The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been involved in tarnishing the image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with the US State Department in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha election.
The revelations were made by former senior diplomat Mike Benz in an interview with The Sunday Guardian in February 2023. He stated that besides the US agencies, influential think tanks and social media giants were involved in this campaign against PM Modi.
Mike Benz revealed, “If you are talking about US tech platforms interfering with the free flow of political information in India, that started before my time at the State Department. In late 2018/early 2019, the US-UK foreign policy establishment began a campaign to paint Modi’s political success as being the result of ‘misinformation’ online.“
He further added, “When the US foreign policy establishment says a foreign country has a “misinformation crisis,” that is a cue to US tech companies to work with entities like the State Department’s Global Engagement Center or cut-out think tanks like the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensics Research Lab or counter-misinformation USAID fundees to censor the “misinformation” in that foreign country.”
Mike Benz revealed that the US deep State censored WhatsApp and other chat apps that were used to spread pro-Modi messages.
“The US foreign policy establishment leaned on Facebook, which owns WhatsApp, very heavily to limit the amount of WhatsApp messages that could be shared, which would therefore limit the amount of pro-Modi content that could circulate in India (Modi supporters disproportionately shared content on WhatsApp),” he pointed out.
He further highlighted, “When I was at the State Department, I saw all these same think tanks like the “Atlantic Council” were inundating me and my policy peers with recommendations to promote censoring “misinformation” abroad in so-called “nationalist” or “authoritarian” governments. Modi’s name was always circulated in lists that hit my inbox of places where US tech companies should be more aggressively engaged in “content moderation” (meaning censorship)“.
He told The Sunday Guardian to look up ‘counter-misinformation companies’ that propped up in India ahead of the 2019 election through the funding of USAID and US State Department.
“The State Department keeps close tabs on social media influence of political parties and when they are hostile to a foreign leader, they tend to let US tech companies know early and often,” Mike Benz added.
USAID spent ₹1.6 crores to recruit ‘fact-checker’ in India
In July last year, OpIndia reported how the Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the US State Department set aside a whopping $2,00,000 (~₹1.67 crores) to recruit fact-checkers in India as part of its ‘Empowering Media Savvy Youth.’
The US State Department is implementing the project starting 1st September this year in 5 cities of India – Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai and Delhi.
This scheme of hiring ‘fact-checkers’ to promote its narrative in India has been shrewdly called a ‘targeted digital literacy and resilience program.’
“In India, where social media usage is widespread among the youth population, recent research by Indian, European, and American think tanks has highlighted how manipulative content is amplifying societal polarization and erodes institutional trust. This consequently strains U.S.-India bilateral relations, threatening collaborative efforts and diplomatic ties,” the US State Department made its agenda crystal clear.
Coincidentally, USAID is now taken over by the same US State Department.
On Tuesday, 11th February, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the AI Action Summit in Paris, where he emphasised that artificial intelligence should be used to enhance human potential rather than replace human labour. In his address, he stressed the importance of responsible AI governance and highlighted both the opportunities and challenges posed by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence. US Vice President J.D. Vance echoed PM Modi’s views, stating that AI “will never replace human beings.”
AI as a tool for progress, not a threat
PM Modi co-chaired the summit alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. In his address, he underscored how AI is already transforming governance, economies, and societies. However, he cautioned against the risks associated with the technology, particularly its inherent biases, rapid proliferation, and high energy demands.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi pointed out that while AI has the potential to revolutionise sectors such as healthcare, education, and agriculture, it must be developed with a sense of responsibility. He said, “AI is writing the code for humanity in this century.”
PM Modi stated that while technological advancements in the past evolved gradually, AI is progressing at an unprecedented pace. Such rapid growth necessitates global cooperation to establish governance frameworks that uphold shared values, mitigate risks, and foster trust.
He also addressed concerns over the impact of AI on jobs. He dismissed fears of widespread job losses and argued that history has shown that technology reshapes work rather than eliminating it entirely. He said, “Loss of jobs is AI’s most feared disruption. But history has shown that work does not disappear due to technology. Its nature changes, and new types of jobs are created. We need to invest in skilling and re-skilling our people for an AI-driven future.”
"Work does not disappear due to technology… We need to invest in skilling and reskilling our people for an AI-driven future" ~ Prime Minister Narendra Modi at AI Action Summit in Paris pic.twitter.com/SFSFGR1Imd
PM Modi called for AI governance that is not merely about mitigating risks but also about promoting innovation and making AI accessible to all, particularly in the Global South. In his address, PM Modi highlighted India’s leadership in AI adoption and the efforts it has made to build a digital public infrastructure that benefits over 1.4 billion people.
"We have unlocked the power of data through our Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture. And, we have made digital commerce democratic and accessible to all. This vision is the foundation of India’s National AI Mission."
He noted that India has developed one of the world’s largest AI talent pools and is working on its own Large Language Model to cater to the nation’s diverse linguistic landscape. “India is ready to share its experience and expertise to ensure that the AI future is for good and for all,” he stated as he outlined India’s commitment to ethical AI development.
He also emphasised the environmental impact of AI, pointing out its high energy consumption. “AI’s high energy intensity needs to be looked into. This will require green power to fuel its future.”
Vance backs Modi’s stance on AI
Following Modi’s address, US Vice President JD Vance expressed agreement with the Indian prime minister’s position, stating that AI should be seen as a tool to enhance productivity rather than as a replacement for human labour.
America's VP JD Vance praises PM Modi for his position on Artificial Intelligence pic.twitter.com/2iBgtQPlVL
“I appreciate Prime Minister Modi’s point. AI, I really believe, will facilitate and make people more productive. It is not going to replace human beings. It will never replace human beings,” Vance stated, criticising industry leaders who suggest otherwise.
The AI Action Summit was attended by global leaders, industry experts, and policymakers. The focus of the summit was on AI governance, accessibility, and responsible innovation. The event is being seen as a significant step towards establishing a consensus among international entities on harnessing AI for global good while evaluating and mitigating potential risks associated with it.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US vice president JD Vance who engaged in a brief informal interaction a day ago on the sidelines of the dinner for world leaders attending the AI Summit in Paris, were seen seated side-by-side on Tuesday as they listened to French President Emmanuel Macron talk about the future of Artificial Intelligence.
PM Modi is scheduled to head to Washington following his two-day visit to France, Earlier, the French president greeted the two leaders and expressed his enthusiasm for the AI Action Summit.
Sharing a post on X, Macron wrote, “Welcome to Paris, my friend @NarendraModi! Nice to meet you dear @VP Vance! Welcome to all our partners for the AI Action Summit. Let’s get to work!”
The X handle of PMO had shared pictures of PM Modi interacting with Marcron and Vance in Paris.
After a warm welcome from the members of the Indian diaspora too, both PM Modi and VC Vance attended a dinner for world leaders at Elysee Palace in the French capital.
Macron received Modi upon his arrival, and the two leaders shared a candid moment before heading into discussions.
Their meeting highlights the strong ties between India and France, with key issues expected to be on the agenda. Expressing his enthusiasm for the visit, PM Modi posted on X, “Delighted to meet my friend, President Macron in Paris.”
During his address at the summit, which he co-chaired with Macron, PM Modi said that AI can help transform millions of lives by improving health, agriculture, education etc, stating that AI can help create a world in which the journey to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) becomes “easier and faster” the Prime Minister called on the world to pull together resources and talent for AI.
“AI can help transform millions of lives by improving health, education, agriculture and so much more. It can help create a world in which the journey to sustainable development goals becomes easier and faster. To do this, we must pull together resources and talent. We must develop open-source systems that enhance trust and transparency,” the PM added.
Expressing gratitude to French President Emmanuel Macron for hosting the AI Action Summit and inviting him to co-chair the summit. He said that AI is developing at an “unprecedented scale and speed” and being adapted and developed even faster.
PM Modi is visiting the US at the invitation of President Donald Trump. His visit aims to further strengthen India’s global partnerships, with a particular focus on technology, defence, and economic cooperation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday highlighted the potential risk of Artificial Intelligence such as deepfakes and disinformation and urged world leaders to democratise the technology and re-skilling the people.
Addressing the AI Summit in Paris on Tuesday, PM Modi emphasised that the technology must be rooted in local ecosystem and should enhance trust and transparency making them more people-centric to tackle the concerns related to cyber security.
“We must develop open source systems that enhance trust and transparency. We must build quality data centres free from biases, we must democratize technology and create people centre applications. We must address concerns related to cyber security, disinformation and deepfakes. We must also ensure that technology is rooted in local ecosystems for it to be effective and useful.” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister noted the threat of unemployment due to AI and urged that skilling and re-skilling of people is needed to tackle such issues.
“Loss of jobs is AI’s most feared disruption, but history has shown that work does not disappear due to technology, only its nature changes. We need to invest in skilling and re-skilling our people for an AI-driven future,” PM Modi said.
Moreover, the Prime Minister pitched to ensure access of AI to everyone noting that it can transform millions of lives and improve sectors like health, education and agriculture.
Noting India’s success in building digital public infrastructure, PM Modi said that the country leads in AI adoption and techno-legal solutions on data privacy.
“India has successfully built a digital public infrastructure for over 1.4 billion people at a very low cost. It is built around an open and accessible network. It has regulations and a wide range of applications to modernise our economy, reform governance and transform the lives of our people…Today, India leads in AI adoption and techno-legal solutions on data privacy…We have one of the world’s largest AI talent pools.”
PM Modi is co-chairing AI Summit in Paris along with French President Emmanuel Macron. PM Modi is on the visit to France till February 12. He will also visit the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, a significant international collaboration in nuclear fusion research. In a tribute to historical ties, the Prime Minister will also visit the Mazargues War Cemetery to honour Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the World Wars.
Following his visit to France, PM Modi will travel to the United States for a two-day visit at the invitation of US President Donald Trump.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
On 10th February, six US Congressmen wrote to newly appointed Attorney General Pamela Bedi, questioning the Department of Justice’s (DoJ) indictment of the Adani Group in an alleged bribery scandal. The lawmakers raised concerns over what they described as “questionable decisions” by the Biden administration and warned that such moves could strain relations with a key ally like India.
Excerpt of letter witten to Attorney General by US lawmakers
The letter, accessed by OpIndia, was signed by Lance Gooden, Pat Fallon, Mike Haridopolos, Brandon Gill, William R. Timmons, and Brian Babin. The Congressmen urged the Attorney General to reconsider the indictment and argued that it lacked clear US interests, risking damage to diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.
Allegations against Adani Group
Notably, US prosecutors have accused Indian billionaire Gautam Adani’s conglomerate of being involved in a scheme to pay over $250 million (around ₹2,100 crores) in bribes to Indian officials in exchange for favourable terms in solar power contracts. They claimed that the information about the kickbacks was concealed from American banks and investors who provided funds for the project. However, the allegations were strongly denied by the Adani Group, maintaining that there was no wrongdoing on its part.
‘No compelling US interest in the case’
In the letter, the Congressmen expressed concerns that the case against Adani is based on allegations of activities that took place entirely in India, involving Indian officials and executives of an Indian company. They questioned the motive behind the Biden administration’s decision to indict Adani executives rather than defer the matter to the Indian authorities.
The Congressmen wrote, “There is no compelling reason to pursue a case in a manner that could complicate relations with an ally like India unless some external factors were at play.” They further accused the administration of selectively targeting cases, stating that such actions “often act against America’s interests at home and abroad.”
Warning of diplomatic fallout
In their letter, the Congressmen stressed that India has been a crucial partner to the US for decades. The ties between the two countries extend beyond politics and trade to a broader socio-cultural relationship. They warned that such politically motivated decisions by agencies influenced by left-wing megadonors could undermine diplomatic efforts that have been in place for years.
They pointed out that this case emerged just ahead of Donald Trump’s return to the White House, suggesting that the indictment could have broader political motivations. The letter stated, “This misguided crusade came at the risk of harming our relationship with a strategic geopolitical partner like India immediately preceding President Trump’s return to the Oval Office.”
The letter added, “America and India share a deep sense of mutual respect and appreciation—a sentiment reflected in the strong diplomatic ties between the two nations. Former President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have consistently recognised the immense potential of a robust economic and military partnership between the United States and India. Trump actively worked with the Modi government to strengthen bilateral relations, fostering a strategic alliance that extends beyond trade and politics. In response, Modi has positioned India as a key ally of the US, particularly in countering the rising influence of China in the Asia-Pacific region. However, politically motivated decisions by agencies influenced by left-wing megadonors threaten to undermine years of diplomatic efforts. Any deterioration in US-India relations not only weakens a longstanding partnership but also plays into the hands of adversaries like China, which seeks to challenge the American economy and expand its global influence through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).”
Caution against benefiting China
The lawmakers cautioned that any fallout in US-India relations would directly benefit adversaries like China, as India has a crucial role in countering China’s influence in the Asia-Pacific region. They specifically mentioned Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and argued that undermining relations with India could aid China’s efforts to dominate global trade and economic control.
They further argued that discouraging investors who have contributed billions to the US economy would hurt America’s long-term economic prospects. The lawmakers wrote, “Needless pursuits against those who have created thousands of jobs deter and discourage investors from contributing to the US economy.”
Call for investigation into Biden administration’s motives
While concluding the letter, the Congressmen demanded an investigation into the Department of Justice’s actions and called for transparency regarding the motivations behind the indictment. They requested the Attorney General to share all records related to the case, suggesting that it could expose whether the previous administration had been compromised by outside entities over the past four years.
They wrote, “We request you investigate the Biden DOJ’s conduct and would appreciate you sharing with us all records pertaining to this case, for a coordinated effort in uncovering the truth.”
The letter is a clear indication that there is growing discontent among sections of US lawmakers over the Biden administration’s approach to handling relations with India. Some lawmakers view the Adani indictment as a politically charged move rather than a matter of legal necessity.
Case against Adani Group
In November 2024, a US court unsealed a five-count indictment against Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani and others, alleging bribery and fraud. Prosecutors claim Adani, Sagar R Adani, and Vneet S Jaain misled investors while securing funds, and former executives of a renewable-energy firm conspired to violate anti-corruption laws. The indictment also accuses them of obstructing FBI, DOJ, and SEC investigations. US Attorney Breon Peace alleged they undermined global financial markets. The defendants remain presumed innocent. The accusations were denied by the Adani Group.
The charges were presented against them by Breon Stacey Peace, who was the 48th United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. Following the accusations, it came to light that Breon Peace had a connection to George Soros, hinting at a larger conspiracy to yet again damage the Indian industrialist’s reputation and business. OpIndia’s detailed report on it can be checked here.
On Monday (February 10), the Allahabad High Court rejected a petition against the installation of loudspeakers in Mahakumbh. During the hearing, the High Court noted that there is no sufficient data to suggest that the public address system was causing noise above permissible limits.
The petition was filed by Brahmachari Dayanand Indian Inhabitant, who although are resident of Uttarakhand, however, claimed to be camping at Sector 18 at Mukti Marg in Prayagraj. The petitioners argued that other camps, which have been set up around the camp of the petitioners, are using public address systems and LCDs wherein, they are creating noise pollution and affecting the meditation etc. of the petitioners. Due to this, the petitioners demanded that the use of public address systems/loudspeakers and other noise-polluting devices and amplifiers be limited.
The court, however, noted that “except producing a few pictures of the loudspeakers, which apparently have been placed for announcements etc. and are also situated at the temporary roads created for the Kumbh Mela, the petitioners have not produced any material worth the name so as to indicate the nature of noise being created by the said public address systems and that the same are beyond the permissible limit in terms of relevant Act and the Rules.”
The bench comprising Justices Kshitij Shailendra and Arun Bhansali,while dismissing the petition, observed that the filing of the petition is based on an academic exercise undertaken based on the judgments of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and producing a few pictures of loudspeakers.
“Such a laconic petition cannot be countenanced. In view thereof, the petition is dismissed,” the court said.
In the latest development in the brutal murder case of the Hindu man Shivkumar Sharma in Kharghar, the police have nabbed one of the two accused Rehan Shaikh while the other, identified as Faizan Shaikh is still absconding. Both accused are residents of Nagpada and Agripada respectively. They were traced to BKC wherein the police managed to nab Rehan and Faizan managed to give a skip. As per reports, both the accused worked as delivery boys. The arrested accused Rehan Shaikh was the pilion rider and Faizan Shaikh who hit Shivkumar Sharma, is still at large.
On February 2nd, the city of Mumbai in the state of Maharashtra was blown up after it witnessed the gruesome murder of an IT professional named Shivkumar Sharma. The two accused- Rehan Shaikh and Faizan Shaikh, both in their 20s, stopped the victim’s bike in the middle of the streets of Kharghar and bashed the head of Sharma with his helmet, eventually resulting in his death.
According to media reports, the incident is that of road rage where an altercation over an over-taking led to Sharma’s brutal murder. However, Vishwa Hindu Parishad alleged that Sharma was attacked for his Hindu identity.
It is being said that the two individuals who hit Sharma (45) to death on Sunday, 2nd February in Utsav Chowk were returning from the religious event of the Tablighi Jamaat called Ijtema and that they were associated with the Tablighi Jamaat.
Ijtema, a mass annual gathering of the Tablighi Jamaat, was organised as a three-day event in Kharghar. February 2nd, when the brutal murder happened was the last day of the event. Lakhs of Muslims had participated in the event.
Notably, Tablighi Jamaat was banned by Saudi Arabia in 2021, which called the Islamic organisation the ‘gate to terror’.
OpIndia managed to access an FIR copy of the incident, in which it has been mentioned that the unidentified accused persons argued with the victim over the bike overtaking issue amid the Mumbai traffic. As a result of this, the accused persons threatened the victim to death and within a few minutes grabbed his helmet and banged on his head several times.
Despite the injuries, Shivkumar went to the police station to file a complaint against the assailants. He collapsed there due to internal head injuries and was declared dead when police rushed him to the hospital.
The accused persons have been booked under section 103(1), 351(3), and 3(5) of the BNS Act, 2023. The Mumbai police have also accessed the CCTV footage of the incident and gathered photographs of the persons accused who are absconding at present. The authorities are making all the efforts to identify and nab the accused persons. The police are also trying to get the specific details of the blurred images of their vehicle’s registration number which can help the authorities in tracing the details of the accused persons.
Lord Shiva tattoo, Rudraksha mala: VHP says Shivkumar Sharma targeted for donning his Hindu identity
A week has passed since Shivkumar Sharma was mercilessly killed. After the attackers mercilessly killed the Hindu man, allegations surfaced that he was targeted for his Hindu identity. On the 10th of February, members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Sakal Hindu Samaj organised a protest demanding justice for Sharma and also to pay tribute to him.
The VHP members stated that Sharma was deliberately targeted by the accused persons who had allegedly arrived from Ijtema for owning a Hindu identity.
VHP organised a protest outside the Kharghar police station area on February 10th (MahaMTB)
As per members of the Hindu organisation, the Tablighi Jamaat members, who stopped Sharma’s bike over the overtaking dispute, noticed his Lord Shiva tattoo and the Rudraksha mala around his neck. Additionally, his bike displayed a “Jai Mata Di” sticker. These religious symbols, as per VHP, provoked the Tablighi Jamaat members, resulting in the brutal assault on Sharma.
While talking to the media, the VHP members also stated that the accused persons were influenced by the provocative speeches delivered at Ijtema (congregation of Muslims) that were conducted in Kharghar on the same day attracting more than lakh Islamists. As per the reports, Maulana Saad, a controversial leader of the Tablighi Jamaat addressed the Ijtema event on 2nd February in Kharghar where only around 50,000 addresses were expected. However, more than a lakh Islamists attended the event in which Maulana Saad allegedly delivered provocative speeches against Hindus. “Influenced by the speeches, the accused targeted Sharma over a minor road rage issue,” the VHP members said.
A 45-year-old IT professional Shivkumar Sharma, was beaten to death with a helmet in an alleged road-rage on Feb 2nd by members of the Tablighi Jamaat who were returning from an Ijtema in Maharashtra's Kharghar.
BJP leader Nitesh Rane raises concern over the brutal murder of the Hindu youth, calls for complete ban on Tablighi Jamaat in Maharashtra
Following the widespread attention on the brutal murder, BJP leader Nitesh Rane addressed a letter to Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, highlighting concerns over the growing presence of illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya immigrants in the state. He urged authorities to identify and investigate any illegal immigrants who may have been involved in the attack. Additionally, Rane called for a complete ban on the Tablighi Jamaat in Maharashtra, citing its radical elements as a potential threat to communal harmony.
The BJP leader also visited the victim’s family, offering reassurance that justice would be delivered.
“This is not Pakistan. Whatever has happened is very disheartening. The state government is with you. I myself have come as CM’s representative. Whatever has happened here will be informed to the Home Department and state CM who will surely order strictest action against the accused persons. You people need not worry,” Rane said adding that he has written to the CM to look into the matter.
‘Kharghar has turned into mini-Pakistan’: Family member of the victim expresses concern
Meanwhile, speaking to Rane, one of the family members of deceased Shivkumar Sharma said that they had mentioned to the police while complaining that the Kharghar area in Mumbai has turned into a Mini-Pakistan.
“Is this Bangladesh? Hindus are brutally killed in Bangladesh. Today the police have assured that the accused will be arrested in two days,” he added while talking to the media.
#WATCH | Kharghar Road Rage: Minister Nitesh Rane Interacts With Family Of Deceased Shivkumar Sharma
Further, BJP’s Kirit Somaiya also met the family members of the victim and offered condolences. “Met 4 Sisters of #ShivkumarSharma who was Killed at Kharghar NaviMumbai by Muslim Fenatic Activist Police hopeful to arrest Killers soon,” he said on X.
Met 4 Sisters of #ShivkumarSharma who was Killed at Kharghar NaviMumbai by Muslim Fenatic Activist Police hopeful to arrest Killers soon खारघर नवी मुंबई येथे मुस्लिम धर्मांध कार्यकर्त्यांकडून हत्या करण्यात आलेल्या शिवकुमार शर्माच्या 4 बहिणींना भेटलो. मारेकऱ्यांना लवकरच अटक करणार pic.twitter.com/XFOVD9sW9Y
The accused returned from Ijtema cannot be denied, no justification for hitting so brutally: Victim’s relative seeks justice
While speaking to the media, Hrishikesh Dhundre, a relative of the victim, confirmed that the accused had brutally beaten the victim to death. While he could not say with certainty who the attackers were or where they came from, he acknowledged the strong possibility that they were attendees of the Ijtema.
#WATCH | Khaghar Road Rage: Krishikesh Dhundre, Brother-In-Law Of Victim Shivkumar Roshanlal Sharma Spkeas To Media
Meanwhile, OpIndia also got in touch with Dhundre. While speaking to us he reiterated that the fact that the accused persons were returning from Ijtema could not be denied. “I was in the area until the afternoon, and the entire place was overcrowded with Ijtema attendees. The number of people present was at least three to four times more than the expected capacity of 50,000,” he stated.
When asked whether he believed Shivkumar Sharma was targeted due to his religious identity, Dhundre did not explicitly confirm it but also did not dismiss the possibility.
‘Sharma was deeply religious and a devoted Krishna bhakt, this is definitely a cold-blooded murder’: The deceased’s relative speaks to OpIndia
“I cannot say this with certainty, but it is a fact that he was deeply religious and a devoted Krishna bhakt. He had a tattoo of Lord Shiva and wore a Rudraksha mala around his neck. He was a quiet, home-loving, and gentle person who would never engage in any confrontation. If you closely examine the video footage, he can be seen politely requesting his attackers to stop and talk instead, while they continue to assault him mercilessly,” the relative of the deceased said.
He further stated, “After the assault, Shivkumar Sharma went to the police station himself to file a complaint. I later learned that another eyewitness, who accompanied Sharma to the police station, confirmed that his bike was stopped at least three times by the accused. This clearly indicates that it wasn’t just a minor confrontation over overtaking. Who assaults someone so brutally over such a trivial issue? Even if there was an argument, under normal circumstances, people would approach the police—who resorts to such a ruthless attack instead?
It is evident from the video that Shivkumar did not hit or provoke anyone. One of the accused was restraining him while another repeatedly struck him on the head with a helmet, continuing the assault mercilessly, even as Sharma pleaded for a conversation. This is undoubtedly a case of cold-blooded murder. They attacked him with clear malicious intent,” Dhundre said, adding that the police have been cooperative and they remain hopeful that justice will be served.
In the given case, the Mumbai Police had launched a massive manhunt to look for the accused persons. 10 teams have been formed to nab the two unidentified men who hit Sharma to death. The incident notably happened in Kharghar on the road between Belpada and Utsav Chowk when the victim was returning from Vashi and the accused were allegedly returning from Ijtema. The police traced the toll naka timing of the accused entering Navi Mumbai and leaving the city. They have also submitted the blurred images of the bike of the accused persons obtained from the CCTV footage for lab testing to recover the bike registration number.
“We are not depending on the lab results, as even if one digit of the number goes wrong, the investigation will change its route. As of now, we are completely relying on technical analysis,” the police said.
‘Purely a case of road rage’: Police claims
The police eventually launched a massive investigation into the case and discovered the exact series of events that happened that day resulting in the death of the victim. “The victim had overtaken the accused twice which led to an argument between the two scooty-borne accused and victim Shivkumar Sharma. The argument escalated to a fight and during the fight, Sharma first kicked one of the duo, and then the accused assaulted Sharma with a helmet,” the police were quoted as saying.
“There had been no instance of mobile lynching or communal fight in this incident as it is purely a case of road rage,” the authorities added. As per the reports, the police checked the CCTV footage of the incident and discovered that the accused left Kharghar at around 10.30 pm, two hours after the incident happened that day.
A video of the incident had also gone viral over the internet. The video was captured by a passerby showing one of the accused persons holding the victim and the other one brutally beating the victim. Unfortunately, neither the evidential video nor the CCTV footage captured the registration number of the vehicle on which the accused persons arrived on the spot.
On 10th February (local time), Elon Musk accused the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of allocating $59 million last week to luxury hotels in New York City to accommodate illegal migrants. Musk’s accusations were based on a discovery made by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which is headed by Musk.
The @DOGE team just discovered that FEMA sent $59M LAST WEEK to luxury hotels in New York City to house illegal migrants.
Sending this money violated the law and is in gross insubordination to the President’s executive order.
In a post on the social media platform X, Musk wrote, “The DOGE team just discovered that FEMA sent $59M LAST WEEK to luxury hotels in New York City to house illegal migrants.Sending this money violated the law and is in gross insubordination to the President’s executive order. That money is meant for American disaster relief and instead is being spent on high end hotels for illegals! A clawback demand will be made today to recoup those funds.”
Notably, the transfer of funds was in violation of the executive order signed by the President of the United States, Donald Trump, barring any such transfers.
One of the beneficiaries of government funding to accommodate illegal immigrants in NYC is the Roosevelt Hotel, which is owned by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), a government agency of Pakistan. The Roosevelt Hotel signed a deal with New York City in which the city agreed to pay $220 million to rent the hotel to house migrants.
The hotel came under scrutiny after Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy labelled the arrangement between the hotel and the state as “nuts”. In a post on X in December 2024, Ramaswamy wrote, “A taxpayer-funded hotel for illegal migrants is owned by the Pakistani government, which means NYC taxpayers are effectively paying a foreign government to house illegals in our own country. This is nuts.”
A taxpayer-funded hotel for illegal migrants is owned by the Pakistani government which means NYC taxpayers are effectively paying a foreign government to house illegals in our own country. This is nuts. https://t.co/Oy4Z9qoX45
The hotel had been shut since 2020 following the COVID-19 pandemic. On 4th June 2023, then-Minister of Railways and Aviation f Pakistan, Khawaja Saad Rafique, said in a press conference that the hotel was leased out to the local city government for three years. He added that it would bring $220 million in revenue to Pakistan. For a cash-strapped country, it was big deal to get such amount coming from a previously shut hotel.
— Khawaja Saad Rafique (@KhSaad_Rafique) June 4, 2023
The agreement involved leasing all 1,025 rooms of the hotel to the city at price of over $200 per night. Initially, the contract was signed for one year but Rafique expressed hope that it would be extended for full three years. The hotel in question was built in 1924 and PIA had taken its control in 2000.
FEMA is facing heat not only because the funds were transferred despite orders against it by the President but also because it recently reported a lack of funds during Hurricane Helene. However, after the backlash, FEMA issued a statement claiming it was just a rumour and the agency had the required funds to support the victims.
President Trump has initiated process to clamp down government spending which included shutting down USAID. The action against USAID resulted in a massive outcry from the beneficiaries which further opened floodgates of expose on how the agency was pumping billions of dollars for regime change, censorship and other operations worldwide.
On Sunday, 9th February, the country of Sri Lanka faced 6 hour-long nationwide power outage after a monkey caused disruption at a Colombo suburb grid station. Following this, the island experienced a 90-minute power cut on Monday, 10th February and the authorities have stated that the country might face the same on Tuesday, 11th February.
Energy minister Kumara Jayakody commented on the matter and stated that a monkey came into contact with the grid transformer at the Colombo suburb grid station, causing an imbalance in the power system. As per the reports, the power cut began at 11.00 local time (05:30 GMT) on Sunday and it forced the authorities to rely on generators. However, later it was informed that the restoring power could take crucial time.
The event led to a breakdown at the Norochcholai coal power plant, which further resulted in scheduled power cuts on Monday and Tuesday for around 90 minutes.
The Ceylon Electricity Board, the state power entity issued a statement on Sunday confirming that a 90-minute power cut would be imposed in two slots between 3 pm and 9.30 pm. “Sunday’s sudden power outage forced the operations at Lakvijaya power station to shut,” it added.
Several persons shared posts on social media regarding the issue. They stated that a monkey was enough to create chaos in the lives of Sri Lankan people. “Sri Lanka’s Internet Usage Dropped by 51% – Because of a Monkey? A bizarre nationwide power failure took down half the country’s internet yesterday,” one of the users said.
?Sri Lanka’s Internet Usage Dropped by 51% – Because of a Monkey??⚡
A bizarre nationwide power failure took down half the country's internet yesterday. Let’s break it down ??
“Sri Lanka has an ancient history of losing to monkeys! Island nationwide power outage,” another one said referring to the times of Ramayana when Ravana lost war with the army of monkeys led by Lord Rama.
Sri Lanka has an ancient history of losing to monkeys! ?. Island nation wide power outage. pic.twitter.com/HSpwDGYX51
A monkey causing a nationwide power outage was not on my bingo card ?? Sri Lanka you've the best news headline trophy for the year already pic.twitter.com/IA6AY5F70S
The Ceylon Electricity Board eventually put up a notice on its website saying, “We are making every effort to restore the island-wide power failure as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience.”
Notably, following the power outage scheduled, several people are expressing concerns about the rising temperatures, lack of internet network due to lack of electricity supply to the network towers, and also temporary shortage of water supply, probably due to stoppage of electric pumps or motors.
In the Chota Bharwara of Gomti Nagar Extension area in Lucknow, a massive uproar has erupted over alleged Christian conversion activities going on in a house. The local Hindus staged a protest, accusing the Christian residents of the said house of holding Sunday prayer meetings and converting locals to Christianity. It has been alleged that the accused are pressuring local Hindus to convert to Christianity or sell their houses and leave the area.
On Sunday (9th February), the Gomti Nagar Extension police arrived at the location and brought 50 people from the house where Christian conversion activities were reported, to the police station. The police, however, noted down the names and addresses of all and let them go. They said that they had come for the prayer meeting. Police also investigated Christians who organised the prayer meeting. The police warned those who attended the prayer meeting that if the atmosphere of the area deteriorates, action will be taken.
Yesterday, another conversion racket was exposed in UP – in Lucknow’s posh Gomti Nagar. The pattern is same: secret Sunday prayer sessions inside a house, luring the poor with promises of miraculous healing through Masih
Meanwhile, PAC has been deployed as tensions prevail in the area.
Ritesh Mishra, a resident of Bharwara Estate Colony in Chhota Bharwara, lodged a complaint in Gomtinagar Extension police station that a church had been built in a house in his neighbourhood. Every Sunday, a prayer meeting is held in the house. A large number of people gather in it and religious conversion is also done here. The Christian missionaries involved in this were warned many times, however, they continued with their illegal activities. On Sunday at 10 am, a large number of people came for the prayer meeting.
The people of the locality alleged that during this time there were preparations to convert some people. When the people of the locality protested, the people present in the house came out and started threatening. Hearing the noise, other people from the vicinity also gathered. On receiving information about the ruckus, ADCP East Pankaj Kumar Singh reached with the Gomtinagar Extension and Gomtinagar police team. People were pacified. Inspector Gomtinagar Extension Sudhir Awasthi said that some people have been questioned based on allegations.
If the Hindus refused to convert, the Christian missionaries put pressure on the locals to sell their houses. Yogesh Mishra, Mohit, Bharat Bhushan, residents of Bharwara State Colony said that this house was built six years ago and earlier, a few people used to come here. However, for the past six months, a large number of people have gathered at the house every Sunday.
Locals alleged that the people who come to the house also tempt them to change their religion. They lure them with a job and lakhs of rupees if they change their religion. On refusing to change their religion, they pressured them to sell their house and leave the area. The local Hindus said that these Christian missionaries were buying land and houses in the area at double the price.
A local resident Dhananjay Kumar Pandey said that a church-like house has been constructed with no explicit religious symbols. The gates and walls are so high that nothing can be seen from outside. One Manoj Sharma said that these Christian missionaries are luring people to Christianity by offering financial enticements and properties. The local Hindus are harassed and if they oppose the missionaries, they get threatened. Sharma added that they had complained about the illegal conversion activities earlier as well, however, no concrete action was taken.
Some locals alleged that the police are hushing up the matter instead of acting against the Christian missionaries.
Speaking about the matter Shashank Singh, DCP East said, “At 10 am, information was received about religious conversion in a prayer meeting being held at a house in Chhota Bharwara. The police went to the spot and investigated. No evidence of religious conversion was found. The people brought to the police station have been warned that action will be taken if the atmosphere of the area deteriorates. The crowd gathered here has been pacified and sent back. The situation is normal now. Police and PAC have been deployed as a precaution. Further action will be taken on the basis of the complaint.”
So far, despite a complaint being lodged, no FIR has been registered in the matter.
Meanwhile, Hindu Samaj leader Angad Shukla said that illegal Christian conversion activities have been going on in the colony for many years. Even after complaints, the police are not taking any action. When there was a ruckus on Sunday, the police removed everyone and finished their work. He said that even after 24 hours, no case was registered against anyone.
The Hindu rights activist further announced that every Sunday, the Hindu Samaj group and local Hindus will recite Sundarkand in the Bharwara Estate Colony. Angad Shukla said that he has met DCP Shashank Singh, who assured him that necessary action will be taken in the matter. Shukla demanded that the said church’s registration, water and electricity bills etc should be examined. The Hindu Samaj said that if the police fail to take appropriate action, they will launch a massive protest.
As per a Bhaskar report, one Rajivlal constructed a church-like house in the colony 5 years ago. Following this, three more houses were built in a line. These houses are connected to each other from the inside, and there is a church in Rajiv’s house. The house is a place for frequent religious gatherings and possible conversion activities.
