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85% reduction in crime, fearsome crackdown on mafia, and more: How CM Yogi Adityanath transformed law and order in Uttar Pradesh

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85% reduction in crime, fearsome crackdown on mafia, and more: How CM Yogi Adityanath transformed law and order in Uttar Pradesh

For the past eight years, Uttar Pradesh has been under the governance of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at the helm. From day one, Adityanath made it clear that law and order would be his administration’s top priority—and the results speak for themselves. The state has witnessed an 85% decline in heinous crimes, a feat largely attributed to a no-nonsense approach to policing and crime control. Encounters, crackdowns on mafias, and a bolstered police force have redefined governance in Uttar Pradesh.

From “Gundaraj” to Good Governance

When the BJP came to power in 2017, it did so on a promise to end what it called the Samajwadi Party’s “Gundaraj”—a state plagued by crime and lawlessness. Yogi Adityanath wasted no time in sending a strong message. His government swiftly moved to seize the assets of known criminals, tighten law enforcement, and ensure that offenders either ended up behind bars or faced the consequences of their actions.

85% drop in heinous crimes

The impact of these tough policies is evident. Crimes such as theft, robbery, and kidnapping have seen a drastic reduction, supported by hard data. According to a state government report:

  • Robberies have plummeted by 85% since 2016.
  • Theft cases have dropped by 77%.
  • Murders have declined by 41%.
  • Dowry deaths have also seen a significant dip.

Once notorious for highway robberies, western Uttar Pradesh is now considered much safer. The state police attribute this transformation to increased surveillance, widespread CCTV deployment, and a stronger, high-tech police presence. The addition of modernized vehicles and upgraded police infrastructure has further amplified law enforcement capabilities.

Over 8,000 encounters and a fearsome crackdown

Under Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, the state’s police force has been empowered like never before. Over the past eight years, they have carried out more than 8,000 encounters, resulting in the elimination of 222 criminals and injuries to over 8,118 offenders.

This aggressive crackdown has instilled such fear that images of criminals surrendering at police stations have become commonplace. More than 80,000 offenders have been jailed, and over 900 individuals have been booked under the National Security Act (NSA). Many of these criminals were either involved in serious crimes or accused of attempting to incite communal violence.

Bringing down the mafia empire

Yogi Adityanath has not shied away from taking on the deeply entrenched mafia network in Uttar Pradesh. Organized crime had been institutionalized since the 1990s, with powerful gangs controlling entire regions and amassing massive wealth through illegal means. The Yogi administration has systematically dismantled these criminal empires, confiscating properties worth over ₹4,000 crores.

The state’s strict implementation of the Gangster Act has led to the seizure of assets valued at ₹14,000 crores. Law enforcement has filed over 700 cases against 68 major mafias and more than 1,400 gang members. Additionally, over 350 arms licenses belonging to these mafias have been revoked. As a result, areas once feared for their association with notorious criminals like Mukhtar Ansari and Atiq Ahmed are now witnessing a wave of investment and economic resurgence.

Strengthening the police force for long-term security

Recognizing that law enforcement is only as effective as the force behind it, the Yogi government has prioritized improving police infrastructure and manpower. In 2017, the Uttar Pradesh Police Department faced a massive shortfall of over 2 lakh officers. Through sustained recruitment drives, that gap has now been reduced to around 50,000, with the latest hiring of 60,000 constables.

To further bridge the gap, the government has announced plans to recruit an additional 28,000 personnel in April, ensuring that nearly 90% of the required police force is in place. This initiative not only strengthens law enforcement but also creates job opportunities for Uttar Pradesh’s youth. So far, 2.16 lakh young individuals have secured permanent government jobs through police recruitment efforts.

Infrastructure has also seen a significant boost. The government has built 126 new police stations, making law enforcement more accessible across the state. Additionally, 86 new outposts have been established, and modern Scorpio vehicles have been added to the UP112 emergency service fleet.

A safer, more secure Uttar Pradesh

Yogi Adityanath’s tenure has marked a transformative shift in Uttar Pradesh’s law and order situation. The numbers and stories of change reflect a state that has moved from crime-ridden chaos to a model of strong governance and security. With continued efforts to modernize the police force and eliminate criminal networks, the Yogi government’s legacy on law enforcement is set to leave a lasting impact on Uttar Pradesh’s future.

Read the report in Hindi here.

Bihar: Islamists pelt stones at Hindu procession in Darbhanga on Day 1 of Navratri, similar violence was reported on Holi too

OpIndia Staff
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Bihar: Islamists pelt stones at Hindu procession in Darbhanga on Day 1 of Navratri, similar violence was reported on Holi too

Hindus were attacked on the very first day of Navaratri in Darbhanga, Bihar, where Muslims gathered at the house of a person named Alauddin and pelted stones, injuring multiple individuals. The video of the incident is going viral on social media. This is the same area where Hindus were attacked on Holi as well. The authorities from three police stations have been deployed after the stone-pelting after the matter was settled at the time through dialogue between the locals and the cops. This incident took place on 30th March around 4:30 pm.

According to reports, devotees were returning from the Durga temple following the Kalash Shobha Yatra when stones were hurled at them in the Kewatgama Panchayat of the Kusheshwarsthan police station area. The assault created chaos, especially among women and children, who screamed in fear and ran for cover. Islamists, who had already gathered on the roof to await the Shobha Yatra, reportedly carried out the attack.

Villagers stated that Muslims assembled on the roof of the house of one Mohammad Alauddin, who lives in Pachhiyari Rahi village, from where they launched the attack. They began throwing stones as soon as the procession passed from the location. Panic spread among the devotees as they came under attack, with stones raining down on them. Some women reportedly lay on the ground to shield their children, while many sustained injuries in the assault.

A large police force from the Biraul, Tilkeshwar, and Kusheshwarsthan police stations arrived in the area just as the word spread about the stone-pelting. The police controlled the situation, but the atmosphere in the hamlet remained tense. People are reluctant to leave their homes because they are afraid. Alok Kumar, also known as Vikas Kumar, the former head of the Panchayat, conveyed that these acts destroy the village’s unity.

Kusheshwarsthan Police Station Officer Rakesh Kumar Singh informed that the situation is now calm and cops have been deployed in the village. SSP (Senior Superintendent of Police) Jagunath Reddy also assured that the situation is normal and no one needs to worry. However, the residents disclosed that this peace is just superficial as fear and anger persist.

A similar incident occurred on Holi two weeks ago when a  few members of the Muslim community attacked the young people in the hamlet who were celebrating Holi. A dispute broke out at initially, but soon things got out of hand and sticks were used, as well as stone-pelting ensued. Tension increased in the village as many youths were hurt. The cops then spoke with all sides and utilized a PR bond to defuse the situation.

“Powerful people encroached upon Waqf properties”: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju slams opposition to Waqf amendment bill

ANI
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“Powerful people encroached upon Waqf properties”: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju slams opposition to Waqf amendment bill

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday dismissed the opposition against the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, saying that those opposing the same are “powerful people” while accusing them of “misguiding” people.

He said that criticising the bill was everyone’s right, but it must be substantial.

“Who are those who are opposing this bill? There are a few powerful people who have encroached upon the Waqf properties. They are misguiding people. They are saying the bill is unconstitutional. It’s everyone’s right to criticise things, but criticism must have some substance in it,” Rijiju told ANI.

Speaking about the letter sent by the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) extending support to the Waqf Amendment Bill and requesting MPs in the state to do the same, Rijiju said that many organisations across religious lines are supporting the bill proposed by the central government.

The Union Minister asserted that the amendment bill was in interest of poor Muslims, children and women. It would, he added, ensure accountability and transparency when it comes to managing properties under the Waqf board.

“The request letter sent by the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council is extremely important for everybody. Many of the organisations across communities are supporting the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. We must understand that the Bill is basically in the interest of the poor Muslims, children and women and also to ensure that the properties of the Waqf are managed in a transparent and accountable manner. We ensure the welfare of the common people,” Rijiju said.

Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Monday said that many Christian organisations, including the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC), are extending support to the Waqf Amendment Bill proposed by the centre after poor families in the Munambam suburb claimed to be living under the threat of their land being seized by the Waqf board. He urged the MPs in the state to assist people instead of engaging in “appeasement politics”.

“Kerala Catholic Bishop’s Council and many other Christian organisations are asking the MPs from Kerala to take a stand on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and vote in favour of it. Because in Kerala, in a place called Munambam near Cochin, hundreds of poor families are having the threat of their land being seized by the Waqf,” Chandrasekhar told ANI.

Highlighting the agitation being carried out for years against the threat of land being seized, the BJP leader urged the MPs in Kerala to fulfil their duties to assist people in trouble instead of engaging in “appeasement politics”.

“This is an issue for which they have been agitating for months and years, and it is time that the MPs of Kerala do what their duty to do, which is to help people who are in trouble, help people and solve their problems rather than only play appeasement politics. Today is an important day. Congress MPs must take a position and decide. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is not against any community. It is about aligning a law to the constitutional values of India,” Chandrasekhar said.

Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also welcomed the support extended by the KCBC to the Waqf bill.

“A welcome step by the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC). Their call is for amending the sections which are “unfair” and “anti-constitutional” in the existing Waqf Act,” Sitharaman posted on X.

These reactions come after the KCBC urged MPs to vote in favour of amending the “unconstitutional” and “unjust” provisions of the Waqf Act.

The statement issued by Fr. Thomas Tharayil of the KCBC secretariat said that provisions in the Waqf law, which legitimise the “illegal claims” in such a way that people in Munambam are unable to exercise their revenue claims on the land, need to be amended.

“The Farooq College management, which sold the land to the residents of Munambam, has asserted that the land in question was received as a gift, the MPs should cooperate to amend the waqf bill Which has provisions to raise claims against this. KCBC will send letter to each MPs requesting to vote in favour of amending waqf bill,” KCBC said in a statement.

Around 610 families of Munambam, a coastal village in the Ernakulam district, have been protesting against the claim by the Waqf Board on their land.

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

Right after the 2002 Godhra riots, a Christian eyewitness – a native of Kerala – had written a letter, busting the lies of liberals: Here is what the now viral letter says

Anurag
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Right after the 2002 Godhra riots, a Christian eyewitness – a native of Kerala – had written a letter, busting the lies of liberals: Here is what the now viral letter says

On 27th March, the Mohanlal-starrer Malayalam film ‘L2: Empuraan’ was released. Within hours, the movie faced severe backlash for the misportrayal of the 2002 Gujarat riots. The movie has shown Hindus as insensitive and merciless, using the context of the Godhra riots. The movie has pushed an anti-Hindu narrative. Reportedly, there is a scene in the movie where a Muslim family is shown as being brutally murdered by Hindu right-wing extremists.

Following the backlash, Mohanlal issued a statement on 30th March and acknowledged that certain aspects of the film had caused distress to his fans. He assured that the team had decided to remove the references that led to the backlash.

“I have come to know that some political and social themes that were included in the unveiling of Empuran, the second part of the Lucifer franchise, have caused considerable distress among many of my loved ones,” the actor wrote in a Facebook post.

“As an artist, it is my duty to ensure that none of my films promote hatred towards any political movement, ideology, or religious group. Therefore, both I and the Empuran team express our sincere regret for the distress caused to my dear ones, and we all take responsibility for it, with the realization that such issues must be removed from the film,” he wrote in Malayalam.

Sukumaran, playing second fiddle to Mohanlal’s character in the movie, portrayed a character named Zayed Masood. The controversial scenes relating to the Godhra riots appear in the introduction to the background of Sukumaran’s character. Besides, the movie allegedly shows how the then-ruling party, which was the BJP led by erstwhile Gujarat CM Narendra Modi, misused the central agencies during the riots.

According to media reports, the film opened with a disturbing sequence depicting a Muslim village being burnt during the post-Godhra riots. Following the scene, there was a series of graphic and intense sequences, including Hindu men mercilessly beating a Muslim child and committing violence against a pregnant Muslim woman.

Amid the ongoing controversy around the movie, a letter written by a Christian man named George Joseph has resurfaced, which was published in Mathrubhumi Daily in April 2002.

Letter exposed pre-planned conspiracy in Godhra carnage

On 20th April 2002, almost two months after the deadly Godhra train burning incident that claimed the lives of 59 Hindu karsewaks returning from Ayodhya, a Christian man named George Joseph from Pazhoor wrote a letter to Mathrubhumi Daily describing the day of the incident in his own words. The letter was published in the newspaper in Malayalam.

George had been running a small business for 12 years near the Godhra Railway Station, where the incident that led to the Gujarat riots in 2002 took place. Being an eyewitness to the Godhra carnage, his testimony through the letter gives a true picture of the day, busting the lies that the left-liberals have narrated for over two decades in the media.

Letter written by George Joseph to Mathrubhumi Daily. Source: Ramith18/X

He noted that, being a Muslim-dominated area, Godhra experienced a deep communal divide and tension for many years. Non-Muslims like him lived under great fear and constant tension, as any communal unrest across the country used to have a drastic impact in Godhra. According to George, the main culprit behind the Godhra carnage was the Congress councillor. His cronies indulged in the most condemnable rowdy acts in the station surroundings multiple times, and he was a witness to such acts. He categorically suggested that if he had filed a complaint against them, he would not have been alive to write the letter.

George stated that the attack on the Sabarmati Express was a pre-planned exercise. The plan was made many weeks before the incident, and it was impossible to witness what had happened on the day of the attack. “Thousands of people, shouting slogans in favour of the Babri Masjid, were present in the railway station surroundings on that fateful day. Why did the police not try to control them? The Congress councillor was the main reason for that. Even the police did not have the guts to touch him,” he wrote.

Those who managed to jump out of the burning bogie, including children, were mercilessly stoned to death by the mob. George had to run for his life, as it was impossible to stay there as an eyewitness for a longer period of time. “Why is the Congress Party not prepared to condemn and expose the real colour of the culprits? Why is the media selectively avoiding eyewitnesses like us?” he questioned, while asserting it was all about vote politics.

George added that until the problems were resolved, he was not planning to go back. According to him, only Muslims could live peacefully in Godhra. “When communal problems take place, it is not correct to make a pre-judgement without actually analysing the real root of the problem. There are many people who still justify the merciless acts of burning alive the passengers of the Sabarmati Express with kerosene and petrol,” he concluded.

Verbetim translation of the letter

Saturday, April 20
What happened in Godhra…

For the past 12 years, I’ve been running a small business near the railway station in Godhra, Gujarat. I’m writing about things I’ve continuously seen in newspapers and public statements. I was an eyewitness to the Godhra incident.

When we talk about Godhra, it has for years remained a place filled with communal tension; it is also a Muslim-majority area. That in itself makes it a very frightening place for us. Wherever communal issues arise in India, their echoes are felt here too.

The main accused in the Godhra incident, known to be a Congress councillor, is a first-class thug. I’ve personally seen the chaos his men used to create around the station. Had I tried to oppose or complain, I wouldn’t be alive to write this letter today.

The plan to attack the Sabarmati Express was premeditated. Preparations had started weeks in advance. What happened that day were things no human being should have to witness. Thousands had gathered around the railway station that day, chanting slogans in support of the Babri Masjid. Why didn’t the police control them? Because the same Congress councillor was behind it. Even the police didn’t have the courage to touch him.

Those who leapt out of the burning train in panic were pelted with stones from the tracks. Even children were not spared. I had to flee to save my life because it was impossible to stay at the scene.

Why does the Congress not condemn, in strong words, the brutality of those involved in such a heinous act or expose their true faces? Why do the media ignore eyewitnesses like us? All for the sake of votes.

Until the issues in Gujarat are resolved, I am not ready to return there. Because in Godhra, only Muslims are able to live. I say this from personal experience. When communal tensions flare up, prejudices are dangerous. We must investigate the real issues. People in Godhra were ready to justify burning innocent train passengers alive with kerosene and petrol — no matter the cause. I’m writing all this because I could not find any media outlet reporting the truth. Even now, fearless media like Mathrubhumi must step forward to expose the real issues, regardless of caste or religion.

— George Joseph, Pazhoor

The truth of the Godhra riots

The Godhra riots are perhaps among the most misrepresented and the most politicised events in the country’s history of communal riots. While the riots have been used by politicians, media houses and left liberals over the years to paint an anti-Hindu narrative, the carnage that preceded the riots, in which 59 karsevaks were charred to death in a train coach set on fire by a Muslim mob, has never found mention in that narrative.

On 27th February 2002, the Sabarmati Express, after running four hours late, reached Godhra station by 7:40 am. at about 3:30 am. Coach S6 of the train was carrying 59 karsevaks returning from the Ramjanmabhoomi site in Ayodhya. Within minutes of the train arriving at the station, a mob of around 2000 Muslims from the nearby Muslim-dominated area of Signal Falia surrounded the coach carrying karsevaks and set it on fire. All the karsevaks inside the coach, including 25 women and 15 children, were burnt alive.

After years of judicial trial, the trial court convicted 31 Muslims on 22nd February, 2011, for the Godhra massacre. The convictions were later affirmed by the Gujarat High Court in 2017. In February 2003, one of the accused gave a judicial confession in which he admitted that the Godhra carnage was a pre-planned attack.

Bangladesh: Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus’s anti-corruption pledge crumbles within months amid allegations of power abuse

ANI
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Bangladesh: Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus’s anti-corruption pledge crumbles within months amid allegations of power abuse

In less than seven months into his tenure, Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor, Muhammad Yunus, began to fall short of his lofty promises to prioritise rooting out corruption. This raised serious concerns about his commitment to the anti-corruption cause.

In an article published by Anjuman A Islam in Eurasia Review, since assuming control of Bangladesh’s interim government on August 8, Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Peace Laureate, vowed to make rooting out corruption his top priority. He declared that his mission was to rebuild Bangladesh, with a focus on eliminating the abuse of state power and ushering in a new era of accountability. Despite his initial proclamations to the world, Yunus and his advisors have been accused of engaging in practices that contradict the values they promised to uphold.

Anjuman highlighted that a recent report by a Bangladesh newspaper revealed several of Yunus’s advisors have been using multiple vehicles meant for public service, diverting them for personal use and violating the rules that allow only one vehicle per advisor. This misuse of taxpayer-funded resources has sparked outrage, especially as it comes amid Yunus’s promises of transparency and accountability.

He further stated, “Alarmingly, all the advisors and the office of Yunus sought to brush this glaring abuse by advisors under the carpet until the newspaper broke the massive irregularities that Transparency International Bangladesh’s chapter executive Director Iftekharuzzaman called a glaring violation with the spirit of the July August revolution.”

This blatant misuse of state power by his advisors has further damaged Yunus’s attempt to portray the Awami League as the sole source of corruption in the country.

In a sharp contrast to his anti-corruption rhetoric, Yunus has also faced backlash for the swift approval of large-scale business ventures linked to him and his associates. Within just two months of taking power, his microcredit institution, Grameen Bank, was granted a five-year tax exemption, and other businesses connected to Yunus or his family members received rapid government approvals, Anjuman mentioned in his article.

One such approval overturned a prior High Court ruling, exempting Yunus’s Grameen Kalyan organization from a staggering BDT 666 crore in taxes. Additionally, a private university–Grameen University–was approved, allegedly benefiting Yunus’s inner circle.

Meanwhile, labor rights activists, anti-corruption campaigners, and lawyers have expressed concerns over Yunus’s silence regarding the rapid acquittal of cases filed against workers from organisations he once led. These cases, filed before August 5, were swiftly dismissed without public explanation, raising further doubts about the integrity of Yunus’s administration, as cited in the Eurasia Review article.

What began as an ambitious reform agenda, driven by promises of a corruption-free Bangladesh, now risks descending into a scandal-ridden administration.

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

Himachal Pradesh: 6 dead, 5 injured as tree falls near Gurdwara Manikaran Sahib

ANI
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Himachal Pradesh: 6 dead, 5 injured as tree falls near Gurdwara Manikaran Sahib

At least six people died, and five were injured after a hollow tree was uprooted near the Gurdwara Manikaran Sahib parking area in Kullu on Sunday.

Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Kullu, Ashwani Kumar, said, “Six people died, and five were injured after trees were uprooted near Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara parking in Kullu. Police and rescue teams of the district administration have shifted five injured to the local community hospital at Jari.”

Kullu MLA Sunder Singh Thakur stated that three victims have been identified.

He said, “Two people were locals, and four were from outside. A few others have also been affected by the incident. Near the Manikaran Gurudwara, a tree was uprooted. Dead bodies are being brought to the district hospital. Four injured have been brought to the district hospital. Police administration is present at the site.”

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep grief over the incident, said an official statement from the Himachal CMO.

The Chief Minister directed the district administration to extend all possible assistance to the victims and their families. He also instructed officials to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured.

Expressing his condolences, the Chief Minister prayed for the peace of the departed souls and strength for the bereaved families to bear this irreparable loss. He also wished a swift recovery for those injured in the incident.

CM Sukhu also assured the people that the state government stands firmly with the affected people in this hour of grief.

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

Nepal government gives ultimatum to pro-monarchy protesters demanding return of the King, puts the former King Gyanendra Shah under travel ban

OpIndia Staff
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Nepal government gives ultimatum to pro-monarchy protesters demanding return of the King, puts the former King Gyanendra Shah under travel ban

Intensifying its crackdown on pro-monarchy protests that erupted in Nepal, the Nepal government has put the leaders supporting the protests, including former King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev and Nepal Rashtriya Panchayat Chairman Nav Raj Subedi, under a travel ban.

Subedi has been accused of coordinating the protests. Besides, the Vice-President and the General Secretary of the Rashtriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) have also reportedly been put under house arrest.

As per reports, the Nepalese government led by Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has also reduced the security cover of the former king and has revoked his passport. The strength of personnel in the former king’s security has been reduced from 25 to 16. In addition to that, the Kathmandu Municipal Corporation has imposed a fine of 7.93 Nepali rupees on the former king on Saturday (29th March) for the damage caused to public property during the violent protests.

PM Oli reportedly called a meeting of all parties on Sunday, March 30, around 6 pm to discuss the protests. The Rashtriya Prajatantra Party, which is supporting the pro-monarchy protests, was not invited to the meeting. Meanwhile, the Parliament witnessed a major ruckus between the ruling party and the opposition due to which the Parliamentary meeting was delayed by two hours. The Sunday session of the Parliament was not broadcast live.

Violent pro-monarchy protests have erupted in Kathmandu in recent days. The protesters, demanding the restoration of the monarchy, clashed with the security personnel, resulting in a curfew being imposed in several parts of the city. Two people, including a protester and a video journalist, lost their lives in the violence. Several people, including security personnel, were also injured. The protesters have given the Nepalese government an ultimatum till 3rd April. The RPP had warned the Nepalese government against arresting the former king, saying that such an act would further aggravate the protests. Around 112 people, including RPP leaders Dhawal Shumsher Rana and Ravindra Mishra, have been detained by the police.

The ruling Nepali Congress has held the former king responsible for orchestrating the Friday pro-monarchy protests in the Tinkune area. “We reviewed the activities carried out on Friday in the name of pro-monarchists and the Home Minister presented the details of the incidents, after which we came to the conclusion that the violent activities were deliberately planned with the motive of imposing a totalitarian rule and the former King should take all the responsibility,” Nepali Congress spokesperson Prakash Sharan Mahat reportedly said.

‘Read Namaaz, eat beef, keep Roza’: Ahmed Raza tortured daughter of the Hindu family where he was a driver; took her jewelry, forced her to abort 3 times

OpIndia Staff
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‘Read Namaaz, eat beef, keep Roza’: Ahmed Raza tortured daughter of the Hindu family where he was a driver; took her jewelry, forced her to abort 3 times

A Hindu woman from Basti district of Uttar Pradesh has said her family’s driver Ahmed Raza sexually assaulted her at knife point, and coerced her into converting to Islam after a fake marriage. The victim stated in her complaint to the police that her life has turned into a living nightmare. The accused allegedly repeatedly abused the victim mentally and physically. Ahmed Raza even forced her to undergo abortion three times without consent.

Ahmed Raza used to work at the woman’s house in the Walterganj police station area. He had been harassing her for months. However, the victim feared societal backlash and remained silent. According to her complaint, Ahmed Raza allegedly raped her in February 2024 at knife point. When she threatened to file a complaint, he pacified her with the promise of marriage.

Theft, deception and a false marriage

The family of the victim was not in favour of the relationship between the two. Ahmed then convinced her to leave home and elope. However, it was not just elopement. He reportedly took along two gold necklaces, three gold chains, Rs 1 lakh in cash, a car, a scooter, a cooler, and a washing machine from her house. These specific valuables were sold or mortgaged by him at later stages.

Initially, Ahmed took her to stay with his relatives and later shifted to a rented house in Puraena Chowk in the Rudhauli police station area. Despite delaying the marriage, he eventually went through with it, but what followed next was a string of abuses.

‘Read namaz, eat beef, fast in Ramzan’ – religious pressure and physical violence

The victim stated in her complaint that soon after the marriage, Ahmed and his family started demanding that she convert to Islam. She was pressured to read Namaz, observe roza, and was even asked to consume beef. One day, his parents and sisters came and told her, “Read Namaz, eat beef, and observe roza in Ramzan.” When she refused, Ahmed’s sisters verbally abused and physically assaulted her.

The victim further stated that Ahmed sold her jewellery, mortgaged her scooter, and handed over the money to his family. The financial exploitation, along with the communal insults, were directed at her Hindu beliefs and UP CM Yogi Adityanath.

Three abortions forced on her

The most traumatic part of her ordeal was the three abortions. The victim said that she became pregnant three times and was forced to abort each time. She is pregnant again but says Ahmed has absconded, leaving her to fend for herself.

She somehow gathered the courage to lodge a formal complaint at the Walterganj police station. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Satyendra Bhushan Tiwari confirmed that a case has been filed against the accused and the police are actively looking for him.

Vishwa Hindu Mahasangh warns of protest if justice delayed

The district president of the Vishwa Hindu Mahasangh, Akhilesh Singh, visited the victim and warned that if swift action is not taken in the matter, the organisation will be forced to launch a mass movement. “This isn’t just one girl’s tragedy. Society must ask – how long will such exploitation of innocent lives continue unchecked?” he said.

Uttar Pradesh: Porn racket involving 400 women was operated out of a bungalow in Noida, international links uncovered

OpIndia Staff
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Uttar Pradesh: Porn racket involving 400 women was operated out of a bungalow in Noida, international links uncovered

On 28th March, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said in a statement that the agency had uncovered a massive pornographic racket being operated out of a bungalow in Sector 105 of Noida. The racket was being run by a husband-wife duo identified as Ujjwal Kishore and Neelu Srivastava.

The couple allegedly lured hundreds of women through social media under the pretext of modeling assignments and filmed pornographic videos. These videos were sold to a Cyprus-based company named Technius Limited, which is known to run porn websites like Stripchat and XHamster.

Media reports suggest that the agency found the racket had been running for the past five years. At the time of the raid, there were three models filming pornographic content at the location. The agency recorded the statements of the women involved. Officials say the earnings were falsely declared as “service fees”, constituting a violation of FEMA.

ED sources said over 400 women were pushed into the operation in the last five years. Recruited primarily from Delhi-NCR through Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, the women were promised modeling work. The videos were categorised into “half face show”, “full face show”, and “nude”.

According to media reports, Ujjwal Kishore was involved in a sex syndicate in Russia that allegedly helped him expand the racket. The bungalow used for filming was rented from a Delhi-based doctor and converted into a studio, complete with cameras, lights and other equipment. As the business grew, the couple began posting fake casting calls on social media to attract more women.

The searches at the premises were conducted under Section 37 of FEMA read with Section 132 of the Income Tax Act. The couple was running the racket under the name of Subdigi Ventures Private Limited. The ED noted that during the investigation, it was revealed that foreign remittances were regularly received by the company and its directors under the guise of services like advertising, market research and public opinion polls.

The funds, however, were “allegedly proceeds from adult content streamed on XHamster”, the agency said in its statement. During the raid, ED officials discovered a sophisticated studio setup designed for adult content streaming. The agency said, “It was found that the couple used to hire models through social media platforms. Illegal remittances worth over ₹15.6 crore have been identified to be received in the bank accounts of the company and its directors. In addition, an undisclosed bank account in the Netherlands was found in which transfers of around ₹7 crore have been made from Technius Limited.”

ED pointed out that the credits in the foreign bank account were found to have been withdrawn in cash in India with the use of international debit cards. Investigations revealed that the couple retained around 75% of the earnings and passed only a fraction to the models involved. The agency seized ₹8 lakh in cash during the search along with incriminating evidence against the couple. Further investigation is under progress.

Notably, the penetration of such content from India has increased exponentially on websites like XHamster, XVideos, PornHub and others. Though these websites are currently banned in India, they are widely viewed in India using VPN services and abroad.

Operation Brahma: India, once again steps ups to help a neighbour in need, sends relief material and rescue teams to Myanmar after the tragic earthquake

OpIndia Staff
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Operation Brahma: India, once again steps ups to help a neighbour in need, sends relief material and rescue teams to Myanmar after the tragic earthquake

After a catastrophic earthquake jolted Myanmar on Friday (28th March), India has been quick to help its neighbour with the relief work following the disaster. The death toll after the devastating natural disaster has already crossed 1,600, while more than 3,000 people have been found injured so far. The visuals of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake reveal the havoc it caused in Myanmar, reducing skyscrapers and other structures to rubble.

India extended its assistance to Myanmar through ‘Operation Brahma’. On Saturday (29th March), India deployed two naval ships and an army field hospital unit to carry out relief work in the country. Two more naval ships are set to be deployed for the rescue work, as informed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. The naval ships, carrying relief supplies, are expected to reach Yangon by March 31.

Jaiswal informed on X that, a C130 aircraft carrying 38 personnel of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 10 tonnes of relief material landed in Naypyidaw, the capital of Myanmar. This was the third Indian aircraft sent to Myanmar carrying relief material, including blankets, tarpaulins, hygiene kits, sleeping bags, solar lamps, food packets and kitchen sets, etc. along with rescue teams.

In addition to that, C-17 aircraft carrying 118 personnel of the Indian Army Field Hospital Unit, including Women and Child Services and 60 tonnes of relief material have landed in Myanmar. Five relief flights, including these two, landed in Myanmar on Saturday, March 29.

Moreover, India reportedly sent an 80-member NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) team, specializing in urban search and rescue operations, to Myanmar. The NDRF team was welcomed by the Indian Ambassador to Naypyidaw Abhay Thakur and Myanmar Foreign Ministry official Mong Mong Lin on Sunday morning, March 30. The team started its rescue work from Mandalay.

NDRF DIG Mohsin Shahedi said that the next 24-48 hours are crucial. India divided the relief work into two phases. Several C-130 aircraft have reached Myanmar. NDRF personnel were the first to reach, followed by a field hospital, an army recovery team and medical help, along with relief material. Apart from this, a reserve team has also been kept on standby in Kolkata, which will leave immediately if needed.

The earthquake’s impact was equal to 334 nuclear bombs

As per Geologist Jess Phoenix, the earthquake in Myanmar’s impact was equivalent to that of 334 nuclear bombs, and its aftershocks could continue for months. Myanmar’s ongoing civil war and communication blockage are making relief efforts difficult.

PM Modi had a phone conversation with the Army Chief, General Min Aung Hlaing following the earthquake. Indian PM Modi assured Myanmar of all possible help in the difficult time.

Meanwhile, Myanmar’s shadow government, NUG, declared a two-week ceasefire to allow relief to arrive. Meanwhile, Myanmar’s military government has imposed a state of emergency in six areas, including Naypyidaw and Mandalay.

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