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US warns India, China, and Brazil against doing business with Russia, threatens to impose tariffs: Read how the Trump’s tariff bluff won’t stop sovereign powers in a multipolar world

Chandrani Das
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US warns India, China, and Brazil against doing business with Russia, threatens to impose tariffs: Read how the Trump’s tariff bluff won’t stop sovereign powers in a multipolar world

The recent statement by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has ignited flames across the world, specifically in Brazil, China, and India. His comments and warnings to Brazil, China, and India have raised serious tensions among these countries, as they could face severe economic penalties if they continue conducting business with Russia.

On Wednesday, July 16, Rutte urged leaders in Beijing and Delhi to press Russian President Vladimir Putin to take peace negotiations seriously. Rutte said, “if you are the President of China, the Prime Minister of India, or the President of Brazil, and you continue to trade with Russia and buy their oil and gas, then you know, if the man in Moscow doesn’t take the peace negotiations seriously, I will impose 100 per cent secondary sanctions.” This is the second instance where the West has threatened tariff on these nations for dealing with Russia.

Secondary sanctions are basically the economic penalties imposed by countries like the US on individuals, companies, or governments that engage in trade with a sanctioned nation. In this case, Russia is the nation with which the US has a long-standing rivalry. In the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the US has extended its support to Ukraine by providing various kinds of military hardware. Paralally, US and EU nations have imposed sanctions against Russia and Russian companies.

The latest proposals from Trump include 100% tariffs and even harsher penalties, such as completely freezing violators out of American markets. A bill currently pending in the US Senate is calling for tariffs of up to 500%. It is also important to note that while the US’s aggressive trade tariffs may reflect its dominance over other nations, such measures could backfire on its own strategic policies.

Brazil’s retaliatory action against the US

Amid charges against former right-wing president Jair Bolsonaro, Trump alleged that Brazil’s current president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was leading a “witch hunt that should end IMMEDIATELY!” Bolsonaro, who shares a close political bond with Trump, is facing trial for allegedly attempting to stage a coup against Lula. In response to these accusations and Trump’s tariff threats, Lula vowed to reciprocate if Trump follows through with any punitive measures.

Lula confirmed via a post on X, that Brazil is a sovereign nation with independent institutions and will not tolerate any form of external tutelage. Any measure to unilaterally increase tariffs will be met with a proportional response, in accordance with Brazil’s Law of Economic Reciprocity. Brazil’s firm and assertive response to the US tariff policy marked the first instance of a country directly matching the United States’ tariff threat with reciprocal action.

As per a report, the U.S. ran a $6.8 billion trade surplus with Brazil last year. This means the US exported more goods to Brazil than it imported. The report also highlighted that Brazil exported $40.4 billion worth of goods to the US in the same period. Crude oil topped the list, followed by $2.8 billion in intermediate iron and steel products, $2.38 billion in planes, helicopters, and spacecraft, $1.9 billion in coffee, $1.74 billion in petrol oil and other mineral oils, $1.55 billion in chemical wood pulp (soda or sulphate), $1.42 billion in crude iron, $1.42 billion in bulldozers and other machinery, $1.19 billion in fruit juices, and $885.03 million in frozen meat. These numbers stress the degree of US interdependence on Brazil, and indicate the extent to which Brazil could retaliate by imposing reciprocal tariffs on the US.

Trump’s exchange offer to other countries often comes with his own benefit-centric policy. He stated in the letter circulated to the other nations that “There will be no tariff if Brazil, or companies within your country, decide to build or manufacture products within the United States.”

BRICS Self-Currency Policy

During the BRICS summit, the member nations, Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, continued discussions around creating a gold-backed currency known as “Unit” as an alternative to the US dollar. The implementation of such a currency would allow these nations to assert greater economic independence while challenging the current international financial system. Reportedly, in 2023, one-fifth of oil trade transactions were conducted using non-US dollar currencies, which marks a major setback for the U.S. dollar’s dominance.

The ongoing trade tariffs imposed by the US could backfire severely if all BRICS nations unite to establish a new reserve currency. It would significantly reduce global demand for the US dollar, thereby accelerating what is known as de-dollarization. Additionally, Trump’s “America First” policies could further increase the dollar’s value against global counterparts, pushing BRICS member nations to find an alternative path away from US financial dependence. This demand for a separate currency arose from recent global financial instability and the aggressive nature of U.S. foreign policy.

However, at present there is no official proposal for a BRICS currency, as feared by Donald Trump. Instead, BRICS member nations are conducting bilateral trades in their own currencies, instead of using dollar or euro. Russia, under the weight of Western sanctions, has moved quickly to use the yuan and ruble for a majority of its international transactions. China, meanwhile, has been pushing the yuan internationally for years. India also trying international deals in rupee, with limited success.

The goal is not to replace the dollar outright but to make sure it’s no longer indispensable. Interestingly, while Trump has threatened strong action against launch of a new currency by BRICS, US govt can hardly do anything if individual nations choose to do trade in their own currencies.

While the focus is on currency, BRICS is trying to hit another western monetary instrument, the SWIFT. During the recent BRICS summit in Brazil, Russia strongly adcocated establishment of a cross-border settlement hub for member nations under the New Development Bank (NDB). While it was not mentioned directly, this intends to be direct competition to SWIFT, the current global platform used to settle internatoinal transactions.

In fact, the BRICS Pay, a mechanism for BRICS member states to receive and make payments in their own local currencies, is already under development. The system featuring a decentralized Cross-border messaging system will enable international transactions bypassing the SWIFT system. As this system enables transactions in local currency, it will also reduce the dependency on the US dollar.

Threat pushing closer ties between Latin American countries and BRICS

The US’s abrupt imposition of tariffs on 21 countries could pressure Latin American nations into forming stronger ties with countries like China, India, and Brazil. For example, India, which has maintained neutral relations with both the west and the Russia, also extends support to smaller nations such as Kenya and Peru by offering affordable medicine, technological support, and educational collaborations. These countries feel more secure under such partnerships than in relying on US aid.

China, being the top trade partner for many Latin American and African countries, has made significant infrastructure investments in those regions areas often overlooked by the West. If a tariff were to be imposed on countries like Argentina or Zambia, or if the US were to punish them for trading with Russia, they could turn to China to avoid economic isolation.

Similarly, Brazil remains one of the leading voices in South America and has consistently opposed US interventions in internal conflicts such as those in Palestine or Venezuela, while promoting cooperation among Global South nations. People in these countries may prefer seeking aid from Brazil rather than turning to the US, which is often perceived as politically driven in its aid policies.

Import of Russian oil and gas by the European Union

Despite the US’s attempts to isolate Russia and limit its economic power, European member countries continue to import large quantities of Russian fossil fuels often spending more on these imports than on financial aid to Ukraine. According to estimates from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), EU member states bought €21.9 billion (£18.1 billion) worth of Russian oil and gas in the third year of the war, even though several initiatives are underway to reduce Europe’s reliance on Russian energy.

One critique noted, “Purchasing Russian fossil fuels is, quite plainly, akin to sending financial aid to the Kremlin and enabling its invasion. It’s a practice that must stop immediately to secure not just Ukraine’s future, but also Europe’s energy security.” In 2024 alone, the EU spent 39% more on Russian fossil fuel imports than it earmarked for aid to Ukraine. Notably, this aid figure excludes military and humanitarian contributions.

At the Munich Security Conference, during a session hosted by German economic daily Handelsblatt, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that Europe must understand India cannot have a view of Russia that mirrors Europe’s. He reiterated that India continues to purchase Russian oil despite Western sanctions and emphasized that India and Russia have always maintained stable and friendly ties, and that Moscow has never harmed India’s interest.

All the above stances reflect one unified message, the Trump administration’s tariff threats are unlikely to deter sovereign nations in a rapidly evolving multipolar world.

Syrian govt led by former ISIS terrorist Ahmed al-Sharaa unleashes brutal crackdown on Druze community: All you need to know about the Sweida violence

Rukma Rathore
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Syrian govt led by former ISIS terrorist Ahmed al-Sharaa unleashes brutal crackdown on Druze community: All you need to know about the Sweida violence

What began as a localised tribal scuffle in southern Syria has now snowballed into a full-blown humanitarian and geopolitical crisis, with Israel attacking Damascus to stop its persecution of the Druze. The Druze-majority province of Sweida, long considered a relatively stable enclave in a strife-torn country, has plumbed into chaos after violent clashes erupted between Druze self-defence militias and armed Sunni Bedouin tribes.

The Syrian government’s decision to intervene, ostensibly to restore order, has instead drawn fierce criticism, with eyewitnesses and human rights observers accusing Damascus of using the unrest as a pretext to carry out a brutal crackdown on the Druze community.

As the conflict spirals, disturbing reports have emerged of field executions, looting, and arson carried out by state forces and their allies. The violence has laid bare the fragile nature of Syria’s post-Assad political transition, with interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa, himself a former jihadist commander, struggling to maintain legitimacy among minority groups.

What was once framed as a peacekeeping operation is now seen by many Druze as a calculated campaign of ethnic and sectarian cleansing, pushing the region toward open rebellion and international intervention.

Syrian officials have faced allegations of conducting summary executions of civilians in the Druze-dominated Sweida. Damascus sent troops to the region after Druze fighters and Sunni Bedouin tribes clashed, which killed several people, including women and children. Afterwards, the country’s defence minister Murhaf Abu Qasra declared a ceasefire in the city on 15th July as government forces arrived in the morning.

The “notables and dignitaries” of the city had reached an agreement, he stated and added that government forces would “respond only to the sources of fire and deal with any targeting by outlaw groups.” Nonetheless, altercations were witnessed as did complaints of human right breaches by security personnel.

The locals accused government troops and their allies of tearing through Druze neighbourhoods. They informed AFP that the development had little impact on the ground. The interior ministry also admitted that the conflicts persisted into the evening.

On the same day, the United Kingdom-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights unveiled that 21 members of the minority group had been killed in and around the region by Syrian government forces and their aides.

According to the war monitor, the violence which broke out since early 13th July already claimed the lives of at least 248 people, comprising 92 Druze and 28 of them were civilians. The observatory previously highlighted that forces from the “defence and interior ministries carried out field executions of 12 (19 per some reports) civilians after storming the Radwan family guest house in the city of Sweida.”

It further mentioned that armed groups associated with the government were also accountable for the shooting of three siblings in the presence of their mother in Sweida province. Rayan Maarouf, the editor-in-chief of the Suwayda 24 news website revealed that security forces had been involved in “savage practices.”

He pointed out that there have been instances of brutal murders of civilians and expressed, “dozens of them, yet we do not possess accurate figures.” Suwayda 24 further informed that more than 200 people had been injured. Social media posts featured videos of armed combatants abusing Druze prisoners and shaving their beards.

The agency disclosed that the defence ministry employees took part in “systematic acts of vandalism targeting civilian homes and property” and “stealing the contents of homes, smashing doors and windows, and then setting fire to some of them” among other acts of crimes. Men in military outfits were observed robbing and burning houses as well as liquor stores.

The government troops entered the city with Bedouin fighters and accompanied them in attacking the Druze, according to the observatory, Druze leaders and witnesses. Gunfire and dead bodies laying on empty streets were reported by an AFP correspondent who landed in Sweida soon after the forces.

“Catastrophic” is how one Suweida local described the situation, adding that indiscriminate firing has caused residents to “flee towards the countryside” in spite of a curfew imposed by Syrian authorities, reported BBC Arabic.

Concern among the Druze increased when Islamist groups connected with the Syrian government joined the conflict leading a prominent member of the community to demand “international protection.” The majority of Druze religious leader also announced that they were in favour of the government’s deployment following the Bedouin violence.

However, they later called for armed resistance as the unrest escalated and voiced, “We are being subject to a total war of extermination,” and urged the Druze population “to confront this barbaric campaign with all means available.”

The authorities have been ordered to “take immediate legal action against anyone proven to have committed a transgression or abuse, regardless of their rank or position,” according to a statement released by former Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) commander and current interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa.

Tit-for-tat kidnappings and attacks between local Bedouin tribes and Druze armed forces in the southern province sparked bloodshed two days after a Druze businessman was kidnapped on the highway to Damascus. This marked the first deployment of Syrian government forces to Suweida since the Islamist-led rebels ousted President Bashar al-Assad in December.

Israel enters the conflict

Israel conveyed that after two days of deadly sectarian riots, it had targeted the government forces in the vicinity of Sweida as they moved into the largely Druze city. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintained that the government “intended to use (them) against the Druze.” Hence, he ordered strikes on forces and weapons in the area.

Israel with its own Druze population has promised to defend the members of the community who are living in Syria. It views any military deployment south of Damascus as a security hazard and has cautioned the Syrian government against the same. It vowed to continue the assault to protect the group.

On the other hand, the Syrian foreign ministry insisted that the strikes killed several civilians and members of the security forces, but failed to offer any exact numbers. The ministry denounced the Israeli attacks in a statement.

It termed them as “a reprehensible example of ongoing aggression and foreign interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states” and “a blatant violation of the sovereignty of the Syrian Arab Republic.”

Israel, nevertheless, complied with the Trump administration’s request to stop its strikes. The United States even deployed tanks to the troubled area. According to the country’s Syria envoy Tom Barrack, the US is communicating with all parties “to navigate towards calm and integration.”

The recent camaraderie between Donald Trump and Ahmed al-Sharaa surprised many, as the former referred to the ex-Islamic terrorist as a “young, attractive and tough guy.” Washington even rescinded the $10 million bounty on his head and removed sanctions placed on Syria.

With the overthrow of Assad regime, the Jewish state has adopted a tough posture towards Syria’s new authorities, arguing it does not want terrorists along its borders. Israeli forces have executed hundreds of airstrikes on Syrian military targets and taken control of a United Nations-patrolled buffer zone on Syrian territory near the Golan Heights border.

Who are the minority Druze community

The majority of the nearly one million members of the Druze Arab sect reside in Syria, Lebanon and Israel. The group which originated in Egypt in the eleventh century, is an offshoot of Ismailism, branch of Shia Islam that forbids marriages and conversions to or from the faith.

The Druze are mostly found in three major provinces in the southern part of Syria, near the Israeli-ruled Golan Heights. They primarily reside in the Sweida province and a few Damascus suburbs, especially in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya and Jaramana to the south.

The Golan Heights, a strategically located plateau that Israel annexed in 1981 after capturing it from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War is inhabited by around 20,000 Druze. There are about 25,000 Jews also staying in over 30 villages on the territory.

When Israel took over Golan, the majority of the Druze who identify as Syrian, turned down an offer of Israeli citizenship. Israeli residency cards were issued to those who declined although they are not regarded as the country’s citizens.

There is a Druze diaspora outside of the Middle East, especially in North America and Australia. Their population was expected to be over 700,000 until Syria’s civil conflict broke out in 2011. The Druze have been migrating to southern Syria since the 16th century, to what is now known as Jabal al-Druze or Druze Mountain in Sweida province, according to historian Sami Makarem’s book “The Druze Faith.”

During the ten-year civil war, the Druze who form the majority in the Suwayda region in southern Syria were pushed between the forces of the previous Assad administration and extremist organisations. Druze militias had retained a strong hold on Suweida, resisting appeals to join the security forces.

As the nation then took pride in its secular and Arab nationalist system, religious freedom was ensured under the strict control of the Assad family. Ahmed al-Sharaa also promised to safeguard them, however, his government is regarded with suspicion by them and other minorities.

The new 23-member Syrian cabinet unveiled in late March only featured one Druze member, Minister of Agriculture Amjad Badr, despite the transitional government’s commitment to incorporate minorities, including the Druze.

Earlier, many Druze citizens were slain including extrajudicially, as a result of sectarian warfare against their militias by Syrian transitional government armed forces and associated outfits that started on 28th April. Likewise, Christian and Alawite minority communities faced severe persecution few months after the new administration took charge.

Ahmed al-Sharaa’s ties to terrorism

The war name of Ahmed al-Sharaa was Abu Mohammad al-Jawlani. The United States classified him as a terrorist and the United Nations (UN) proscribed him. Over the past 20 years, he held significant positions in global terrorist organisations like Al Qaeda and ISIS. He was designated a global terrorist in 2013.

He collaborated closely with ISIS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and Al Qaeda’s Aiman al-Zawahiri. He was instructed by the former to start a local outfit to provide a front for Al Qaeda Iraq and Syria during the 2011 uprising against the Assad regime. The Al-Nusrah Front also called Jabhat al-Nusrah or Jabhat Fatah al-Sham was founded by him in 2012.

This UN-designated terrorist group was officially acknowledged as the Syrian branch of Al Qaeda. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham or HTS became the new name for the Jabhat Fatah al-Sham in 2017. Its main objectives were to overthrow the Assad government and establish an Islamic Caliphate.

The group spearheaded a swift and widespread assault and seized areas which were under the Assad government. Afterward, retaliatory killings became rampant in Syria following Ahmed al-Sharaa’s takeover as his Sunni hardliner supporters and radicals targeted people from minority communities.

Therefore, while some Druze opposed Bashar al-Assad’s dictatorial government, they are also wary of Ahmed al-Sharaa, an Islamist leader with a history of perpetrating Islamic jihad. Reservations about some of their leaders being left out of his national discussion processes have been presented by them.

Nagpur stray dog menace: Bombay HC slams police, NMC after child dies fleeing canine

OpIndia Staff
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Nagpur stray dog menace: Bombay HC slams police, NMC after child dies fleeing canine

On 14th July, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court sharply criticised the Nagpur Police and Municipal Corporation (NMC) for their “consistent inaction” on the stray dog menace. The criticism by the court came days after a minor boy tragically fell to his death from a sixth-floor balcony while running from a stray dog in Kalamna.

The bench, comprising Justice Anil Kilor and Justice Manohar Nerlikar, was hearing a 2022 PIL by activist Vijay Talewar. The bench asked the authorities, “How many times must we repeat ourselves?” The PIL has sought sustained action on increasing stray dog attacks across Nagpur city.

Senior counsel Firdos Mirza appeared for the petitioner and flagged the boy’s death as a glaring example of administrative apathy. He told the court, “Under the Mumbai Police Act, the police are duty-bound to prevent such public nuisances. But no concrete preventive mechanism seems to exist.” He asserted that more lives could be lost if authorities continue to shirk their responsibility.

The court, during the hearing, noted that its earlier directives dated 20th October and 23rd November in 2023 had clearly outlined steps for prevention. However, the court found no evidence of compliance.

The court has directed both the police commissioner of the city and the municipal commissioner to submit affidavits detailing the action taken so far, including compliance with past orders, by 23rd July. The next hearing of the matter is scheduled for 25th July.

The judges also sought a clarification on the availability of anti-rabies vaccines in the city. While Mirza cited a persistent shortage, NMC’s counsel Sudhir Puranik claimed vaccines were adequately stocked. The court ordered the discrepancy to be addressed through a separate affidavit.

The PIL names 15 respondents, including the state and central governments, city police, NMC and animal welfare boards. Additional government pleader Deepak Thakare appeared for the state, while Nandesh Deshpande represented the Centre and Ashwin Deshpande for intervenor Dhantoli Nagrik Mandal.

Notably, the stray dog menace in India has reached an epidemic-level emergency, with over 37 lakh cases reported in 2024 alone. While the Government of India has said that cases of rabies have come down significantly, there are many other diseases that are caused by dog bites. Furthermore, diseases are not the only reason for death by stray dogs. Little children, the elderly, the disabled and other vulnerable members of society succumb to injuries and trauma caused by stray dog attacks. Immediate action needs to be taken at the administrative and judiciary level to control the menace without interference from the Animal Welfare Board and dog lovers.

Rahul Gandhi and Congress jump in to cash on the political outrage over Odisha college student’s death, while NSUI has been mocking and maligning her

Shraddha Pandey
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Rahul Gandhi and Congress jump in to cash on the political outrage over Odisha college student’s death, while NSUI has been mocking and maligning her

In Odisha, a massive political storm has erupted after a 20-year-old student named Soumyashri died in Balasore after attempting self-immolation over alleged inaction against sexual harassment by a professor at the Fakir Mohan Autonomous College. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) called for ‘Balasore Bandh’ over the incident and is staging a street protest in Balasore.

The 20-year-old girl set herself on fire after allegedly facing prolonged sexual harassment by her college’s Head of Department. Despite lodging a formal complaint and seeking help from the principal, her pleas were ignored, leading to the tragic incident. The accused professor, Samir Kumar Sahu, has been arrested by the police.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has a track record of jumping in quickly to gain political mileage whenever any disturbing incident or tragedy unfolds in BJP-ruled states and slips into hibernation when a similar incident takes place in Congress-ruled states. This incident is also no exception, as the Congress MP has blamed the ‘BJP ecosystem’ for the young student’s death. In an X post published on 15th July 2025, Gandhi claimed that the BJP is shielding the accused.

“The death of a daughter fighting for justice in Odisha is nothing less than a murder by the BJP’s system. That brave student raised her voice against sexual harassment – but instead of delivering justice, she was threatened, tormented, and repeatedly humiliated. Those who were supposed to protect her kept breaking her. As always, the BJP’s system continued to shield the accused – and forced an innocent daughter to set herself on fire. This is not suicide; it is an organized murder by the system. Modi ji, whether in Odisha or Manipur – the daughters of the nation are burning, breaking, and dying. And you? You remain silent. The country doesn’t need your silence; it needs answers. India’s daughters need safety and justice,” Gandhi posted.

On Wednesday (16th July), Rahul Gandhi said that he spoke to the victim’s father and expressed solidarity with him.

“Spoke with the father of the brave daughter who lost her life in the fight for justice in Balasore, Odisha. In his voice, I felt his daughter’s pain, dreams, and struggle. Assured him that the Congress Party and I stand with them at every step. What happened is not only inhuman and shameful, but a wound to the entire society. We will ensure in every way that the victim’s family receives full justice,” Gandhi posted.

While the Congress leader is positioning himself and the Congress party as messiahs of the oppressed, people belonging to Congress’s student wing, NSUI, have been mocking the deceased victim. The social media posts by NSUI workers and self-declared Rahul Gandhi fans show that they mocked the victim due to her association with the Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), saying that she made fake allegations of sexual harassment due to attendance shortage.

BJP accuses NSUI worker and Rahul Gandhi fan of harassing and pushing the student to commit suicide

Taking to X, BJP spokesperson Sanju Verma shared pictures of Sourav Behera, an NSUI worker and Rahul Gandhi fan, calling him an accused in the 20-year-old girl’s self-immolation. Verma suggested that the deceased victim was associated with the BJP’s student wing ABVP and claimed that the victim was being harassed by Behera.

“This is Sourav Behera of NSUI Sourav is an acolyte of Rahul Gandhi &like most Congressis, he is violently intolerant He is one of the key accused in tragic self-immolation case of student (ABVP) at FM College in Odisha He harassed victim, in collusion with HoD& Principal..Shame,” Verma posted.

The BJP leader shared another picture of Behera at an Odisha Congress event and alleged that Sourav Behera harassed and pushed the victim to commit suicide simply because she was affiliated with the ABVP.

“NSUI workers at Balasore in Odisha. Here you can see Sourav Behera, the accused, who pushed a 19 year old youngster into setting herself on fire simply because the victim was affiliated to ABVP, while the accused is from NSUI/Congress Has Rahul Gandhi condemned this Behera yet? No,” Verma said.

In a Facebook post, Sourav Behera wrote a sarcastic post mocking the victim, saying that the complaint of harassment is baseless and due to attendance shortage. “We won’t do classes, we will get into politics. If notice of Attendance Shortage is received, then you will drop to any level and bring allegations of harassing teachers and shine your politics. This is the work of the student union, which gives the slogan of knowledge, character, unity.”

Balasore student’s sexual harassment complaint, varsity’s inaction and the endless questions of the victim’s father

Notably, the student who committed self-immolation was studying in the second year of B.Ed in Fakir Mohan College in Balasore, Odisha. She had alleged that the Head of Department (HOD) was trying to sexually harass her. The student had also complained about this matter to the college principal. When no action was taken, the student committed self-immolation in the college itself on Saturday. She was 95 per cent burnt and was admitted to AIIMS in Bhubaneswar, where she succumbed to her injuries.

Meanwhile, the deceased victim’s father has alleged a conspiracy, saying that everyone pushed his daughter to end her life. He said that the accused professor, Samir Kumar Sah,u had two to four complaints against him. The victim’s father added that college authorities have asked him to wait for the internal committee report.

Calling his daughter’s death a “murder”, the victim’s father said, “Everyone together forced my daughter to die. Isn’t that murder? I believe it was a conspiracy because she used to raise her voice in college, and they didn’t like it.”

“Something must have happened inside…What happened inside? Why was she called in alone? Why wasn’t I or my son called?… I request the government to acknowledge that my daughter didn’t die, she was killed, and everyone should be charged with murder,” the victim’s father said, and further questioned why the girl tried to kill herself right after she came out of the Principal’s room.

The victim’s father has demanded the harshest punishment for those who abetted his daughter to end her life.

Reports say that the girl had complained to the internal complaints committee that Professor Samir Kumar Sahu had been seeking “favours” from her and threatening to ruin her academic prospects if she didn’t comply. No stern action was taken despite the committee’s assurance that action would be taken within seven days.  Additionally, she had complained to the local police.

The higher education administration also suspended Dilip Ghosh, the college principal, for his inaction in the case after she attempted self-immolation.  Principal Ghosh had said that the internal committee did not find any proof of sexual exploitation.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, has announced an ex gratia of Rs 20 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to the victim’s family. The CM expressed grief over the incident and said, “I have personally instructed the officials concerned on this. The government stands firmly with the family.”

The Chief Minister has also been holding a series of meetings and has taken note of the action taken by the police so far, including professor Samir Kumar Sahu’s arrest.

Fearing wipe-out, Maoists kill two teachers in Chhattisgarh on suspicion of being informers, read how the Naxals have been targeting innocent civilians for years

Shriti Sagar
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Fearing wipe-out, Maoists kill two teachers in Chhattisgarh on suspicion of being informers, read how the Naxals have been targeting innocent civilians for years

In another shocking display of Maoist brutality, two young teachers who were appointed under the state’s Shiksha Doot scheme were murdered by Naxals on Tuesday, 15th July, in a remote village deep inside Chhattisgarh’s Indravati National Park area. 

The victims, Vinod Made (28) from Pillur village and Suresh Meta (29) from Tekameta village, were dragged out of their homes and executed by Maoists who suspected them of being police informers.

The incident took place about 57 kilometres from the Bijapur district headquarters, under the Farsegad police station limits. According to police, both teachers were temporary recruits under the government’s Education Messenger initiative – a scheme aimed at ensuring basic education in remote villages where deploying permanent teachers remains a challenge. The initiative hires educated local youth and pays them ₹12,000 per month through District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds. These education messengers often run small primary schools from huts or makeshift classrooms in villages surrounded by dense forest and little security presence.

Why are Maoists killing civilians?

For decades already, Maoists have employed fear, violence, and selective killings to keep huge areas of Chhattisgarh under their grip. When anyone from the native population is suspected of collaborating with or even partially assisting the government, they are promptly accused of being a mukhbir – a police informant. And the punishment, most of the time, is death.

This violent tactic has prevented the area from developing, and schools, roads, and even health clinics remain non-operational or simply non-existent. The Naxals understand that when development arrives in these far-flung tribal enclaves, their power base will dwindle. So they instil terror by targeting not merely security forces, but innocent villagers, teachers, sarpanches, cooks, and government volunteers.

A pattern of blood and fear

The attack comes barely weeks after three villagers were brutally murdered by Maoists on 17th June, 2025, in the Peddakorma (Nayapara) village, also in Bijapur district. According to the police, the victims were choked to death in cold blood. The intention, the officials added, was to instil fear among villagers and discourage them from assisting the administration in any way.

The Maoists had brutally killed at least four villagers on the evening of 12th May. Naga Bhandari, a Congress politician and president of the Marudbaka Society, was among the victims. He had been hacked to death with an axe when he was attending a village function at around 11:30 PM. Maoists had killed his elder brother, Tirupati Bhandari, in October 2024 in the same manner.

Other targets in that 12th May assault were a local education volunteer from Meenagatta, a government-nominated cook from Kanchal, and another local. They were all accused of assisting the government in minor ways, something Maoists disapprove of.

Consistent attacks on security personnel are not safe

Though it is the civilians who have suffered most from Maoist atrocities, the security forces are also vulnerable. An IED explosion by Maoists on 6th January, 2025, killed eight security personnel and one civilian driver in Bijapur’s Abujhmad area. All of them belonged to a combined anti-Naxal operation and were returning from a successful operation where five Maoists were killed.

They were the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Bastar Fighters personnel, who are special forces raised to fight the Maoists in Bastar. They included DRG head constable Budhram Korsa, constables Baman Sodhi, Pandaru Ram Poyay, Bastar Fighters constables Sudarshan Vetti, Somdu Vetti, Subarnath Yadav, Harish Korram, and civilian driver Tuleshwar Rana.

Police confirmed the explosion on the Kudri Bedre road near Ambeli village was executed with the same methodology observed in the April 2023 Dantewada attack, in which 10 DRG personnel and a civilian were killed. An electric wire was used to detonate the device, a method frequently used by Maoists.

A history of silencing local leadership

Maoists have also periodically attacked village heads and ex-sarpanches. In December 2024, a head constable of the DRG was martyred in an encounter with Maoists in Kohkameta of Abujhmadh. Two ex-sarpanches, one of them a BJP functionary, were killed in Bijapur during the same year.

In a 2023 case, a former sarpanch, Ramji Dodi from Zara village, was kidnapped along with his two nephews. He was kidnapped way into the jungle and murdered by being strangled to death, yet again, on suspicion of being an informer for the police.

The violence persists in 2025

As per official reports, 25 civilians have already been murdered by Maoists in Chhattisgarh in 2025. These include teachers, political workers, education volunteers, and ordinary villagers, who were mostly not directly involved in police activities but were regarded as allies of the system.

What these murders illustrate is not only brutality but desperation. The Maoist insurgency, once the big threat to internal security, is losing steam as development gradually encroaches on their footholds. Increasing numbers of villagers are demanding schooling, improved roadways, and government assistance. And that imperils the very existence of Maoists.

The Union Home Minister has assured that the threat of Left Wing terrorism in India is on the verge of extinction and the country will be made Naxal-Mukt by 31 March 2026. Limited to a mere few districts with dozens of their cadre either being eliminated or surrendering, the Naxals are displaying acts of desperation.

Union Cabinet approves Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana for six years, 1.7 crore farmers to be benefited in 100 districts

OpIndia Staff
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Union Cabinet approves Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana for six years, 1.7 crore farmers to be benefited in 100 districts

Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday approved the “Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana.” The scheme has been approved for a period of six years, beginning with 2025-26 to cover 100 districts. Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana draws inspiration from NITI Aayog’s Aspirational District Programme and first of its kind focusing exclusively on agriculture and allied sectors.

The Scheme aims to enhance agricultural productivity, increase adoption of crop diversification and sustainable agricultural practices, augment post-harvest storage at the panchayat and block levels, improve irrigation facilities and facilitate availability of long-term and short-term credit.

With a total outlay of ₹24,000 crore over six years, the scheme aims to benefit 1.7 crore farmers through focused interventions in areas such as crop productivity, irrigation, storage infrastructure, credit access, and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices.

The scheme has been approved by the cabinet in pursuance of Budget announcement for 2025-26 to develop 100 districts under “Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana”. The Scheme will be implemented through convergence of 36 existing schemes across 11 Departments, other State schemes and local partnerships with the private sector.

100 districts will be identified based on three key indicators of low productivity, low cropping intensity, and less credit disbursement. The number of districts in each state/UT will be based on the share of Net Cropped Area and operational holdings. However, a minimum of 1 district will be selected from each state.

Committees will be formed at District, State and National level for effective planning, implementation and monitoring of the Scheme. A District Agriculture and Allied Activities Plan will be finalized by the District Dhan Dhaanya Samiti, which will also have progressive farmers as members.

The District Plans will be aligned to the national goals of crop diversification, conservation of water and soil health, self-sufficiency in agriculture and allied sectors as well as expansion of natural and organic farming. Progress of the Scheme in each Dhan-Dhaanya district will be monitored on 117 key Performance Indicators through a dashboard on monthly basis. NITI will also review and guide the district plans. Besides Central Nodal Officers appointed for each district will also review the scheme on a regular basis.

As the targeted outcomes in these 100 districts will improve, the overall average against key performance indicators will rise for the country. The scheme will result in higher productivity, value addition in agriculture and allied sector, local livelihood creation and hence increase domestic production and achieving self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat). As the indicators of these 100 districts improve, the national indicators will automatically show an upward trajectory.

Bangladesh demolishes Satyajit Ray’s ancestral house after vandalism of Tagore and Mujibur Rahman’s homes: How Islamists are wiping out country’s ‘Hindu’ cultural heritage

Chandrani Das
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Bangladesh demolishes Satyajit Ray’s ancestral house after vandalism of Tagore and Mujibur Rahman’s homes: How Islamists are wiping out country’s ‘Hindu’ cultural heritage

The ancestral home of Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury, father of Sukumar Ray and grandfather of legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray, located on Harikishore Ray Chowdhury Road in Mymensingh, Dhaka, has been demolished, according to The Daily Star.

The century old structure, which was once used as the Mymensingh Shishu Academy, is being torn down to make way for a new semi-concrete building. This house holds deep historical and cultural significance, being closely tied to the Ray family, whose contribution to literature and the arts is considered foundational.

“The house had been abandoned for ten years, and Shishu Academy activities have since been operating from a rented space,” said an official, adding that the new semi-concrete structure with several rooms will be constructed to resume the Academy’s activities. Over the years, the building had fallen into disrepair due to prolonged negligence by the authorities.

“The house remained in a sorry state for years, with cracks forming on the roof yet the authorities never cared about the rich history that these old buildings hold,” said poet Shamim Ashraf, lamenting that despite repeated pleas from the local community for its preservation, no efforts were made.

On Tuesday, July 15, the Government of India appealed to Bangladesh’s interim government to preserve the historic home of Satyajit Ray, calling it a symbol of the Bangla Renaissance. India also extended its willingness to assist in repairing, restoring, and reconstructing the site.

“We note with profound regret that the ancestral property of noted filmmaker and litterateur Satyajit Ray in Mymensingh, Bangladesh—belonging to his grandfather and eminent litterateur Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury is being demolished,” the Ministry of External Affairs of India said in a statement.

“Given the building’s landmark status symbolising the Bangla cultural renaissance, it would be preferable to reconsider the demolition and examine options for its repair and reconstruction as a museum of literature and a symbol of the shared culture of India and Bangladesh. The Government of India would be willing to extend cooperation for this purpose,” the statement added.

The demolition of Satyajit Ray’s ancestral home marks a grim milestone in Bangladesh’s escalating assaults on Hindu cultural heritage

The demolition has sparked outrage in Bangladesh’s civil society, where many believe that the current interim government is attempting to erase Bengali identity and push the country toward a more hardline Islamic path. Several Bangladeshi activists and citizens are currently working to halt the destruction of the Ray family’s historic house. Though the site has not been officially designated as an archaeological monument, Sabina Yasim, a field officer of the Department of Archaeology’s Shashilaj Museum, emphasized that the house deserves protection due to its immense cultural value.

This incident is seen as yet another example of the Bangladeshi government’s apparent disregard for structures connected to Hindu heritage. Whether it is the home of the revered poet Rabindranath Tagore or the residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh, the trend of demolition has alarmed many observers. It seems clear that Yunus’s administration is systematically targeting historical landmarks linked to both Hindus and political opposition.

Violent mob sets ablaze the house of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman after vandalising it

On February 5, vandals attacked and set fire to Dhanmondi 32, the iconic residence in Dhaka where Sheikh Mujibur Rahman lived and was assassinated. The structure was later demolished with the help of excavators and cranes. Observers claim that this action, believed to be sanctioned by interim Prime Minister Mohammad Yunus, reflects his deep resentment toward the Awami League and its leader Sheikh Hasina. Photographs from the scene show the building reduced to rubble, with crowds surrounding the debris and the words “thakbe na” (will not remain) scrawled in large letters on the wall.

The home, known as “Sheikh Bari,” which belonged to five of Hasina’s cousins, was also brought down. In Barisal, bulldozers were used to raze the homes of two senior leaders of the Awami League. These actions have been widely interpreted as politically motivated attempts to suppress dissent and erase the legacy of the ruling party and its leaders.

This brutal pattern of silencing opponents, targeting minorities, and destroying heritage sites underscores a deeper concern, how a nation that once prided itself on inclusivity and cultural richness is now bending its own history and tearing it apart for ideological convenience.

Rabindranath Tagore’s house vandalised by Islamist mobs

On June 8, the ancestral house of Rabindranath Tagore in Bangladesh was also attacked by a mob. Tagore, a Nobel Laureate who authored the national anthems of both India and Bangladesh, is a towering figure who transcends national boundaries. His grandfather, Dwarkanath Tagore, had built the two-storey residence in Sirajganj, about 125 kilometers from Dhaka, in 1840. The attack on such a figure’s heritage site is viewed as a sign of cultural decay and rising intolerance.

India has slammed the interim government, alleging that the incident was carried out in a pre-planned manner by supporters of Jamaat-e-Islami and Hefazat-e-Islam, and holds the interim government of Mohammad Yunus responsible for failing to prevent the act of vandalism. The violent act is a disgrace to the memory and the inclusive philosophy and teachings that the Nobel Laureate espoused in Bangladesh. These violent actions dishonour the inclusive philosophies and legacies of cultural figures like Tagore and Ray, pillars of Bangladesh’s identity and heritage.

Islamists wreaking havoc in post-Hasina Bangladesh

The demolition of Satyajit Ray’s ancestral home is just one episode in a disturbing pattern that has emerged in Bangladesh following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina. In the power vacuum left behind, Islamist outfits like Jamaat-e-Islami, Hefazat-e-Islam, and other hardline groups have begun asserting themselves more aggressively, emboldened by the apparent acquiescence, or tacit approval of the Mohammad Yunus-led interim regime.

Since Hasina’s ouster, Islamist attacks on symbols of secularism, Bengali nationalism, and Hindu temples and places of Hindu cultural import have escalated dramatically. From the burning of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s historic Dhanmondi 32 residence to the defacement of Tagore’s ancestral home, these incidents are not isolated; they reflect a calculated purge of Bangladesh’s pluralistic foundations. Islamist mobs have targeted temples, homes of minorities, and prominent activists, often with little to no response from law enforcement.

The silence of the administration, coupled with growing street power of radical Islamist groups, has led many to fear a return to the pre-2008 era, when Bangladesh teetered on the edge of becoming a theocratic state. These attacks, cloaked as “redevelopment” or “public anger,” are nothing less than ideological violence against the secular soul of the nation.

Karnataka govt scraps Aerospace Park project after failure in land acquisition, Andhra Pradesh steps in, minister says 8000 acres of land ‘just outside Bengaluru’ ready to use

OpIndia Staff
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Karnataka govt scraps Aerospace Park project after failure in land acquisition, Andhra Pradesh steps in, minister says 8000 acres of land ‘just outside Bengaluru’ ready to use

After more than three years of continuous protest by farmers, the Karnataka government has now agreed to drop its proposal to take over agricultural land in Devanahalli for a planned aerospace park near the Bengaluru airport. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced this on Tuesday, 15th July, as a “complete withdrawal” of the land acquisition process.

The state previously proposed acquiring 1,777 acres of land in Channarayapatna and surrounding villages in Devanahalli taluk for the aerospace project. But farmers had opposed the move from day one, claiming that the soil is fertile and their sole means of livelihood.

Addressing a press conference following a meeting with farmer leaders and government officials, Siddaramaiah stated,  “We have completely shelved the land acquisition plan. No farmer will be forced to give up their land. If some want to voluntarily give their land, we will take it and offer them higher compensation along with developed plots.”

He also said that whoever wants to keep farming can do so without any hindrance. “We understand industrial development is necessary, particularly around Bengaluru. But we are also committed towards safeguarding the rights and livelihoods of farmers,” he stated.

The decision came on the 1,198th day of farmers’ protest in the state. It is considered a big victory for the protesters who held firm for decades. 

Before assuming office, Siddaramaiah had visited the protest ground and assured the farmers that their land would be returned to them if the Congress was voted into power. With this move, he has fulfilled that promise.

Andhra Pradesh steps in with an open invitation

Soon after Karnataka shelved the project, Andhra Pradesh was swift to fill the void. State Human Resource Development Minister Nara Lokesh shared a post on his X and said, “Dear Aerospace industry, sorry to hear about this. I have a better idea for you. Why don’t you look at Andhra Pradesh instead? We have an attractive aerospace policy for you, with best-in-class incentives and over 8000 acres of ready-to-use land (just outside  Bengaluru)! Hope to see you soon to talk across the table.”

The message indicates Andhra Pradesh’s eagerness to acquire the project and establish itself as a centre of the aerospace industry.

Andhra Pradesh’s big industrial push

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Andhra Pradesh has been working hard to establish large industries in the state, especially in defence, aerospace, and space technology sectors. The state’s coastal location, strong infrastructure, and investor-friendly policies are all drawing the state government towards making Andhra an investor’s destination of choice.

Only last week, Naidu met with Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and suggested that Andhra Pradesh become India’s third defence industrial corridor, following Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. He even offered land in and around Bengaluru for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to establish production for fighter aircraft such as the AMCA and LCA.

Naidu also suggested the establishment of several defence and aerospace clusters throughout the state. He plans to establish a centre for ammunition and missiles in the Jaggayyapeta–Dolakonda area. A 2,000-acre area has been identified for launch centres and satellite production near Sriharikota. He also proposed creating clusters of aircraft and electronics production in Lepakshi–Madakasira.

To strengthen the vision of the state, former DRDO chairman G. Satheesh Reddy was made advisor for aerospace and defence. Likewise, former ISRO chairman S. Somanath is currently the state’s honorary advisor for space technology.

On 2nd May, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for a missile test range in Krishna district, further emphasising Andhra Pradesh’s increased significance in India’s defence strategy.

Andhra’s aiming for the stars

The state is not only concerned with defence. Andhra Pradesh also wants to become a space technology leader. Naidu has floated two “Space Cities” to serve ISRO and private industry near Sriharikota and in Lepakshi. These cities will have satellite manufacturing facilities, launch vehicles, and space research.

Naidu indicated Andhra Pradesh is prepared to host everything ranging from manufacturing satellites to cutting-edge R&D and has appealed for collaboration with the Union government on this grand adventure.

Naidu’s initiative is only a part of a broader strategy to expedite Andhra Pradesh’s industrial development. The State Investment Promotion Board, under his leadership, has already cleared 76 projects worth close to ₹5 lakh crore since June 2024. These projects will provide thousands of jobs.

The state is also gaining recognition in green energy, and in eight months, it has attracted investments worth ₹4 trillion. Brands such as LG Electronics are establishing plants in cities such as Sri City, contributing immensely to electronics and smart appliance manufacturing.as Sri City, contributing immensely to electronics and smart appliance manufacturing.

Indore: Hindu transgenders accuse Muslim peers of forced conversion, infecting them with HIV syringes upon refusal; SIT to probe

OpIndia Staff
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Indore: Hindu transgenders accuse Muslim peers of forced conversion, infecting them with HIV syringes upon refusal; SIT to probe

Members of Hindu transgender community have charged some Muslim transgenders with forcing them to embrace Islam in the Nandlalpura neighbourhood of Indore. They further accused the latter of purposefully infecting them via HIV contaminated syringes.

Sakina Guru, a transgender Hindu leader stated that Seema Haji, also known as Farzana and Payal alias Naeem Ansari, from Malegaon spearheaded the aggressive conversion campaign against them.

Indore Police has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) in response to the allegations. According to Sakina, those who refused received injections from syringes infested with HIV which caused around 60 people to become sick. Twelve of them have been admitted to the ART Centre at MY Hospital. She added that several members of the community have either absconded or joined the perpetrators out of fear.

She mentioned that Payal left his wife and kids behind when he departed Malegaon to Indore in 2000 and started pressuring transsexual people to become Muslims after arrival. Sakina disclosed that she was also coerced into performing the Hajj by Seema who then attempted to convert her. Afterward, she created her own organisation after realising their intentions. However, Seema began to pressure the Hindu members and summoned more Muslim transgenders from Maharashtra.

Sakina’s attorney informed that legal complaints had been submitted to the Police Commissioner, the PMO, the CMO, the CJI and other high-ranking officials. Additionally, he shared videos to support his claims, asserting that approximately 100 sick people, victims of a “Kinnar Jihad,” live in Indore without access to medical supervision.

The conflict has resulted in recurrent altercations between the two parties and police stations in Chandan Nagar and Vijay Nagar have received formal complaints. Last month, a similar unrest at the Pandrinath police station even resulted in the station-in-charge being transferred.

Sakina complained to Collector Ashish Singh following a demonstration at the Pandrinath station. The case was turned over to SDM Nidhi Verma. Police Commissioner Santosh Kumar Singh formed a Special Investigation Team headed by DCP Rishikesh Meena and other top officials in response to protests and a suicide threat from Sakina’s group against police inaction. Officials have classified the inquiry as extremely sensitive because of the ramifications for public health and society.

Uttar Pradesh: Intekhab Haider arrested for rape and blackmail of a Hindu woman and forcing her to convert, victim’s friend Reena Bano already arrested for helping the accused

OpIndia Staff
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Uttar Pradesh: Intekhab Haider arrested for rape and blackmail of a Hindu woman and forcing her to convert, victim’s friend Reena Bano already arrested for helping the accused

In Uttar Pradesh’s Hardoi district, a 24-year-old Hindu woman was allegedly raped by a man named Intekhab Haider with the help of her own Muslim friend, Reena Bano. On 15th July 2025, the police arrested main accused Haider, a resident of Karaeli police station area in Prayagraj.

The other accused Reena Bano was already arrested earlier and have been remanded to judicial custody.

As reported earlier, the victim said that she was raped, blackmailed and was being pressured to convert to Islam. The nightmare for the victim started in December 2024 and continued for months, leaving her scared and helpless.

The Hindu victim and her ‘friend’ Reena Bano both attend the ITI college of Hardoi, and the girl met Reena at college. They soon became friends and began to hang out with each other like good friends do. But things went dark when Reena asked her to visit her home in the Lohani near the Pihani police station. Upon arrival, Reena led her to a room where Haider, Reena’s relative from Prayagraj, was already inside.

As soon as she entered, Reena slipped out and closed the door. Haider also had a gun, and he said that if she uttered a word, he would kill her, and then he raped her. He also recorded the entire incident on his phone. The girl cried out for help, but nobody came. When Reena returned, Reena and Haider started blackmailing her and warned that they would show the video to her family and put it on the internet if she did not obey them. This blackmail went on for seven months.

Finally, after seven months, on 11th July, 2025, she visited Shahabad police station and complained, revealing everything regarding the rape, blackmail, and coercion to convert.

Based on the victim’s complaint, the accused were booked by Shahabad Police under sections 127 (2) (wrongful confinement), 64(1) (rape), 61(2) (a) (criminal conspiracy), 351(3) (criminal intimidation) of BNS and section 3/5 (3) of Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act.

In a press release detailing the matter, Hardoi Police said, “On 11.07.2025, the victim gave a complaint at Police Station Shahabad that the she was taken to her house by her friend Reena Bano daughter of Hafizullah resident of Mohammad Lohani Police Station Shahabad District Hardoi where a young man named Haider (who is a resident of Allahabad and had come to his in-laws’ house in Mohalla Lohani Police Station Pihani) present at their house, did wrong to the plaintiff and the above accused Haider and Reena Bano pressured the plaintiff to convert her religion. In this regard, on the basis of the complaint of the plaintiff, FIR No. 478/25 under Section 127 (2) / 64 (1) / 61 (2) (a) / 351 (3) BNS and 3/5 (3) Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act vs. Haider and Reena Bano above has been registered at Police Station Shahabad.”

Informing about the accused perpetrator’s arrest, Hardoi Police said, “The named accused Intekhab Haider alias Haider son of Babar, resident of Gangajal Sultanpur Bhava Police Station Karaili District Prayagraj, has been arrested as per rules by Police Station Shahabad. Necessary legal action is underway.”

Notably, co-accused Reena Bano has already been arrested and sent to judicial custody.

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