On 5th April, a homeopathy doctor named Khalid Khan in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, was arrested for allegedly attempting to convert a minor Hindu girl to Islam under the guise of medical treatment. In a complaint filed at Tilwara Police Station, the victim’s father accused the doctor of manipulating his daughter into abandoning Hindu beliefs and observing Islamic practices on the promise of a better life in exchange for conversion. The accused reportedly contacted her secretly and issued threats to the family when confronted. OpIndia has accessed the FIR registered in the case.
Accused doctor allegedly manipulated girl to embrace Islam
According to Additional SP Suryakant Sharma, Khan, who operated a clinic in the Tilwara Ghat area, used his interactions with the 17-year-old patient to gradually manipulate her psychologically. Reportedly, the minor approached the clinic for treatment of fever some months ago. Over time, Khan reportedly began denigrating Hinduism while glorifying Islam and persuaded the girl to observe Islamic practices such as Roza.
The family of the victim accused Khan of brainwashing the girl and enticing her with promises of better education, a comfortable life, and material benefits if she agreed to convert. It has been further alleged that Khan threatened her parents, stating that the girl would now act only as per his directions and warned them against trying to stop the communication. Fearing that their daughter, who is still a minor, was being influenced into abandoning Hindu practices and embracing Islam, the family approached the police to file a complaint against the doctor.
FIR details reveal planned and persistent coercion
The FIR in the matter was registered on 2nd April 2025 under Sections 3 and 5 of the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 2021, which deal with unlawful conversion by misrepresentation, coercion, or allurement, especially involving minors. The incident reportedly began on 8th August 2024, when the victim first came into contact with the accused at his clinic.
The complaint in the matter was filed by the victim’s father. According to the FIR, the victim had initially sought treatment from Khan due to illness. During these visits, Khan allegedly began influencing her to adopt Islamic beliefs while disparaging Hindu customs. He reportedly lured the victim with false promises of a better future, higher education, and luxuries. He attempted to pressure her into converting to Islam.
The victim’s father recounted in his complaint that he repeatedly warned Khan to stay away from his daughter. However, the accused refused. At one point, he threatened that if her parents stop the victim from meeting him, he would pursue the victim to file a false complaint against her parents.
Khan allegedly said, “She will now act only on my command. If you try to stop her from talking to me, I’ll have her file a false complaint against you.” The FIR further mentions that Khan kept secretly contacting Meenakshi and persuaded her to abandon Hindu worship and participate in Islamic rituals.
Investigation in the matter is currently underway.
On the occasion of Ram Navami on Sunday, the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya witnessed the ‘Surya Tilak’ illuminating the forehead of Ram Lalla.
The ‘Surya Tilak’ occurred exactly at noon when a beam of sunlight precisely directed on the forehead idol of Ram Lalla and formed a celestial tilak.
Visuals showed priests offering prayers to Ram Lalla during the Surya Tilak.
#WATCH | ‘Surya Tilak’ illuminates Ram Lalla’s forehead at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, on the occasion of Ram Navami
'Surya Tilak' occurs exactly at 12 noon on Ram Navami when a beam of sunlight is precisely directed onto the forehead of the idol of Ram Lalla, forming… pic.twitter.com/gtI3Pbe2g1
Earlier in the day, large crowds gathered at the temples across Uttar Pradesh in Ayodhya and Sambhal.
Authorities heightened security across different zones, with drone surveillance and zonal arrangements to manage the large influx of pilgrims.
Speaking to ANI, Ayodhya Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rajkaran Nayyar said, “A large number of devotees are arriving on the occasion of Ram Navami. We have divided the areas into different zones. Drones are being used for crowd management and security purposes.
“In a recent development, additional SP Madhuban Singh said on the arrangements at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple.
“People come in large numbers to offer prayers on the occasion of Ram Navami…Police personnel have been deployed in large numbers to ensure the safety and security of devotees…Proper parking arrangements have also been made,” he said.
In Sambhal, too, security personnel were deployed in large numbers at temples and nearby areas, and officials monitored the situation closely through surveillance systems.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended the greetings of ‘Ram Navami’ and wished for fresh enthusiasm in the lives of countrymen.
Taking to X, PM Modi said, “Heartfelt greetings to all countrymen on the occasion of Ram Navami. May this holy and sacred occasion of Lord Shri Ram’s birth festival bring new consciousness and fresh enthusiasm into all your lives and continuously provide new energy to the resolve of a strong, prosperous, and capable India. Jai Shri Ram!”
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
A video went viral on the internet, showing some employees of a marketing firm in Kerala being abused and humiliated for failing to meet the sales targets.
The state Labour Department had launched a probe into the matter. Kerala Labour Minister V Sivankutty condemned the incident and ordered action. The Minister said that the Errnakulum labour officer has been directed to conduct an investigation and submit a report.
“Kerala is a state that implements strong labour laws. No kind of labour harassment will be allowed. The Ernakulum Labour Officer has been tasked with the investigation and submitting a report. Other steps will be taken based on the investigation report. Such things will not be accepted. No institution will be allowed to operate in this manner. Such an incident should not be repeated with any worker,” said Sivankutty.
The viral video shows employees being abused
The video visuals show some people said to be the employees of a marketing firm being subjected to inhuman treatment by some men. The employees are made to walk and bark like dogs with belts tied around their necks while others stand there and watch. They are made to remove their pants and lick the coins lying on the floor.
जंजीर से बांधकर जानवरों की तरह चलवाया?…टारगेट नहीं पूरा होने पर बेशर्म कंपनी ने कर्मचारियों को दी ऐसी सज़ा?
केरल के कोच्चि का एक वीडियो सोशल मीडिया पर वायरल है, दावा है कि एक प्राइवेट मार्केटिंग फर्म के खराब प्रदर्शन करने वाले कर्मचारियों को अमानवीय व्यवहार का सामना करना पड़… pic.twitter.com/3Du2kgPP1u
The incident is said to have happened at a branch of the Hindustan Paper Links located on the Kaloor Janatha Road, as reported by Kerala Kumudi. However, Onmanorama reported that as per the initial information received by the police, the incident happened in an office in Perumbavoor. A labour department official was also quoted by Onmanorama as confirming that the incident took place in Perumbavoor. The Perumbavoor police reportedly said that they have received a complaint from the employees regarding the incident. However, an FIR has not been registered as yet. The police also said that the owner of the concerned private company was earlier arrested in a sexual harassment case and is currently out on bail.
Statement of one of the employees
As per the statement of an employee of the company, as reported by Kerala Kumudi, the incident happened at Hindustan Paper Links in Kochi months ago. The video of the incident is said to have been recorded by a former manager named Mana,f who was fired from the company. The employee reportedly said that the footage has been circulated to defame the company.
On 4th April, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi stated that once the Waqf (Amendment) Bill becomes an Act, Jama Masjid in Sambhal will no longer be a Waqf property. Owaisi was speaking to Sandeep Chaudhary during an interview on ABP News. He said that under Section 3D of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, any property protected under ASI cannot be a Waqf property, which includes the Sambhal mosque and several other Islamic structures across the country.
Citing the Ram Mandir judgement of the Supreme Court, Owaisi claimed that the apex court accepted the claim over land by user. However, according to the new Act, the concept of user will be applicable only if the land is not disputed or not government property. He further asserted that all ASI monuments that are Waqf properties will lose their designation with this Act. “The ASI definition has been expanded. I will lose that property now,” he said.
वक्फ बिल को लेकर क्या मुसलमानों में डर पैदा किया जा रहा है? सुनिए क्या बोले असदुद्दीन ओवैसी…
The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, gave her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, making it an Act on 5th April 2025. Section 3 of the principal Act has been amended with several clauses. Section 3D, as mentioned by Owaisi, makes the declaration of a protected monument or protected area as Waqf to be void. It reads: “Any declaration or notification issued under this Act or under any previous Act in respect of Waqf properties shall be void, if such property was a protected monument or protected area under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904 or the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, at the time of such declaration or notification.”
Section 3D of the Waqf (Amendment) Act ensures that no Waqf claim can be made over any site already designated as a protected monument or area under heritage laws. If any such declaration was made in the past, whether under this Act or previous ones, it will now be considered legally void. This provision aims to prevent historical monuments, especially those under ASI protection, from being reclassified or encroached upon under religious claims, thereby safeguarding India’s archaeological and cultural heritage.
Historical facts about the disputed site in Sambhal
In November 2024, the Sambhal court issued directions to conduct a survey on Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. The directions were issued in response to a plea filed by Hari Shankar Jain, Mahant Rishiraj Giri, and others.
In the petition, it was asserted that the mosque was constructed on the centuries-old Shri Hari Har Temple, dedicated to Bhagwan Kalki, and destroyed by Babur. According to the petitioners, the site holds significant religious importance for Hindus and was forcibly and unlawfully converted into a mosque during the Mughal period. Furthermore, it is a centrally protected monument as per the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act of 1904 and is listed as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
The petitioners emphasised that the current situation infringes upon their constitutional right to practise their religion and called for immediate action to restore public access to the site.
Historical facts
The petition highlighted the ancient and historical significance of the Shri Hari Har Temple. It stated that the site is revered in Hindu scriptures and is known for its association with the prophesied Kalki Avatar. For those who are unaware, Bhagwan Kalki is believed to be the tenth and final incarnation of Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu belief, Kalki will manifest in Sambhal to bring an end to Kaliyuga and usher in the era of Satyuga. The city of Sambhal, located on the banks of the Mahismat River in the heart of Rohilkhand, has had various names over different ages, such as Sabrit or Sambhaleswar in Satyuga, Mahadgiri in Treta Yuga, Pingala in Dwapar Yuga, and Sambhal in Kaliyuga.
The Shri Hari Har Mandir, dedicated to Bhagwan Kalki, was believed to have been created by Bhagwan Vishwakarma at the beginning of creation. Bhagwan Vishwakarma is the celestial architect. The temple holds a unique place in Hindu theology, symbolising the unity of Bhagwan Vishnu and Bhagwan Shiv as described in Hindu scriptures: “Yatha Shivastatha Vishnu, Yatha Vishnustatha Shivah,” which translates to “As Shiv is, so is Vishnu; as Vishnu is, so is Shiv.” The temple was considered a marvel of ancient architecture. The petition stated that it was a combination of spiritual significance and intricate design.
According to the petition, the temple faced significant destruction during the Mughal invasion. Babur’s lieutenant, Hindu Beg, allegedly partly demolished the temple and converted it into a mosque in 1527–28. The act was reportedly carried out on Babur’s instructions to establish Islamic supremacy and demoralise the local Hindu population.
The reference to this incident is found in Babur’s diary, also known as the Baburnama. It states that Hindu Beg converted the temple into a mosque. The petitioners argued that an inscription inside the mosque mentioning Babur’s name is a later forgery designed to justify the conversion of the temple into a mosque.
Vesting of property in Archaeological Survey of India
The petition further drew attention to the legal and administrative history surrounding the control and management of the disputed site. It mentioned the role of ASI in preserving the monument. It was declared a protected monument on 22nd December 1920 via a notification issued by the Secretary to the Government of United Provinces under Section 3(3) of the Act. The petitioners argued that it placed the site under the supervision and control of the ASI. Thus, the ASI should be the legal custodian responsible for the upkeep, management, and the facilitation of public access.
As per the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act of 1904 and then under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, the ASI has the legal mandate to protect and manage monuments of historical significance. ASI is responsible for ensuring that public access to these monuments is maintained, as per Section 18 of the 1958 Act.
The petitioners argued that the ASI failed in its statutory duty to provide proper access to the public, especially when there is an ongoing religious dispute at the site. The inaction of the ASI has allowed the management committee of the Jama Masjid to restrict access to the site. The petitioners argued that this is a violation of the rights of Hindu devotees to worship at the site, which they believe is the original site of Shri Hari Har Temple that was destroyed by the Mughals.
Furthermore, the petitioners said that the ASI did not take necessary steps to secure the site, maintain its historical integrity, or prevent the removal or destruction of artefacts and symbols that may prove its Hindu origins. It is a failure of the ASI to fulfil its legal obligations under the said Acts, argued the petitioners.
Sambhal violence
Though the first survey of the site on 19th November was conducted in a tense yet peaceful atmosphere, with no incident of violence reported, the second survey on 24th November saw resistance from the locals. A large Muslim mob surrounded the mosque and nearby areas while the court-appointed team was inside to conduct the survey.
The “resistance” by the angry mob quickly turned violent, and police teams stationed to maintain law and order were attacked. The rioters assaulted the police with stones and sticks and also opened fire at them.
In the aftermath of the Sambhal violence, the local administration, the state, and the police took several steps to apprehend the culprits. It was found during the investigation that local leaders, including Sambhal MP Zia ur Rahman Barq, had allegedly instigated the mob, and it was pre-planned violence. Bullets made in Pakistan were also recovered from the site, adding more layers to the investigation. Over 45 arrests were made and several cases are ongoing under multiple FIRs.
Evidence of Hindu temple at disputes site
In January 2025, the survey report of the mosque was submitted in a sealed envelope to Chandausi Court. According to the information available, the mosque houses two Banyan trees, which are generally associated with Hindu temples, where they are worshipped. Furthermore, there is a well within the mosque, with one portion located inside the premises and the other outside. The outer part of the well was covered. The survey report included approximately four and a half hours of videography, during which around 1,200 photographs were taken.
It has been reported that the mosque contains symbols that are emblematic of temples and Hindu places from that historical period. The temple’s original architecture has been concealed through the application of plaster and paint on its doors, windows, and elaborately decorated walls.
Section 3D and Sambhal mosque
The case of Jama Masjid in Sambhal stands as a direct example of why Section 3D was necessary. Despite being a centrally protected monument since 1920, the site continued to be claimed as Waqf property, leading to obstruction of access not only for Hindu devotees, who believe it to be the original Shri Hari Har Temple, but also for the Archaeological Survey of India. The Waqf (Amendment) Act brings much-needed legal clarity, preventing such protected monuments from being caught in religious or administrative tussles.
Conclusion
Owaisi’s acknowledgement that he will “lose that property now” is a clear validation of the Waqf (Amendment) Act’s purpose, to protect India’s archaeological heritage from unlawful or politically motivated encroachments. By ensuring that ASI-protected monuments cannot be claimed as Waqf properties, the Act upholds historical integrity and promotes justice in long-standing religious disputes. It is a much-needed step towards reclaiming and preserving civilisational truths buried under centuries of forced erasure.
On Saturday (4th April), the BJP accused the West Bengal police of disrupting the Ram Navami celebrations by targeting the festival’s organisers.
The development comes after the Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Islampur issued a notice to a Hindu man named Monotosh Roy (aka Raja) on Wednesday (2nd April) based on a case registered by Dalkhola Police Station in Uttar Dinajpur.
“For instance, the attached order is based on a false report by the Dalkhola Police in Uttar Dinajpur, targeting a well-known organizer of the Ram Navami festival by labeling him a troublemaker,” the BJP said in a tweet.
Ahead of Ram Navami, the West Bengal Police is resorting to arbitrary high-handedness to disrupt Hindu processions. Section 144 has been imposed indiscriminately, and Hindu activists are being hounded and detained to ensure that tomorrow’s religious festivities are muted.
The party informed that Monotosh Roy has been asked to explain why he should not furnish a bond of ₹1 lakh after being booked under Section 126 in Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
“Similar orders have been issued against around 40 individuals, based on police claims that they might disrupt law and order during the festival,” it stated.
While accusing the ruling TMC government of Muslim appeasement, the BJP added, “No power in the world can stop the Hindus of Bengal from celebrating Ram Navami. This year, the processions will be bigger and more spirited. Jai Shri Ram.”
যে অর্ডার কপিটি এখানে সংযুক্ত করা হয়েছে, তা সম্পূর্ণ ভাবে উত্তর দিনাজপুর জেলার ডালখোলা পুলিশের অসত্য রিপোর্টের উপর ভিত্তি করে দেওয়া হয়েছে। যে ব্যক্তির বিরুদ্ধে এই অর্ডার, তিনি ওনার সংশ্লিষ্ট এলাকার শ্রী রাম নবমী উৎসবের দক্ষ সংগঠক হিসেবে পরিচিত। পুলিশ তাদের রিপোর্টে ওনাকে একজন… pic.twitter.com/HHA58eDAxM
The police order sheet alleged that Monotosh Roy is ‘notorious’ and has ‘created disturbances in the area in the past’.
“He frequently engages in quarrels with the local people over various issues. The police apprehend that the OP may create law and order problems and could cause a serious breach of peace in the locality during the upcoming festivals, followed by the rallies,” it claimed on Wednesday (2nd April).
Monotosh Roy was directed to appear before the SDM on Friday (4th April) and asked to explain why he should not pay a bond of ₹1 lakh.
The Karnataka High Court has urged the parliament and the state legislature to implement Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the country. The single judge bench made the request on 4th April while hearing appeals filed by Samiulla Khan and others for partition of the property left by their deceased sister Shahnaz Begum.
Justice Hanchate Sanjeev Kumar said, “The enactment of legislation on Uniform Civil Code as enshrined under Article 44 of the Constitution of India will achieve the object and aspirations enshrined in the Preamble of the Constitution of India, bringing about a true secular democratic republic, unity, integrity of the nation, securing justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.”
The court stated that it is of the opinion that bringing a law on Uniform Civil Code and its enforcement certainly gives justice to women, achieves equality of status and opportunity for all and accelerate the dream of equality among all women in India, irrespective of caste and religion and also assures dignity individually through fraternity.
The court noted that some states have already implemented UCC, and directed the registrar general of the court to forward copies of the judge to both the union and the Karnataka government. The court said it hopes that the Union of India and the State of Karnataka will make endeavour in this regard in enacting the Legislation on the Uniform Civil Code, achieving the object of Article 44 of the Constitution of India.
The court stated that while women in India are all equal, different personal laws of different religions make a difference among them. While Hindu personal law gives equal rights and status to daughters, the same is not applicable under Muslim Personal Law, the court said as an example.
The High Court stated, “Therefore, the Court is of the opinion that our Country needs a Uniform Civil Code in respect of their Personal Laws and Religion, only then the object of Article 14 of the Constitution of India will be achieved.”
It noted that brothers and sisters have same entitlements under Hindu law, but under Muslim law, daughters are entitled to share as residuary, not as sharer. “Therefore, this is an example for the necessity of making Law on “Uniform Civil Code”, the court said.
The court made the comments while hearing appeals against a trial court order dividing the properties of a woman named Shahnaz Begum among her brothers and her husband after her death, even though she had purchased the properties on her own and didn’t inherit them. The trial court allotted 1/10th share of a property and 1/5th share of another property to two of her brothers, 1/20th and 1/10th share to her sister, and 3/4th and 50% share of the properties to her husband.
The appeal was filed by the brothers, sister and their families, alleging that the trial court allotted them a lesser share in the property of Shahnaz Begum.
The husband appealed against the verdict, arguing that he and his deceased wife had purchased the properties in question, and she didn’t inherit them from her family, therefore he is entitled to the entire property. The sale deeds were produced as proof.
The court dismissed the appeals filed by the brothers and the sister and partially allowed the plea of the husband.
A private school owner from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, who was absconding, was arrested by police from Kerala for allegedly posting objectionable remarks about Lord Ram on his WhatsApp status. The accused Abhishek Meban owns a private school called Joy School in Jabalpur.
As per reports, Meban posted an objectionable WhatsApp status about Lord Ram a few days ago, in response to an incident in which Christian priests were assaulted for an alleged conversion attempt of around 50 tribal people whom they were taking in a bus. His WhatsApp status read: “Bloody Hindu Ram ke bastard children“. Meban’s WhatsApp status sparked outrage among Hindu organisations, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bajrang Dal, who staged protests on Thursday (1st April). The Hindu organisations demanded Meban’s arrest and submitted a memorandum to the SP’s office in this regard.
Meban has been on the run since the incident. He had switched off his mobile phone to avoid being traced by the police. Several teams of police were on the lookout for him. The police received some input about Meban having boarded a flight to Kochi in Kerala. His location was eventually traced in Kerala when he tried to make a call to a friend. The Madhya Pradesh police coordinated with the Kerala police to locate and arrest him. He was arrested at the Kochi airport by the CISF. Meban is now being brought back to Jabapur by the police team.
Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh: Akhilesh Meban, accused of derogatory remarks against Lord Ram, was arrested at Kochi Airport by CISF
ASP Samar Verma says, "A serious matter came to light on the 1st and the police immediately registered an FIR and began searching for the accused…… pic.twitter.com/c9S0PRegsu
ASP Samar Verma said that Meban was detained at the airport while trying to flee. He said that the police have obtained a transit remand from a court in Kochi to bring Meban to Jabalpur. The police have registered an FIR against Meban under various provisions of the BNS and the IT Act. The police will interrogate him and seize his mobile to procure evidence against him.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Saturday confirmed that the party will not approach the Supreme Court against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, indicating that the matter is closed as far as the party is concerned.
Speaking to the media, Raut said, “No. We have done our work. We have said what we had to say and made our decision. This file is closed for us now,” Raut said.
This comes after Raut, on Friday, strongly criticised the Waqf Amendment Bill passed by the Parliament, calling it a move akin to trade or business rather than a genuine effort to protect Muslim interests
Addressing a press conference, Raut alleged that the government’s focus was more on acquiring valuable Waqf properties and land, estimated to be worth around Rs 2 lakh crore, than on safeguarding the welfare of Muslims.
Earlier on Friday, several political leaders approached the Supreme Court against the Waqf Amendment Bill.
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi moved the Supreme Court.
Congress leader Mohammad Jawed also challenged the Bill in the Supreme Court.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan approached the Supreme Court (SC) on Saturday, challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025.
The Bill passed in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha now awaits President Droupadi Murmu’s assent to become an Act.
Rajya Sabha sat beyond Thursday midnight to pass the legislation. Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said, “Ayes 128 and Noes 95, Absent zero. The Bill is passed.”
Lok Sabha, which took up discussion on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill on Wednesday, passed it past midnight after a marathon debate with 288 MPs voting in favour of the Bill while 232 against it.
The government introduced the revised bill after incorporating the recommendations of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which examined the legislation introduced in August last year. The bill seeks to amend the Act of 1995 and improve the administration and management of Waqf properties in India.
The bill aims to overcome the shortcomings of the previous act and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards, improving the registration process and increasing the role of technology in managing Waqf records.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
Another incident of vandalism of Hindu Puja venue has been reported from West Bengal, where authorities have already imposed bans and restrictions on Ram Navami celebrations. A Basanti Puja pandal was set on fire by unknown miscreants in the North 24 Parganas district.
The incident took place on the early hours of Saturday, when the Basanti Puja venue organised by Agradoot Club at Bergum Kachari Bari area under Gobardanga police station was set on fire. The clay idols of the Puja venue were burnt as a result of the fire, and were damaged. The main idol fell down and suffered extensive damage as a result.
Friday was the seventh day of the ongoing Basanti Puja. When Puja organisers reached the venue on Saturday morning, they were shocked to see the burnt and vandalised idols. This led to widespread tension in the area, and the locals blocked roads demanding arrest of the miscreants. On receiving the information, the police of Gobardanga police station reached the spot. The road blockade was later lifted after the cops assured action.
Police are investigating whether it was done by someone or a case of accidental fire. The police have assured that if anyone is found guilty during the investigation, they will be arrested. A large police force has been deployed in the area to control the situation.
Police sources also said that it appears to be a case of dispute between two groups of the village over the puja ceremony.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that the agreement reached to build a multi-product pipeline and to develop Trincomalee as an energy hub will benefit the people of Sri Lanka.
While addressing a joint press statement alongside Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, PM Modi said that the grid inter-connectivity agreement between India and Sri Lanka will create opportunities for Sri Lanka to export electricity.
PM Modi said, “The Sampur Solar Power Plant will help Sri Lanka achieve energy security. The agreement reached to build a multi-product pipeline and to develop Trincomalee as an energy hub will benefit all Sri Lankans. The Grid Inter-Connectivity Agreement between the two countries will create opportunities for Sri Lanka to export electricity.”
“I am pleased that today a 5,000 Solar Rooftop System will be inaugurated for religious places in Sri Lanka. India will also provide support for the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity project,” he added.
The governments of India, Sri Lanka and the UAE have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in the development of Trincomalee as an energy hub.
He announced a support package of approximately 2.4 billion Lankan Rupees for the social and economic development of the Eastern provinces. He further said, “Today, we also inaugurated Sri Lanka’s largest warehouse for the welfare of farmers.”
PM Modi said, “Tomorrow, we will inaugurate the ‘Maho-Omanthai’ railway line, and lay the foundation stone for the signalling system on the ‘Maho-Anuradhapura’ section. Work for the modernisation of the Kankesanthurai Port will begin soon.”
Stressing that India and Sri Lanka have shared security interests, he said, “We believe that we have shared security interests. The security of both countries is interconnected and interdependent. I am grateful to President Disanayaka for his sensitivity towards India’s interests. We welcome the important agreements made in the area of Defence Cooperation. We have also agreed to work together on the Colombo Security Conclave and Security Cooperation in the Indian Ocean.”
He also announced that India would send the holy relics of Lord Buddha from Gujarat’s Aravali region to Sri Lanka for an exposition. He announced that India will provide support in the construction of the sacred city in the Anuradhapura Mahabodhi temple complex and the Sita Eliya temple in Nuwara Eliya.
Highlighting spiritual ties between two nations, he said, “There is centuries old spiritual ties between India and Sri Lanka. I am extremely happy to announce that the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha found in 1960, in the Aravali region of my home state – Gujarat, are being sent to Sri Lanka for an exposition.
“India will assist in the renovation of the Thirukoneswaram Temple in Trincomalee. India will also provide support in the construction of the sacred city in the Anuradhapura Mahabodhi temple complex, and the Sita Eliya Temple in Nuwara Eliya,” he added.
PM Narendra Modi said that he and Dissanayake discussed issues related to fishermen’s livelihood. He stated that they also discussed the reconstruction and reconciliation in Sri Lanka.
He said, “We also discussed issues related to fishermen’s livelihood. We agreed that we should proceed with a humane approach in this matter. We also emphasised on immediate release of the fishermen and their boats.”
“We also talked about reconstruction and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. President Disanayaka appraised me of his inclusive approach. We hope that the Sri Lankan Government will meet the aspirations of the Tamil people and fulfil its commitment towards fully implementing the Constitution of Sri Lanka, and conducting Provincial Council Elections,” he added.
He said that Sri Lanka holds a special place in India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision Mahasagar. He noted that two nations have made significant progress in our cooperation in the past four months since Dissanayake’s visit to India last year.
PM Modi said, “President Disanayaka chose India for his first foreign visit after becoming President, and I have had the privilege of becoming his first foreign guest. This is a symbol of the depth of our special relations.”
He noted that it is his fourth visit to Sri Lanka as Prime Minister, and his last visit in 2019 came at a very sensitive time.In his remarks, he also quoted Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar.
“I applaud the courage and patience of the Sri Lankan people, and today, I am happy to see Sri Lanka back on the path of progress. India is proud to have fulfilled its duties as a true friendly neighbour. Whether it was the terrorist attack of 2019, the COVID pandemic, or the recent economic crisis, we have stood firmly with the people of Sri Lanka during every difficulty,” he said.
“I am reminded of the words of the great Tamil saint Thiruvalluvar. He said: Seyar Kariya Yaavul Natt Pinn Aadu Pul Vinnaikkariya Yaavul Kaapu. Which means, in the face of challenges and enemies, there is no stronger assurance than a true friend and the shield of his friendship,” he added.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi and Dissanayake held a bilateral meeting and delegation-level talks in Colombo. PM Modi calls his talks with Dissanayake “productive and extensive.”
“Held extensive and productive talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo. A few months ago, President Dissanayake chose India as the place for his first overseas visit after becoming President. Now, I have the honour of being the first foreign leader he is hosting in his Presidency. This indicates his personal commitment to India-Sri Lanka ties and the unbreakable bond that exists between our nations,” PM Modi posted on X.
PM Modi is on a State visit to Sri Lanka from April 4 to 6 at the invitation of Sri Lankan President Disanayaka. His arrival in Colombo on Friday marked his first visit to Sri Lanka since 2019.
PM Modi was accorded a historic ceremonial welcome at Independence Square in Colombo on Saturday. It is the first time that Sri Lanka has honoured a visiting leader in this manner.
Prime Minister Modi reached Colombo after concluding his visit to Thailand, where he attended the BIMSTEC Summit and held bilateral talks with several world leaders, including Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay, Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
