A few months prior to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Lok Sabha MP from Munger Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh resigned as national president of Janata Dal-United and made Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar the new head of the party. Meanwhile, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) including the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) is pointing towards an internal rift in the party. However, Lalan Singh claimed that he left the position on his own accord, per a report in Hindustan Live and attempted to persuade Nitish Kumar who was applying emotional pressure for him to hold onto the presidency.
Referring to the significant shift that his party underwent before the general elections next year as a critical requirement, he stated that all of this occurred with his consent and refuted rumours of factionalism. He made serious accusations against a section of the media and alleged that the BJP is responsible for these assertions. He also shared his opinion over Nitish Kumar not being assigned any role in the I.N.D.I. Alliance.
He mentioned that he became the president of the party on 30th July 2021 in an interview. Nitish Kumar conveyed to “leave him alone” when he presented Lalan Singh’s name. He voiced the same thing repeatedly, but the latter requested not to compel him. However, Nitish Kumar got angry and didn’t talk to him for five days after which he agreed to the proposition. The election process started in December 2022 following the party’s membership and the National President nomination was due at that time. Anil Hegde was the returning officer. Nitish Kumar asked him to sign the nomination papers, however, he pointed out that he wouldn’t do it because he didn’t want the post.
Nitish Kumar then called him and insisted, “I would not sign the motion if you don’t nominate yourself.” Lalan Singh claimed that once again he was appointed as the national president on the instructions of a senior party leader with whom he has 37-year-long ties. However, the former complained, “I experienced numerous issues because of this including visits to my constituency and party work. I told the chief minister that although I carried out your directives to run the party for this long, I now wanted to be relieved of my duties. He responded, nevertheless, with the comment that he would smash his head if the national president discussed resignation and I remained silent after that.”
According to the parliamentarian, one day he informed the chief minister that the election was approaching but he didn’t have time to go to his area which would impact his candidacy. He urged, “I am unable to dedicate time to the party as well as my constituency and both are facing injustice as a result, therefore, remove me from this post. However, Nitish Kumar replied that I could go away if there’s a poll but he won’t hand over the position to anyone else and take on the responsibility himself.”
Lalan Singh answered that everything transpired with his permission and Nitish Kumar’s wish when inquired about the timing of the resignation. He noted that it was done exclusively for the election as he had to contest for office when asked about the possibility of a reshuffle in light of the impending Lok Sabha elections. He added, “I was unable to spend much time in my home region of Munger since I had to travel to several states while I was president,”
He claimed that the party required a well-known face for the Lok Sabha election and as the party’s popular leader, Nitish Kumar embraced this role as the prominent figurehead. He proclaimed, “The fact that Nitish Kumar succeeded me as president fills me with great pride. I’m also pleased that he would take on the presidency in place of me.”
Addressing a query concerning Nitish Kumar’s discontent about his closeness to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, he remarked that the former gave his approval for the coalition because he had endured great humiliation while in power with the BJP. He recounted, “Nitish Kumar used to tell me that the BJP members were quite offensive when we used to sit at his place in the evening. He complained that first, they pressured him to be the chief minister and then didn’t respect the conditions of the alliance. BJP leaders kept declaring that Nitish Kumar became the chief minister due to their graciousness.” Lalan Singh quoted Nitish Kumar and claimed that while JDU had more seats when the NDA government was formed in Bihar in 2005 and 2010, the BJP was always respected.
After RJD proposed to form a grand alliance, Lalan Singh observed that Nitish Kumar authorised him to negotiate the offer. He threatened, “I’m going to serve legal notice on those who are claiming that RJD is running an operation inside the party.” He recalled that the party had been formed in 1995. “How then can I ruin the party that I put together,” he questioned and accused, “All this is the propaganda of Godi media which is being disseminated at the behest of BJP.”
Lalan Singh also remembered the time that he and Nitish Kumar were apart and maintained that despite having disagreements with the latter between 2010 and 2013, he didn’t go anywhere and returned in 2013 because he couldn’t stay in a rental house instead of his place. When asked about the possibility of a covert meeting with 12 JDU MLAs to install deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav as chief minister, he warned that he would take legal action against anyone who perpetuates disinformation and added, “I’m going to sue them for defamation as well.”
Lalan Singh charged that the BJP had violated its promise and claimed that seven of their MLAs in Arunachal Pradesh had been broken from the party and included in the BJP while they were together in the government and did the same with five out of their six legislators in Manipur. “The ex-president of the party, Ram Chandra Prasad Singh, hurt us in the 2020 assembly elections. Nitish Kumar did not want to become the chief minister as a result of the small number of MLAs but Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah compelled him.”
He continued, “However, started degrading him by instructing small-time leaders of their party to issue statements. No one in their national leadership addressed our grievances and BJP workers even supported Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) in the 2020 state poll.” Lalan Singh explained that Nitish Kumar could work more effectively if he was absolved of all responsibility on a question of the exclusion of the latter from any role in the I.N.D.I.A bloc. He categorically ruled out the possibility of JDU going with NDA again and alleged that Godi media is promoting this lie.
A flier’s post complaining about excessive pricing of basic meal at an airport is going viral on the internet sparking a wider debate over the issue. Taking to X, Dr. Sanjay Arora, a resident of Nagpur expressed displeasure that he was ‘excessively’ charged Rs 500 for a basic meal that included a plate of Rajma Chawal and a coke at an airport. He likened the exorbitant food pricing with “daylight robbery”. He, however, didn’t disclose at which airport it happened.
He wrote, “I’ve never understood why we get fleeced at the airports. I got his (sic) simple dish of Rajma Chawal with a Coke for 500/- bucks. Isn’t that daylight robbery? Just because someone’s traveling by air doesn’t mean they have to be looted!”
I’ve never understood why we get fleeced at the airports. I got his simple dish of Rajma Chawal with a Coke for 500/- bucks. Isn’t that daylight robbery? Just because someone’s traveling by air doesn’t mean they have to be looted! pic.twitter.com/q6dZEnwubV
Notably, Dr. Arora is known for posting videos in which he explains marketing concepts. Following his post, netizens started sharing their own experiences and how they were also charged dearly on their trip to an airport.
Responding to the post, one user wrote, “Last week in Kolkata airport, I had to pay Rs. 300/- for one small cup of tea.”
Last week in Kolkata airport, I had to pay Rs. 300/- for one small cup of tea @The_TeaJunction
While another user wrote, “So true. Writing this from Bhubaneswar Airport where I just paid Rs.180 for a cup of tea and Rs.100 for a samosa!”
Meanwhile, some users tried to explain the reason behind the excessive cost. They said that compared to regular shops, the outlets at airports have to incur much higher costs. The rent and other costs are higher at airports. Some others pointed out that shops at airports get less number of customers compared to markets, which is another reason for higher prices.
An X user stated, “I was part of an Airport retailing company. The developer wants a minimum guarantee or 26% of revenue, whichever is higher. So at Airports you pay margin for Mnf+Distributor+Dealer+Retailer+Airport Developer+Tax.”
I was part of an Airport retailing company. The developer wants minimum guarantee or 26% of revenue, whichever is higher.
So at Airports you pay margin for Mnf+Distributor+Dealer+Retailer+Airport Developer+Tax.
Another Twitter user argued that the Airports have to pay for the CISF security which is not the case with trains or buses. The user said, “Part of the reason is the security provided by CISF at airports which is very expensive. Airports have to pay CISF for their services. This is not the case with trains and buses.”
Similarly, an Instagram post recently went viral that showed how a dosa cost Rs 600 at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
Meanwhile, one of the prominent cases of charging excessively from a customer was that of Bollywood actor Rahul Bose.
While staying at a luxury hotel JW Marriott, he had ordered room service for two bananas for which he was charged Rs 442.50. It had ignited a debate back then, after which, the 5-star hotel fined Rs 25,000 for billing actor Rahul Bose Rs 442 for bananas.
Bollywood has a long and infamous history of demeaning, degrading and despising Hinduism. Over the years, films, web series and even songs have been used as a medium of furthering Hindu hatred and foisting a self-loathing tendency in the Hindu masses, sometimes blatantly and often in a subtle manner. Moreover, those defaming Hinduism know that the Hindu majority is largely ‘tolerant’ and does not unleash “Sar Tan Se Juda” style terror even on those denigrating Hinduism in the most vile and pathetic fashion.
Dadasaheb Phalke, the Father of Indian Cinema, used his craft to spread Hindu Dharma’s traditional and cultural teachings during the early days of Hindi cinema. From Raja Harishchandra, Mohini Bhasmasur, Lanka Dahan, Shri Krishna Janma to Gangavataran etc, Dadasaheb’s works revolved around the teachings of Hindu scriptures. However, with Dadasaheb out of the picture, the industry has largely pushed an apocryphal narrative where the adherents of Hinduism especially the so-called “upper castes” are portrayed as oppressors and the specific sects, and communities as the oppressed.
Leftists and Islamists in Bollywood portrayed Muslims as brave and trustworthy men, but a Brahman or Kayastha was portrayed as either a lecherous man who would molest or financially abuse a helpless woman. Bollywood is also credited with popularising anti-Hindu phrases such as “Hawas ka pujari” and “Gunahon ka Devta.”
Bollywood has advanced from depicting a Janeudhari and Tilak-wearing man as greedy and cruel, while the “Maulvi sahab” and “father” of churches as holy souls, to making films based entirely on propaganda scripts that target Hindu cultural practices and beliefs. Although the “boycott Bollywood” campaign pushed Bollywood on a backfoot momentarily with movies like Laal Singh Chaddha tanking at the box office last year, the left-leaning propaganda filmmakers have not deterred from peddling the anti-Hindu propaganda in the barb of creative liberty, freedom of expression and whatnot. Although the boycott calls made little impact, the Hindu-hating and Islamist apologist Bollywood directors-producers continue to make content reeking of anti-Hindu propaganda without a smidgen of equivocation or apologia.
In addition to spreading propaganda through content, anti-Hindu Bollywood ‘artists’ often give statements and make certain claims defaming Hindus in their desperate attempts to gain instant popularity. Of course, hating on Hindus brings them recognition, money, and even awards, whereas even fair criticism of other religions amounts to ‘bigotry,’ ‘blasphemy,’ ‘hate-mongering,’ and other liberal-favourite terms.
As the year 2023 comes to a close, here is a compilation of 40 incidents documented by OpIndia this year that unambiguously demonstrated Bollywood’s hatred for Hindus and its persistent efforts to denigrate Hinduism. While most of the incidents reported highlight the deep-rooted disdain for Hindus and Hindu Dharma, some incidents may not appear to be an explicit attack on Hinduism but did harm the Indic values and culture.
Sony’s Crime Patrol changed Shraddha Walkar case accused Aftab to ‘Mihir’ victim Shraddha to ‘Anna Fernandes’
Last year’s Shraddha Walkar murder case shook the conscience of the nation as a man named Aftab Amin Poonawala brutally murdered his Hindu live-in partner Shraddha Walkar and chopped her body into 36 pieces only to be disposed of later at various locations across Delhi. The morbid details of the murder were a hot topic of discussion across the country when Sony Entertainment Television (SET) televised a Crime Patrol episode which had a striking resemblance to the Shraddha Walker murder case. The episode telecasted on December 27, 2022, under the title “Ahmedabad-Pune Murder” with the names of the victim and perpetrator changed to Anna Fernandes and Mihir Kanchwala respectively.
In the now-deleted episode, it was shown that a boy named ‘Mihir’ kills his partner in a fit of rage and then cuts her body into several pieces and wraps it in multiple plastic bags before storing it in the fridge, exactly what happened in Shraddha Walkar’s case.
Amidst the outrage on social media, SonyTV deleted the controversial episode and issued a statement saying that the episode’s storyline was unrelated to Shraddha Walkar’s murder rather it was based on events from 2011. It is, however, not too difficult to understand that if the episode had actually been unrelated to the murder of Shraddha Walkar, the channel would not have deleted it.
Actress Manvi Taneja licks ‘Bhagwa’ ice cream to support SRK’s ‘Pathaan’
“Besharam Rang” a song from Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone starrer film ‘Pathaan’ attracted a needless controversy right after its release as the actress was seen wearing an orange bikini in the song. Deepika Padukone’s character “Rubina Mohsin” gyrates to the music in skimpy attire in an attempt to seduce Shah Rukh Khan’s character “Pathaan” in the song. This song triggered a social media outrage and soon escalated to a point that even politicians including BJP leader Narottam Mishra criticised it. Amidst outrage, several people saw the opportunity to hog the limelight.
In this line, a video of actress and model Manvi Taneja went viral in January this year, in which the actress was seen licking an orange ice cream she called “Bhagwa ice cream” and saying “This is my ice cream, I will lick it. Take this Bhakts, you lick it. Lick-lick. is there any problem?”. The actress’s cheap gimmick to mock the BJP and “Bhakts” was heavily criticised on social media.
Filmmaker Leena Manikelamai’s “Kaali” poster causes stir, Supreme Court grants interim protection from arrest
Last year, a major controversy unfolded over the poster of the documentary film Kali directed by Leena Manimekalai causing outrage among Hindus as the poster depicted the Goddess Kali smoking cigarettes and was seen with the LGBTQ rainbow flag. Much like the usual left-liberal propagandists, Manimekalai took refuge of “artistic freedom” to brazen out her anti-Hindu propaganda.
“These trolls are after my artistic freedom. If I give away my freedom fearing this mindless rightwing mob mafia, I will give away everyone’s freedom. So I will keep it, come what may.” https://t.co/nD2TNxypOk
— Leena Manimekalai (@LeenaManimekali) July 7, 2022
Alongside the social media outrage, multiple FIRs were filed against the NRI filmmaker in various states of the country. Subsequently, Manimekalai approached the Supreme Court seeking protection. The Supreme Court not only ordered the clubbing of the nine FIRs against Leena but also granted interim protection from coercive action. In April this year, the Supreme Court transferred all the FIRs against Leena to Delhi Police with interim protection to continue.
Meghna Gulzar’s “Raazi” a true story of patriotism and valour turned into a Pakistan-sympathising propaganda
Bollywood is notorious for its unwavering love for Pakistan. Other than Islamists, Aman Ki Aasha-infected artists and filmmakers have used their art to foster sympathy towards Pakistan through films such as Salman Khan’s “Ek Tha Tiger”, “Tiger Zinda Hai” and or “Bajrangi Bhaijaan”, SRK’s “Pathaan”, and Aamir Khan’s “PK” by sending a subtle message that Pakistani people are predominantly ‘peace-loving’ and want friendly relations with India unlike the politicians. Contrary to Bollywood’s assertions, Pakistanis harbour unrelenting hatred for India, with many yearning to turn this Hindu-majority country from a Dar-ul-Harb to a Dar-ul-Islam through Ghazwa-e-Hind.
One such propaganda movie was the 2018 film “Raazi” directed by Meghna Gulzar. The Alia Bhatt starrer was based on Harinder Sikka’s book “Calling Sehmat”. While speaking at the Bhopal Literature Festival in January this year, Sikka accused Meghna Gulzar of cheating him and even regretted having sold the book’s rights to her.
Unlike the book, the film showed “Sehmat” the Indian agent in Pakistan depressed as if she committed a crime by fighting for her country, Sikka said. He also asserted that Meghna Gulzar removed Indian flags and showed Pakistani flags more, further, he pointed out at the lack of patriotic scenes in the film. The peddling of a Pakistan-sympathising narrative by portraying the Pakistani army as ‘humane,’ as well as the playing of the national anthem instead of the “Jai Bharati” song as stated in the book, infuriated Sikka.
Actor Shreyas Talpade seen putting his foot on ‘Om’ symbol in a film, apologies after video goes viral
On February 13, actor Shreyas Talpade apologised for a scene in his 2012 film Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal in which he can be seen resting his foot on the ‘OM’ symbol, considered sacred in the Hindu religion. The actor issued an apology after an X (formerly Twitter) account ‘Gems of Bollywood fan’ shared a clip from his 2012 film Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal.
Shreyas, who plays a Christian youth named Johnny in the Bollywood film, can be seen stopping a vehicle with his foot in the snippet. Shreyas Talpade places his foot on an ‘OM’ sticker that has been affixed to the vehicle while doing so. In his apology, Talpade said that the disrespect was inadvertent and that he was sorry about it.
Bollywood lyricist Javed Akhtar attends the Faiz Festival in Lahore, Indian netizens said “Stay in Pakistan”
In February this year, controversial lyricist Javed Akhtar attended the Faiz Festival in Lahore, Pakistan where he launched his new book. Many Indians on social media asked Akhtar to stay in Pakistan as they see him as pro-Pakistan. Some Pakistanis also criticized Akhtar’s visit given his past criticism of Pakistan. Faiz Ahmad Faiz was a Pakistani communist poet whose poem “Hum Dekhienge” is often referenced but criticized for having subtle anti-Hindu themes.
Actor Naseeruddin Shah expresses love for Mughal invaders, saying “Mughals came to make India their home”
Bollywood has no shortage of Mughal sympathisers but rather simps. In February this year, veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah in an interview with Indian Express in February this year batted for Mughal invaders saying that Mughals did not come to pillage India’s wealth but to make this country their ‘home’. In his blatant glorification of settler colonisation, Shah asserted, “These were people who came here to loot, the Mughals didn’t come here to loot. They came here to make this their home and that’s what they did. Who can deny their contribution?”
Naseeruddin Shah who played Mughal ruler Akbar in the ZEE5 web series – Taj – Divided by Blood, further argued that “If everything they did was horrible, then knock down the Taj Mahal, knock down the Red Fort, knock down Qutub Minar. Why do we consider the Red Fort sacred, it was built by a Mughal. We need not glorify them, but there is no need to vilify them either.”
Naseeruddin Shah hails Mughal king Akbar, claims Akbar never used the term ‘Din-e-Elahi’
In one of the interviews during the promotions for ZEE5 original Taj-Divided by Blood in March this year, Naseeruddin Shah claimed that Mughal emperor Akbar never used the term Din-e-Elahi and that he never intended to start his new religion. Shah asserted Akbar instead used the term ‘Wahadat-e-Elahi’ meaning the oneness of God. He further argued that it was AKbar’s court historian Abul Fazal whose noted works ‘Akbarnama’ and ‘Ain-e-Akbari’ remain crucial in understanding the reign of Akbar.
Expressing his love for the Mughal king, Shah showered praises on him calling him a soft-hearted, vulnerable man and he was also a very passionate, sexually driven, ferocious, merciless warrior. “He must have been a great lover. I mean, he had hundreds of concubines and to keep each of them happy must have been some job! I don’t know if all of them were happy though. But I played him, to find the human being within this grandeur,” he was quoted as saying during the interview.
The false narrative of Akbar being “great” and “tolerant” was concocted by leftist historians, who consciously downplayed the massacre of more than 30,000 Hindus on the orders of Akbar. Ironically, killing lesser Hindus than other Mughal rulers is what makes Akbar ‘tolerant’ in the eyes of leftist ‘distorians’.
Actress Shilpa Shetty draws the ire of netizens over Holika Dahan celebrations while wearing shoes
On March 6, Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty shared a video of the Holika Dahan celebrations at her home on her Instagram account. The actress along with her family was seen performing the rituals. However, netizens slammed the actress for lack of knowledge regarding the proper way of performing Holika Dahan. Traditionally, people in the Hindu religion use castor-made cake, sycamore wood, and cow dung cake for Holika Dahan as these items are believed to be auspicious. Shilpa Shetty, however, used bamboo wood in the Holika Dahan in addition to wearing shoes while performing the puja rituals.
Screenshot of comments on Shilpa Shetty’s Instagram post
Netflix’s Indian adaptation of ‘Ray Donovan’ shows a Christian evangelist-like character as a Hindu saint
The March release Netflix series “Rana Naidu” starring Venkatesh Duggabati and Rana Duggabati took the oTT by storm. The “Ray Donovan” remake, however, was overloaded with obscenity, abusive language and of course a character defaming the Hindu saints. The web series had a negative character named “Vijaywada Maharaj” is shown as a paedophile who would call his obscene act as “Anant Anandam”.
Moreover, a Hindu ‘baba’ is shown curing the illness of gullible people including women in typical “Changai Sabha” (‘Changai’ means supposedly curing ailing people through prayers recited by a Christian pastor) style. However, instead of a pastor, the makers of the series showed a Hindu saint, since Hindus can easily be ridiculed in the name of artistic freedom.
Actress Taapsee Pannu wears a Goddess Laksmi necklace with a “revealing dress”, netizens ask if she can wear symbols of other religions like this
In March, actress Taapsee Pannu wore a Goddess Lakshmi neckpiece at the Lakme Fashion Week 2023. The actress shared her pictures from the event on her Instagram profile. Her Instagram post, however, sparked outrage as netizens accused Taapsee of hurting the Hindu religious sentiments by wearing a neckpiece featuring Goddess Lakshmi as people opined that religious symbols especially that of Hindu deities should not be represented in an obscene manner.
Later, an FIR was lodged against the actress in Madhya Pradesh by a Hindu Rakshak Sangathan member Eklavya Singh Gaur in Madhya Pradesh for hurting religious sentiments.
Singer Lucky Ali claims ‘Brahmans are a lineage of Ibrahim’, deletes Facebook post and apologises after outrage
On April 9, Bollywood singer Maqsood Mahmood Ali (also known as Lucy Ali) sparked outrage when he claimed that the term “Brahman” is derived from the word “Abraham.” Ali, a Muslim, claimed that Brahman (which translates to the universe) came after Prophet Abraham. “The name ‘Brahman’ comes from ‘Brahma,’ which comes from ‘Abram,’ which comes from Abraham or Ibrahim,” he wrote on Facebook.
Lucky Ali then claimed that ‘Brahmans’ are descended from ‘Ibrahim Aliahisalam – The Father of All Nations.’ The singer, however, did not present any source to back up his wild claim. Unsurprisingly, Ali’s assertion sparked outrage online, with many educating him about the history of Islam being just 1400 years old while Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world.
Screenshot of Lucky Ali’s now-deleted Facebook post
Soon after, Ali deleted his contentious post and apologised over the same saying that he would be careful about how phrases his thoughts.
Rapper Badshah uses Lord Mahakal’s name along with obscene lyrics in his song ‘Sanak’
In April, Bollywood rapper Badshah received backlash over his song titled ‘Sanak’ for using Lord Shiva’s name along with other obscene words in the lyrics. Along with the devotees of Lord Shiva, the priest of Ujjain’s Mahakal Mandir also warned that an FIR would be filed against the rapper for hurting Hindu religious sentiments. The 2 minutes 15-second long music video had lyrics, “Kabhi sex toh kabhi gyan baant-ta phiroon, jo bhi jalta hai uski %&*#$ faadta phiroon, Bholenath se meri banti hai sahi, use nachane ka shauk main nachta phiroon.” Amidst the outrage, Badshah issued an apology and later modified the lyrics of the song.
AR Rahman asks wife not to speak in Hindi at an award function, says ‘Speak in Tamil’
In April, a video surfaced online showing music composer AR Rahman asking his wife Saira Banu to speak in Tamil rather than Hindi while accepting an award on stage at an award function in Chennai. When the host requested Saira say a few words, Rahman intervened, stating that she should speak in Tamil rather than Hindi. While Saira looked uncomfortable as she isn’t fluent in Tamil, she spoke in English instead thanking Rahman for his music. Despite working in the Hindi film industry as well as receiving love from the Hindi audiences, Rahman’s attitude towards Hindi raised eyebrows.
Filmfare nominates ‘The Kashmir Files’ in seven categories, fails to invite the film’s cast
March 2022 release “The Kashmir Files” starring veteran actor Anupam Kher in the lead role became one the biggest hits of that year. This Vivek Agnihotri directorial was a cinematic re-telling of the real-life incidents of tragedy and persecution that Kashmiri Pandits faced in the early 1990s when lakhs of Hindus from the Kashmiri Hindus fled from the Valley amidst targeted killings, terror attacks, religious persecution, and a campaign of threats and intimidation to force the Hindu minority to leave Kashmir. The film, however, was targeted by the leftist ecosystem and Islamists who claimed that the film was spreading ‘hateful propaganda’ against the Kashmiri Muslims.
The Kashmir Files garnered seven nominations in various categories at the Filmfare Awards 2023 in April of this year. The film’s director, Vivek Agnihotri, however, refused to attend the 68th Filmfare Awards, calling it “unethical and anti-cinema.” Furthermore, the film’s producer, Abhishek Agarwal, said that the organisers were unfair in nominating the film in seven categories but not inviting the filmmakers or even the actors. According to Agarwal, Filmfare only nominated The Kashmir Files for awards due to public pressure. Despite seven nominations and a tremendous response from the public for its outstanding performances, the film received no awards, foreseeably so.
Star Sports gets Hinduphobic ‘comedian’ Munawar Faruqui for its IPL coverage, netizens outrage
Munawar Faruqui, a Hinduphobic comedian known for making controversial remarks about Hindu deities and victims of the 2002 Godhra train burning incident, came under fire in April after appearing in the pre-talk segment of Star Sports’ coverage of the Indian Premier League 2023. Netizens chastised Star Sports for giving someone like Munawar Faruqui who made highly derogatory remarks about Lord Ram and Goddess Sita back in 2021 a platform. Reacting to this an X user wrote back in April this year, “No wonder nobody watches Star Sports India. Giving a platform to communal bigots is their ultimate low.”
It happens only in India that a ‘comedian’ coming from the so-called minority community ridicules the gods of the Hindu majority and becomes a celebrity and is currently participating in BiggBoss, while a politician who merely quoted a religious scripture in a TV debate gets Sar Tan Se Juda threats and has to live restricted life due to the fear of Islamists.
Amazon Prime web series ‘Dahaad’ whitewashes Love Jihad, demonises ‘upper caste’ Hindus
On May 12, Amazon Prime Video released Sonakshi Sinha, Gulshan Devaiah, Vijay Verma and Waris Ahmed Zaidi starrer web series ‘Dahaad’. It is a crime, mystery thriller web series produced by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti the director. The show’s story revolves around a serial killer targeting lower caste and minority women in rural Rajasthan. The serial killer Anand targets and murders women after luring them by promising marriage. Constable Anjali Bhaati (Sonakshi Sinha) is investigating the case along with her senior officer SHO Devi Lal.
The anti-Hindu propaganda peddling begins from the very episode of the series with a character Rajni who is in ‘love’ with a Muslim youth Altaf, however, her parents are opposed to their union. The episode has a subtle assertion that Rajputs as well as Hindu organisations who are at the forefront in opposing love jihad, are ‘bad’.
Bajrang Dal protests against film ‘The Creator-Sarjanhar’ for spreading love jihad propaganda
In May, the Hindu rights organisation Bajrang Dal staged a massive protest against a film titled ‘The Creator- Sarjanhar’ outside a theatre in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad. The Hindu activists alleged that the film promotes love jihad and demanded a ban on it. While the film’s producer Rakesh Karate ‘Guruji’ claimed that the film gives the message of love, a Bajrang Dal activist Hiren Rabari while speaking to OpIndia back then said that the film gave the message that the youths should stay away from their families and fall in love with the people belonging to other religious communities. He added that such films aim to alienate Hindu youth from their culture and encourage love jihad.
#WATCH | Gujarat | Members of Bajrang Dal staged a protest at a multiplex in Ahmedabad on 24th May against the upcoming film, 'The Creator – Sarjanhar'. The protesters alleged that the film is promoting "love jihad" pic.twitter.com/IYlN5NM7Xx
Kamal Haasan labels The Kerala Story a ‘propaganda film’
In May, actor Kamal Haasan criticised Sudipto Sen’s film The Kerala Story labelling it a ‘propagandist film’ even though the film focused on ISIS and its indoctrination of Hindus did not target Muslims in general. “Propaganda films I am against. It’s not enough if you just write ‘true story’ at the bottom as a logo. It has to really be true, and that (the film) is not true,” Kamal Haasan said while addressing the media in Abu Dhabi on the sidelines of the IIFA Awards ceremony.
#WATCH | Abu Dhabi | "I told you, it's propagandist films that I am against. It's not enough if you write 'true story' just at the bottom as a logo. It has to really be true and that is not true," says actor and politician Kamal Haasan on #TheKeralaStorypic.twitter.com/VSydksg1Z3
His remarks were met with a strong reaction from the film’s director Sudipto Sen who said that those labelling the film ‘propaganda’ haven’t seen it themselves and are thus engaging in their own kind of propaganda and disinformation.
Naseeruddin Shah rants against The Kerala Story with a bizarre comment about Nazi Germany
Albeit its huge box office success and audience appreciation, the film ‘The Kerala Story’ faced criticism from Muslims, liberals, and secular political parties. Following in the footsteps of Kamal Haasan, actor Naseeruddin Shah called the film ‘propaganda’ and stated that “worthwhile films like Bheed, Afwaah, Faraaz, all three collapsed. Nobody went to see them, but they are flocking to see The Kerala Story which I have not seen, and I don’t intend to see because I have read enough about it.”
The film is based on ISIS and its nefarious designs to push non-Muslim women into sex slavery, prostitution, terrorism and more, however, Shah opined that the success of such films shows a ‘dangerous trend’ and equated it to Nazi Germany. “On one hand, it is a dangerous trend, no doubt. We seem to be heading the way of Nazi Germany where in Hitler’s time, the filmmakers were co-opted, attempted to be co-opted, by the supreme leader to make films praising him and what he has done for the countrymen, and running down the Jewish community,” Shah said. His bizarre analogy makes one wonder how a film about ISIS and its propaganda makes one a ‘Nazi’.
‘Adipurush’ director Om Raut kisses actress Kriti Sanon after visiting Tirupati temple
On June 7, ahead of the release of the controversial film ‘Adipurush’ starring Prabhas and Kriti Sanon in the roles of Raghav and Janaki, film’s director Om Raut along with Kriti Sanon attended a pre-release ceremony at Tirupati’s Sri Venkateswara University Stadium. Raut was seen kissing Kriti Sanon goodbye outside the temple premises.
The Chilkur Balaji Temple’s head priest in Telangana called the action condemnable and voiced his opposition to it. “This is a condemnable act. Even a husband and wife do not go there (temple) together. You can go to a hotel room and do it. Your behaviour is like insulting Ramayan, and Goddess Sita,” the priest said.
Adipurush dialogue writer Manoj Muntashir claims “Lord Hanuman was no God”
The film ‘Adipurush’, which had sparked anger since the launch of its trailer, ended up being a flop after its release and was highly criticised for its roadside dialogues, poor VFX, subpar acting, and distortions. The moviegoers even accused the makers of demeaning Hindu sentiments and mocking Hindu gods. In June this year, Manoj Muntashir who penned the “tapori” dialogues for the film Adipurush made a bizarre claim to defend himself amidst backlash. “Hanuman ji is not God, he is a devotee. We have made him God later because his devotion had such power,” Muntashir asserted in a blatant display of lack of knowledge about Hindu scriptures and spirituality.
Manoj Muntashir claims Lord Rama never knew he was an avatar of Lord Vishnu
In one of his desperate attempts at defending the crass dialogues in the film Adipurush, Manoj Muntashir in an interview in June said that Lord Rama never showed any miracle, in fact, unlike Lord Krishna, Rama was not aware that he is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Muntashir’s baseless claim came in response to a question regarding the ‘Sita Haran’ scene in the film where she is abducted right in front of Lord Rama while he looks helplessly.
सीता हरण के सीन के जवाब में @manojmuntashir ने कहा कि श्री राम को पता नहीं था कि वो भगवान हैं, उन्होंने कोई चमत्कार नहीं दिखाया उन्हें बाद में पता चला।
शुक्ला जी पत्थर की मूर्ति का चरण रज पाकर अहिल्या हो जाना चमत्कार नहीं मानते?
No OTT buyers for The Kerala Story, director Sudipto Sen says “industry has ganged up to punish us”
Despite the huge box office success of the film ‘The Kerala Story’, Sudipto Sen in June this year said that no major OTT platform is willing to buy the streaming rights of the movie. He said that the film industry seems to have ganged up against them for the movie’s success at the box office. “But so far, we have not got any offer worth considering. It seems the film industry has ganged up to punish us,” Sen said.
According to an insider at an OTT platform, the movie may be seen as propaganda and the topics covered could invoke anger, so platforms are wary of acquiring it. The movie had faced bans and attempts to corner it for highlighting topics like religious conversions, love jihad and terrorism.
Allahabad High Court slams ‘Adipurush’ makers, questions why the tolerance level of Hindus is being tested
On June 26, the Allahabad High Court slammed the makers of film ‘Adipurush’ for portraying the characters of Hindu God and Goddess including Lord Rama, Lord Hanuman and Mata Sita in an objectionable manner, the Allahabad Court observed, why the tolerance level of Hindus was being put to the test by them.
“Agar hum log ispar bhi aankh band kar len kyonki yeh kaha jaata hai ki yeh dharm ke log bade sahishnu (tolerant) hain to kya uska test liya jayega? (If we close our eyes on this issue too, because it is said that the people of this religion are very tolerant, will it be put to test as well?),” the bench remarked while hearing PILs filed by Social Activists Kuldeep Tiwari and Bandana Kumar through advocates Ranjana Agnihotri and Sudha Sharma.
Censor Board directs makers of the film ’72 Hoorain’ to remove Quran references
On June 27, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) directed the makers of the film ’72 Hoorain’ to remove certain parts from the film’s trailer before it can be issued an ‘A’ certificate for public exhibition. The board specifically asked to mute ‘Quran Ka’ from the trailer and remove visuals that could potentially ‘hurt’ religious sentiments or affect public order. Mockery of Hindu gods as seen in Adipurush, is tolerated in the name of ‘artistic freedom,’ and CBFC had no problem with it, but when a film on controversial matters linked to other religions is made, it faces censorship.
In June, Bhojpuri actress Sabiha Shaikh, popularly known as Rani Chatterjee, criticized the makers of the film ’72 Hoorain’ for portraying the dark face of Islamist terrorism from 9/11 to 26/11. She claimed that such films are produced to ‘divide’ society along religious lines and foment hatred. Shaikh claimed that filmmakers are exploiting people’s emotions to make money and that the movie’s depiction of the Quran is wrong. She compared the film to ‘Adipurush,’ accusing its makers of fabrication. Shaikh further asserted that this “anti-Muslim” movie will do well, but who will compensate for the hate it will spread?”
’72 Hoorain’ director opens up on 11 years of struggle behind the film, says “actors backed out last minute fearing threats’
After the release of the film ’72 Hoorain’ on July 7, its director Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan spoke to OpInidia about challenges he faced while making the film based on Islamist fundamentalism and terrorism. Chauhan said that in addition to financial issues, no big production house was willing to back a film like this one with a hard-hitting subject. He added that many actors backed out from the film at the last minute saying that the film’s subject is controversial and might cause a threat to them and their families.
Chauhan also talked about people repeatedly asserting that terrorism has nothing to do with religion but when a film raises the issue of terrorism they claim that the film is targeting a particular religion. He added that youths are brainwashed and concepts like Jannat, Shahadah and 72 Hoors (mythical women who live in paradise as per Islam). are planted in their minds before they are armed to kill innocent people.
Sex scene while reading Bhagvadgita in Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’ sparks row
On July 27, noted Hollywood director Christopher Nolan’s film ‘Oppenheimer’ starring actor Cillian Murphy in the titular role was released in theatres. The film soon triggered outrage over a scene in the movie that shows a woman making a man read Bhagwad Geeta aloud while getting over him and having sexual intercourse. The outraged Hindus expressed shock over how even the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) approved the scene without any cuts or alterations.
There is no historical evidence that J Robert #Oppenheimer used to receive Bhagvad Geeta Paath lessons from his sex-partners during sex.
Woke Hollywood has no reason to give any more value to Geeta than a petty prop.
— Gems of Bollywood बॉलीवुड के रत्न (@GemsOfBollywood) July 21, 2023
Akshay Kumar starrer OMG 2 gets an ‘A’ certificate from CBFC after 27 modifications
In August, the film ‘OMG 2’ received an “Adults only” (A) certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) as the film ahead of its theatrical release on August 11. The film was cleared for release with around 27 modifications. The CBFC altered Akshay Kumar’s character from Lord Shiva to a messenger and a devotee of the Hindu God. Moreover, scenes depicting frontal nudity in scenes involving Naga Sadhus have also been modified and have been replaced with side shots. A condom advertisement has also been removed. In addition, certain objectionable dialogues were also changed.
Ujjain Mahakaleshwar temple priests send legal notice to makers of OMG-2 over scenes trivialising Lord Shiva
On August 7, the Ujjain Mahakaleshwar temple priests sent a legal notice to the filmmakers of the controversial movie ‘OMG-2’ starring Akshay Kumar. They said that Lord Shiva was wrongfully depicted and trivialised in the movie. According to them, in one scene Lord Shiva is shown purchasing Kachori from a shop and this hurts the sentiments of devotees of Lord Shiva. High Court lawyer Abhilash Vyas sent these legal notices on behalf of the All India Pujari Mahasangh to film’s director Amit Rai, producers Vipul Shah and Chandraprakash Dwivedi, and actor Akshay Kumar. Additionally, they also sent a legal notice to Censor Board Chairman Prasoon Kumar Joshi.
Actor Prakash Raj says “eradication of Sanatan Dharma necessary”, backs Udhayanidhi Stalin
On September 10, actor Prakash Raj while speaking at a public event in Kalaburgi reiterated DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin’s outrageous remark calling for “eradication of Sanatan Dharma” and said, “Sanatan Dharma is like Dengue, its eradication is paramount”.
“Those who speak aggressively about upholding Sanatan Dharma and Hindutva are not Hindus,” Prakash Raj remarked. They present themselves as ‘thekedaars’ of Hindutva. We must tell them they are speaking to further their political agenda. People need to understand this, and I hope they do,” Prakash Raj said. This, however, was not the first time that the actor made derogatory remarks against Sanatan Dharma. Prakash Raj earlier distorted the term ‘Sanatani’ as ‘TanaThani’ to mock the presence of Hindu saints at the new Parliament.
Naseeruddin Shah laments box office success of ‘The Kashmir Files’, and ‘The Kerala Story’
On September 11, in an interview actor Naseeruddin Shah cried foul over the overwhelming response of the audience to Hindu-centric movies such as ‘The Kashmir Files’ and ‘The Kerala Story.’ While speaking to Free Press Journal, he claimed, “Now the more jingoist you are the more popular you become, because this is what has been ruling this country. It’s not enough to love your country but beat drums about it and you have to create imaginary enemies.”
“What these people don’t realise is that what they are doing is very harmful. In fact, films like Kerala Story and Gadar 2, I haven’t seen them but I know what they are about, it’s disturbing that films like Kashmir Files are so massively popular…” Naseeruddin Shah lamented. He further asserted that audiences are not supporting films of directors such as Sudhir Mishra, Anubhav Sinha, and Hansal Mehta who he claimed are known for portraying the ‘truth of our times.’
Aamir Khan’s ex-wife Kiran Rao goes on a rant against films with ‘regressive messaging’ raking in 100s of crores
After actor Naseeruddin Shah lamented the massive response to Hindu-centric films such as ‘The Kashmir Files’ and ‘The Kerala Story,’ Bollywood actor Aamir Khan’s ex-wife Kiran Rao went on a similar rant on September 13. The filmmaker told Film Companion that she feels hurt when films with ‘regressive messaging’ do well at the box office. Without naming any film or filmmaker in particular she said, “…so I suppose, when it is a really regressive sort of messaging, and it makes hundreds of crores, it hurts. Because you had the opportunity and you could have pushed the needle in some direction and you didn’t. So those are the things that sometimes bother me.”
It must be recalled that in 2015, speaking on alleged increasing intolerance in the country, Aamir Khan claimed his ex-wife Kiran Rao had suggested leaving India as she felt unsafe in the country.
Farah Khan seen wearing slippers during Ganpati Pooja
On September 19, Bollywood director and dance choreographer Farah Khan drew flak from netizens over her Instagram post on Ganesh Chaturthi. Khan was seen wearing footwear during Ganpati Pooja at actress Actress Shlipa Shetty’s house. While netizens asked her why she was wearing footwear during Ganpati Pooja, Khan gave ‘clarification’ that she was outside the house as she replied to one such comment: “We were outside the house thank you very much.” Meanwhile, several netizens feared that a fatwa would be issued against Farah Khan for celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi since idol worship is Shirk (sin) in Islam.
Singer Shubh who shared a distorted map of India plays victim after his India tour gets canceled
On September 21st, pro-Khalistani Punjabi Canadian singer Shubhneet Singh aka Shubh published a social media post in which he expressed his disappointment over the cancellation of his scheduled India tour, titled the ‘Still Rollin India tour’. Shubh’s said post came after he received a massive backlash over his controversial social media post amid the diplomatic sabre-rattling between India and Canada.
Shubhneet Singh alias Shubh shared a story on his Instagram account on March 23, 2023, captioned “Pray for Punjab” and an artwork depicting a distorted map of India. He posted a photo of the map without the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and North-eastern states. Instead of apologising, Shubh shifted goalposts to ‘Sikhs’ and ‘patriotism’ to justify his contentious post. From invoking the revered Sikh Gurus to calling India his country, Shubh talked about everything other than explaining why the contentious illustration created by artist Amandeep Singh “Inkquisitive” showed Punjab merged with Haryana, and why the seven states in the northeast were missing from the ‘artwork’ if it was meant to highlight the blackout situation in Punjab. Later, Shubh deleted his post addressing the controversy.
Katrina Kaif dances in short dress in Salman Khan’s ‘Tiger 3’ song “Prabhu ka Naam”
In October, a song titled “Prabhu Ka Naam” from Salman Khan starrer ‘Tiger 3’ received criticism over actress Katrina Kaif and background artists dancing to the song in ‘revealing’ dresses. Many questioned why the term “Prabhu” was used and not “Allah” or “Khuda”.
Actress Dia Mirza asks fans not to send her Diwali gifts says it creates waste, netizens call out silence on Eid-Christmas
In recent years, it has become a trend that every Hindu festival is mired in a negative outlook. From Holi to Diwali, attempts are made to raise environmental concerns, particularly by Bollywood celebrities, while disregarding them the rest of the year. In this line, Bollywood actress Dia Mirza a Diwali special video on November 12 asking everyone, especially her fans, to not send her any gifts.
“This Diwali don’t give me anything. Please don’t give me, gifts. I feel like during Diwali, we tend to give each other so many things that we don’t need. There is so much excessive packaging and so much waste we create. So this Diwali, don’t give me anything. Give me your time. Give me your support by segregating waste at home. The best gift you could give me this Diwali is supporting an organisation that works for the health of the environment,” the actress said.
Netizens, however, were quick to slam the actress for discouraging people from sending Diwali gifts, citing environmental concerns, but not on Christmas or Eid. Interestingly, the actress has been labelled a hypocrite for discouraging Diwali gifts on one hand while endorsing the same on the other, as evidenced by one of her Instagram posts.
Singer Lucky Ali wishes to go to Palestine, gets offended when netizens suggest ways to reach there
On 30th November, singer Lucky Ali expressed his desire to travel to war-hit Palestine to support his co-religionists. “InshaAllah I want to go to Palestine,” Ali wrote on X.
The singer, however, did not condemn Hamas’s brutal onslaught against Israel on October 7. Lucky Ali got called out for not condemning Hamas’ terror attack earlier but tweeted that he wishes to go to Palestine, several netizens also gave him suggestions on how he could reach Palestine. This, however, offended the singer. Some even opined that Lucky Ali’s love for Palestine stems from his love for his Ummah.
Complaint filed against actor Ranbir Kapoor over a video showing him pouring liquor over cake while saying ‘Jai Mata Di’
On December 28, 2023, it was reported that a complaint had been filed against actor Ranbir Kapoor for allegedly hurting religious sentiments in a viral video of him celebrating Christmas. In the video, Ranbir and his family are seen pouring liquor over a cake and setting it on fire while chanting “Jai Mata Di”.
This is how Bollywood actors like Ranbir Kapoor defame our deities. Why Jai Mata Di during alcohol dip on cake during Christmas?
The complaint alleges that the video deliberately insults Hindu religious sentiments by chanting a Hindu religious phrase while consuming alcohol during a Christian celebration. The complainants have demanded that a case be registered under sections 295A, 298, 500 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code. However, the police are yet to register an FIR in the matter.
On 31st December 2023, the Thane Police busted a rave party going on in the Gaumukh area and detained around 100 people. Among the detainees 5 were women. After receiving a tip, an extensive team of Thane Police raided the party venue on Ghodbunder Road near the Kasarvadavali Police Station early Sunday. Approximately 100 young people from Thane and surrounding areas were detained until dawn and sent for medical tests and other procedures.
According to the police, they seized small amounts of drugs such as LSD, charas, Ecstasy pills, and marijuana from the party. They also said that two young organisers had been detained.
The police further stated that youngsters aged 19 to mid-20s were allegedly found consuming drugs and alcohol at the party with loud music. The police seized 200 grams of marijuana, 70 grams of charas, 0.40 grams of LSD, and Ecstasy pills.
An initial investigation indicates that the party was organised by two suspects, Tejas Kunal, 23, of Palaca, Dombivali, and Sujal Mahajan, 19, of Kalva, Thane. According to the police, they charged an entry fee of Rs 1000 per person. Just two hours before the party, the duo announced the details of the location on Facebook and Instagram.
Meanwhile, a case has been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
During a media interaction on Sunday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said, “Police are alert, and action is being taken. Drugs, including MD, have been recovered. A case has been registered. We have taken a resolution for a drug-free Mumbai, and strict action is being taken. Our government has been taking continuous action on such activities. I have already ordered the authorities to demolish all units that indulge in the sale of drugs and take strict action on those selling these contraband.”
2023 has been yet another year where OpIndia documented the biggest stories from across India. From Hindus being persecuted by Islamists to the strife in Manipur, OpIndia carefully documented several important events. From cases of Grooming Jihad (Love Jihad), to Hindu religious processions coming under attack, the propaganda against Hindus and their faith, the denial of their plight and even the Israel-Hamas war, OpIndia tried its best to bring to its readers the information they deserved to have.
As we bid adieu to 2023, here is a list of the top 10 most-read articles on OpIndia.
The most read report of 2022 was one where we documented the horrific incident of a woman being paraded naked in strife torn Manipur.
Click on the image to read the full report
On July 19 horrifying visuals of two women being stripped naked and paraded naked surfaced from Manipur. The incident was from May 4, a day after the violence in the North Eastern state started. The visuals show two women being paraded naked while a group of men around them heckled them on, and then being dragged into a paddy field. It has been reported that the two victims were then gang-raped. The indigenous tribal leader’s forum condemned the incident and stated that the victims were from the Kuki community while the assailants were from the Meitei community.
While the incident was from May 4th, the complaint was filed only on the June 21st. There after, arrests were made by the state government.
The second most read report on OpIndia in 2023 was one of a Hindu man called Ashish Goswami who had converted to Islam to marry a Bangladeshi woman he met on Instagram. The report detailed how he had converted to Islam and then later, done a ghar-wapsi and reconverted to Hinduism.
Click on the image to read the full report
Ashish Goswami converted to Islam for a Bangladeshi woman he met on Instagram. He had also been brainwashed by the videos of Zakir Naik. The news of his conversion to Islam in Jetpur swiftly gained widespread attention. The individual in question, Ashish Goswami, had assumed the name Sheikh Mohammad Alsami. The situation escalated when Ashish, accompanied by two Muslim companions, caused a commotion upon arriving at the Jetpur government hospital for circumcision. Eventually, the matter was brought to the attention of the local police station triggering further investigation.
Determined to rescue the Hindu youth from the clutches of conversion, Kanhaiyanand Maharaj, the revered leader of the local Hindu Dharma Sena and mahant of the Narasimha temple in Jetpur, wasted no time. In a show of solidarity, he assembled a substantial group of Hindu youths and personally visited the young man’s residence at night. After a long conversation, Ashish realised his error and reverted to Hinduism.
Israel: Dead woman paraded naked and spit on by Hamas terrorists identified as German tourist, mother pleads for help
2023 saw the brutal terror attack against Israel where thousands of Hamas terrorists and Palestinians descended upon Israel to rape and kill innocent civilians. A horrifying visual went viral from the brutal October 7th assault where a woman was seen being taken in a truck by Palestinian terrorists, naked.
Click on the image to read the full report
The terrorists could be heard shouting the Islamic slogan ‘Allah Hu Akbar’ in these gruesome videos of the incident. In some videos that surfaced on social media, a murderous crowd of Hamas terrorists could be seen surrounding the vehicle, chanting slogans and spitting on the woman’s body.
Hamas initially claimed that the lifeless body was of a female Israeli soldier. However, it was later ascertained that the woman being paraded in that video was a German tourist named Shani Louk.
A case emerged from Holy Family Convent School, a private school in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh where Hindu students were prevented from celebrating Raksha Bandhan and the Rakhis tied to the wrists of Hindu students were cut saying Hinduphobic things like ‘Hinduism shall not be preached here’.
Click on the image to read the full report
The parents of the students and members of various Hindu organisations visited the school and protested this act by the school after which the school furnished a written apology.
The incident took place at Holy Family Convent School on Bhamora Road in Aonla police station area of Bareilly. Here the students reached the school wearing Rakhi on their wrists. Some students also tied Rakhi to each other in the school. At that time, a teacher removed Rakhi and Kalava from the hands of the students. Seeing the students tying Rakhi, the teacher there became furious. The teacher scolded the students saying that ‘Hinduism shall not be preached here’ and the Hindu students who had Rakhi and Kalava in their hands were targetted. Their Rakhis and Kalavas were cut with scissors.
Upon getting information about the incident, the parents of the children and members of Hindu organisations including Bajrang Dal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, and ABVP reached the school and held a protest. When informed about the situation, the police arrived at the school, and subsequently, the school management extended an apology to the Hindu parents.
On 8th June 2023, an illegal memorial of Tipu Sultan built in a square in Dhule was bulldozed by the local municipal corporation after local Hindus raised a complaint against it.
Click on the image to read the full report
This Tipu Sultan memorial was built right in the middle of the 100-feet wide road by the local All India Majlis e Ittihadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MLA Dr Farooq Anwar Shah to appease the Muslims who are a majority in the nearby Vadjai Road area.
Pakistani opener Imam-ul-Haq blames diet for lack of big hits from the Pakistan team, says ‘need proteins, not carbs to hit sixes’
World Cup 2023 was a massive disappointment for Pakistan. Pakistani opening batsman Imam-ul-Haq tried to explain the lack of big hits from the openers and put the blame on the diet.
Click on the image to read the full report
“Maybe we want to eat more proteins and not that much carbs, but it is just that this is not something we want to talk about. It is just we really do not feel it if we are not hitting six or not hitting four, it is just that what are we doing for the team? And if we are winning matches – unfortunately last two matches we did not play well and we accept it, but it is just that we still have five matches then we will go to the semi-final but it is just how you play how you prepare and that is really matters,” Imam said.
A day after Hamas terrorists stripped a German woman and paraded her dead body on a pickup truck, former Indian Express ‘journalist‘ Irena Akbar came out in defence of the terrorists.
Click on the image to read the full report
In a tweet, she wrote, “The woman, whose body was being taken in a pick-up truck, has been identified as Shani Louk, a German-Israeli dual citizen who was reportedly attending a music festival. First, this is NOT an etiquette of war in Islam to attack women, and hence this is condemnable.”
The ex-scribe put out a token condemnation over the death of Louk only because ‘attacking women during war’ is supposedly against the tenets of Islam. Then, she proceeded to suggest that the victim was not stripped as she was not ‘fully naked.’
“The woman is not fully naked, as parts of her upper & lower body are covered. If you check the Instagram account of Shani Louk (@shanukkk), you would see pictures she posted of herself wearing bikins or other skin-exposing outfits,” Irena Akbar brazened it out.
She claimed that the victim could have been ‘partially naked’ at the time of her killing and not necessarily stripped by Hamas terrorists. “It could be possible that when she was killed, she was wearing a bikini or other skin-exposing garment,” the former Indian Express ‘journalist’ said.
“…I am being factual here, based on evidence from her own Instagram account where she would post pictures of herself in such clothes. So, it cannot be ruled out that Shani (with all due respect to her) was wearing a bikini or other similar garment when she was killed or captured,” she further alleged.
An FIR was filed against a female teacher, her husband, her brother, and the school manager in Kanpur for attempting religious conversion of a Class 10 student after trapping him in a love affair. The Cantonment police initiated the investigation on 16th November, following court orders.
Click on the image to read the full report
The incident dates back to 17th October 2023, when the teacher from a missionary school in Kanpur was suspended for allegedly coercing the student into physical relations and attempting to change his religious beliefs. The victim’s father accused the teacher of attempting to convert his son from Hinduism to Christianity.
The destruction and carnage unleashed during the Delhi anti-Hindu Riots 2020 left the nation in shock. On the 24th and 25th of February, Delhi was gripped with unbridled violence and riots that were unleashed after an elaborate conspiracy was hatched by certain Muslim groups and Left groups. Several conspirators have been charged and are lodged in jail, standing trial for their role in instigating and planning the violence. However, several individuals were either directly or tangentially involved in the conspiracy, who have not been named as accused in the investigation that followed the violence.
One such person was Prashant Bhushan.
Click on the image to read the full report
On the 8th of December 2019, a meeting was held between Yogendra Yadav, Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid and others at a Jangpura basement. The image of this meeting has been included in the chargesheet by the Delhi Police.
It was in this meeting, that according to the chargesheet, a plan was hatched on how to implement the Chakka Jam. It was decided that it would be Sharjeel Imam who would organise and lead students from various universities and colleges in and around Delhi. It was, interestingly, also decided that organisations like United Against Hate and Swarajya Abhiyaan would help each other in every way possible. This has, according to the Chargehsheet, been revealed by a witness.
It turns out, that this initial meeting where the conspiracy was hatched, was held at the office premises of Prashant Bhushan.
‘ISIS bride’ Nimisha alias Fathima, who converted to Islam to join ISIS with her husband, confirms that the story of The Kerala Story is not baseless
‘The Kerala Story’ was a dramatic representation of the heartbreaking and gut-wrenching stories of women from Kerala who were radicalized to join the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) terrorist ranks. It is notable that many of these women from Kerala joining ISIS were converted to Islam from Hinduism and Christianity with the motive of sending them to the terrorist organization ISIS.
The character ‘Shalini Unnikrishnan’ in The Kerala Story is loosely based on the life of Nimisha alias Fathima Isa, one of the four women from Kerala who fled to Afghanistan, between 2016 and 2018, to join the terror outfit ISIS and wage war against the US forces in ISIS-controlled Khorasan Province.
Click on the image to read the full report
In November 2015, Nimisha, a BDS student, went missing from her college in Kasaragod with Rehman, and 19 others from Kerala before reaching an ISIS-controlled territory in Afghanistan. Nimisha and Merrin left Kerala for Afganistan with their husbands, Bexin Vincent and Bestin Vincent.
On 31st December (local time), the United States Navy took decisive action against Houthisin the Red Sea, amid the ongoing attack on ships by the Yemen-based terror group. The US Navy helicopters reportedly destroyed Houthi boats that were trying to hijack the Singapore-registered container ship, the Maersk Hangzhou. The boat is owned and operated by a Danish company. The US Navy also shot down ballistic missiles fired by the group.
As per reports, the US military confirmed that four Houthi-controlled boats originating from Yemen launched the attack at around 06:30 Yemeni time (03:30 GMT) with mounted weapons and small arms. They aggressively approached the Maersk Hangzhou, got within 20 meters of the massive container ship and opened fire at it. The Houthis also attempted to board the ship.
Their action endangered the ship and its crew, prompting the crew to issue a distress call. In the meantime, the security team of the ship returned fire. USS Eisenhower aircraft carrier, which was operating nearby, responded to the distress call. When the US Navy helicopters from the carrier responded to the attack and reached the spot, the Houthi boats were alarmingly close to the ship. Apart from the Eisenhower aircraft carrier, USS Gravely and the USS Laboon destroyers also responded to the distress call.
The Houthi-controlled boats also fired at the US helicopters that engaged in self-defence and fired on the Houthi boats. As a result, three of the Houthi boars sank, and the crews were eliminated. The fourth board escaped from the scene following the US response.
This was the second attack on Maersk Hangzhou by Houthis within 24 hours. Before the attack by boats, it was hit by a missile fired by Houthis from a region in Yemen controlled by the Houthi group. US Navy destroyer USS Gravely responded to this attack and shot down two ballistic missiles fired by Houthis. The destroyer USS Laboon was also present during the operation.
In a post on X, US Central Command wrote, “USS GRAVELY shoots down two anti-ship ballistic missiles while responding to Houthi attack on merchant vessel. Today at approximately 8:30 PM (Sanaa time), the container ship MAERSK HANGZHOU reported that they were struck by a missile while transiting the Southern Red Sea. The Singapore-flagged, Denmark-owned/operated container ship requested assistance, and the USS GRAVELY (DDG 107) and USS LABOON (DDG 58) responded to the ship. The vessel is reportedly seaworthy, and there are no reported injuries. While responding, the USS GRAVELY shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles fired from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen toward the ships.”
US Central Command added that this is the 23rd illegal attack by the Houthis on international shipping since 19th November.
The Red Sea is a critical maritime route. Yemen-based group Houthis has been attacking commercial vessels in the region since the Israel-Hamas war broke out. Their main target is the ships that either originate from Israel or go towards Israel. Recently, Houthis also attacked a vessel with Indian crew on it. There were reports that the ship had an Indian flag, but later, the Indian Navy dismissed the reports and said it was a Gabonese-flagged ship.
USS GRAVELY shoots down two anti-ship ballistic missiles while responding to Houthi attack on merchant vessel.
Today at approximately 8:30 p.m. (Sanaa time), the container ship MAERSK HANGZHOU reported that they were struck by a missile while transiting the Southern Red Sea. The… pic.twitter.com/nUgifhkdC8
The media reported no damage to the Maersk Hangzhou or injuries to the crew. However, in response to the attacks, global shipping giant Maersk announced that it had suspended all sailings through the Red Sea.
Israel-Hamas war and anti-Jew protests
On 7th October 2023, Hamas terrorists launched a massive terror attack on Israel, leading to the death of at least 1,300 Israelis and foreign nationals. Following the attack, Israel launched a counter-attack on Hamas to wipe out the terror outfit from the face of the Earth. Initially, Israel hit Hamas locations in Gaza via air strikes. Later, a ground attack by Israeli forces was started to eliminate Hamas terrorists. Hamas is known for using civilians as human shields. When the Palestinians tried to flee the Gaza Strip after IDF urged them to evacuate to save themselves from Israeli air strikes, Hamas reportedly forcefully stopped the civilians. Furthermore, they established underground bunkers across the Gaza Strip, especially under hospitals and schools, as a countermeasure against Israeli forces, as they knew Israel would hesitate in attacking such establishments. The Israel-Hamas war entered its 85st day on 31st December 2023.
The Houthis, who consider themselves allies of Hamas and Hezbollah, have started to attack ships in the Red Sea in response to the Israeli action in Gaza. Houthis originally targeted ships operating from Israeli port Eliat, attacking the ships with missiles and drones in the Red Sea. However, now the Iran-backed group have started to attack ships further away in the Arabian Sea, and any ship navigating the Red Sea. Apart from ships going to and coming from Eliat port, they are also attacking ships navigating through the Suez Canal using missiles and drones.
Such attacks pose a significant threat to global trade as the Houthis are capable of targeting the commercial vessels that are in a critical world shipping route, which has exacerbated tensions in the region. The Houthis attacks on the ships have increased concerns about the safety and freedom of maritime trade routes. As per reports, traffic at the Eilat Port has come down by 85% due to the attacks, and many operators are rerouting their vessels.
2023 was a year where Hindus saw propaganda against their faith and identity reach a peak. The hate spewed by Islamists and Leftists manifested in several attacks against harmless religious processions by Hindus where they merely wanted to celebrate their festivals.
This year, Hindus witnessed at least 29 cases of brutal assault and attack on their faith. There was barely any Hindu festival which did not come under attack by Islamists, the most severe one being in Nuh, Haryana.
From Holi to Mahashivratri, Hindu festivals and processions were attacked for bizarre reasons like DJs playing music, playing religious music, passing by a mosque, passing by a Muslim-majority area and so on. Not only did religious processions come under attack, but the attacks were justified across the board by Islamists and their ideological backbones – the Leftists. With each attack, the cacophony blaming Hindus for their persecution became louder.
As we step into a new calendar year, it becomes imperative to remind ourselves that Hindu processions came under attack by anti-Hindu elements on 29 occasions.
Here is a list of those attacks.
18th February 2023: Mahashivratri procession attacked in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh
When Hindus refused, the Islamists pelted stones at the procession injuring some of the devotees.
Reportedly, around half a dozen Hindu devotees were injured in this attack.
1st March 2023: Muslim students in Jamia University create ruckus over Holi celebrations
Hindu festival of Holi was marred with ruckus, threats and intimidation by Muslim students of Jamia Millia Islamia University (JMIU). An event named ‘Rangotsav’ was organised by the university’s YUVA chapter to celebrate the festival of colours on campus.
Muslim students were seen warning other students not to play Holi, criticising the administration for permitting the festival on campus, abusing the administration and threatening other students.
“Sahih Hadiths suggest that it is not allowed to participate in the festivals of disbelievers. When Hindus in India are oppressing Muslims and burning them alive just because they eat beef, still you’d want to “celebrate” it with them?” a Muslim student wrote.
5th March 2023: Group of Muslim boys attack Hindu youths during Holi celebrations
A group of Hindu youths namely Amit Gupta, Sonu Prajapati, and Mullu Chanda were attacked in Purwa Ilahi Baksh area in Brahmpuri, Meerut by local councillor Shahzad Mewati, his brother Bhura, and sons (Intezaar and Seefu) for collecting donations for Holika Dahan.
The Muslim men began to insult the Hindu youths. Locals said the accused told the Hindu youths to convert to Islam by accepting donations from them too. This offended the Hindu men and a verbal spat broke out.
As soon as the Hindu youths objected, Shahzad and his group began attacking them and kicked the Holika pyre too. This led to violence in the area and both groups began pelting stones and glass bottles at each other.
6th March 2023: Hindu students attacked in Pakistan for celebrating Holi
On 6th March, at least 15 Hindu students were injured after Islamists in Islami Jamiat Tulba (IJT) attacked them for celebrating Holi inside Punjab University, Lahore. IJT is a radical Islamic student organisation.
As per reports, around 30 students gathered to celebrate Holi. After the attack, when the victims protested against the attack outside Vice Chancellor’s office, the university guards thrashed them.
8th March 2023: Hindu man set on fire for applying Holi colours on a Muslim man
A Hindu man named Anjaiah was set ablaze by a Mohammad Shabbir in Marpalli village, Regode Mandal in Telangana’s Medak district. The attack came after Anjaiah applied Holi colours on Shabbir.
When Anjaiah and other villagers approached towards Shabbir to apply colours, the latter opposed it saying that he will burn him by pouring petrol if he applies colour.
Anjaiah ignored his objection and threats, perhaps thinking that Shabbir was joking, and threw colours on him anyway. After that, he proceeded to apply colours to Shabbir’s face, despite his objections.
This angered Mohammed Shabbir, and he left the place but returned with a bottle of petrol. He poured the fuel on Anjaiah and set him on fire.
8th March 2023: Muslim woman throws broom and stones from the roof at Holi procession
The incident reportedly happened in Jogiana Mohalla of Ganj Moradabad in UP.
According to reports, when the Muslim woman started pelting stones and hurling brooms at the Hindus playing Holi, they too retaliated and the matter escalated. On getting the information, Unnao police reached the spot and brought the situation under control. Videos of the incident went viral on social media.
28th March 2023: Hindu procession attacked in Paldhi, Jalgaon
On Tuesday, 28th March 2023, several people led the Dindi Yatra, which was supposed to proceed to Saptashringi Garh. A fight broke out between two groups when DJ music was played as a Hindu dharmik procession passed by a mosque in Paldhi, in the Jalgaon district of Maharashtra.
Unknown miscreants threw stones at the yatra participants as the procession passed through the village of Paldhi, which infuriated the participants and led to vandalism. Three private vehicles were reportedly vandalized. In addition to this, a police jeep was set on fire and three persons were injured.
30th March 2023: Ram Navami procession attacked in Howrah, West Bengal
After West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee advised Hindus to avoid ‘Muslim areas’ during Ram Navami processions, one such procession came under attack in Howrah.
Stones were pelted on the procession from the terraces of the buildings in the Shibpur area of Howrah, the twin city of Kolkata. This led to a clash between two groups, leading to violence and arson.
Vehicles and shops were also torched during the violence. Videos from the place show several vehicles on fire on the road, while many other vehicles were lying overturned.
The damaged vehicles included a police vehicle. The neighbourhood where the violence was reported is dominated by Muslims. A Muslim cleric had also justified the attack on the Hindu procession asking why was the procession taken out during Azaan.
30th March 2023: Islamists attack Hindu devotees during Ram Navami celebrations in Hyderabad
A video from the Charminar area in Hyderabad showed a group of Islamists attacking Hindu devotees for chanting devotional slogans on the occasion of Ram Navami. According to reports, some Hindu devotees arrived on bikes and began chanting slogans to commemorate Ram Navami in Hyderabad’s Charminar neighbourhood.
Several Muslim fanatics, who were offended because Ramadan evening prayers were being held at the time, accosted and assaulted the Hindu devotees. A group of individuals donning skull caps were heard shouting ‘maaro maaro’ as they accost some youths and thrash them up mercilessly in full public view.
30th March 2023: Stones pelted on Ram Navami procession in Vadodara
An idol of Bhagwan Shri Ram was saved from the massive attack by around 200-500 Muslims, who took to the streets during the procession and began pelting stones at it while was passing a mosque.
30th March 2023: Ram Navami celebrations targeted by Islamists in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar in Maharashtra
Decorations outside a Ram Mandir in Kiradpura area of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar were attacked by a violent Islamist mob. CCTV visuals showed the mob vandalising vehicles and property outside theh temple and pelting stones at it.
The attack was executed in the presence of police officers and police vehicles were also attacked. Meanwhile, AIMIM MP from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Imtiaz Jaleel released a video claiming that the Ram Mandir was not attacked but only the outer portion was attacked.
30th March 2023: Ram Navami procession attacked in Lucknow while passing by a mosque
A vehicle was vandalised in this attack. The victims alleged that Muslim women also indulged in the stone pelting.
The attack occurred in the Janakipuram area of the Lucknow police station area. At the time of the incident, the procession had barely begin and a maximum of 50 people had gathered and proceeded.
No one involved in the procession had any argument with anyone nor was there any dispute. As soon as the procession came in front of the Shahi Masjid, women started throwing stones from the roofs and minor Muslim boys attacked the procession on road.
20 adult male attackers were also involved in this assault.
30th March 2023: Mobiles looted amid stone pelting and gunfire at Ram Navami procession in Bihar Sharif
Violence erupted in Bihar Sharif in the Nalanda district of Bihar with miscreants setting many houses and shops ablaze. Section 144 was imposed in the town after the violence. More than 27 people were arrested.
Miscreants also looted shops. It was reported that mobile phones worth more than Rs. 3 crores were looted. Witness testimony revealed that the mob had carried petrol bombs with them.
30th March 2023: Clashes erupt after Left-leaning students at Mahatma Gandhi International Hindi University make derogatory remarks against Bhagwan Ram
Clashes erupted at the Mahatma Gandhi International Hindi University in the Wardha district of Maharashtra after a student group supported by the left-wing community allegedly used objectionable words for Bhagwan Ram and Ram Navami Shobha yatra.
The university administration said the students supported by the left-wing community used derogatory language for Lord Ram on the evening of Ram Navami.
31st March 2023: Ram Navami procession attacked in Mumbai’s Malad area
Several injuries were reported after a Ram Navami procession in the Malvani region of Mumbai’s Malad suburb was attacked by an Islamist mob as it passed by a Masjid near gate no. 7 area.
The Islamists attacked the procession by pelting stones and also forced the loudspeakers to be shut in the area. Attackers chanted “Allah-hu-Akbar” before throwing stones and chappals at the devotees.
One of the locals identified as Tajindar Tiwana revealed that the loudspeakers were shut by the Hindus way before the procession reached the area near Masjid.
However, the Muslims still attacked the procession and pelted stones at it as it passed by the Masjid.
31st March 2023: One killed, 5-6 injured in clashes in Muslim-dominated area in North Dinajpur
In West Bengal, clashes broke out between two communities during a Ram Navami procession in the Dalkhola area of Islampur town of North Dinajpur. One person was killed and 5-6 policemen were injured in clashes in a Muslim-dominated area. The Bengal Police is saying that the cause of the young man’s death is a heart attack.
31st March 2023: Stones pelted at a Ram Navami immersion procession in Jamshedpur
Miscreants pelted stones at Hindu devotees and injured 5 persons in the attack. Before the attack, the accused were opposing the procession.
When Hindu devotees recited ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ in response to the opposition by the group, the immersion procession was attacked with stones.
2nd April 2023: Fresh bout of violence erupts in Rishra, Hooghly district
A fresh bout of violence erupted in Rishra in West Bengal’s Hooghly district three days after Islamists unleashed mayhem during the Ram Navami procession in the Shibpur area of Howrah in West Bengal.
This incident occurred when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was taking out a ‘Shobha Yatra’ in the area. Miscreants pelted stones at the procession, leaving several people, including one of BJP’s local legislators, gravely injured. Following the incident, prohibitory orders were imposed and the internet was suspended.
4th April 2023: Delhi man Azim tramples Ram Navami flag, dumps it in drain
A man in Delhi named Azim was arrested by the Delhi Police for insulting saffron flags placed along a street in the Shastri Park area as part of decoration for Ram Navami celebrations.
Azim tore some of the flags, trampled them and then dumped them in a drain, according to the complaint. Sagar, a resident of Lane No. 8 in the area named filed a police complaint against Azim alleging that he has hurt the religious sensibilities of Hindus. The complainant also submitted a video of Azim’s act to the police.
8th April 2023: Clashes break out after piece of meat tied to a Ram Navami flag in Jamshedpur
A week after the attack on the Ram Navami procession, another communal clash broke out in Jharkhand’s Jamshedpur.
A a piece of meat was allegedly tied to a Ram Navami flag which were put up in Kadma Shastri Nagar on the festive occasion.
It was alleged that some anti-social element hung a meat bag on those flags. When objected to, the other side mobilised and clashed with Hindu supporters.
A violent mob targeted a temple and engaged in acts of arson and stone pelting against two nearby shops. Additionally, an autorickshaw was set ablaze.
It was later alleged by VHP that the mob had come out of an Iftar party organised by CM Hemant Soren’s party JMM.
The Jharkhand police also justified the act of vandalism of the Ram Navami flag saying that ‘chicken is not meat’.
12th April 2023: Bike rally attacked in Sambalpur on Hanuman Janmotsav
Several police personnel including the woman IIC of Dhanupali police station were injured after a bike rally was attacked by Islamists in Odisha’s Sambalpur.
The bike rally was organised by Hanuman Jayanti Samanyoy Samiti and Bajrang Dal and was violently attacked with stones when it passed near a masjid.
After the stone pelting, the violence gradually spread in the area as the angry mob started setting fire to local shops and stalls.
17th July 2023: Three Islamists arrested for spitting on Baba Mahakal’s procession in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
As per reports, a group of young men were spotted spitting water on the procession while it was passing through the Kharakuan Police Station area which is a Muslim-dominated area.
When the devotees asked them to stop, they did not pay heed and continued. The devotees made videos of them as proof of the derogatory act.
An FIR was registered on the complaint made by Hindu groups and the accused were arrested.
31st July, 2023: Vehicles burnt, stones pelted and shots fired at Hindus carrying out a religious procession
A pre-planned attack was carried out in Haryana’s Nuh on the Brij Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal.
6 people including two personnel from the Haryana home guard died following attack by Islamists including stone pelting and firing.
The accused hid in the hills surrounding the Nallahad Shiva temple which was the destination for the yatra and fired shots from there at the devotees. Thousands of devotees then rushed to the temple for refuge.
As per eyewitness accounts, Hindus were warding off relentless attacks by Islamists from 1 pm to 6 pm.
“The attackers had walls of houses to hide, but we were all scrambling for our dear lives in the open ground. We were sitting ducks for them as they fired rounds after rounds of bullets at us. I saw many among us getting injured in the violent onslaught, some being tied to vehicles and burnt alive,” a victim added.
The entire incident sparked tensions and fake narratives demonising Hindus began to do the rounds in foreign media as well as mainstream national media.
21st August 2023: Hindu religious processions on the occasion of Nagpanchami attacked in Bagaha, Bihar
A procession taken out by the Mahaviri Akhada in Ratanmala in Bihar’s Bagaha district was attacked with stones as it passed through a speicific locality.
A video of the incident showed mobs standing on rooftops pelting stones at the procession which was conducted with due permission from authorities.
Even police personnel could be seen running amok to shield themselves from the attack.
21st August 2023: Clashes reported in different areas of Motihari district in Bihar
Similar incidents of clashes were reported from Bihar’s Motihari district in several areas including Mehsi, Kalyanpur and Darpa.
Stones were pelted on Hindu religious processions and policemen were attacked too. Bricks and stones were pelted in the Darpa area.
15th September 2023: Muslim mob attacks Hindu procession in Thasra, Gujarat
On the final day of the Holy Shravan month, a Muslim mob attacked a Lord Shiva procession in Thasra, Gujarat. 11 suspects were arrested.
The arrested accused were identified as Syed Niaz Ali Mahbubali, Pathan Imran Khan Ali Khan, Syed Irshad Ali Qamar Ali, Syed Shakeel Ahmed Asif Ali, Malek Shabbirhussain Ahmadmiyan, Sayyid Mohammad Amin Mansur Ali, Sayyid Mohammad Aqeef Liaquat Ali, and Sayyid Mohammadaqaif Liaquat Ali.
A video of the incident showed the accused pelting stones from the rooftop of a madarsa. The incident was suspected to be part of a larger conspiracy.
29th September 2023: Acid thrown on Ganpati Visarjan procession passing through Muslim-dominated area in Bihar’s Motihari
Three people were reportedly injured in the attack. An acid-like liquid was found lying on the road.
29th September 2023: Stones pelted at Shaurya Yatra in Gujarat’s Narmada district
An incident of stone-pelting and arson occurred when a Shaurya Yatra organised by Hindu organisations was attacked in the Selamba area of Gujarat’s Narmada district.
As the yatra was passing through, a group of individuals from the Muslim community reportedly rushed in and began hurling stones. Simultaneously, arson also took place wherein a few shops were torched.
16th November 2023: Hindu gathering assaulted while passing by a madrasa
Just months after the Nuh attack on Hindus, a gathering of Hindu devotees, predominantly women, faced an assault from a nearby madrasa while participating in the ‘Kuan Pujan’ ritual in Haryana’s Nuh.
Stones were pelted by ‘children’ from a nearby madrasa. One of them, a nine-year-old, was released on bail after presenting before the Child Welfare Committee.
The other two, aged 12, were sent to a juvenile home after appearing before the Juvenile Justice Board.
Pawan Kumar, ex-judge and state president of the VHP, accused certain madrasa clerics of influencing minors to throw stones at Dalit women during the Hindu rituals.
Former Congress MP Lakshman Singh, brother of Madhya Pradesh’s former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh, took potshots at Rahul Gandhi. Lakshman Singh emphasised the ‘ordinariness’ of Rahul Gandhi as a Member of Parliament.
While speaking at a press conference in Guna, Madhya Pradesh on Saturday (30th December), Lakshman Singh suggested that the Congress scion Rahul Gandhi should not be unduly highlighted.
Lakshman Singh stated, “Rahul Gandhi is an MP, he is not the (party) president and is a Congress worker. Apart from this Rahul Gandhi is nothing.” He further urged the media, “You (media) people should not highlight Rahul Gandhi so much and neither should we.”
Underlining the importance of actions over birth in determining a person’s greatness, he commented, “One does not become (big) by birth but by one’s actions. Don’t consider Rahul Gandhi such a big leader, I don’t. He is an ordinary MP. It doesn’t matter whether you highlight him or not.”
Lakshman Singh’s remarks follow his defeat in the recent Madhya Pradesh assembly elections, where he lost by over 61,000 votes to BJP’s Priyanka Penchi from the Chachoura assembly seat in Guna district. The BJP secured a significant victory in the state, winning 164 seats. Mohan Yadav became the chief minister of the state.
This defeat underscores the Congress party’s ongoing challenges in the state, which has been predominantly under BJP rule since 2003, except for a brief period from November 2018 to March 2020 when Kamal Nath of the Congress was the Chief Minister.
As the enthusiasm for the grand consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya gains momentum, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad has flagged a network of fraudsters conducting a fake donation drive in the name of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust, the overseeing body of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
Taking to X, Vinod Bansal, the spokesperson of VHP, urged Ram devotees to be cautious in this regard. He warned them about a fraudulent social media page titled ‘Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Chhetra Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh,’ which has been created to deceive devotees. This fake page is illegitimately seeking donations through an attached QR code in the name of the Ram Temple construction.
The Senior VHP functionary also flagged the issue to the Home Ministry and police chiefs in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. He added, “We have sent the formal complaint to the UP DGP and IG Range Lucknow to take immediate steps in the matter of faith.”
In response to the post, Ayodhya Police informed that the Inspector in charge of the cyber station has been directed to investigate the case and take necessary action in this matter.
प्रभारी निरीक्षक साइबर थाना को जांच व अवश्यक कार्यवाही हेतु निर्देशित किया गया।
Further, a VHP member from Ayodhya spoke with the alleged fraudster over the phone. The fraudster illegitimately seeking donations in the name of the Ram Temple reportedly said, “Contribute as much as you can. Your name and number will be noted in the diary. When the temple is completed, all of you will be invited to Ayodhya. I am speaking from Ayodhya”.
The fraudster added, “You know there is a struggle going on between the Muslim community and the Hindu community. The Muslim community is not allowing their temple to be built, so they are raising funds for their temple.”
Meanwhile, VHP issued a video message stating that they recently came to know that some individuals have been deceiving devotees in the name of Ram Mandir.
In the video message, Vinod Bansal added that they are not currently accepting any donations. He said, “Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Nyas has not authorised anyone to collect funds. I have written to the Home Ministry, Uttar Pradesh DGP, and Delhi’s Commissioner of Police, seeking strict action so that people do not fall prey to such frauds. People need to be careful too. This is an occasion for joy, we are sending out invitations. We will not accept any donation.”
Earlier in the past, OpIndia had listed out 13 fraud UPI IDs among possibly many more such fraudsters which were allegedly looting devotees in the name of the construction of Ram Mandir. While VHP Senior Functionary Vinod Bansal has stated that the trust is not taking donations currently, devotees have been cautioned to donate only through official channels.
On Friday (29th December), about 151 army personnel from the neighbouring country of Myanmar crossed the international border and reached the Indian State of Mizoram.
Popularly known as ‘Tatmadaw’, they surrendered before the central paramilitary force ‘Assam Rifles’ in Tuisentlang village in Lawngtlai district of Mizoram. The development amid clashes between armed resistance groups and the Myanmar military.
They fled with their arms from Paletwa town in the Chin State of Myanmar after their camps were overrun by the armed resistance group known as the People’s Defense Force (PDF).
As per a report by The Print, additional soldiers from the Myanmar army are likely to reach the bordering Indian State. While speaking about the development, the Lawngtlai police said that Assam Rifles have started the repatriation process for the 151 soldiers.
They have reportedly been taken to Parva village of Mizoram. They will then be flown to Moreh in Manipur before handing them over to Myanmar junta.
Earlier, 45 members of the ‘Tatmadaw’ came to Mizoram on 13th November 2023. Another group of 29 soldiers reached Mizoram’s Saikhumphai village on 16th November. One group of 30 Myanmar soldiers crossed the international border on 29th November 2023.
The total number of soldiers who have crossed the international border since 13th November this year has been 255. It must be mentioned that the Myanmar military has lost camp after camp to the People’s Defense Force (PDF) in the country’s Chin State since 2022.
In February 2021, the country’s military junta toppled the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi to gain power. Since then, it has been engaged in fighting multiple ethnic armed groups and pro-democracy fighters.
