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Sanjeev Sanyal reinstated as Chancellor of Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics 2 days after his removal, had flagged financial irregularities in the institution

OpIndia Staff
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Sanjeev Sanyal reinstated as Chancellor of Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics 2 days after his removal, had flagged financial irregularities in the institution

Sanjeev Sanyal, economist and a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, has been reinstated as the Chancellor of the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) by the Servants of India Society (SIS), which is the parent body of the GIPE. The SIS, on Saturday (5th April), revoked its earlier order dated April 2, 2025, of removing Sanyal from the position of the Chancellor of the GIPE.

The SIS President, Damodar Sahoo, said that Sanyal was removed due to some “misunderstanding” caused by the “lack of communication”. “I came to know and became satisfied that, as Chancellor, you have taken steps to protect and enhance the glory of GIPE. This misunderstanding arose due to a lack of communication between you and the Servants of India Society,” Sahoo said in a letter.

“I am thankful to you that you have graciously furnished a detailed explanation to all our concerns, as written in my letter. From the content of your letter, I came to know and became satisfied that, as the Chancellor of our Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, you have decided to take suitable steps in enhancing and protecting the glory of Gokhale Institute. Sanjeevji, this misunderstanding happened due to a lack of communication between you and the Servants of India Society,” Sahoo added.

Sanyal’s reinstatement comes a day after he was replaced as the Chancellor of the GIPE by a retired Bombay High Court judge, Justice SC Dharmadhikari.

Sanyal refutes allegations against him

Sanyal posted on X, refuting the allegations levelled by Sahoo against him, which formed the grounds for his removal. Sanyal said that Sahoo provided two grounds for his removal as the Chancellor of the GIPE in a letter dated 2nd April. The first ground was that under Sanyal’s tenure as the Chancellor of the GIPE, the prestigious institution received a poor ‘B’ grade from the NAAC. The second ground was that Sanyal did not respond to a letter from the SIS.

Refuting Sahoo’s allegations, Sanyal wrote that the NAAC grading of the GIPE was based on the institution’s performance between 2018-23, while he took over as the Chancellor in October 2024. “I had so far refrained from commenting on recent events at GIPE. However, I would like to put a few things on public record. SIS President Sahoo has raised two justifications for replacing me as Chancellor of GIPE. First, that I am somehow responsible for the poor ‘B’ grade in NAAC ratings. Note that I just took over in October 2024 and visited the place for the first time in November. Moreover, the review was based on data between 2018-23. Surely, those who are responsible for this rating should be held responsible, ” Sanyal wrote on X.

Addressing the second allegation of the lack of communication on his part, Sanyal said that he could not respond to a letter from Sahoo sent on 24th March as he was in the UK to deliver lectures at various institutions, including the London School of Economics (LSE) and King’s College. He said that before he could respond to the letter after returning to India, he was removed from the position. “I returned late on the night of 30th March and on 31st March requested one of India’s most senior academics to look into it. She agreed a day later, but SIS chose to send this letter before I could write a reply. I am placing both their letter and my reply for all to see, “Sanyal said.

Sanyal had flagged some financial irregularities at the institution

After assuming office as the Chancellor, Sanyal had flagged certain “suspicious happenings at the GIPE campus”, including some financial irregularities at the GIPE. He set up a committee including representatives from the UGC, the SIS and the state government to look into the irregularities. Besides, Sanyal had also raised the issue of the GIPE campus being used to run an institution called the Western Business School.

“It has been my attempt to clear these matters in a transparent way. A finance committee was set up as per UGC norms, including representatives of UGC, SIS, state govt, etc. They raised several pertinent issues at their meeting on 29th Mar 2025,” Sanyal stated.

“A full new institution called Western Business School claims to run from the same campus and has posted photos of GIPE on their website. Here is the link, but given that the photos are now being changed, I am also placing a screenshot. Their promotional material (pdf), now in our custody, is based entirely on claiming the GIPE campus as their own!!” Sanyal added.

Sanyal pointed out that the SIS no longer provides financial assistance to the GIPE and instead obtains rent from it. GIPE, according to Sanyal, is being run entirely on students’ fees and taxpayers’ money. He shared some documents to show how SIS extracts money from the GIPE in the name of different services.

“There is no transparency on how these amounts are derived. These were also questioned by the finance committee. Note that I receive no remuneration for being Chancellor, and normally it is just a ceremonial role. However, given the long-standing breakdown in governance, it is my duty to hard working students/faculty to step in and ask the right questions; I will continue to do so,” Sanyal said.

Sanyal’s removal was not supported by other SIS members

Vice Chancellor of the SIS, Atmanand Mishra, was reportedly opposed to the decision of removing Sanyal from the GIPE and appointing Retired Justice Dharmadhikari without following the due process. He said that there is a procedure to be followed for someone, which includes sending notice to the person concerned and giving him an opportunity to explain. “I am not on the board of the management of the institute, so I am not aware of many things, but I am a part of SIS. Sanyal was terminated without following the due process, and the new Chancellor was appointed in the same manner. I am against what happened,” said Mishra.

Mishra alleged that Sahoo and SIS Secretary Deshmukh had “hollowed out” the SIS. He said that they do not follow any procedures and treat the Society as their personal property. “I have served 40 years in the Society. But in Sahoo’s Presidency and Deshmukh’s Secretaryship, the whole structure of the society has been hollowed out. Deshmukh…has changed in the last few years after Sahoo became President. They take some action earlier, and move a resolution later and get everybody’s signatures. They treat the Society as their personal property, even the charity commissioner is not helping,” Mishra alleged.

Homeopathy doctor Khalid Khan arrested for attempting to convert Hindu minor girl in MP: Read details from case documents

OpIndia Staff
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Homeopathy doctor Khalid Khan arrested for attempting to convert Hindu minor girl in MP: Read details from case documents

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.

‘Surya Tilak’ illuminates Ram Lalla’s forehead at Ayodhya’s Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir on the occasion of Ram Navami

ANI
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‘Surya Tilak’ illuminates Ram Lalla’s forehead at Ayodhya’s Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir on the occasion of Ram Navami

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.

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)

Paraded in chains, forced to crawl, lick spit and bark like dogs: Employees at a private company subjected to inhuman torture in Kerala

OpIndia Staff
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Paraded in chains, forced to crawl, lick spit and bark like dogs: Employees at a private company subjected to inhuman torture in Kerala

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.

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.

Sambhal mosque will no longer remain Waqf property, cries Owaisi: Read the provisions of the Waqf Amendment Act that prevent encroachment of ASI monuments

OpIndia Staff
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Sambhal mosque will no longer remain Waqf property, cries Owaisi: Read the provisions of the Waqf Amendment Act that prevent encroachment of ASI monuments

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.

Section 3D of Waqf (Amendment) Act

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.

West Bengal: Notice issued to Hindu man ahead of Ram Navami, BJP says attempt to disrupt festival celebration by hounding organiser

OpIndia Staff
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West Bengal: Notice issued to Hindu man ahead of Ram Navami, BJP says attempt to disrupt festival celebration by hounding organiser

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.

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.”

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.

Karnataka High Court urges Parliament and state legislature to enact Uniform Civil Code, says different personal laws give different rights to women

OpIndia Staff
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Karnataka High Court urges Parliament and state legislature to enact Uniform Civil Code, says different personal laws give different rights to women

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.

Madhya Pradesh: Jabalpur School owner arrested from Kerala for posting objectionable remarks about Lord Ram on WhatsApp

OpIndia Staff
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Madhya Pradesh: Jabalpur School owner arrested from Kerala for posting objectionable remarks about Lord Ram on WhatsApp

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.

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.

‘File is closed for us now’: Shiv Sena UBT to not challenge Waqf Bill in SC, says Sanjay Raut

ANI
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‘File is closed for us now’: Shiv Sena UBT to not challenge Waqf Bill in SC, says Sanjay Raut

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)

West Bengal: Basanti Puja pandal set on fire in Gobardanga ahead of Ram Navami, main idol falls down, angry locals block roads

OpIndia Staff
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West Bengal: Basanti Puja pandal set on fire in Gobardanga ahead of Ram Navami, main idol falls down, angry locals block roads

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.

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