Home Blog Page 1497

Thane Police busts rave party and detain around 100 people, Charas, LSD and ecstasy pills recovered

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Thane Police busts rave party and detain around 100 people, Charas, LSD and ecstasy pills recovered

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.”

As we bid goodbye to yet another calendar year, here are the 10 most-read OpIndia articles in 2023: From ISIS to Manipur violence, Israel and more

OpIndia Staff
-
0
As we bid goodbye to yet another calendar year, here are the 10 most-read OpIndia articles in 2023: From ISIS to Manipur violence, Israel and more

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.

Manipur viral video shows women paraded naked, gang rape and murder reported, May 4 incident triggers shock and outrage: CM informs first arrest made

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.

Gujarat: Ashish Goswami of Jetpur who converted to Islam to marry a Bangladeshi Muslim girl does a Ghar Wapasi, returns to Hinduism

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.

‘Hinduism shall not be preached here’: Holy Family Convent School in Bareilly cuts Rakhis tied on wrists of Hindu students, apologises later 

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.

Maharashtra: Illegal memorial of Tipu Sultan built by AIMIM MLA in Dhule bulldozed after local Hindus filed a complaint

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.

Former Indian Express journalist Irena Akbar floats conspiracy theory, claims that deceased Shani Louk wore bikini and was not stripped by Hamas terrorists

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.

Kanpur: Female teacher attempts to convert a Class 10 boy after trapping him in a love affair, FIR filed after court order

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. 

Delhi anti-Hindu riot: Prashant Bhushan hosted the earliest conspiracy meeting with Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam and Yogendra Yadav in attendance. Read details

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.

This article traced Nimisha’s life story.

Houthis attack a massive container ship twice in Red Sea, US Navy sinks 3 boats and shoots down 2 ballistic missiles to protect the vessel

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Houthis attack a massive container ship twice in Red Sea, US Navy sinks 3 boats and shoots down 2 ballistic missiles to protect the vessel

On 31st December (local time), the United States Navy took decisive action against Houthis in 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.

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 has ended but the challenges for Hindus have not. As we venture into a new year, here’s looking back at the 29 times Hindu festivals were attacked

OpIndia Staff
-
0
2023 has ended but the challenges for Hindus have not. As we venture into a new year, here’s looking back at the 29 times Hindu festivals were attacked

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

Islamists stopped a Mahashivratri procession and asked the organisers to shut DJ playing religious music in Chhindwara.

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

Holi celebrations were disrupted in Uttar Pradesh’s Unnao when a woman belonging to the Muslim community threw brooms and stones at a group of Hindus who were singing songs and playing Holi in the area.

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

A Ram Navami procession near Panjrigar Mohalla in Vadodara district of Gujarat was attacked by Islamists. Islamists pelted stones at the procession.

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

In Uttar Pradesh, an incident of stone-pelting on a Ram Navami procession passing in front of a mosque was reported in the state’s capital Lucknow.

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

A Ram Navami immersion procession came under attack in the Haldipokhar area of Jamshedpur in Jharkhand.

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

The Ujjain Police arrested three Islamists, including two juveniles, for spitting on the Baba Mahakaal Procession.

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

In a chilling attack on a Hindu procession in Bihar’s Motihari, acid was hurled at a Ganpati Visarjan procession which was passing through a Muslim-dominated area.

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.

‘Rahul Gandhi is an ordinary MP, doesn’t matter if you highlight him’: Brother of Digvijay Singh takes potshots at Congress scion

OpIndia Staff
-
0
‘Rahul Gandhi is an ordinary MP, doesn’t matter if you highlight him’: Brother of Digvijay Singh takes potshots at Congress scion

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.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad flags fake QR codes soliciting donations in the name of Ram Mandir, Police launches probe

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Vishwa Hindu Parishad flags fake QR codes soliciting donations in the name of Ram Mandir, Police launches probe

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.

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. 

151 Myanmar soldiers cross international border, surrender before Assam Rifles in Mizoram

OpIndia Staff
-
0
151 Myanmar soldiers cross international border, surrender before Assam Rifles in Mizoram

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.

Complaint filed against Goa Sunburn Festival organisers for hurting the Hindu sentiments by insulting Lord Shiva

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Complaint filed against Goa Sunburn Festival organisers for hurting the Hindu sentiments by insulting Lord Shiva

Complaints were filed against the organisers of the Goa Sunburn Festival for insulting the sentiments of people following Sanatana Dharma by displaying Lord Shiva’s image inappropriately. The complaints were lodged by Congress leader Vijay Bhike and various Hindu organisations, including the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, at the Mapusa police station in Goa.

The primary grievance in these complaints revolves around the depiction of Lord Shiva on an LED screen during the festival, where attendees were seen consuming alcohol and engaging in disrespectful activities like indecent dance. The festival, which took place from 28th to 30th December in Vagator, North Goa, has also witnessed other legal violations, including thefts and unauthorised sale of event passes.

Vijay Bhike’s complaint states, “The organisers have intentionally insulted the religious feelings of Hindus by portraying that Lord Shiva supports drinking alcohol, consumption of prohibited substances and other illicit activities that take place during the event.”

Similarly, the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, in their complaint, expressed that, “It has been observed that at the present Sunburn Festival, the image of Lord Shiva was flashed on the screen…and people have been drinking alcohol and indecently dancing to loud music. This has hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus.”

Additionally, Samiti’s complaint highlighted concerns about communal tension, describing the incident as, “This is also creating communal tension by using God of one religion for communal purpose and could create a law-and-order situation.” They had previously called for a ban on the annual festival, citing the promotion of a “drug culture.”

As of now, no FIR has been registered in this case, but a senior Goa police official has confirmed that they are thoroughly examining the complaints to ascertain the facts of the case.

Apart from these complaints, the Goa Sunburn Festival has encountered other legal issues. The Goa police arrested seven individuals from Mumbai for allegedly stealing high-end mobile phones valued at approximately Rs 25 lakh during the event. Deputy Superintendent of Police (Mapusa) Jivba Dalvi confirmed the recovery of 29 mobile phones stolen from festival-goers.

The police had anticipated such incidents and had deployed plainclothes officers at the venue for surveillance. Furthermore, five individuals employed by the festival organisers were apprehended for purportedly stealing passes worth Rs 82 lakh and attempting to sell them, following a complaint lodged by the organisers themselves.

Goa’s Sunburn Festival is no stranger to controversies. Previously embroiled in issues relating to noise pollution, the festival once again found itself amidst allegations of breaching noise pollution regulations this year. Despite stringent measures by the authorities and judicial oversight, the festival’s organisers faced legal action from the police for not adhering to established noise pollution standards during the ongoing event in Goa.

The Goa Police intervened at the Sunburn event at 10 p.m. on Thursday (28th December), acting against the organisers for breaching noise pollution regulations. Following complaints about the festival exceeding permissible sound levels, local law enforcement officials arrived at the scene, leading to the cessation of the program. Additionally, the organisers were formally charged and received a stern warning from the authorities to adhere to noise pollution norms.

Shot in the head, wife struggled to find dead body: Story of Karsevak Ramesh Kumar Pandey who sacrificed his life for Ram Mandir

राहुल पाण्डेय
-
0
Shot in the head, wife struggled to find dead body: Story of Karsevak Ramesh Kumar Pandey who sacrificed his life for Ram Mandir

The construction work of the temple at the birthplace of Lord Ram is going on in full swing in the holy city of Ayodhya. The Ram Lalla idol will be consecrated here on January 22, 2024, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.  This historic occasion has created an atmosphere of joy and the spirit of devotion for Bhagwan Ram.

Amidst the happiness over the “return of the king”, the Hindu society remembers all the Karsevaks who sacrificed their lives for the Ramjanmabhoomi from the era of Mughals to Mulayam.

OpIndia’s team has been in Ayodhya since December 2023, where we have met several such families who devoted their lives to the struggle of reclamation of Ram Mandir. Amongst these is the family of Ramesh Kumar Pandey. Pandey was shot dead on November 2, 1990, on the orders of Mulayam Singh Yadav’s government.

Ramesh Kumar Pandey’s family resides in a rented house

The family of the late Ramesh Kumar Pandey resides in the Ayodhya Rani Bazar area. This place is very close to the Hanuman Garhi Temple. When we arrived at his house, it was locked. When we called, a youth named Suresh came out and introduced himself as Ramesh Pandey’s son. Suresh took us inside his home. There were not even enough essential items for daily living in the house. The house where Ramesh Kumar Pandey’s family lives is hundreds of years old.

This house is the property of Ayodhya King, and Ramesh’s family has been residing here for nearly 40 years as tenants. When we asked Suresh if he did not have his own residence, he replied ‘No’

Rented house of Ramesh Kumar Pandey

Ramesh Pandey used to support the family by working at a brick kiln

Suresh told us that his father was originally from the neighbouring district of Gonda. In the 1970s and 1980s, he moved to Ayodhya for work. He was a clerk in a brick kiln here. Ramesh, an ardent devotee of Lord Ram, wanted to rent a house near Shri Ramjanmabhoomi. He eventually found a room to rent in Hanuman Garhi, where his family continues to reside. Suresh grew emotional while showing us a picture of his father.

Suresh Pandey holding a portrait of his late father Ramesh Pandey

After father’s death, mother raised the family

Ramesh reminisced about his childhood, saying that his father was around 40 years old at the time of his death in 1990. Ramesh’s wife was roughly 35 years old at the time. Ramesh was the father of four children, two daughters and two sons. In his absence, his wife took care of the whole family. Ramesh’s wife raised their children all alone and got them married as well. Suresh runs a modest shop now to support his family.

Late Ramesh Pandey’s wife with son Suresh Pandey

Ramesh Kumar Pandey was shot in the head on 2nd November 1990

Suresh Pandey recounted what transpired on November 2, 1990, while speaking about his father’s sacrifice. After the firing incident on October 30, 1990, the then-Mulayam Singh-led government believed it had crushed the Ramjanmabhoomi liberation movement. Suresh told us that his father had set out together with a group of devotees towards the Ram Jamnbhoomi with the desire to have the darshan of Lord Ram. Many other residents of Ayodhya were also in the group. Meanwhile, bullets were fired on the orders of the Mulayam Singh government. Ramesh Kumar Pandey was leading the group when a bullet hit his head, and he died on the spot.

The location where Ramesh was shot is close to Hanuman Garhi. This location is just three hundred meters from Ramesh’s residence. The Ayodhya police station is also only half a kilometer from Ramesh’s house and the spot where he was shot dead. It is said that after spotting the group of Ram devotees singing the Ram bhajan, police force that came out laid siege and opened fire, killing Ramesh Kumar Pandey. Suresh says that this pain will stay with him for the rest of his life, even though he was only two years old in 1990.

Ramesh’s rented house and Ayodhya Police Station at some distance

The heart-wrenching struggle to find Ramesh’s dead body

Suresh told OpIndia about the struggles his mother went through to get her husband’s dead body. It is said that no administrative officer was initially willing to explain what happened to Ramesh Pandey. Her husband’s death was revealed to her by people accompanying Ramesh in the group. Suresh recalls that his mother pleaded incessantly and kept trying to retrieve her husband’s body, foregoing food and water. Eventually, Ramesh Kumar’s body was found among the dead bodies of other victims.

Ramesh’s last rites were conducted in Ayodhya, after the legal formalities. Even at the time of the funeral, Ayodhya Police was present and the people who attended the funeral procession were also under the shadow of guns.

Old newspaper cuttings are still present in Ramesh Pandey’s house

Supreme sacrifice went unacknowledged, and the family struggled for dignity

Suresh told us that after his father died and his mother was struggling with raising a family of four children, nobody came forward to help her. The local administration provided Rs 1 lakh, which was insufficient for sustaining this family. Suresh further said that for the past three decades, forget financial assistance, he and his family have been not been invited to any platform recognising his father’s sacrifice and his family has been deprived of the respect they deserve. However, Suresh is hopeful that in the changed atmosphere in the holy city, the government and people of Hindu society will take care of his house.

“Peace to father’s soul following Ram temple construction”

The late Ramesh Pandey’s family is overjoyed that a spectacular temple of Lord Ram is being constructed. Suresh told us that it felt like his father’s soul had found eternal peace. Suresh opined that the greatest credit for the construction of the temple goes to those Ram devotees who sacrificed their lives. Ramesh’s family also complimented the Modi and Yogi governments for the development of Ayodhya. In addition, Suresh hopes that the present government will erect a memorial in Ayodhya honouring his father’s sacrifice, which will serve as an inspiration to the bhakts of Bhagwan Ram today and in the future. 

Three accused in IIT-BHU student gangrape case arrested after 2 months, allegedly committed the crime at gunpoint and recorded video

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Three accused in IIT-BHU student gangrape case arrested after 2 months, allegedly committed the crime at gunpoint and recorded video

On 31st December (Sunday), the Police arrested all three accused in the alleged gangrape incident of a female IIT-BHU student near her hostel in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi in November this year. The Crime Branch and Lanka police station arrested the three accused from the Susuwahi area, and the accused are now under interrogation.

As per reports, the arrested accused have been identified as Kunal Pandey from Brij Enclave Colony Sunderpur, and Anand alias Abhishek Chauhan and Saksham Patel from Jivadhipur Bajardiha. The police have also recovered the motorcycle used in the crime.

Speaking to The Indian Express on Sunday morning, a senior police officer said, “The three accused have been arrested. We will release more details during the day.”

The arrests have taken place two months after a female student was allegedly disrobed at gunpoint, gang-raped by three unknown men, and recorded the incident. It had triggered a massive protest on the campus with thousands of students staging a protest against the sexual assault incident.  

As per reports, late on the 1st of November night, three unidentified men forcibly kissed the victim student, took off her clothes, and then recorded a video of her. She also alleged that the miscreants had brutally beaten up her friend before sexually molesting her. They snatched her mobile phone and threatened to kill her if she spoke about her ordeal with anyone or approached the police. 

In her complaint to the police, the student said, “I am a resident of a hostel at IIT-BHU. On November 2 around 1.30 am, I left my hostel for a walk. I met a male friend at the Gandhi Smriti hostel intersection. We were walking together and when we were 300-400 metres from Karman Baba temple, a motorcycle approached us from behind with three men.”

In her complaint, the victim wrote, “They parked their motorcycle and separated my friend and me. They shut my mouth tightly and took me to a corner, kissed me forcibly; took off all my clothes, and recorded photos and videos. When I shouted for help, they threatened to kill me. They let me go after 10-15 minutes.” 

The complaint further stated, “When I ran towards my hostel, I heard the sound of the motorcycle. I got scared and went inside the professor’s house. I stayed there for 20 minutes. After that, the professor escorted me to the main gate of his house. From there, Rahul Rathore of the Parliament Security Committee dropped me to the IIT BHU patrolling guard booth.” 

As per reports, on the second day of the incident, all three accused riding a bullet were captured on CCTV cameras in Chetganj. The purported CCTV footage is now viral on social media. Following the confirmation, the police arrested all the accused in this case.

In the initial FIR, a case was lodged against unidentified men under sections 354-B (assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and under the IT Act. 

Days later, on the basis of the fresh statement of the victim, police added charges of gangrape to the FIR. IPC sections 341 (wrongful restraint), 342 (wrongful confinement), 507 (criminal intimidation by anonymous communication), and 509 (word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) were also added in this case.

Meanwhile, as per various local media reports and social media posts, it is alleged that the arrested accused were connected to the BJP IT cell. It is alleged that Kunal Pandey holds the position of metropolitan coordinator in the BJP IT cell in Varanasi, while Saksham Patel is said to serve as the Varanasi metropolitan co-convenor in the IT cell. Numerous social media users have shared screenshots of the Facebook profiles of the arrested individuals, alleging links with the BJP IT cell.

1...1,4961,4971,498...7,653Page 1,497 of 7,653