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‘Working to ensure Rs 3,000 crores looted from poor, seized by ED, returned to Bengalis’: PM Modi to BJP candidate from Krishnanagar Amrita Roy

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‘Working to ensure Rs 3,000 crores looted from poor, seized by ED, returned to Bengalis’: PM Modi to BJP candidate from Krishnanagar Amrita Roy

On Wednesday (27th March), PM Narendra Modi called up Amrita Roy, BJP’s candidate from Krishnanagar Lok Sabha constituency in West Bengal. She will contest against TMC’s Mahua Moitra, the accused in the cash-for-query scam case. ‘Rajmata’ Amrita Roy hails from the Nadia Royal family based in Krishna Nagar. She is the wife of Soumish Chandra Roy, the 39th scion of the Nadia Royal family of Maharaja Rudra Chandra Roy and Krishnachandra Roy. 

During the interaction, PM Modi lauded the current Rajmata of the Krishna Nagar Raj Bari (Bengali term for Royal Palace) adding that she is taking the legacy of Maharaja Krishnachandra Roy forward.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the smear campaign, Amrita Roy highlighted TMC’s latest attack against Maharaja Krishnachandra Roy.  

She told PM Modi, “They (TMC) are now opposing the family of Maharaja Krishnachandra Roy accusing him of collaborating with the British. They consider us as traitors. They are ignoring how much the Maharaja did and donated large patches of land.”

She stressed that the Maharaja stood up against the oppression of Mughal tyrants to safeguard Sanatan Dharma at times of adversity. 

She noted, “If Maharaja Krishnachandra had not taken steps, our Sanatan Dharma would have been obliterated. The then Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah was an oppressor and corrupt. Maharaja of Krishnanagar had united with other Royal families of that time to save their people and Dharma. If they had not worked hard, we wouldn’t have been Hindu today.”  

She emphasised, “Aaj hum Hindu nhi reh pate, hamara basha dusra hota, hamara beshpusha ekdum alag hota, hum dusro ke adeen rehte.” (Translation – Today, we wouldn’t have been Hindu, our language, customs/dressing would have been different and we would have been enslaved by others.) 

Regarding TMC’s attack against Maharaja Roy, PM Modi noted that in his childhood days, students were taught about the welfare initiatives of Maharaja Krishnachandra Roy and his development model for Bengal.”

Slamming vote bank politics, PM Modi added, “See they are the people who indulge in politics of vote bank and they will make absurd and baseless accusations and dig incidences from 2-3 centuries back and try to run smear campaign. They do such things to hide their own misdeeds they are indulging to date.” 

“When it comes to Bhagwan Ram, they ask for evidence and say, why are you raking such an old issue but they try to dig into history to malign Krishnachandra Roy, this is their hypocrisy”, the Prime Minister pointed out. 

For those unversed, Raja Krishnachandra belonged to the Nadia Raj family and Shakta Hindu tradition. The Royal family had been renowned for opposing and fighting against the oppressions of the Mughal rule. He had transformed the Nadia royal family’s Durga Puja into a ‘public’ celebration since its inception in 1683, and because of this, the family enjoys a special prestige in Bengal even today. 

Further, in the eight-and-a-half-minute interaction, PM Modi lauded Rajmata Amrita Roy for working for the welfare of Bengalis. Further, he advised his party colleague not to be deterred from such attacks as she has the challenge of saving the legacy of Bengal behind her. 

Following PM Modi’s advice, Amrita Roy stated, “We are taking this as a positive fight for the welfare of the people, for the upliftment of the oppressed communities.” 

Opposition’s priority is power, not country’s interest; We are working to legally return Rs 3000 crores to poor: PM Modi

Further in their interaction, PM Modi pointed out that the current political fight is between two groups. PM said that, on the one hand, the BJP is committed to uprooting corruption in the country and, on the other hand, all the corrupt have come together to save each other. 

Taking a jibe at arch-nemesis turned allies, Congress-AAP and ilks, PM Modi said, “Even those who had labelled accusations on each other have come out in each other’s defence.”

PM Modi asserted that the opposition’s priority is power not the interest of the country. 

After the BJP’s candidate from Krishna Nagar highlighted the issues faced by locals, including not receiving DA and benefits of central government initiatives, Prime Minister Modi assured that the Union government is exploring legal options to return money looted from poor Bengalis.

PM Modi stated that he is exploring legal options to ensure that the money looted from the poor in West Bengal is returned to them. He added that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached over Rs 3000 crore worth of properties and assets belonging to the corrupt. The PM expressed confidence that West Bengal will vote for ‘Parivartan’ (change) in the state.

Regarding PM Modi’s query on local sentiments, Rajmata Amrita Roy said, “When I ask about Mahua Moitra, people of Bengal say she is only headed towards jail.”  

India replaces Germany as Russia’s top medicine supplier, supplies 294 million packages of pharmaceuticals in 2023

OpIndia Staff
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India replaces Germany as Russia’s top medicine supplier, supplies 294 million packages of pharmaceuticals in 2023

In a major development, Russian media has reported that in the year 2023, India became Russia’s largest pharmaceutical supplier, filling the gap left by the formerly dominating Western companies. This was said based on the data compiled by RNC Pharma.

The boom in Indian pharmaceutical exports has displaced Germany, Russia’s top supplier in 2021 and 2022. Berlin plunged its supplies to Russia by about 20% last year, to 238.7 million packages. Meanwhile, Indian manufacturers increased their exports by 3% last year, delivering about 294 million packages of pharmaceuticals to Russia.

The steps taken by Western pharmaceutical businesses in response to the Ukraine conflict have contributed to the shift in pharmaceutical supply dynamics towards Russia.

Several of these firms have suspended non-essential operations and investments in Russia. Furthermore, major international pharmaceutical companies including Eli Lilly, Bayer, Pfizer, MSD, and Novartis have halted new clinical studies in the country.

Meanwhile, the Indian pharmaceutical companies are expanding their business prospects in Russia, including joint ventures, RT reported.

“Other key supplying countries include France, from where 149.3 million packages were imported to the Russian market (an increase of 7.6%), Hungary (112.5 million packages – 11.6% more than a year earlier) and Belarus. The latter increased supplies by 6.9%, to 109.8 million packages. The decline among large suppliers of drugs to Russia occurred in the UK (by 10.5%, to 63.2 million) and Poland (by 16.5%, to 60.9 million). Among the countries that began deliveries to Russia for the first time last year is the UAE, from which 35.7 thousand packages were imported, Armenia (1.6 thousand) and Cuba (1.5 thousand),” the RBK article reads.

Infographic source: RNC Pharma/RBC

According to RNC Pharma, in the year 2023, Israel’s Teva exported 149.8 million packages to Russia – 11% more than a year earlier. In second place is India’s Dr Reddy’s, which increased supplies by 12% to 110.1 million packages of drugs.

As per RNC Pharma’s data, Mumbai-based Oxford Laboratories increased its supplies to Russia by 67% in 2023, reaching 4.8 million packages. Its portfolio comprises cardiovascular, erectile dysfunction, ophthalmology, and other medications. Ipca Laboratories, another significant Indian pharmaceutical company that specialises in generics – medicines that contain the same ingredients as a drug that was previously solely manufactured by the patent holder – increased its exports by 58% last year, reaching 13.7 million packages.

‘Expected to be respectful of sovereignty and internal affairs of others’: India strongly objects to the US over remarks on Kejriwal’s arrest

OpIndia Staff
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‘Expected to be respectful of sovereignty and internal affairs of others’: India strongly objects to the US over remarks on Kejriwal’s arrest

India has registered strong disapproval of the comments made by the US State Department Spokesperson on the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the Delhi liquor scam.

The Ministry of External Affairs released a statement saying, “We take strong objection to the remarks of the Spokesperson of the US State Department about certain legal proceedings in India.”

“In diplomacy, states are expected to be respectful of the sovereignty and internal affairs of others. This responsibility is even more so in the case of fellow democracies. It could otherwise end up setting unhealthy precedents. India’s legal processes are based on an independent judiciary that is committed to objective and timely outcomes. Casting aspersions on that is unwarranted,” the statement further said.

Earlier today, US Acting Deputy Charge d’Affaires Gloria Berbena was summoned by India’s Ministry of External Affairs and presented with a strongly worded demarche. The meeting lasted for 45 minutes.

The strongly worded statement by MEA was in response to a Reuters report that quoted the State Department spokesperson saying that the U.S. government is keeping a close watch on the reports of Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest. They have urged the Indian government to guarantee “a fair, transparent, and timely legal process” for the detained Delhi Chief Minister and opposition leader.

Earlier this week, the MEA lodged a strong protest over Germany’s remark on Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest, describing it as “blatant interference” in India’s internal affairs.

Notably, responding to a media query on Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest during a press conference, a German spokesperson stated, “We have taken note, India is a democratic country. We assume and expect that the standards relating to the independence of the Judiciary and basic democratic principles will also be applied in this case. Like anyone facing accusations, Mr Kejriwal is entitled to a fair and impartial trial, this includes he can make use of all available legal avenues without restrictions. The presumption of innocence is a central element of the rule of law and must apply to him [sic].” 

The ministry issued a statement saying, “We see such remarks as interfering in our judicial process and undermining the independence of our judiciary. India is a vibrant and robust democracy with the rule of law. As in all legal cases in the country, and elsewhere in the democratic world, law will take its course in the instant matter. Biased assumptions made on this account are most unwarranted.”

‘Muslim area’, no songs during Namaz and more: 9 incidents where Hindus were attacked for playing Holi

OpIndia Staff
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‘Muslim area’, no songs during Namaz and more: 9 incidents where Hindus were attacked for playing Holi

Holi, the joyful Hindu festival of colours and devotion known for bringing people together and celebrated with great zeal around the world, has consistently been reviled by Islamists who hold profound disdain for the Hindu faith.

Holi has been the target of an online smear campaign and slander, but year after year, reports emerge of rabid Islamists orchestrating violent attacks on Hindus and partaking in arson and vandalism during Holi celebrations, in a blatant display of their unabashed hatred for Hindus in a Hindu-majority country.

Bigoted Islamists unleash violence against Hindus celebrating the once-a-year festival of colours. OpIndia has compiled a list of the violent attacks on Hindus on Holi which was celebrated on 25th of March this year and some days prior.

Goddess Sita referred to as a ‘prostitute’, Islamists at AMU attacked and asked Hindus to pay ‘jizya’ to celebrate Holi

On 21st March, Muslims attacked Hindu students and beat them during Holi celebrations at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). In a video of the incident, Hindu students were seen running to save themselves while Islamists went on a rampage against them. On the complaint of Aditya Pratap Singh, a Master of Arts (M.A.) final-year student in the varsity, an FIR was lodged under sections 147, 148, 149, 153-A, 386, 323 and 504 of the Indian Penal Code.

It was about 2:30 pm on 21st March when the complainant and hundreds of Hindu students including Ajay Kumar Rajput, Mohit Sharma and Puruyasarth were gathered in the Zakir Hussain College of Engineering and Technology park.

Suddenly, hundreds of Muslim students gathered there, waving sticks and pistols in their hands. Miswa Kesar, Zakiur Rahman, Zaid Sherbani, Shah Rukh Sabri, Shoaib Qureshi, Ahmad Mustafa Sherbani, Affan Sherbani, Sehwan Khan, Faisal Tyagi, and Arsan Siddiqui began abusing Hindu deities. They abused Hindu gods and goddesses and said, “Today, let us teach a lesson to the children of prostitute Sita.”

When the Hindu students objected to the Muslims abusing Hindu gods, the Muslims placed a revolver on their heads and demanded Rs 1000 Jizya per month to be given ‘permission’ to celebrate Holi. The Muslim students then brutally assaulted the Hindus causing internal injuries to them, for merely ‘daring’ to celebrate their festival peacefully.

Muslim mob attacks Hindu men and women celebrating Holi near mosque in Hyderabad

On 24th March, a Muslim mob ruthlessly attacked the local Hindu community for celebrating the Holi festival in Chengicherla near Ghatkesar in Hyderabad’s Medchal-Malkagiri district. When some local Hindus lit the traditional Holi Bhogi fire and played songs to celebrate the festival of colours, Muslims offering namaz inside a neighbouring mosque objected, claiming that Holi was being celebrated while they were praying. Islamists alleged that the Holi celebrations disturbed their Ramzan prayers.

A video of the incident went viral online, showing Islamists using sticks in the sight of police, clearly intending to threaten and harm the Hindus. As seen in the video, the Islamists mercilessly pushed and thrashed Hindu girls, men and women. The attack by Islamists left three Hindus injured.

Muslim mob armed with sharp weapons attacks Hindus celebrating Holi in UP’s Agra

In Uttar Pradesh’s Agra district, a Muslim mob including women attacked several Hindus celebrating Holi on 25th March. The assailants used sharp weapons during the attack and raised Pakistan Zindabad slogans. Moreover, the Islamists also hurled abuses at Holika Mata. The Islamists severely injured two Hindus in the attack in the Rakabganj police station area.

Following the incident, the police have registered an FIR against 40-50 unidentified attackers along with 34 named persons on the complaint of a person named Vishwajit Patra.

The attackers included Jamil, Salim, Rahees, Shaukat, Bunty, Bhaiya, Ishaad, Chand, Chaman and the women of his house, Shaheen, Shaheed, Haroon and his 2 brothers, Imran, Asin, Pappan, Shikki, Rahmani and his son, the meat seller. Haroon, Imran, Shakeel, Shamim, Aamir, Rihan, Arif, Chand Mohammad, Tarzan, Fatole, Bobby, Guddu and tea seller Sajid among others.

On 25th March, some people were playing Holi in the street in front of Idgah SR Hospital in Kutulpur area at around 2 and 2:30 pm when the accused Muslim mob attacked the celebrations with stones, sticks, and sharp weapons while raising pro-Pakistan slogans.

Hindu children attacked outside a mosque in Ludhiana

In Punjab’s Ludhiana, a Hindu man named Ashwani Mishra residing in the Tibba Police Station area filed a complaint alleging that his son Karan along with his friend Honey was playing Holi on the 25th of March when they were attacked by a mob comprising 150 people outside the Noorani Masjid in Sandhu Nagar. Meanwhile, one Mohammad Sultan has also lodged a complaint alleging that he was attacked by some sharp weapon-wielding men. The police have launched an investigation into both complaints.

Uttarakhand: Muslim mob attacked Hindus after Holi colours mistakenly dropped on Muslim youth in Haridwar

In the Haridwar district of Uttarakhand, Ajay Kashyap, a resident of Manglaur Kotwali filed a complaint alleging that on the day of Holi (25th March), when some people were dancing to DJ beats the Muslim youths stopped to watch the dance. However, as some colour fell on a Muslim youth standing there got agitated and caused a ruckus. It has been alleged that the accused Muslim youth left the spot and returned with his aides. These Muslim youths attacked the Hindus celebrating Holi with sticks and rods leaving two Hindu youths Sunny and Sachin injured. The accused identified as Aslam, Sonu and Aftab also allegedly threatened to kill the Hindu youths. Meanwhile, a case has been registered against six people and further action is underway.

Muslims cause ruckus during Holi celebration in Kaushambi claiming DJ music disturbed their namaz

In Uttar Pradesh’s Kaushambi district, a dispute erupted between two parties over playing songs on speakers in the Chhimirchha village in the Karari police station area. It has been reported that Mukesh Saroj of the Dalit community was dancing and singing on DJ beats with friends on Holi when several of the village’s Muslim residents arrived. The Muslims claimed that it was Namaz time and asked that the Hindus stop the music. When Mukesh Saroj refused, an argument arose between the two parties.

The argument quickly escalated into abuse and violence. When Bajrang Dal members learned about the incident, they arrived at the spot and started raising slogans there. The cops arrived at the scene immediately and made both parties reconcile. Due to the tension in the village, police have been deployed. On Mukesh Saroj’s complaint, an FIR was filed against 13 named and 27 unidentified Muslims. The police are currently investigating the matter.

UP: Muslim youth stabbed a Hindu youth on Holi

A Muslim youth attacked a Hindu man in Bhatgaon, which comes under Hata tehsil’s Ahrauli police station in Uttar Pradesh. The man was referred to Gorakhpur hospital due to his serious condition. The victim, Ramakant Yadav, had come out of the house to light Holika. On his way to a shop, he met Firoz, Nabi Hasan’s son, who abruptly attacked him with a knife. Ramakant Yadav fled after getting injured on the head.

Clashes erupted in Amroha after Muslims stopped Hindus celebrating Holi from entering ‘Muslim area’

In Uttar Pradesh Amroha, two groups clashed in Tigri village on the 25th of March after a Hindu Yadav youth playing Holi with his friends mistakenly entered the ‘Muslim area’. The Muslims allegedly objected to a Hindu youth entering their area of dominance and an argument ensued over this. However, soon the verbal altercation escalated to violence with both the sides attacking each other with sticks and pelted stones. The violent clashes left Mainu and Ramwati from the Hindu side and Shahrukh and Alisa from the Muslim side injured. The police have registered a case against 28 named and 5 unidentified accused and further action is underway.

On Holi, Sub Inspector Jogendra Singh was patroling with constables Suraj, Rahul, and Upendra. Meanwhile, two groups were fighting in Tigri. Several people suffered injuries after being pelted with stones from both sides. Upon seeing the cops, the accused fled. The accused have been identified as Shahrukh, Noori, Saif Ali, Naseem, Wasim, Faisal, Sharif, Rabbu, Amjad, Nazim, Shakir, Ahsan, Fardeen, Rajendra, Rajpal, Avnish, Ashok, Lalit, Raju, and Monu, were informed about the assault and stone pelting. Harish, Lokendra, Naveen, Koshindra, Nikki, Naveen, Vishal, Sahil alias Himanshu, and five unidentified accused. The efforts are on to arrest all the accused persons.

Muslim youth stabbed a Hindu youth for applying colour on Holi in Bihar

In Bihar’s Begusarai district, a Muslim youth got so agitated over a 26-year-old Hindu youth Deepak Kumar applying him Gulal (dry colour) that he stabbed him with a knife four to five times leaving him severely injured on 25th March. As per a News4Nation report, the accused has been identified as Mohammad Jamshed.

The incident occurred on Phulwaria Bazaar Aloo Chatti Road under the Phulwaria police station precinct when the victim and other Hindus youths were playing Holi on the roadside. The accused was passing by when the victim applied colour to Jamshed. Angered over this, the accused took out a knife and stabbed Deepak multiple times. The accused’s house is in Bidhaniya Bazaar, and he resides with his maternal grandparents in Phulwaria Ward 4. Accused Mohammad Jamshed has been arrested by the police. Meanwhile, the victim is undergoing treatment at a local hospital. Following the incident, tension prevailed in the area and the police conducted flag march as well as appealed locals to maintain peace.

Assam: Politician lying on a bed of Rs 500 notes, pic goes viral

OpIndia Staff
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Assam: Politician lying on a bed of Rs 500 notes, pic goes viral

On Wednesday (27th March), a photograph from Assam went viral over the internet in which a politician could be seen lying on a bed of Rs 500 currency notes. The said politician has been identified as Benjamin Basumatary. The photograph is being widely shared on social media ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The image of Benjamin Basumatary has quickly garnered attention throughout social media platforms, provoking comments from several segments of society.

Meanwhile, Pramod Boro, President of United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) has tweeted, “A photo of Benjamin Basumatry is circulating widely on social media. We want to clarify that Mr. Basumatry is no longer associated with UPPL as he was suspended from the party on 10th January, 2024, and disciplinary action was taken against him after receiving a letter from the Harisingha Block Committee, UPPL on 5th January, 2024.”

Pramod Boro further added, “Additionally, the BTC Government suspended and removed him from the post of VCDC Chairman on 10th February, 2024. I urge all media outlets and social media users to refrain from linking Mr. Basumatry with UPPL. His actions are solely his own responsibility, and the party is not accountable for any of his personal acts.”

In his tweets, Pramod Boro also highlighted that Congress has been deliberately pushing fake news against him and his party through this photo.

  • This report has been updated based on the latest information

‘TMC violating model code of conduct, PM Modi’s pictures removed but Mamata Banerjee’s pictures are everywhere’: Suvendu Adhikari

OpIndia Staff
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‘TMC violating model code of conduct, PM Modi’s pictures removed but Mamata Banerjee’s pictures are everywhere’: Suvendu Adhikari

West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party MLA and leader of opposition Suvendu Adhikari on 27th March accused All India Trinamool Congress (AITC or TMC) of violating the model code of conduct concerning the 2024 Lok Sabha election. He accused the party of taking down the posters featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi while Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s images are displayed all over the state.

The BJP leader asserted, “Murders and rapes are happening daily. EC (Election Commission) should immediately send police observer and general observer here. They must send some police officials. They act as a functionary and a part and parcel of the Trinamool Congress. We demanded that the governor should visit. You (governor) came to Chopra when TMC asked and now you will have to come to Canning at BJP’s request.”

He added, “PM Modi’s pictures have been removed from across the state, but there are 10,000 places with Mamata Banerjee’s picture. Images of TMC MPs, ministers and candidates have been posted at government facilities from the airport to the flyover. They are breaking the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) every single day, at all hours. The Election Commission should not treat Bengal differently from other states.”

The country will vote in seven stages for the general election from 19th April to 1st June, according to the official statement of the Election Commission of India (ECI) on 16th March. The results will be declared public on 4th June. The announcement marked the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). West Bengal will cast its ballots in 7 phases in the poll.

On 26th March, Suvendu Adhikari met with Governor C.V. Ananda Bose and asked him to ensure that individuals accused of attacking BJP members at Canning East in South 24-Parganas on 24th March 24 were apprehended. Additionally, he urged the governor to go to the home of BJP leader Shantanu Ghorai in Pingla, East Midnapore, who was reported to have been killed by TMC goons.

TMC goons reportedly assaulted several BJP members as well as the Mandal President of Canning Purba Mandal No 3. Suvendu Adhikari mentioned, “More than 20 BJP workers have been brutally attacked and assaulted by Trinamul goons. The condition of three of them is serious and they are admitted to a hospital in Calcutta,” while talking to the media outside Raj Bhavan.

Baltimore bridge collapse: Racist online attacks on ‘Indian crew’ of ship MV Dali despite local pilots steering it

OpIndia Staff
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Baltimore bridge collapse: Racist online attacks on ‘Indian crew’ of ship MV Dali despite local pilots steering it

On 26th March (local time), Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed moments after a container ship collided with one of its pillars while it was under pilotage. Shocking visuals of the collision and bridge collapse show an explosive fire on board the container ship as the bridge above shakes, breaks into pieces, and falls into the water.

Later, it came to light that all 22-member crew on the ship was Indian, with local pilots operating the ship steering it away from the Baltimore port. However, as soon as reports came out that the crew was Indian, a plethora of racial attacks on Indians started on social media.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), GBH Remilio wrote, “Fun fact. That boat had a full 22-person crew, all from India. India literally jeeted the bridge.” The post was marked with a community post clarifying that the two pilots of the ship were local.

Source: X

X user Trevor Sutcliffe, though, acknowledged the pilots were local; he claimed the blame went to the captain. Interestingly, he did not use “Indian” but directly targeted the Hindu community. When other X users pointed out that other communities live in India, including Muslims, Sikhs and others, he went on a mission to blame Hindus. He wrote, “The company that operated the container ship that destroyed the Key Bridge in Baltimore appears to hire largely Hindu crews. However, a local harbour pilot would likely have been at the helm when the ship struck the bridge. Responsibility would still fall upon the ship’s captain.”

Source: X

A Pakistani handle, FM1947PAK, took a different direction and accused India of launching a suicide bomb attack on the US that resulted in the bridge collapse. He wrote, “I’m shocked to find out that today India has attacked the USA mainland by using suicide bombers against the bridge in Baltimore. I hope that President Biden responds to this just like President Bush responded to 9/11.”

Source: X

An X user, LaurenWitzkeDE, used ‘pajeet’ jibe and wrote, “A bunch of Pajeets pulverizing an American bridge named after the man who wrote America’s national anthem really is almost prophetic.”

Source: X

An X user, FoxfordComics, used AI images and some video editing to target Indians. In the background, the handle used audio from a video where men of Indian origin were abusing each other asserting the same might have happened during the tragic accident.

Another X user, DiogenestheD0G, made a comic strip with a Sikh pilot to target Indians.

Source: X

The Indian crew saved lives by initiating a Mayday call

While the Indians were getting the blame for the tragic accident, in reality, it was the Indian crew that immediately alerted the local authorities about the power outage, saving many lives. Following the Mayday call, the authorities stopped several vehicles from taking the bridge significantly reducing the loss of lives.

As per reports, the Singapore-flagged cargo ship, Dali, departed from the Baltimore Port at 1 AM on Tuesday for Colombo, Sri Lanka. The ship lost propulsion from a sudden power outage as it left the port. The crew notified the officials they had lost control, and the traffic to the bridge was immediately stopped. Synergy Group confirmed that two local pilots from Baltimore port were stirring the ship at the time of the accident. The officials confirmed that the pilots were local.

President Joe Biden acknowledged the crew onboard’s role in saving lives. He said, “Personnel on board the ship were able to alert the Maryland Department of Transportation that they had lost control of their vessel, as you all know and have reported.  As a result, local authorities were able to close the bridge to traffic before the bridge was struck, which undoubtedly saved lives.”

Unprecedented racial attacks on Indians on social media

In the past few weeks, the targeted racial attacks on Indians has increased on social media by several folds. Even X’s chief Elon Musk replied “yeah” to a derogatory post against India where the OP had called India a “third world”. An X user, Rothmus, shared a news report of a white woman gang-raped in 2018 in India while she was seeking a cure for depression. Along with the news report screenshot, the X user wrote, “I blame Eat, Pray, Love for making white women believe the third world is a cure for their depression.” To his post, Musk wrote, “yeah”.

Notably, OpIndia earlier reported a well-orchestrated malicious online campaign run by foreign social media accounts aimed at showing India in a negative light, targeting and ridiculing it for prevalent social and civic issues such as disregarding lane discipline and traffic signals, breaking the rules and queues, public urination, food habits, the presence of homeless beggars on crowded streets, instances of eve teasing, drunk driving, fraud, corruption, drug trafficking among others. Notably, while these issues plague most countries worldwide, they were explicitly used by detractors against India to paint a negative image of the country and discredit the giant strides it has been making, especially in the past ten years.

The “What’s wrong with India?” campaign, however, was soon “hijacked” by Indian X users who shared videos from outside India to illustrate how no country is perfect. Each of them is facing a unique set of challenges defined by their socio-economic conditions, historical traditions, and social ethos.

Agra: Muslim mob including women armed with sharp weapons, sticks attack Hindus celebrating Holi, FIR against Jamil, Shaukat, Chaman among dozens others

OpIndia Staff
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Agra: Muslim mob including women armed with sharp weapons, sticks attack Hindus celebrating Holi, FIR against Jamil, Shaukat, Chaman among dozens others

A Muslim mob attacked a group of Hindus celebrating Holi in Uttar Pradesh’s Agra district on Monday, 25th March. It is being said that the mob also included women.

Sharp weapons were used and slogans of Pakistan Zindabad were also raised while the mob hurled abuses Holika Mata.

Two people have been injured in the attack. Police have registered an FIR against 40-50 unidentified attackers along with 34 named persons.

The incident took place in Rakabganj police station area of ​​Agra. A resident named Vishwajit Patra has lodged a complaint with the police.

The complaint states that between 2 and 2:30 pm, some people were playing Holi in the street in front of Idgah SR Hospital in Kutulpur area.

Then a mob from the Muslim community attacked the celebrations. Stones were pelted in the attack. The attackers had sharp weapons and sticks with them. The violent mob also allegedly raising slogans of Pakistan Zindabad.

This sudden attack created panic. Two victims of the mob, Vishwajeet and Mithun, suffered injuries. Their are being treated in the local hospital.

The attackers included Jamil, Salim, Rahees, Shaukat, Bunty, Bhaiya, Ishaad, Chand, Chaman and the women of his house, Shaheen, Shaheed, Haroon and his 2 brothers, Imran, Asin, Pappan, Shikki, Rahmani and his son, the meat seller. Haroon, Imran, Shakeel, Shamim, Aamir, Rihan, Arif, Chand Mohammad, Tarzan, Fatole, Bobby, Guddu and tea seller Sajid etc. have been named. OpIndia has accessed the complaint copy.

Apart from the named accused, 40-50 unknown attackers are also mentioned in the FIR. Police have taken action against all of them under sections 147, 148, 336, 352, 324 and 295-A of IPC.

As soon as information about the incident was received, members of Hindu organizations reached the police station.

They have demanded strict action against all the accused. Hindu organizations allege that the same attackers had attacked Hindus on Diwali also. Bajrang Dal officials allege that Hindus have been beaten by Muslims in separate squads. He called it a well-planned conspiracy.

Mumbai Police detains Hinduphobic ‘comedian’ Munawar Faruqui and 13 others after raid on illegal Hookah bar, case registered

OpIndia Staff
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Mumbai Police detains Hinduphobic ‘comedian’ Munawar Faruqui and 13 others after raid on illegal Hookah bar, case registered

On Tuesday (26th March), anti-Hindu comedian Munawar Faruqui was detained during a raid at a hookah parlour in Mumbai. Alongside Muanwar Faruqui, thirteen others have also been detained by the police in the late-night action.

The police said that the hookah parlour in the city’s Fort area was operating illegally. A raid was undertaken, and Rs 4,400 in cash and nine hookah pots worth Rs 13,500 were confiscated. The social service branch of Mumbai Police raided the Sabalan hookah bar in Bora Bazar under the MRA Marg police station area after receiving a tip-off.

“Our team raided the hookah bar on the information that patrons were indulging in tobacco-based hookah use under the guise of herbal hookah. If it’s established they used tobacco hookah, they will be charged under Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act,” an official said.

As per an NDTV report, a case has been filed under specific Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act provisions. Another report says Munawar Faruqui has been booked under The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 or COTPA, 2003.

The Hinduphobic comedian was present at the hookah bar during the raids. Later, he was booked since his medical tests came back positive. Senior police authorities stated he was allowed to leave.

Munawar Faruqi and his anti-Hindu remarks

The ‘comedian’ sparked public outrage due to his controversial portrayal and mockery of Hindu deities, as well as his mocking remarks regarding the victims of the Godhra train burning attack. The tragic event occurred when a Muslim mob set fire to the Sabarmati Express near Godhra station, resulting in the death of 59 karsevaks.

In January 2021, Faruqui was arrested for making indecent remarks about Hindu deities during his stand-up performances. Although he was later released, his comments on Hindu genocide and derogatory statements about Hindu Gods led to widespread protests against his shows.

Despite issuing an apology, claiming that he never intended to hurt anyone’s sentiments with his jokes, Munawar Faruqui continued to engage in demeaning portrayals of Hindus and their cultural heritage through his ‘comedy’ performances.

In May 2023, netizens hit out at Star Sports for getting Faruqui on board for its IPL coverage. In 2022, his shows were cancelled in several cities after Hindu groups were outraged against his derogatory comedy that demonised and maligned the faith.

‘They cannot digest India’s success under PM Modi’: Indian student Satyam Surana faces hate and smear campaign at LSE student union elections

ANI
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‘They cannot digest India’s success under PM Modi’: Indian student Satyam Surana faces hate and smear campaign at LSE student union elections

Satyam Surana, an Indian student, who came to the limelight when he picked up the tricolour from the road, defying the attack at the Indian High Commission in the United Kingdom by extremist elements last year, is now alleging hate and smear campaigns against him during the student union elections at the London School of Economics this year.

Satyam has alleged that, just 12 hours before the voting, a very ‘well-planned’ campaign was launched against him, somehow linking him with the Bharatiya Janata Party and calling him a ‘fascist’ to boycott him and his campaign.

The Pune born student has also practiced at the Bombay High Court for some months and is pursuing an LLM at the London School of Economics with his course ending later this year.

Elaborating on the whole set of incidents, he said that the LSE elections were declared in February and early March and he filed the nomination for the post of general secretary.

“From 14-15th of March, we noticed that my posters were being ripped off, torn. We complained to the authorities. After we replaced our posters, on 16th, we saw that some posters were defaced. There were crosses on my face, it was written ‘anyone but Satyam’. I was cancelled out,” Satyam told ANI.

“On 17th afternoon, there were messages in all groups of LSE. Indian groups, law school groups. The messages claimed, ‘This Satyam Surana is a BJP supporter, he is a fascist person, an Islamophobe, transphobe’. The messages were so seditious and contentious of the Indian government and the current establishment,” he added.

Satyam alleged that the radical elements also screenshotted his posts on social media handle X, where he had merely praised the BJP government, but his posts were used with a malicious agenda to call him a “fascist.”

He also said that his manifesto had no political points, but merely contained the genuine issues on campus. Even though, he initially got overwhelming support, this hate campaign derailed his chances.

“With my entire team, I went through the entire campus. We were reaching out across departments and explaining our policies. I had a very well written and well-drafted manifesto, which was not at all political. It said how things need improvement at LSE, how there is need of grievance redressal portal, having subsidised food on campus. We were getting support and people were saying that they would vote for me,” Satyam said.

“But, out of the three people, it was only me who was targeted randomly. When these messages started coming, my entire team was shocked, we were in a dilemma, the entire moral conscience of the team was shattered,” he added.

Recalling the episode from the Indian High Commission last year, Satyam said, “Somewhere around early October, I was in the news because I picked up the national flag outside the Indian High Commission among the Khalistani protestors. I was blessed to receive media coverage. I was interviewed by national media channels.”

He further said that he was targeted for calling Khalistanis as ‘terrorists’ in one of his posts.

“See, this is my country. I will always be an advocate for my country. How is Indian politics relevant to the student union elections in the UK. My views, endorsements to my government is entirely my opinion,” Satyam added.

The Indian student said that his photograph with Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis — which was clicked when he was invited by Fadnavis during his India visit — was used by the extremist elements to claim that he is linked to the BJP.

He further pointed out that since the whole smear campaign against him was targeting the ‘right-wing’, Satyam believes that the campaign was planned by ‘left-wing’ groups.

“I was called a Neo-Nazi supporter, Right Wing, out of campus. See, when the message heading was circulated as the right wing out of campus, it is very clear that the campaign was dictated and planned by the left wing,” he said.

On being asked if the hate campaign against him was started by an Indian person or a foreigner, Satyam said that the first message he received was from an Indian and most of those involved in this campaign were Indians only.

He added that this was not a random or personal campaign, but a “well-planned hate and toolkit campaign” involving people who are politically motivated against the incumbent BJP government in India.

Satyam even claims that those who targeted him are part of that group which can’t digest the success of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and hence spread such false and malicious propaganda.

“The people of international community are not aware of what is going on in India. Every international person is looking up to India and looking up to the current Prime Minister as stalwart legendary politician. Our Prime Minister has the highest approval rating in the entire world, we have shown what we can do during Covid, we are emerging as the third largest economy. But, sadly these groups who can’t digest this fact are spreading not misinformation, but disinformation,” Satyam said.

However, Satyam was not able to go past the finish line despite gathering support in the initial phase of the campaign. He believes that the way his campaign was targeted and hampered it hurt his goodwill.

He further said that this campaign did have a huge impact on him and his life at the campus, even after the elections were over. But, he also acknowledged that he did get support from many people who stood by him in this hour.

Satyam stated that the point in the episode that hurts him the most is the fact that the majority of people who carried out the hate campaign against him were actually Indians only.

“The only thing that hurts is that these were our fellow Indian students who circulated these messages and questioned the sovereignty of India…how shameless can people be to forward these messages. I can’t believe Indian students forwarding the messages and hampering the sovereignty and integrity of our country,” he added.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

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