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Russian oil still not sanctioned by US or EU, crude prices will reach USD 200 per barrel if India stops buying Russian oil: Sources

OpIndia Staff
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Russian oil still not sanctioned by US or EU, crude prices will reach USD 200 per barrel if India stops buying Russian oil: Sources

If India were to stop purchasing Russian crude oil, global prices could surge to as much as $200 per barrel, according to internal government estimates cited by sources. Such a development, officials warn, would trigger severe disruptions across international energy markets and spark inflationary pressures worldwide.

The officials explained providing context for India’s energy security policy, that Russia, the world’s second-largest crude oil producer with about 9.5 million barrels per day output, nearly 10% of global demand, is also the second-largest exporter, shipping roughly 4.5 million barrels per day of crude and 2.3 million barrels per day of refined products. In the past, fears of Russian oil being banned from global markets had driven Brent crude prices to a high of $137 per barrel in March 2022.

Russia’s share in India’s oil basket has risen sharply over the past three years, climbing from negligible levels in 2021 to nearly 40 percent by 2024. This growing dependence highlights the scale of disruption that could follow if India were to bow to external pressure and cut imports altogether. A report from brokerage CLSA recently cautioned that such a move would drive prices well past $100 per barrel, while internal Indian assessments suggest the figure could soar as high as $200.

“In this challenging environment, India, as the world’s third-largest energy consumer with 85% import dependence, strategically adapted its sourcing to secure affordable energy while fully adhering to international norms,” the govt sources said.

Earlier, United States President Donald Trump on Friday ( EST) claimed that India may cease purchasing Russian oil, calling it “a good step” if confirmed. However, Indian govt has defended its sovereign right to pursue an energy policy in its own national interest.

Reuters claimed on July 31st that Indian state-run refiners suspended purchases of Russian oil amid tariff threats from President Trump and also due to narrowing price discounts. However, India has now rebutted these reports, clarifying that Indian refiners have continued to buy Russian crude based on commercial viability.

Notably, Russian oil has never been sanctioned by the west, but rather subjected to a G7/EU price-cap mechanism to limit Russian revenues while keeping global supplies flowing. This means, EU has lowered the price for Russian oil, and India oil refiners’ purchases are fully legitimate under international frameworks.

The officials added that “Had Indian oil refiners not absorbed discounted Russian crude, combined with OPEC+ production cuts of 5.86 million barrels per day, global oil prices could have surged well beyond the March 2022 peak of 137 dollars per barrel, intensifying inflation globally.”

It was also highlighted that Indian oil marketing companies (OMCs) have refrained from buying Iranian or Venezuelan crude, which is actually sanctioned by the US, and have complied with the $60 per barrel price cap recommended for Russian oil by the US. The European Union has recently recommended a lower price cap of $47.6 per barrel for Russian oil, to take effect in September.

Commenting on Europe’s continued Russian energy imports, govt sources noted the EU was the largest importer of Russian-origin liquefied natural gas (LNG), buying 51% of Russia’s LNG exports, followed by China at 21% and Japan at 18%. For pipeline gas, the EU remained the top buyer with a 37% share, followed by China at 30% and Turkey at 27%.

While Trump calls India a ‘dead economy’ over buying Russian oil, PM Modi highlights how India is on the way to become 3rd largest economy in the world

OpIndia Staff
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While Trump calls India a ‘dead economy’ over buying Russian oil, PM Modi highlights how India is on the way to become 3rd largest economy in the world

In a sharp attack that stirred up political and diplomatic circles, former US President Donald Trump recently called India a “dead economy” over its continued trade ties with Russia. Just a day before this, on Wednesday, 30th July, he had announced new trade penalties on India, including a 25 per cent tariff on almost all Indian imports, effective from 1st August.

Trump’s remarks came through a fiery post on his platform, Truth Social, where he not only mocked India’s economy but also questioned its trade practices. “I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care,” Trump posted, clearly taking a jibe at both New Delhi and Moscow. He complained about India imposing “the highest tariffs in the world” and blamed it for the low trade volume between the two countries.

Trump’s criticism vs Modi’s vision

While Trump continues to lash out over India’s oil trade with Russia and imposes tariffs, Modi has taken a different route, highlighting India’s potential and pushing for unity. Modi’s vision of India becoming the third-largest economy stands in sharp cookntrast to Trump’s description of India as a “dead economy”.

Trump may be trying to use tough words to appeal to his base, but India’s leadership has shown no signs of backing down. Instead of responding with anger, Modi used the moment to boost national pride and confidence.

PM Modi counters with confidence in India’s economic rise

Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not specifically name Trump during his speech, but his words on Saturday, 2nd August, in Varanasi spoke to the broader narrative. Modi asserted that India is not merely running the global economic gauntlet but is well on its way to emerging as the world’s third-largest economy. 

“There is global instability, and every country is looking after its interests. India must do the same. We are going to be the world’s third-largest economy, that is why India will have to stay alert as far as its economic interests are concerned,” PM Modi said at a rally in Varanasi.

Modi emphasised that the government is doing everything in its power to strengthen the Indian economy and protect the country’s interests. His tone was calm but assertive, signalling that India won’t bow down to foreign pressure.

‘Swadeshi’ is the way forward, says Modi

What stood out most in PM Modi’s speech was his strong pitch for ‘swadeshi’ or made-in-India products. Calling it the need of the hour, Modi said that Indians should choose local products over foreign ones to build a self-reliant economy.

“We will buy only those things that are made by Indians. We need to become vocal for local,” he said passionately. He also appealed to all political parties, irrespective of their political ideologies, to join this cause of encouraging Indian-made products and transforming India into an economic powerhouse.

His words appeared as a sharp contrast to the combative tone of Trump.  While Trump talked down India, Modi spoke with optimism and called for a collective national effort to strengthen the economy.

Targeting Pakistan and the Opposition

Apart from economic issues, PM Modi also took the opportunity at the Varanasi rally to issue a stern warning to Pakistan and terrorist groups. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said that India will not spare those who try to harm the country, even if they hide in ‘paataal lok’, a mythological underground world.

“When there is injustice and terrorism, Mahadev takes his Rudra form. The world saw this during Operation Sindoor. No one who messes with India will be spared,” Modi warned.

He didn’t stop there. The Prime Minister also lashed out at the Congress and Samajwadi Party, accusing them of sympathising with Pakistan and criticising India’s military actions.

“Everyone understands that Pakistan is upset. But the Congress and the Samajwadi Party cannot handle the pain that Pakistan is going through. Pakistan is crying, and here, the Congress and SP are crying, seeing the condition of terrorists. Congress is constantly insulting the valour of our forces and has called Operation Sindoor a ‘tamasha’,” the Prime Minister said.

Modi criticises the Opposition’s vote bank politics

Modi didn’t mince words while attacking the opposition parties for their alleged appeasement politics. Referring to comments made by Samajwadi Party leaders, he questioned their logic for asking why terrorists were killed on a particular day.

“Should I call them before taking action? Should we wait and give terrorists a chance to escape?” he asked, mocking the Opposition’s stand. He also accused the Congress of giving a “clean chit” to terrorists during its rule, putting politics above national security.

Tensions between Russia and US escalate after US President Donald Trump mocked ex-Russian President Medvedev, reports emerge of nuclear submarines being deployed by both

OpIndia Staff
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Tensions between Russia and US escalate after US President Donald Trump mocked ex-Russian President Medvedev, reports emerge of nuclear submarines being deployed by both

In a sharp message to Russia, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday, 1st August, that he has ordered two American nuclear submarines to be moved to “appropriate regions.” This decision came after a series of aggressive online posts by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who hinted at possible war with Russia’s adversary.

Trump posted the announcement on his social media platform, explaining that Medvedev’s “highly provocative statements” left him with no choice. “I’ve ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that,” Trump wrote.

He further said, “Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences. I hope this will not be one of those instances.”

Amid these tensions, a video has surfaced, and some reports claim that Russian “Borei Class submarines equipped with thermonuclear Bulava missiles are now close to the US coast.” However, there is no confirmed news of any fresh Russian submarine activity off the US coast.

Later, according to media reports, Trump said he was worried about Medvedev’s tone and attitude. “He’s got a fresh mouth,” Trump said, clearly unhappy with the former Russian leader’s behaviour.

Donald Trump also confirmed that his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is travelling to Russia to try and negotiate a ceasefire in the Ukraine war. Trump had earlier given Russia 50 days to respond positively, but he has now cut that deadline to just 10 days. This shorter deadline is set to expire next week.

The argument between Trump and Medvedev started earlier in the week. On Thursday, 31st July, Trump had called Medvedev a “failed former President of Russia” and warned him to “watch his words.” Medvedev quickly replied, saying, “Russia is right on everything and will continue to go its way.”

In his earlier post, Medvedev criticised Trump’s 50-day deadline, saying, “Trump’s playing the ultimatum game with Russia: 50 days or 10.” He added, “He should remember 2 things: 1. Russia isn’t Israel or even Iran. 2. Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country.”

When reporters asked Trump where the submarines were being sent as he was leaving the White House for his weekend at his New Jersey estate, he didn’t give a straight answer. “We had to do that. We just have to be careful,” he said. “A threat was made, and we didn’t think it was appropriate, so I have to be very careful.”

He also said the move was made “based on safety for our people” and to “protect our people.” Referring to Medvedev, Trump said, “He was talking about nuclear. When you talk about nuclear, we have to be prepared. And we’re prepared.”

He told that the submarines were being sent “closer to Russia,” but again did not offer any further specifics.

Medvedev, who served as Russia’s president from 2008 to 2012 while Vladimir Putin took a break from the top post, now serves as the deputy chairman of Russia’s National Security Council. That council is chaired by Putin himself.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Medvedev has gained a reputation for aggressive and extreme rhetoric. This is very different from his previous image as a more moderate and liberal president when he was in power.

He often posts insults about Western leaders and threatens nuclear action. Some political experts believe that Medvedev is doing this to please Putin and appeal to Russia’s hardline military supporters.

This week is not the first time Trump and Medvedev have taken their beef online. In late June, the two men likewise sparred and flexed their nuclear arsenals.

“Did I hear Former President Medvedev, from Russia, casually throwing around the ‘N word’ (Nuclear!), and saying that he and other Countries would supply Nuclear Warheads to Iran?” Trump wrote on 23rd June.

He then pointed to the recent US attack on Iran as an example of how the country might respond to other threats.

“If anyone thinks our ‘hardware’ was great over the weekend, far and away the strongest and best equipment we have, 20 years advanced over the pack, is our Nuclear Submarines,” Trump wrote. “They are the most powerful and lethal weapons ever built.”

He also took a jab at Medvedev’s position under Putin, suggesting that Medvedev’s threats were irresponsible.

“I guess that’s why Putin’s ‘THE BOSS,” Trump quipped.

One recent example came on 15th July, when Trump said he would send more weapons to Ukraine through NATO allies and would consider more tariffs against Russia. In response, Medvedev mocked Trump by writing, “Trump issued a theatrical ultimatum to the Kremlin. The world shuddered, expecting the consequences. Belligerent Europe was disappointed. Russia didn’t care.”

Malegaon blast case: Former BJP MP Pragya Thakur says she was tortured, asked by ATS to name Yogi, PM Modi, and Mohan Bhagwat

OpIndia Staff
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Malegaon blast case: Former BJP MP Pragya Thakur says she was tortured, asked by ATS to name Yogi, PM Modi, and Mohan Bhagwat

Following her acquittal in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur has made explosive allegations against the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), claiming that she was subjected to brutal custodial torture and coerced into naming senior BJP and RSS leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, as part of a politically motivated conspiracy.

Speaking to the media after a special NIA court absolved all seven accused due to lack of evidence, Thakur said, “They tortured me relentlessly and kept saying, ‘Name these people and we’ll stop beating you.’ Their intention was not justice, it was character assassination.” She claimed that while she was illegally detained for 13 days, the actual physical torture spanned 24 days under ATS custody.

“These were not investigations; they were politically driven vendettas,” Thakur stated. “I have documented everything and submitted it in writing — including the names I was forced to take under duress. This wasn’t about solving a case. It was about targeting the RSS, saints, and those associated with the idea of Bharat.”

Thakur squarely blamed the then Congress-led UPA government for what she called a conspiracy to fabricate the “saffron terror” narrative. “The Congress party attempted to destroy the foundations of this country — the RSS, Sanatan Dharma, and the Army. This case was part of that larger plot. But the truth has prevailed.”

Witness testimony corroborates Pragya Thakur’s assertions

Her claims appear to find some corroboration in court testimonies. Milind Joshirao, a key witness who later turned hostile, told the court that he too was threatened by ATS officers, including Param Bir Singh, to name five RSS functionaries, including Yogi Adityanath. “They kept me at the ATS office for seven days and treated me like an accused. When I refused to give false statements, I was threatened with torture,” Joshirao stated, as recorded by NIA Special Judge A.K. Lahoti. The court concluded that his statement appeared involuntary and compromised.

In a further twist, former ATS officer Mehboob Mujawar alleged in a media interview that senior officer Param Bir Singh had once directed him to arrest RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, as part of efforts to strengthen the “saffron terror” narrative in the aftermath of the blast. He claimed this was a deliberate strategy to malign nationalist organizations.

The Malegaon blast case, in which six people were killed and over 90 injured in an explosion near a mosque on September 29, 2008, was originally investigated by the ATS before being transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The recent verdict observed glaring lapses in the ATS probe, from tampered forensic evidence to coerced witness statements.

With the court acknowledging the lack of credible evidence and procedural integrity, Thakur has framed the acquittal not just as legal vindication, but as ideological triumph. “This is not my personal victory,” she said. “It is a victory of Bhagwa, Sanatan and Rashtra. The Congress’s conspiracy has been exposed.”

Tejashwi Yadav falsely claims his name does not appear in voter list, uses different voter ID number to prove it

OpIndia Staff
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Tejashwi Yadav falsely claims his name does not appear in voter list, uses different voter ID number to prove it

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav on Saturday claimed that his name is missing in the draft Bihar electoral list published on 1st August, 2025. But his claim has proven to be false, as his name appears in the draft electoral roll published by the Election Commission of India.

Addressing press conference, he said “My name is not there in the electoral roll. How will I contest the elections?”. He entered his EPIC number on the Election Commission’s portal, which showed that an user with that number exist.

However, he was quickly fact-checked by netizens, who downloaded the draft voter list for his polling booth, where his name appears.

As per details posted on social media, Tejashwi Yadav’s name appears at serial number 416 in the electoral roll for Digha assembly constituency. As per the roll, his polling booth is located at the library building of the Bihar Animal Sciences University.

Notably, to prove that his name does not appear in the roll, Tejashwi Yadav used the wrong voter ID number. He said that his Voter ID number is RAB2916120. But as per draft roll, his EPIC number is RAB0456228.

Posting the images of the electoral roll showing his name, BJP IT cell’s head Amit Malviya said, “Please verify facts before amplifying misinformation. Deliberate attempts to mislead voters must be called out.”

Update: ECI’s statement on his EPIC number

Later in the day, the Election Commission clarified that Tejashwi Yadav’s EPIC number is RAB0456228, and there is no record of the number he used in the press conference. The Poll Panel said that he used the number RAB0456228 for filling his nomination papers on affidavit in 2020, this number was present in the electoral Roll in 2015.

The ECI added the other EPIC number RAB2916120 has been found to be non-existent even after checking records of over ten years. “No records have been found for the second EPIC number yet. It is highly likely that the second EPIC was never made through the official channel,” the ECI added.

The poll panel further stated further inquiries are underway to understand the reality of the second EPIC number, whether that is a forged document.

Rahul Gandhi narrates fake story to oppose India’s election system, claims Arun Jaitley threatened him on farm laws a year after his death

OpIndia Staff
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Rahul Gandhi narrates fake story to oppose India’s election system, claims Arun Jaitley threatened him on farm laws a year after his death

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was caught spreading fake news regarding farm laws and Late Arun Jaitley on Saturday. Continuing his attack on the electoral system of India, he claimed that Arun Jaitley came to meet him to threaten him, a year after Jaitley had passed away.  

Speaking at the Congress Party’s Annual Legal Conclave in New Delhi, Rahul Gandhi claimed that when the Congress party was protesting against farm laws, Arun Jaitley was sent to threaten him. He said, “I remember when I was fighting the farm laws, Arun Jaitley ji was sent to me to threaten me. He told me ‘if you carry on opposing the govt, fighting the farm laws, we will have to act against you’.  I looked at him and said ‘I don’t think you have an idea who you are talking to.’”

While making up a story, which is often does, Rahul Gandhi forgot a crucial detail, Arun Jaitley was not alive when the farm laws were introduced and when the farmers in Punjab along with some opposition parties started protesting against them.

BJP leader Arun Jaitley died on 24 August 2019 after fighting multiple illness. He was union finance and corporate affairs minister in the first Modi government, and had handled Defence ministry and Information and Broadcasting ministry for some time.

However, Jaitley had retired from active politics after the NDA won the general elections for the second consecutive time in 2019. A day before Modi govt was to be sworn in on 30th May, Jaitley wrote to Modi opting out of the cabinet, citing his treatment and health. He died just a few months later on 24th August.

On the other hand, the farm bills came a year after Jaitley’s demise. The bills were approved by the union cabinet on 3 June 2020, and ordinances on them were promulgated on 5th June. The bills were introduced in the parliament in September 2020 to replace the ordinances. The three bills were passed by the both houses of the parliament in September that year. The protests against the laws began in December 2020, more than a year after Arun Jaitley died.

Therefore, Rahul Gandhi is definitely making up the story by claiming that Arun Jaitley was sent to threaten him to stop protests against the farm laws.

The Congress leader also claimed that the election system of India is rigged, because Modi govt has very thin majority. He said, “We are going to prove to you in the coming few days how a Lok Sabha election can be rigged and was rigged.” He further claimed, “The truth is that the election system in India is already dead. The Prime Minister of India is the Prime Minister of India with a very slim majority… If 15 seats were rigged, he would not have been the Prime Minister of India.” 

Ironically, Rahul Gandhi forgot that first two Modi governments had BJP majority, but the last three Congress governments were minority governments. Congress didn’t cross the majority mark when P.V. Narasimha Rao and Dr. Manmohan Singh became prime ministers, they led coalition governments.

Arun Jaitley’s son responds

Arun Jaitley’s son Rohan Jaitley responded to the false claim by Rahul Gandhi, pointing out that the farm laws came a year after his father’s death. In a post on X, he said, “Rahul Gandhi now claims my late father, Arun Jaitley, threatened him over the farm laws. Let me remind him, my father passed away in 2019. The farm laws were introduced in 2020.”

Importantly, he added that even if was Jaitley was alive when the bills were enacted, he would not have threatened anyone for protesting them, as it was not his nature to threaten anyone for opposite views. Rohan Jaitley said, “More importantly, it was not in my father’s nature to threaten anyone over an opposing view. He was a staunch democrat and always believed in building consensus. If at all such a situation was to occur, as it often does in politics, he would invite free and open discussions to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution to all. That was simply who he was and that remains his legacy today.”

Asking Rahul Gandhi be mindful while speaking of those who are no longer with us, he reminded that Rahul Gandhi had attempted something silimar with Manohar Parikar, as he had politicised his final days.

Donald Trump claims India will no longer buy oil from Russia even as Modi Govt refuses to bow down to his diktat and continues to purchase oil from Russian suppliers

OpIndia Staff
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Donald Trump claims India will no longer buy oil from Russia even as Modi Govt refuses to bow down to his diktat and continues to purchase oil from Russian suppliers

On Friday (1st August), US President Donald Trump stirred the hornet’s nest after he claimed that India would stop buying oil from its arch rival Russia.

“I understand that India is no longer going to be buying oil from Russia. That’s what I heard. I don’t know if that’s right or not. That is a good step. We will see what happens…” he was heard saying.

The development comes days after the United States imposed 25% tariffs on goods imported from India and an unspecified penalty for purchasing Russian oil and arms.

Despite the diktat of the US President, India has refused to bow down and continues to make decisions based on the interests of the people of the country.

Indian oil refiners will continue to source oil from Russian suppliers due to competitive price, grade of crude, inventories, logistics and other economic factors.

Sources to ANI, “Indian oil refiners continue to source oil from Russian suppliers. Their supply decisions are guided by price, grade of crude, inventories, logistics and other economic factors.”

Indian embassy in Ireland issues advisory to take precautions for personal safety: Read how Indians have become unsafe in the country

Aditi
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Indian embassy in Ireland issues advisory to take precautions for personal safety: Read how Indians have become unsafe in the country

The Indian embassy in Ireland issued an advisory to Indian nationals on Friday (1st August) to take reasonable precautions for their personal security and avoid deserted areas, particularly during odd hours. The advisory comes in the wake of increased instances of physical attacks on Indian nationals in the country.

Indian national stabbed in face, partially stripped and left bleeding

On July 19, an Indian national was brutally attacked in Tallaght, Dublin. The 40-year-old victim, an Amazon employee, was mercilessly beaten, stabbed in the face, partially stripped by a teenage gang and left profusely bleeding. He had arrived in Ireland just three weeks before the incident. The victim was accused without evidence of acting inappropriately around children. However, the Irish police denied the allegations. The authorities are investigating the case as a hate crime. An Irish woman, Jennifer Murray, who helped the victim after the attack, said that this was not the first instance of a racially motivated attack in the area.

“At least four Indian men and another man have been facially stabbed by this gang of teenagers in the last four days in Tallaght. How many of you knew that or saw it on the news?” Murray reportedly said. Talking about another similar attack, Murray said that a man, who worked in a delivery job at a multinational company, had to get a brain scan done and was “scarred for life”.

After the unfortunate incident, the Indian embassy got in touch with the victim and his family and assured them of all possible assistance. The incident sparked outrage among people from Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Irish communities, leading to protests. Around 800 protestors reportedly marched after the incident from Dublin City Hall to the National Gallery, holding signs like “Say no to racism” and “Ireland is home”. An petition was also floated online that reportedly gathered around 15,000 signatures.

Teenage gang attacked an Indian national, fractured his cheekbone

In another recent incident, a 32-year-old Indian national named Santosh Yadav also became a victim of a hate crime. Yadav was brutally attacked by a gang of six teenagers near his Dublin apartment. The assault was so savage that it left Yadav with a fractured cheekbone and multiple injuries. Yadav said that cases of racially motivated crimes are on the rise in the country.

Teresa Buczkowska, CEO of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, reportedly said that the Indian community did appear to be a particular target of these attacks, but the attacks are not limited to the Indian community. According to Buczkowska, the situation is worsened by the Irish Police lacking the training to handle and deal with the attacks.

“There are certain outdated mechanisms within An Garda Síochána that are not fit for purpose in this age when people are constantly on the move. “We’ve been highlighting this issue with the guards for a long time, especially with incidents that happen on public transport,” Buczkowska was quoted as saying by Dublin Live. An Garda Síochána is Ireland’s national police and security service. It launched an investigation after the attack on an Indian national in Tallaght.  

Leftists and Islamists spread fake news about Hindu man assaulting Muslim passenger onboard Indigo flight, peddle victimhood narrative: Here is the truth

OpIndia Staff
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Leftists and Islamists spread fake news about Hindu man assaulting Muslim passenger onboard Indigo flight, peddle victimhood narrative: Here is the truth

On Friday (1st August), social media was rife with targeted disinformation about a Hindu man assaulting a fellow Muslim passenger onboard an Indigo flight.

The fake claims were peddled by prominent leftists and Islamist handles on X (formerly Twitter) to further the dubious narrative of ‘Muslim victimhood.’

While some of them over-emphasised the ‘Muslim identity’ of the victim, others were quick to associate the perpetrator with terms such ‘Hindu’, ‘sanghi’ and other assorted euphemisms.

Screengrab of the tweets by prominent leftists and Islamists on X

While peddling the ‘Muslim victimhood’ narrative, leftists and Islamists alike conveniently omitted the fact that the perpetrator was also a Muslim.

The Facts of the Case

A passenger identified as Hossain Ahmed Mazumdar, who was travelling on a Kolkata-Mumbai flight, was slapped by a fellow passenger. The victim is from the Cachar district of Assam and has reportedly been missing since the incident.

Hossain had a panic attack on the flight, which delayed the takeoff. Miffed by the development, a fellow passenger named Hafijul Rahaman assaulted the victim.

A video of the incident has now surfaced on social media. A fellow passenger was heard saying, “Why did you slap him? You don’t have any right to hit anybody.” Hossain was seen crying after this incident.

The perpetrator was deboarded in Kolkata and subsequently arrested by CISF. Indigo has issued a statement on this matter on Friday (1st August).

In a statement, the airline operator stated, “We are aware of an incident involving a physical altercation on board one of our flights. Such unruly behaviour is completely unacceptable and we strongly condemn any actions that compromise the safety and dignity of our passengers and crew. Our crew acted in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures.”

“The individual involved was identified as unruly and handed over to the security authorities upon arrival. All appropriate regulatory agencies have been duly informed, in line with protocol. We remain committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment on all our flights,” it added.

The narrative of Muslim victimhood vs reality

Soon after the video of the incident went viral, the usual suspects assumed that the perpetrator was a Hindu and began making doomsday predictions about India’s secularism and future based on the isolated incident.

However, their vicious agenda was punctured by ‘The Hindu’ journalist Jagriti Chandra who first pointed out that both the accused and the perpetrator belong to the same religious community.

She cited Indigo as the source of her information.

Later, other journalists reported the name of the perpetrator as Hafijul Rahaman.

Once it was ascertained that the culprit is a Muslim, leftists and Islamists dropped the case and moved on to other issues to discover a new story of victimhood.

Jalaluddin, who was running a mass conversion racket targeting Hindus, admits to receiving crores in foreign funding

OpIndia Staff
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Jalaluddin, who was running a mass conversion racket targeting Hindus, admits to receiving crores in foreign funding

Jalaluddin alias Chhangur, who once claimed to be a spiritual guide, is now under the scanner of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for his role in a massive illegal religious conversion racket. During custodial interrogation, Jalaluddin made shocking revelations about the foreign funding his organisations received, some of it even coming from countries like Pakistan.

ED grills Jalaluddin on foreign funding trail

According to media reports, the ED questioned Jalaluddin for hours on Thursday, 31st July, focusing on his financial dealings and assets in India and abroad. When asked directly about foreign donations, he admitted that several of his institutions received money from outside India, including from Pakistan. Trying to defend himself, Jalaluddin reportedly told officials that the funds were meant for spreading his religion. “What’s wrong with promoting one’s religion?” he asked during the questioning, according to ED sources.

Links with Dubai-based associates exposed

Jalaluddin also revealed details about his frequent travels to Dubai. He confessed to having connections with several individuals in the emirate and said that his followers sponsored his trips. He claimed the purpose of his visits was purely religious and aimed at helping the poor.

Admits to receiving crores in funding

When probed about why he often took a woman named Nasreen along on foreign trips and why several properties were bought in her name, Jalaluddin said that she was trained in conversion activities and was carrying forward his mission. He denied forcing anyone to convert to Islam but admitted that his network had received crores of rupees in funding, which he claimed was used for welfare purposes.

₹106 crore under the lens

The ED has now intensified its investigation into Jalaluddin’s international funding and property connections. Officials say they have already collected details about his properties in Dubai, most of which were earlier flagged by the Uttar Pradesh ATS. Records show that more than ₹106 crore came into over 40 bank accounts linked to Jalaluddin from countries in the Middle East and elsewhere. A part of this money is suspected to have been used for illegal religious conversions and property purchases. The case has raised serious questions about the misuse of foreign donations and the organised networks operating under the guise of religious work. 

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