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Baghpat: Relatives kill young Muslim girl in front of her parents for loving Hindu Dalit boy, family buries body saying she died of TB, killer uncle regrets for not killing Sagar too, now missing

OpIndia Staff
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Baghpat: Relatives kill young Muslim girl in front of her parents for loving Hindu Dalit boy, family buries body saying she died of TB, killer uncle regrets for not killing Sagar too, now missing

In a horrific case, a Muslim girl was brutally murdered by her own relatives because she loved a Hindu Dalit youth. The man was also badly assaulted by them. After the murder, the body of the girl was quietly buried in the village burial ground, but the matter came to light after the youth’s family lodged a complaint. Six people have been arrested in the case so far.

The incident is from Palda village of Baghpat district in Baghpat, where the girl Sania was strangled to death on 23rd July by her relatives. The 18-year-old girl loved Sagar, a Dalit Hindu youth from the same family. But, while Sania belonged to an influential family in the village, Sagar is from a poor family, and works in a brick kiln in Himachal’s Una district.

Sagar keeps visiting his native village from his workplace, and during these visits, he met Sania, which eventually grew to a romantic relationship. They used to meet secretly in the village, as their relation was not acceptable to Sania’s family. They were also planning to elope together.

On 15th of this month, Sania went to Himachal with Sagar. After she went missing, her families launched a search operation, and reached Himachal suspecting that she has gone with her lover. They located the couple in Himachal, where they badly assaulted Sagar. They brought Sania and Sagar back to the village with them on 16th July.

They tied the couple to a tube well in a jungle near the village and thrashed them badly. After that, Sagar was let go, and Sania was brought home. However, Sagar didn’t reached home, and has been missing since then.

Sania’s relatives were not satisfied with the assault, so they proceeded to kill the girl, despite the opposition of her parents. As per reports, Sania’s uncle Matloob, cousin Sadiq, and a minor boy from the family were involved in the murder on 23 July. Two relatives from Sunna village in Muzaffarnagar district and two relatives from Asara village were also involved in the crime.

The accused persons said that after Sania was brought back, they wanted to get ger married, but she was not ready to marry anyone else, and insisted on marrying Sagar only. This angered them so much that they killed her. On the day of the crime, the minor boy held her legs, while her uncle Matloob and cousin Sadiq pressed Sania’s mouth and throat to strangle her.

Sania’a father and mother were present at the spot, and were appealing to leave her, but they didn’t listen. After the girl died, the family told the villagers that she died of TB, and buried the body at the village graveyard.

In the meanwhile, Sagar’s family lodged a complaint with the police as he was missing, after which a probe was started and the crime was exposed. The police got the body exhumed on Saturday, and sent it for post-mortem examination.

Sania’s killers have no remorse for the murder. Instead, Matloob expressed disappointment that he didn’t kill Sagar. He said that he left Sagar alive by mistake and realised this ‘mistake’ later. It would have been better if he had killed Sagar as well, he said.

Baghpat Police issued a statement regarding the matter, and stated that six people have been arrested in connection with the case so far. They have been identified as the victim’s own brother Sahib, Sadiq, Arman, Shan, Matloob and Naseem. Sania’s father Balish has also been named as an accused. Others named in the case but not arrested yet are Matloob’s son Aarish and one Sonmohammed.

They have been booked under sections 191(2) / 115 (2) / 351 (2) / 103(1) / 61 (2) / 238 of BNS.

From mobilisation of forces to delivering equipment, seamless logistics management was a deciding factor in success of Operation Sindoor: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

OpIndia Staff
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From mobilisation of forces to delivering equipment, seamless logistics management was a deciding factor in success of Operation Sindoor: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Defence minister Rajnath Singh has said that seamless logistics management was a deciding factor in the success of Operation Sindoor. He asserted that in today’s era, wars are won not just with guns & bullets, but with their time-bound delivery, and Operation Sindoor was a vivid example of excellent logistics management.

While virtually addressing the convocation ceremony of Vadodara-based Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) on July 27, 2025, Rajnath Singh said, “Seamless logistics management by our agencies – from mobilisation of the Armed Forces to delivering the equipment at the right time and place – was a deciding factor in the success of Operation Sindoor.”

The minister emphasised that logistics should be seen through the prism of strategic importance and not just as a process of delivering goods. “Whether it’s the soldiers fighting on the border or personnel engaged in disaster management, without coordination or proper management of resources, even the strongest of intentions weaken. Logistics is the power that transforms chaos into control. Power is measured not only by weapons, but also by timely resource management. Be it war, disaster or global pandemic, the nation which keeps its logistics chain strong is the most stable, secure and capable,” he said, while underscoring the crucial role institutions like GSV play in providing impetus to India’s aspirations in the 21st century.

Rajnath Singh highlighted the importance of logistics in the economic progress of the country, terming it as one of the main pillars which connects every step – from pre-production to consumption. He termed the contribution of logistics in India’s GDP as important both directly and indirectly, while also underlining the crucial role it played during COVID, when lakhs of vaccines, oxygen cylinders and medical teams reached from one place to another in a time of need.

The defence minister pointed out that India has witnessed unprecedented infrastructure development in the last 11 years, and the foundation of this transformation, which is being carried out with a holistic and integrated approach, has been laid through policy reforms & mission-mode projects. He added that its impact is not limited to physical connectivity, but it has also increased economic productivity, reduced logistics cost and improved service delivery.

“Under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, seven powerful pillars of development like Railways, Roads, Ports, Waterways, Airports, Mass Transport and Logistics Infrastructure are together giving a strong foundation to India’s economy. PM GatiShakti is not just a scheme, but a vision – which is making infrastructure futuristic through cutting-edge technology and data-based planning,” said Rajnath Singh.

On the National Logistics Policy, he said the initiative aims to create an integrated, efficient, and cost-effective logistics network that not only reduces logistics cost but also encourages data-driven decision-making. “The policy aims to bring down the current 13-14% logistics cost to the level of developed countries. This will increase the competitiveness of Indian products in domestic and global markets. Reduction in logistics cost will increase efficiency in all sectors and will boost value addition and enterprise growth,” he added.

On the crucial role played by GSV, Rajnath Singh stated the ‘gati’ with which the youth are providing ‘shakti’ to the country is commendable. “GSV, one of the most prestigious study centers in the country in terms of logistics, is not just an educational institution, it is an idea, a mission. It is giving concrete form to the national aspiration of taking India forward in a fast, organised and coordinated manner,” he said.

The union minister described digitisation, automation, real-time tracking, AI-enabled logistics forecasting, and sustainable freight systems as national necessities for India in today’s times. He appreciated the efforts of GSV and the students for making headway in these subjects.

Rajnath Singh exhorted the students to become problem-solvers and not limit their knowledge to just seeking jobs. “For India to become Viksit Bharat by 2047, one of the things we need is the smart logistics systems. No country can become developed until goods, services and people move fast and easily in the country,” he said.

GSV, established in 2022 as a central university under the Ministry of Railways, is dedicated to creating world-class talent in the logistics and transportation sectors. Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw is its first Chancellor. He was present during the event along with Vadodara MP Dr Hemang Joshi and Vice-Chancellor Prof (Dr) Manoj Choudhary.

Israeli navy intercepts Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s vessel Handala before reaching Gaza, 21 people detained for breaching blockade

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Israeli navy intercepts Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s vessel Handala before reaching Gaza, 21 people detained for breaching blockade

Israeli naval forces intercepted the vessel Handala late Saturday night as it attempted to breach the maritime blockade on Gaza, towing it to the port of Ashdod and detaining the 21 people aboard. According to a statement from the Israeli Foreign Ministry, the ship — registered as Navarn — was stopped “from illegally entering the maritime zone off the coast of Gaza” and all passengers were “safe.”

The Handala, organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, had departed from Syracuse, Italy, on July 13, aiming to deliver humanitarian aid and symbolically challenge Israel’s blockade on Gaza. The group said the vessel was carrying 19 activists and two journalists from Al Jazeera, representing 12 countries. Among the passengers were two French parliamentarians, Emma Fourreau and Gabrielle Cathala of the far-left France Unbowed party.

Named after a cartoon character representing Palestinian refugees, the Handala drew attention as the latest in a series of flotilla attempts to defy Israel’s naval blockade.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition accused Israel of intercepting the ship in international waters, an allegation Jerusalem rejected.

“Unauthorized attempts to breach the blockade are dangerous, unlawful, and undermine ongoing humanitarian efforts,” Israel’s Foreign Ministry said, insisting that the blockade complies with international law due to the ongoing conflict with Hamas. It cited previous attacks launched from Gaza, including the Oct. 7, 2023 massacre, as justification for maintaining the blockade.

An online tracking tool placed the Handala about 100 kilometers west of Gaza and 50 kilometers from Egypt when intercepted. Prior to the operation, activists said they had noticed Israeli drones overhead and decided to alter course southward along the Egyptian coast. “At this time, the Handala does not intend to enter Egyptian waters but plans to sail parallel to the coastline,” the coalition said. “Should the threat from Israeli authorities escalate, the crew will attempt to contact the Egyptian Coast Guard.”

As the Israeli Navy approached, communication with the ship was lost.

French politician Jean-Luc Melenchon condemned the seizure, calling it a “kidnapping” and demanding the French government respond. “Netanyahu’s thugs boarded Handala. They attack 21 unarmed people in territorial waters where they have no right,” he wrote on X.

Huwaida Arraf, one of the activists, had warned the group would initiate a hunger strike if intercepted. “We are not interested in receiving any food or water [from Israel…] and certainly not in the ways that they use it for propaganda, while at the same time they are starving to death Palestinian children,” she posted prior to the operation.

The passengers were unharmed and are expected to be deported. Israel says the limited aid aboard will be routed through official overland crossings into Gaza.

The Handala follows earlier flotilla attempts, including the Madleen, which carried climate activist Greta Thunberg, and the Mizfon, which sustained damage in May near Malta. Activists blamed Israel for an aerial attack on the Mizfon, though Jerusalem offered no comment.

Israel and Egypt have maintained restrictions on Gaza leading up today’s blockade to prevent weapons smuggling since Hamas seized control of the Strip in 2007. Since then, Palestinian activists have periodically sent flotillas trying to breach the blockade. In 2011, an independent UN inquiry into the Mavi Marmara affair of 2010 criticised Israeli forces for using excessive force but upheld the blockade’s legality.

At least 1,180 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas’s attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 55 remaining hostages, 33 are believed to be dead.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Uttar Pradesh: Two Hindu men who filed complaint against Love Jihad stripped, thrashed and forced to drink urine by Shahabuddin, Anas and Zeeshan

OpIndia Staff
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Uttar Pradesh: Two Hindu men who filed complaint against Love Jihad stripped, thrashed and forced to drink urine by Shahabuddin, Anas and Zeeshan

Two Hindu men were brutally thrashed by some Muslim men in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, for reporting a Love Jihad case to the police. The incident came to light after one of the victims, named Chandan Maurya, filed a complaint regarding the attack at the Ramgaon Police Station. Three accused have been arrested by the police, and a case has been registered. An investigation is underway.

As per reports, the incident happened on 23rd July, when Chandan Maurya and his cousin Mohit were intercepted by Shahabuddin at Barua ghat. Shahabuddin forced them into his car at gunpoint. He, later joined by Anas and Zeeshan, took the duo to a remote location, where the victims were stripped and brutally beaten with iron rods and sticks.

The attackers denied the victims water and forced them to drink urine. They also forced the victims to raise the slogans of ‘Islam Zindabad’ at gunpoint. Confirming the incident, Additional SP Durga Prasad Tiwari said that the victims were rescued near Matera, and the car used in their abduction has been seized.

Muslim men targeted Hindu girls using fake IDs

Chandan, in his complaint, said that the Muslim men attacked him and his cousin because of an old grudge. He said that the attackers even planned to kill them in Nepal.

According to Chandan, the attackers are part of an Instagram group called “Baba Guruup”. The members of the group used fake Hindu identities to trap Hindu girls via WhatsApp. Chandan said that the members of the group flaunt luxury cars and expensive gadgets, for which they get funding from abroad.

Image via India Today

He added that these Muslim men trap Hindu girls using fake identities. They find out the details of the Hindu girls, including their religion and caste and make fake social media IDs matching religion and caste of the girls. Then they trap the girls into relationships and force them to convert to Islam. They have been targeting the Hindu girls in Chandan’s village as well. He said that he tried to stop their activities by reporting about it to the police about two months ago. He even got into a fight with some members of the Instagram group. However, the police forced them to settle the matter and deleted all the evidence from his phone. “Instead of acting, the police deleted all the evidence from my phone and tried to mediate a compromise,” said Chandan accusing the police of not acting on his complaint.

“Initial probe indicates personal enmity between the groups. A case has been registered and three accused — Shahabuddin, Anas, and Zeeshan — have been arrested,” said Additional SP Tiwari. He said that the claims victims being forced to raise religious slogans were not part of the original complaint and were added later.

Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi hails 12 Maratha forts recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, says every stone has witnessed historical event

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Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi hails 12 Maratha forts recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, says every stone has witnessed historical event

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) move to recognise 12 Maratha forts among the World Heritage Sites and highlighted that every fort was a part of a historical event.

“UNESCO has recognised 12 Maratha forts as World Heritage Sites. 11 forts are in Maharashtra, and one fort is in Tamil Nadu. Every fort has a page of history attached to it, and every stone has witnessed a historical event,” PM Modi said in the 124th episode of his monthly radio show, Mann Ki Baat.

Lauding Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha forts, PM Modi added, “Salher Fort, where the Mughals faced defeat. Shivneri, where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born. A fort so secure that the enemy could not breach it. Khanderi Fort, a marvellous fort built in the middle of the sea. The enemies tried to stop him, but Shivaji Maharaj made the impossible possible.”

He recalled visiting the Raigad fort and said that the experience will remain with him for a lifetime.

“Pratapgarh Fort, where Afzal Khan was trounced, the echo of that saga still resides in the walls of the fort. Vijaydurg, which had secret tunnels, is a testament to Shivaji Maharaj’s foresight. I visited Raigad a few years ago. I paid my respects before the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This experience will remain with me for the rest of my life,” PM Modi said.

PM Modi further noted that the forts across India have faced attacks and adverse weather conditions, but they have never let their self-respect bow down.

“There are such amazing forts in other parts of the country too, which have faced attacks, faced bad weather, but never let their self-respect bow down. Chittaurgarh Fort, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Ranthambore Fort, Amer Fort, and Jaisalmer Fort of Rajasthan are world-famous. Gulbarga Fort in Karnataka is also very big. The vastness of the Chitradurga Fort will also fill you with curiosity as to how this fort would have been built in that era,” he said.

Hailing the forts in Uttar Pradesh, the Prime Minister added that they are symbols of our culture.

“Kalinjar Fort is in Banda, Uttar Pradesh. Mahmud Ghaznavi attacked this fort many times and failed every time. There are many such forts in Bundelkhand – Gwalior, Jhansi, Datia, Ajaygarh, Garhkundar, and Chanderi. These forts are not just bricks and stones; they are symbols of our culture. Culture and self-respect still peek from the high walls of these forts,” PM Modi added.

Earlier this month, in a remarkable decision taken at the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee, India’s official nomination for 2024-25 cycle, ‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India’ got inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming India’s 44th property to receive this recognition. This global accolade celebrates India’s enduring cultural legacy, showcasing its diverse traditions of architectural brilliance, regional identity, and historical continuity, the Ministry of Culture said in an official statement.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Uttar Pradesh: Mohammad Shabbir Ahmed forces Hindu man to convert to Islam, forges documents in the name of victim, Congress and Bhim Army extend support to accused

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Uttar Pradesh: Mohammad Shabbir Ahmed forces Hindu man to convert to Islam, forges documents in the name of victim, Congress and Bhim Army extend support to accused

In yet another case of forced Islamic conversion in Uttar Pradesh, police have arrested a Muslim man named Mohammad Shabbir Ahmed. Shabbir, who is the manager of Al Farooq Inter College, Itwa, in the Siddharthnagar district of Uttar Pradesh, is accused of forcing Akhand Pratap Singh to convert to Islam.

Police are probing Shabbir Ahmed’s links with Jalaluddin alias Chhangur, the mastermind of the Balrampur Islamic conversion racket.

The incident happened when Akhand Pratap Singh was temporarily employed at the college as a clerk. He came to know about a vacancy in Al Farooq Inter College during 2020-21. He went to college and met manager Mohammad Shabbir Ahmed, who offered him ₹15,000 monthly for the job. Nearly 8-10 days after Singh joined the job, Shabbir called him to his office and took his signature on a blank affidavit of ₹100 in the name of a duty agreement.

Shabbir forged an affidavit in the name of Singh

Some time later, Shabbir Ahmed showed Akhand Pratap Singh the affidavit bearing his signature. To Singh’s absolute shock, the affidavit stated that he willingly converted to Islam and changed his name. “I declare that I am a Hindu by religion. I am deeply influenced by the teachings of Islam. I believe in the religious beliefs of Islam. I have accepted Islam out of my own free will and without anyone’s pressure. My new Islamic name is Imran Khan,” the affidavit stated.

Later on, Shabbir Ahmed condemned the Hindu ways of worship and rituals before Singh and advised him to accept Islam. Shabbir kept forcing Singh despite his refusal to accept Islam. Subsequently, he received a WhatsApp call from a Maulana from abroad who offered him ₹20 lakh, a house in Gujarat and a car in exchange for converting to Islam, but Singh rejected his offer. After learning about the affidavit, Singh quit his job. But Shabbir Ahmed kept pestering him to convert to Islam. Singh managed to obtain the affidavit from the college somehow. OpIndia has a copy of it.

Singh submitted a complaint to the police and CM Yogi

Speaking to OpIndia, Akhand Pratap Singh said Shabbir Ahmed has converted around 15-16 Hindus to Islam in the last few years in a similar manner. He said that in 2018, Shabbir Ahmed converted a Hindu man belonging to the Yadav community in the Golhaura police station area, who has been missing ever since. Singh suspected that Shabbir might also have converted other Hindus working in the college.

The victim has submitted a written complaint to the police and CM Yogi Adityanath detailing the entire incident.

Police did not register Singh’s complaint earlier

Akhand Pratap Singh said that he tried to file a complaint against Shabbir earlier, but the police did not register a case and asked him to send his complaint to the SSP and the Chief Minister. According to Singh, Shabbir Ahmed is a wealthy and influential person; therefore, he could not muster the courage to speak up against him. However, after the police busted the Balrampur Islamic conversion racket, Singh grew confident that his complaint would now be heard.

According to Singh, Shabbir Ahmed has been running an Islamic conversion racket in the garb of the inter-college and receiving funds from the Gulf countries. Shabbir used these funds to carry out conversion activities and run businesses in the name of others. Singh added that up to about 15-16 years ago, Shabbir used to work as a driver, but he accumulated considerable wealth over the last few years. Singh has urged the police to investigate his properties and bank accounts.
Police post in charge Anil Ojha told OpIndia that the police are examining some documents seized from the college.

Congress to fight Shabbir case in the court

After the arrest of Shabbir Ahmed, the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (Legal Department) released a letter claiming that Shabbir had been arrested in a false case. Advocates Ravindra Singh, Imran Asim Khan, and Sahodar Tripathi would be arguing his case in the Allahabad High Court.

Bhim Army Chief Chandra Shekhar Azad supports Shabbir

Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad has come out in support of the accused Shabbir Ahmed. Describing Shabbir as “a symbol of religious education, social harmony, and goodwill”, Azad said that the allegations against him are false and are levelled at the behest of the BJP.

“In 2020, a complainant who applied for a job at the college was not appointed. Now, in 2025, the same individual is suddenly accusing Maulana of religious conversion—without any new evidence or incident. At the behest of BJP leaders, this person has leveled false and baseless allegations, harassing Maulana Sahib by implicating him in a fabricated case, ” he wrote on X.

Bangladesh: Unknown group takes over Awami Leage headquarters in Dhaka, starts cleaning the building abandoned for a year

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Bangladesh: Unknown group takes over Awami Leage headquarters in Dhaka, starts cleaning the building abandoned for a year

An unidentified group under the banner of the “International Institute on Fascism and Genocide” is trying to seize the headquarters of the Bangladesh Awami League located in the heart of the capital, Dhaka.

Every room in the building is being cleaned, but no one can say whose orders it is being done under. Those responsible for supervising the work say the cleanup work will be completed before the anniversary of the fall of Sheikh Hasina in the student-led uprising on August 5.

Shkhawat Hossain, who is in charge of supervising the cleaning work, told reporters, “This is an establishment from the era of the fascist Sheikh Hasina. We don’t want more fascists to be born here. That’s why we are taking it under control. No one’s permission is needed for this work”.

A banner reading “International Institute on Fascism and Genocide” hangs at the Awami League headquarters located at 23, Bangabandhu Avenue in Dhaka. 10-12 workers clean the building every day. Some say the 10-story building will be used as a rest house for those leading the movement against Sheikh Hasina.

The Bangladesh Awami League is a major political party in Bangladesh. Founded in 1949, it is the oldest existing party in the country. It played a vital role in the country’s struggle for independence.

The interim government has banned the activities of the Awami League led by Sheikh Hasina. After the fall of Sheikh Hasina, protesters burned down many of the party’s offices, including the Awami League headquarters.

Protesters are removing monuments of Sheikh Hasina and her father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, one by one. Earlier, Protesters also demolished Sheikh Mujib’s 32, Dhanmondi house, which is being used as a Bangabandhu museum.

Sheikh Hasina was ousted in a Student-led uprising in August last year. After her fall, an interim government was formed under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Laureate. (

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Extremist goes on a stabbing spree outside Walmart store in US, injures 11 people: Here is what we know so far

OpIndia Staff
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Extremist goes on a stabbing spree outside Walmart store in US, injures 11 people: Here is what we know so far

11 people were injured in a mass stabbing incident at a Walmart store outside Traverse City in Michigan State of US on the evening of Saturday (26th July).

The incident occurred at around 6:00 pm, causing panic within the store. Police arrived immediately at the location and took the suspect into custody. He is currently behind bars.

The Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office is conducting the investigation, assisted by Michigan State Police. Emergency responders immediately came to the scene after the attack. The store was cordoned off, and several police vehicles, ambulances, and fire engines were spotted outside. Witnesses told of a panic atmosphere as customers scurried for cover.

Michigan State Police confirmed the incident on X (formerly Twitter). They shared that the stabbing was at a Walmart store and that the suspect had been apprehended. “The suspect is in custody, details are limited at this time,” they said.

All victims sent to the hospital

As reported by The New York Times, Megan Brown, the Chief Communication Officer for Munson Healthcare, reported that all 11 injured people were taken to Munson Medical Centre in Traverse City. Six were critical and five were in serious condition late Saturday, she said.

Grand Traverse 911, in turn, took to Facebook that there is no current danger to the public. But they have requested that people avoid Walmart and surrounding areas since the investigation is still underway.

Walmart’s response to the incident

Joe Pennington, a Walmart spokesperson, indicated that the firm is assisting local law enforcement in their investigation. “We are cooperating with law enforcement and refer all questions to them,” he stated, according to the Associated Press.

Governor and federal response

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed her dismay, stating, “Our thoughts are with the victims and the community shaken by this heinous act of violence.” She further stated that her office is in contact with law enforcement authorities.

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said in a social media post that bureau officials were responding to “provide any necessary support.”

The authorities have not yet confirmed the identity and background of the suspect.

Traverse City is situated approximately 25 miles east of Sleeping Bear Dunes and features stunning views and a cherry festival.

Agra conversion gang lured girls through Facebook, promised better life as third or fourth wife: Dehradun’s Srishti reveals racket of Ayesha and Abdul Rehman

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Agra conversion gang lured girls through Facebook, promised better life as third or fourth wife: Dehradun’s Srishti reveals racket of Ayesha and Abdul Rehman

A major illegal religious conversion racket has been busted in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The main target of the racket was Hindu girls, and the perpetrators conspired to convert them to Islam through deceit, allurements, and pressure. Investigation agencies suspect that the racket has links with terrorist organisations including Lashkar-e-Taiba and ISIS. A 21-year-old girl from Dehradun, Srishti, whose name was changed to Maryam by the gang, has exposed the entire modus operandi of the racket through her personal ordeal.

Speaking to Aaj Tak, Srishti revealed every character involved in the racket and how they conspired to lure Hindu girls. Agra Police conducted raids in seven states and arrested 11 accused including mastermind Abdul Rehman Qureshi, Ayesha alias Krishna, and others. Based on Srishti’s testimony, this report covers the details of how the racket operated, the methods used to trap girls, and the foreign funding network.

Srishti’s ordeal, trap began through Facebook

Srishti is a simple 21-year-old girl from Dehradun. She got trapped in this racket in 2020. She said, “It all began when a person named Mutalib contacted me on Facebook. He first befriended me and then started talking about his religion. He told me about Islam and gradually evoked curiosity in me.” Mutalib introduced Srishti to his sisters Sumaiya and Shafia so that she would trust them. After that, Srishti was connected to Ayesha and Abdul Rehman from Delhi.

Police investigation revealed that this racket targeted girls via social media, especially Facebook and online gaming platforms like Ludo. Girls from weak financial backgrounds and emotionally vulnerable ones were first lured into friendship. They were then radicalised using Islamic videos, propaganda content, and voice notes.

Srishti said, “I was added to WhatsApp groups where people like Javed, Abdul Rehman alias Rupendra Pratap, and another Abdul Rehman from Delhi were present. I was repeatedly pressured to accept Islam and get married.”

They offered better life as bait

Srishti revealed that Ayesha tried to exploit her financial condition. She said, “Ayesha asked me about the condition of my house and then lured me by saying that if I accepted Islam and agreed to become someone’s second, third, or fourth wife, I would be given a better home, security, and money. She said I would only be ‘invested in’ if I agreed to their conditions.”

The perpetrators systematically lured girls with the promise of financial help. Srishti was told that if she did not agree to marriage, she would not receive any help. She was introduced to several people, including Javed, Abdul Rehman (alias Rupendra), and another Abdul Rehman from Delhi. These people kept telling Srishti that following Islamic rules and agreeing to marriage was a precondition for help.

According to the police, the perpetrators first mentally prepared these girls. They were forced to choose Islamic names, recite the Kalma, and follow rules like wearing a hijab. Srishti’s name was changed to Maryam and she was told to record voice notes declaring herself a staunch Muslim. These notes were then used to raise funds from abroad, which Srishti herself admitted.

Plan to get girls out of their homes

A major part of the racket was planning to get the girls to leave their homes. Srishti said, “Ayan from Jharkhand told me that if I wanted to leave home, I had to reach a chowk in Dehradun alone. From there, a cab would take me to Delhi. A boy in Delhi would then drop me at some ‘safe place’ after a 10 to 12 hour journey.”

As part of this process, Srishti was instructed to break her phone and SIM card. Ayesha gave her a second-hand keypad phone and a fake SIM with Rs 4,000 to 5,000 so her identity and location would remain hidden.

Srishti said, “I was taught how to break the phone and submerge it in water. I did all that, but I got scared and didn’t leave home. After that, they stopped helping me.” When Srishti refused to leave home, Abdul Rehman (alias Rupendra) pressured her to agree to become a third or fourth wife, or else no help would be given. Srishti rejected this pressure. The perpetrators then told her that their money had been spent on another girl who agreed to go with them.

Funding from several countries

Agra Police’s investigation revealed that this racket was receiving funding from the US, Canada, London, and Dubai. Srishti said, “A boy asked me to write my entire story so he could post it as a status on social media and raise funds. He was Ayesha’s fund manager and shared stories of other girls too.” These stories and voice notes were circulated abroad to show that girls had converted from Hinduism to Islam, based on which funding was raised.

Police found that Abdul Rehman’s nephew rerouted funding from London. This racket operated like ISIS, with different modules. One module worked on fundraising, another on radicalisation, and a third on hiding girls and arranging their nikah post-conversion. The investigation also suspects possible links to PFI and Pakistan-based terror outfits.

Role of jihadi teacher Ayesha

Ayesha alias Krishna was a key link in the racket. Srishti said, “Ayesha targeted girls above 18. She brainwashed them by preaching jihad. Ayesha used multiple numbers and bought second-hand phones.” Ayesha was arrested from Goa and her phone contained jihad-related videos and propaganda material.

Ayesha not only radicalised the girls but also helped them conceal their identities by giving them fake SIMs and phones. Srishti said, “I was taught that before leaving home, I must break the phone and submerge it in water. I was given a fake SIM, but I refused to leave home.”

Agra Police in action, Srishti’s testimony crucial

In March 2025, two sisters disappeared from Sadar Bazar Police Station in Agra, leading to the exposure of the racket. Police rescued the girls from Kolkata and uncovered the racket’s network with help from the cyber cell. A 100-member team conducted raids across seven states, including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, West Bengal, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Jharkhand, under Commissioner Deepak Kumar. Police arrested 11 accused, including Abdul Rehman Qureshi, Ayesha, Mohammad Ali, and Osama.

During the raids, police recovered conversion-related books and propaganda material written by Maulana Kaleem Siddiqui from Abdul Rehman’s house. Srishti’s testimony exposed each member of the racket. She said, “I was forced to recite the Kalma and choose an Islamic name. Abdul Rehman from Delhi asked me to send a voice note in which I had to say I am a staunch Muslim and want to migrate (Hijrat). That note was used to get foreign funding.”

Sleeper cells of the conversion gang dangerously active

Police traced dozens of girls across seven states. Several of them were so radicalised that counselling was ineffective. A photo of one victim holding an AK-47 has surfaced, indicating the dangerous intentions of the racket. The gang was preparing girls not just for conversion but also for terrorist activities.

Srishti said, “I managed to escape this trap, but many girls are still stuck. I want people to understand this conspiracy and not make such a mistake.” Her testimony has not only helped dismantle the racket but will also aid in tracing girls who have gone missing under its influence.

The exposure of the Agra conversion racket has highlighted the seriousness of the sleeper cell network spread across the country. This gang used social media, foreign funding, and organised modules to target Hindu girls. Srishti’s brave testimony and Agra Police’s swift action have brought the conspiracy to light.

UP ATS and police are now probing other members of the network and the sources of their funding. This case serves as a warning to society to stay alert on social media and not fall for any temptations.

“Murshidabad violence must not be forgotten”: Shocking photo exhibition in Delhi sparks fresh debate on Islamist atrocities in Bengal

OpIndia Staff
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“Murshidabad violence must not be forgotten”: Shocking photo exhibition in Delhi sparks fresh debate on Islamist atrocities in Bengal

In a powerful and moving exhibition held at New Delhi’s Constitution Club on July 25, 2025, Organiser media unveiled a series of disturbing photographs documenting the Islamist mob violence that shook Murshidabad, West Bengal, in April this year. The exhibit, curated with photos captured on the ground by journalist Nishant Azad, aimed to ensure that the atrocities are not buried under political silence—and that justice is neither delayed nor denied.

The photos showcased chilling visuals: grieving widows and children of Har Govind Das and Chandan Das—idol makers who were brutally killed; shattered Hindu idols; torched vehicles; and desecrated temples. The heart-wrenching imagery left a lasting impact on the attendees, who included prominent figures like Kanchan Gupta (senior advisor to the I&B Ministry), veteran journalist and ex-Rajya Sabha MP Swapan Dasgupta, BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul, and Organiser editor Prafull Ketkar.

Swapan Dasgupta issued a stark warning: “West Bengal is on the brink of becoming West Bangladesh. If we remain silent today, tomorrow’s Bengal may be unrecognizable.”

Calling it not just a law-and-order issue but one of national security, Ketkar emphasized, “This isn’t just about TMC vs BJP. The real victims are women, Dalits, and the ordinary Hindu who is now the biggest target of political and religious violence.”

Agnimitra Paul revealed that nine Hindu temples were demolished and idol-makers were murdered simply for being Hindu. She accused TMC leader Inam-ul-Haq of masterminding the violence, alleging it was premeditated and not spontaneous. She also slammed the police for inaction and the BSF for being kept “on mute mode.”

The speakers drew parallels with Kashmir, noting the use of mosques to incite mobs and the eerie silence of the intellectual class. “We don’t want Asansol to become Anantnag,” one speaker declared.

Kanchan Gupta raised alarms over shifting demographics: “Murshidabad is a ticking time bomb. In Sundarbans, Hindus are now worshipping the Islamic folk deity Bonbibi, and Tablighi Jamaat is camping unchecked in sensitive regions.” He criticized Mamata Banerjee for promoting an Urdu-first narrative even on official letterheads.

Author Deep Halder remarked grimly: “If a Panchayat-style series were made in Bengal, it’d be named Mirzapur. Even local polls are soaked in blood here.”

Closing the event, VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal said, “Bengali Hindus need not flee—they need to fight. This is not the time for fear but for unity and courage.”

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