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Hindenburg Research, short seller that attacked India’s Adani Group, announces shut down just days before Trump’s swearing-in

Shraddha Pandey
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Hindenburg Research, short seller that attacked India’s Adani Group, announces shut down just days before Trump’s swearing-in

In a dramatic turn of events, Nathan Anderson, the founder of the controversial US-based short-seller Hindenburg Research announced on 15th January that he would disband the firm. The short-seller’s dubious report had caused a significant fall in the shares of various Adani Group companies in 2023.

In a personal note published by Nathan Anderson on Hindenburg Research’s website on Wednesday, he said that the toll of the “rather intense, and at times, all-encompassing” nature of the work was behind his decision to disband the firm founded in 2017.

“It has also been rather intense, and at times, all-encompassing. I often wake up from my dreams because I’ve thought of a new investigative thread to pull on in my sleep, or an edit that clarifies a point I didn’t realize I was troubled by during the day. Or from the general pressure of it all. We are not fearless—we just have faith in the truth and hope it leads us down the right path,” Anderson wrote adding that there have been days of bizarre, hilarious and ridiculous stories.

On having a specific reason to disband Hindenburg Research, Anderson said: “There is not one specific thing—no particular threat, no health issue, and no big personal issue.”

“The intensity and focus has come at the cost of missing a lot of the rest of the world and the people I care about. I now view Hindenburg as a chapter in my life, not a central thing that defines me,” he added.

Boasting the supposed impact Hindenburg Research reports created, Nathan Anderson wrote, “…More than I imagined was possible at the outset. Nearly 100 individuals have been charged civilly or criminally by regulators at least in part through our work, including billionaires and oligarchs. We shook some empires that we felt needed shaking.”

The Hindenburg Research founder also announced that over the next six months, he would work on a series of materials and videos to open-source every aspect of the firm’s model and how they conduct investigations.

Hindenburg Research’s attacks on Adani

In January 2023, Hindenburg published a report accusing the Adani Group of financial irregularities, leading to a significant drop in the company’s stock price. The group at the time had rubbished these claims.

The Hindenburg report alleged stock manipulation and fraud by the conglomerate. The case is related to the allegations (part of a report by Hindenburg Research) that Adani had inflated its share prices. After these allegations were published, there was a sharp fall in the shares of various Adani group companies’ stocks.

In January 2024, the Supreme Court refused to transfer the probe into the allegations of stock price manipulation by the Adani group to an SIT and had directed market regulator SEBI to complete its probe into two pending cases within three months. By June 2024, Adani group companies’ share prices recovered to their pre-Hindenburg report prices.

On 10th August 2024, Hindenburg Research posted a cryptic message on X saying, “Something big soon India”.

The same day, they released a report that claimed that SEBI chief Madhabi Puri Buch and her husband Dhaval Buch had investments in an offshore firm used in the Adani money siphoning case. The report also alleged that the SEBI chairperson’s involvement showed a lack of transparency in the market regulator when it came to investigating the Adani group.

The next day on 11th August, SEBI chief Madhabi Buch and her husband released a joint statement, calling the report baseless and saying that their financial records were an open book. In a detailed joint statement issued later in the day by Madhabi Buch and husband Dhaval Buch rejected all allegations of Hindenburg as baseless.

In September 2024, Hindenburg Research claimed that Swiss authorities had frozen more than USD 310 million in funds across several Swiss bank accounts over money laundering allegations against Adani Group. The Adani conglomerate strongly rejected the claims made by Hindenburg Research.

It is notable here that Hindenburg’s claims were used by Indian Opposition parties to target the Modi government suggesting the political motives behind the targeting the Adani Group and Indian stock markets ahead of the general elections in 2024. The speculations became confirmation soon when George Soros himself declared that the Adani issue would be raised in the Indian Parliament and Modi would have to answer, indicating that the incident was another of the larger efforts he supports to attack ‘nationalistic governments’ around the world.

Breon Peace’s resignation, Hindenburg Research disbandment ahead of Trump administration’s inauguration

Interestingly, Nathan Anderson’s announcement to disband Hindenburg Research comes just days after US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Breon Peace, who brought fraud and bribery charges against Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani and seven other executives, announced his resignation.

OpIndia reported about Breon Peace’s links with Hungarian billionaire and regime change specialist George Soros. Breon Peace’s spouse Jacqueline Jones-Peace is the Director of Development & Senior Attorney at Equal Justice Initiative, which is based in Montgomery, Alabama. The non-profit and human rights organisation was founded by Bryan Stevenson who also serves as its Executive Director. However, the interesting part is that he is also a member of the Open Society Foundations US Programs board, which establishes an evident relationship between the Peace couple and George Soros.

The timing of Hindenburg Research’s sudden shutdown has raised many questions. Not to forget, the decision has come right after Rep Lance Gooden, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, wrote to Attorney General Merrick Garland on 14th January 2025 and demanded that all the documents and records related to the Justice Department’s decision to probe Adani Group.

Before this, the Republican leader also raised concerns over Adani Group’s controversial indictment. In his letter to Garland on 7th January, Lance Gooden wrote, “The indictment alleged acts conducted entirely within India, involving Indian citizens and officials, with no apparent injury to U.S. interests.”

He added that even if the allegations are proven true, US could not be the final arbiter in this case since there was no concrete involvement of any American party in the alleged payment of bribes.

“The allegations in the Adani case, even if proven true, would still fail to make us the appropriate and final arbiter on the issue. These ‘bribes’ were allegedly paid to Indian State government officials, in India, by Indian executives of an Indian company, with no concrete involvement of or injury to any American party. Conversely, Smartmatic, an American company responsible for conducting our elections, had executives who allegedly laundered money and paid bribes to foreign governments, according to the Department of Justice’s indictment earlier. However, despite numerous attempts by my colleagues and I to have our concerns addressed before the elections, we were never briefed by your department,” Gooden contended.

Pointing at the selective nature of the US Justice Department’s action against Gautam Adani and his companies, the Republican leader said, “Why has the Department of Justice not indicted a single American if the case involves a significant nexus with the U.S.? Were there no Americans involved in this alleged scheme? Why has the Department of Justice pursued this case against Gautam Adani when the alleged criminal act, and the parties allegedly involved are in India? Do you seek to enforce justice in India?”

Amidst the Republican leaders questioning the Biden Administration’s biased conduct against the Adani Group, the Biden administration appointed US Attorney Breon Peace’s resignation and now the Hindenburg Research disbandment just four days before US President-elect Donald Trump’s swearing-in ceremony raises serious concerns over the timing of these incidents.

Bangladesh: Adivasi students protesting against removal of the word ‘Adivasi’ from texbooks attacked by Islamic students group, several injured

OpIndia Staff
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Bangladesh: Adivasi students protesting against removal of the word ‘Adivasi’ from texbooks attacked by Islamic students group, several injured

Several students belonging to the Adivasi community were brutally attacked by members of a group of Bengali Muslims called Students for Sovereignty in Motijheel area of Dhaka in Bangladesh on Wednesday. According to reports, the students from the minority Adivasi community were protesting in front of the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) against the removal of graffiti with the word ‘Adivasi’ in school textbooks. On the other hand, the other group was supporting the removal.

As per reports, the Adivasi students belonging to Songkhubda Adivasi Chhatra Janata group had organised a protest outside the NCTB to oppose the removal of the word ‘Adivasi’ from the back cover of the 9th and 10th grade Bangla Grammar and Composition Textbook on January. The word Adivasi was used on the back cover of the textbook with a picture depicting a tree with five leaves, each inscribed with a term for a religious or ethnic community in Bangladesh including Muslim, Hindu, Christian, Buddhist and Adivasi. Next to the picture was a message that read, ‘Tearing leaves is prohibited’.

The picture was removed from the online version of the book after the Islamic Chhatra Shibir students from the ‘Students for Sovereignty’ group surrounded the NCTB premises on January 12.

The Adivasi students under the banner ‘Agitated Adivasi Students’ gathered near the Raju Memorial Sculpture at Dhaka University on Wednesday morning, from where they marched towards the NCTB office to hold a protest. However, the members of ‘Students for Sovereignty’ reached the NCTB office in advance to stop the protesters. Anticipating trouble, the police arrived, and when the Adivasi group arrived, the cops tried to keep the two groups separated.

But a clash broke out between them. Police tried to move the two groups farther from each other. But eventually, the ‘Students for Sovereignty’ group overpowered the police, and attacked the Adivasi students. The attackers were armed with sticks. Several Adivasi students sustained serious injuries during the attack. Subsequently, the Adivasi students were reportedly chased away by the other group. ‘Students for Sovereignty’ group remained in front of the office, armed with sticks.

“The Adivasi protestors have left the area after being chased off by the students. Now the situation has returned to normal. The students are staying on one side of the road”, said Motijheel Inspector Mohainmenul Islam.

According to reports, 11 students have been injured in the attacks. Two students sustained grievous injuries and were admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Rupaya Shresta Tacnchongya, Ishaba Renyoung Mro, Dhanajetra, Juwel Mark, Shaili, and Tani Charing are among the injured students. The attackers have reportedly been identified as Mohammed Abu Sadiq Qayem, President of the Islamic Chhatra Shibir in Dhaka University, S M Farhad, Secretary and Mohammed Yakub Majumdar, Joint Convenor of the Students for Sovereignty.

Muhammad Ziaul Haque Zia , Convenor of the Students for Sovereignty, described the word ‘Adivasi’ as seditious. “Our demands have only been partially met by removing the graffiti featuring an imagery of united India with the seditious term ‘Adivasi’ from the cover of the textbook. But we also demanded the removal of Rakhal Raha alias Sajjad, who was on the revision committee, and the formation of an investigation committee to identify those involved in this”, he told bdnews24.

Tejang Chakma, Deputy Director of the Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) said that the group would seek the UN intervention in the matter. “The RRAG shall take up the issue with the United Nations, diplomatic community and the interim government to arrest the culprits. The real face of Dr Mohammad Yunus is coming out and Adivasi students cannot even protest in capital Dhaka with safety”, said Chakma.

US: FDA bans food color Red Dye No 3 from foods over cancer risk 35 years after it was banned in cosmetics

OpIndia Staff
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US: FDA bans food color Red Dye No 3 from foods over cancer risk 35 years after it was banned in cosmetics

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a ban on Red Dye No. 3, a synthetic food colouring widely used in candy, baked goods, and over-the-counter medications. The decision follows mounting evidence linking the dye to potential health risks, including its classification as a carcinogen in animal studies.

The FDA gave the decision granting a 2022 petition filed by several food safety and health advocates urging to ban the food dye used for its bright red hue. The agency said that some studies have found that the dye caused cancer in lab rats, and now it has been removed from the list of approved colour additives in foods, dietary supplements and oral medicines.

“Evidence shows cancer in laboratory male rats exposed to high levels of FD&C Red No.3. Importantly, the way that FD&C Red No. 3 causes cancer in male rats does not occur in humans,” said Jim Jones, the FDA’s deputy commissioner for human foods. 

Red Dye No. 3, also known as erythrosine, has been used in the food and pharmaceutical industries for decades, chosen for its vibrant hue. However, the dye has been under scrutiny since the 1990s, when the FDA prohibited its use in cosmetics after studies indicated a potential link to thyroid tumors in laboratory animals. Despite these findings, the dye remained approved for food and drug applications, sparking criticism from consumer advocacy groups and health experts.

The FDA’s latest decision comes after years of lobbying by health organizations and a growing body of research questioning the safety of artificial food dyes.

The FDA has set a six-month grace period for manufacturers to comply with the ban, though enforcement will begin immediately for new product approvals. Food manufacturers will have to remove the dye from their products by January 2027, while makers of oral medicines have until January 2028 to do the same.

The agency has also committed to reviewing the safety of other artificial food dyes still in use, including Yellow No. 5 and Blue No. 1, signaling a broader shift toward stricter regulation of food additives.

The FDA decision is expected to be challenged in court by food manufacturers, because so far there is no evidence that the dye causes cancer in humans.

‘Wars will become more violent’: Rajnath Singh emphasises transforming Armed Forces into modern warfare machine

ANI
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‘Wars will become more violent’: Rajnath Singh emphasises transforming Armed Forces into modern warfare machine

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday emphasised the need for the Armed Forces to transform into a modern warfare machine, citing the increasing use of unconventional methods in today’s warfare — dynamic geopolitical world order and the constantly-changing character of warfare.

He highlighted that conflicts and wars will become more violent and unpredictable, with the emergence of non-state actors and terrorism being major concerns.

Addressing senior Army officials and other personnel at ‘Gaurav Gatha’, an event organised in Pune as part of the 77th Army Day celebrations, he said, “Conflicts and wars will become more violent and unpredictable. The emergence of non-state actors in many countries and their resorting to terrorism is also a matter of concern. Due to rapid technological advancements, future wars witness a change to a great extent. Cyber and space domains are rapidly emerging as new war zones. Along with this, a war of narrative as well as perception is also being fought all over the world. The military must focus on holistic capacity building and reforms.”

Singh stressed the importance of a robust security system, strong military, and secure borders to achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. He noted that the Ministry of Defence is working to bolster the strength of the Armed Forces by equipping them with the latest weapons and platforms, focusing on modernization through self-reliance.

“India is currently going through a phase of transition. We are moving forward from being a developing country to a developed one. To become Viksit Bharat, every section of society will have to contribute. But their contribution will only be meaningful when our security apparatus is fool-proof and borders are safe. The security system will be robust only when our military is strong. No nation can develop unless its military is powerful,” said Singh.

He echoed the government’s emphasis on the fact that a strong military is a must to ensure peace. He highlighted that India has always prioritised ‘Buddha’ over ‘Yuddha’, and the Armed Forces have, time and again, proved that peace is not a weakness, but a sign of strength.

The Defence Minister also emphasized the need for self-reliance in defence manufacturing, stating that without it, India cannot achieve strategic autonomy. He highlighted the progress made towards achieving ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence manufacturing, with domestic defence production reaching a record figure of Rs 1.27 lakh crore in the last financial year.

“A country like India cannot depend on other countries for its security. Today, we are not only manufacturing military equipment on Indian soil, but are exporting them. Domestic defence production touched the record figure of Rs 1.27 lakh crore in the last financial year, while defence exports, which were around Rs 2,000 crore a decade ago, crossed the record figure of Rs 21,000 crore,” he said.

He enumerated the steps taken by the Government to promote self-reliance, including the notification of positive indigenisation lists of over 5,500 items. He stated that MoD is moving ahead at an unprecedented pace and in a planned manner towards making the defence sector strong and ‘Aatmanirbhar’.

Singh also announced that 2025 will be the Year of Reforms in the Ministry of Defence, with efforts to bring in reforms that will ensure modernization of the Armed Forces. He expressed confidence that with concerted efforts, India will soon become Viksit Bharat and its military one of the strongest in the world.

Rajnath Singh virtually laid the foundation stone for the Army Paralympic Node, which will be established at Dighi, Pune and expressed confidence that the node will inspire the specially-abled soldiers of the country.

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

‘Babri mosque will be rebuilt, Ram Mandir will be reduced to rubble’: Pakistani terrorist Farhatullah Gori incites ‘Fidayeen War’ against India

OpIndia Staff
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‘Babri mosque will be rebuilt, Ram Mandir will be reduced to rubble’: Pakistani terrorist Farhatullah Gori incites ‘Fidayeen War’ against India

Terrorist groups operating from Pakistan are once again striving to destabilize India by recruiting new members, exploiting the Babri Mosque issue to radicalize young Muslims. This recruitment campaign is being led by none other than Farhatullah Gori, the same terrorist who recently advocated attacks on India’s infrastructure.

As reported by India Today, Pakistani terrorists have created an online network, including a website designed to incite violence. This platform encourages jihad for the reconstruction of the Babri Mosque, calls for targeting Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and promotes terrorism. The network extends its influence through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and others.

The use of encrypted messaging apps like Signal further complicates tracking their activities. According to the report, the website promoting terrorism among Indian Muslims was launched on December 3, 2024. It contains messages supporting the Babri Mosque’s revival and features propaganda videos by Farhatullah Gori.

In one such video, Gori speaks of demolishing the Ram Temple, stating, “With Allah’s will, the Ram Temple will one day be reduced to rubble. Muslims must act on Quranic teachings and commit to terrorist attacks in India—mere social media posts won’t change anything.”

Another video glorifies the terrorist responsible for the Rameshwaram Café bombing in Bengaluru. Gori admits that carrying out attacks has become more difficult since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office.

In 2024, the website disseminated 19 videos aimed at recruiting extremists. It also funnelled users into a Signal group named Saut-Al-Haq, comprising 63 members advocating terrorism.

Previously, Gori had released a video instructing militants on bomb-making techniques for targeting trains, using devices like pressure cookers. Indian security agencies have since obtained this footage. Currently residing in Pakistan under the protection of ISI, Gori continues to plot against India. He is the chief architect behind both the Rameshwaram Café bombing and the Akshardham Temple attack in Gujarat.

Plot to assassination Khalistani Gurpatwant Pannun: High Power panel submits report, recommends action against individual with ‘criminal links and antecedents’

OpIndia Staff
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Plot to assassination Khalistani Gurpatwant Pannun: High Power panel submits report, recommends action against individual with ‘criminal links and antecedents’

In a press statement released on Wednesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) informed that a high-powered committee that was formed by the central government to investigate the US allegations of an assassination attempt on Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has submitted its report. The report has recommended legal action against an unnamed individual accused of the alleged plot.

“After a long enquiry, the Committee has submitted its report to the government and recommended legal action against an individual, whose earlier criminal links and antecedents also came to notice during the enquiry. The Enquiry Committee has recommended that the legal action must be completed expeditiously”, the MHA press statement said.

“The Enquiry Committee conducted its own investigations and also pursued the leads provided by the US side. It received full cooperation from the US authorities and the two sides also exchanged visits. The Committee further examined a number of officials from different agencies and also scrutinised relevant documents in this connection”, it added.

The Committee has further recommended functional improvements in systems and procedures as well as initiation of steps that could strengthen India’s response capability, and ensure systematic controls and coordinated action in dealing with matters like this.

The Indian government constituted the committee in November 2023 to investigate the inputs shared by the US on the alleged failed assassination plot of Pannun. The committee travelled to the US on October 15 last year as part of the investigation to take inputs from the US authorities concerning the matter.

The US authorities had named Vikash Yadav, said to be a former officer of the Indian intelligence agency RAW, in connection with the alleged assassination plot. The Indian government however clarified in October last year that the individual named by the US in the matter was no longer an employee of the government of India.

The US Justice Department had reportedly claimed in an indictment filed in a federal court in Manhattan that an unidentified Indian government employee named (CC-1) recruited an Indian national named Nikhil Gupta to hire an assassin to kill Pannu. Gupta was detained in Prague in June 2023 and was extradited to the US in June 2024.

The US allegations regarding the failed assassination of Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in November 2023 came months after then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged the involvement of Indian officials in the murder of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

PM Modi dedicates three Made-in-India naval vessels – a destroyer, a frigate & a submarine – at Mumbai dockyard

ANI
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PM Modi dedicates three Made-in-India naval vessels – a destroyer, a frigate & a submarine – at Mumbai dockyard

Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated three frontline naval ships, INS Surat, INS Nigiri and INS Vaghsheer to the nation, during their commissioning at the Naval dockyard in Mumbai on Wednesday.

“It is for the first time that the tri-commissioning of a destroyer, frigate and submarine was being done,” highlighted the Prime Minister.

According to the Ministry of Defence, INS Surat is a destroyer, INS Nilgiri a frigate and INS Vaghseheer a submarine.

“This historic tri-commissioning reflected India’s rich maritime legacy and commitment to self-reliant defence under Aatmanirbhar Bharat. These vessels, built indigenously, enhance the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities and strengthen India’s role in the Indian Ocean Region,” the ministry’s social media handle said.

Emphasising the significant role of maritime nations like India in shaping global security, economics, and geopolitical dynamics, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of protecting territorial waters, ensuring freedom of navigation, and securing trade supply lines and sea routes for economic progress and energy security. He also stressed on the need to safeguard the region from terrorism, arms, and drug trafficking.

On the occasion of Army Day commemorated today, PM Modi also saluted every brave warried who would sacrifice his life for the safety and security of the nation.

The PM further highlighted the connection of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj giving a ‘new strength and vision’ to the Navy in India during his rule.

Prime Minister also emphasised that was a matter of pride that all the three frontline platforms were made in India. He congratulated the Indian Navy, all the stakeholders involved in the construction work and the citizens of India for the achievement.

“Today’s program links our glorious heritage with our future aspirations,” exclaimed Modi.

An official statement released by the Ministry of Defence added that the PM mentioned India’s rich history related to long sea voyages, commerce, naval defence and ship industry. Taking cue from this rich history, PM Modi remarked that today’s India is emerging as a major maritime power in the world.

According to the statement, INS Nilgiri is dedicated to the maritime prowess of the Chola dynasty, and the Surat warship, reminiscent of the era when Gujarat’s ports connected India to West Asia.

The PM remarked how Vagsheer submarine is aimed at enhancing both India’s security and progress.

“India is today recognised as a reliable and responsible partner globally, especially in the Global South,” the PM said, while also highlighting that the country has supported an open, secure, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific Region.

He noted that when it came to the development of coastal nations, India introduced the mantra of SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region) and advanced with this vision.

Stressing on the importance of enhancing and modernising India’s military capabilities in the 21st century, PM Modi highlighted, “be it land, water, air, the deep sea or infinite space, India is safeguarding its interests everywhere.”

He further mentioned how the armed forces have identified over 5,000 items and equipment which will no longer be imported.

Modi noted the establishment of the country’s largest helicopter manufacturing factory in Karnataka and a transport aircraft factory for the armed forces. He highlighted the achievements of the Tejas fighter plane and the development of defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, which are accelerating defence production.

“The commissioning of three major naval combatants marks a significant leap forward in realising India’s vision of becoming a global leader in defence manufacturing and maritime security,” read the MoD’s statement.

INS Surat, the fourth & final ship of the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project, ranks among the largest and most sophisticated destroyers in the world. It has an indigenous content of 75% and is equipped with state-of-the-art weapon-sensor packages and advanced network-centric capabilities.

INS Nilgiri, the first ship of the P17A Stealth Frigate Project, has been designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and incorporates advanced features for enhanced survivability, seakeeping, and stealth, reflecting the next generation of indigenous frigates.

INS Vaghsheer, the sixth and final submarine of the P75 Scorpene Project, represents India’s growing expertise in submarine construction and has been constructed in collaboration with the Naval Group of France.

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

People accused of serious crimes becoming public representatives: Does India need a new law to bar criminals and separatists from becoming MPs and MLAs?

Rukma Rathore
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People accused of serious crimes becoming public representatives: Does India need a new law to bar criminals and separatists from becoming MPs and MLAs?

The announcement of the Delhi assembly elections in January has only intensified the political temperature of the national capital. The polls are now around the corner with the voting to commence on 5th February and the results scheduled to be declared on 8th February. All political parties are making their utmost efforts for victory. It is quite evident that all moral principles, which are quite glaringly absent in the political landscape, have been sacrificed for the sake of electoral support, notably from the minority community.

A prime case in point is the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), a party that claims to champion the cause of minorities but, in reality, only panders to extremist elements as its entire leadership has a long history of perpetrating divisive and hateful narratives against Hindus. Hence, the endorsement of former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillor Tahir Hussain who has been involved in the 2020 anti-Hindu riots in Delhi, as a party candidate is not surprising. However, it is certainly a disappointing development for the democratic fabric of the nation.

Tahir Hussain has been identified as a prime accused of inciting the violence. His property was utilized to orchestrate the unrest and it served as a hideout for several rioters along with a depot for various weapons, including petrol bombs. He is currently facing several charges including murder, rioting and money laundering under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. However, the Delhi High Court provided him with custody parole to submit his nomination for the Mustafabad assembly constituency.

While the situation might appear demoralizing, the more pressing concern is that it is the norm and not an exception. The political parties award election tickets to such individuals to enhance their electoral prospects, especially those that predominantly depend on minority votes. They disregard the criminal backgrounds of these candidates because the latter wield a privileged position and considerable influence over the populace. Furthermore, as provisions of Indian democracy allows independent candidates to fight polls, such criminals exploit the opportunity as demonstrated in the recent Lok Sabha election.

Using the country’s democracy to pursue separatist agenda

The Lok Sabha election attracted widespread attention not only because of the surprise results, wherein the Bharatiya Janata Party was left a few seats short of 272, but also for certain people who had marked their presence in the respective constituencies with remarkable triumphs. The name of Amritpal Singh was especially in the headlines after he won from the Khadoor Sahib seat. He has not only advocated for the separation of Punjab from India but is also an outspoken supporter of the Khalistan movement.

The members of his organisation “Waris Punjab De” and supporters even attacked Ajnala police station to release one of their associates from custody. Amritpal Singh has ties to both international Khalistan terror groups and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence, according to Indian security officials. Photographs of Khalistani flags, symbols, money, firearms bearing the “A.K.F” (Anandpur Khalsa Fauj) and other incriminating proof was uncovered on the phone of one of his close aides.

There were suspicious deposits totaling around Rs 40 crore, primarily from overseas sources, found in the accounts of some “Waris De Punjab” members. According to information, he has been assembling his own army and “human bomb squads” consisting of young people who have been groomed to become suicide bombers like terrorist Dilawar Singh. Even his wife Kirandeep Kaur who lived in the United Kigdom has links with terror outfit Babbar Khalsa.

Amritpal Singh is presently incarcerated at Assam’s Dibrugarh Central Jail under the National Security Act (NSA). He was given a parole and flown to New Delhi for his oath-taking ceremony as an member of parliament. A man who had earlier vowed and left no stone unturned to undermine the sovereignty and integrity of India, as well as to violate the constitution, took an oath to uphold the very tenets he breached and more importantly, intend to do the same until his nefarious goal is achieved.

The electoral victory has fortified his confidence to such an extent that he has now proclaimed the formation of a political party. It was announced at a rally in Muktsar Sahib in the presence of his father Tarsem Singh and Faridkot MP Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, the son of Beant Singh, one of the assassins of former Prime Minister late Indira Gandhi. Similar to the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), his party is also poised to manipulate the authority and rights granted by the Constitution with the aim to balkanize and undermine the country.

The next name defeated the present chief minister of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and a political royalty Omar Abdullah, from Baramulla. A vocal anti-Indian and anti-Hindu voice from the valley Abdul Rashid Sheikh, popularly known as Engineer Rashid who was arrested under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) on terror funding charges and is serving his time in the Tihar Jail comfortably managed to defeat the Abdullah scion.

The former had also won the assembly election in 2008 and 2014 from the Langate constituency and even established the Jammu and Kashmir Awami Ittehad Party which joined forces with the radical Jamaat-e-Islami to fight the last Jammu and Kashmir assembly poll. He has a long history of involvement with secessionist outfits, including the People’s Conference led by Abdul Ghani Lone, which was a key participant in the Muslim United Front that contested the 1987 elections with an Islamist agenda. He gained further notoriety in 2015 for arranging a beef party on the lawns of the government circuit.

What does the law say: The right to vote vs the right to be elected

The Supreme Court acknowledged that free and fair elections are a component of the “basic structure” of the Indian Constitution, and that any legislation or policies that would contravene this principle could be overturned, in the 1975 case of Indira Gandhi v. Raj Narain. It also noted that the rights to vote and to be elected do not have the same standing as free and fair elections, despite the fact that they are regarded as the most important constitutional provisions.

In Kuldip Nayar v. Union of India, 2006, a five-judge constitution bench concluded that the right to vote (or the right to elect as it was known) is “pure and simple, a statutory right.” Voting is therefore not a fundamental right and is subject to repeal. The bench observed the same for the right to vote, concluding that both of these statutory rights could be governed by laws passed by Parliament.

“Disqualification on conviction for certain offences” is the heading of Section 8 of the Representation of People Act, 1951 (RP Act). Let us assume that a person is convicted of one of the offenses, which is mentioned in the broad list of offenses in the proviso. In that event, they shall be debarred from seeking election to a seat in the Parliament or State Legislature from the date of their conviction and further prohibited from seeking an election for a period of six years from the date of their release.

A Public Interest Foundation filed in 2011 petitioned to disqualify people who have affidavits which are false regarding their criminal background or who have manufactured criminal charges against them. Nonetheless, a five-judge panel unanimously agreed that the RP Act could be amended only by the legislature. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is authorized by Section 11 of the RP Act to “remove” or “reduce” the period of disqualification.

The former used its powers to reduce the disqualification period for Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang ECI. He was released from jail in 2018 after completing one year for embezzling funds meant to purchase cows. The head of the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha subsequently won the Poklok Kamrang assembly seat in the bye-election. A disqualified MP or MLA can challenge his conviction on the ground of stay of such verdict while his petition is before a higher court.

The Supreme Court pronounced, in 2019, “the disqualification which operates as a consequence of the conviction cannot take or remain in effect” in case of an order of deferment of such order. Former Bahujan Samaj Party MP Dhananjay Singh, convicted of abduction in 2020 by a district court, approached the Allahabad High Court and filed a petition for staying his seven-year sentence to permit him to contest the Lok Sabha election. However, the court refused to put off the judgment, stating, “it is the need of the hour to have purity in politics,” although granting him bail.

“No person shall vote at any election if he is confined in a prison, whether under a sentence of imprisonment or transportation or otherwise, or is in the lawful custody of the police,” reads subclause (5) of Section 62 of the RP Act, on the other hand, which places a number of restrictions on the right to vote. This provision effectively disenfranchises anyone who has been charged with a crime from voting unless they have been granted bail and/or acquitted except those under preventive detention.

A challenge to Section 62(5) was junked by the highest court in the 1997 case of Anukul Chandra Pradhan, Advocate, Supreme Court v. Union of India. It was contended that the rule denies undertrials and those detainees who are remanded for the inability to pay the sum of bail while the same was not applied to those who received bail and hence infringed on the right to equality.

The court dismissed this argument for four reasons. The court restated that voting rights are statutory rights that could be restricted by statutes. It then highlighted that there is a “resource crunch” since police would need to be deployed and infrastructure would need to be provided.

A prisoner then “cannot claim equal freedom of movement, speech, and expression” due to his actions. Last but not least, restrictions on inmates’ right to vote make sense because they are tied to preventing “persons with criminal backgrounds from being present at the election scene.” The judgments were lately cited by the Delhi High Court in the year 2020 and also by the Supreme Court in the year 2023 while rejecting pleas for voting rights for prisoners.

Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, a Bharatiya Janata Party leader and advocate, had submitted a plea in 2016 for permanent disqualification of the guilty. In November 2023, the apex court ordered the chief justices of all high courts to register a suo motu case titled “In Re: Designated Courts for MPs/MLAs” with regard to the delays in criminal cases against MPs and MLAs. The matter is still under consideration, and the high courts are directed to issue guidelines to deal with such matters in a “expeditious and effective” manner. However, 4,472 such cases are still pending based on a report filed before the court in April 2024.

Threat to national security, law and order

For decades, the separatists opposing India and many criminal elements have taken advantage of the Indian Constitution and democratic processe for their benefit. Former Lok Sabha MP Simranjit Singh Mann is yet another startling example of it. Unfortunately, the issue doesn’t pertain to one or a few parts of the country but have been prevalent in other areas including Kashmir and the Northeast as well. Despite their overtly anti-India statements and criminal backgrounds, these individuals are not precluded from becoming lawmakers. Their participation in Indian polity is also a considerable waste of time and resources mainly because some of these individuals opportunity to participate in parliamentary functions or contribute as public representatives.

It is essential to recognize that this matter is intrinsically linked to the preservation of law and order, as well as the overall safety and security of the nation. When individuals with such egregious criminal backgrounds are elected to Parliament or State Legislature, it is unrealistic to expect that they will enforce laws aimed at ensuring the nation’s safety and security as their presence in such powerful places can only enhance their ability to inflict harm from within and damaging social cohesion and law and order while safeguarding themselves and their kind.

They also utilise the authority to further their ideologies and crimes. This even encourages others who are akin to them. The Babhubali culture and its influence on politics are a testament to this assertion. Gangsters such as Atiq Ahmed and Mukhtar Ansari exemplify how they exploited legal frameworks to advance their criminal enterprises and communal agendas. Political parties also need to stop catering to them and stop such elements from gaining political power.

It is also essential to emphasize that the polity alone cannot be held accountable for this situation, rather, the electorate must be educated and encouraged to look beyond narrow political interests, personal benefits and favoritism. There is an urgent need for increased education and awareness regarding this issue.

However, the realization of this objective could span decades or even generations. Hence, a preliminary step could involve imposing a law that prohibits such accused from engaging in the electoral process, which would allow for further developments to follow. This matter is of utmost importance and therefore, requires attention with the same level of proactivity and urgency.

Islamist in talks with Pakistani cleric admits stone-pelting on police in Sambhal, justifies violence accusing Hindus and administration of ‘disrespecting’ law

OpIndia Staff
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Islamist in talks with Pakistani cleric admits stone-pelting on police in Sambhal, justifies violence accusing Hindus and administration of ‘disrespecting’ law

In a crucial development, an Islamist from the Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh confirmed that the community he pelted stones at the Hindus and police in Sambhal. The attack took place after a court-ordered survey of Shahi Jama Masjid on the plea of petitioners contending that the disputed site was originally a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Kalki. The Islamist identified as Muhammad Akil while in communication with Pakistan cleric Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza on YouTube live said that it was Friday and the Islamist mob was furious over the claims of a temple beneath the 300-year-old Masjid.

“A survey was conducted of a 300 to 400-year-old Masjid here in Sambhal after the non-Muslims made claims of a temple beneath it. Following this, the Muslims got furious and pelted stones at the administration and the non-Muslims to protect the interest of the site,” he asserted as he furthered to ask whether the Muslims who lost their lives in the scuffle would be termed as ‘martyrs’.

The video of the question was posted by an X handle named ‘Angry Saffron’ who said that Akil confirmed that the stone-pelting was initiated by the Islamists in Sambhal. OpIndia also independently verified the YouTube live video and learned that Md Akil not only confirmed the stone-pelting but also justified the Islamist stone-pelting.

In the video, Akil could be heard saying that the Islamist stone pelting forced the police to initiate firing at the mob which resulted in the death of 3-4 Muslims. He also said that the non-Muslims were illegally claiming ownership of the Masjid and stating that it was a temple. Akil basically justified the stone pelting and said that the acts of Hindus and the local administration irked the Islamists who pelted stones on the former on Friday.

Islamists justified stone-pelting, accused non-Muslims of taking the law into their own hands

Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza listened to the question posed by Akil asking whether 3-4 Muslims who died in the violence should be termed as ‘martyrs’. Answering this, Mirza said that every Muslim dying for religion shall be termed a ‘martyr’, however, he said that the Muslims should not take the law into their hands to protect any Islamic site. He said that the community must take the help of the local administration including the police to save the Islamic properties and not harm anyone for the claimed properties.

Responding to this, Akil argued that it was non-Muslims who allegedly took the law into their hands and eyed to encroach a ‘Muslim property’ claiming the presence of a temple beneath it. He said that even the state force was backing the non-Muslims which irked his community, forcing the latter to pelt stones at the administration and the non-Muslims.

What happened on 24th November?

It is crucial to note that on 24th November last year, massive violence erupted in the Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh after Islamists rioted and pelted stones against the police injuring more than 20 officers. The First Information Reports (FIRs) of this incident revealed how the mob targeted the police. While on one hand, the people associated with the perpetrators played victim, the FIR stated that a group of 700-800 Muslims gathered about 100 meters away from the structure at around 8:45 that morning.

The crowd then began raising slogans before turning violent. The boys also hurled stones at the cops making the police target. The official complaint filed by a sub-inspector posted in Kotwali Nagar, Sambhal added that the mob was determined to drive out the police team that had arrived to survey the contested mosque.

According to the sub-inspector, it was illegal in the district for more than five persons to congregate given the survey of the disputed site was underway. As a result, the police repeatedly advised the people to return home. However, the raging crowd remained unaffected by the appeals and kept pushing the policemen as they moved forward. The culprits continued to abuse the police personnel and threw stones at them during this period. According to the sub-inspector’s accusation, the Muslim radicals were targeting the police as part of a conspiracy that took a violent turn after November 24th.

Sambhal violence: 50 cartridges, 29 tear gas shells looted from police, Muslim mob planned to kill cop; read shocking details in FIR

Violence mastermind has connections to Dawood, 60 arrested

In the latest update to the case, the state police have arrested around 60 Islamists, including 4 women for their involvement in the stone pelting against the administration on 24th November. The police are on the lookout for 89 more accused who are still absconding. It has also been learned that the suspected mastermind of the violence in the given case Sharik Satha, is a member of Dawood Ibrahim’s gang.

Reports suggest that he has over 50 cases registered against him in various states. A few years ago, he reportedly fled to Dubai. Police believe that he not only provided funding for the Sambhal violence that took place on 24th November but also supplied weapons used by his operatives to carry out the attack. The intelligence unit in Sambhal has identified five more suspected terrorists with links to the area. Two key names that have surfaced during the investigation are Shahid Akhtar and Usman Hussain, who are suspected of facilitating the delivery of weapons and funding for the violence.

It is further crucial to note that the non-Muslims did not take the law into their own hands as allegedly claimed by Md Akil. However, it was the Muslims who took the law into their own hands by attacking the local administration and the non-Muslims to protect the contested site.

The Islamists earlier played victim claiming that the police had initiated firing killing and injuring some of the Islamists. Several videos of families of rioters had gone viral over the internet in which they could be seen accusing the administration of allegedly killing their relatives. However, Akil unknowingly in the live video posted a month ago revealed that it was Islamists who initially pelted stones at the police and non-Muslims resulting in defensive firing by the police. (Time frame: 37:00 ahead)

Court-ordered survey at Jama Masjid in Sambhal

On 19th November, a court-mandated survey was conducted at Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. The court ordered the survey in response to a petition filed by Supreme Court Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, and seven co-plaintiffs, asserting that the mosque occupies the site of a temple dedicated to Bhagwan Kalki. The site in question is a protected monument under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act of 1904. A heavy police force was deployed in the area to ensure the survey proceeded peacefully.

However, on 24th November, during the second round of court-mandated survey at Jama Masjid, Islamist mobsters gathered outside the mosque and engaged in violence. They pelted stones at police, opened fire at police personnel, and set ablaze vehicles and shops. More than 20 policemen were injured.

Following this, the Supreme Court of India stayed the hearing in the District Court, Sambhal, in response to a plea filed by the Muslim side. Furthermore, the survey report submitted by the Advocate Commissioner has been ordered to be sealed and not to be opened till an order is passed by the High Court in the matter. A judicial committee was formed by CM Yogi Adityanath to investigate the cause of the violence.

Detailed coverage of the Sambhal violence and the Jama Masjid legal case can be read here.

Maha Kumbh becomes top keyword in Google Trends in Pakistan, Qatar and other Islamic nations

OpIndia Staff
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Maha Kumbh becomes top keyword in Google Trends in Pakistan, Qatar and other Islamic nations

The grand Hindu festival of Maha Kumbh has attracted global attention for its spiritual aura and magnanimity. While the mega event is witnessing an influx of devotees from India and across the world including countries like Brazil, Germany, Japan, England, the United States, and Spain, Maha Kumbh has also piqued the interest of Islamic nations like Pakistan.

In an unusual trend, “Maha Kumbh”, “Maha Kumbh 2025”, “Prayagraj Maha Kumbh”, “Mahakumbh Mela” and similar terms have been among the top Google search keywords in Islamic nations like Pakistan, Qatar, the UAE, and Bahrain as per Google Trends as per reports.

Besides, the Hindu festival Maha Kumbh has also attracted immense interest among people in Nepal, Singapore, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Britain, Thailand, and the United States hinting at the grand event’s religious and cultural significance.

Notably, the Kumbh celebrations, renowned for their grandeur and vibrant spirit, take place every four years and are considered among the most significant events. However, this year’s Kumbh celebrations are considered even more important as it signifies the culmination of 12 Kumbh Mela cycles, taking place once every 144 years.

As per Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, the Maha Kumbh that will be observed from January 13 to February 26 will witness 35 crore pilgrims visiting the holy Sangam – the confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati.

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