: Explained

In a scandal that has stunned devotees, investigators have found that fake ghee worth Rs 250 crore was allegedly supplied to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the trust managing the revered Tirupati temple, between 2019 and 2024.

A CBI-led Special Investigation Team (SIT) uncovered that Bhole Baba Organic Dairy, a company based in Uttarakhand, had never procured any milk or butter, yet somehow managed to supply a staggering 6.8 million kilograms of ghee to the temple.

The adulteration of ghee

According to officials, Bhole Baba Organic Dairy, run by Pomil Jain and Vipin Jain, operated what appeared to be a legitimate dairy unit but was in reality a front for manufacturing synthetic ghee. The company allegedly faked purchase invoices and payment records to make it seem as though it was producing pure desi ghee.

Shockingly, even after being blacklisted in 2022, the firm continued to funnel counterfeit ghee to the temple by using the names of other dairies, including Vyshnavi Dairy (Tirupati), Mal Ganga (Uttar Pradesh), and AR Dairy Foods (Tamil Nadu).

Animal fat and chemical additives

The SIT found that some of the ghee supplied was adulterated with animal fat. In July 2024, four tankers from AR Dairy were rejected by TTD after lab tests revealed contamination. But rather than being destroyed or returned, the rejected stock was allegedly diverted to Vyshnavi Dairy, where labels were replaced and the contents reprocessed to look fresh.

Investigators later discovered that these same tankers were resold to TTD in August 2024 as “new stock” and were subsequently used to prepare the sacred Tirupati laddus, offered daily to millions of devotees.

Traces of foreign fats spark outrage

The scandal burst into the open in September 2024, when Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naiduclaimed that adulterated ingredients had been used in the temple’s revered laddus under the previous administration. Media reports quoted Naidu as saying the ghee could have contained beef tallow, fish oil, or pig lard, sparking public outrage.

Tests by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) later confirmed the presence of foreign fats in some samples. Officials maintained that the adulterated batches had been withdrawn before being used, but the controversy severely shook public faith in the quality control system of one of India’s holiest shrines.

Arrests and continuing probe

The scandal began to unravel with the arrest of Ajay Kumar Sugandh, who supplied chemicals such as monodiglycerides and acetic acid esters, key ingredients for producing synthetic ghee, to Bhole Baba Organic Dairy.

The CBI’s probe now aims to uncover how the fake ghee managed to pass multiple layers of temple procurement checks, and whether officials within TTD or state dairy boards were complicit in the racket.

What began as a fraud for profit has now turned into a crisis of faith, raising uncomfortable questions about oversight, corruption, and the sanctity of offerings made at one of Hinduism’s most sacred temples.

What are the ‘TikTok Islamism’ groups that the German government banned: Read how the Islamic outfits are brainwashing young people to establish Sharia rule

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What are the ‘TikTok Islamism’ groups that the German government banned: Read how the Islamic outfits are brainwashing young people to establish Sharia rule

In a major action against Islamic groups promoting Islamic radicalism and engaging in unconstitutional activities in Germany, the German government banned two Islamic groups, namely, the Islamic Centre Hamburg (IZH), accused of supporting Iran and Hezbollah, and Muslim Interactive.

The German government’s move is significant because groups like Muslim Interactive have been using social media, particularly TikTok, to call for a caliphate (Islamic rule) in Germany and to spread radical ideas among young people. German authorities have described this as “Modern TikTok Islamism”, a strategy to influence young people through social media. The action was taken as a necessary measure to safeguard Germany’s democracy, which was being threatened by these groups. With the stringent action, the German government has made it clear that it will make no compromise in combating Islamic radical activities.

What action has been taken?

The German government banned the Islamic Center Hamburg (IZH) and its affiliated groups. Subsequent to this, four Shia mosques in Germany were closed and the group’s assets were confiscated. Interior Minister Nancy Fieser stated that the group was opposed to democracy, human rights, and women’s rights and aimed to establish Islamic rule in Germany. It was also accused of supporting terrorist groups such as Hezbollah.

Furthermore, in November of last year, police raided 55 locations, which exposed that the group was secretly pursuing political objectives. The ban on the Islamic groups was intended to demonstrate that Germany will not tolerate any form of radical activity. At the same time, the German government clarified that this action is not directed against the religious rights of Shia Muslims, but against Islamic extremists.

What were the activities of Islamic Center Hamburg (IZH)

The IZH was attempting to influence young people in Germany with radical Islamic ideology. To achieve this end, the group used social media platforms like TikTok, which feature fast-paced and fun videos, and are ideal places for spreading radical ideas. The Islamic group’s goal was to connect young people with the ideas of the Islamic Revolution and influence them with radical views challenging the democratic system.

Furthermore, IZH’s other major objective was to establish a global caliphate. They wanted an Islamic regime to be established across the world, which would be a counter to democratic countries. To further this objective, the group’s members were using social media to attract young people to their ideas and trying to first establish an Islamic regime in Germany.

Who runs the group and what are its goals

The group was operating a youth organization formed in 2020 and is found to be linked to Hizbut Tahrir (HuT), an international Islamic political organisation which was banned in Germany in 2003. The organization’s primary goal is to establish a worldwide Islamic regime, the Caliphate, and to destroy Western democratic system. The IZH wanted Islamic law to be implemented in Germany instead of the German constitution.

The IZH appealed to young Germans through social media platforms like TikTok with the aim of influencing them and persuading them to adopt Islamic radical thinking.

Two other Islamic groups have dreams of establishing an Islamic rule

In addition to the IZH, there were two other radical groups in Germany: Generation Islam and Reality Islam. Both these groups were engaged in the activities similar to the IZH and Muslim Interactive. These groups were also trying to attract young people to Islamic extremism. German intelligence agencies closely monitored their activities and searched their assets. The groups also work with the aim of establishing Islamic Sharia law and uprooting the democratic system. Although these groups have not yet been banned, they could face a similar action in future.

Have such groups been banned in Germany before?

Several radical Islamic organisations have been banned in Germany before. The first of these was Hizb ut Tahrir (HuT) in 2003. The Islamic organisation was trying to spread radical ideas in Germany and establish a Sharia regime, which led to the ban. Subsequently, Hezbollah was also declared a terrorist organization and banned in Germany in 2020. The terrorist organisation was promoting terrorist activities within Germany. In addition, Germany recently banned the Hamas-backed Samedon-Palestinian Solidarity Network in 2023, which was promoting violence against Israel and supporting its terrorist activities.

Germany took action against all of these Islamic outfits because they posed a threat to German society and sought to undermine the democratic system. This has become a continuous process for Germany, which is actively combating any form of Islamic fundamentalism. The German government aims to maintain peace in society and prevent the promotion of terrorism or radicalism.

Germany is battling Islamic extremists

The problem of Islamic radicalism is growing steadily in Germany. Islamic groups have replaced traditional methods with digital avenues to spread extremism. “TikTok Islamism ” is a prime example of that. These groups are using social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to radicalize young people. By creating fast, catchy, and emotional videos, they convince young people that Western democracy is against their religion and that they should return to Islamic rule. This approach is particularly effective among teenagers and students, who spend a lot of time on social media.

German intelligence agencies are constantly monitoring these radical activities. Numerous reports have found that such Islamic outfits influence minors and encourage them to adopt an Islamic mindset. The government has taken strict measures, including raids and investigations on organizations like Muslim Interactive, Generation Islam, and Reality Islam. The government claims that such groups spread hatred in the name of religion and threaten the damage the democratic fabric of the country.

In recent years, Germany has witnessed numerous cases of Islamist-inspired attacks. These incidents have increased, particularly since the Gaza War and the escalation of tensions in the Middle East. Groups of young people in schools and mosques, have been influenced by videos on social media and adopting radical ideology. This is the reason that the German government has acted vigilantly against these digital networks.

The German government believes that religion should not be used for politics or extremism. Therefore, it takes swift action in cases where any organization attempts to incite violence, hatred, or calls for a “caliphate,” in the name of religious freedom. Recently, the government confiscated the assets of several Islamic outfits, shut down their social media channels, and initiated legal action against their members.

The German government is working with the goal of not only preventing extremism but also to providing accurate information to young people. For this, awareness campaigns are being launched in collaboration with schools and community organizations. Officials say that trends like ” TikTok Islamism ” are not only a security challenge but also create divisions in society.

Germany is currently fighting a battle on two fronts. On the one hand, it is protecting its country from terrorism and radicalism in the physical form, and on the other, it is also trying to stop the spread of digital extremism through social media. Germany’s tough stance shows that it will not compromise on the security of its democracy and society.

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

Brief History of annexation of Junagadh: How it was merged with India, and how Hindus were persecuted by Muslim League

ભાર્ગવ રાજ્યગુરુ
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Brief History of annexation of Junagadh: How it was merged with India, and how Hindus were persecuted by Muslim League

November 9 will forever remain an unforgettable date in India’s history. On this very day in 1947, the princely state of Junagadh became a part of the Indian Union. While 562 princely states merged with India post-independence, the story of Junagadh stands out because it reflected the courage of the people, the vision of Sardar Patel, and the determination of the Arzi Hukumat, the Provisional Government that fought for freedom and justice.

The Land of Girnar: Junagadh’s glorious past

Junagadh, meaning “ancient fort,” was a proud state situated at the foothills of Mount Girnar. Spread over 8,643 square kilometres, it had about 82 % Hindu population, though it was ruled by the Muslim Babi dynasty founded in 1654 by Muhammad Sher Khan Babi. Earlier, the region had been ruled by the Chudasama Rajputs and later by Sultan Muhammad Begada of Gujarat.

Even though Junagadh did not share a land border with Pakistan, it was close to Karachi by sea, roughly 300 miles away via the Veraval port.

Source: OpIndia Gujarati

The last ruler of Junagadh, Nawab Mahabat Khan Rasul Khan, was known more for his eccentric love for dogs than for governance. He kept over 300 dogs of different breeds and was infamous for organising a grand wedding for two of them, for which he even declared a state holiday and spent lakhs of rupees.

Shahnawaz Bhutto becomes diwan

By 1947, when India and Pakistan were about to be formed, Junagadh’s administration was in the hands of Shahnawaz Bhutto, the father of Pakistan’s future Prime Minister, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. The Nawab, who was abroad, had left him as the Diwan (Prime Minister) of the state.

Shahnawaz Bhutto. Source: OpIndia Gujarati

Shahnawaz Bhutto, being a prominent leader of the Muslim League, was openly inclined toward Pakistan. His appointment shifted the political stance of Junagadh. Earlier, other advisors like Nabi Baksh and Abdul Qadir had warned the Nawab that joining Pakistan would create grave problems, but Bhutto sidelined them both and seized full control.

August 15, 1947: Nawab decides to join Pakistan

While most princely states with Hindu-majority populations naturally joined India, Junagadh took a different path. Ignoring the overwhelming Hindu majority, the Nawab, influenced by Bhutto, announced on August 15, 1947, the day India got independence, that Junagadh would accede to Pakistan.

This decision shocked the people and the neighbouring Kathiawar states. The only Hindu member of Junagadh’s council, Rai Bahadur Dharamdas Hiranandani, strongly opposed the move but was forced to resign. Even loyal officers like Captain Dr Prem Rai Majmudar were dismissed when they advised the Nawab to join India.

Fear and Atrocities against Hindus

After the announcement, terror gripped Junagadh’s Hindu population. With the Muslim League’s influence spreading, a secret group called the “Action Council” began targeting Hindus, a situation that mirrored the violence of “Direct Action Day” in Bengal.

Every day, orders were issued to harass, attack, and drive Hindus away. Soon, thousands of Hindus fled Junagadh seeking safety in nearby areas. But even migration was not easy; many were stopped and tortured on their way. Law and order in the region completely collapsed.

While the Nawab tightened his grip, neighbouring Kathiawar states like Mangrol and Babariyawad, which had large Hindu populations, took matters into their own hands. They declared their independence from Junagadh and signed agreements to join India.

Junagadh sent its army to reclaim these areas, but the Indian government under Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel objected and ordered the withdrawal of Junagadh’s troops. When Shahnawaz Bhutto refused, Patel took firm steps and prepared to send forces to restore peace. However, at that time, Jawaharlal Nehru preferred to wait for a diplomatic solution.

Rise of the Arzi Hukumat: A people’s Government

As the crisis deepened, over one lakh Hindus fled Junagadh, and Kathiawar faced rising unrest. With no sign of justice from the Nawab, the people took the lead. On September 25, 1947, in a meeting held in Mumbai’s Madhavbagh Hall and led by Shamaldas Gandhi, the Arzi Hukumat, Provisional Government of Junagadh was formed.

Source: OpIndia Gujarati

Under the leadership of freedom fighters like Ratubhai Adani, the Arzi army launched operations to free Junagadh. Their courage inspired fighters across Kathiawar. On September 30, the Arzi army captured Junagarh House in Rajkot and soon moved toward Junagadh’s borders.

Source: OpIndia Gujarati

India Steps In: Army joins the Mission

At Sardar Patel’s direction, the Kathiawar Defence Force, along with the armies of Nawanagar, Bhavnagar, and Porbandar, began cooperating with the Provisional Government. On October 22, 1947, the Indian forces entered Manavadar, and by November 1, they had taken control of Mangrol and Babariyawad.

Source: OpIndia Gujarati

Economically, Junagadh was now cut off and starving. Pakistan’s promised support never arrived. Grain shortages and unrest weakened the Nawab’s control. The joint army of India, the Arzi forces, and local princely states gradually surrounded Junagadh from all directions.

Flight of the Nawab to Pakistan

The Nawab of Junagadh, Unable to bear the pressure and fled to Pakistan on October 24, 1947, taking with him his family, jewels, valuable records, and even his beloved dogs. His departure created chaos within the administration.

The Arzi army continued advancing, capturing key forts and towns, including Nawagarh and Kutiana. The local Rajput and Mer fighters joined hands with them, strengthening their resolve. The people now demanded full integration with India.

With the Nawab gone, Shahnawaz Bhutto was left with no choice. He realised that Pakistan could not defend Junagadh and that the public rebellion, supported by the Indian forces, had succeeded. He soon sent a message to Muhammad Ali Jinnah admitting defeat and expressing readiness to hand over Junagadh to India.

Through Captain Harvey Jones, Bhutto began peace talks with Shamaldas Gandhi. Finally, on November 9, 1947, Bhutto announced through an official communique that Junagadh would be handed over to the Indian government. After the announcement, he too fled to Pakistan through Keshod Airport.

November 9, 1947: Junagadh Becomes Part of India

On the evening of November 9, 1947, the Indian Army, led by Brigadier Gurdayal Singh, entered Junagadh through Majewadi Gate. The tricolour was proudly hoisted on the historic Uparkot Fort. The Regional Commissioner, Neelam Buch, declared through the Junagadh Gazette that from 7 p.m. that evening, the Indian government would take full control of the state.

With this, the rule of the Nawab came to an end, and the Arzi Hukumat voluntarily dissolved itself after fulfilling its mission. The people celebrated across Kathiawar, waving the national flag and singing patriotic songs.

Sardar Patel’s visit and the people’s verdict

A few days later, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel personally visited Junagadh on November 13, 1947. He met local leaders, thanked the freedom fighters, and promised to rebuild the administration.

Source: OpIndia Gujarati

To settle the issue permanently, a plebiscite (poll) was held on February 20, 1948. Out of 1,90,870 votes cast, only 91 favoured Pakistan, while the overwhelming majority chose to join the Union of India. It was one of the clearest expressions of democracy and the people’s will in modern history.

Integration with Saurashtra and Gujarat

On January 20, 1949, Junagadh was formally merged with the newly created state of Saurashtra. Later, when Saurashtra was integrated into Gujarat, Junagadh became an important part of the state. Today, it stands as a symbol of India’s unity, resilience, and faith in democratic values.

Even today, Pakistan continues to claim Junagadh on its official maps, but the reality is clear: Junagadh is and will always remain a proud and inseparable part of India.

The story of Junagadh’s accession is not just about political boundaries. It is about the courage of ordinary people, the foresight of Sardar Patel, and the collective strength of the Kathiawar states. The Provisional Government of Junagadh, the patriotic efforts of the Arzi army, and the faith of the people together ensured that democracy and justice prevailed.

Every year, November 9 reminds the nation how unity, courage, and patriotism turned a princely struggle into a proud chapter of Indian history.

Pakistan to amend constitution giving more power to Army Chief, putting him above other 2 chiefs: Read how Military’s hold over Pakistan increases while India remains a vibrant democracy

Aditi
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Pakistan to amend constitution giving more power to Army Chief, putting him above other 2 chiefs: Read how Military’s hold over Pakistan increases while India remains a vibrant democracy

Pakistan is all set to shed its façade of being a democratic country and embrace its real identity of a military state, with the introduction of a Bill which seeks to introduce some major changes in the country’s Constitutional framework. Pakistan’s federal government presented the draft of the much-anticipated 27th Amendment Bill in the Senate on Saturday (8th November). The bill is designed to re-write Article 243 of Pakistan’s Constitution, which governs the relationship between the prime minister (as head of the federal government) and the president (as the head of state) in relation to the control and command of the armed forces.

It is expected to alter the constitutional framework relating to the judiciary, provincial powers and, most importantly, the armed forces, as reported by Dawn. The bill creates the post of Chief of Defence Forces, and gives much broader constitutionally protected powers and privileges to the country’s military leadership. In essence, while it is already known that Pakistan is effectively run by the armed forces, the military leadership gets more power with this amendment.

‘Field Marshal’ Asim Munir to become Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Staff

The Bill, which makes a significant overhaul in the armed forces hierarchy, has caused a stir among the opposition parties and civil rights groups, which fear that it would lead to the concentration of power in the hands of the armed forces. One of the notable changes introduced by the Bill is the creation of a new position of ‘Chief of Defence Staff’ and the abolition of the existing position of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC).

Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar said, while presenting the draft in the Senate, that the position of the CJCSC will be abolished from November 27, 2025, after the tenure of the existing CJCSC ends. “The present CJCSC is also our hero; it [the position] will be abolished after his appointment ends. Parliament cannot even think of depriving him of the role during his tenure,” Tarar said.

Under the Bill, the Chief of the Army Staff will be elevated to the position of the Chief of Defence Staff, an authority which will command all three forces of the Army, Navy and Air Force. The newly created position of the CDS will be held by the serving Chief of Army Staff, Asim Munir. Interestingly, the development comes after Munir was extraordinarily elevated to the position of ‘Field Marshal’ following India’s Operation Sindoor. Munir is the second Field Marshal of Pakistan after Ayub Khan, who promoted himself to the position in 1959. This is the reason that the Bill is being viewed by many as a deliberate move to legitimise Munir’s elevation by granting it a Constitutional backing.

Army Chief over Navy and Air Force chiefs

While most countries now have unified military command at the top, what makes Pakistan’s amendment unique that they are not creating a new position of Chief of Defence Staff. Instead, the Chief of the Army Staff will concurrently be the Chief of the Defence Forces. There is no provision for chiefs of Air Force or Navy to become the CDS.

With the provision that the Army Staff will concurrently be the Chief of the Defence Forces, the Army Chief will rule over Air Force and Navy of Pakistan.

In contrast, for India’s CDS position created few years ago, it is a new position different from the three chiefs, and the CDS can come from any of the three armed forces.

Position of Commander of the National Strategic Command and appointments of chiefs of armed forces

Additionally, the Bill establishes the position of Commander of the National Strategic Command, which will oversee the Islamic country’s nuclear and strategic assets. The appointment to the position will be made by the Prime Minister on the recommendation of the Army Chief, and the person appointed to the position must have served in the Army. The chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force will be appointed by the President, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister, and the Army chief will concurrently serve as the CDS.

Life-long constitutional protection for the officers with a five-star rank

Further enhancing the powers and immunities of the top officials of the armed forces, the amendment will confer lifelong constitutional protection to officers promoted to five-star rank, which implies that such officers would “retain the rank, privileges and remain in uniform for life” and can only be removed through a procedure similar to impeachment. The Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force and Admiral of the Fleet are five star positions.

“Where the federal government promotes a member of the armed forces to the rank of field marshal, marshal of the air force or admiral of the fleet, such officer shall retain the rank, privileges and remain in uniform for life,” the Minister for Law and Justice stated in the Senate.

Besides, such officers will also possess immunities equivalent to those enjoyed by the President of Pakistan under Article 248. The post-command duties and remuneration of these officers would be decided by the federal government and the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.

India is a thriving democracy while Pakistan

With the adoption of the amendment, General Asim Munir will be the Chief Army Staff, Chief of Defence Forces, and the country’s senior-most military officer with command over all three branches of the armed forces. Additionally, he gets life-long constitutional protection and immunity.

While the Pakistani government is defending the Bill as a mere technical update in the pretext of modernising command arrangements and regularising the recently made extraordinary promotions, the Bill has sparked a political storm in the country. The opposition parties and the civil rights groups apprehend that the Bill will tilt the balance of power in favour of the armed forces and weaken the ‘democratic’ institutions of the country.

The Bill highlights a sharp contrast between India and Pakistan. While India continues to be a thriving democracy, upholding constitutional values and vision, Pakistan, on the other hand, is gradually yet steadily marching towards becoming a military state. It is no secret that the Pakistani government has always acted as a puppet of its Army, but the proposed legislation will entirely drop the Islamic country’s pretence of a democracy.

‘Human life matters’: Supreme Court directs removal of stray dogs from institutions and highways – Read what the judgment says

Anurag
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‘Human life matters’: Supreme Court directs removal of stray dogs from institutions and highways – Read what the judgment says

On 7th November, the Supreme Court of India ordered all states and Union Territories to remove stray dogs from educational institutions, hospitals, sports complexes, bus stands and depots, railway stations, and other government buildings. These dogs, as per the orders, must be moved to a designated shelter after due sterilisation and vaccination as per the ABC Rules 2023. The apex court has categorically said that these dogs “shall not be released back to the same location from which they were picked up”.

The order passed by the three-judge bench of the Supreme Court comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice NV Anjaria dealt with three separate issues. The first matter that was discussed in the order was the compliance affidavits that the apex court had asked the states and UTs to file but they failed to submit by 27th October. After the court expressed dismay and ordered all State Secretaries to be physically present at the next hearing, which was on 3rd November, not only were the affidavits filed but the officials were also present.

Amicus Curiae Gaurav Agrawal prepared a summary of the compliance affidavits submitted by the States and UTs, which highlighted grave deficiencies and shortcomings in the information furnished by some of the States and UTs. The court noted that compliance with the directions issued by the court was either not effected or remained incomplete. The court ordered the States and UTs to peruse the report and take appropriate steps to address the deficiencies and shortcomings mentioned. The States and UTs have been directed to file comprehensive additional affidavits before the next date, indicating the remedial measures undertaken to ensure full compliance with the directions of the court and to rectify the lapses highlighted by Khanna in his report. “Any lethargy in this regard shall be viewed seriously,” the court said.

The court ordered to remove animals from highways

The second matter that the court dealt with was about the directions issued by the Rajasthan High Court’s Jodhpur bench ordering the state to remove all cattle and other animals from public roads and highways to prevent accidents caused by them. The court noted that such accidents have become alarmingly frequent across the country, leading to loss of human life, grievous injuries, and damage to property. Calling it “symptomatic of a larger failure on the part of the administrative authorities entrusted with public safety”, the court noted that the uncontrolled presence of cattle and stray animals on National Highways, National Expressways, and State Highways is a serious and avoidable threat, “particularly during night-time or in high-speed zones”.

Citing Article 21 of the Constitution of India that guarantees the right to life and safety, the court said that there is a need for immediate, coordinated, and sustained action by all concerned agencies including municipal authorities, road and transport departments, public works departments, and highway authorities.

Thus, the court reaffirmed the Rajasthan High Court’s directions and extended them to MCs, road and transport departments, PWDs of all states and UTs, and the National Highway Authority of India, and ordered them to remove all cattle and other stray animals from State Highways, National Highways, and National Expressways.

Source: Supreme Court of India

The court specifically said that the animals must be relocated to Gaushalas, in the case of cattle, and designated shelters, in the case of other animals including dogs. Furthermore, the animals should be provided with all necessary food, water, and veterinary care in accordance with the provisions of the PCA Act 1960 and the ABC Rules 2023.

Special 24/7 teams are to be formed for continuous surveillance and immediate response to reports of stray cattle and other animals obstructing the roadways. All National Highways, State Highways, and National Expressways should display helpline numbers linked to the control rooms of the local police, NHAI, and district administration at regular intervals so that commuters can report the presence of stray animals or accidents caused by the animals.

The court has directed the Chief Secretaries of all States and UTs, the chairperson of NHAI, and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Union of India, to file status-cum-compliance affidavits within eight weeks from the date of the order, indicating the mechanism established for removal and sheltering of stray animals from highways, the constitution and functioning of patrol teams, and the operational status of helpline numbers and installation of signboards displaying helpline numbers.

Remove dogs from institutional premises including schools, colleges, railway stations, bus stands and hospitals

The third and most important aspect of the order was about the removal of dogs from educational institutions, hospitals, sports complexes, bus stands and depots, and railway stations. The court noted that there is a disturbing increase in dog-bite incidents within the premises of institutional areas. The court said, “The recurrence of such incidents, particularly within institutional spaces meant for learning, healing, and recreation, reflects not only administrative apathy but also a systemic failure to secure these premises from preventable hazards. The situation calls for immediate judicial intervention to safeguard the fundamental right to life and safety of citizens, especially children, patients, and sportspersons, under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.”

The court further pointed out that scientific assessments, including those conducted by WHO and NCDC, have estimated that a large ratio of animal-related deaths annually in India are attributed to rabies, with over 90% of human cases resulting from bites inflicted by domestic or stray dogs. The court said, “The brunt of this menace has been borne by children, elderly people, and economically weaker sections who, in addition to being vulnerable, also lack timely access to post-exposure prophylaxis,” an issue that OpIndia has repeatedly raised in detailed articles on the stray dog menace.

The court said though the Capture-Sterilise-Vaccinate-Release or CSVR model under ABC Rules 2023 is used as the principal method for controlling the stray dog population, the implementation of these rules has been ineffective across jurisdictions, and the persistence of the stray dog population has continued to “imperil public safety in many parts of the country”.

Source: Supreme Court of India

The court cited several cases reported in mainstream media, including a Welsh entrepreneur bitten by a stray dog during a morning run, a class III student bitten by a stray dog inside a classroom in Panamaram of Wayanad district in Kerala, six students bitten by a stray dog that entered a government primary school in Siswal of Hisar district in Haryana, students bitten by stray dogs in the Bengaluru University Campus in the Kengeri area, multiple patients bitten by stray dogs in IMH Kilpauk of Chennai, five people bitten by a stray dog at Ernakulam General Hospital in Kochi, patients attacked by stray dogs at Acharya Harihar Post Graduate Institute of Cancer in Cuttack, Odisha, a resident doctor bitten by several stray dogs at Government Medical College and Hospital in Nagpur, two doctors, paramedical staff, and an attendant bitten by a stray dog at King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, two foreign coaches bitten inside Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi, during the World Para Athletics Championship 2025, 18 people bitten at the Railway Station in Kannur, Kerala, nine people including an RPF officer bitten by a stray dog at Dombivli Railway Station, Maharashtra, 30 people bitten by stray dogs in six months at Alappuzha Railway Station, Kerala, eight persons bitten by a rabid dog at Sambhal Railway Station in Uttar Pradesh, 50 people attacked by a stray dog at Kannur Bus Stand, Kerala, and several people bitten by a stray dog at KSRTC Bus Stand in Kottayam, Kerala.

The court noted that uncontrolled reproduction of stray dogs due to inadequate implementation of sterilisation programmes, improper disposal of food waste, absence of effective perimeter management and institutional coordination, and lack of widespread public awareness regarding preventive conduct and post-dog-bite medical procedures are some of the reasons for the stray dog menace.

Despite the ABC Rules, various municipal bye-laws, guidelines, and SOPs in place, the practical outcomes have remained suboptimal, the court said. Furthermore, the court noted that year-on-year data on dog bites has shown a spike in such cases. “The persistence of the problem calls for a holistic and coordinated approach involving municipal corporations, public health authorities, and the administration of the institutions, to ensure that the constitutional mandate of safeguarding the right to life under Article 21 is not compromised by administrative inaction or inefficiency,” the court noted.

Source: Supreme Court of India

The court, hence, gave two weeks’ time to State Governments and UTs to identify all government and private educational institutions, hospitals, public sports complexes, bus stands and depots, and railway stations. The administrative heads of these institutions have been directed to coordinate with local or municipal authorities under the overall supervision of the District Magistrate and secure the premises using fences, boundary walls, gates, and such other structural or administrative measures to prevent the ingress of stray dogs. The exercise should be completed as soon as possible, preferably within eight weeks.

Furthermore, the management of all educational institutions, hospitals, sports complexes, bus stands and depots, and railway stations have been asked to designate a nodal officer responsible for the upkeep and cleanliness of the premises and to ensure that stray dogs do not enter or inhabit the campus. The details of the assigned officer are to be displayed prominently at the entrance.

Every three months, local municipal authorities and panchayats should carry out inspections of all such premises to ensure that there are no stray dogs. “Any lapse in this regard shall be viewed seriously, and responsibility shall be fixed upon the concerned municipal officials or administrative authorities,” the court directed.

The court said that it is the responsibility of the municipal body to remove every stray dog found within the abovesaid premises and shift the animal to a designated shelter after due sterilisation and vaccination as per ABC Rules 2023.

The court barred the release of the dogs to the same location and said, “The stray dogs so picked up shall not be released back to the same location from which they were picked up. We have consciously directed the non-release of such stray dogs to the same location from which they were picked up, as permitting the same would frustrate the very effect of the directions issued to liberate such institutional areas from the presence of stray dogs.”

Source: Supreme Court of India

Furthermore, the management of stadiums and sports complexes has been asked to deploy security or ground-keeping personnel specifically to ensure there are no stray dogs at the premises.

The Animal Welfare Board of India has been directed to issue a detailed SOP within four weeks for the prevention of dog bites and the management of stray dogs in institutional premises.

Notably, when the court narrated the order during the hearing on 7th November, the counsel representing NGOs and self-styled dog lovers tried to argue that removing dogs from institutional premises would lead to a vacuum attracting new dogs, but the court refused to consider the argument.

With this order, the court has taken a decisive step towards prioritising human life and safety. While it marks an important beginning, the court may also need to recognise the growing problem of stray dogs in gated societies, parks, and residential areas, where children, the elderly, and vulnerable groups face attacks almost daily. The order has sparked concern among animal welfare groups and self-styled dog lovers, some of whom are reportedly planning to appeal against the 7th November order, arguing that it is harsh towards dogs and other animals, including cattle, as the court has also directed their removal from highways. Ultimately, it will now be for the court to balance compassion for animals with the protection of human lives.

OpIndia is doing a series on stray dog menace that can be checked here.

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