Home Blog Page 17

‘Ancient Pakistan’: Why, after decades of claiming to be Arabs, Turks, Pakistanis suddenly jumped to appropriate ancient Indian history?

Shraddha Pandey
-
0
‘Ancient Pakistan’: Why, after decades of claiming to be Arabs, Turks, Pakistanis suddenly jumped to appropriate ancient Indian history?

Apart from hating on India, Pakistan has found a new obsession: appropriating the history of ancient India, which is inalienably Hindu. The same Pakistani state, founded on the explicit rejection of the pre-Islamic (read Hindu) past, is now frantically appropriating that same past in a bid to manufacture legitimacy and establish a non-existent civilisational continuity.

From ‘Full Turkish blood’, ‘We are Arabs’ to ‘We are children of Indus’, ‘Panini, Chanakya, Porus our ancestors’: The identity crisis of Pakistan deepens

For decades, the Pakistani discourse emphasised descent from Arabs, Turks, Persians, or Central Asians, the ‘Ashraf’ narrative of foreign and ‘pure’ Muslim ancestry.

During the reign of General Zia-ul-Haq, Pakistan underwent significant cultural and historical rewriting.

The Zia regime, which lasted for a decade, beginning in 1977, modified school curricula for Islamiat and Pakistan Studies to instil and assert an Islamic identity by enforcing a psychological and cultural alignment with Arab history, delineating pre-Islamic roots of the fourth- or fifth-generation converted Muslims whose ancestors were predominantly Hindus.

Rooted in Islamic radicalisation, which essentially means purer or absolute Islamisation, the Zia regime, as well as Islamic fanatics, including terrorists, hated their Hindu past and tried every tactic at hand to sever their ties with the very same history that a section of Pakistanis now want to appropriate.

From claiming custodianship and inheritance of the Indus Valley Civilisation or the Sindhu-Saraswati Civilisation, Pāṇini, Chanakya, Raja Porus/Purushottam to decoupling the Hindu aspect of these, Pakistanis are concocting a corrupted, dishonest, and desperate ‘ancient Pakistan’ identity.

Before dissecting the motives behind the sudden surge in Pakistani claims to ancient Indian/Hindu history, it would be appropriate to look into the delusional and laughable narratives Pakistanis are peddling online.

A Pakistani X user shared the BBC Hindi video of a Pakistani Muslim professor who teaches Sanskrit, and claimed that Sanskrit is not a Bharatiya language.

“Sanskrit is NOT a Bharati – Fake India’s – Indigenous language It was formalized by Panini in Gandhara Pakistan That is why when Bharatis speak Sanskrit, they slaughter it with their nasty pronunciation – just like they slaughter English pronunciation,” the Pakistani X user wrote.

Quite audaciously, a Pakistani Muslim who cannot even recite the Gayatri Mantra (would not even know what it is without Googling) without butchering it, besides the fear of Sar tan se Juda for even slight deviation from Islam, claimed that since Sanskrit was formalised by Panini in Gandhara, which now lies in northwestern Pakistan, Sanskrit is not an Indian language.

This claim makes any practising Hindu Indian feel humoured and angry at the same time. The professor seen in the BBC video, Dr Rashid Shahid, called Sanskrit a “common heritage of South Asia”. Now Indians know very well what it means when Pakistanis, even supposedly well-intentioned, invoke “South Asia”.

Attach a South Asia label to anything historically, culturally, or religiously Hindu, and by extension Indian, and it can easily be appropriated by Hindu-hating Pakistani and sometimes even Bangladeshi Muslims.

The Pakistani people, with newfound love for the history of ancient India, conveniently forget that the Vedas were written on manuscripts in the Sanskrit language thousands of years before Pāṇini wrote Aṣṭādhyāyī. Sanskrit evolved from being an oral language of sacred Vedic hymns into a highly standardised literary and Hindu religious language over time. Pāṇini’s contribution of Sanskrit’s formalisation is undeniable; however, claiming that Sanskrit is not an Indian language just because of the Brahmin Hindu grammarian’s Gadhara connection is blatant defiance common sense and civilisational continuity.

Another desperate Pakistani X user, declared Pāṇini’, a Pakistani, and wrote, “Pāṇini, the greatest grammarian of Sanskrit, was a Pakistani. The Sanskrit you kang on today was standardized by a Pakistani.”

It is amusing how the same Pakistan that, by a constitutional fiat, restricts Pakistani Hindus from becoming Prime Minister, President, or Chief Justice simply because of their faith, now wants to own, claim, appropriate, de-Hinduise, and de-Indianise Pāṇini, in pursuit of adding a ‘civilisational state’ label to its 78-year-old Islamic Republic.

Pāṇini described the geography of Bharat very extensively, but much to the disappointment of delusional Pakistani, he nowhere in his texts mentioned Pakistan. He described the undivided country in his era as Bharat, a term India continues to own, use, retain and glorify. In fact, the term Bharat itself first appeared as the name of a geopolitical entity in Pāṇini’s Aṣṭādhyāyī, “नद्व्यचःप्राच्यभरतेषु” (4.2.113)

Pāṇini mentioned Prachya Bharat and Udichya Bharat, not once Prachya Pakistan and Udichya Pakistan.

A question must have come to the mind that Pakistanis know that the term Pakistan itself is not ancient; however, despite this knowledge, this explanation and slight mockery become imperative when Pakistani Muslims peddle “Panini was a Pakistani” lies.

But the Pāṇini illustration shared by the Pakistani X user reflects the underlying flaw in the contention of Pakistani Muslims that historical figures of ancient India, regardless of faith, are ‘ancient Pakistanis’ based on present-day geography of the region.

Showing a Pakistani ‘moon and star’ flag symbolising Islam on the desk of a Tripund-donning Hindu Brahmin Sanskrit grammarian who was fortunate to have lived in an era where nothing like Islam or Pakistan existed, is ridiculous. Pakistan, a self-declared Riyasat-e-Medina, essentially hate Kafirs, especially those polytheist and idol-worshipping Hindus but since they don’t have historical heroes of their, besides Jihadi terrorists, they are doing Pakistanisation of Hindus from ancient Bharat.

Pāṇini’s Aṣṭādhyāyī is one of the six Vedāṅgas (limbs of the Vedas), and the Vedas are Hindu Sanatan scriptures; Islamic invaders tried hard to destroy and erase them fully from the memory of time, although timeless Vedas are impossible to eradicate.

The hilarity of Pakistanis doing Pakistanisation of Hindu figures from ancient India stretched to master political strategist and Guru of Chandragupt Maurya, Chanakya as well.

In this vein, a Pakistani X user wrote, “Chanakya the Great studied at Pakistani university of Taxila, The knowledge he gained there shaped him into one of history’s greatest strategists, helping Chandragupta Maurya build the Mauryan Empire. Even today, his ideas continue to influence politics, governance, and leadership.”

Now Taxila, Takshashila in Sanskrit, became a ‘Pakistani university’ despite the fact that neither the religion of Islam nor the geographical entity called Pakistan existed in the 4th century BCE.

A Pakistani user has been so high on delusion and desperation that he declared Raja Purushottam, widely known as King Porus of Punjab, a Buddhist despite there being no such evidence.

The ancient Indian king who ruled the region between the Hydaspes (Jhelum/Vitasta) and Acesines (Chenab/Asikani) rivers and halted Macedonian conqueror Alexander on the banks of the River Hydaspes in 326 BCE. Although there is not much clarity on Raja Purushottama’s religion, historical consensus suggests that he was a follower of the Vedic religion, or Hinduism.

It is interesting how Gangetic region hater Pakistanis quickly assigned Buddhism as Raja Porus’s religion, the same faith that originated in the eastern Gangetic plain. They, however, did not realise, or rather don’t care about, the fact that Buddhism reached the northwest significantly only later (post-Ashoka era). But then, it is Pakistanis indulging in revisionist propaganda, where facts are secondary, and apocryphal narrative holds priority.

There are numerous such posts flooded by Pakistani ISPR bots in a concerted effort to concoct an ‘ancient Pakistan’ legacy by appropriating the ancient Indian/Bharatiya, essentially Hindu, history.

To further lend credence and boost their superiority complex, Pakistanis are manufacturing a non-existent Indus Valley versus Gangetic Valley rivalry, portraying the history and culture of the Ganges Valley region as inferior to that of the Indus Valley region.

This is a deliberate concoction of a ‘superior us vs inferior them’ narrative, lending legitimacy to Pakistani claims over the Indus Valley Civilisation, and essentially killing the historical, geographical, and logical concept of Ancient Bharat. The first step in this direction was replacing and normalising the term ‘South Asia’ for the Indian Subcontinent.

From disowning to appropriating: The shift in Pakistan’s approach and what is driving it

It is ironic that the subscribers of the Two-Nation Theory that birthed Pakistan in 1947, portraying Hindus and Muslims as irreconcilably separate nations, are toiling to claim that the Hindu inhabitants, particularly the accomplished ones, were ancient Pakistanis because the region they were born in or earned their accomplishments in now falls under modern-day Pakistan.

Let’s get some facts straight: some major sites of the Indus Valley Civilisation or Sindhu Saraswati Sabhyata, including Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, lie in present-day Pakistan, so do Taxila (Takshashila) and even the birthplace of Panini, Shalatula in Attock. However, despite major IVC sites falling under Pakistan, the ‘Islamic Republic’ does not appropriately preserve them. India, on the contrary, houses and properly preserves over 2,000 known Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC) settlements. It is also an interesting fact that roughly 60% of IVC sites are located within modern India.

Indian people nor the government ever denied any geographical facts in this context. The anachronism, however, lies in Pakistanis deliberately retrofitting them as farcical ‘ancient Pakistan’.

Interestingly, Pakistanis often rely on pro-Islamist ‘historians’, to extricate the deeply entrenched Hindu faith from the Indus Valley Civilisation. Pakistanis are alone in the pursuit of the agenda of cutting India from its roots, proving its civilisation borrowed, and instilling an inferiority complex in its inhabitants.

In May this year, the Indian Ministry of Culture highlighted Bharat’s civilisational continuity through the iconic Pashupati Seal, which was discovered at Mohenjo-daro in undivided India. This steatite seal, about 4,300-year-old, shows a seated figure in yogic posture (widely seen as Shiva-Pashupati) seated in Mulabandhasana, surrounded by animals.

“While ancient sites may lie across modern borders, India remains the living custodian of this heritage. The yogic posture, Shaivite symbolism, and spiritual ethos seen in the Pashupati Seal continue to thrive in India’s temples, daily worship of Shiva, yogic traditions, and cultural life even today. From the Vedic period to contemporary Bharat, this civilizational thread has remained alive and unbroken — deeply embedded in our philosophy, rituals, and collective consciousness,” the ministry said.

In no time, the Islamo-leftist ‘intellectual cabal, both in India and abroad, jumped in to decouple Vedic Hindu faith from the Indus Valley Civilisation. Notorious Hinduphobe and Mughal tyrant Aurangzeb’s fangirl, Audrey Truschke wrote, “This is not Shiva. It is more likely a figure influenced by Proto-Elamite symbols depicting a Eurasian deity, the ‘Lord of Animals.’ 

Relying on Truschke’s claim, many Pakistanis cried foul under the Ministry of Culture’s post. They even rejected Sir John Marshall, the historian who in his 1931 book Mohenjo-daro and the Indus Civilisation (Vol-1), described the Pashupati seal as a ‘prototype of the historic Shiva’.

Several major Harappan sites of Kalibangan (Rajasthan), Banawali and Rakhigarhi (Haryana), Dholavira and Lothal (Gujarat) lie along the River Saraswati. There are numerous Harappan sites, including Kalibangan, Rakhigarhi, and Dholavira, located along the Ghaggar-Hakra system. This suggests that a significant river supported the development of the Indus Valley Civilisation, which is also known as the Sindhu-Saraswati or Indus-Saraswati Civilisation.

Archaeologist Braj Basi Lal, the former Director-General of the ASI, argued that the distribution of these Harappan sites aligns with the course of Saraswati, not the Sindhu/Indus, suggesting that River Saraswati was a central hub of the IVC. Even in Kalibangan, excavations have uncovered Vedic ritual altars, Vedis, and Yupas, hinting at the cultural-religious continuity between the Vedic and Harappan civilisations.

However, biased historians in and outside India deliberately dismissed Saraswati as ‘mythical’ despite credible research and discoveries, to undermine the authority of Hindu scriptures, especially the Vedas, as reliable historical source.

And who takes advantage of this? Some Pakistanis are hell-bent on defying facts to separate Hindu/Vedic cultural continuity found in the archaeological remains found at various IVC or Sindhu-Saraswati Civilisation sites, including the excavation of an ancient paleochannel buried 23 metres under the Bahaj village in the Deeg district of Rajasthan.

It is not just about the name ‘Pakistan’. There existed no political entity called Pakistan before 1947. Thus, there is no question of the existence of an ‘ancient Pakistan’. The correct description is “ancient India” or history of ancient, undivided India. Indian historians rightly describe IVC sites in Pakistan, elements of ancient Indian history which now lie in the modern-day Pakistan. No amount of revisionist propaganda, retrofitting and Goebbelsian tactics of repeating a lie until it is accepted as truth will work.

Although the roots of the Two-Nation Theory are traced in Syed Ahmed Khan’s 19th-century advocacy for a separate state for Muslims, the term Pakistan was coined in 1933 by Choudhary Rahmat Ali Khan, who created an acronym for Pakistan, where P meant Punjab, A meant Afghania, K meant Kashmir, S meant Sindh, and tan represented Balochistan.

Pakistanis argue that since Pakistan’s name included the five regions mentioned above, their “ancient” history naturally belongs to Pakistan, conveniently skipping the fact that Rahmat Ali’s idea of Pakistan was not a secular nation-state but a sovereign, independent Muslim-exclusive state.

For over 70 years, Pakistani school curricula, political discourse, media, and even the entertainment industry, to some extent, celebrated Islamic conquests, falsely convincing the Pakistani Muslim populace that they are descendants of ‘warrior races’ like Turks, Arabs, everyone but Hindus, although they were just one DNA test away from discovering the ‘unsettling’ truth. They continue to present Muhammad Bin Qasim’s 8th-century invasion of Sindh as a watershed and celebratory moment for Pakistani Muslims.

In fact, Pakistani history books and patriotic songs like “Aao Bacchon Sair Karayein Tumko Pakistan Ki”, demonise Hindu Raja Dahir of Sindh and portray Bin Qasim’s invasion as a symbolic start of Pakistan’s history or the arrival of Islam as a ‘civilising force’.

Pakistani state and populace alike glorify Jihadi invaders like Muhammad Ghori ‘Butshikan’, who attacked the Somnath Temple, due to their sheer hatred for Hindus.

This hatred is so deep and rooted in their understanding of Islamic theology that even after obtaining a Muslim-exclusive land, killing, raping, discriminating against Pakistani Hindus and destroying countless temples, their hatred for Hindus, who follow the same faith their ancestors did, has not subsided.

On one hand, Pakistanis are claiming Pāṇini’, Chanakya, Raja Purushottama and other historical Hindu Sanatani figures, on the other hand, they name their missiles after Ghaznavi, Ghori, Abdali, all Islamic barbarians and invaders, who ravaged Indian lands, plundered the wealth of the region that now falls under Pakistan, rape, killed, and tortured the Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jain, ancestors present-day Indian and Pakistani Muslims.

ow can Pakistani Muslims even think of owning, appropriating, or embracing their Hindu past without acknowledging its Hinduness? How can Raja Purushottama, the defender of Bharat against foreign invaders, be their hero when Islamic foreign invaders, like Ghori and Ghaznavi, the oppressors of their Hindu ancestors, are their heroes?

For long, Pakistanis downplayed and even denied continuity with pre-Islamic, essentially Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Sikh ancestors, by falsely claiming to be of Arab, Turkic, or Persian descent for social prestige in the Islamic republic. In fact, many Muslims claim to be Muslim Rajput since their ancestors were Hindu Kshatriya Rajput. However, who is a Rajput without a Kuldevi?

Just as Muslim Rajput is an oxymoron, ancient Pakistan is also an oxymoron.

Islamic generals in Pakistan played every tactic at hand to impose deeper and deeper Islamisation on the country’s Muslim majority, while forcibly converting Hindu and other non-Muslim minorities.

For years, Pakistani Muslims distanced themselves from what they derogatorily call ‘Hinduana culture’. From school curricula, socio-political discourse, to TV dramas, a significant section of Pakistanis have been dismissing almost anything un-Islamic as ‘Hinduana’, thus bad.

Funnily, while Pakistanis have in recent years started ‘reclaiming’ saree, the Hindu attire worn by women even before the partition of Bharat on Islamic lines, sarees faced an undeclared ban during Zia-ul-Haq’s reign. Sarees were discouraged for Muslim women because the attire was Indian and inextricably linked to Hindu culture.

The same Pakistanis who lay claim over India’s Taj Mahal, arguing that they are inheritors or custodians of Mughal ‘heritage’ by virtue of being Muslims. A lot of them live even in the delusion that they have Mughal ancestry, and that’s the source of their utterly false and laughable ‘Humne Hinduon pe 800 saal raaj kia hai’ claim.

Pakistanis want to claim and glorify accomplished Hindus from ancient Bharat by retrofitting geographical facts, lionise Islamic barbarians from medieval India to extend legitimacy and dignity to their forced Muslim identity, all in pursuit of portraying Pakistan as a civilisational state.

They have taken a page from the playbook of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which did not remember Cyrus during over three decades of Mullah rule, but when an existential crisis knocked on their doors, they remembered and glorified their pre-Islamic past.

It all becomes even more amusing when Pakistani Muslims are outraged over Indian Hindus rightly asserting custodianship of ancient Indian civilisation regardless of where its remnants lie in modern-day geographical borders.

Suddenly, Pakistan wants to embrace Sanskrit, Panini, Indus Valley Civilisation and everything rooted in or in continuance of the Vedic Sanatan civilisation, but it has been Hindus of India and, to whatever little extent possible, Hindus of Pakistan and Bangladesh who have maintained the linguistic, civilisational, religious, cultural, and scriptural continuity. Sanskrit is considered by Hindus a Devabhasha, the language of the divine; Hindus worshipped Bharat as motherland, a concept alien to Islam.

If geography alone justified claiming every site or figure whose ruins or birthplaces lie within modern borders, the Pakistanis should first and foremost acknowledge their Hindu ancestry, stop glorifying the Ghaznis and Ghoris, who victimised their Hindu ancestors and forced them into converting to Islam, and the natural eventuality will be to do a course correction and perhaps revert to Hinduism.

Hindus claim ancient Indian history rests on a strong civilisational continuity through language, texts, philosophy and archaeology spanning millennia across the modern states of not just India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, but even as far as Afghanistan.

What Pakistan is doing now is a selective embrace, a weaponisation of the pre-Islamic history for national pride while retaining the foundational ideology rooted in the divisive and hateful two-nation theory, that essentially required rejecting that the Hindu history to justify partition.

Over the decades, Pakistan has earned a global reputation as an Islamic terror hub. You name a Jihadi terrorist outfit and its Pakistani links will automatically emerge. Pakistan’s state-sponsored terrorism has inflicted a severe dent on the country’s image. Apparently, the Islamic Republic is looking to promote Mohenjo-daro, Taxila, or Indus Valley Civilisation sites to boost soft power, national pride, and attract foreign tourists.

This whole ‘ancient Pakistan’ concoction would be utilised as a counter to the “Pakistan is artificial” country reality.

With Baloch, Pashtuns, Sindhis, and several other ethnic groups seeking independence from Punjab-dominated Pakistan, pure pan-Islamic or “full Arab blood” narratives have proved insufficient as a national unifier.

However, in a country where madarsa-bred Asim Munir, who delivers speeches telling Pakistani how they must not forget the two-nation theory, holds the reins of power, even what appears to be de-Islamisation is selective, corrupt, and driven by selfish motives.

In February this year, when the Hindus across the world celebrated Vasant Panchami, a kite-flying festival, Pakistan reintroduced the Hindu festival as Basant. The country’s political leadership marketed it as a return of freedom and tolerance; however, either driven by fear of Islamist backlash or own moral indecency, they decoupled the Hindu religiosity and worship of Maa Saraswati from the festival, passing off Vasant or Basant as a ‘cultural’ or ‘regional’ festival.

Earlier this year, the Punjab government proposed restoration of pre-partition Hindu/Sikh names in Lahore, making Islampura as Krishan Nagar, Babri Masjid Chowk as Jain Mandir Chowk, etc. The ruling dispensation and many Pakistanis online widely boasted the move as ‘while India is descending into communalism, Pakistan is shining as a symbol of secularism and tolerance’. However, in the face of the slightest backlash from Islamic extremist groups, the government caved.

A country that could not even restore Hindu-rooted names of their cities wants to claim Hindu history of ancient India as their own.

All these concerted efforts, particularly laying claim over Indus Valley Civilisation and pushing an ‘ancient Pakistan’ bogey, appear to have links to the Indus Waters Treaty. The IWT has been put under abeyance by the Indian government in response to the Pakistan-sponsored Islamic terror attack in Pahalgam last year.

Pakistan has knocked on the doors of every international forum, issued ‘war’ threats to India, and even appealed to India to restore the treaty. However, the Modi government has made it clear that until Pakistan effectively stops sponsoring Islamic terrorism and harbouring Jihadis against India, the treaty shall stay consigned to the dustbin.

The Pakistani leadership knows that they cannot subdue India militarily, especially after receiving a nice battering in Operation Sindoor; thus, the country has resorted to its forte, propaganda and narrative games. It appears to be a long-term game to cry on global forums and seek the support of other countries against India by saying that the Indus River is directly linked to the Indus Valley Civilisation, and since IVC is Pakistani heritage, it is legally and morally wrong for India to deprive Pakistan of access to the present-day resources linked to its heritage.

Pakistan, however, will cease to be the Islamic Republic of Pakistan if it truly and fully abandons Islamic supremacist delusions; it will not have to appropriate Hindu history, but rather simply return to its Hindu roots. The only thing standing between ancient civilisational continuum and Pakistan is their forced Islamic identity.

But Pakistani jihadist military leadership will never allow its populace to embrace their pre-Islamic identity truly and fully. The answer to this lies in the famous saying, “If Turks leave Islam, they would still be Turks; if Arabs leave Islam, they would still be Arabs, but if Pakistanis leave Islam, they would be Indians.”

For this reason, apparently, Pakistanis are resorting to selective appropriation while clinging to the Islamic jihadist ideology that necessitated erasing and villainising the Hindu history of the region now called Pakistan.

After copying Hindu wedding rituals in Islamic weddings and classical dance forms, Pakistanis wanted to give a ‘South Asia’ spin to the Hindu history of the Indian Subcontinent. Pakistan, the 78-year-old country, has its own history and culture confined to Islamic terrorism, cousin marriage-centric TV dramas, and other expressions of Jihadist mentality.

From preventive detention to the auctioning of properties of goons: Read about the 2 bills introduced by the BJP govt in West Bengal to stop anti-social activities

Shriti Sagar
-
0
From preventive detention to the auctioning of properties of goons: Read about the 2 bills introduced by the BJP govt in West Bengal to stop anti-social activities

On Monday, 29th June, the newly elected Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal introduced two major Bills in the Assembly, which promise to tighten the state’s approach towards organised crime and public disorder. While the government says the proposed laws are needed to deal with criminal gangs, extortion, illegal mining and violence, the Opposition has raised concerns that they could give sweeping powers to the administration and affect civil liberties.

The two proposed legislations are the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026 and the West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2026. Together, they introduce provisions for preventive detention without trial, stricter action against organised crime and even compensation through the auction of an offender’s property in certain cases.

New powers to stop suspected anti-social activities

The main objective of the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026, is to prevent organised crime before it takes place. Under the proposed law, a District Magistrate, Commissioner of Police, or a police officer not below the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG), if authorised by the state government, can take action against a person if they believe that the individual is involved in or is likely to become involved in anti-social activities.

In such cases, the authorities can order that person to leave a particular area, district or even multiple districts within a specified period. They can also stop the person from returning to that area for up to one year. During this period, the individual may also be asked to regularly report his or her movements or appear before authorities at fixed intervals.

The Bill also introduces preventive detention for up to 12 months without trial. If the government believes that the person continues to pose a threat after being released, or is likely to return to anti-social activities, it can issue another detention order. In other words, repeated preventive detention is also allowed under certain circumstances.

Similar to the National Security Act

One of the most debated provisions of the Bill is its preventive detention clause, which is similar to the National Security Act (NSA), 1980.

Like the NSA, the proposed Bengal law allows authorities to detain a person for up to one year without a criminal trial if they believe the individual poses a threat to public safety or public order. Such detention is preventive in nature, meaning it is intended to stop a possible crime before it happens rather than punish someone after conviction.

The Bill also gives police wide powers to conduct searches, raids, seizures and arrests, as offences under the proposed law have been classified as cognisable and non-bailable. It further makes it a punishable offence to shelter or help any person against whom an externment or detention order has already been issued.

What counts as an anti-social activity?

The proposed legislation also broadens the meaning of “anti-social activity” compared to existing laws.

According to the Bill, an anti-social activity is any act that directly or indirectly creates fear, alarm, danger or insecurity among the public. It also includes activities that seriously threaten people’s lives or property, disturb public peace, prevent people from carrying out their lawful business or profession, or illegally take over someone else’s movable or immovable property.

The definition further covers acts that cause damage to public or private property. Illegal mining, unauthorised quarrying, illegal sand extraction, smuggling of forest produce and wildlife-related offences that result in major financial losses to the government have also been included within the scope of anti-social activities.

State officials say these provisions are particularly aimed at tackling illegal mining and sand extraction in districts such as Birbhum and West Burdwan, while also addressing illegal logging and forest-related crimes in north Bengal.

Who can be called a ‘goonda’?

The Bill also expands the legal definition of the term “goonda”.

It includes anyone who habitually commits, attempts to commit, supports, finances or helps anti-social activities, either alone or as part of a gang, group or criminal syndicate.

The definition also covers people who have already been charged under Sections 111 or 112 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deal with organised crime and petty organised crime.

Apart from this, anyone involved in offences under laws such as the Arms Act, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, the Explosive Substances Act and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act may also fall under the definition if they are found to be involved in organised criminal activities.

The Bill also includes people who are generally considered desperate and dangerous to society within this category.

Advisory boards to review detention

To review detention orders, the government proposes to set up one or more three-member Advisory Boards. Each board will be headed by a serving or retired High Court judge, along with two members qualified to become High Court judges.

A detainee can make a representation before the board, but lawyers will not be allowed to appear unless the board specifically grants permission. Most proceedings of the Advisory Board will remain confidential, and if the three members disagree, the majority opinion will be treated as the final decision.

Officials say Bengal has never had such a preventive detention law before. Until now, criminal cases were largely dealt with under the Indian Penal Code earlier and now under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with a few older state-specific laws.

The separate bill proposes a property auction

Alongside the Public Safety Bill, the government is also bringing the West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

This legislation proposes that people convicted of damaging public or private property during riots, unlawful assemblies, protests or other disturbances affecting public order can be made to compensate for the losses.

For this purpose, the government plans to establish Claims Commissions, which will assess the damage and decide the amount of compensation. The Bill states that the decision of the Claims Commission will be final, with no appeal allowed before any court.

If required, an offender’s property can be confiscated and auctioned to recover the compensation amount.

Similar laws already exist in other states

The proposed Bengal laws are not entirely new in concept and resemble legislation already in force in several other states.

For example, Uttar Pradesh has the Uttar Pradesh Control of Organised Crime Act (UPCOCA), 2017, which imposes strict bail conditions and allows longer judicial custody during investigations.

Gujarat’s Control of Terrorism and Organised Crime Act, 2015, provides for preventive detention and even permits intercepted telephone conversations to be used as evidence in court.

Tamil Nadu has long enforced its well-known Goondas Act, which allows preventive detention without trial for up to one year for various categories of offenders, including drug offenders, forest offenders, sand offenders and organised criminals.

Similarly, Maharashtra’s Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), 1999, contains stringent provisions against organised crime and limits the availability of anticipatory bail during investigations.

Government defends move, Opposition attacks

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who also heads the Home Department, has defended the proposed legislation, saying the new laws would be much stricter than the existing legal framework.

“People will think five times before violating the law,” he said while indicating that the government intends to take a tougher stand against organised crime and lawlessness.

The Opposition, however, has strongly criticised the proposed laws. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) argues that the Bills give extraordinary powers to the executive without providing adequate judicial safeguards.

TMC MP Mahua Moitra described the legislation as even more stringent than the Emergency-era Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and several other tough security laws.

“It is even more stringent than the Emergency-era MISA, the UAPA and other harsh laws. Multiply all of them by 10, and only then do you arrive at this Bill,” she said.

Seychelles ‘created’ a new award not for PM Modi, but due to its own domestic politics: Read why the outrage in India is stupid

Shriti Sagar
-
0
Seychelles ‘created’ a new award not for PM Modi, but due to its own domestic politics: Read why the outrage in India is stupid

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the honorary title of ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’ by the Republic of Seychelles on Sunday, 28th June, becoming the first person to receive the distinction. The honour was presented by Seychelles President Patrick Herminie during PM Modi’s visit to the island nation and marked the 34th international honour bestowed upon the Indian Prime Minister by a foreign country.

The Seychelles government said the title recognises PM Modi’s leadership in environmental conservation, climate resilience, sustainable development, promotion of the blue economy, and his support for the aspirations of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

After receiving the honour, PM Modi thanked the people and government of Seychelles and dedicated the recognition to all countries fighting the challenge of climate change.

“Grateful to the people and Government of Seychelles as well as President Herminie for conferring upon me the ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’,” PM Modi said in a social media post.

“I humbly accept this honour and dedicate it to all those countries that are fighting the challenge of climate change and consider environmental protection their responsibility towards future generations. This is a pressing challenge which we have to overcome together,” he added.

The Prime Minister also reiterated India’s commitment to protecting the environment, saying the country is ready to do whatever is necessary to make the planet greener and more sustainable. He highlighted initiatives such as Mission LiFE, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the International Big Cat Alliance as examples of India’s global environmental efforts.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also said the Presidential Distinction recognised PM Modi’s “leadership and steadfast commitment to environmental conservation, sustainable development, climate resilience, blue economy and advancing the aspirations of the Small Island Developing States.”

President Patrick Herminie described the honour as a symbol of Seychelles’ deepest respect for leaders whose partnership reflects the spirit of protecting the country’s blue horizon.

Award triggers controversy back home

However, even before the celebrations around the honour had settled, the award became the subject of political controversy in India.

Several critics claimed that the distinction had been ‘specially created’ to honour PM Modi during his visit, implying that the Seychelles government had hurriedly introduced a new award solely for the Indian Prime Minister.

Mohammed Zubair, the self-described fact checker and founder of propaganda outlet Alt News, criticised the honour of the PM of his own country on X. He reposted a post that said the “new award” had been created in haste “to satisfy a travelling megalomaniac’s ego.”

Zubair has shared several posts questioning the authenticity of the national honour presented to PM Modi by using an alleged citation document that was neither posted by MEA nor the PM’s office.

The criticism was echoed by The Hindu’s Diplomatic Affairs Editor, who questioned who had prepared the alleged citation carrying the spelling mistakes. She also reposted a social media post claiming that Seychelles had used ChatGPT to create a state honour for PM Modi.

These allegations quickly spread on social media, with many suggesting that the award had been invented exclusively for PM Modi’s visit.

Why was the award recently introduced?

While it is true that the ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’ distinction is a newly instituted honour, the reason behind its creation has little to do with PM Modi.

The development is actually linked to changes in Seychelles’ own national honours system following years of domestic political debate and some political controversies.

Seychelles had enacted the National Awards Act in 2022 to establish a formal civilian honours system for recognising exceptional contributions to the country. Under this law, three national honours were introduced: the Medal of the Republic, the Medal of Honour and the Medal of Merit.

The first National Awards ceremony was eventually held in 2023 after the legislation came into force, recognising individuals from different walks of life for public service, environmental work, healthcare, culture, governance and acts of bravery.

Among the recipients were President Wavel Ramkalawan, who received the Medal of the Republic under the provisions of the Act, former President Sir James Mancham, Central Bank Governor Caroline Abel, environmentalist Antonio Constance, singer Joe Samy and several others who had made significant contributions to Seychelles.

At the time, President Ramkalawan had said the country had long recognised Seychellois honoured abroad but lacked a proper system to acknowledge its own citizens. The National Awards were therefore introduced to fill that gap and formally celebrate national achievements.

Political change led to the repeal of the old honours system

However, the honours system soon became entangled in domestic politics.

Following a change in government, President Patrick Herminie’s Cabinet approved the National Awards (Repeal) Bill, 2026, in February, proposing to abolish the National Awards Act while preserving the validity of all honours that had already been conferred.

The Seychelles National Assembly later passed the repeal legislation after a heated debate. The bill received the support of members from the United Seychelles (US) party, while legislators from Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS) opposed it. The repeal also dissolved the National Awards Committee, although previously awarded honours continue to remain legally valid.

The repeal effectively ended the earlier awards framework, paving the way for a fresh honours system under the current administration.

It is in this backdrop that the new Presidential distinction, ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’, was introduced and awarded to PM Modi in recognition of his contribution to environmental protection and support for island nations vulnerable to climate change.

More than a new award, a fresh beginning

Therefore, the available facts do not support the claim that the honour was suddenly “created” only to flatter PM Modi during his visit.

The previous civilian honours framework in Seychelles had already become the subject of political contestation and was subsequently repealed through legislation. The current government has been restructuring the country’s honours system while retaining the validity of awards already granted under the old law.

Against this background, the ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’ distinction represents part of Seychelles’ effort to establish a renewed honours framework rather than an award invented exclusively for one visiting leader.

Obscene photos with a man of the Nihang who was issuing threats in Uttarakhand goes viral, another Nihang called ‘Vicky Thomas Singh’ calls him out

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Obscene photos with a man of the Nihang who was issuing threats in Uttarakhand goes viral, another Nihang called ‘Vicky Thomas Singh’ calls him out

On 27th June, a Nihang Sikh identified as Vicky Thomas Singh published a video on the social media platform Instagram in which he called out another Nihang Sikh, Jasdeep Singh, for being in a homosexual relationship with another Nihang Sikh. In the video, Vicky Thomas shared blurred photographs of Jasdeep with another man and accused him of disrespecting the Sikh religion.

Jasdeep was recently seen among the group of Sikhs who created a ruckus at the Uttarakhand border while demanding the release of four arrested Nihangs.

In the video, Vicky Thomas Singh confronted Jasdeep over the photographs and asked him directly whether he was the person seen in them. Jasdeep acknowledged that the photographs were his and said, “Yes, it is me. I agree that it is my photograph.” He further admitted that what had happened was wrong, after which Vicky insisted that the act should not be described merely as a mistake but as a “crime”.

Vicky accused Jasdeep of bringing disrespect to the Sikh faith while presenting himself publicly as a Nihang. He repeatedly argued that a person wearing the Nihang bana, keeping unshorn hair and invoking the Guru could not be excused for actions involving homosexuality that, according to him, violated the religious standards expected of a Sikh.

He also accused Jasdeep of collecting money in the name of religion and claimed that Jasdeep shared UPI details while seeking donations for travelling to Uttarakhand. He appealed to people not to donate any money to Jasdeep, as he was “using religious attire and Sikh identity to conduct a business”.

He also demanded that Jasdeep appear before the Panj Pyare and accept religious accountability. “After committing such a crime, you should have presented yourself before the Panj Pyare. I had told you to do that,” Vicky said, alleging that Jasdeep had ignored his messages and failed to appear.

Who is Vicky Thomas Singh?

Vicky Thomas Singh, also known as Vicky Singh Thomson, is a convert to Sikhism who presents himself as a Nihang Sikh and describes himself as a social and political activist. He has made headlines over the past few years because of his association with Nihang groups and his repeated attempts to confront people whom he accuses of disrespecting Sikhism.

Vicky was reportedly born into a Christian family and initially converted to Hinduism. In 2020, he adopted Sikhism and began presenting himself as a Nihang Singh while retaining his former surname, Thomas, in his name. He first gained wider recognition during the farmers’ protests of 2020-2021.

He remains active on Facebook and Instagram under the name “Vicky Thomas Singh”, where he regularly publishes videos related to Sikhism, political controversies and social issues.

Source: Instagram

A few years ago, Vicky was reportedly in a relationship with transgender activist Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, who currently serves as the Mahamandaleshwar of India’s first Kinnar Akhada. In 2017, he was seen in a video interview with Laxmi where he was described as her “soulmate”. At that time, he had not converted to Sikhism.

Vicky has also been associated with several controversies. In August 2024, he reportedly appeared in a video in which threats were issued to actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut over her film Emergency. He was seen alongside several other men in the video.

His name had earlier surfaced following a violent clash involving two Nihang groups near the Golden Temple complex in January 2023. Vicky and others were accused of physically attacking members of a rival group during the confrontation.

Vicky’s political affiliations have also attracted attention. Photographs circulating online reportedly show him with senior Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

He was also present at the Red Fort during the violence that broke out in Delhi on 26th January 2021. On that day, Sikh groups had called for a tractor rally in Delhi. The Delhi Police had granted them permission for it but directed them to remain on the permitted route. However, during the rally, several Sikh groups broke through the barricades and entered Delhi, leading to chaos. They attacked police personnel and hoisted religious flags at the Red Fort. Several police personnel were injured.

Who is Jasdeep Singh and what happened in Uttarakhand?

Jasdeep Singh is a Nihang Sikh leader who recently made headlines following the dispute involving Nihang Sikhs and the Uttarakhand Police.

On 16th June, several Nihang Sikhs returning from Hemkund Sahib Gurdwara became involved in an altercation with local residents over the parking of motorcycles at Karanprayag market in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. Videos surfaced online in which Nihang Sikhs were seen drawing their swords during the altercation and trying to attack the locals. Police subsequently arrested four Nihangs and one local resident.

Jasdeep, who was among the group of Nihangs that reached Uttarakhand demanding their release, had earlier announced that he would march towards the Uttarakhand border with over 150 Nihang Sikhs. The group reportedly gathered near the Paonta Sahib and Kala Amb border areas, where Jasdeep issued an ultimatum to the administration. A video of him issuing the ultimatum went viral on social media.

Later, Jasdeep and other Nihang Sikhs held discussions with senior officials of the Uttarakhand administration and police. The authorities constituted a Special Investigation Team to conduct an impartial investigation. The agitation ended after a Chamoli court granted bail to the arrested Nihangs.

On 28th June, a welcome ceremony was organised for the Nihang group at Gurdwara Singh Shaheedan in Sohana, Mohali, following their return from Uttarakhand. During the programme, a turbaned man reportedly rushed towards Jasdeep and attempted to attack him with a sword.

Nihangs and supporters present at the venue overpowered the man and assaulted him, briefly creating a tense situation at the gurdwara. Police reportedly said that the alleged attacker appeared to be mentally unwell. An investigation was initiated into the matter.

Jasdeep also operates a Facebook profile under the name “Nihung Jasdeep Singh”, where he regularly shares videos and other content concerning Sikhism.

IndiGo’s historic landing at Udaipur: Read what GAGAN is and how this satellite navigation system could transform Indian aviation 

Shriti Sagar
-
0
IndiGo’s historic landing at Udaipur: Read what GAGAN is and how this satellite navigation system could transform Indian aviation 

India has achieved an important milestone in civil aviation with the successful use of its indigenous satellite-based navigation system (SBAS), Gagan, to land a commercial passenger aircraft. On Friday, 27th June, an IndiGo Airbus A320 made a routine landing at Udaipur airport, but behind the scenes, it marked a historic first. Instead of depending on the traditional ground-based radio landing system, the aircraft completed its approach using Gagan, making it the first full-sized passenger jet in India to do so.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that while smaller turboprop aircraft had previously tested similar approaches, this was the first successful landing by a commercial narrow-body passenger aircraft using the indigenous technology.

What is Gagan, and why is it important?

Gagan (GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation) is a satellite-based navigation augmentation system jointly developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Its primary purpose is to improve the accuracy and reliability of GPS signals used by aircraft during navigation, especially while landing.

The system broadcasts signals through the GSAT-8 and GSAT-10 communication satellites, which remain in fixed positions over the equator and provide continuous coverage across Indian airspace.

Many people confuse Gagan with NavIC, India’s own satellite navigation system, but both serve different purposes. NavIC is an independent navigation network that tells users where they are. Gagan, on the other hand, does not provide location information by itself. Instead, it improves the accuracy of GPS signals that aircraft already receive.

Gagan constantly checks GPS signals, identifies any errors, corrects them and tells pilots whether the navigation data is safe enough to be used for flying and landing.

Why isn’t ordinary GPS enough for aircraft?

The GPS we use every day on our mobile phones works well enough for finding directions on roads, but aircraft require much greater precision. During landing, especially in poor weather or low visibility, even a small positioning error can become a serious safety concern.

One of the biggest reasons for this is the Earth’s ionosphere, a layer of the atmosphere filled with electrically charged particles. GPS signals slow down and bend while passing through this region, creating errors in the aircraft’s calculated position.

This problem is even more significant in India because the country lies under the Equatorial Ionisation Anomaly, an area where atmospheric conditions change frequently and cause larger GPS inaccuracies.

Without correction, ordinary GPS cannot provide the level of accuracy required for precision landings.

How does Gagan correct GPS signals?

Gagan solves this problem through a network of 15 reference stations spread across India. These stations are installed at locations whose exact position is already known with extremely high accuracy.

Each station continuously receives GPS signals and compares the location shown by GPS with its actual position. If there is any difference, the system immediately recognises it as an error.

The correction is then sent to a central processing facility, which calculates the accurate information and forwards it to India’s communication satellites. These satellites broadcast the corrected signals back to aircraft flying in Indian airspace. The aircraft automatically applies these corrections through its onboard receiver, giving pilots a much more accurate picture of their position.

Another major advantage is safety. Gagan constantly monitors the quality of GPS signals. If the corrected signal becomes unreliable for any reason, it immediately alerts the pilots so they can switch to another navigation method.

Historic landing at Udaipur

The IndiGo Airbus A320 used what is known as an LPV (Localiser Performance with Vertical Guidance) approach while landing at Udaipur.

This type of approach provides both horizontal and vertical guidance to pilots, almost matching the accuracy of the traditional Instrument Landing System (ILS) that many major airports use.

The biggest difference is that LPV approaches do not require expensive radio equipment to be installed at every airport. Instead, satellite technology provides the guidance.

That is what made the Udaipur landing historic. A commercial passenger aircraft completed a precision approach using India’s own satellite-based navigation system.

Why is this important for India’s airports?

India is rapidly expanding its aviation network under regional connectivity schemes, with many smaller cities getting airports for the first time.

However, installing a full Instrument Landing System at every airport is extremely expensive and requires regular maintenance. Gagan changes this equation completely.

A senior pilot explained the importance of the technology, saying, “For decades, aircraft have relied on ground-based navigation systems to guide pilots safely to the runway, especially during poor weather or low visibility. While these systems have served aviation well, they are expensive to procure and maintain. SBAS has fundamentally changed the way aircraft navigate and land. Instead of depending solely on equipment installed at airports, it allows pilots to receive precise horizontal and vertical guidance even at airports that do not have conventional precision landing systems.”

This means many regional airports can offer precision-guided landings without spending heavily on new ground infrastructure.

The country is adding airports under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme, but installing a full Instrument Landing System at every airport is expensive and requires continuous maintenance.

Safer flights and fewer disruptions

Satellite-guided approaches will allow aircraft to land more safely during bad weather, reducing cancellations, delays and diversions. Airlines will be able to operate more efficiently, while passengers will experience more reliable flight schedules.

In a document on SLS, aerospace major Airbus says: “This function enables pilots to perform ‘straight-in’ approaches using satellite positioning into airports, even in low-visibility conditions. Facilitating precision approach access to secondary airports, SLS capability enhances the airlines’ operations by enabling stable approaches, especially at airports currently not having precision approach means; at main runways as a backup to ILS (like during maintenance), or at alternate airports in case of diversion.”

An official overseeing this exercise on condition of anonymity said, “Almost half of the recorded controlled flight into terrain accidents occurred during approach and landing without vertical guidance. SLS allows approaches with vertical and lateral guidance to 200 ft above the ground, without expensive ground installation like ILS.”

A major boost for India’s aviation future

ISRO has designed Gagan with two major objectives. The first is to provide the accuracy, reliability, and safety needed for aircraft to execute secure approaches and landings in challenging weather conditions. The second is to improve overall air traffic management by allowing aircraft to fly more efficient routes across Indian airspace.

The Airports Authority of India has already published 23 LPV approach procedures across airports, and this number is expected to cross 40 by the end of the year. As more airports adopt LPV procedures and more airlines equip their aircraft with SBAS-compatible systems, Gagan is expected to become a key pillar of Indian aviation.

ISRO has designed the technology not only to improve landing safety but also to make flight paths more efficient and improve air traffic management across the country. Gagan is also compatible with similar satellite augmentation systems used internationally, allowing aircraft to receive enhanced navigation support even while flying across different regions.

Who is Faiyaz Premji, accused of distributing rat poison capsules during the Mumbai Muharram procession: All you need to know

Anurag
-
0
Who is Faiyaz Premji, accused of distributing rat poison capsules during the Mumbai Muharram procession: All you need to know

On 26th June, Mumbai Police arrested a 39-year-old Pune resident identified as Faiyaz Nisar Hussain Premji for attempting to poison participants in a Muharram procession by distributing capsules filled with zinc phosphide, a highly toxic chemical commonly used to kill rats. Faiyaz reportedly distributed the capsules, claiming that they were painkillers and Ayurvedic health supplements. He distributed the capsules in small packets near Rehmatabad Cemetery in Byculla, where the Ashura procession concluded.

Police recovered around 14,900 purple-and-white capsules reportedly filled with zinc phosphide. Police stated that Faiyaz intended to target at least 15,000 attendees at the procession. Investigators are still trying to determine his motive and examine his purchases, financial transactions, foreign travel and possible links to other individuals who could be involved in the crime.

His intention to kill participants in the Muharram procession came to light when 26-year-old Salman Mohammad Islam Sayyad developed nausea and repeated vomiting after consuming a capsule. Media reports cited investigating officials as stating that 11 people had consumed the capsules and fallen ill. However, authorities are yet to release an official statement regarding the health of the victims.

Poison packaged as Ayurvedic medicine

According to police, Faiyaz did not distribute the capsules in loose or obviously suspicious packaging. He packed them in professionally printed sachets, and the text on them read, “100% Natural & Ayurvedic Medicinal Health Supplement”.

The labels claimed that the capsules contained spirulina, ginseng, chamomile, ashwagandha, brahmi and several other herbal ingredients. They also carried batch numbers, manufacturing and expiry dates, purported licence details, dosage instructions and addresses in both Lucknow and the United Kingdom.

The elaborate packaging made it easier for the accused to present the capsules as legitimate health products. Some participants were told that they were Ayurvedic supplements, while others were told that they were painkillers or immunity boosters.

Police stated that Faiyaz deliberately avoided distributing zinc phosphide in its original form because its smell and appearance could have alerted people. Instead, he bought empty capsules and filled them with the chemical so that recipients would not detect the poison before swallowing it.

According to investigators, Faiyaz spent around 15 days filling thousands of capsules. Each capsule contained around one gram of the poison. Police stated that he had bought around 30,000 empty capsules and approximately 50 kg of zinc phosphide online. However, he managed to fill only 15,000 of them before Muharram.

Capsules thrown into the crowd

The Muharram procession began within the jurisdiction of JJ Marg Police Station, passed through Dongri and concluded near Rehmatabad Cemetery in Byculla. Police believe Premji selected the area near the endpoint because participants completing the long procession were likely to be tired and experiencing physical pain.

During interrogation, he reportedly told investigators that he knew many participants consumed painkillers after walking long distances or performing mourning rituals involving self-flagellation.

Witness Siya Shaikh, who had travelled from Ambernath with her family, said she saw a man carrying a bag standing near people distributing cakes. He allegedly removed bundles of packets, each containing four capsules, and began throwing them towards the crowd.

When questioned, the man reportedly told Shaikh that the capsules could be consumed by anyone above eight years of age. Her suspicions increased when she heard him describe the same packets as chocolates while speaking to a child.

Shaikh immediately warned her younger siblings and other children not to consume anything received from strangers.

Another participant, 60-year-old Fatima Rizvi, said she accepted a packet believing that it contained an Ayurvedic supplement. She later saw children receiving medical attention after allegedly consuming capsules they had mistaken for chocolates.

Police stopped Premji but initially allowed him to leave

Police personnel first intercepted Premji while he was distributing the capsules. When questioned, he reportedly claimed that they were painkillers being given free of cost.

As he had no permission to sell or distribute medicines or health supplements, officers recorded his Aadhaar details, residential address and other particulars. He was initially allowed to leave, while police personnel warned members of the public not to consume the capsules and asked them to discard the packets or hand them over to officers.

Police was alerted by hospital after Sayyad got admitted

Sayyad, a resident of Govandi, had attended the procession with his family. According to his statement, he was resting near Rehmatabad Cemetery at around 8.30 pm when he saw a woman in a black burqa give a capsule to her son.

When Sayyad asked about it, the woman reportedly told him that it was a painkiller used to relieve pain after performing “kama”, a mourning ritual in which participants strike themselves. She said that an unknown man had been distributing the capsules free of cost.

Believing it to be safe, Sayyad requested a capsule and swallowed it. At around 11.30 pm, while returning towards Govandi on a scooter, he began vomiting near Mhada Chowki. His condition did not improve after reaching home.

Members of the local Shia community advised his family to take him to Habib Hospital in Dongri. He was admitted at approximately 2.40 am on Saturday.

Doctors treated the case as a medical emergency and alerted the police. Investigators subsequently traced Premji to a hotel in Dongri and detained him. Police stated that he admitted to filling the capsules with zinc phosphide. A preliminary forensic examination also detected the chemical in the samples.

What is zinc phosphide?

Zinc phosphide is a poisonous chemical used as a rodenticide to kill rats and as a pesticide in agricultural fields.

After entering the stomach, it reacts with gastric acid and releases phosphine gas. The gas can affect vital organs, including the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and brain. Severe poisoning can lead to organ failure, cardiovascular collapse and death.

There is no specific antidote for zinc phosphide poisoning. Treatment largely involves urgent supportive medical care, management of symptoms and, where necessary, respiratory or ventilator support. The chances of survival are significantly better when the patient is taken to hospital quickly.

Symptoms may include nausea, repeated vomiting, severe abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, dizziness and cardiovascular complications.

Who is Faiyaz Premji?

Faiyaz Premji is a 39-year-old Pune resident and a BBA graduate. He reportedly helps manage a paint business owned by his father. Investigators believe that his association with the business made it easier for him to procure the chemical online.

Reports suggest that he is married but lives separately from his wife. According to the police, he claimed that he suffered from insomnia, frequently searched for pharmaceutical products online, self-medicated and had regular disagreements with his father. Investigators are independently verifying these statements.

Premji reportedly identified himself as a Shia Muslim. Police are attempting to determine why he targeted a major Shia Muharram procession.

His mother and sister are said to live in Iran. Investigators are also examining his trips to Iran and Iraq since 2019, including two reported visits to Iran in 2025. His phone, online purchase records, bank transactions, contacts and travel history are being analysed to determine whether he acted alone or was connected to a larger network.

Police have not officially confirmed the involvement of any terrorist organisation, international group or accomplice.

Attempt to murder case registered

Deputy Commissioner of Police Jayant Meena said in a statement that the unauthorised distribution of capsules had raised suspicion and that the timely intervention of police personnel prevented a major tragedy.

A case has been registered under Sections 123, 109 and 110 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, covering causing hurt through poison, attempt to murder and attempt to commit culpable homicide.

Premji was produced before a holiday court and remanded to two days’ police custody. Further investigation into the matter is underway.

The Gandhi family wants India to abandon Israel and side with Palestine: Read how the Congress party is overlooking the nation’s interest for appeasement politics

Shriti Sagar
-
0
The Gandhi family wants India to abandon Israel and side with Palestine: Read how the Congress party is overlooking the nation’s interest for appeasement politics

A major political debate has erupted over India’s foreign policy following a sharp intervention by Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi. In an opinion piece published in The Indian Express on Saturday, 27th June, 2026, the veteran leader levelled a blistering attack on the Narendra Modi government.

She criticised the administration’s stance on the humanitarian crisis in West Asia, stating that its “stony silence” and “inaction” on Israel’s “Gaza genocide” are not just morally reprehensible but also inexplicable from a national interest perspective. Gandhi claimed that by deviating from its historical geopolitical positions, India has alienated itself from long-standing allies in Palestine, Iran, and the larger West Asian region. She argued that this diplomatic withdrawal has distanced India from global public opinion while letting Pakistan swoop in to claim the space of a mediator, a role she believes India had a natural claim to, given its historically friendly ties with all regional players.

In her editorial, Gandhi specifically targeted the prime minister’s diplomatic scheduling, calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel ahead of the joint US-Israel military actions involving Iran a “bewildering strategic decision.” She urged that the spirit of Indian nationhood demands that it speak up for Palestinians whose children have been so brutally targeted. To ground her arguments, she referenced international findings, noting that in September 2025, the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry concluded that Israeli authorities were committing genocide in Gaza. She wrote that in June 2026, the same commission, now headed by retired Indian jurist Justice S. Muralidhar, reiterated those findings, focusing on the heavy toll inflicted on the youngest citizens.

Screengrab of the article

Quoting the UN findings, Gandhi wrote, “The 94-page report is a harrowing read, with grim details on the extent of the devastation perpetrated by Israel in Gaza and the genocidal intent underpinning its actions. At least 20,000 children have been killed, and another 44,000 have been wounded, many for life.” She asserted that the targeting of children is a deliberate strategy, pointing out that “twenty-seven per cent of those killed or wounded have been children, and many of the boys were found with bullets on the head and neck. Ninety-seven per cent of Gaza’s schools have been destroyed.” She added that the destruction of healthcare infrastructure has led to a 300% increase in miscarriage and childbirth complications.

While Gandhi described the October 2023 attack by Hamas on Israel as a “dastardly, horrific, and absolutely unacceptable attack,” she argued that the subsequent retaliation by Israeli armed forces has been characterised by “wanton cruelty and barbarity.” She noted, “Senior Israeli leaders, down from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his senior cabinet colleagues themselves, have called for the ‘complete siege’ and ‘total annihilation’ of Gaza, denounced the Palestinians as ‘animals’ who have ‘no right to exist’, and defined success for Israel as ‘hundreds of thousands fleeing Gaza’.”

Congress’s top brass backs the Op-Ed

Sonia Gandhi’s positions quickly received strong backing from the top leaders of the Congress party, who used the opportunity to demand a reset in India’s global alignments. Sharing the article on the social media platform X, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge called the piece evocative and stated that it serves as a “stark reminder of how our current foreign policy has alienated our historical allies in Palestine, Iran, and the larger Middle East.”

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi also shared the editorial on X to amplify its message across digital platforms. He noted, “Through her editorial, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi ji calls on India to reclaim its independent foreign policy, uphold humanitarian values, and speak up with moral clarity on Gaza.” The coordinated push by senior leadership signals that the Congress party intends to make the government’s West Asia policy a central point of political contestation.

India’s deep strategic dividends from Israel

International relations must be guided by tangible national security benefits rather than ideological sentimentality. India and Israel have developed a strong partnership over the last three decades. Although India recognised Israel in 1950, full diplomatic relations were established in 1992. Since then, ties between the two countries have expanded significantly in areas such as defence, technology, agriculture, cybersecurity and trade.

During the current government’s tenure, India has become Israel’s largest weapons buyer, with bilateral trade expanding dramatically from USD 200 million in 1992 to more than USD 6 billion by 2024. This economic and defensive bond is backed by a Bilateral Investment Treaty signed in September 2025, which has given a further fillip to trade in sectors like petroleum, chemicals, engineering goods, and polished diamonds.

Security experts emphasise that Israel has consistently proven to be a vital defence partner during times of acute national crisis when other global powers were reluctant to provide immediate assistance. 

India’s defence deals with Israel date back long to 1962, when Israel provided military aid to India in its war against China. In 1999, during India’s war with Pakistan, Israel supplied the IAF with the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle ‘Searcher’ and surveillance systems for Jaguar and Mirage squadrons. The defence ties with Israel have notched up since 2014, with around 42.1% of all arms exports from Israel landing in India, with Azerbaijan, Vietnam, and the US making up the other major customers. 

India’s partnership with Israel is not limited to defence. Exports are, however, concentrated across a few key sectors, like gems and jewellery, especially cut and polished diamonds, which are sent to Israel’s large diamond trading hubs. Apart from this, petroleum products, organic chemicals, plastics, and engineering goods also form a major portion of the exports. In very recent years, there has been a sharp drop in Indian exports to Israel – PM Modi’s visit can supposedly perk up the exports again, courtesy strategic deals and tie-ups across areas. 

How the India-Israel partnership helped during Operation Sindoor

The practical value of this defence partnership was put on full display during the border escalation known as “Operation Sindoor.” The conflict escalated sharply following a deadly attack by Pakistani terrorists on 22nd April, 2025, in the Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam, where 26 Hindu tourists were killed by cross-border militants. In response to this provocation, the Indian Armed Forces launched a fierce, targeted counter-attack codenamed Operation Sindoor, aimed at neutralising terrorist infrastructure and launchpads run by Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The 23-minute operation, which commenced at 1:05 AM on 7th May, relied heavily on sophisticated Israeli-manufactured technology alongside indigenous and Russian systems to strike enemy positions and secure Indian airspace against incoming retaliatory threats. Israeli military hardware played a decisive role in ensuring the operation’s success:

  • Harop Loitering Munitions: The Indian Armed Forces deployed Israeli-made Harop kamikaze drones specifically designed to destroy air defence systems and radar units. Capable of staying over target areas for up to nine hours and equipped with a 50-pound warhead, these drones operated with high autonomy. During the operation, they successfully struck and eliminated a crucial Pakistani air defence facility in Lahore.
  • Heron Mk2 UAVs: For surveillance and reconnaissance, the air force used Heron Mk2 drones, which can cruise at altitudes up to 35,000 feet and stay airborne for over 40 hours. Operating from forward bases, these long-endurance drones provided real-time intelligence, target acquisition, and battle damage assessments across the rugged northern terrain, remaining safely out of reach of conventional ground-based anti-aircraft weaponry.
  • SkyStriker Drones: Manufactured through a partnership between Israel’s Elbit Security Systems and India’s Alpha Design Technologies in Bengaluru, these quiet, electrically propelled loitering munitions were used for covert low-altitude strikes. Carrying 5 to 10 kilogram bombs, they successfully engaged specific tactical targets even in environments where GPS signals were disrupted.
  • Barak 8 Missile Defence System: Developed jointly by India’s DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the Barak 8 long-range surface-to-air missile system proved critical in protecting the domestic front. When Pakistan attempted a retaliatory strike by firing a Fatah-II ballistic missile aimed toward Delhi, the Barak-8 system successfully intercepted and destroyed the incoming missile over Sirsa, Haryana.
  • Spice-2000 Precision Bomb Kits: Indian warplanes used Israeli-designed Spice-2000 guidance kits to convert standard general-purpose bombs into smart, “fire-and-forget” precision stand-off weapons. Using advanced scene-matching algorithms, these bombs accurately penetrated the roofs of targeted terror camps while minimising collateral damage to surrounding civilian areas.
  • Tavor X95 Assault Rifles: On the ground, elite special forces units, including MARCOS and Garud commandos, were equipped with compact, bullpup-shaped Tavor X95 rifles manufactured under license in India. These rifles provided high reliability and manoeuvrability during close-quarters security operations.

The clean sweeps achieved during Operation Sindoor, which resulted in the elimination of nearly 100 terrorists, including close relatives and top commanders of JeM chief Masood Azhar and LeT strategist Abu Jundal, demonstrated how deeply embedded Israeli defence tech is within India’s operational readiness.

India’s Two-state policy and national interest

India officially supports a two-state solution that recognises both Israel and Palestine and advocates peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. From this perspective, the primary obligation of the Indian state is to protect its own citizens, defend its borders, and secure its economic interests. Getting deeply involved in distant ideological disputes offers no clear strategic returns and risks disrupting vital defence supply lines.

India’s long-standing, official diplomatic position remains a clear, balanced Two-State Policy: the formal recognition of an independent, viable Palestine alongside a secure, recognised state of Israel. Beyond upholding this balanced diplomatic stance at international forums, the specific internal dynamics or military conflicts of the region are external matters. Trying to force India to take an aggressive, unilateral stance against a critical defence partner like Israel is seen as a move that undermines the country’s pragmatic security calculus.

Congress has a history of Muslim appeasement that overlooks the nation’s interests 

Congress’s intense focus on international conflicts like the Gaza crisis is driven less by global strategy and more by a long-standing domestic political tradition of minority vote-bank appeasement. This political mindset frequently forces the party to overlook core national interests in favour of domestic electoral calculations, a criticism that has been levelled against the party since the early post-independence era.

This pattern of prioritising specific political fallout over uniform justice dates back to the highest echelons of post-independence governance under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Historical records from December 1948 reveal that Nehru personally intervened in a massive ₹50 lakh income-tax evasion case involving Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, Butcher of Bengal, who was widely seen as the chief architect of the communal violence during the 1946 Direct Action Day in Calcutta.

In an official letter dated December 12, 1948, addressed to Finance Minister John Matthai, Nehru intervened in the tax proceedings against Suhrawardy, explicitly cautioning that any “high-handed” fiscal action could lead to negative political reactions among Muslim leaders in both India and Pakistan. Nehru wrote, “There are certain public consequences of what might be done to Suhrawardy. Every such action has certain reactions both in India and Pakistan.” He urged the finance ministry to halt asset execution proceedings. 

This prime ministerial protection allowed a figure responsible for widespread communal violence, which killed thousands of Hindus in Bengal, to smoothly liquidate his commercial assets in India, evade a major financial liability, and safely move to Pakistan, where he eventually rose to become the prime minister.

The legacy of the UPA and modern electoral dynamics

This historical appeasement towards Muslims continued through the UPA government’s tenure between 2004 and 2014, under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi. During this period, the administration faced frequent accusations of leaning heavily into identity politics. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s public statements asserting that minority communities, particularly Muslims, must have the “first right on the resources” of the country.

Further policy decisions from that era are evidence of this political lean, including a May 2012 Planning Commission proposal to mandate a 15% allocation of funds within all central schemes specifically for minority groups. 

Additionally, the UPA formed the Sachar Committee and the Justice Ranganath Misra Commission to evaluate and address the socioeconomic status of Muslims. The Misra Commission’s recommendations included a controversial proposal to grant a 10% reservation to Muslims and a 5% reservation to other minorities, along with extending Dalit reservation benefits to individuals who converted to Islam or Christianity. It also suggested carving out an 8.40% sub-quota for Muslims within the existing 27% OBC quota. Meanwhile, the Sachar Committee drew sharp criticism for recommending an unprecedented headcount of Muslim personnel serving within the nation’s security forces.

This political legacy faced internal scrutiny following the Congress party’s severe defeat in the 2014 general elections. The party appointed an internal review committee headed by former Defence Minister A.K. Antony to investigate the loss. The Antony Committee report explicitly acknowledged that the party’s public image had suffered, concluding that repeated statements regarding specific reservations and a perceived pro-minority bias had alienated the majority Hindu community. The committee noted that the party had struggled under the political stigma of being perceived as prioritising one community over others.

This approach remains visible in the political rhetoric and electoral strategies of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. In 2010, Rahul Gandhi had told the American ambassador Timothy Romer that the Hindus of the country are a bigger threat than the Muslim terrorists. 

In another controversial political remark, Rahul Gandhi described the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) as a ‘secular party’, even though the party has described itself as “a political entity dedicated to safeguarding Muslim rights” in a petition filed before the Supreme Court. 

During his visit to the US in June 2023, an interviewer asked Gandhi why Congress was in alliance with a Muslim party (IUML) in Kerala when it opposes the ‘Hindu’ BJP. “You talked about secularism and democracy while opposing the Hindu party BJP, however, the Congress in Kerala has been in alliance with the Muslim party, the Muslim League in Kerala, the state from which you were an MP,” the interviewer asked. Responding to the question, Gandhi asserted that the Muslim League (IUML) was “a completely secular party”. “Muslim League is a completely secular party, there is nothing non-secular about the Muslim League. I think the person has not studied the Muslim League, “Gandhi said. 

BJP hits back at Sonia Gandhi’s formulations

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a sharp counter-offensive against Sonia Gandhi’s opinion piece, accusing the Congress leadership of trying to inject domestic vote-bank calculations into sensitive matters of international diplomacy and national defence. 

BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla strongly criticised the Congress party for what he described as a highly selective application of humanitarian concern. Addressing the media, he stated, “Sonia Gandhi speaks up for the Muslims in Gaza, they tweet about Rafah, but they are silent on Hindus in Dhaka. This shows that for them, even foreign policy is calculated on the table, on the calculus of vote bank.” 

The ruling party maintained that the opposition’s public statements are politically motivated attempts to misinform the public and undermine India’s global standing, placing short-term electoral considerations above the country’s long-term defence partnerships and strategic autonomy.

From fatal stabbings to sword displays: Muharram processions across India marred by violence, clashes, and public disorder

OpIndia Staff
-
0
From fatal stabbings to sword displays: Muharram processions across India marred by violence, clashes, and public disorder

Several incidents of disputes, clashes, and violence have been reported from different parts of the country during Muharram. In some places, Islamic extremists clashed among themselves during processions and even resorted to killing, while in others, security personnel who arrived to restore order were themselves attacked.

In several incidents, Islamic extremists were seen brandishing swords, while videos also surfaced showing an AK-47 being waved. While Hindu festivals have often remained their target, incidents of violence have also come to light during their own religious observances. OpIndia has compiled all such incidents in one place.

Samastipur, Bihar: Violence during Muharram procession, youth stabbed to death; police also attacked with sticks

A case of a youth being stabbed to death during a Muharram procession has come to light in the Kalyanpur police station area of Samastipur district in Bihar. The incident reportedly took place at Gopalpur Bhutta Chowk, where a Tazia procession was being taken out on the occasion of Muharram.

The deceased has been identified as 22-year-old Javed. During the procession, while Javed was either watching or participating in the display of martial feats, a youth named Haider, a resident of the same village, allegedly attacked him with a knife. It is alleged that Haider stabbed Javed directly in the chest before fleeing the spot.

After the attack, Javed collapsed on the ground with serious injuries. With the help of local residents and the police, he was rushed to the Sadar Hospital for treatment, where doctors declared him dead during treatment. Local residents alleged that the accused had a criminal background and demanded his immediate arrest.

Sadar DSP-2 Sanjay Kumar stated that raids are underway to arrest the accused.

In another incident, in Ramnagar Sari village under the Mathurapur police station area, a dispute broke out between two groups during a Muharram procession. The verbal altercation soon escalated into a violent clash, creating tension in the area. When police and administrative officials reached the spot after receiving information about the violence, the agitated crowd allegedly attacked them with sticks and batons.

Three police personnel were injured in the attack and were admitted to Samastipur Sadar Hospital. They are currently undergoing treatment.

Mumbai: 14,900 poison-filled rat-killer capsules seized during Muharram procession

A case of poison-laced rat-killer pellets allegedly being distributed during a Muharram procession has come to light in Mumbai. In connection with the case, police arrested Pune resident Faiyaz Premji. More than 14,000 capsules were recovered from his possession. The incident came to light during a Muharram procession passing through the JJ and Byculla areas.

A police patrolling team noticed a man distributing capsules in a suspicious manner. He was questioned, and the material in his possession was seized. During the investigation, police claimed that the recovered capsules contained zinc phosphide, a highly toxic chemical.

According to DCP Jayant Meena, 14,900 filled capsules were recovered from the accused. During questioning, he stated that he had ordered 30,000 empty capsules and around 50 kilograms of zinc phosphide and had spent several days filling them. It has also emerged that one person fell ill in connection with the case and was admitted to a hospital for treatment.

The investigation further revealed that Faiyaz had travelled to Iran and Iraq multiple times between 2019 and 2025. In the past year alone, he had reportedly visited the two countries 19 times. Police are now examining the purpose of these visits, his digital records, mobile phone data, financial transactions, and contacts.

Muzaffarpur, Bihar: Violent clash during Muharram procession

A tense situation also developed for some time during a Muharram procession in Muzaffarpur, Bihar. In the Hathauri police station area of Muzaffarpur district, Islamic extremists clashed among themselves during a mourning procession. The dispute began with an argument between two women, which gradually escalated into a fight between two groups.

Soon, both sides started attacking each other with sticks and batons. Several people were reported injured in the clash. As soon as the police, who had already been deployed in the area, received information about the incident, they rushed to the spot and somehow brought the situation under control.

Speaking on the matter, Muzaffarpur SSP Kantesh Kumar Mishra said that the dispute began between two women during the procession and later turned into a clash between two groups. He added that three people were injured in the incident and the matter is under investigation.

Violence erupts in several areas of Muzaffarpur; ASI Mustaqeem Khan seen wielding a sword while on duty

Tension prevailed at different places in the Hathauri, Aurai, Piyar and Kanti police station areas of Muzaffarpur district. At Bariyarpur Chowk in the Piyar police station area, a dispute that began during the Tazia gathering later escalated into a violent clash, with both groups attacking each other using sticks and batons.

In another incident, near the Central Bank in Damodarpur under the Kanti police station area, a dispute broke out between two groups during a Tazia procession over the display of martial feats and giving way on the road. The dispute eventually turned into a physical altercation. Meanwhile, another video surfaced from Muzaffarpur showing a uniformed police officer performing sword tricks.

It was reported that the video featured ASI Mustaqeem Khan, posted at Kanti police station. After the video surfaced, the police initiated an inquiry. According to preliminary information, he had been deployed for Muharram procession duty, and someone recorded the video and later circulated it on social media.

Bhagalpur, Bihar: Extremists enter railway station carrying swords, raise slogans and create panic

A large number of Islamic extremists allegedly entered the railway station premises during Muharram in Bhagalpur, Bihar. More than 100 extremists carrying swords entered the station premises and raised slogans on the staircases and platforms. Passengers present at the station reportedly experienced fear and discomfort.

Videos related to the incident have gone viral on social media. Several users questioned the law-and-order situation and the public display of weapons at a railway station, demanding action. Initially, Station Master Ajay stated that the video would be investigated.

Subsequently, the Railway administration registered a case. Malda Railway Division Public Relations Officer Rupa Mandal said that after the viral video surfaced, a detailed report was sought from the Railway Protection Force (RPF). Based on the findings, an FIR has been registered under Sections 147 and 145 of the Railways Act.

The people seen in the video are being identified, and action will be taken against those found responsible.

Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh: Van bearing the words ‘Le Phir Aa Gaye’ suspended from a crane and blown up during Muharram procession

A video of a display during a Muharram procession in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, on the night of Tuesday (June 23, 2026), triggered controversy after going viral on social media. The video showed a Tata Magic van suspended approximately 40 feet in the air with the help of a crane.

Two youths standing on top of the van were seen waving red flags, and after some time, the vehicle appeared to explode with a loud blast. The words “Le Phir Aa Gaye” (Here We Are Again) were written on the van.

The video was also shared on the Instagram account “Parvez Edits 2.0”. After it surfaced, Haridwar saint Swami Shivanand Giri and several Hindu organisations objected to the display. The Hindu Jagran Manch questioned the district administration over whether permission had been granted for such an act.

Police have initiated an investigation. According to Ujjain Police, permission had been granted for the procession, but no permission had been given to use any kind of explosive material. Police have registered a case against organiser Shoaib Khan, Zahid Khan and Taslim Khan, who were seen waving flags, as well as crane owner Gopal Mali.

Deoria, Uttar Pradesh: Youth catches fire while performing stunt during Muharram procession

A youth sustained burn injuries after catching fire while performing a stunt during a Muharram procession in Deoria, Uttar Pradesh. The incident took place on Malviya Road in the district headquarters. He was immediately taken to a hospital, where, after treatment, his condition was reported to be stable and out of danger.

The injured youth, Saddam Khan, a resident of Bans Deoria in the Sadar Kotwali area, had participated in the Tazia procession on behalf of the Five Star Club. During the procession, he was sitting inside an iron drum while performing a stunt. Suddenly, the fire burning inside the drum flared up and spread to his clothes, causing burn injuries.

The incident created panic at the spot for a short while. However, members of the Akhara and people present nearby acted quickly, extinguished the flames, and safely pulled the youth out of the drum. Since the fire was brought under control in time, a major mishap was averted.

Saddam Khan was immediately admitted to a private hospital, where he is undergoing treatment. City Circle Officer Sanjay Reddy said that a Muharram procession was being taken out on Malviya Road when the incident occurred. According to the police, the situation remained under control and no other untoward incident took place.

Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh: Clash over throwing currency notes during Muharram procession leaves around 20 injured

A dispute broke out among Muslims during a Muharram procession in Padarathpur village under the Bithri area of Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, over the throwing of currency notes. Within a short time, the argument escalated into a violent clash. Both groups attacked each other with sticks and batons, leaving around 15 to 20 people injured.

As the situation deteriorated, the police had to use mild force to bring it under control. A Muharram procession was passing through the village in the evening with a large number of people participating. During the procession, some individuals started throwing currency notes into the crowd.

People rushed to collect the money, resulting in pushing and jostling. This led to an argument between two groups, which later turned into a violent fight. Police personnel present at the spot initially attempted to pacify both sides, but when the situation appeared to be going out of control, they resorted to mild force and used batons to disperse the crowd.

Additional police personnel were later called from the police station, after which the situation was fully brought under control. Police have taken the matter seriously and initiated legal action. According to officials, efforts are underway to identify those involved in the clash and disturbing public order. CCTV footage is being examined, and FIRs will be registered against the identified individuals, who will subsequently be arrested.

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Dispute escalates during Muharram procession

A dispute broke out between two groups during a Tazia procession on the Nai Sadak–Aurangabad route in Varanasi district, Uttar Pradesh, on the occasion of Muharram. Within moments, a large number of Muslims gathered at the spot, leading to panic and tension in the area for some time.

As the incident occurred on the boundary of the Chetganj and Luxa police station areas, personnel from both police stations immediately reached the spot and began efforts to restore order. Police officials appealed to the people to maintain restraint and allow the procession to proceed peacefully. However, due to the disturbance created by some individuals, the police had to use mild force to control the situation.

The police later removed those involved in the dispute from the spot and brought the crowd under control, after which the situation returned to normal. The Tazia procession then continued on its designated route. No serious injuries were reported in the incident.

Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh: Temple platform damaged after DJ vehicle collides with it during Muharram procession

A dispute also arose during a Muharram procession in Prayagraj district, Uttar Pradesh. In Newada village under the Bahria police station area, the platform of a temple was damaged after being hit by a DJ vehicle participating in the procession. The incident sparked tension in the village for some time.

Considering the sensitivity of the matter, the administration immediately became active and deployed the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) in the area as a precautionary measure to prevent any untoward incident. The situation was brought under control in the presence of police and administrative officials. The damaged temple platform was also repaired.

Several videos are also available on social media in which extremists can be seen brandishing swords, creating ruckus, raising slogans, and even waving rifles.

Irrespective of the festival,whether it is Ramzan, Holi, Ram Navami, or Muharram, incidents involving violence by Islamic extremists continue to come to light.

‘Trap girls, impregnate them before Nikah, and take the child’: What is ‘Jihad al-Akbar’, the radicalisation campaign under scanner for targeting Hindu women?

विशेषता
-
0
‘Trap girls, impregnate them before Nikah, and take the child’: What is ‘Jihad al-Akbar’, the radicalisation campaign under scanner for targeting Hindu women?

A shocking case of conversion and exploitation of women has come to light from Kota city in Rajasthan. On the complaint of Bajrang Dal, the police have already arrested the main accused, Manish Sharma alias Moin Khan. Objectionable videos of Hindu girls and women have been recovered from the accused. He was operating this entire network by running groups on social media.

Now the entire focus of the police and intelligence agencies is on the new clues coming from Moin Khan’s mobile. Deleted data from Moin’s phone and 3 secret audios that came from Pakistan have created a stir. After this revelation, a dangerous agenda has come to light, which has been named ‘Jihad Al Akbar’. Police are now busy connecting these links in a sequential manner.

What is ‘Jihad Al Akbar’ and who created it?

‘Jihad Al Akbar’ is a well-planned digital agenda being run through different platforms of social media. According to the secret audios received from Moin Khan’s mobile, this dangerous conspiracy has been prepared by extremist bosses sitting in Pakistan. In the audio, the Pakistani person claims that these people have been working on this mission since 1992.

When the internet had just arrived in Pakistan, the web of this online conspiracy was being woven since then. To run this mission, the Pakistani handlers never come directly in front of themselves. They guide their local agents present in India through apps like Telegram, Snapchat and Discord. For this, secret groups and channels have been made properly, from where the entire network runs.

Why was this mission created, and what is its real objective?

The main objective of this mission is to carry out large-scale religious conversion of Hindu women in India and make them commit blasphemy. Pakistani handlers want to harm India’s internal security and integrity by using fake social media IDs. Through this, an attempt is being made to sow the seeds of hatred toward the Hindu religion among Hindus themselves.

Apart from this, through this conspiracy, there was also a plan to target organisations working in the national interest, like Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Pakistani bosses want to collect ‘interfaith data’, i.e. data related to Hindu-Muslim relations on social media. Their objective is to completely break India’s social fabric and weaken the country internally.

How are local boys and college friends being trained?

According to Dainik Bhaskar’s report, to take this conspiracy forward, local agents are given the task of awakening their own college mates and friends. In the audio received from Moin’s phone, Pakistani handlers explain to a boy named ‘Vakas’. They say that awaken your college mates and friends who are Muslim boys and hold secret meetings with them.

To incite these boys, first, religious matters are shown and explained. They are told lies about what others are doing wrong with their religion. Then they are told about their secret team. When the boys get excited and become ready to go along, then they are trained slowly and systematically for further work.

How are married Hindu women being targeted?

Under this entire agenda, married Hindu women and minor girls are especially trapped in the net. In the audio, the Pakistani person says that they need such Hindu girls and women in whose videos ‘mangalsutra and sindoor on the forehead’ are clearly visible. These women are first trapped in the web of love through fake IDs.

The truth of the agenda running in the group has been written in direct words without any story. Its meaning is, ‘Trap any Hindu girl or woman in love, make her pregnant before nikah and take the child after 9 months. After the child is born, she will have become Muslim.’ After that, women are made to create obscene videos with idols of gods and goddesses and are blackmailed.

What is known about Moin Khan so far?

According to police records, the accused Manish Sharma was originally Hindu, who later converted his religion and kept his name as Moin Khan. He is a resident of Vigyan Nagar in Kota and has studied only up to 10th standard. He used to work in a shop and got married in 2021, from which he also has a 4-year-old child.

Moin Khan has been in contact with Pakistani organisations on platforms like Telegram and Discord for the last several years. When his activities started appearing suspicious, a complaint was received on the Bajrang Dal’s helpline number. After that, the activists started keeping an eye on him. When his phone was checked, thousands of objectionable videos of girls, along with Hindu religious symbols and obscene content,t were recovered from it.

What else is there in the secret audio clips that came from Pakistan?

The three different audio clips received from Moin Khan’s mobile have confirmed this international conspiracy. In the first audio, the Pakistani person says that our work is not new and we have been working since 1992. In the second audio, he says to instil this thing in their minds that Muslim is supreme and their God is nothing.

In the third audio, the Pakistani handler talks about keeping the boy named Vakas sitting in India completely on the safe side. He says that I am sitting in Pakistan, so you never come in front; otherwise, there will be a security problem. He tells Vakas that if I make you the admin of the group, then RSS people will note your IP ID and reach your house.

What legal action has been taken in this entire case so far?

On the complaint of Bajrang Dal activist Yogesh Renwal, a case was registered on 15 June 2026 at Vijaynagar and Udyog Nagar police stations in Kota. A case has been registered against the accused Manish Sharma alias Moin Khan under IPC sections 196(1)(a), 196(1)(b), 299, 352 and IT Act sections 66, 67, 67A, and he has been sent to jail. Udyog Nagar police station CI Mangilal said that the accused’s mobile phone has been sent for forensic examination (FSL).

Bajrang Dal has sent an online complaint about this entire case to the Central Home Ministry on 22 June. Hindu Samaj-Kota has also submitted a memorandum in the name of the Prime Minister demanding strict action and investigation of the entire network. In Jaipur, ATS had caught a woman who had become Khadija from Babita, linked to the terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed, due to which agencies are also on alert. Regarding the case, BJP state president Madan Rathore and minister Madan Dilawar have given assurance of strict legal action against the guilty after investigation.

‘Cremation business’ controversy erupts after Isha Foundation modernised Asia’s largest crematorium in Patna: Read what the organisation told OpIndia about the project

सौम्या सिंह
-
0
‘Cremation business’ controversy erupts after Isha Foundation modernised Asia’s largest crematorium in Patna: Read what the organisation told OpIndia about the project

The last journey of a loved one is never just a religious ritual. For most families, it is one of the most emotionally difficult moments in life. During such times, long waits, poor facilities, middlemen, and uncertainty about expenses often add to their grief. Over the past few years, the Bihar government has been trying to change this reality by modernising cremation facilities across the state.

The initiative to build modern crematoriums in the state and upgrade existing crematoriums is part of this vision. The Bansghat crematorium in Patna, which has been modernised and operated, has been entrusted to ‘Sadhguru‘ Jaggi Vasudev’s Isha Foundation. However, this has now sparked controversy, with many raising questions on social media.

Some people are alleging that the government, in collaboration with the organisation, is also “commercialising” cremation, and that the poor will not benefit from it. However, the organisation maintains that the entire initiative is being misrepresented, as its goal is not to make a profit, but to make funeral arrangements transparent, convenient, and respectful.

What did the Isha Foundation tell OpIndia?

Before understanding this entire model, it’s important to examine why the government entrusted this responsibility to the Isha Foundation and what facilities have been developed there. Speaking to OpIndia, the foundation explained that its involvement in crematorium management is driven by the idea that every individual deserves a dignified farewell after death. The organisation said it has been managing crematoriums in partnership with the Tamil Nadu government for nearly 15 years.

● Why has Isha Foundation taken over the operation of the crematorium?

Isha Foundation operates crematoriums with the aim of ensuring that every person receives a respectful and dignified final farewell. In partnership with the Tamil Nadu government, the Foundation has been operating crematoriums for the past 15 years, where special attention is paid to clean and well-maintained premises, trained staff, and traditional funeral facilities.

More than 125,000 funerals have been performed at these centres so far. Through these facilities, Isha strives to revive ancient traditions and death rituals with an energy-based approach, operating them as a service, not a commercial activity.

Based on this experience, the Bihar government has partnered with Isha Outreach, the social and environmental arm of Isha Foundation, to operate and manage crematoriums in the state, while the land ownership will remain with the government.

● How will this crematorium be different from the existing government or municipal crematoriums?

The Isha model’s most distinctive features are its focus on dignity, cleanliness, and sensitive service. These crematoriums are professionally maintained, the fee structure is transparent, and trained staff handle the entire funeral process with sensitivity.

The complex provides dedicated space and well-organised facilities for traditional funerals, easing the burden on grieving families.

● What fee has been fixed for cremation?

The issue of user charges has been at the centre of the controversy surrounding the project.

According to Isha Foundation, the fee for electric cremation has been fixed at ₹3,500. The organisation says this amount falls within the limits approved under the municipal agreement and is among the lowest charges permitted. The money will primarily be used to cover electricity consumption and maintenance costs.

For traditional wood-based cremation, the service charge will also be ₹3,500. However, families choosing this option will have to bear the additional cost of purchasing firewood separately.

The foundation insists that the fee structure has been designed to maintain transparency while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the facility.

● Will any concession, free service, or government assistance be available for poor and needy families?

One of the biggest concerns raised by the public is whether economically weaker families will be able to afford these services.

Responding to this concern, Isha Foundation said the Bihar government is working on a support scheme for the financially weaker sections. While details are still being finalised, the organisation pointed out that it already provides free cremation services to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families at crematoriums managed by it in Tamil Nadu.

● Why is this crematorium being referred to as a VIP crematorium?

This isn’t because of special or VIP access, but rather because of the superior infrastructure. Clean premises, organised parking, spacious waiting areas, and superior amenities aim to provide every family with a respectful and organised environment.

● Will it be based entirely on an environmentally friendly model? What technology will be used to reduce pollution and control emissions?

The redeveloped Bans Ghat crematorium has also been designed with environmental concerns in mind.

Electric cremation has been made the primary system because it produces significantly lower emissions compared to conventional methods. Advanced chimney systems have been installed to control smoke and reduce pollution.

In addition, the existing wood-fired furnaces are proposed to be gradually converted into LPG-based systems. According to the foundation, gas-based cremation will reduce dependence on firewood while also lowering pollution levels.

The broader objective is to create a modern crematorium that combines traditional practices with cleaner technologies.

● How will the entire facility be operated and managed?

Isha Outreach will manage the entire complex, including human resources, sanitation, waste management, gardening, and maintenance. The Foundation will also handle technical operations such as furnaces, electrical systems, plumbing, and other infrastructure.

● Will there be a transparent system to prevent the role of middlemen and unauthorised charges?

Yes, the entire system is designed to ensure transparency and minimise the role of middlemen. With funeral and premises operations managed directly, families will no longer rely on intermediaries for core services. Where additional traditional services are required, clear rules will be followed to prevent unnecessary fees.

● If a large number of cremation cases arise on a given day, what plan is in place to manage crowds and waiting time?

Yes, adequate arrangements have been made to handle a large number of cases. The facility can handle 18 cremations at a time and will have multiple furnaces, trained operators, and adequate support staff.

Currently, the need is for approximately 1–2 cases per day, but the infrastructure has been developed to accommodate a much larger capacity. There will also be a waiting area, seating, and parking for approximately 40 vehicles.

● Has Isha Foundation implemented a system like the one in Patna anywhere else as well?

Isha Foundation’s Kayantha Sthanam model began in Tamil Nadu in 2010, when the first crematorium was entrusted to Isha in Coimbatore’s Nanjundapuram area. What started there has now expanded into a wide system of crematorium management across the state. Isha currently manages 33 crematoriums in Tamil Nadu, and over the past 15 years, more than 1,25,000 cremations have been carried out. 

Last year, Isha also launched free cremation services for families living below the poverty line (BPL) at its managed crematoriums in Tamil Nadu.

18 bodies cremated simultaneously in a 4.5-acre crematorium

Spread across 4.5 acres, the redeveloped Bans Ghat crematorium represents one of Asia’s largest infrastructure projects related to funeral services. Developed by Patna Smart City Limited at a cost of ₹89.40 crore, the existing crematorium spanned 1.24 acres. It has been designed as a complex that streamlines almost the entire funeral process.

This complex has been modernised and is said to be one of the largest cremation grounds in Asia. It can accommodate up to 18 funerals simultaneously. Three types of arrangements have been made for this purpose. The first is for traditional pyre-based cremation, for which eight open spaces have been created.

The second is electric cremation units, where four modern units have been installed. The third is six wood-based, environmentally friendly furnaces, which allow cremations to be conducted with less wood and a controlled process. Preparations are also underway for gas-based furnaces, which are proposed to be commissioned in the future.

The government says this will reduce both costs and pollution, but the discussion isn’t limited to the cremation process. Two large, air-conditioned waiting halls have been built for funeral attendees, ensuring they don’t have to endure the heat, crowds, and discomfort even in difficult conditions.

There are six wood cremation ovens, developed by a Bihar-based company. These ovens require less wood to cremate a body. The body is reduced to ashes in 20-25 minutes. A chimney has been installed to vent the smoke. Clean drinking water is available on the premises, along with clean and well-maintained toilets, and a canteen is available for the public.

Paintings on the walls of the cremation ground and the story of King Harishchandra

The modernisation project has not focused only on infrastructure. The walls of the crematorium have been decorated with artwork depicting the journey of human life from birth to death. Paintings also portray the concepts of heaven and hell based on a person’s deeds.

Furthermore, a portrait of King Harishchandra, along with his story, is engraved to inspire mourners to uphold truth and duty under any circumstances.

Attractive frames depicting tridents have been installed on the walls of the complex, which has been named Moksha Dham and Vaikunth Dham. This is an HPL (High Pressure Laminate) sheet. The view cutter was imported from Gujarat. Additionally, shops have been set up within the complex to provide funeral materials so that family members don’t have to run around outside.

An effort has been made to make clothes, puja materials, incense sticks, wood, havan materials and other essential items available at one place.

The main attractions are the two gates of the cremation ground. One is the Moksha Dwar, and the other is the Baikuntha Dwar. Both are 42 feet high. One is the entry point, and the other is the exit point. Both gates have the Om symbol carved in bronze. These were crafted by artisans from Jalandhar.

Bansghat has also incorporated several features rarely discussed in the context of cremation grounds. Two separate ponds, powered by the Ganges water, have been constructed. One is proposed to be used for bathing, and the other for immersion of ashes. A 12-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva has been installed between the two ponds.

The statue is modelled after Adiyogi of Tamil Nadu. Artisans from Jalandhar were involved in its creation. It is made from a fibre material. Mounted atop a 15-foot-tall trident, the statue depicts the Ganges flowing from Shiva’s matted locks. Lighting has also been provided around it. Green areas have been developed along the paths in front. The rationale behind this is that direct access to the river isn’t always easy due to changing geographical conditions.

Mortuary, online booking and digital services

The redeveloped crematorium also includes several modern digital services. A mortuary facility has also been developed on the premises to preserve bodies if needed. An online slot booking system has also been added to relieve people from queues and chaos.

People can also book slots online. To do this, they need to visit the Patna Municipal Corporation website and generate a ticket ID. Bookings can also be made through the WhatsApp chatbot. A help desk has also been set up to assist people with documentation and procedures.

One can also book a Mukti Rath for pickup service. People can also apply for a death certificate. The government says that digital features in funerals are intended to provide convenience, not replace traditions.

‘Dignity in Death’: The core philosophy of the organisation

The most widely discussed concept at the heart of this model is “Dignity in Death.” Isha Foundation believes that death is a human and emotional situation. Therefore, the emphasis is on deploying trained volunteers, assisting with the process, reducing waiting times, collaborating with family members, and maintaining a conducive environment.

40 crematoriums are being built in Bihar using state-of-the-art technology. Construction of 20 of these crematoriums has been completed. Modern crematoriums have been constructed in 12 districts of North Bihar and 8 districts of South Bihar. The beautification work on these 20 completed crematoriums is in the final stages, after which they will be operational soon.

The Isha Foundation will also build an LPG-based crematorium at Digha Ghat in Patna. Additionally, there are plans to modernise crematoriums at Simaria Ghat in Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Gayaji, Saharsa, and Chhapra. The organisation also states that the purpose of the service is not profit, but to provide a respectful experience to families during difficult times. This government move is not an expansion of any business, but an attempt to give dignity to the funeral procession.

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

1...161718...7,623Page 17 of 7,623