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Be it Jalaluddin or Farhan, Md Kaif or Rehman, all of them targeted Hindu girls for conversion: 6 Islamic conversions rackets busted in 2 months, received foreign fundings over ₹100 crores

रामांशी
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Be it Jalaluddin or Farhan, Md Kaif or Rehman, all of them targeted Hindu girls for conversion: 6 Islamic conversions rackets busted in 2 months, received foreign fundings over ₹100 crores

In an alarming development, authorities recently busted many Islamic conversion rackets spread across districts. In a month, several gangs were exposed in Bhopal, Balrampur, Agra, Prayagraj, Aligarh and Kushinagar, which targeted Hindu girls by luring or trapping them in relationships.

These Islamic gangs not only targeted vulnerable Hindu women for conversions, but people running these gangs accumulated huge wealth through foreign funding. Some of these gangs have been found to have links with terrorist organisations.

College-going women were targeted in Bhopal

The first big case of an Islamic religious conversion racket came to light in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. In this case, a Muslim man named Farhan trapped Hindu girls studying in college by befriending them. He later raped them by luring them into romantic relationships and recorded their obscene videos. He then blackmailed his victims using these videos. He targeted many Hindu women with the same modus operandi.

On 11 April 2025, some Hindu female students filed a complaint in Bhopal’s Baghsewania police station. In their complaints, they stated that they were blackmailed, threatened and raped using their obscene videos. Several more Hindu women came forward with their accounts of abuse by the Islamists during the investigation. Police arrested 12 accused, including Frahan, Sahil Khan, Ali Khan, Saad, Nabeeel and Abrar. An SIT team was formed to carry forward the investigation into the activities of the Islamic conversion gang.

Jalaluddin’s Islamic conversion racket in Balrampur

Authorities in Balrampur district of Uttar Pradesh exposed another huge Islamic conversion racket. Its mastermind, Jalaluddin alias Changur Baba, who used to sell gems in villages, brainwashed and converted a Hindu couple named Neetu Vohra and Naveen Vohra, in Mumbai and misappropriated their properties worth ₹158 crore. Finally, he, along with Neetu and Naveen Vohra, came and settled in Utraula village in the Balrampur district of Uttar Pradesh, which became the headquarters of his Islamic conversion racket. Jalaluddin converted more than 1500 Hindu women. The UP ATS arrested him on July 5, 2025, at a hotel in Lucknow.

Jalaluddin used to entice people with a luxurious life and money. He received massive funding from the Gulf countries to carry on his conversion activities. During the investigation, authorities found that he had amassed properties worth ₹160 crore and received foreign funding in 40 bank accounts linked to him and his associates.

Investigation revealed that Jalaluddin had fixed incentives for the conversion of Hindu women as per their caste. He paid money to Muslim men to lure or coerce Hindu women and convert them. He fixed at ₹15-16 lakh for Brahmin, Kshatriya, Sardar women, ₹10-12 lakh for women from the backward castes and ₹8-10 lakh for other castes. Due to the complex nature of the case and the huge amount of foreign funding involved, the case is being investigated by multiple agencies, including the Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

‘Mission Asmita’ exposed an ISIS-style conversion racket in Agra

In a major nationwide crackdown under the Yogi Adityanath-led Mission Asmita initiative, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) has busted a large-scale Islamic religious conversion and radicalisation syndicate that operated with tactics mirroring those of the ISIS. The racket spanned across six Indian states of UP, Goa, West Bengal, Uttarakhand, Delhi and Rajasthan. It involved terror funding through the dark web and targeted vulnerable Hindu women and minors through coercion, deception, and ‘love jihad’. Around 10 people linked with the gang were arrested by the police on 19th July.

The investigation into the disappearance of two sisters in Agra led the authorities to the conversion gang. The sisters ran away from their home carrying ₹25 thousand and some jewellery. They reached Kolkata by bus via Delhi, Muzaffarnagar, and Samastipur. In Kolkata, a Muslim man named Osama arranged a hotel for them. He also helped them get a room in Kolkata’s Muslim colony ‘Tapsia’.

The leader of this gang, Abdul Rehman, was once a Hindu named Mahendra Pal. In 1990, he became a Christian and then converted to Islam. 10 people found involved in his gang were also Hindus earlier. His gang used to target only ‘adult’ Hindu women as it is easier to take them along wth being noticed. Some time ago, a Hindu girl from Rohtak in Haryana was also reportedly rescued from Abdul. People who were converted to Islam by this gang used to get their documents, like Voter IDs and Aadhaar Cards, made in their new names in Kolkata.

Jihadi Gang busted in Prayagraj

On 28 June 2025, the mother of a Dalit girl lodged a complaint at the Phulpur police station in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. She stated in her complaint that her daughter had been brainwashed by a woman named Darkasha Bano. Police came across shocking details during the investigation of the case. Darkasha Bano brainwashed the 15-year-old girl to convert to Islam and kept poisoning her against Hinduism. She, along with one Mohammad Kaif, lured the Dalit girl with money and took her from Delhi to Kerala.

In Kerala, the minor girl was forced to convert to Islam and join ‘Jihad’. However, she managed to flee and contacted the local police. She was safely rescued and sent back to Prayagraj. Darkasha Bano, Mohammad Kaif and Mohammad Taj were arrested by the police on 14th July. Police constituted three teams and commenced a detailed investigation into the activities of the gang.

It was found that the Jihadi gang was specifically targeting minor Dalit girls. Investigating agencies suspect it to be a multi-state network working with the aim of involving the victims in terrorist activities after conversion.

Hindu women disappeared after converting to Islam in Aligarh

A similar vicious Jihadi network involved in illegal religious conversions was busted by authorities in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. The Jihadi gang is suspected of targeting around 97 Hindu women, all of whom are missing. 17 out of these 97 women are teenagers. The gang’s mastermind, Umar Gautam, revealed the activities of the gang after being arrested.

Around 33 Hindu women were converted by the gang in 2018, out of whom 3 were from Aligarh. Investigation revealed that the gang used social networks, dark websites, and dating applications to lure Hindu women. The group is suspected to have connections with banned terror groups such as PFI, SIMI, and Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Conversion gang found in Kushinagar

Another Islamic conversion network was exposed in the Kushinagar district of Uttar Pradesh. Police found out about the gang after Prem Madheshiya of Tekuatar Tola Khairtwa filed a complaint against a Muslim man, Arman, for kidnapping his 15-year-old daughter on the pretext of marriage. Another man named Ramcharit Prasad had also lodged a similar complaint for the kidnapping case of his two daughters and their friend.

During the investigation into the complaints, the Police came across the Jihadi network and arrested its mastermind, Jairunnisa and her associates, Arman Ali, Arbaad and Ikramul. The gang converted three minor Hindu girls to Islam and pushed them into prostitution in Mumbai. The gang converted 3 Hindu minor girls and then pushed them into prostitution in Mumbai.

Jihadi networks used code language to communicate

The Jihadi network busted in the Agra case had created code words to refer to their victims. The members of this gang used to call the victims who converted to Islam ‘revert’. Victims who came to them for conversion were described as coming to a ‘safe zone’.

Similarly, Jalaluddin in the Balrampur Islamic conversion gang also used code words for his victims. He used to refer to Hindu women lured for conversion as ‘project’ and refer to religious conversion as ‘Mitti Palatna’ (Soil Tilling). Meeting with Jalaluddin was called ‘Deedar Karna’, and brainwashing victims for conversion was referred to as ‘Kajal Karna’.

Foreign funding involved in the operations of these Jihadi gangs

The Jihadi gangs exposed in Agra, Balrampur, Prayagraj and Aligarh are linked to Popular Front of India (PFI), Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) and Pakistani terrorist organisations. They used to get funding from the US, Canada, England and the UAE. According to the Police, these Jihadi networks operated on the lines of Islamic terrorist organisations like ISIS.

These Islamic conversion gangs are not limited to a few cities. They are spread across various districts in different states of the country. They operate with the sole Jiahdi aim of reducing the Hindus to a minority in the country and eventually wiping out their existence from India.

Apart from the police investigation, a key part of dealing with and curbing these Jihadi networks is to spread awareness about the activities of these gangs. It is important to educate Hindus, particularly the young generation, about Hindu religion and culture so that they do not get brainwashed against their own religion and fall prey to predatory ideologies. Besides, Hindus, as a community need to address their internal faultlines, so that they are not exploited by such ideologies.

Rahul Gandhi shows up at demolished slums to play activist, hoping to cash in on a Supreme Court-ordered demolition, but the ‘Yuvraj’ walks away with nothing yet again

श्रवण शुक्ल
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Rahul Gandhi shows up at demolished slums to play activist, hoping to cash in on a Supreme Court-ordered demolition, but the ‘Yuvraj’ walks away with nothing yet again

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited the slums of Ashok Vihar and Jailer Wala Bagh in Wazirpur, Delhi, on Friday, 25 July 2025. These are the same areas where the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) had bulldozed slums last month. During his visit, Rahul Gandhi met with the residents, listened to their grievances, and assured them that the Congress party would take their fight to court and raise the issue in Parliament.

However, the question arises, was this visit truly meant to help the people, or was it just another political opportunity that Rahul Gandhi tried to capitalise on?

What’s the whole matter?

On 16 June 2025, the DDA carried out a major demolition drive in Jailer Wala Bagh, demolishing over 500 slums. The DDA claimed the action was taken following Supreme Court orders, as these slums had illegally encroached upon DDA land and areas around the railway tracks. Although the DDA had issued prior notices, many residents reportedly did not vacate the land.

However, the government had also planned for the rehabilitation of these slum dwellers. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Swabhiman Apartments were constructed in Ashok Vihar Phase-2, with 1,675 flats for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). Of these, 1,078 eligible families have already been allotted flats. While each flat costs Rs 25 lakh, the eligible beneficiaries are required to pay only Rs 1.42 lakh, along with Rs 30,000 for maintenance. The rest of the cost is being borne by the government. The DDA clarified that this initiative is part of the ‘Jahan Jhuggi, Wahin Makaan’ scheme, approved by the Delhi government in 2015.

Rahul Gandhi’s visit, a help for slum dwellers or political move?

Rahul Gandhi’s visit took place during the monsoon session of Parliament. He made an unannounced visit to Jailer Wala Bagh, spoke to the people there, and listened to their concerns. He asked residents questions on how much land the area covers and how much of it the DDA had bulldozed. One person replied, “100 acres,” to which Rahul Gandhi responded, “Brother, I’ve walked on 100 acres.”

The Congress shared a video of this interaction on its official ‘X’ account, captioning it as Rahul Gandhi sharing the pain of the affected families. The video received mixed reactions on social media. Some users mocked Rahul Gandhi and the Congress. One user, Pitambara Dutt Sharma, asked, “Have any of these people bought the land? Are those who legally buy plots and pay taxes?” Another user, Mukesh Agarwal, questioned whether Rahul Gandhi had ever visited slums inhabited by refugees from Pakistan. Rajesh Jain went further, accusing the Congress of attempting to resettle Rohingyas and Bangladeshis.

What’s the truth behind the demolitions?

Rahul Gandhi and the Congress have claimed that the DDA’s demolition drive left many people homeless and that the newly allotted flats lack proper facilities like clean water, sanitation, and other basic amenities. Some residents also alleged that their homes were demolished despite having a stay order from the High Court.

However, the DDA offers a different narrative. It states that those who have been allotted flats are receiving permanent homes at affordable prices. People who were deemed ineligible either did not possess a valid ration card or were not listed in the voter register before 2015. Even so, the DDA has allowed them to appeal to an appellate authority.

Since the demolition was carried out under Supreme Court directives, the BJP has asserted that the Delhi government is fulfilling its promise of providing permanent homes to slum dwellers. According to the BJP, the scheme is both legal and aimed at improving people’s lives. In contrast, Rahul Gandhi and the Congress claim it is a failure on the part of the BJP and accuse it of displacing the poor.

OpIndia’s reporting from the site of the demolition supports the BJP’s version. Their report claims that the BJP-led Delhi government under Rekha Gupta is keeping its promises by providing permanent housing to the poor.

Rahul Gandhi’s old pattern of politics

This isn’t the first time Rahul Gandhi has drawn attention by highlighting public grievances. Whether it’s the farmers’ protests, unemployment issues, or other social matters, he often appears during such times with grand promises. But do these visits translate into tangible outcomes? That question lingers.

For instance, during the 2020 Delhi riots, Rahul Gandhi visited affected areas and criticised the government, but his visit had little impact. Similarly, in 2023, when the Congress-led government in Chhattisgarh demolished more than 1,000 slums, Rahul Gandhi remained silent. Many on social media are now questioning why he only raises concerns when his party is in opposition.

Rahul Gandhi is often seen as a leader who brings attention to issues without offering real solutions. His speeches tend to be emotional but disconnected from ground realities. In the case of Jailer Wala Bagh, his visit appears more like a political gesture than a sincere effort to help.

Misleading the public?

Rahul Gandhi and the Congress’s claim that the BJP is making people homeless seems misleading. The DDA acted legally, following Supreme Court orders. Eligible residents are receiving permanent homes at subsidised prices, and an appeal process is in place for those who were not deemed eligible.

The Congress appears to be attempting to create confusion and gain political mileage. While Rahul Gandhi did listen to the people, he did not offer any concrete solution. His assurances about raising the matter in court and Parliament lack clarity on how they will result in immediate relief for the affected families.

People on social media are also catching on. One user commented, “Congress sees the pain of the poor only when the cameras are on.” This sentiment casts doubt on Rahul Gandhi’s intentions. If he genuinely wanted to help, he could have coordinated with the DDA or government officials to work out a solution. Instead, it turned into another political show.

A one-sided narrative falls flat

The BJP and DDA maintain that the entire operation was transparent and lawful. The ‘Jahan Jhuggi, Wahin Makaan’ scheme is being implemented, and out of 1,675 flats, 1,078 have already been allotted, with the rest to follow. The initiative aims to provide not only better living conditions but also a more organised Delhi.

While it is true that some families have yet to receive flats and there have been concerns about facilities, the DDA says these issues will be addressed. Removing illegal encroachments is seen as necessary for the city’s safety and development.

Welfare or political mileage?

Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Jailer Wala Bagh seemed emotional, but a closer look suggests it was more political than practical. With DDA and BJP offering permanent homes legally, Rahul Gandhi’s attempt to portray the situation as BJP’s failure appears misleading.

If the Congress and Rahul Gandhi are truly concerned about the welfare of the people, they should work with the government to find solutions. Mere emotional speeches and media appearances are unlikely to make a difference. The people of Delhi seem increasingly aware of who is genuinely helping them and who is engaging in political theatrics. Once again, it seems Rahul Gandhi and the Congress may be left disappointed.

Delhi’s BJP govt moves Supreme Court seeking review of ban on older vehicles, says order was not based on scientific study and it affects the middle class most

Raju Das
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Delhi’s BJP govt moves Supreme Court seeking review of ban on older vehicles, says order was not based on scientific study and it affects the middle class most

The Delhi Government on Friday approached the Supreme Court seeking a review of the 2018 order imposing blanket ban on ‘end-of-life’ vehicles in the city. The state government said that the order banning petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years in the National Capital Region was not based on any scientific study, and the decision has hit the middle class most.

The govt in its application said that the strict Bharat Stage VI compliant vehicles emit far less pollutants compared to BS-IV vehicles, and it is not correct ban vehicles just on the basis of age. It argued that the blanket ban does not differentiate between well maintained and poorly maintained vehicles, and it was not based on any scientific study.

The decision banning vehicles purely on the basis of age disproportionately affects the middle-class who use their vehicles less, maintain them well and whose vehicles are compliant with the pollution compliant norms, the application stated. The state govt said, “Studies indicate that these vehicles often have significantly lower annual mileage and contribute negligibly to overall emissions.”

The state government stated that the directive has placed undue hardship on middle-class citizens who may rely on these vehicles for limited but essential transport needs.

The application stated, “The current approach mandates collective compliance, without distinguishing between heavily polluting and well-maintained, low-use vehicles. This does not align with the broader objective of effectively reducing pollution levels in the region.”

It urged the apex court to direct the central govt or Air Quality Management to “carry out a suitable broad-based, scientific study on the need for continuance of a complete ban on playing of 15 or more years old petrol and 10 or more years old diesel vehicles of all categories in NCR, imposed by the SC through its order on Oct 10, 2018”.

The govt further stated that measures like significant improvement in Pollution Under Control Technology, increased coverage of PUC testing, stricter monitoring of emission standards, transition to BS-VS engines and other measures have suitably addressed the concerns that had led to the ban on the “end-of-life” vehicles by the Supreme Court.

The state govt’s application further said that vehicular pollution is only one of the several causes of air pollution which includes, stubble burning, biomass burning, road and construction dust, industrial emissions along with weather and meteorological factors, and that the pollution level changes in different seasons of the year.

The govt reiterated that the 2018 order needs to be reconsidered and instead focus should be on more targeted, scientific, and equitable measures to combat pollution.

Notably, earlier this month the Delhi govt paused an order banning sale of fuel to diesel vehicles older than 10 and petrol vehicles older than 15 vehicles, two days after ordering the ban on the Supreme Court order. The sale ban was halted after massive outrage among the public. The govt then cited non-feasibility to halt the ban, saying there were technical difficulties in imposing the ban.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa had said that the government is planning to adopt a new system regarding old vehicles. However, he indicated that old vehicles will not be allowed in Delhi, adding that the govt will not allow confiscation of vehicles.

Weaponisation of blasphemy law, Hindus subjected to discrimination, minorities unable to practice their Faith openly: USCIRF releases report on religious freedom in Bangladesh

OpIndia Staff
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Weaponisation of blasphemy law, Hindus subjected to discrimination, minorities unable to practice their Faith openly: USCIRF releases report on religious freedom in Bangladesh

On Monday (21st July), the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released a factsheet on Bangladesh, highlighting concerns about religious freedom in the country.

The report noted that religious minorities have expressed serious concerns about their safety and ability to practice their Faith openly.

USCIRF flagged that Bangladesh maintains a blasphemy law under Section 195A of its Penal Code. At the same time, the Cyber Security Act of 2023 penalises individuals with 2 years of imprisonment for hurting religious sentiments.

OpIndia had previously highlighted 13 cases  where Hindus were attacked, tortured and persecuted by Muslim mobs under the pretext of ‘blasphemy.’

USCIRF noted that religious minorities are being excluded from the ‘Constitutional Reform Commission’ and are underrepresented in State-run institutions and politics.

“Hindu, indigenous, Ahmadiyya, and Sufi Muslim communities continue to report discrimination,” it stated in its factsheet.

USCIRF highlighted the lack of accountability of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus and the collapse of the law enforcement system.

It pointed out that despite fears of religious violence in the run up to the national elections in 2026, no comprehensive strategy has been formulated by the Yunus regime for its prevention.

“Some religious minorities and Muslim women emphasised that they continue to face societal-level discrimination from more hardline Islamic groups, and they emphasised that attacks along religious lines, while sporadic, continue,” USCIRF stated.

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom concluded that minorities should be able to practice their Faith without retribution or fear.

Attack on Hindus in Bangladesh since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina

OpIndia has been vetting and reporting cases of atrocities on Hindus since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina on 5th August 2024.

There have been at least 205 attacks on Hindu temples, shops and businesses within 3 days of the fall of Dhaka.

We previously exposed how Muslim students have forced as many as 60 Hindu teachers, professors and government officials to resign from their positions.

Human rights activist and exiled Bangladeshi blogger, Asad Noor, has recently revealed that the minority community is now being coerced into joining ‘Jamaat-e-Islami’.

On 6th September, a procession of Hindu devotees carrying the idol of Lord Ganesha came under attack in the Kadam Mubarak area in Chittagong city of Bangladesh.

Ahead of the Durga Puja celebrations, a radical Muslim man named Yasin Mia vandalised the idols of Goddess Durga and other Hindu deities in Gouripur town in the Mymensingh district of Bangladesh on 25th September.

In the latest series of attacks, idols of Goddess Durga and other Hindu deities were vandalised at the Rishipara Barwari Puja Mandap and the Manikadi Palpara Barwari Pujamandap on 28th September and 1st October respectively.

The attacks were carried out in Sujanagar upazila in Pabna district in Rajshahi Division of Bangladesh. While a total of 4 idols were defaced at the Rishipara Barwari Puja Mandap, another 5 Hindu idols were destroyed at the Manikadi Palpara Barwari Pujamandap.

On 3rd October, 7 idols of Hindu deities were destroyed at the Gopinath Jiur Akhara Durga Puja mandap in Kishoreganj, Dhaka Division, Bangladesh.

On 5th November, the Hindu community came under attack from police and law enforcement authorities in Hazari Goli in Chittagong city of Bangladesh.

On 29th November, a violent Muslim mob attacked Hindu minorities and vandalised 3 temples in Patharghata in  Chittagong district of Bangladesh.

The Hindu religious sites that the Muslims targeted included the Shantaneshwari Matri Temple, the Shoni Temple, and Shantaneshwari Kalibari Temple. The attack took place immediately after the conclusion of Jumma Namaz. 

On 30th November, a prominent Hindu journalist named Munni Saha was arrested by the police from Karwan Bazar in Dhaka city of Bangladesh.

A group of extremists attacked the Mahashmashan Kali Mata Mandir, vandalised 7 idols of deities and stole gold ornaments on 13th December 2024.

On 19th December, a Muslim man identified as Alal Uddin vandalised an idol at the Polashkanda Kali Temple and then attempted to create a fake alibi. The incident occurred in Haluaghat upazila in the Mymensingh district of Bangladesh.

Another 37-year-old Muslim man identified as Azharul vandalised several idols of deities in Haluaghat Upazila in the Mymensingh district of Bangladesh.

The recent arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu and his aides, attempts at banning Hindu organisation ISKCON and stiffling Hindu protests with cases of ‘sedition’ highlight systematic persecution under the interim government of Muhammad Yunus.

There have been multiple instances of attacks on Hindus under the pretext of ‘blasphemy.’ The recent cases of Hridoy Pal, Utsab Mandal, Partha Biswas Pintu, Akash Das, Pranta Talukder and Utsab Kumar Gian are shining examples of targeted persecution.

From Hambantota to Malé: The stark difference between China’s debt diplomacy and India’s developmental approach

Divyansh Tiwari
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From Hambantota to Malé: The stark difference between China’s debt diplomacy and India’s developmental approach

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been widely promoted over the last decade as a road to growth for smaller nations. But the truth has frequently been bleak. Unsustainable Chinese loans have caused many nations, notably Kenya and Sri Lanka, to collapse, resulting in sovereign defaults and the loss of vital assets.

With great pomp and optimism, China launched the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2013 as a network of improved land and sea connections to better connect China with Asia, Europe, and Africa. Up to a trillion dollars was being offered to accelerate economic growth in the last frontiers of globalisation, reduce the infrastructure gap between Asia and Africa, and encourage the second-largest economy in the world to become more involved in international affairs with the goal of establishing a real multi-polar global power structure.

To determine whether nations would experience debt hardship as a result of financing associated to the Belt and Road Initiative, a study was carried out. They discovered that ten to fifteen nations, with eight of them being of special concern, may experience financial difficulties as a result of future BRI-related funding. Djibouti, the Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, the Maldives, Mongolia, Montenegro, Pakistan, and Tajikistan are among these nations.

The Maldives is facing a mounting debt crisis that threatens its economic sovereignty, as foreign exchange reserves dwindle to precarious levels and large debt repayments loom.

China’s BRI and the debt trap model

It appeared as though China was attempting to rewrite the rules of world development in the early phases of the Belt and Road initiative. There was a buzz and excitement since the projects were larger, riskier, and more expensive than what the public was accustomed to seeing. While stories about multibillion-dollar deals, significant moves, and progress along the Belt and Road glittered on the news tickers, a more comprehensive analysis would have revealed that many of these deals were with nations with “junk” credit ratings.

Making large deals with countries such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia demonstrated the Belt and Road’s initial inclination to prioritise quantity over quality, expediency over transparency, and the consequences of this approach were seen rapidly across the network.

Case studies: Kenya, Sri Lanka, and Laos

Kenya

As a significant regional transport hub and home to the largest economy in East Africa, Kenya has emerged as a major beneficiary of BRI investments. As part of the BRI, China has worked closely with other countries to develop a number of “mega projects,” including the construction of the Nairobi Motorway, the upgrade of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), and the creation of the Eldoret Special Economic Zone (ESEZ), which is a component of the African Economic Zone project.

Kenya also agreed to grave terms on their Chinese loans. The government borrowed $1.6 billion from China to build the Nairobi-Naivasha section of the rail network at a 2% annual interest rate, and an agreement was made stating that 42% of all profits would be utilised to repay the loan. The agreement also states that Kenya must approach China first if it wishes to purchase goods with the proceeds from the rail network. Such terms drive Kenya to make economically unsound decisions, of which China is the sole benefit. Interestingly Kenya must pay off its debt to China if the SGR is not profitable; if it is, it must use the rail revenue to buy Chinese goods and pay off its debt.

Furthermore, because Chinese enterprises neglect to subcontract Kenyan firms, local businesses lose out on valuable infrastructure projects. Kenyan companies earned only 0.9% of the 1.31 billion shillings allocated to a road development project connecting Kisumu and Mamboleo.

About three-quarters of Kenya’s gross domestic product, or 67% of its debt, which has already reached a record $82 billion, comes from Chinese loans. With the addition of the $1.4 billion extension to the Naivasha Inland Container Depot, the loan has increased to $5 billion, and Kenya’s government requested that its Chinese lenders prolong the payback period by an additional 30 years. China imposed a nearly $11 million fine on Kenya in June 2022 for failing to make railway payments.

Sri Lanka

Perhaps the most talked-about case is Sri Lanka, especially in relation to the construction and eventual lease of the port of Hambantota. Former President and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa was closely linked to this project, which is situated on Sri Lanka’s southern coast.

The port was intended to transform a small fishing village into a major shipping hub. Sri Lanka relied on Chinese financing to accomplish its goal. But Sri Lanka was unable to repay those loans, so in 2017, it agreed to give China a majority equity stake in the port and a 99-year lease to operate it.

China’s official news agency enthusiastically tweeted, “Another milestone along path of #BeltandRoad,” on the day of the handover. The auditor general of Sri Lanka acknowledged in February 2018 that he was unable to precisely estimate the amount of public debt owed by the nation. Increased openness would benefit all aspects, including contracting, payments, and project proposal evaluation.

Laos

Laos is another interesting case of Chinese influence. In an effort to update its outdated infrastructure, the Lao government embarked on a number of ambitious projects, such as building the $6 billion Boten-Vientiane railway that would connect China and Laos. China provided the majority of the funding for this project, with Exim Bank once again being a key player.

In 2020, amid efforts to restructure its debt, China acquired a 90% share in Électricité du Laos Transmission Company, which is in charge of Laos’ electrical grid. This move gave China strategic control over the country’s energy infrastructure, including the ability to cut off electricity supplies to Lao households.

According to the Lowy research, China’s record-high debt might be used for “political leverage,” especially given the Trump administration’s massive cuts to international aid. The research also noted additional large-scale loans made to Honduras, Nicaragua, the Solomon Islands, Burkina Faso, and the Dominican Republic, all within 18 months of those nations moving diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing.

Laos has not sought structured debt relief from the International Monetary Fund, in contrast to Sri Lanka. China and Laos seem to be avoiding public recognition of the failure of the “China model” in Laos by adopting a “extend and pretend” approach instead. In addition to making Laos extremely susceptible to future economic shocks, this could cost the country’s citizens a decade or more.

Maldives: Economic strain under Chinese debt

According to the Maldives Finance Ministry, the Export-Import Bank of China held 25.2% of the Maldives’ external debt in June 2023 and was the country’s largest single lender. Without identifying the PRC, the IMF stated that the Maldives remained “at high risk of external and overall debt distress” unless “significant policy changes.” The picture painted by the economic statistics is dismal. As of December 2024, the Maldives Monetary Authority’s usable foreign exchange reserves were less than $65 million.

During his trip to China, President Muizzu signed more than 20 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and asked for debt restructuring and financial support. China has so far provided a US$130 million funding to maintain the Sinamale bridge for free and improve the roads in Malé and Vilimalé. Despite the Maldives’ growing economic problems, China has yet to fulfil its pledge of a five-year grace period, even one year after Muizzu’s arrival. China is reluctant to make new loan offers and has insisted that debt restructuring would make it even harder for the Maldives to get new loans.

India: A stabilizing force

With its “Neighbourhood First” policy, India has intervened to stabilise the Maldives by providing development and financial support. India’s assistance over the past two years has taken the form of grants, infrastructure projects, bond subscriptions, and currency swaps.

India gave a huge lifeline to the Maldives in the form of two currency swaps totalling $757 million. Large-scale infrastructure development work under India’s US$ 800 million line of credit continues on schedule, including a brand-new international airport in the northern Maldives, a bridge and road project in the southern Maldives, a large housing development project in the capital Malé, and a new bridge connecting Malé to its western suburban islands. A second-year extension was granted in May 2025 after New Delhi rolled over payments of a USD 50 million treasury bill in May 2024.

High-profile diplomatic visits and financial assistance from India have given Malé a safety net that allows it to restructure its economy without further entangling itself with Beijing. India also makes sure that no external power takes advantage of the Maldives’ strategic location by bolstering coastal surveillance systems and maritime security cooperation. In addition, India is a major tourist destination for the Maldives, which makes its economic influence more organic and focused on people than China’s transactional strategy.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative has left the Maldives with a significant debt burden and growing worries about sovereignty. India’s quick financial interventions and developmental aid have not only stabilised the Maldivian economy, but have also established New Delhi as a critical partner.

The way forward

From the $400 million RBI currency swap to the Greater Malé Connectivity Project, India’s strategy is trust-based and forward-looking. In the face of growing geopolitical rivalry in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives must acknowledge that India, not China, provides the dependable and sustainable way forward.

The saying of Ernest Hemingway that one becomes bankrupt in two stages “gradually, and then suddenly.” While the projects sound appealing, they frequently come with high-interest loans and unclear conditions. Countries who are unable to meet their obligations must renegotiate their sovereignty, as witnessed with Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port, which was leased to China for 99 years after Colombo failed to clear its loan.

PM Modi presents BHISHM Cubes to Maldives: Read about the innovative modular portable hospitals developed by India for rapid deployment in emergencies

OpIndia Staff
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PM Modi presents BHISHM Cubes to Maldives: Read about the innovative modular portable hospitals developed by India for rapid deployment in emergencies

In a significant display of diplomatic goodwill and healthcare diplomacy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today presented two state-of-the-art BHISHM cubes to Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu during a ceremonial visit to mark the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day. The gifts underscored India’s commitment to fostering regional cooperation and enhancing emergency healthcare capabilities in the Indian Ocean region.

After the handover, PM Modi said that it reaffirms India’s partnership in service of the people. He posted on X, “Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita & Maitri (BHISHM) is a symbol of India’s commitment to timely and compassionate healthcare support. These deployable medical cubes carry essential medicines and equipment for emergency care.”

Portable Hospitals for rapid deployment in emergencies

The BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita & Maitri) cubes are compact and portable medical units, designed to provide rapid response in emergencies. The initiative, part of India’s “Aarogya Maitri” mission launched in 2024, aims to support disaster-hit and developing nations with timely and compassionate healthcare support.

The BHISHM cubes, developed under the guidance of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), are self-contained units tailored for disaster zones and conflict areas. At its core are compact, portable “mini cubes” filled with essential medicines and equipment, designed for rapid deployment in various emergencies. Equipped with essential medicines, trauma care supplies, surgical tools, and AI-driven coordination systems, these units can handle up to 200 emergency cases, including trauma and minor surgeries.

As per an official statement on the program, the BHISHM system is highly modular and scalable. Thirty-six mini cubes can be combined to form a mother cube, and two mother cubes create a full BHISHM Cube. Each complete cube can support medical care for up to 200 cases, including surgical procedures. The system incorporates advanced technology, featuring inventory management via Radio-frequency identification (RFID) and digital support in 180 languages.

A standout feature of the BHISHM Cube is its rapid deployment capability. In mass casualty incidents, the entire unit can be set up within just 12 minutes, bridging the crucial gap between primary and definitive care during the critical “golden hour” of emergencies. The cube comprises 72 easily transportable components, designed for versatile delivery methods including hand-carry, bicycle, or even drone transport.

The cubes are also built to withstand harsh conditions, as they are robust, waterproof, and lightweight. Their flexible configuration allows deployment in diverse emergency scenarios. The system can be quickly dispatched via airdrop or ground transportation, ensuring swift response to crises anywhere.

Further, advanced medical equipment within the cube is RFID-tagged for efficient management. A state-of-the-art software system, accessible via a tablet provided with the systems, allows operators to quickly locate items, monitor usage and expiry dates, and maintain readiness for future deployments.

The BHISHM Cube also integrates cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and data analytics.  It also enhances disaster response by facilitating effective coordination, real-time monitoring, and efficient management of medical services in the field.

The cubes’ deployment in the Maldives enhances the island nation’s capacity to respond to natural disasters, a frequent challenge given its vulnerability to climate change. As Maldives is spread over 1192 coral islands grouped in 26 atolls without any land connectivity, providing healthcare services to the population is a big challenge. These BHISHM Cubes will greatly benefit the people of Maldives in this regard.

Hundreds of suspected illegal Bangladeshi immigrants moved to holding centres in Gurugram, 10 confirmed illegals handed over to BSF

OpIndia Staff
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Hundreds of suspected illegal Bangladeshi immigrants moved to holding centres in Gurugram, 10 confirmed illegals handed over to BSF

In Haryana’s Gurugram, the police have launched a crackdown against illegal Bangladeshi immigrants residing there. On the orders of the Home Ministry, the district administration came into action and has identified 350 to 400 Bangladeshi illegals. More than 200 suspected Bangladeshi illegals have been detained and moved to holding centres.

While investigation is ongoing in Gurugram about all the suspected Bangladeshi infiltrators, 8 to 10 people have confirmed to be Bangladeshi nationals. Police PRO Sandeep Kumar said that four detention centers have been set up in the city, Sector 10, Sector 40, Badshahpur and Manesar, where these suspects have been temporarily kept and are being questioned. The officer added that these Bangladeshi illegals were residing in Gurugram on forged documents.

The confirmed 10 Bangladeshi nationals have been handed over the Border Security Force (BSF), who will now ensure their return to Bangladesh.

The administration has now started the process of deporting these illegal immigrants. All legal procedures are being completed along with confirmation of the nationality of the suspected illegals by coordinating between the concerned departments.

“Due to fear of document verification, many illegal migrants have gone underground. Without valid documents, they are moving to rural areas or other cities. Most of them were previously living in slums and temporary settlements,” the police said.

Speaking about the action being against against illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, Dr. Arpit Jain, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Headquarters), Gurugram said that the police is following the directives of the Union Home Ministry.

““We are not detaining anyone. Individuals are being kept in holding areas only until the verification process is complete. The purpose is to prevent any illegal immigrant from fleeing. Four such holding areas have been set up, one in each police zone in Gurugram. he Gurugram Police conducts similar drives throughout the year to identify illegal immigrants. Those found overstaying, or living without valid documentation, are deported,” he said.

While the campaign against illegal immigrants has sparked fear among illegals and confusion among several Bengali-speaking Indian citizens, however, the police said that genuine Indian citizens who have valid documents need not to worry.

Meerut: Members of Hindu organisation perform purification ritual at Shiv Mandir where Muslim man Qasim was fraudulently living as a Hindu priest

OpIndia Staff
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Meerut: Members of Hindu organisation perform purification ritual at Shiv Mandir where Muslim man Qasim was fraudulently living as a Hindu priest

Members of some Hindu organisations performed the purification of the Shiv temple in Dadri village in Daurala, Meerut, where a Muslim man, Qasim, was found living by posing as a Hindu priest. The temple purification was performed using Ganagajal, performing the Jalabhishek of the Shiv Lingam and reciting the Hanuman Chalisa.

Locals and the Hindu organisation expressed outrage against the desecration of the temple. Sachin Sirohi, a member of a Hindu organisation expressed the suspicion that this could be a conspiracy to deliberately hurt the sentiments of Hindus, including thousands of Kanwar Yatris who pass through the area during the Kanwar Yatra in the holy month of Sawan. Notably, this year’s Kanwar Yatra recently concluded on 23rd July.

Qasim had been living in the Shiv temple for about six months by faking his real identity and posing as a Hindu priest named Krishna. A resident of Sitamarhi, Bihar, Qasim used to dress like a Hindu priest by wearing saffron robes. He lied to people that he was from Delhi. To convince them about his fake identity, he used to perform tasks typically done by temple priests, such as reading palms and offering advice to devotees, further deepening the deception.

After noticing some inconsistencies in his behaviour, locals grew suspicious. When they questioned him about his background, he could not provide any satisfactory answers. When suspicious locals kept questioning him about his identity, Qasim disappeared from the temple for about 15 days on the pretext of bringing his Aadhaar Card. However, he returned later and failed to provide any evidence of his Hindu identity.

When further questioned, he finally confessed that he was not a Hindu priest but a Muslim named Qasim from Bihar. As soon as his real identity was revealed, the locals alerted the police, who arrested Qasim. A case was registered against him under the relevant provisions of law. An investigation is going on in the case.

Student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami invites ‘Twitter historian’ to peddle lies about Hindutva, promotes her for whitewashing Islamic bigotry: Details

OpIndia Staff
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Student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami invites ‘Twitter historian’ to peddle lies about Hindutva, promotes her for whitewashing Islamic bigotry: Details

On Thursday (24th July), controversial ‘Twitter historian’ Ruchika Sharma, known for whitewashing atrocities committed by Islamic invaders against Hindus in India, was invited for an online talk by the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami.

Ruchika was roped in to peddle lies about Hindutva and Indian history by the Centre for Educational Research & Training (CERT), a centre run by the Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO).

For the unversed, SIO is the student wing of the radical Islamic outfit ‘Jamaat-e-Islami’ whose key objectives happen to be proselytism (Da’wah) and promotion of Deen.

‘Twitter historian’ Ruchika Sharma, who had shot to fame by spreading falsehoods about Hinduism and downplaying Islamic bigotry, is thus being promoted by the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami.

The Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) has been at the forefront of defending the Islamic terror outfit Popular Front of India (PFI) when it was banned by the Modi government in September 2022.

“The nationwide crackdown on members of Popular Front of India (PFI) is another instance of the government abusing the power of investigating agencies to clamp down on dissent. We appeal to all citizens who care about their freedoms to speak out against such wanton abuse of power,” it had tweeted.

Last year, SIO had glorified Hamas terrorist Ismail Haniyeh and even held funeral prayers for terrorist Yahya Sinwar in God’s own country of Kerala.

In February 2020, SIO President (Maharashtra unit) Salman Ahmad was arrested after delivering hate speech during an anti-CAA protest.

He was booked under IPC sections 109 (abetting an offence), 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention).

Despite the radical nature of Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing, Ruchika Sharma had no qualms about associating with the outfit.

The ‘Twitter historian’ had been a useful idiot for them in whitewashing the barbarity of Islamic invaders while presenting a distorted account of Hinduism.

Ruchika Sharma and how the distortionist shot to fame

Over the past few years, she had made headlines for all the wrong reasons as she attempted to present a mockery in the name of history revolving around Sanatan Dharma.

Ruchika Sharma has a strong penchant for presenting her views as history to her gullible audience. The former student at JNU, who runs the “Eyeshadow & Etihaas with Dr Ruchika Sharma” YouTube channel saw one of her articles taken down by Scroll for presenting false claims.

In 2017, the website published an article titled, “History lesson: Padmavati was driven to immolation by a Rajput prince, not Ala-ud-din Khalji” penned by her. The article, was later taken down as it presented wrong facts about history.

It stated that Rani Padmini dreaded being raped by Devapala of Kumbhalner after he defeated and killed her husband, Rawal Ratan Sen and hence performed Jauhar (the Hindu Rajput tradition of mass self-immolation to elude capture, captivity and rape by Turko-Persian Islamic invaders).

Unsurprisingly, the piece had to be taken down because it was ridden with glaring inaccuracies and the media portal was denounced for spreading misinformation.

Ruchika Sharma is also an ardent cheerleader of Mughal tyrant Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan and even praises them for their alleged ‘generosity’ in her tweets and interviews to media outlets that share her ideology. Notably, there is no empirical data on their noble deeds except the manufactured claims of leftists and liberals.

However, there is an abundance of evidence demonstrating how these two oppressors murdered, maimed and plundered Hindus as well as their temples and religious places. She regularly glorifies and humanities evil Muslim rulers who are remembered for their large-scale massacres, imposing jizya and their cruelty and hatred for Hindus.

She regularly glorifies and humanises evil and atrocious Muslim rulers who are remembered for their large-scale massacres, imposition of jizya (tax on non-Muslims) and their animosity for Hindus.

Bombay High Court dismisses CPIM’s plea seeking permission to protest about Gaza, tells them to look at their own country and be patriotic

OpIndia Staff
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Bombay High Court dismisses CPIM’s plea seeking permission to protest about Gaza, tells them to look at their own country and be patriotic

The Bombay High Court, on Friday (25th July), dismissed a petition filed by the CPI (Marxist) seeking permission to hold a protest in Azad Maidan in Mumbai against the alleged “genocide” in Gaza.

A bench of Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Gautam Ankhad rejected the petition, suggesting the petitioners that they should raise the issues relating to their own country.

“Our country has several issues to deal with…We don’t want anything like this. I am sorry to say, you are all short-sighted…You are looking at Gaza and Palestine… Why don’t you do something for our own country… Be patriots… Speaking for Gaza and Palestine is not patriotism… Speak up for the causes in our own country… Practice what you preach…,” the court remarked.

You should take up local issues: Bombay High Court

Senior Advocate Mihir Desai, appearing for the CPIM, defended the petition by submitting that his clients take up several causes for India and engage in conducting health and education camps. However, unconvinced by his submission, the court said, “We are curious.. You have no issue with respect to our own country…something productive for our own country…They are fighting 1000s of miles away, and you are showing concern for Palestine, Gaza, etc. You can take up social issues and local issues like flooding, drainage, getting blocked… Parking illegally… Why aren’t you protesting such issues?” Justice Ghuge sought to know.”

The High Court advised the CPIM to take up local and domestic issues like garbage dumping, pollution, drainage, and floods. “You are an organisation registered in India. If you could take up issues like garbage dumping, pollution, sewerage, and flooding. We are just giving examples. You are not protesting on those but on something happening thousands of miles outside the country,” the court suggested.

“Look at your own country. Be patriots. This is not patriotism,” the court added.

The protest could lead to diplomatic consequences: Bombay High Court

The court cautioned the petitioners that the protest could have potential diplomatic consequences. “Whether to take a side for Palestine or Israel is their (Govt of India) work, why do you want to create such a situation that the country has to take sides on this? You don’t know the dust it could kick up.. getting on to the Palestine side or the Israel side. Why do you want to do this? It’s obvious, going by the party you represent, that you don’t understand what this could do to the foreign affairs of the country,” the court said.

The judges noted that the CPIM did not make any application before the Mumbai Police seeking permission to hold the protest, and instead approached this court challenging an order of the Mumbai Police, passed on June 17, 2025, rejecting the request of the All India Peace and Solidarity Foundation (AIPSF) to hold a protest in Azad Maidan. The court said that the CPIM had no locus standi to challenge the order of the Mumbai Police as the order did not concern it. Holding that the petition was untenable, the High Court dismissed it.

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