Home Blog Page 580

AAP, Punjab Police claim security to Kejriwal ‘forced to withdraw’, Delhi Police bust falsehoods, say he already is a Z+ protectee with 63 personnel

Siddhi Somani
-
0
AAP, Punjab Police claim security to Kejriwal ‘forced to withdraw’, Delhi Police bust falsehoods, say he already is a Z+ protectee with 63 personnel

On Thursday, 23rd January, the Punjab Police alleged that they had been forced to withdraw the additional security provided to AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal. They claimed that the Delhi Police and the Election Commission of India had issued them the orders to do so ahead of the Delhi state assembly elections scheduled to take place on 5th February this year.

The Punjab Police claimed that they constantly get reports of threats to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal and that they share such reports with concerned agencies, however, now they have withdrawn a component of security from Kejriwal’s security detail.

Responding to these claims, the Delhi Police clarified that no security component for Kejriwal was withdrawn. “We’ve just taken over the charge. He already has been provided with Z+ security with 63 personnel by Delhi officials,” the officer from Delhi Police said.

“Occasionally, we get reports of threats to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal and share them with the concerned agencies. Today, after the Delhi Police’s intervention following the directions of the Election Commission, we have withdrawn Punjab security from Arvind Kejriwal’s security cover. We will continue to share inputs with Delhi Police,” Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav from Punjab Police was quoted as saying.

AAP protesting for alleged security withdrawal (India Today)

Yadav also claimed that they showed their concerns to the Delhi Police and the Election Commission but eventually had to withdraw the security component. The decision sparked political outrage with AAP alleging that the security was deliberately withdrawn and BJP saying that the orders by the Delhi Police and the Election Commission were administrative decisions taken by the government forces.

The DGP further added that both Mann and Kejriwal had Punjab’s Z+ security protection, but following the concerns raised by the Delhi Police, a component of security was withdrawn. The Punjab Police tried to blame the Delhi Police for ‘forcing’ them to withdraw Kejriwal’s security.

Delhi Police: One person cannot have two special securities by law

However, Delhi Police confirmed the matter and revealed the exact reason behind issuing such orders. It said that it was capable enough to protect the leader and the elections and that no other state security was permitted to protect the leader ahead of the elections.

“He (Kejriwal) continues to be a Z+ protectee of Delhi Police,” said one of the Delhi Police officers to the media. Another officer from Delhi police said, “It is a rule that if anyone has a special category of security from any specific state police, the state police giving the security cover has to inform the other state’s police that the person has a threat perception. The moment a new state’s police takes charge of the person’s security, the earlier security cover returns to its parental state.”

“We have not withdrawn Kejriwal’s security cover. We’ve just taken over the charge of his security from Punjab police. It is by the law. Why would we allow Punjab police personnel to give security cover to a person, for whose security we are more competent?” he added.

“Z+ security” refers to the highest level of security provided to individuals in India, typically including a large team of highly trained security personnel, often including NSG commandos, to protect high-profile individuals facing significant threats, essentially the second highest level of security after SPG protection for the Prime Minister; it usually consists of a security detail of around 55 personnel with advanced vehicles and close surveillance.

Delhi Police said that the rules set out by the Union Home Ministry did not allow a person to have special security from two states. The officials also added that Kejriwal already had security of 63 personnel from Delhi Police.

Matter was raised by BJP who saw Punjab security vehicles roaming in Delhi

The Delhi Police on January 6th had written to the Punjab Police to reveal the details of the movement of security of Punjab leaders well in advance, who would come to Delhi for election campaigning ahead of the polls and also for Republic Day. The Delhi Police said that they had been maintaining tight schedules and monitoring things closely in the wake of the upcoming Republic Day parade. It also said that despite written communications, they were not being informed about the police presence from other states, including Punjab.

Notably, on 18th January, the Punjab Police said that it would provide all the details of security accompanying the Punjab leaders while they travel to Delhi. The issue was again politically raised when BJP leader Parvesh Verma, the opponent of Kejriwal in one of the Delhi seats stated that the AAP leaders were calling people from Punjab. “Thousands of vehicles with Punjab registration plates were roaming around in Delhi,” the BJP leader said.

Kejriwal accuses Delhi Police of ‘attack’

It is crucial to note that Delhi supremo Arvind Kejriwal accused the Delhi Police on Thursday, 23d January saying that it allowed the opposition candidate’s men to enter his public meeting and attack his car. “Today in Hari Nagar, the police allowed the opposition candidate’s men to enter my public meeting and then attacked my car. All this is happening on the orders of Amit Shah. Amit Shah has made the Delhi Police the personal army of the BJP. Big questions are being raised on the Election Commission that the national president of a national party and its leaders are being constantly attacked and the Election Commission is unable to take any effective action,” he said in an exclusive tweet.

He also accused Home Minister Amit Shah of furthering the attack. He meanwhile also said that the Delhi Police was ‘the personal army of BJP’, showing complete mistrust of the Delhi authorities working rigorously to provide Z+ security to the leader. Amid this, he also alleged the Election Commission of taking no action in the matter.

A week ago also, Kejriwal had made similar claims saying that his convoy was attacked during a door-to-door campaign in the New Delhi constituency. The party released a video purportedly showing a stone landing on Arvind Kejriwal’s vehicle. The video also showed people waving black flags next to the convoy, which AAP claimed was part of a deliberate attempt to disrupt the election campaign of the AAP leader. However, the BJP later stated that the car in which Kejriwal was campaigning had hit two people during the campaign.

AAP’s Sanjay Singh spread misinformation saying security had been ‘withdrawn’

Meanwhile, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh attempted to spread fake news claiming that the Delhi police had ‘forcibly’ withdrawn Kejriwal’s additional security and that there was a threat to Kejriwal’s life. “Today Delhi Police forcibly removed Kejriwal’s Punjab Police security. Right now there is a meeting of Kejriwal at J Block Kali Bari Marg, goons are already present there with sticks and rods, I am reaching there. Where is the Election Commission?” he asked, again showing mistrust in Delhi Police which is providing Z+ security to Kejriwal already.

The Delhi Police eventually denied these allegations and stated that the security had not been withdrawn but taken over by another state police. “We have not withdrawn Kejriwal’s security cover. We’ve just taken over the charge of his security from Punjab police. It is by the law,” the Delhi Police states.

“The deployment of security personnel from another state is legally restricted to a maximum duration of 72 hours. Even within this timeframe, prior approval must be obtained from DCP Security to ensure compliance with established protocols. Extending security arrangements from another state beyond 72 hours is deemed legally inappropriate,” the police said.

Conclusion

Kejriwal has a history of showing mistrust in the Delhi Police. A few days ago, he accused that the police prevented the screening of a documentary exposing the ‘secrets’ and ‘conspiracies’ behind the arrest of his party leaders. However, later the Delhi Police said that no permission was sought by the leaders for the screening event given Model Code Conduct in force ahead of the Delhi State polls scheduled on 5th February.

The AAP leader’s constant allegations on the Delhi Police of highlight also his suspicion about the security arrangements led by the authorities to protect his life. He was issued Z+ security by Delhi Police in 2015. Despite this, he made alleged attempts to get security from the Punjab Police claiming threats. If he has this level of mistrust in the Delhi Police, why doesn’t the administration look into probably discontinuing the Z+ security for the leader?

The Punjab Police also claimed that Delhi Police ‘forced’ them to withdraw the additional security. However, the Delhi Police stated that the leader already had Z+ security and that it was more capable and competent than the Punjab Police to ensure the protection of the leader.

Tracing the history of Sambhal: From ancient Puranic legends to Mughal conquests and the colonial account of the centuries-old Harihar Mandir-Shahi Jama Masjid conflict

Saurabh Ojha
-
0
Tracing the history of Sambhal: From ancient Puranic legends to Mughal conquests and the colonial account of the centuries-old Harihar Mandir-Shahi Jama Masjid conflict

A Bench consisting of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar reviews a petition submitted by the Jama Mosque Committee challenging a civil court’s order that permitted a survey of the mosque to ascertain if it was constructed on the remnants of a temple. Violence erupted on November 24 during the study in Sambhal, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to numerous others, including police personnel, a review of the history of the heritage site will be in order.

In 1879 CE, a significant survey report prepared by archaeologist Archibald Campbell Carlleyle for Major General Alexander Cunningham reached the British Army headquarters in British India. It states: “The principal building in Sambhal is the Jami Masjid, which the Hindus claim was originally the temple of Hari Mandir.” 

This claim has become central to the legal dispute between the Shahi Jama Masjid and the Harihar Mandir, highlighting its historical importance.

What specific evidence did Archibald Campbell Carlleyle use to support the claim about the Jami Masjid’s origins? What are the historical traces of the conflict between the Shahi Jama Masjid and the Harihar Mandir? The historical significance of the ASI reports and the chronology of events influenced contemporary views on religious sites in the region and the exact timeline of Sambhal.

Origin of Sambhal and the tale of two timelines

Sambhal is a historically important Uttar Pradesh city founded by Emperor Yayati, as noted in the Matsya Purana. Senior historian Dr Ajay Anupam highlights the significance of the Harihar Temple there, referenced in the Shrimad Bhagwat Purana, Skanda Purana, and Matsya Purana. He asserts that the temple’s origins date back at least 5,000 years and that the Shrimad Bhagwat Purana details its establishment, emphasizing its historical and religious importance.

The name “Sambhal” is referenced in Carlleyle’s 1879 Archaeological Survey of India report as Sambhaleshwar in the Satya Yuga, Mahadgiri in the Treta Yuga, and Pingala in the Dwapar Yuga. Carlleyle recognized its historical significance in Hindu texts, underscoring its importance over time.

During Mauryan rule, Pingala was renamed Sambhalgram, later shortened to Sambhal. In the 5th century BCE, it was part of the Panchal state, which was included in Emperor Ashoka’s empire. The Panchal state is also mentioned in the Mahabharata, again highlighting Sambhal’s historical significance.

During the rule of the Chauhan Rajputs in northern India, Emperor Prithviraj Chauhan governed Sambhal. A significant event in Sambhal’s history, noted in Carlleyle’s ASI survey report, occurred during this time. We will discuss this event later in this section.

After the Second Battle of Tarain in 1192 CE, Mohammad Shahabuddin Ghori took control of Sambhal, followed by his slave Qutubuddin Aibak. This period was marked by continuous attacks, especially during Sultan Balban’s reign.

In the 14th century, Sambhal city faced its first proper siege under Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq, who eliminated several small Hindu rulers and established direct Muslim control from Delhi. In the late 15th century, Sikandar Lodhi ruled Sambhal for four years and made it the capital of his empire.

Sambhal’s historical importance is underscored by the First Battle of Panipat in 1528 CE, a pivotal event that fundamentally reshaped India’s course. This battle marked the arrival of Babur, the first Mughal invader, and decisively transformed Sambhal’s narrative. This is the second critical event in Sambhal’s history.

Findings of ASI and debunking of fake narratives

Having explored two timelines, it’s time to pinpoint their twists. The first timeline we analyze is that of Prithviraj Chauhan, featuring three key accounts related to Harihar Mandir, or Hari Mandir.

Carlleyle ‘s ASI report from 1879 clearly states that under Prithviraj Chauhan, a temple named Hari Mandir was rebuilt. This Vishnu temple was dedicated to the Kalki avatar. Since it was rebuilt by the Chauhan dynasty, it indicates its existence before Chauhan’s reign.

Also, we have already seen the critical importance of the temple built by Emperor Yayati and Harihar, supported by historical accounts. So, it again confirms the existence of the Harihar temple before the Prithviraj era.

The 1891 ASI report by A. Fuiirer highlights Prithviraj Chauhan’s key role in the rebuilding of Hari Mandir, a fact further confirmed by the 1911 Moradabad gazetteer by H.R. Nevil.

Western historians tend to prioritize European narratives, often overlooking Prithviraj Chauhan’s crucial role in rebuilding Hari Mandir in Sambhal.

2nd timeline

Now the second timeline of the Mughal invader Babur, as documented in Carlleyle’s report. Carlleyle discovered an inscription at the Shahi Jama Masjid stating that Babur’s commander, Mir Hindu Beg, built the mosque — a claim validated by local scholars.

However, Carlleyle noted a significant error: Babur’s name is incorrectly recorded as “Shah Jamjah Muhammad Babar,” instead of “Shah Zahiruddin Muhammad Babur,” although Mir Hindu Beg’s contribution is accurately acknowledged. Carlleyle directly engaged with local Muslim scholars, who confirmed that the inscription was indeed a forgery. Meanwhile, Hindus insisted that this inscription had been backdated in the mosque.

Carlleyle stated that after 1857 CE, control of the monument rightfully shifted to the local Muslims, who effectively utilized the forged inscription to win a civil court case against Hindus regarding possession of the site.

Nevertheless, the question remains: How was the Shahi Jama Masjid converted from a Hindu temple, and what conclusion did Carlleyle reach?

Carlleyle noted significant architectural flaws in the Shahi Jama Masjid during his inspection. He observed that the dome is designed on both an octagonal and square base. He found that the walls, originally made of red limestone, were later covered with mismatched plaster. Carlyle noted that while the original stones in the courtyard were replaced with smaller bricks, some older stones remain. He noted that the original square-based temple had a single 8-foot-wide doorway facing east, while the new masjid features four 6-foot-wide doorways cut from the original stone door.

Most ancient Hindu temples were constructed from stones, typically with a square base & a single eastern-facing doorway.

Both the 1891 ASI report and the 1911 Moradabad gazetteer reports conclude the exact continuation of Carlleyle ‘s 1879 ASI report.

This conclusively shows that the Shahi Jama Masjid was not built by Babur, debunking the narrative of the Shahi Jama Masjid Prabandhan committee, which many Muslims still accept as truth.

Sambhal’s religious importance

In the early 14th century, China was under the rule of the last Mongol dynasty. During this period, the Chinese Mongol Empire sent an official ambassador to the Sultan of Delhi, Muhammad bin Tughlaq.

The ambassador was dispatched with a request for permission to rebuild a temple in Sambhal. However, a question arises: which temple was to be rebuilt?

Before addressing the question, it’s important to note that both ancient Tibetan and Hindu beliefs regard Shambhala, or Sambhal, as the birthplace of Lord Vishnu’s future avatar, the Kalki Avatar. Tibetan texts typically place Shambhala in Tibet or Mongolia, while Hindu texts refer to it as modern-day Sambhal. In both traditions, the religious significance of Shambhala/Sambhal is profound.

Sambhal is undeniably a site of substantial religious importance, firmly establishing its connection to the influential Chinese Mongol Empire. Recognizing this relationship is essential for appreciating Sambhal’s vital role in the intricate narrative of Asian history.

Now, returning to the story, the official request from the Chinese Mongol Empire was denied by Mohammad bin Tughlaq. Here, we again encounter the term “rebuilt,” which indicates the ghastly condition of the ancient Harihar Mandir during that period. 

Ibn Battuta, a renowned traveller of medieval times, recorded this account during the rule of Mohammad bin Tughlaq at the royal court.

Here are two important questions to address:

  1. Who was responsible for the destruction of the ancient Harihar Temple?
  2. Who constructed the current Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal? We will discuss the answers in chronological order.

Who destroyed the ancient Harihar Temple?

To find the specific answer, we need to analyze various historical timelines. During the late 13th century, Sultan Balban ruled India and, in 1254 CE, he launched a brutal attack on Sambhal to suppress a local Hindu uprising. This onslaught nearly wiped out the Hindu population there.

This event is detailed in the “Tarik-i-Firozshahi” and referenced in Brijendra Mohan Sankhder’s book, “Sambhal: A Historical Survey,” specifically in the section titled “Balban’s Ruthless Massacre at Sambhal.”

As a result of this devastation, the chances of the ancient Harihar temple surviving until the time of Babur, two centuries later, are very slim.

During the reign of Sultan Sikandar Lodhi, in the 15th century, Sambhal served as the capital of his empire for four years. As a staunch Muslim imperialist, Sikandar Lodhi established various Islamic educational centres in Sambhal, which significantly diminished the survival of the ancient Harihar temple.

Even Babur’s grandson Akbar’s court historian Abul Fazl’s book “Ain-i Akbari” has a strong reference to the ancient Harihar temple in Sambhal. Ain-i-Akbari, page 281, quotes:

In the city of Sambhal, there is a temple of “Harimandal”, the temple of Vishnu, belonging to a Brahmin, from whose descendants, the 10th Avatar will appear in this spot.

However, this quote doesn’t mention the condition of the temple in that era, such as whether it was functional or in ruins. 

Interestingly, the current Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal is not mentioned in the Ain-i-Akbari. This implies that until the era of Akbar, the Shahi Jama Masjid likely did not exist. It can thus be concluded that the ancient Harihar temple was destroyed between the rule of Balban and that of Sikandar Lodhi.

Who built Sambhal Shahi Jama Masjid?

To understand this answer, we must first examine the demographic changes in Sambhal. The region, historically part of the Panchal state, is located in the heart of Rohilkhand. It is important to note that the term “Rohilkhand” did not come into existence until the time of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

In the late 17th century, around 1670 CE, Aurangzeb decided to compile a book that would serve as a comprehensive guide to Sharia-based codes of conduct for Indian Muslims. This book, called “Fatawa-e-Alamgiri”, encompasses various aspects such as statecraft, general ethics, military strategy, economic policy, justice, and punishment. It is now considered one of the greatest compilations of Muslim law during Mughal India. Subsequently, it became the reference legal text for enforcing sharia in colonial South Asia from the 18th century through the early 20th century.

To compile Fatawa-e-Alamgiri, emperor Aurangzeb gathered 500 experts in Islamic jurisprudence, 300 from the entire Indian subcontinent (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh & Myanmar) 100 from Iraq and 100 from the Hejaz (Saudi Arabia). So, during this very time, the migration of certain tribes happened from central Asia to India, as all these scholars were accompanied by their local servants. 

There was a tribe originally from the Kandahar region, which is located in present-day Afghanistan. This tribe gradually migrated towards the current Afghanistan-Pakistan border, known as the Durand Line, due to continuous waves of invasions from Central Asia into India. 

This particular tribe was called “Rohillas”.This term “Rohilla” originated from “Roh”, meaning the hilly country, where Rohilla was used as a fairly broad notion of the people from Roh. Later Roh referred to a geographical term which corresponded with, in its limited sense, the territory stretching from Swat and Bajaur in the north to Sibi in the south, and from Hasan Abdal (Attock) in the east to Kabul and Kandahar in the west, which corresponded with the homeland of the Pashtuns. 

This migration increased significantly during the time of Nader Shah’s attack(1739 CE), and the migrants eventually settled in the towns of Saharanpur, Rampur, Pilibhit, Badaun, and Bareilly. All of this occurred within a brief 40-year period, spanning from the end of Aurangzeb’s era to the arrival of Nader Shah.

During the period when the Marathas were trying to expand their influence in northern India, the Rohillas emerged as a dominant force in the region of Panchal, which is now part of western Uttar Pradesh. Sambhal became the central focal point during the era of the Rohillas.

The Rohillas were instrumental in inviting Ahmad Shah Abdali, the founder of Afghanistan, to invade India, much like his predecessor Nader Shah, who had been Abdali’s original master. This resulted in the Third Battle of Panipat, which took place in 1761 CE. The Third Battle of Panipat was a pivotal moment in history, fundamentally reshaping the trajectory of modern India. 

Before this fierce battle, Abdali was invited in 1757 CE also, which led to the devastation of Mathura, Gokul, Bulandshahr, and Vrindavan. This attack was orchestrated by the Rohillas and executed by Abdali. The Third Battle of Panipat was a response by the Marathas to this invasion by the Afghans.

In 1772 CE, after the Marathas regained their lost northern territories and successfully routed the Rohillas under Mahadji Scindia, Queen Ahilya bai Holkar constructed a temple in Sambhal. This temple, known as the Kalki Mandir, was built just 300 meters from the current Shahi Jama Masjid. Similarly, Ahilya bai also constructed the current Kashi Vishwanath temple next to the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi.

This event indicates that the current Shahi Jama Masjid was a significant presence at the scene in Sambhal during this period.

Although it is now the responsibility of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to determine the exact date of the construction of this masjid, we can get a clearer understanding of when the current Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal was built by studying historical timelines.

Note: This article was initially published on December 23, 2024, on thesquirrels.in. Except for its headline, OpIndia has reproduced the article as it is after seeking due permission. You can read the original article here.

References

  • ASI Report of Tours in the Central Doab and Gorakhpur in 1874- 75 and 1875- 76, A.C. Carlleyle, 1879.
  • The Monumental Antiquities and Inscriptions in the North-Western Provinces and Oudh,  A.Fuiirer, 1891.
  • Volume XVI of The District Gazetteers of the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh, H.R. Nevill, 1911.
  • Sambhal: A Historical Survey, Brijendra Mohan Sankhder,1971.
  • The Ain-i-Akbari, Vol. 2, Abul Fazal, English translation by Col. H.S. Jarrett, 1891.
  • Marathas & Panipat, Hari Ram Gupta, 1961.
  • Rulers of India: Madhav Rao Sindhia, H.G. Keene,1901
  • Hastings and the Rohilla War, Sir John Strachey, 1892.
  • History of Afghans, J.P. Ferrier, 1858.

Bombay HC rules that use of loudspeakers is not essential in any religion, directs to implement mechanism to control decibel levels

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Bombay HC rules that use of loudspeakers is not essential in any religion, directs to implement mechanism to control decibel levels

In a significant ruling, the Bombay High Court has declared that the use of loudspeakers is not an essential practice of any religion. A Bench of Justices Ajay Gadkari and Shyam Chandak made the observation while directing the Mumbai police to strictly implement the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 on 23 January 2025.

The case was brought before the court by petitioners who argued that the use of loudspeakers for religious activities, such as Azaan and religious discourses, was causing noise pollution and disrupting the peace in their localities. They contended that noise from loudspeakers used in mosques and other religious events were exceeding permissible limits, and such practices infringed upon their right to a peaceful environment. The petitions were filed two resident welfare associations in Mumbai’s Kurla and Chunabhatti areas.

The petitions added that despite repeated complaints to authorities, no action was taken against such use of loudspeakers. The pleas said that the inaction by police amounted to negligence and a violation of the Noise Pollution Rules.

In its judgment, the court expressed its inability to issue any direction for the registration of FIR, but emphasized that while the Constitution guarantees the freedom to practice and propagate religion, this right does not extend to practices that impinge upon the rights of others. The court stated that the use of loudspeakers cannot be considered an integral part of any religious practice.

Therefore, the court directed the state to take appropriate actions to control the decibel level of loudspeakers, voice amplifiers, public address systems or any other sound-emitting gadgets used in religious places. The court suggested that the govt may issue directions for calibrating or auto-setting decibel limits for such loudspeakers and amplifiers.

The Bombay High Court also directed the govt to ensure that police officials use mobile apps to monitor decibel levels of such sound systems. If violations are found, police should seize the equipment and take appropriate action, the court added. The bench further added that once a complaint is received, the police must take action without identifying the complainant.

This ruling aligns with previous decisions by the Bombay High Court aimed at regulating noise pollution during religious events. In a 2022 order, the court held that festivals like Navratri, which involve Garba and Dandiya dances, do not necessitate the use of loudspeakers or DJs, emphasizing the need to conduct such events without causing disturbance to others.

UK: Teen who killed 3 little girls in Southport dance class given 52 years jail, had Al-Qaeda material but prosecution insists ‘no religious motive’

OpIndia Staff
-
0
UK: Teen who killed 3 little girls in Southport dance class given 52 years jail, had Al-Qaeda material but prosecution insists ‘no religious motive’

A teenager who murdered three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, United Kingdom, last year has been sentenced to more than 50 years in prison, Al Jazeera reported.

Axel Rudakubana, 18, was sentenced on Thursday, with the judge noting that he had attempted to carry out a mass murder of innocent, happy children.

Despite his age, the judge ruled that Rudakubana must serve a minimum of 52 years before being considered for parole, stating that it was likely he would never be released.

Rudakubana, 17 at the time of the attack, killed three young girls–Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine–at a dance class in Southport last July. In addition to the murders, Rudakubana wounded eight other children and two adults.

“Axel Rudakubana has been sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum of 52 years, for the murder of Elsie Dot Stancombe, Bebe King, and Alice da Silva Aguiar and the attempted murder of ten others after the attack in Southport on 29 July 2024,” The Crown Prosecution Service posted shortly after the sentencing.

On Monday, Rudakubana admitted to the killings and pleaded guilty to 10 counts of attempted murder, producing ricin, and possessing an al-Qaeda training manual. Prosecutors, however, insisted that Rudakubana had no political or religious motive for his actions but was instead obsessed with violence and genocide.

Rudakubana was not present in court for the sentencing after being removed earlier for disruptive behaviour. His crimes sparked widespread social unrest, with anti-migrant protests and clashes with police occurring across the UK.

Born in Cardiff to Rwandan Christian parents, Rudakubana’s motives remain unclear, and investigations have not yet revealed a definitive cause for his actions. Authorities had been alerted to his violent tendencies prior to the attack.

In response to the attack, the UK government has ordered a public inquiry, citing the need to address critical questions surrounding the incident, Al Jazeera reported.

The attempt by the prosecution to insist that it was not a religiously motivated crime has been raising many questions. Liverpool Muslim Council leader Tawhid Islam was seen trying to divert the question from a Sky News reporter when she mentioned the Al Qaeda material and terrorism charges. He was seen insisting that it should be seen as a general crime against women and not an act of extremism.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his commitment to delivering change following one of the country’s most harrowing events. “We owe it to these innocent young girls and all those affected to deliver the change that they deserve,” Starmer said.

As per reports, the MP from Southport has advocated for a review of the sentencing. Reports indicate that Rudakubana showed no remorse, but kept shouting for medical attention, disrupting the court proceedings again and again. Despite being told that all medical treatment has been provided to him, his disruption continued, till the judge ordered him removed.


(With inputs from ANI)

Supreme Court rejects advocate Ashwini Upadhyay’s petition seeking to scrap the Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) system

ANI
-
0
Supreme Court rejects advocate Ashwini Upadhyay’s petition seeking to scrap the Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) system

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a PIL seeking to declare that the Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) system is “manifestly arbitrary, irrational and violative of various fundamental rights”.

A bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar declined the plea filed by advocate petitioner advocate Ashwini Upadhyay and said he may approach High Court with his plea.

“Sorry, we will not entertain. It is very badly drafted. You can move the High Court. Some judgments have upheld it. We will not entertain. Dismissed,” said the bench.

The petition contended that the TDS system disproportionately burdens assesses with significant administrative expenses.

“Declare the TDS system manifestly arbitrary, irrational and against Articles 14 (right to equality), 19 (right to practice profession) and 21 (right to life and personal liberty) of the Constitution, hence void and inoperative,” the plea stated.

The petition made the Centre, Ministry of Law and Justice, Law Commission, and NITI Aayog as parties in the case.

The plea urged the apex court to direct the NITI Ayog to consider contentions raised in the plea and suggest necessary changes in TDS system.

Law Commission should examine the legality of the TDS system and prepare a report within three months, it sought.

The petition said the system violated Article 14 by disproportionately burdening economically weaker sections and small earners who lack the capacity to navigate its technical requirements.

The plea while referring to Article 23 said the imposition of tax collection duties on private citizens amounted to forced labour.

“The regulatory and procedural framework surrounding TDS is excessively technical, often requiring specialised legal and financial expertise, which most assessees lack. The result is an unjust shifting of sovereign responsibilities from the government to private citizens without adequate compensation, resources, or legal safeguards,” it said.

While TDS ensures steady revenue inflow for the government, it imposes substantial administrative and financial obligations on the assessees, the advocate said.

These obligations include determining applicable TDS rates across various provisions, deducting taxes before payments or credits, depositing taxes with the government treasury within specified timeframes, issuing TDS certificates to deductees, filing returns and ensuring compliance with frequent legal amendments and defending against assessments, penalties in cases of inadvertent non-compliance, added the plea.

The TDS framework under the Income Tax Act mandates the deduction of tax at the time of payment by the payer and its deposit with the income tax department. These payments include salaries, contractual fees, rents, commissions and other taxable sums. The deducted amount is adjusted against the payee’s tax liability.

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

Delhi Court refuses to order FIR against Art Gallery over MF Hussain’s paintings depicting Hindu deities with nude women, to proceed with complaint of hurting religious sentiments

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Delhi Court refuses to order FIR against Art Gallery over MF Hussain’s paintings depicting Hindu deities with nude women, to proceed with complaint of hurting religious sentiments

The Patiala House Court on Wednesday declined to order the registration of an FIR against Delhi Art Gallery in response to a petition claiming that two paintings by the late artist MF Husain offended religious sentiments of Hindus. The two paintings displayed recently at the art gallery have already been seized by police.

However, the Court decided to proceed on the complaint filed by advocate Amita Sachdeva who had claimed that the paintings of Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanuman by MF Hussain hurt the sentiments of Hindus.

The Court will examine the accused persons to determine whether there is sufficient ground to proceed with the matter or not. While declining to order FIR, Judicial Magistrate First Class Sahil Monga noted that the complainant was already aware of all the facts and circumstances surrounding the case. Additionally, the CCTV footage from the Delhi Art Gallery and the disputed paintings had already been seized.

The judge further stated that, in its considered view, no additional investigation or evidence gathering was needed at this stage, as all pertinent evidence was already in the complainant’s possession and on record.

The court further added that in the present case, all the facts and circumstances of the case are within the knowledge of the complainant. CCTV footage of Delhi Art Gallery, NVR and the paintings in question have already been seized.

The court stated, “It is settled law that U/s. 175(3) BNSS, Magistrate has power to direct the police to register a case and investigate the matter, but this power is to be exercised judiciously and not in a mechanical manner. In the matters where the complainant has in his/her possession all the evidence required to prove his/her allegations, there should be no need to pass an order U/s. 175 (3) BNSS.”

Allowing the case to proceed on the complaint of hurting religious sentiments of Hindus, the court said, “This matter may be proceeded as a complaint case henceforth. Let notice be issued to proposed accused persons in terms of first proviso to section 223 BNSS for 12.02.2025.”

The Court on Wednesday reserved its decision on whether an FIR should be registered against the Delhi Art Gallery (DAG) and its Owner and director over the display of controversial paintings by renowned artist MF Husain. The petition was filed by advocate Amita Sachdeva stating that artworks depicted Hindu deities Hanuman and Ganesha holding nude female figures.

The controversy began when Complainant Amita Sachdeva, a practicing Advocate visited the Delhi Art Gallery in Connaught Place on December 4, 2024, and took photographs of the disputed paintings. The pencil sketches, not seen previously, depicts Lord Ganesha with a nude woman on his lap and Lord Hanuman carrying a nude woman onhis hand and a nude man with his tail while flying.

Following this, she filed a complaint with the Parliament Street Police Station on December 9, 2024, after researching past FIRs lodged against Husain for similar works. However, during a subsequent visit on December 10, 2024, with the investigating officer, the paintings were mysteriously removed and gallery officials claimed that they had never been on display.

She then approached the Court seeking directions for FIR against the art gallery and preservation of evidence. In response to Sachdeva’s petition, Judicial Magistrate (First Class) Sahil Monga reviewed the Action Taken Report (ATR) from the police, which included CCTV footage and a list of artworks provided by the gallery.

The Action Taken Report by the Police stated that the paintings in question were indeed displayed as part of an exhibition, however it was held in a private space. The report confirmed that the disputed paintings were listed under Serial Nos. 6 and 10 in the gallery’s inventory. It stated that the paintings displayed as original work of the artists.

Judge Monga then issued an order for the paintings to be seized, directing the investigating officer to file a report on the seizure by January 22, 2025. Accordingly, the two paintings were seized, as confirmed by the compliance report filed by the police. However, the police reportedly said that the commission of cognizable offence could not be ascertained.

Accountability and integrity of bureaucracy go for a toss as scam-tainted IAS officer Pooja Singhal gets reinstated to office by Jharkhand government

Shraddha Pandey
-
0
Accountability and integrity of bureaucracy go for a toss as scam-tainted IAS officer Pooja Singhal gets reinstated to office by Jharkhand government

It happens only in India where corrupt politicians thrive with impunity, corrupt “Sarkari babus” cling to their positions like barnacles and all it takes for a career comeback for a money laundering accused IAS officer is a brief stint in jail and the backing of a land scam-accused government. The dramatic episode of corruption-tainted IAS Pooja Singhal’s arrest to reinstatement to “public service” in Jharkhand would make even the most seasoned corruption-accused politicians blush. Money laundering accused IAS Pooja Singhal has been welcomed back to the prestigious bureaucratic fold by the CM Hemant Soren-led government in Jharkhand on Wednesday (22nd January 2025).

Pooja Singhal’s reinstatement to her position comes after she secured bail from a special court on 7th December 2024. Singhal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate over allegations of corruption in the implementation of MNERGA, the Centre’s flagship scheme for rural employment. Now Pooja Singhal will serve in the Department of Personnel, Administrative Reforms and Raj Bhasha.

A notification issued by the Department of Personnel, Administrative Reforms and Raj Bhasa, revoking Singhal’s suspension read, “In light of the recommendations made by the Suspension Review Committee after due consideration, Pooja Singhal, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, has been reinstated with effect from December 7, 2024, following her release on bail.”

It has been reported that Pooja Singhal arrived at the PMLA court on Wednesday to examine the attested documents seized by the Enforcement Directorate. However, due to undisclosed reasons, she could not do so. In this case, accused CA Suman Kumar inspected the attested documents. The next hearing on the matter is slated for 30th January.

Slamming JMM and Congress for Pooja Singhal’s reinstatement, BJP MP Ravi Shankar said, “Jharkhand’s IAS officer Pooja Singhal was arrested for corruption. Rs 16 crores were recovered from her CA… PMLA officials also recovered Rs. 36 crores in cash from her… She was in jail for the last 28 months. She got bail in December and on January 21, her suspension was withdrawn and she was reinstated… An IAS officer against whom a trial is underway and PMLA court has registered a case, crores of rupees were recovered, has been reinstated as soon as she got out of jail… Congress is also a part of the Jharkhand government and they have to answer what is happening… My question is to Rahul Gandhi who roams around with the Consitution in his hand… We condemn this and demand an answer from Congress…”

From becoming one of the youngest IAS officers to getting arrested for corruption: The journey of  IAS Pooja Singhal

Pooja Singhal is a 2000-batch IAS officer of the Jharkhand cadre. On the 6th of 2022, six places in Ranchi were raided by ED, one of which is a super speciality hospital of her second husband. Her first husband is a 1999 batch IAS officer in Jharkhand. The probe pertained to a case registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) by the Enforcement Directorate in 2020 against Jharkhand junior engineer Ram Binod Prasad Sinha.

The central probe agency had taken cognizance of 16 FIRs and a charge sheet filed by the Jharkhand Vigilance Bureau against Sinha, according to which Sinha was accused of misappropriating government funds worth Rs 18.06 crore. Ram Binod Prasad Sinha was a junior engineer in Khunti when Pooja Singhal was the District Collector of Khunti.

Ram Binod Sinha had told the investigators that Pooja Singhal had obliged two NGOs, Welfare Point and Prerna Niketan with Rs 6 crores fund and had granted a mining lease on 83 acres of forest land in contravention of the environmental regulations. As deputy commissioner in Chatra, Palamu, and Khunti districts, she is alleged to have committed irregularities in the MNRGEA funds as well.

While Pooja Singhal was supposed to work for the upliftment of the poorest of the poor, she along with other accused ended up allegedly looting the poor people in the high-profile MNREGA Scam. Between February 16, 2009 and July 19, 2010, Pooja Singhal served as the deputy commissioner (DC) of Khunti. MGNREGA money was allegedly misappropriated in the Khunti region, along with other shady financial activities, during her stay there.

Based on the multiple FIRs filed by the Jharkhand Police and the Vigilance Bureau Jharkhand, the ED launched a money laundering probe against IAS Pooja Singhal. The Khunti district MGNREGA scam in Jharkhand is one of the biggest high-profile scams.

Pooja Singhal, who was apprehended by the Enforcement Directorate on the 11th of May in 2022, had served over two and a half years in prison. Her attorney argued for her release under the altered legal framework, which allows bail for accused whose judicial detention equals or surpasses one-third of the maximum term in the case at hand.

Singhal, a 2000 batch IAS officer, was arrested by the federal investigative agency for allegedly embezzling crores of MGNREGA funds in Jharkhand. In connection with the money laundering investigation, the Enforcement Directorate raided multiple Singhal-linked properties. Interestingly, back in 2022, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader and now CM Hemant Soren’s close aide Ravi Kejriwal was interrogated by ED in connection with this case. The former treasurer of JMM was expelled from the party after the scam was unearthed. Kejriwal revealed that on the instructions of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, his close aide Prem Prakash ordered money for illegal mining from Santhal and gave it to Kolkata businessman Amit Agarwal.

In a statement, the Enforcement Directorate said that it seized more than Rs 36.58 crore in cash tied to illegal mining operations during two separate investigations after the initial seizure of Rs 19.76 crore from premises linked to IAS Pooja Singhal and her accomplices. During this search operation, ED also seized five stone crushers that were being illegally operated from the Site and five illegal firearm cartridges. The evidence collected during the course of the investigation including statements of various persons, digital evidence and documents revealed that the seized cash/bank balance is derived from illegal mining being rampantly done in the Sahibganj area including the forest area.

A trail of further Rs. 100 Crore of Proceeds of crime generated from illegal mining was also unearthed by the probe agency. In May 2023, the ED said that they had attached immovable properties of Pooja Singhal worth Rs 82.77 crore.

In September 2024, the Supreme Court rejected Singhal’s bail plea as the bench noted that it was an “extraordinary case”. The ED had opposed the plea saying that Pooja Singhal most of her time in custody period in a hospital in Ranchi.

A detailed OpIndia explainer on the MNREGA Scam and Pooja Singhal’s role in it can be read here.

Corrupt ‘public servants’ coming back in the “system” with impunity: Accountability and integrity of public service in India undermined

The revocation of Pooja Singhal’s suspension and her reinstatement in office by the Jharkhand government despite serious money laundering allegations is alarming. The very fact that IAS Pooja Singhal could return to her duties after crores of unaccounted cash was seized by the federal probe agency, incriminating evidence of misuse of official position found and the money laundering case remaining sub-judice, indicates a clear lack of accountability within the “system”. Apparently, even serious corruption allegations may not have lasting consequences for those in power or influential positions.

This is a blatant normalisation of corruption and violation of public trust wherein corruption-accused government officials out on bail are allowed back into their roles with there being no clear resolution, or punishment for their illegal activities. While the court granting bail to Pooja Singhal is outrageous enough, the Jharkhand government revoking her suspension and reinstating her to office sends out a message to the public that there is no real accountability for corrupt officials while also sets a bad precedent. Clearly, the “system” not only shamelessly turns a blind eye to the wrongdoings of such officials but also rewards them.

Instead of fighting the menace of corruption in bureaucracy, the Hemant Soren-led government’s move fosters a culture of impunity wherein officers accused of corruption and misuse of position are emboldened, knowing that their malpractices would hardly have any impact on their careers in the long run. Apparently, political patronage helps the corrupt escape the clutches of the law.

Besides the fact that even blatantly corrupt individuals can be back in the “system” with impunity, the work of investigative agencies like ED who invested their relentless efforts and resources to investigate such cases, recover unaccounted funds and pursue legal action, are also undermined. The Pooja Singhal episode sends out a message to present and future civil servants that even corrupt practices are not essentially career-ending, particularly, if the government is keen on showing more dexterity in reinstating corruption-accused officials to office simply because they are out on bail than on ensuring that corruption does not happen under their watch.

While the legal proceedings against IAS Pooja Singhal will continue, the Jharkhand government’s decision to allow her back into service mocks the seriousness of judicial processes and obligation to ensure that the system is free from scam tainted officials and bureaucratic integrity is maintained. These deep-seated flaws within the administrative and political system of the country needs to be fixed. Singhal’s revocation of suspension and reinstatement to service not only puts a question mark on the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures and seriousness of the government but also violates moral fabric of public service.

Ajmer: Police deployed during wedding procession due to old Dalit-OBC conflict, media peddles false propaganda about caste discrimination

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Ajmer: Police deployed during wedding procession due to old Dalit-OBC conflict, media peddles false propaganda about caste discrimination

A recent wedding in Ajmer, Rajasthan grabbed significant media attention over the past few days. However, this interest stemmed not from the event itself but from the inculcation of caste dynamics and the perpetuation of a victimhood narrative where none existed. Notably, the media has consistently sought to incorporate caste issues into its coverage and this instance was no exception. However, the propaganda was soon busted and the truth was unveiled.

The matter came to light on 22nd January when notable media outlets including The Times of India, The Print, ETV Bharat and NDTV among others projected the presence of police during the wedding procession as a glaring example of atrocities on the members of the Scheduled Caste or Dalit community without looking into or rather deliberately ignoring the reality of the situation. The casteist undertone in their reports conveyed a portrayal that was fundamentally at odds with the actual circumstances.

Each story tried to depict the presence of police officers as a result of aggressive behaviour from the upper caste people who could attack the wedding party because members of the Dalit community are allegedly not allowed to ride horses. However, the cops were, in fact, deployed since there was an old conflict between the members of Dalit and Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities which transpired around twenty-years ago. Dilip Mandal also called out “The Times of India” for spreading fake news.

Notably, the cops were not called by the groom or his family members and the matter had nothing to do with the upper caste.

The actual background of the incident

The incident happened in the Lavera village of Ajmer district in Rajasthan. The prominent members of the Gurjar community and villagers participated in the marriage ceremony of Vijay Bakolia, who had travelled from Srinagar with the wedding procession, delivering an example of social and community harmony. They not only welcomed the procession but even joined it on the way to the bride’s house. The locals dispelled all of the unfounded accusations that a Dalit groom perched atop a mare could stir trouble in the community. 200 police officers from 12 police stations were stationed in every street and neighborhood in the village in response to the request for police protection by the bride’s family which turned the area into a cantonment.

The bride, Aruna, was regarded as the hamlet’s daughter by the residents of Lavera, a Gujjar-dominated region who bid farewell to her. The sacred rituals were completed peacefully. The wedding party also adhered to the village customs according to which it is customary for the groom from any community to not pass close to the temple of Charbhuja and Devnarayan while riding a horse. The long-standing practice was also observed on that day.

The participation of the villagers in the wedding ceremony was also seen in full swing at the bride’s house. The wedding ceremony was carried out amicably with Hindu traditions owing to the cooperation of the villagers, the district police’s understanding and the subdivision administration’s support.

On 9th July 2005, members of a group in Lavera village objected to a marriage which led to a serious dispute. The police administration had put in place stringent security measures at that time as well. The horseman left with his mare from the baraat despite the deployment of additional police officers. The groom had to to sit in a police jeep and the wedding procession was then able to move forward.

The police were obviously present because of an old feud involving the bride’s family and not because anyone was afraid of being harmed by persons from upper caste. Unfortunately, the turth has always been overshadowed by the propaganda of the liberal ecosystem and mainstream media and this time was no different.

EAM S Jishankar terms the attack on Indian Consulate in San Francisco ‘a serious matter’, calls for action and accountability

OpIndia Staff
-
0
EAM S Jishankar terms the attack on Indian Consulate in San Francisco ‘a serious matter’, calls for action and accountability

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who recently attended the swearing-in ceremony of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the USA, expressed concern over the attack on the Indian consulate in San Francisco, USA. Jaishankar condemned the attack that happened on the Indian consulate in San Francisco in March 2023 terming it ‘a serious matter’.

“…the arson attack on our consulate in San Francisco is a very very serious matter and it is something for which we expect accountability. We would like to see that people who did it are held responsible, ” he said in response to a question asked in a press meeting on Wednesday that he attended after meeting with the new US Secretary of State Marco Rubino.

Khalistanis attacked the Indian Consulate in San Francisco

The Consulate General of India in San Francisco faced a string of attacks on March 19, 2023. Early in the morning, some attackers attempted to set the Consulate building on fire by sprinkling inflammable substances. Later that day, some pro-Khalistani entities trespassed into the consulate and tried to burn down the Consulate. A video of the attack went viral on social media in which one can see the Khalistani flags being used to break the doors and windows of the consulate. The attackers also painted #FreeAmritpal graffiti on the walls of the building as well. Subsequently, on the intervening night of July 1 and 2, some accused persons trespassed into the consulate and attempted to set the consulate on fire while consulate officials were inside the building.

The NIA released pictures of the accused persons

In September 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) released the photographs of 10 wanted accused in connection with the March 2023 attack seeking information about the accused persons from the general public. The NIA registered a case under sections 109, 120-B, 147, 148, 149, 323 436, 448 and 452 of the Indian Penal Code, section 13 of the UA (P) Act and section 3(1) of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. A team of the NIA visited San Francisco in August 2023 for the investigation of the attack.

Indian Tricolour pulled down from Indian High Commission in London

The attack on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco was preceded by an incident of removal of the Indian tricolour from the Indian High Commission in London by a Khalistani protestor. On the evening of March 19, 2023, a mob of pro-Khalistani protestors staged protests outside the Indian High Commission chanting ‘Khalistan Zindabad’. From among the protestors, one man scaled up the walls of the building and pulled down the Indian flag.

The Indian intelligence agencies claimed that the attack on the Indian High Commission was masterminded by Khalistani terrorists Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Avtar Khanda. Nijjar was shot dead in Surrey, Canada on June 18 (local time) four days after Avtar Khanda mysteriously died in a UK Hospital. 

Khalistanis attacked the Indian Consulate in Australia

On February 21, 2023, some Khalistanis attacked the Indian Consulate in Brisbane, Australia and hoisted the Khalistani flag on its building. On January 29, Khalistanis attacked with swords several Indian Australians carrying the Indian tricolour. Notably, the Khalistani terrorist outfit ‘Sikhs For Justice’, which has been banned by the Indian government, had announced that a referendum on Khalistan will take place on January 29 at Federation Square.

Khalistanis attacked a Hindu temple in Canada

On November 3, 2024, Khalistani elements attacked and created mayhem at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton, Canada while a consular camp organised by the Indian High Commission in Ottawa was in progress. Khalistani elements raising anti-India slogans and threatening to attack and kill Indian government officials created chaos at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton. A group of Khalistanis raising hateful slogans against India, the Indian government, and Indian nationals had started assaulting pro-India locals at the gate of the premises.

Over the past couple of years, Hindu temples and institutions associated with the government of India have witnessed a string of attacks mostly by Khalistani elements across the world including in Canada, the UK, Australia, and the US.

Operation Praghat: Assam Police arrest one more Ansarullah Bangla Team terrorist – Read details about crackdown against the group’s secession plans, plot to kill RSS leaders

Rukma Rathore
-
0
Operation Praghat: Assam Police arrest one more Ansarullah Bangla Team terrorist – Read details about crackdown against the group’s secession plans, plot to kill RSS leaders

As part of its sustained efforts in “Operation Praghat” against Islamic extremists, the Special Task Force (STF) of the Assam Police has arrested another individual labelled as a “jihadi” in the Dhubri area, which borders Bangladesh. With this recent capture, the total number of arrests has reached 14. The authorities informed about the development on 21st January. The individual has been identfied as 31-year-old Ajibar Rahman from the Chinamari village which falls under the jurisdiction of the Bilasipara police station area in Dhubri district of Assam.

This is the second arrest this week, after the STF previously nabbed “most wanted” Jaheer Ali for having ties to the banned Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), an Islamist group based in Bangladesh that is associated with Al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and engage in terrorist activities. He was caught from Khudigaon Pt.II hamlet in Dhubri district, during a coordinated operation. According to a Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) statement, the investigation thus far has revealed that the apprehended accused’s activities were planned to support and enhance the operational capacities of extremist outfits that intend to undermine the security and sovereignty of the nation.

It further read, “During the course of the investigation into the case against fundamentalists, STF arrested 14 jihadis or Islamic extremists so far, which include a Bangladeshi national. They were working under the direction of one Farhan Israk, a close associate of ABT chief Jasimuddin Rahmani.” Inspector general (IG) of STF, Partha Sarathi Mahanta informed, “Based on the inputs from intelligence agencies, we launched the operation last month, and a case was also registered. Under this, we have arrested several suspected jihadis (Islamic extremists).”

The operation remains in progress, he conveyed, noting that a significant quantity of weapons, explosives, ammunition, and various other materials were discovered during the arrests. “We have recovered various incriminating documents and mobile phones during our operation,” he highlighted.

Authorities launch “Operation Praghat” to bust sleeper cells, terrorist activities and more

Over the course of the last two months, authorities have caught a significant number of individuals from Assam and adjacent states as part of their “Operation Praghat” initiative aimed at combating Global Terrorist Organizations (GTO). Partha Sarathi Mahanta said that terrorist groups affiliated with the GTO sent a member from Bangladesh in November of last year to activate the sleeper cells in India, and he began his mission from Assam. Additionally, five individuals from Assam and one from Kerala was nabbed by the Assam STF in last December.

“The Bangladeshi national named Sad Radi was arrested from Kerala, and we arrested his supporters from both Assam and West Bengal,” he mentioned. To advance their sinister ideology among like-minded Indians nationwide, Farhan Israk sent Sad Radi also known as Shab Sheikh, a Bangladeshi national from Rajshahi to India in November. He was subsequently detained by the Kerala Special Task Force. At that time, the former was leading the sleeper cell members in activities related to terrorism.

He crossed into India over the border at Murshidabad and held a few meetings in Jalpaiguri and Falakata, Bengal to assemble cadres for his terror schemes. He traveled to West Bengal, Assam and Kerala during his recruitment drive. Before heading to Kerala to meet with other sleeper cell members, he moved to Assam and West Bengal to meet with members of the ABT organization. 17 to 18 continuous raids were conducted simultaneously in Assam to capture him.

Moreover, Nur Islam Mandal, Abdul Karim Mandal, Mojibar Rahman, Hamidul Islam and Enamul Hoque, were picked up from Assam while Minarul Sheikh and Abbas Ali were detained from West Bengal after intelligence inputs. “The STF, under the direct supervision of its chief Partha Sarathi Mahanta, launched the operation and teams were dispatched to various parts of the country to identify the jihadi elements. During simultaneous operations in Kerala, West Bengal and Assam, the arrests were made,” Assam Special Director General of Police (SDGP) Harmeet Singh pointed out. He added that five people were apprehended in Assam, two in West Bengal and another in Kerala.

The accused were found in possession of a number of documents and cell phones that show they had been in constant contact with organizations in Bangladesh and Pakistan over the previous few months. He reported, “Texts with distorted religious beliefs relating to jihad, religious books with distorted narratives, printed and published in Bangladesh, four pen drives and various Bangladeshi certificates issued in the name of Sad Radi were also seized from the accused.”

They were trying to set up sleeper cells all over the nation, but especially in West Bengal and Assam. Two of the men who were caught had traveled to various places in West Bengal in an effort to enlist more members of the terrorist groups. “These individuals were actively involved in the procurement of arms and ammunition, as a part of the larger conspiracy to wage war against the Indian government,” he disclosed.

It is important to note that a few months earlier, Jasimuddin Rahmani had been released by Bangladesh’s interim government after being imprisoned since August 2013.

Speaking about the underground operations of the terrorists and their strategy, a senior official stated that the module was establishing sleeper cells throughout the nation, especially in Assam and West Bengal, which was discovered after the probe. “These sleeper cells were intended to serve as covert operational units, poised for subversive and violent activities that would be initiated to disrupt peace and tranquillity, as well as cause destruction of life and property,” added the officer.

Abbas Sheikh and Minarul Sheikh were taken into custody from Hariharpara in Murshidabad. The two suspects were found to have phony documents, Islamic religious texts, a pen drive and four cell phones. “Manirul, a 48-year-old pump mechanic, was attempting to establish a small madrasa for 10-12 students. Abbas, 29, has a prior criminal record, having been arrested in a POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act) and kidnapping case and released on bail after serving two years in jail,” Inspector-General of Police of STF Gaurav Sharma disclosed.

Additional Director General (South Bengal) Supratim Sarkar informed that during a raid in Murshidabad, STF Assam, partnering with West Bengal Police, detained Abbas and Minarul, who were among an eight-member group tracked down by the Bengal, Kerala and Assam police. “We have recovered a 16GB pen drive, some literature, and fake identity cards from the two suspects, identified as Abbas and Minarul Sheikh. We suspect they were part of a sleeper module aiming to create instability in sensitive areas of south and north Bengal, as well as in the seven sister states of the Northeast. They were setting up bases in Murshidabad and Alipurduar districts, with plans to eliminate prominent Hindu leaders in the eastern and northeastern regions and carry out attacks similar to the 2015 hacking of a blogger in Bangladesh,” he pointed out.

The authorities confirmed, “By exploiting local vulnerabilities, religious sentiments and fault lines, they aimed to create a network capable of operating under the radar while remaining loyal to the broader objectives of their organisation, to create disruption and chaos in India.”

Further arrests by the authorities

35-year-old Gazi Rahman, an important ABT member was arrested from the Kokrajhar district of Assam. He had been on the run and was caught as part of  “Operation Parghat” operation to apprehend members of terror groups. “Necessary legal action is being initiated in this matter. The STF continued its efforts to apprehend all individuals connected to this case,” an officer remarked.

Assam STF nabbed a wanted fundamentalist in the Dhubri area of western Assam during a raid. Shahinur Islam (36) is a resident of Bandhabpara Part-II of the Bilasipara police station area. The operation took place at Bandhabpara village under the jurisdiction of Bilasipara police station, according to official sources, as part of an ongoing investigation into a case. During the operation, a number of incriminating items were also found including one passport, two books, a PAN card, an Aadhaar card, and a cell phone.

CPRO, Assam Police released a statement which informed, “Necessary legal and procedural formalities are being carried out. The STF remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of the state by taking decisive action against anti-national activities.” The authorities arrested two more operatives of ABT during an operation at Namapara which is located in Kokrajhar police station area in lower Assam. The arrest of Abdul Zaher Sheikh and Sabbir Mirdha averted a potential terrorist attack.

Abdul Zaher Sheikh of Joypur Namapara in Kokrajhar district and Sabbir Mirdha hailed from Ramfalbil Bazar under Serfanguri police station of Kokrajhar district. According to Section 23 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), during the course of questioning and search operations, a sizable stockpile of weapons, ammunition, and other war-related things was uncovered in the hiding place of one of the individuals.

The intricate terrorist plot

Assam Police exposed one of the biggest terrorist modules in the northeastern state, unveiling a long-standing plot to carry out terrorist attacks, murder Hindu leaders and activists as well as sow religious hatred throughout the country. Multiple startling revelations from the authorities demonstrated the scope of the conspiracy to destabilize the country. The findings indicated that the terrorists wanted to challenge Indi’a intergrity and social cohesion through religious extremism. The retrieved material has been thoroughly inquired, providing insight into the scale of the terrorist operation.

It has come to light that the Jamaat Ulema-e-Hind ID Card was issued in Murshidabad, reported Zee News. The group invited scrutiny due to its connections with a terrorist network in Bangladesh. The investigators uncovered potential links to terrorist activities through data obtained from confiscated mobile devices. Among the arrested individuals, at least eight were found to possess fraudulent Aadhar cards, suggesting the formation of a local network for identity fraud. Counterfeit PAN cards were also unearthed and inquiry had been launched to trace their origins. The presence of a passport in the evidence pointed to cross-border terrorism, revealing frequent movements between terrorists in Bangladesh and Pakistan.

The incendiary text “Khut Baatul Islam,” designed to provoke jihad, was disseminated among young people with the aim of promoting radicalization. It endorses fundamentalist beliefs and encourages the youth to take up arms in the name of Islam. Published in Bangladesh, the work fuels violence by making bogus assertions that Muslims in India are under threat. According to the proof, there was a concerted attempt to promote terrorism from Bangladesh into India. The process was planned in phases:

  • Promotion of the book “Khut Baatul Islam” to promote radical beliefs, instigating local youths with jihadist texts and brainwashing madrasa teachers.
  • Training imams in jihad.
  • Educating ordinary Muslims to support the extremist cause.
  • Arms and suicide assault training for the terror operatives.
  • The conspiracy had been simmering for months, especially in the Gwalpara and Morigaon areas of Assam, where a number of madrasa teachers and imams were detained in 2023 and 2024 on suspicion of being sleeper cell agents.

RSS leaders and Hindu groups on hit-list, Siliguri Corridor on target

Several terrorist organizations, including Ansarullah Bangla Team, Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and Al-Qaeda, have been involved in the operation. Additionally, sources pointed to connections to Pakistan, signifying outside assistance in advancing the terrorist objectives. The network was trying to reach northern India, West Bengal and Kerala in addition to Assam. The terrorists were also plotting attacks on leaders of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and other Hindu groups.

They also wanted to recruit operatives in Bengali. The political shifts in Bangladesh have given extremist groups greater opportunities to participate in anti-Indian actions. However, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) warned India’s security services, who reacted diligently to deter the terrorists from achieving their nefarious agendas. Malda, Murshidabad and Kolkata in West Bengal, as well as Dhubri, Gwalpara, and Guwahati in Assam constitute the main targets of this network.

“ABT was banned in 2013-2015 in Bangladesh, India, the UK, and the United States. They are known to have committed murders of bloggers between 2013-2015, robberies, and were setting up sleeper cells for terror activities in India. They were mainly recruiting from two places, Murshidabad and Alipurduar. They were planning terror activities in the Chicken’s Neck, Siliguri Corridor. A person called Farhan was the head of the sleeper cell,” Supratim Sarkar mentioned.

He added, “The police investigations have revealed that ABT was attempting to identify youngsters using communal fissures and all the economic disparities and thus would pick up youths who are useful for their ideologies.” Gaurav Sharma stated, “There was an input and a well-coordinated joint operation in which Assam police needed our support. ABT were trying to set up sleeper cells in the country. They were recruiting youths in the country.”

Supratim Sarkar further stated, “A joint interrogation will be conducted, we are keen on to know their plans and actions in Bengal, on our side in the state as well as in our country. The way they had set up the cell, it’s clear that they were trying to cause disruption in the country by doing terror activities. Specific targets were the Chicken’s Neck, which is the Siliguri Corridor, so recruitment was one of the important parts of their activities, including the procurement of arms for the purpose. We are keen to unearth any more modules involved.”

He underlined that members of Ansar-al-Islam and other outlawed Bangladeshi groups now use Murshidabad as a transit route. Harmeet Singh also highlighted that the terrorists planned to kill Hindu and RSS leaders and had handlers in Bangladesh and Pakistan. According to authorities, the arrested individuals and the others were assigned the mission of obtaining firearms in order to join in subversive operations within the region. The arrests were important and timely given the sensitivity of the crucial corridor.

Balkanization of India

The main ABT terrorists in Bengal and Assam, Nur Islam Mandal and Mojibar Rahaman, residents of the Kokrajhar district of Assam, assisted Sad Radi in reaching out to people and sheltered him in a number of safe houses. They located radicalized Muslims who were eager to participate in clandestine activities with the outfit. According to the three, they met with radical clerics in Falakata (near Alipurduar, North Bengal) and Murshidabad (in South Bengal) in order to find Islamists who might be inducted into the ABT’s sleeper cells.

At these meetings, plots to murder RSS and Hindu organization leaders and members were also conceived. During these discussions, the targets to be slain were determined. These sessions produced detailed plans on how the killings would be executed with a focus on making them gruesome to incite Hindu indignation. According to the ABT’s strategy, these murders would destabilize large areas of Bengal and Assam, particularly the districts bordering Bangladesh, and cause massive communal tensions and riots.

The murders by members of these sleeper groups would have increased violence and produced a dreadful situation throughout Bengal, Assam and Tripura. The Bangladeshi-origin Muslims in the border districts of Bengal, Assam and Tripura would have then called for secession from India and integration of the districts with Bangladesh, much like the Kukis are demanding independence from Manipur.

Touts in Bengal arranged passports for ABT terrorists

Touts in Bengal helped ABT terrorists cross the international border, after which they arranged for Indian passports and other citizenship credentials. The latter were directed to make arrangements for the leaders of the group, notably Sad Rabi, the head of the Bengal-Assam module, to travel safely. These revelations surfaced during the interrogation of arrested ABT members by police, per a report in The Times of India.

Local fairs and madrasas were frequented by ABT members who would enter Bengal using forged passports. According to the police, they would then disperse the ABT doctrines at these gatherings. The former stated to have videos of Sad Rabi at village events, including melas. He was calling for Khilafat (Islamic Caliphate) during an event in one video shot in Murshidabad. Likewise they used the internet to recruit their operatives and train them virtually. Shahinur Islam was teaching the courses. According to police investigations, ABT was trying to find young people by exploiting economic inequalities and communal divisions.

Notably, many members of the current government in Bangladesh, in addition to Islamist groups, seek extending Bangladesh’s borders to encompass significant portions of Bengal, Assam and Tripura. Mahfuz Alam, a prominent figure in the present regime who reportedly have close ties to the terrorist group Hizb ut-Tahrir (HuT), recently claimed on social media that India had “contained” Bangladesh and showed a map of his nation that included the majority of Bengal, Assam, and other northeastern states.

He is an advisor and special assistant to Muhammad Yunus. He was forced to delete the post after severe backlash, but it revealed the anti-Indian sentiment of the influential members of the current Bangladeshi government as Islamic zealots wreak havoc on Hindus and other minorities in the country with its tacit support.

The authorities are steadfast in their efforts to prevent the spread of terrorism from Bangladesh into India as “Operation Praghat” proceeds further. These terror plots are unlikely to succeed given India’s preparation and vigilance, since the nation’s security forces are on high alert. “Operation Praghat” was initiated following a thorough review of information inputs “regarding the anti-national activities being carried out by a group of individuals,” the under Farhan Israk’s leadership. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on 1st January also announced that the STF probe had helped Assam Police uncover a jihadi conspiracy and the authorities will continue the same.

1...579580581...7,653Page 580 of 7,653