On Wednesday, 18th December, a widow in Basaha Mafi village, located in the Phoolbehad police station area of Lakhimpur Kheri, put up a poster to sell her house. Reportedly, the woman was fed up of harassment from members of the Muslim community. “Muslimo se pareshan hokar ghar chodna chahte hai. Makan bikau hai (Fed up of Muslim harassment, we intend to sell this house),” the poster read.
The woman said that her elder daughter, who has been a target of love jihad, is struggling to get justice and in the meantime, she is now receiving threats that her younger daughter might also be targeted in a similar incident.
The woman revealed that her younger daughter had once faced an obscene incident after which a complaint was registered against the perpetrators under the POCSO act. “However, no action has been taken against the accused persons who continue to roam freely in the village and continue to threaten us,” she claimed.
Notably, the police said that it had arrested 3 persons in the case.
As per the reports, the woman says that she is unable to step outside her home due to fear, as the accused belongs to the Muslim community and is a history-sheeter. “Despite repeated visits to the police station and the Superintendent of Police’s office, no substantial action has been taken against the accused,” the woman said accusing the police of inaction, leaving her vulnerable to mental and physical harassment by powerful Islamist individuals.
The woman explained that her village has a dominant Muslim population and that hers is the only family who is Hindu. Following her husband’s death, she and her daughters started facing increasing harassment at the hands of Muslims. The woman, while talking about the incident to the media, accused Imran, the grandson of former village head Bhure, and his associates, of regularly harassing her daughters. She also said that Imran had abducted her elder daughter twice before, prompting her to file missing person reports.
As per the lady, on October 4th, 2024, her daughters were alone at home. During this time, Imran and another youth named Irshad broke into her house, created chaos, stole Rs 35,000 in cash and jewelry, and kidnapped her elder daughter. They are also believed to have sexually assaulted her younger daughter. “While the police have registered a case, no concrete steps have yet been taken against the perpetrators,” the woman said.
Taking cognizance of the event, Kheri police commented on the matter and said that 3 persons in the case had been arrested. The police also said that an FIR in the case under relevant sections of the law has been filed.
संदर्भित प्रकरण में थाना फूलबेहड़ पर सुसंगत धाराओं में अभियोग पंजीकृत है। पुलिस द्वारा नामजद 03 नफर अभियुक्तों को गिरफ्तार कर लिया गया है। अग्रिम विधिक कार्यवाही प्रचलित है।
The woman continues to express anger over the incident, stating that despite repeated assurances from law enforcement agencies, she is constantly receiving threats that her younger daughter might also get kidnapped. Feeling helpless and unsafe, the woman now has decided to sell her house.
The Supreme Court’s interim order of December 12 in the Places of Worship Act case, restraining all courts nationwide from entertaining fresh suits or passing orders to survey mosques to determine whether temple structures lie beneath them, raises profound legal and constitutional concerns. While ostensibly aimed at maintaining peace and public order, the sweeping nature of this directive and the reasoning employed by the three-judge bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and Justices P V Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan leave much to be desired.
The bench’s blanket stay applies to all pending and future suits concerning the Places of Worship Act, 1991, until the Supreme Court finally decides the constitutional validity of this contentious legislation. This effectively halts litigation initiated by Hindu groups seeking the reclamation of religious sites, many of which they claim were altered or destroyed during historical periods. However, the legal adventurism evident in this interim order sets a precarious precedent, signalling that the rule of law can be subordinated to political and societal pressures.
Places of Worship Act: Legal adventurism setting a precarious precedent
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta’s pointed query as to how a civil suit between two parties can be stayed at the behest of a third party remained unanswered even as the bench proceeded to issue a blanket restraint. Courts traditionally act on established legal principles, yet this order seems to derive its legitimacy from statements made across the Bar rather than from an informed appreciation of the facts or a coherent legal framework.
Notably, the bench did not have precise data on how many suits concerning disputed structures are currently pending in courts across the country, yet it proceeded to issue a sweeping stay.
The reasoning behind the interim order stems from the bench’s interpretation of two points — First, that one of the petitions before the Court seeks enforcement of the Places of Worship Act; and second, that one of the issues under judicial scrutiny is whether suits to reclaim religious sites are barred under the Act.
Both these arguments, however, suffer from significant infirmities.
The arguments SC relied on and its shortcomings: Denial of judicial review to Hindus
The Court invoked the 2019 Ayodhya verdict to justify its intervention with both CJI Khanna and Justice Viswanathan referring to the 5-judge Constitution bench ruling which had certain observations on the Places of Worship Act. However, questions remain whether such observations by the Ayodhya bench, being obiter dicta (statements made in passing without binding legal authority) could have been relied upon to impose a nationwide stay on all suits. The Ayodhya bench never adjudicated upon the constitutional validity of the Places of Worship Act, making its comments on the Act tangential at best.
A key criticism of the 1991 Act is its purported denial of judicial review—a fundamental constitutional right. Petitioners challenging the Act argue that it bars individuals from seeking judicial remedies for alleged historical wrongs, effectively stifling their fundamental right to approach courts.
The 1980 landmark judgment in Minerva Mills Ltd Vs Union of India declared judicial review to be an integral part of the Constitution’s basic structure. The Court held: “The power of judicial review is an integral part of our constitutional system, and without it, there will be no government of laws, and the rule of law would become a teasing illusion.”
Yet, by issuing a blanket stay on pending suits, the Supreme Court appears to have inadvertently endorsed the very denial of judicial review that petitioners have challenged as unconstitutional. Instead of taking a prima facie view on the Act’s unconstitutionality or holding its hand until a detailed examination, the Court chose to freeze legal proceedings altogether.
‘Harmony’ over Judicial process and fundamental rights
The Supreme Court’s approach in this matter suggests that its primary objective is to maintain peace and harmony. CJI Khanna’s remarks in the Sambhal case, where he stayed a trial court order allowing the survey of a disputed mosque site, reflect this sentiment. He emphasised the need to maintain public order, making trial court proceedings subject to higher judicial oversight.
While the intent to prevent communal violence is laudable, the method employed raises concerns. Temporary peace achieved by suppressing grievances is unlikely to foster long-term harmony. True peace necessitates addressing the root causes of discontent through lawful, constitutional mechanisms. By sidelining the legitimate grievances of one group, the Court risks emboldening those who use threats of violence as leverage.
The Places of Worship Act was enacted by the PV Narasimha Rao-led Congress government under immense political pressure. The legislation attempted to freeze the religious character of all places of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947, barring litigation on disputes except for the Ayodhya site. Critics argue that this was a political compromise aimed at buying peace by stifling historical grievances through legislative fiat.
But if the design behind the Act was to try and freeze the religious character of places of worship as on August 15, 1947, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court comprising the then CJI D Y Chandrachud and Justices Surya Kant and P S Narasimha, while hearing petitions against the survey of the mosque in the Gyanvapi complex ordered by a Varanasi court, said in May 2022 that “ascertainment of the religious character of a place is not barred by… the Act”. This did not sit well with certain sections and instantly made the former CJI a thorn in their flesh.
The Supreme Court’s December 12 interim order has lent judicial imprimatur to a controversial piece of legislation without first addressing its constitutionality. It paradoxically echoes the criticism that the Act itself seeks to suppress dissenting voices through legal means and may leave a chilling effect on the exercise of people’s legitimate rights.
The troubling message: Violence can shape judicial outcomes
The interim order also sends a troubling message: that violence, or the apprehension thereof, can shape judicial outcomes. The intervention applications filed by parties opposing the surveys of religious sites cited the loss of lives in Sambhal as a consequence of inaction under the Act. If anything, this amounted to an implicit threat—that failure to enforce the Act could lead to unrest. The Court not questioning such assertions may be interpreted as tacitly legitimizing mob veto.
The violence in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal, where a court-appointed committee was attacked, underscores this concern. Instead of asking why a court order was met with violence, the judiciary appears to have acquiesced to the notion that peace is best maintained by suppressing legal claims rather than upholding the rule of law.
The Court’s interim order has emboldened a certain section of the political and “intellectual” ecosystem, which has celebrated the decision while simultaneously targeting those who earlier interpreted the Act differently. Former Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, who took a nuanced view of the Act during the Gyanvapi hearing, has faced unwarranted criticism, reflecting an environment where judicial independence is under constant scrutiny not only from the government but also from pressure groups.
As former CJI Chandrachud aptly noted, judicial independence extends not just to freedom from government influence but also from the influence of interest groups and societal pressures. The Court’s actions in this instance, underline the need to drive this message home again and again given that justice should not only be done but also seen to be done.
The Supreme Court’s interim stay on proceedings related to the Places of Worship Act raises critical questions about judicial overreach, constitutional rights, and the balance between maintaining peace and delivering justice. While the Court’s intent to preserve communal harmony is understandable, its approach risks undermining the very principles of the rule of law and judicial independence that it is tasked with upholding.
By prioritising temporary calm over a deeper resolution of historical grievances, the judiciary has set a precedent that may the judiciary has set a precedent that may have far-reaching implications for the future of constitutional governance and societal reconciliation in India.
Last week a new scam came to the fore in Nigeria, Africa where the fraudsters trapped people in ‘online love affairs’ and then forced them to hand over cash for fake investments. As per the initial reports, Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stated that it arrested a total of 792 suspects during a surprise raid at a luxurious office on Victoria Island in Lagos. The EFCC also stated that the seven-storey office in Lagos was used as a hub for scam operations.
The scam was busted by EFCC last week on 10th December after the agency was tipped off by an outside source. Following this around 792 persons including 148 Chinese, 40 Filipinos, 2 Kharzartans, 1 Pakistani, and 1 Indonesian were detained by the authorities.
“Nigeria’s anti-graft agency stated that the syndicate’s headquarters was used to train Nigerian accomplices on how to initiate romance and investment scams, even stealing the identities of those accomplices, to commit more fraud and criminal activities. As typical with most romance scams, the bad actors would lure victims with offers of romantic interest, and once hooked, the criminals would press their victims to hand over cash for fake cryptocurrency investments or other non-existent projects,” EFCC Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyedea said while explaining the matter.
Meanwhile, EFCC spokesperson Wilson Uwujaren said that the luxury office housed a call center mostly targeting victims from America and Europe.
EFCC Bursts Syndicate of 792 Cryptocurrency Investment, Romance Fraud Suspects in Lagos … Arrests 193 Chinese, Arabs, Filipinos, Others
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed that the Commission, in a… pic.twitter.com/623RP95Dxu
Reports suggest that the arrested suspects used social media and other messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram to target the victims. These were specially trained to impersonate foreign females in romance scams.
“Young Nigerians, first tested for computer and typing skills, would be given desktop computers and mobile devices and then taken through a two-week induction on how to impersonate foreign females in romance scam chats,” an EFCC spokesman revealed. He added that the entire office that was raided on 10th December was well equipped with high-end technological machines and computers. Also, the authorities recovered around 500 SIM cards from the 5th floor.
These suspects would notably use fake profiles to target the victims. Sometimes they would be assigned WhatsApp accounts linked to foreign telephone numbers, especially from Germany and Italy. “The victims, once romantically engaged with the perpetrators, would then be steered towards making phantom business and investment transactions through a fake cryptocurrency platform called Yooto-dot-com. For those that showed interest, activation fees for an account on the platform start from $35 USD,” the EFCC spokesperson said.
The suspects then would defraud the victims duping them for huge amounts. The arrested individuals were further rewarded by cash. It is believed that even these Nigerians had no idea as to what primary transactions had been taking place.
“There is a big misconception that Nigerians are behind the tons of fraud emanating from the country. Foreigners are taking advantage of our nation’s unfortunate reputation as a haven of frauds to establish a foothold here to disguise their atrocious criminal enterprises. But, as this operation has shown, there will be no hiding places for criminals in Nigeria,” EFCC chairman Olukoyede said.
The chairman meanwhile stated that the agency would work with the foregoing partners to determine the extent of the scam and know more about the perpetrators. The authorities are also probing to uncover if any syndicate was collaborating with any other organized international fraud cells.
Reporters’ Collective, an American Deep State-funded group of journalists, published a report on 18th December alleging that the Narendra Modi government has rigged a “Homemade Poverty Index” to show a dramatic decrease in poverty in India. It claims that the government’s report of pulling 25 crore people out of poverty in 10 years is false because the govt of India added two important parameters to the global index.
The report claims that because international agencies that publish global rankings can’t be bullied, the Modi govt invented its own index, and rigged the results to show good results. It claims, “the government had rigged the results of its poverty index long before even the framework for the new poverty index was finalised. The index on poverty was pre-ordained to show poverty is reducing because of government interventions.”
The report further claims that because India ranks far below in global poverty rankings, the govt report is false based on rigged numbers. But shockingly, the report provides no evidence at all about this claim of rigged data and just makes several vague claims. Further, it claims that the data is rigged because the Indian index uses more parameters than the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index.
Notably, the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index was developed by the Oxford Poverty & Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). And, the Reporters’ Collective report itself mentions that the NITI Ayog, which created India’s own Multidimensional Poverty Index, partnered with OPHI and UNDP to develop the index. Therefore, the creators of the global index agree with the addition of extra parameters for the Indian index. But still, Reporters’ Collective calls it rigged data.
The report says that as the govt added the indicator “maternal health” to the Health parameter, the weightage for existing parameters “nutrition” and “child mortality” went down. Further, the report claims that addition of a new indicator “standard of living”, which includes the availability of a bank account in a household, the weightages of other parameters are reduced.
The report further claims that because of the addition of the ‘bank account’ parameter under the Standard of Living dimension, the poverty index showed remarkable improvement, and calls it an “absurdity”. According to Reporters’ Collective, the share of the population having bank accounts going down from 58% to 3.69% does not mean anything, and it has nothing to do with the decrease in poverty level.
However, the Reporters’ Collective’s critique of India’s National MPI suffers from several methodological and conceptual misunderstandings. Their allegations of manipulation and cherry-picking fail to account for the rationale behind the government’s approach, and their dismissal of new parameters demonstrates a lack of understanding of poverty’s multidimensional nature.
Indicators and Parameters in India’s Multidimensional Poverty Index
Maternal Health Inclusion
The article criticizes the inclusion of maternal health as a factor in the National MPI, arguing that it skews the results to artificially reduce poverty levels. However, this criticism is completely baseless for several reasons.
Poverty is a multidimensional phenomenon, and maternal health is directly tied to poverty as it reflects access to healthcare, economic stability, and education. Earlier the Health Indicator had nutrition and child mortality, and the addition of maternal health is a logical addition. A mother’s health has cascading effects on a household’s well-being, from birth outcomes to the productivity of family members.
Just because adding this parameter may show an improvement in the index does not mean it is rigged. Rigged data means made-up data not obtained from the field, if the indicator included real data for maternal health, it can’t be called rigged data.
Just because the global index does not include this parameter does not mean it is wrong to use it. Actually, ignoring such a crucial aspect would render any poverty index of a developing country like India incomplete.
Notably, while the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index does not include maternal health as a parameter, there are other global programs that put importance on it. For example, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), endorsed globally, place maternal health at the heart of poverty alleviation efforts. It acknowledges that pregnancy and childbirth pose particular risks for women, and has set targets to reduce maternal mortality rate.
Global bodies like WHO, UNICEF, UNDP etc have special programs for improving maternal health, showing how significant this parameter is. The Indian government is therefore aligning with international best practices rather than deviating from them. Programs like Janani Suraksha Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana have significantly improved maternal health outcomes. Therefore, the inclusion of maternal health in the MPI reflects real progress and is a valid metric to gauge poverty reduction.
Financial Inclusion as an Indicator
The article mocks the inclusion of financial inclusion like access to bank accounts in the National MPI, alleging that it artificially inflates poverty reduction figures. It seeks to claim that the availability of banking services has nothing to do with the poverty index, and the Modi govt included this in the index just because govt was able to include crores of people into the formal financial sector. This claim is fundamentally flawed.
Financial inclusion is globally recognized as a game-changer in poverty alleviation. Bank accounts empower individuals by providing access to savings, credit, and government welfare schemes directly, reducing leakages and middlemen corruption. In the Indian context, the bank accounts meant that beneficiaries received benefits of govt programs like subsidies and grants directly, eliminating large-scale leaks that happened earlier.
Over the past decade, India has leveraged technological innovations and policy initiatives to tackle poverty on a massive scale. Three cornerstone initiatives—Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), and Aadhaar—have created a transformative ecosystem, ensuring financial inclusion, reducing leakages, and empowering the most vulnerable.
DBT through PMJDY accounts enabled by Aadhaar revolutionized welfare schemes by directly transferring benefits into beneficiaries’ bank accounts. This has been a game changer in India’s fight against poverty. This shift eliminated intermediaries, reduced corruption, and ensured that subsidies for fertilizers, LPG, pensions, and scholarships reached the intended recipients.
Since the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, over 480 million bank accounts have been opened, with millions accessing direct benefit transfers (DBTs). These accounts have tangible impacts on poverty reduction, as they ensure households receive subsidies and support without systemic inefficiencies. These initiatives have not only empowered millions but also set the foundation for sustainable and inclusive growth.
Indicators and parameters in the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index
Global Indices Overlook Local Realities
The Reporters’ Collective complains that global indices do not include financial inclusion as a parameter, and therefore Modi govt rigged India’s MPI by including it. But the fact is, this parameter is significant for a developing economy like India. The National MPI’s focus on this aspect reflects its commitment to addressing localized challenges rather than conforming to one-size-fits-all global templates.
Other parameters in the Standard of Living dimension like Housing, Assets, Electricity etc are directly related to the availability of banking services, therefore it is an important parameter.
The article by Reporters’ Collective grudges India’s departure from global indices, implying that such indices are inherently superior. This assumption is wrong. Global MPIs often rely on outdated or insufficiently granular data, leading to skewed representations of poverty in countries like India. For instance, they may depend on limited household surveys, often conducted with methodologies that do not capture regional nuances.
Many global indices are produced by organizations with ideological biases, which can influence the selection of indicators and their weightages. We have seen how democracy indices produced by far-left organisations rate India far below in the table, showing how skewed some global rankings are. India’s National MPI counters this by focusing on pragmatic, data-driven measures that reflect the government’s goals and socio-economic realities.
Baseless Allegations of Weightage Manipulation
The report criticises the National MPI for adjusting indicator weightages, claiming this led to the devaluation of other important factors, and therefore it is rigged data. This is a completely baseless allegation.
Assigning different weights to indicators is a standard practice in index design. It is natural that when a new parameter is added, the weightages of existing parameters will be accordingly adjusted. The National MPI includes indicators like maternal health and financial inclusion because they represent critical barriers to poverty reduction in India.
With the inclusion of new parameters, the National MPI captures the impact of the Modi government’s several flagship programs. These initiatives directly tackle deprivation in ways that global MPIs do not measure effectively.
Global Index shows a reduction in poverty in India
The Reporters Collection mentions that India ranked 53 among 105 countries in the 2018 Global Index but does not mention the number from the latest 2024 report, and more importantly, it does not mention the overall improvement in the country’s actual index.
As per the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index report on India, the country’s MPI went down from 0.122 in 2015-16 to 0.069 in 2019-2021, which is a remarkable reduction in 5 years. This means that while India’s index was very bad before the Modi govt came to power, the index has gone down significantly.
India’s global MPI trend
The article claims that poverty levels in India may have remained stagnant or even worsened, but it offers no evidence to substantiate this claim. The Global MPI, taken as sacrosanct by the report, says that India’s poverty index came down from 0.122 in 2015-16 to 0.069 in 2019-2021, which shows a reduction of 0.016 points each year. If we take this reduction, the estimated index for 2024 would be around 0.035.
However, the report refrains from mentioning any such achievements.
Overlooking Transparency in National MPI
The article implies that the National MPI lacks credibility, ignoring the transparency of its methodology. The National MPI is based on the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), one of the most comprehensive and reliable datasets in India. In contrast, global MPIs often use limited and patchy data from developing countries. The reliability of data collected from conflict-hit countries in Africa and the Middle East is often questionable.
The methodology and calculations for the National MPI have been published, allowing independent researchers to scrutinize and validate the findings. This openness contradicts any allegation of manipulation.
Therefore, the Reporters’ Collective’s article is rife with unsubstantiated claims and ideological biases. Its dismissal of India’s National MPI as “rigged” is not only baseless but also ignores the substantive progress made in addressing multidimensional poverty. By tailoring the MPI to reflect India’s unique challenges, the government has taken a pragmatic approach to measuring and combating poverty, ensuring targeted and effective interventions. The Reporters’ Collective has offered little more than conjecture and ideological grievance, failing to present any credible evidence or alternative solutions.
India’s efforts to reduce poverty are real and measurable, and the National MPI reflects the strides the country has made in creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
Reporters’ Collective and Deep State
The report is consistent with ongoing global efforts by far-left organisations to show India in a poor light, and therefore it is important to look at the organisations behind Reporters’ Collective. A look at the list of donors of its parent organisation shows that it is backed by usual suspects behind the ongoing anti-India campaign.
Reporters’ Collective is run by the National Foundation for India, an FCRA-registered NGO. A perusal of its donor list shows that the National Foundation for India is funded by the Ford Foundation, the Open Society Foundation of George Soros, the Omidyar Network, and the Rockefeller Foundation, among others. All these organisations are part of the American Deep State network and have funded numerous anti-India campaigns and initiatives.
National Foundation for India’s donor list from its annual report
Therefore, the Reporters’ Collective article is nothing but a part of the ongoing anti-India campaign by the American Deep State. It comes after recent reports by the US-funded OCCRP targeting India and Indian business houses.
On 19th December 2024, Adani Group launched a new version of its campaign “Hum Karke Dikhate Hain”. The campaign showcases the positive change Adani’s projects have brought to the lives of millions of Indians and highlighted the group’s commitment to Clean Energy.
The ad highlighting Adani Group’s commitment to Green energy, “Pehle Pankha Phir Bijli”, is created by Ogilvy India. The advertisement tells the heartwarming story of a little boy who, despite all obstacles and ridicule, believes that a fan can bring electricity to his village. His unwavering belief comes to reality when he sees one of Adani’s windmill generators bringing clean energy to his village. The story not only highlights the power of human belief but also Adani Group’s commitment to building a brighter future for all.
In our actions sit the promises we make. Promises that are not just about infrastructure but of hope, progress and a brighter tomorrow. The winds of change are here. Hum Karke Dikhate Hain!#HKKDH#PehlePankhaPhirBijlipic.twitter.com/IqM1DZ3US5
This Ad film is just the beginning, Adani Group aspires to deliver clean energy to everyone.
Pranav Adani, Director, Adani Enterprises Ltd. said, “This campaign truly reflects the core spirit of the Adani Group. While we are known for our size, speed and scale, what sets this initiative apart is its heartfelt feel. It shows how our infrastructure is a catalyst to transform the lives of millions of Indians. The campaign seeks to build a deeper emotional connect with our business by bringing out its human stories. Our aim is to bring a positive change in the lives of millions of Indians.”
Piyush Pandey, Chief Advisor, Ogilvy India said, “This film showcases an emotional story of a significant benefit to consumers. This is not a show of Adani Renewables’ technical expertise but a demonstration of Adani’s ‘human-first’ approach.”
Recently, violence had broken out during the court-ordered survey at Shahi Jama Masjid on 24th November has. The mosque committee has now objected to the administration’s efforts to clean the area, investigate the property, and open the well constructed outside the structure. The Chairman of the Shahi Jama Masjid Committee has accused the Uttar Pradesh Government, District Magistrate (DM) and Municipal Council officials of trying to ‘change the character’ of the ancient well.
The Masjid chairman has issued a legal notice under Section 80 CPC (Code of Civil Procedure) and Section 326 Municipal Act 1916 regarding this on 16th December. Addressing DM Sambhal in this notice, he clearly warned that any such attempt will not only be illegal but will also hurt the religious sentiments of the Muslim community and create an atmosphere of tension in the society. In the notice, advocate Shakeel Ahmed Warsi, on behalf of the chairman of the mosque committee, lawyer Zafar Ali, claimed that the old well is located under the eastern wall of the mosque and is its part and property.
It further conveyed that the Muslim community has been employing it for wuzu for many years. It also has a motor and is only used by Muslims. This well was never used by the non-Muslim community for any ritual and they have never interfered either. According to the committee, the Nagar Palika Parishad Sambhal and other government representatives intended to inspect and renovate areas of the mosque’s grounds, including the platform, cemetery and the well due to which the people of the Muslim community would have to face a lot of inconvenience and cause unnecessary dissatisfaction in the society.
The act would be against Supreme Court orders and the Places of Worship Act, 1991, which forbids any renovation, repair, or alteration of places of worship, the notice read. Furthermore, the dispute regarding the mosque is still pending in the court. The letter declared that the mosque committee would file a lawsuit if the well or any area of the mosque grounds were to be tampered with. All damages and possible disruptions resulting from this will be the responsibility of DM Sambhal, the Uttar Pradesh government and Nagar Palika Parishad Sambhal.
The committee also alleged that such activities would deeply hurt the religious sentiments of the Muslim community. The notice also threatened that any such action could lead to social unrest and tension, which would be detrimental to the peace of the region.
“I have not received any such notice. A response will be given accordingly after receiving the notice. The court order is for inside the mosque. The well and the cemetery are outside the building. We have asked for no construction in the cemetery but for its cleaning. The well is closed to people and will be reopened for public use as it was made accessible in the past,” informed Dr. Rajendra Pensiya, District Magistrate, Sambhal.
“Bow your head in the Golden Temple too, or are you only following Sanatan Dharma,” is how ‘journalist’ Mrinal Pande, an integral part of Congress ecosystem mocked Bharatiya Janata Party leader Tajinder Bagga over his visit to a Hindu temple, furthering sowing the seeds of discord between the Hindu and Sikh communities. Notably, the Khalistanis are also infamous for indulging in similar antics.
It is notable that Khlistani secessionists, in an attempt to peddle their assumed supremacy, mock Sikhs who show reverence to Hindu Gods, even though Hindu Gods and Hindu theology form a crucial part of Sikh scriptures and verses.
BJP leader Tajinder Bagga was seen visiting the Mahakaal temple. He had shared the video with a caption that he was there to pray for his fellow contestant Shritika Arjun in Big Boss 18.
Pande who is the former editorial advisor of Congress mouthpiece ‘National Herald’ is infamous for making such ridiculous yet provocative statements. Last year Editor-in-Chief of ANI, Smita Prakash, slammed her for insinuating that she somehow lacked the spine of former Jammu and Kashmir Lt. Governor Satya Pal Malik. “The former editor of National Herald is talking about the spine. You can leave (the virtue signalling),” she hit out at Pande.
Apparently delighted by the news of the controversial doctor Kafeel Khan’s release on bail from Mathura jail, Pande, went on to compare him with Lord Krishna, in 2021. Comparing his release from Mathura jail to Lord Krishna’s escape from the jail where he was born, Pande insinuated that he too will bring the end of CM Yogi just like Lord Krishna had eliminated Kans.
She even made transphobic comments in 2020 when she responded to a twitter post of another controversial ‘krantikari’ journalist Punya Prasoon Bajpayee. PP Bajpayee, who had been thrown out of the job, had made a lewd comment asking people why does PM Modi clap frequently during his campaign speeches. In a hurry to mock Prime Minister Modi, the Congress journalist Mrinal Pande tweeted to ask whether PM Modi does that to garner votes of the “Kinnars”-the transgender community.
On the 18th of December, a special PMLA court took cognisance of a chargesheet submitted by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case against two arrested cadres identified as Thokchom Gyaneshor alias Thoiba/Sidabamapu and Laimayum Anand Sharma alias Ingba of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), Manipur’s outlawed terrorist group.
In a statement, ED said that a chargesheet was filed against Thokchom Gyaneshor and Laimayum Anand Sharma. It added that on Wednesday, December 18, a PMLA court took cognisance of the chargesheet filed.
The duo was arrested by the ED on the 16th of October and are currently in judicial custody. The UNLF was created in 1964 with the goal of gaining Manipur’s ‘independence’ from India.
According to the ED, Gyaneshor is the outfit’s self-proclaimed “Chief of Army Staff” and “Secretary, External and Regional Affairs Department”. Sharma is the UNLF’s self-proclaimed “Intelligence Officer”.
The money laundering case originates from a July 2023 FIR and two chargesheets filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) earlier this year. The case pertains to a “trans-national conspiracy” hatched by Myanmar-based leadership of terror outfits active in the northeastern states to exploit ethnic unrest in Manipur, “wage war” against the Indian government, and carry out terrorist attacks, thereby exacerbating the security situation in Manipur.
“ED initiated investigation on the basis of an FIR No Rc-23/2023/NIA/DLI Dated 19.07.2023 and Chargesheet No. 05/2024 dated 07.03.2024 and Supplementary Chargesheet No. SCS-05(A)/2024 dated 30.07.2024 filed by National Investigating Agency (NIA) related to transnational conspiracy hatched by Myanmar-based leadership of terror outfits operationally active in the North Eastern States to exploit the ethnic unrest in the state of Manipur to wage war against Government of India and execute terrorist attacks thereby exacerbating the security situation in Manipur. NIA has invoked Sections 120 B, 121 A and 411 of IPC, 1860; Sections 17, 18, 18A, 18B, 20, 38, and 39 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 and Section 25 of the Arms Act, 1959 which are scheduled offences under PMLA 2002,” the Enforcement Directorate said.
The investigation revealed that UNLF cadres collected huge funds from the public and business people in Manipur by threatening them, as well as by illegally extorting toll taxes on several national highways.
“During the course of PMLA investigation, it was revealed that huge funds are raised/ collected by cadres of UNLF from the general public and business persons of Manipur by threatening them, by way of unauthorized collection/extortion of toll taxes at various National Highways etc. Cadres of UNLF also carry illegal weapons while making such demands so as to threaten the general public. The funds raised through collection/extortion were collected in cash to escape the scrutiny of Law Enforcement Authorities,” the Enforcement Directorate said in its statement.
“The said funds were raised by UNLF as a part of larger conspiracy which were utilized in a planned manner on recruitment and training of UNLF cadres, acquisition of illegal arms and ammunition, arranging logistics and maintenance of the organization and its camps as well as individual expenses of cadre. Analysis of digital devices seized from the above mentioned accused persons revealed that they were actively involved in raising of funds, preparation of budget and acquisition of illegal arms,” ED added.
On Wednesday, 18th December massive controversy erupted as Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra claimed that two Congress workers were allegedly killed by the police during party’s protests in separate incidents in Uttar Pradesh and Assam. The Congress leaders mourned over the death of two workers and claimed that ‘excessive police force’ was the reason behind their deaths.
“Police brutality on Congress workers who were going to gherao the Vidhan Sabha against the misrule prevailing in Uttar Pradesh took the life of one of our workers. The death of Prabhat Pandey ji, a youth Congress worker from Gorakhpur is extremely heartbreaking. Similarly, the BJP government used batons and tear gas shells on the protesting Congress workers in Assam, in which Mridul Islam ji died. The way BJP governments have taken repressive action against Congress workers is reminiscent of the British Raj. BJP is attacking Baba Saheb in Parliament and crushing his Constitution on the streets,” Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said in an X post.
Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi criticized the BJP leadership and said that the democracy had been murdered by PM Modi’s leadership. “Democracy and Constitution have been murdered again in BJP-ruled Assam and Uttar Pradesh. The Congress party is conducting satyagraha in support of Babasaheb and the Constitution across the country. During this, the death of our Congress workers Mridul Islam in Guwahati and Prabhat Pandey in Lucknow due to excessive police force is very sad and condemnable. I offer my deepest condolences to their grieving loved ones. These families deserve full justice. The lion of Congress will continue to fight for truth and the Constitution,” he said.
While the Congress leaders claimed that the workers especially Prabhat Pandey were allegedly killed by the police during the protests, an FIR report filed by Pandey’s family has come to the fore in which it has been mentioned that the deceased was unconscious in the Congress office two hours before his death. The report also stated that he was declared as ‘brought dead’ by the hospital staff.
Notably, the Lucknow police also commented on the matter and said that massive misinformation was being spread against the police regarding the death of the Congress worker. The police stated that the Congress worker was last seen in the Congress office and that he was brought dead to the hospital. It also added that there were no marks of external injuries on the body of the worker, who Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi claimed had died due to police beatings.
“The Congress worker Prabhat Pandey was shifted to the Civil Hospital where he was declared as already ‘brought dead’ by the doctors. He was last seen in the Congress office and was unconscious there for more than 2 hours. On the primary probe, no marks of external injury could be seen on his body. The post-mortem of his body will be conducted soon and the entire session will be videographed,” the official statement by the police stated.
It added that rumors are being spread against the police in this case, claiming that the worker died due to police force. “However, it is to be noted that no police force took action during the protests. No lathi charge was executed. Any person spreading misinformation should stop as such acts may lead to disturbing the peace in the region,” it added.
Prabhat Pandey, a native of Gorakhpur and a Youth Congress leader had reportedly participated in a Congress-led protest in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The protest was organized in the area around UP Vidhansabha. Pandey was staying in Lucknow in a PG in the Gomati Nagar area. As per the Congress leaders, a major scuffle occurred during the protest in which Pandey lost his life after police executed a lathi charge. However, police denied the claims and stated that Pandey was last seen in the Congress office and that no marks of external injury could be seen on his body. Police have stated that no lathi charge was done.
Meanwhile, the uncle of Pandey who has filed an FIR in the case has stated that Pandey was staying in a PG in the Gomati Nagar area and that he had no idea how he reached the Congress office after the protest where he fell unconscious for 2 hours. He has stated that his nephew has died of unusual circumstances as he had no health issues.
Further, in the case of another Congress worker Mridul Islam, who is believed to have died due to tear gas shells during the protests, the Assam Police issued a statement that the Congress workers had organized an illegal protest as no prior permission from the same was taken by the party. Guwahati Police Commissioner Diganta Barah Dangoria explained the event as he condemned the death of the worker. The police also indicated that the workers created massive chaos during the unauthorized protest forcing the police to take action to disperse the crowd. Meanwhile, he said that Islam died during the protests but the actual reason for his death is still unknown.
“It is true that he fell ill while protesting and later died in GMCH during treatment, but it’s too early to draw conclusions regarding the cause of death. Let the postmortem report come,” Barah said.
Guwahati Police @GuwahatiPol Commissioner Diganta Barah dangoria explained the sequence of events and circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Congress worker Advocate Mridul Islam. He stated that the protest was a sudden, unauthorized gathering, with no prior application or… pic.twitter.com/Lpii7DPWXg
Mridul Islam, died on Wednesday following a massive protest against several issues in Guwahati, during which police were forced to resort to tear gas shelling to disperse the crowd. Islam, an advocate by profession, was part of the protest and was exposed to a tear gas shell which made him feel unconscious, as claimed by the Congress. He was rushed to Gawahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) for treatment but died during the treatment.
Democracy thrives on dissent, not brutality.
What unfolded today near Raj Bhawan #Guwahati condemnable!
It’s sheer barbaric brutality which claimed the life of a person, Mridul Islam, is nothing short of raged violence.#Assampic.twitter.com/CI2V965clS
In both cases, it is crucial to note that the Congress party has acted irresponsibly. In the case of Pandey, he was unconscious for 2 hours in the Congress office in Lucknow but nobody cared to take him to the hospital unless his uncle was informed only after it was too late. Despite this, the party made an attempt to make an easy escape by blaming the police. The Lucknow police have denied all the charges fand said that the party is spreading massive misinformation against the police. The police have asserted that no forcible action was taken against the protestors.
After Sambhal, Varanasi, and Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh, a temple that was reportedly closed for many decades was reopened in Gujarat’s Dwarka. In the Khambalia area of Dwarka district a Santoshi Mata Temple closed for nearly 50 years as accused Hanif, Suleman, Ghafar, Abbas and Omar allegedly blocked the road leading to the Hindu temple.
Upon receiving information, Dwarka Police registered an FIR under relevant sections. On the directions of District Police Chief Nitesh Pandey the illegal encroachment was cleared on 18th December. After demolishing the encroachment, the Hindu community was allowed to conduct Pooja rituals in the temple.
#GUJARAT: In Khambalia, Dwarka, access to the 50-yr-old Santoshi Mata Hindu temple was blocked by Mohammad Hanif, Suleman, Gafar, Abbas, & Umar, who encroached on government land & built a wall to block the route.
The police action came in response to the complaint filed by the priest’s family at Khambalia police station. The police conducted a thorough investigation and found that the accused Muslim persons had conspired to encroach on the exposed government land by forging fake documents. The police are reported to have arrested three of the five accused as the rest have reportedly died.
50-year-old Santoshi Mata temple in Khambalia, Dwarka, was blocked by Hanif Suleman, Gafar and Umar. Police took Swift action an FIR was filed, and the encroachment cleared! pic.twitter.com/bPXGlpTrOG
Taking to X, Gujarat state Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi informed about the action taken in the matter and said, “50-year-old Santoshi Mata temple in Khambalia, Dwarka, was blocked by Hanif Suleman, Gafar and Umar. Police took Swift action an FIR was filed, and the encroachment cleared!”
