Mani Shankar Aiyar, a prominent leader within the Congress party, has stated that the responsibility for unlocking the gates of the Babri Masjid lies with the party itself, not with former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Aiyar further asserted that Arun Nehru, whom he referred to as “BJP-planted,” played a role in this decision.
Aiyar additionally expressed his belief that if Rajiv Gandhi had been alive and serving as the prime minister instead of P V Narasimha Rao, the Babri Masjid would likely still be standing. According to Aiyar, Gandhi would have provided a fitting response to the BJP and found a resolution similar to the one eventually reached by the Supreme Court years later.
He commended the leadership of the Congress for opting not to attend the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple scheduled for January 22.
Aiyar made these remarks on Friday during the unveiling of his book titled “The Rajiv I Knew And Why He Was India’s Most Misunderstood Prime Minister,” published by Juggernaut.
Speaking at the event, Aiyar highlighted, “He (Gandhi) advocated keeping the masjid and constructing the temple. The Supreme Court, in a way, echoed a similar sentiment by suggesting the construction of the temple and relocating the masjid. In essence, the judgment aligns with the conclusion Rajiv was leaning towards.”
In a candid conversation with ‘journalist’ Vir Sanghvi, tainted in the Niira Radia scam, Aiyar noted that during the final years of Congress governance, challenges escalated with a prime minister unable to make decisive decisions. This void, he argued, allowed the BJP under Modi’s leadership to step in.
As the Ram temple consecration ceremony approached, Aiyar and Sanghvi focused much of their conversation on the Ram Janmabhoomi issue. Regarding the opening of locks on the Babri Masjid gates in 1986, Aiyar attributed the decision to Arun Nehru and emphasised that Rajiv Gandhi, with a significant parliamentary majority, had no need to appease any particular group.
Aiyar claimed that Nehru, who later joined the BJP, orchestrated the unlocking by supporting the election of Veer Bahadur Singh as the chief minister. According to Aiyar, Singh then obtained a petition claiming that the locks were not judicially ordered but were executed by an administrative directive. Consequently, the locks were opened, and a large gathering of Hindu pilgrims surged in without Rajiv’s knowledge.
Aiyar insisted that while there was Congress involvement in unlocking the gates, the person responsible intentionally kept it hidden from Rajiv, who would not have approved such an action. He labeled Arun Nehru as a “BJP plant.”
On January 20, Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) announced its closure until 2:30 pm on January 22 in observance of the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
The hospital in the national capital also directed all chiefs of centres, heads of departments, units, and branch officers to ensure that this information is communicated to all staff working under their supervision.
According to the memorandum from AIIMS, it stated, “The Government of India has officially announced a half-day closure on Monday, January 22, 2024, until 14:30 Hrs, as per Office Memorandum reference: F.No.12/7/2023- JCA, DoPT dated 18th January 2024, due to the celebration of Ram Lalla Pram Pratistha at Ayodhya, to be observed nationwide.”
AIIMS announced, “For the information of all employees, the institute will observe a half-day closure until 14:30 hrs on 22.01.2024.” Additionally, the central government hospital requested, “All chiefs of centres, heads of departments, units, and branch officers are urged to communicate this information to all staff working under their supervision.” However, the statement clarified that all critical clinical services will continue to operate as usual.
Following AIIMS, Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital declared a half-day holiday until 2:30 pm on January 22, 2024, in observance of the Pran Pratishtha of Ayodhya Ram Temple. The announcement specified that emergency services would continue to operate, and OPD registration counters would open at 1:30 pm.
Earlier on the same day, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had issued an order for the closure of government offices until 2:30 pm on January 22.
A memorandum from the services department stated, “The Lt Governor of the National Capital Territory of Delhi is pleased to announce a half-day closure until 14:30 hours on January 22 for all Delhi government offices, autonomous bodies, boards, corporations, local bodies, and undertakings under the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. This is to facilitate the participation of employees in the celebrations.” A Raj Niwas official confirmed that Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has approved a half-day holiday for all Delhi government offices, civic bodies, and other undertakings on January 22 in light of the “Pran Pratishtha” ceremony.
Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry on Saturday, 20 January, issued an advisory to all media platforms asking them to refrain from publishing fake news related to Ram Mandir and the upcoming Pran Pratishtha ceremony. In a statement, the ministry said that it has overserved that certain unverified, provocative and fake messages related to the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha ceremony are being spread, especially on social media, which can disturb communal harmony and public order.
Therefore, the ministry has issued advisories to all media platforms asking them to refrain from publishing or telecasting any content linked to or about Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya that may be “false, manipulated or has the potential to disturb communal harmony or public order”.
The advisory further invited attention to the relevant provisions of the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks Regulation Act, 1995, and Norms of Journalistic Conduct laid down by the Press Council of India under the Press Council Act, 1978, a reference to which has also been made in the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
In regard of the laid down codes, “newspapers, private satellite TV channels and publishers of news and current affairs on digital media are advised to refrain from publishing/telecasting any content that may be false or manipulated or has the potential to disturb communal harmony or public order in the country,” the statement said.
Further, as part of their due diligence obligations, the social media platforms have been advised to make reasonable efforts to not host, display or publish information which can be false or manipulated.
The ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of Shri Ram Lalla at Ayodhya’s temple will take place on Monday, 22nd January.
The idol of Lord Ram was placed inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple in Ayodhya on 18 January. The idol of ‘Ram Lalla’ is carved by Mysuru-based sculptor Arun Yogiraj. The idol is 51 inches tall and weighs 1.5 tonnes. The idol portrays Lord Ram as a five-year-old child standing on a lotus also crafted from the same stone.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will perform rituals to mark the ‘Pran Pratishtha’, while a team of priests led by Lakshmikant Dixit will lead the main rituals. Several celebrities and noted personalities have also been invited to the ceremony.
Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya Maharaj, whose testimony played a crucial role in the Supreme Court’s verdict in the Ram Janmabhoomi case, has been expressing boundless happiness over the upcoming Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha ceremony, which is just two days away.
In a host of interviews with various media channels, the Hindu spiritual leader has shared his insights about the historic event. In one such interview with Republic TV, Jagadguru dubbed the Pran Pratishtha ceremony as the descent of Treta Yuga. In his interaction with media persons, he has been describing the auspicious 84-second Muhurat on 22nd January as one of seminal significance as ‘they have a shadow of Treta Yuga’ (Treta Yuga ki Chaya).
Notably, according to Hindu scriptures and the belief system, there are four Yugas – Treta Yuga, Satya Yuga, Dwapar Yuga, and Kali Yuga. Currently, we are in the last phase of this cyclical time system.
Meanwhile, speaking with Republic TV, Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya made an emotional pitch to all political leaders and Shankaracharyas. He asked all of them to set aside their egos and attend the grand consecration ceremony in Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
Responding to the allegations that politics has taken centre stage, Jagadguru told Republic, “No need for any shararat (prank). Everyone’s ego should take a backseat for ‘Rashtra dharma.’ Even without invitation, one should come (referring to the Shankaracharyas).”
Regarding reports that all four Shankaracharyas will not attend the event, Jagadguru said, “On January 22, Treta Yuga will fall upon Kali Yuga. The Shankaracharyas can’t even grasp that.”
He launched a stinging criticism against the opposition parties and political leaders who have announced not to attend the major event. Slamming the opposition I.N.D.I. bloc, he recalled the old Hindi adage saying, “Vinaash Kaale Vipreet Buddhi“. (Translation – A person on the brink of destruction, takes all the wrong decisions as if intellect is working to do exactly the opposite of what is needed.)
On the query about his equation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jagadguru said, “He is a sweet friend.” In his interactions with media persons, he has prophesied that PM Modi will become the Prime Minister of India for the third consecutive time in 2024.
Recalling the long drawn-out struggle and battle for reclaiming Ram Janmabhoomi, Jagadguru said, “Nearly two lakh Hindus’ lives have been sacrificed. Nearly one lakh seventy-five thousand people Hindus died protecting the Ram Mandir against Babur’s aggression. Since then, at least 25,000 more Hindus have laid down their lives. I am here since 1984. Very few people were involved in the movement, including VHP stalwart Ashok Singhal. We all had one thing in mind – either our body remains will be there or we will be at war.”
Praising Prabhu Shri Ram’s beauty, Jagadguru said, “It feels as if He is standing in front of me with those pretty eyes and the sweetest of smiles.”
In an earlier interview with ANI, Jagadguru had lambasted the opposition for boycotting the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha stating that the grand old party is doing ‘murkhneeti‘ not ‘rajneeti’.
Air India crew member Suraj Mann a 32-year-old was shot dead by three bike-borne men in broad daylight in Uttar Pradesh’s Noida on 19th January in a busy marketplace in sector 104. Two individuals identified as Dheeraj Mann and Mannu were arrested by the Noida Police on 20th January in connection with the case. The victim had been shot five times by the assailants.
He was the brother of mobster Parvesh Mann alias Sagar who is incarcerated in Delhi’s Tihar jail for murder and robbery. The latter was booked under the Gangster Act and has ties with the Neeraj Bawana gang. Authorities are looking into the possibility that Suraj Mann may have become the victim of the fallout of a gang rivalry involving his sibling.
Suraj Mann, according to the police went to the Anytime Fitness Club every afternoon. Harsh Chander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Noida stated, “Around 2.30 pm, we got information that a man had been shot dead in the Sector 104 market. A team was sent from the Sector 39 police station. The man, who was oozing blood from his wounds, was taken to a hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.”
An eye-witness named Mustafa who was metres away revealed, “He sat in his car for a couple of minutes and started eating a banana. All of a sudden, three men on a bike screeched to a halt near his car. One of them fired in the air to scare away people, the two others shot the man dead through the windshield. I don’t know exactly, but it must have been some 10 rounds that were fired.”
The sound of bullets hitting their target caught the attention of another witness, who wished to remain anonymous and unveiled, “The attackers would have been in their twenties. As one of them fired in the air, people started to run here and there. Almost 30 minutes after the miscreants had left, a police team arrived.”
The dead body was sent for post-mortem. Four teams have been formed, per the police to search CCTV footage and locate the offenders. Furthermore, a murder complaint has been filed with the Sector 39 police station. An officer proclaimed, “He has also been booked under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) in the past. Sagar is accused of murder, robbery and other heinous crimes. The attack on Suraj could be an act of revenge. We are scanning CCTV footage and questioning people in the gym.”
Sources from the police department claimed that Parvesh Mann and his gang members killed two brothers from their Delhi village. Family members of Suraj Mann stated that the brothers’ family may have planned the murder. According to the sources, Parvesh Mann’s accomplices engaged in multiple altercations with Jitendra Gogi gang members. Fighting between the two gangs has claimed the lives of some members while others are imprisoned.
Parvesh Mann and a man by the name of Kapil Kallu had been involved in a gang struggle for many years. The latter is a member of the Gogi gang and is presently in prison. Parvesh Mann is charged with the murder of Kapil Kallu’s father while he was accused of killing the former’s cousin earlier. According to sources, Kapil Kallu was motivated to exact revenge for the death of his father and there are growing claims that he sent the gunmen who shot Suraj Mann.
Suraj Mann moved to Noida from Delhi because he believed it was safer there than in the nation’s capital. He was originally from Wazidpur and resided at Lotus Panache in Sector 100 with his spouse and 4-year-old kid.
On Saturday (20th January), Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the central government will soon erect a fence on the India-Myanmar border. Amit Shah made this remark while speaking at the passing out parade of Assam Police commandos in Guwahati. The fence decision comes after the barricading of the border along with Bangladesh to restrict free movement into the country. The Free Movement Regime (FMR), permitting individuals living in proximity to the India-Myanmar border to travel 16 km into each other’s territory without a visa, is set to conclude soon with this decision. Amit Shah also addressed the 60th Raising Day ceremony of the Sashastra Seema Bal.
Amit Shah said, “India’s border with Myanmar will soon be protected like the border with Bangladesh. I want to tell my friends in Assam that the Narendra Modi government has decided to fence India’s open border with Myanmar just like we have fenced the country’s border with Bangladesh. The government is also reconsidering India’s Free Movement Regime (FMG) agreement with Myanmar and will soon end the free movement into India.”
Amit Shah added, “Rahul Gandhi has launched Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra recently, I asked a few media personnel here today, what happened in Assam. During Congress rule, thousands of youths lost their lives, and extremism prevailed in Assam. The family members of those people who lost lives during Congress rule objected to Congress Yatra and demanded justice.”
Guwahati, Assam | Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, " Rahul Gandhi has launched Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra recently, I asked few media personnel here today, what happened in Assam. During Congress rule, thousands of youths lost their lives, extremism as prevailing in Assam. The… pic.twitter.com/AIeleClgBT
India and Myanmar share a border that spans 1,643 kilometres, traversing states such as Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh. Presently, all these states benefit from the Free Movement Regime (FMR), initiated in 2018 under India’s Act East policy. Amit Shah’s comments come a month following India’s communication of security apprehensions to Myanmar, particularly addressing challenges along the border, including the issue of Myanmarese refugees entering the country.
In a shocking incident in US’s Pennsylvania, a loud-snoring man allegedly murdered his neighbour with whom he had a long-running conflict over the midnight noise of snoring, which the victim claimed he could hear through the walls connecting their homes.
According to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, Christopher James Casey, 55, was arrested on 18th January after fatally stabbing 62-year-old Robert Wallace on the 15th January (Sunday) evening during an argument over snoring.
Robert Wallace arrived at Casey’s house in Hatboro, about 20 miles north of Philadelphia on Sunday, as Casey was having dinner. He arrived at Casey’s place to complain the loud snoring that he could hear in his house. He pulled out a screen and unlocked a window on Casey’s porch before the two started screaming at each other over loud snoring by Casey.
The altercation turned heated, and Casey stabbed Wallace in the chest multiple times with a huge, military-style knife, according to authorities. Wallace, who was found lying on the ground 50 feet from his residence, was brought to Abington Hospital and pronounced dead. Meanwhile, the accused Casey was also taken to the same hospital for treatment of a self-inflicted stab injury in his right thigh.
The accused told investigators at the hospital that Wallace was not threatening him when he stabbed him in the doorway, but that the two had been having “personal issues” over the preceding 18 months, leading to multiple police calls over Wallace’s snoring complaints.
According to the affidavit, after about 20 minutes of conversing through the window, Wallace seemed to cool down and wanted to shake hands, offering to help pay for nasal surgery to ease Casey’s snoring. The accused, however, did not believe in victim Wallace’s intention to sort things out and unlocked his home door, concealing a knife and stun pistol beneath a blanket.
According to police, he called 911 and informed police that Wallace “broke my window. I attacked a neighbour. He came to attack me.” Police said they found blood both inside and outside the house, with the window screen scattered across the lawn with the window wide open.
Wallace’s autopsy report determined that the cause of death was multiple stab wounds and the manner of death was a homicide.
Police charged Casey with third-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, and possession of criminal instruments. The accused was in jail on Friday, with bail set at $1 million. The next hearing on the matter is scheduled for 29th January.
A grand Hanumath rath (chariot) from Kishkindha, the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, which is present day’s Hampi in Karnataka, has arrived in Ayodhya ahead of the Ram temple’s Pran Pratishtha ceremony on January 22. The chariot travelled to Janakpur, the birthplace of Goddess Sita in modern-day Nepal, and visited temples all around the nation before reaching Ayodhya.
A group of 100 enthusiastic devotees journeyed with the chariot, chanting “Jai Shree Ram” slogans and waiving saffron flags featuring pictures of Bhagwan Ram.
Bal Hanuman has arrived to see Ramlala's consecration, his chariot has reached from Kishkindha. It is said that the work of Ram is incomplete without Hanuman, something similar is being seen in Ayodhya where before the consecration of Ram Lala, child Hanuman has reached Ramnagari… pic.twitter.com/rqBy0SZnTf
The touring Ayodhya, the chariot has been placed on the banks of the Sarayu River, drawing the attention of pilgrims and tourists alike.
The colossal rath has golden-coloured embellishments that resemble a temple. On one side of the chariot are pictures of various places it visited before reaching Ayodhya.
Hanumath Rath (Image source: Aaj Tak)
“The chariot has been prepared for Rs 40 lakh. It has statues of Lord Ram, Lakshman, Goddess Sita, Lord Hanuman, Lord Virupaksha of Hampi, and Anjani, the mother of Lord Hanuman. The yatra began three years ago. Wherever we go, we perform all temple rituals and locals come to attend the prayers,” Abhishek Krishnashastri from Sri Hanuman Janmabhoomi Teertha Kshetra Trust said.
“Devotees from Kishkindha visit Ayodhya every year for Dev Deepawali but the chariot has come here first time, he added.
“When thousands of people are heading to Ayodhya for the big day of the arrival of Lord Ram, how can Lord Hanuman not be there?” said Abhishek Krishnashastri adding, “We have come here from Kishkindha to offer our seva (service) to Lord Ram. The chariot has a statue of Lord Ram hugging Hanuman, who is considered to be His biggest devotee.”
According to the Hindu Sastras, Lord Hanuman is the biggest devotee of Lord Ram. HE devoted his entire life to serving Lord Ram and Mata Sita. Folklores have it that once when Mata Sita told Hanuman that she applied Sindoor (vermillion) for the long life of Lord Rama, Hanuman smeared Himself in Sindoor with the hope that this would extend Lord Rama’s life even further. Such was His devotion to Lord Rama. Many use a saffron colour vermillion during Hanuman Puja.
Lately, everyone has been talking about the Bhavya Ram Mandir, which will soon be open for darshan for all Ram devotees. However, today we will discuss the Hanuman Garhi Mandir, a 10th-century temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, that is devoted to Lord Hanuman, the biggest devotee of Bhagwan Ram.
Located on the right bank of the Saryu River in Ayodhya, Hanuman Garhi is the oldest temple in the city. For years when Ramlalla was in a tent, the Hanuman Garhi Mandir became witnesses to the devotee’s resilience.
Hanuman ji of Hanuman Garhi Mandir is believed to be the ‘kotwal’ of Ayodhya. It is said that Lord Hanuman has been protecting Ayodhya from the day he was given residence at Hanuman Garhi. It’s a custom and belief in Ayodhya that devotees should first visit the Hanuman Garhi temple and venerate Lord Hanuman before visiting the Ram Mandir. Hanuman ji’s “permission” to visit the Ram Janmabhoomi is in and of itself prasad for the devotee. The pedas are only a transient manifestation of that prasad.
On 5 August 2020, when Prime Minister Modi reached Ayodhya for the Bhoomi Pujan of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi, he had visited the Hanuman Garhi Mandir first, upholding the tradition of seeking the blessings of the ‘Kotwal’ of Ayodhya.
Legend has it that after Lord Rama and Mata Sita, along with Lord Hanuman, defeated Ravana and returned to Lord Rama’s birthplace of Ayodhya, Lord Hanuman settled in a cave there to guard the place. Although the story of the Hanuman Grahi temple is very long, there are beliefs that when Lord Ram started going to his abode he handed over the charge of the place to Lord Hanuman. Since then Lord Hanuman has been guarding Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram.
According to the Skanda Purana, Hindu King Vikramaditya built the Hanuman Garhi Mandir along with 360 other Hindu temples in the 10th century.
Hanuman Grahi Mandir has a similar history like the Ram Mandir which dates back to 492 years
Meanwhile, Aurangzeb, the Mughal tyrant, who also gave the order to demolish several temples in Varanasi and Mathura like the Kashi Vishwanath Temple to name a few, demolished the Hanuman Garhi and erected a mosque there. Subsequently, The Bairag conquered the region by vanquishing Nawab Shujauddula, the Awadh King. A new temple for Lord Hanuman was constructed after the mosque was demolished. Some old texts also read that the enormous Hanuman Garhi Mandir was completed some 300 years ago with the help of Saint Abhayaramdas. Nirvani Akhara’s student, Sant Abhayaramdas, was a devotee of Lord Hanuman.
A few Muslims believed that Hanuman Garhi was constructed on top of a mosque. As a result, they made numerous attempts to break the temple but remained unsuccessful.
It is important to note that several temples in India were demolished by the Mughals to establish their rule over the country and build Mosques instead. The Ram Mandir also has a similar history which dates back to 492 years. The temple believed to have been demolished by the Mughal tyrant Babar in 1528, has been at the centre of a historical and spiritual quest for centuries. This quest, deeply embedded in the hearts of millions, has seen countless devotees laying down their lives for the cause. Today the temple is being built and every Hindu devotee is looking forward to the ceremony of Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha scheduled on 22nd January in Ayodhya.
The architecture of Hanuman Garhi Mandir in Ayodhya
The temple is constructed like a four-sided fort, with a circular rampart at each corner that houses Lord Hanuman’s temple. It takes 76 steps for a devotee to reach Lord Hanuman. The three doors of the main garbha girha are ornate with silver embellishments. You can view a 6-inch statue of Lord Hanuman at the main temple, perched on Mata Anjani’s lap in the Bal (child) avatar. The Deity is adorned with a silver tulsi garland that bears the name of Lord Rama. The mandir’s walls are decorated with images of Hanuman Chalisa.
According to Shri Gauri Shankar Das Ji, there is a victory pillar also known as Vijay Stambh which was bought by Lord Hanuman from Lanka and set up here to commemorate Lord Rama’s triumph over Ravana.
Hanuman Garhi Darshan Timings:
The darshan timing in the Hanuman Garhi Mandir varies from season to season. In the summer season, the darshan timings are from 07:30 am to 11:30 am and 04:30 pm to 09:30 pm. Whereas in winter the darshan timings are 09:00 am to 11:00 am and 04:00 pm to 09:00 pm.
The inauguration of the Ram Mandir is set to take place on January 22, and reportedly, students from a school in Chikkamagaluru have been warned of a Rs. 1,000 fine should they decide to skip school on that day, reports published in local media said.
As per reports, St Joseph school in Chikkamagaluru has reportedly threatened with a penalty of Rs 1,000 should they take a leave on Monday, January 22, the day when Pran Pratishtha ceremony is slated to take place in Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad have objected to the school’s actions. Amidst the government’s directive for temple worship under the Mujarai department on the day of the Ram temple’s re-consecration in Ayodhya, there is confusion regarding whether schools should observe a holiday on January 22. The alleged coercion of students by private schools has intensified the debate, prompting Hindu advocacy groups to express their dissatisfaction with forcing students to attend the schools.
Parents are advised to allow their children to witness the live broadcast of the Ram Mandir inauguration from home if they choose to take a leave on January 22. The organisations have warned that action will be taken against schools penalising students for this choice.
ASP Krishnamurthy, overseeing the area, visited and held discussions with pro-Hindu organization workers, expressing his intention to communicate with the school board. The In-charge District Deputy Director of Public Instruction (DDPI), Prakash, also visited the school, talking with the school management board.
On January 22, elaborate Pran Prantishtha rituals are organised at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, where an idol of Ram Lalla will be consecrated almost 500 years after the temple was usurped and destroyed by Mughal forces to build a mosque over it. PM Modi and several other dignitaries from various fields will be attending the ceremony that marks the installation of the deity at the temple widely regarded as the birthplace of Lord Ram, the scion of the Ikshavaku dynasty.
On Wednesday (17th January), during the sentencing hearing in California, a man lashed out at the killer of his stepdaughter. The sorrowful man landed at least one punch before court bailiffs intervened, separating him from the killer of his stepdaughter. Accused Euren Balbuena, aged 33, received a sentence of 33 years to life in prison for the 2020 murder of his 31-year-old girlfriend, Zaira Patino-Trejo. On Thursday, the verdict was announced by Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko.
The assailant, in Simi Valley, USA, fatally stabbed Patino-Trejo in the presence of her mother, Ariadna Avetisyan, who also suffered a head laceration. During an emotional victim impact statement, where Avetisyan was expressing how Patino-Trejo’s loss had profoundly impacted their family, her husband lunged at Balbuena in the courtroom.
The stepfather was escorted out of the courtroom after the altercation with the accused killer. Impact statements resumed about an hour later. County sheriff’s officials had not filed a case related to the incident.
In November 2023, Balbuena was found guilty of first-degree murder in the Patino-Trejo murder case. He also caused great bodily injury to her mother as he assaulted her with a deadly weapon. The fatal altercation unfolded in February 2020 when Avetisyan arrived at the Simi Valley apartment after being unable to contact her daughter. Confronted with evidence of physical abuse on Patino-Trejo’s face and aware of Balbuena’s previous history of domestic violence, the mother urgently sought to leave with her daughter.
Impeding their escape, the assailant obstructed their path and slashed Avetisyan twice across the face before turning to attack her daughter. Patino-Trejo endured over 30 stab wounds, with prosecutors contending that the actual count was closer to 95. After witnessing her daughter’s tragic demise, Avetisyan fled the scene while heavily bleeding and promptly called 911.
Supervising Senior Deputy District Attorney Melissa Suttner said in a statement, “Zaira Patino-Trejo was such a vibrant young woman with a bright future. We cannot replace her unimaginable loss, but we pursued justice for Zaira and her family. We hope that this sentence brings some small relief to her family, knowing that Euren Balbuena was held accountable for her brutal murder.”
