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Americans flock to Chinese app ‘Red Note’, after fears of US banning CCP controlled TikTok: Here is why India did it and how Chinese apps are dangerous

Dibakar Dutta
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Americans flock to Chinese app ‘Red Note’, after fears of US banning CCP controlled TikTok: Here is why India did it and how Chinese apps are dangerous

With the imminent ban on TikTok in the United States, users of the video-sharing app in the North American country are migrating to yet another Chinese app named Xiaohongshu (also called the Red Note).

Founded in 2013, Xiaohongshu is the Chinese version of Instagram. Although it is quite popular in China, it has previously failed to make its presence felt outside the Mandarin-speaking world.

However, things have taken a drastic turn for the Chinese app with the upcoming ban on TikTok on Sunday (19th January). In 2024, the US Congress passed a bill mandating TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to divest its assets in the country or face a ban.

With no relief in sight from the US Supreme Court, TikTok will have to shut shop in the country in the following 2 days. Americans, who are hooked to the app, are now desperately looking for alternatives.

This perhaps explains why Xiaohongshu held the top position on Apple’s US App Store on Tuesday (14th January). More than 7 lakh new users have joined Xiaohongshu within a span of 2 days.

These ‘TikTok refugees’ are reportedly motivated by revenge against the US government for banning a platform developed by a Chinese company.

Another Chinese app named Lemon8, owned by ByteDance is in the second position on the App Store. Lemon8 came into existence in 2023 and is modelled after Instagram and Pinterest. It also has video sharing option like TikTok.

This is despite credible reports of Chinese apps stealing user information and sending it to servers supervised by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

TikTok had come under the scanner for foreign influence, not removing prohibited content and ties to the CCP. Donald Trump, who had previously voiced concerns over TikTok, is now looking for ways to ‘preserve the app’.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew has even been invited to the president-elect’s inauguration ceremony. Some American Conservatives, who advocated a ban on TikTok, are now moving to other Chinese apps to protest its ‘censorship’.

When India banned Chinese apps and the rationale behind the decision

In 2024, a leading security expert Tzeng Yi-suo explained, “Information security risks are national security risks…As long as the app is under the jurisdiction of the Chinese government, there will be security concerns. How the Chinese government obtains the data and what they will do with it is not transparent.”

Another expert Lee Jyun-yi stated, “TikTok does indeed transmit users’ personal information back to China. TikTok’s lack of effort to do so makes it relatively easy for false information to spread.” The Indian government had acted pre-emptively several years ago.

In June 2020, the Modi government banned 59 apps including TikTok over security and privacy concerns. The apps included ByteDance’s TikTok, Tencent’s WeChat, and Alibaba’s UC Browser.

Two months later, the Centre banned 47 related/cloning apps. In September 2020, about 118 apps were blocked by the government. In November that year, an additional 43 apps were blocked. In February 2022, another 54 mobile apps linked to China were banned.

The Ministry of Information Technology, invoking its power under section 69A of the Information Technology Act, with the relevant provisions of the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking of Access of Information by Public) Rules 2009 has ordered a block on the use of the apps saying that these apps are “engaged in activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, the security of the state and public order”.

In short, the apps were banned for being a threat to India’s national security. Thereafter, Google removed these apps from their Playstore and blocked access to them in India.

Around the same time, Apple found out that TikTok was spying on millions of iPhone users. The company was forced to take measures to prevent data theft.

Impact of the decision on India

After several popular Chinese apps were banned in the Indian Internet space, it gave way to Indian app developers to showcase their potential to the users.

For example, the Chinese document scanning app CamScanner was banned by the Indian government that provided a large market for apps like Kaagaz Scanner to fill up the void. Another homegrown App called Chingari stepped up to fill the void of TikTok.

Similarly, non-Indian entities like Google, Facebook and others took the opportunity to fill the void for TikTok and launched special features in their apps (YouTube and Instagram) to create short videos just like the banned Chinese app.

The government of India is also promoting India-made mobile applications and encouraging developers to develop solutions for Indian markets in several categories, including productivity, games and entertainment.

In July 2020, the government introduced Atmanirbhar Bharat App Innovation Challenge which received close to 7,000 entries from individual developers and companies from across the country.

Gujarat: St. Xavier’s School vice principal Pastor Kamlesh arrested under POCSO for raping, threatening minor student

OpIndia Staff
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Gujarat: St. Xavier’s School vice principal Pastor Kamlesh arrested under POCSO for raping, threatening minor student

In the Bharuch district of Gujarat, Pastor Kamlesh Rawal, the vice-principal of St. Xavier’s School has been arrested over allegations of sexual abuse of a minor girl who is currently studying in college after passing class 12th. The alleged sexual abuse against the minor happened when she studied at St. Xavier’s School. After leaving school, the victim’s family went to the police station and lodged a complaint. A case has been registered under relevant sections including POCSO.

The complaint filed by the victim’s parents states that their daughter was abused on two different occasions between the year 2022 and the year 2024. According to the complaint, on both occasions, Pastor Kamlesh called the victim, then a class 10 student, to his office and sexually abused her.

The minor student alleged that the accused called her to his room and molested her. He threatened to expel her from school if she told anyone about this. Due to this, the victim started fearing expulsion from school and loss of reputation and decided to remain silent. The second incident with the victim happened in December 2024.

It is alleged that the former students of this Christian school were invited to a school program. After the program, she was raped again by the accused and was also threatened not to tell anyone. The victim also alleged that Pastor Kamlesh repeatedly sent her WhatsApp messages demanding physical relations with her again, however, the victim got fed up with this.

Eventually, the victim told her family about the incident. The family lodged a complaint at the police station. Based on the complaint, Bharuch B Division Police registered a case against the accused priest under sections 6, 10 and 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) as well as sections 376, 376(2)(N) and 376(3) of the IPC.

After the case came to light, the school transferred the accused to another school, however, the police arrested him from there on 15th January around four days after the complaint was lodged. Meanwhile, the police is checking the accused Pastor’s phone to see if any other student has been subjected to similar abuse.

Security forces intensify anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur, 12 terrorists killed in an encounter

OpIndia Staff
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Security forces intensify anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur, 12 terrorists killed in an encounter

Twelve Naxal terrorists were neutralised during an encounter between the security forces and Naxalites in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh on Thursday. The encounter ensued when a joint team of security personnel were conducting an anti-Naxalite operation in the forest of the south Bijapur region.

As per reports, around 1500 security personnel from the state police’s District Reserve Guard (DRG) from three districts, five battalions of CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action- an elite jungle warfare unit of the CRPF) and the 229th battalion of the CRPF were involved in the joint operation launched in south Bijapur bordering Telangana. The total number of Naxals killed in this month so far has reached 26. The security forces also recovered weapons from the encounter site in the operation which is still underway.

The state police informed that it is an interstate joint operation that was launched after receiving information about the presence of senior Maoist cadres. The encounter began in the morning around 9 am in in the forests of Pujari Kanker-Murudbaka in south Bijapur. Intermittent firing has been going on since then. The officials said that the Maoists were ambushed by the teams of security forces from all directions.

Two jawans were reportedly injured in an improvised Explosive Blast (IED) blast earlier in the day. Terming the IED blast as a cowardly attack, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma said that Naxals have planted IEDs everywhere and even animals are getting killed because of it. “This is a cowardly act of Naxals. They have placed IEDs everywhere. Security personnel, civilians and animals are also getting killed in it. Yesterday, two security personnel were hit by an IED…both have been admitted to hospital and both are safe…”, Sharma said speaking to ANI.

Earlier, on January 12, five Naxals including two women, were killed in an encounter with security forces in Bijapur. Security forces intensified anti-naxal operations in Bijapur after a ghastly IED attack was carried out by Maoists on a vehicle of security forces on January 6. Eight security personnel and a driver lost their lives in the attack.

3.5 lakh people converted in Punjab in 2 years, population of Christians increased by 102% in Tarn Taran: Know how pastors are converting people in Punjab

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3.5 lakh people converted in Punjab in 2 years, population of Christians increased by 102% in Tarn Taran: Know how pastors are converting people in Punjab

The conversion of Sikhs to Christianity in Punjab has been a matter of great concern for a long time. For some time now, many such reports have come to the fore which showed that Christian missionaries are gaining more and more influence in the state. Many times Sikh organizations have also shared concern about this, but still, the incumbent AAP government hasn’t paid any attention to this issue.

The report about the matter from Dainik Jagran is absolutely shocking. It shares that in just last 2 years in Punjab, more than 3 lakh 50 thousand people have converted their religion and become Christians. According to the reports, in Punjab, only in the year 2023-24, 1.5 lakh people converted, while during 2024-25, two lakh people changed their religion.

It is even more shocking when the increasing number of converted people is seen with reference to the other states. As per the report about Tarn Taran, in the last 10 years, the population of the Christian community has increased from 6,137 to 12,436, i.e. there has been an increase of 102 percent in last ten years. Similarly, if we talk about Gurdaspur district, the population of Christian community has increased by more than 4 lakh in the last 5 years.

How Christian pastors target Sikhs in Punjab

Although Christian missionaries are reaching all remote areas of the country and targeting poor and helpless people, Punjab is a cause of special concern, because the game of conversion by them is going on openly here. In Punjab, healing meetings are being held openly by these missionaries. Programs of such pastors are organized who claim to give life to dead people by blowing air on them. Following these misleading acts, Sikhs are asked to adopt Christianity.

An old report had revealed that the influence of these missionaries is prevalent across Punjab, from Patiala to Pathankot. Christian missionaries are now popular in all the 23 districts of the state, and are continuously expanding their empire. To make inroads among the Sikhs, people wearing turbans are seen in those meetings so that the common Sikhs feel that the people organising these meetings are no different.

All these Christian pastors organize big programs to trap the non-Christian people in conversion rackets. The administration gives them permission for this and even provides security. They promote their programs through banners, pamphlets, social media campaigns, and eventually thousands of people gather at the venue.

After all this charade, someone is picked from the crowd and it is claimed that that pastor can not only cure the biggest disease but can also drive away ghosts. Due to these tempting promises of the pastors, some people convert to Christianity in the program and some after the program.

You will be surprised to know that most of the Christian pastors involved in the conversion business in Punjab are converts who became Christians after conversion. However, neither these people have changed their name nor their identity. Even today Sikh pastors wear turbans after conversion and roam around preaching with the Bible in their hands. The result of their such actions is that even ordinary Sikhs reach their meetings considering them as their own.

SGPC Campaign against the conversions

Four years ago, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) took cognizance of this matter and showed concern and started a campaign ‘Ghar-Ghar Andar Dharmsaal’ to save Sikhs from conversion. Their objective was that the same process by which Christian preachers are misleading Sikhs will now be used to save Sikhism. The SGPC believed that some pastors were deliberately misleading people and trying to convert them to Christianity.

Foreign funding for conversion in Punjab

It should be noted that there have often been reports of foreign funding for such a big conspiracy going on in Punjab. Dainik Jagran quoted Sikh scholar Dr Ranbir Singh as saying that the conversion game going on in Punjab is being funded from America, Pakistan and other countries.

Today, the most popular pastor in Punjab is Prophet Bajinder Singh, who calls himself a prophet of Jesus Christ. He has more than 30 lakh followers on YouTube and his videos also get millions of views. Recently, Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav was also seen falling at the feet of this pastor.

Apart from Pastor Bajinder Singh, some of the big names in Punjab who are actively promoting conversions are Amrit Sandhu, Kanchan Mittal, Raman Hans, Gurnam Singh Kheda, Harjeet Singh, Sukhpal Rana, and Faris Masih. These people make their presence felt among the people through social media. Their followers include people from all sections of society. When questioned, they claim that they only conduct prayers, but the question again is that if only prayers are offered in healing meetings and other missionary programs, then how do people convert?

Shahzad Poonawalla did not insult Maithil Brahmin community by saying “Jha2”, if you think otherwise then blame AAP’s Rituraj Jha

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Shahzad Poonawalla did not insult Maithil Brahmin community by saying “Jha2”, if you think otherwise then blame AAP’s Rituraj Jha

Delhi’s roads are in terrible condition, and people there are having trouble finding clean drinking water. The power outage is another problem. The issues of water, roads, and electricity could be at the forefront of the next Delhi assembly election. However, the conversation has turned into a litany of accusations and rebuttals. Now, the attention is on disparaging statements made about Maithil Brahmins, and Shahzad Poonawalla, the national spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been linked to this controversy. 

It all started after a debate on a TV show of “Republic Bharat” where Poonawalla was joined by Rituraj Govind Jha, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Kirari. Notably, the latter has not been granted a ticket for the upcoming Delhi assembly, instead, Anil Jha who recently switched from the saffron party has been picked as the candidate. At first, Rituraj deliberately mispronounced Poonawalla’s last name during the live conversation, calling him “Chunawala” after which the BJP leader warned that he could also utter similar things and refer to Rituraj as “Jha2” and Sanjay Jha as “Jha1,” however, he didn’t want to pass such comments.

It is evident that neither Maithil Brahmins nor anyone with the last name Jha was the target of any remarks made by Poonawalla. He only stated “Jha2” in response to Rituraj’s “Chunawala.” Moreover, the term ‘Jha2’ is not new for anyone with the last name ‘Jha’ and regularly uses social media as being referred to as ‘Jha2’ is a common occurrence. I know this from personal experience. Such comments could be made by someone who dislikes you or is frustrated by your public opposition to an ideology or viewpoint and cannot counter you otherwise. Even though I have been at the receiving end of such remarks, I do not believe that the person harbours hostility towards the community to which I belong.

If one interprets this comment as a manifestation of hatred directed at an entire group, then Rituraj of the Aam Aadmi Party is the main perpetrator of inciting hatred against lower caste Muslims. Nevertheless, the term ‘Jha2’ has become a major issue in the AAP’s political rhetoric. Short videos of Poonawalla using “Jha2” have gone viral on social media, but the background of the conversation that preceded it has not been added to the footage. It’s obvious that the party wanted to fabricate a narrative that would make Maithil Brahmins believe the BJP leader was demeaning them.

Besides the AAP supporters, this narrative has acquired popularity among people who are angry with the BJP for supposedly ignoring the Maithil Brahmins in the Delhi assembly elections. People who have previously backed the latter also share this sentiment. However, the right way to react to this is not to fall prey to fake stories and propagate them further. The national spokesperson for a party such as the BJP should have definitely been more careful with his language. However, it is unfair to assume that the BJP is solely responsible for upholding morality, dignity, and restraint in a political landscape where these qualities are frequently disregarded and when a representative of a devious individual like Arvind Kejriwal makes fun of your last name.

Given the circumstances, it is imperative that you address Rituraj, who is to blame for this scenario, if you believe that you have been abused because you are a Maithili with the last name Jha. Merely focusing on Poonawalla and ignoring Rituraj’s role demonstrates a standard Maithil approach of evading responsibility for our own actions while exaggerating the shortcomings of others.

The fact that neither Rituraj nor AAP can legitimately represent Mithila, Maithil, or Maithil Brahmins should not be overlooked. The BJP, which has been instrumental in ensuring Maithili’s presence in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and has presided over the issuance of the Constitution in Maithili, is the rightful representative. Additionally, the bridge that connects the two sections of Mithila was constructed during their government. Hence, AAP’s attempts to drive a wedge between the BJP and Maithil community could only result in more misery and distress for you.

Read the report in Hindi here.

Naga sadhus thrash ‘activists’ calling Maha Kumbh Mela ‘superstition’, tear and burn outrageous posters in Prayagraj

OpIndia Staff
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Naga sadhus thrash ‘activists’ calling Maha Kumbh Mela ‘superstition’, tear and burn outrageous posters in Prayagraj

A video showing some Naga Sadhus and Hindu devotees outraging over some ‘activists’ raising posters calling the Maha Kumbh fair “Andhvishwas” (superstition) is going viral on social media. The incident is being said that the incident unfolded on Makar Sankranti (15th January) in the Kumbh Kshetra in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj although there is no confirmation about the date of the incident.

Screenshot taken from the viral video

In the 3-minute-long video, some people are seen holding posters with the text, “Kumbh is a fair of superstition, it is just an excuse. If you want freedom, then awaken understanding.” The incident unfolded near the bookstall of Acharya Prashant.

These people were also announcing similar things through the mic, however, their anti-Hindu propaganda peddling under the garb of promoting ‘rationalism’ was noticed by the Naga Babas present there. After hearing this, the Naga Sadhus gathered there and everyone got angry after seeing the things written on the poster. After this, the entire set-up was destroyed.

Meanwhile, some people collected all the material of those who spread propaganda and started threatening to set it on fire. However, the Naga Sadhus kept the poster in which Maha Kumbh was being called ‘superstition’. One of the people who made the video said that he would show this poster to ‘Yogi Baba’.

The video is being widely shared by social media users with many raising questions about what sort of mentality these people who entered Maha Kumbh have that they need to come to Maha Kumbh to hurt the sentiments of Hindus and spread propaganda. Meanwhile, Naga Babas are being praised on social media for taking a strong stand against those displaying the audacity to target the Hindu faith at the sacred land of Prayagraj. It is being said that no one has the right to reach Maha Kumbh, the centre of the Hindu faith, and talk like this.

Another incident of violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan: Convoy carrying aid attacked in Kurram

ANI
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Another incident of violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan: Convoy carrying aid attacked in Kurram

A convoy transporting food and medical supplies to Parachinar was attacked in the Bagan area of Lower Kurram on Thursday, according to police officials.

The attack disrupted the delivery of essential goods to a region already grappling with severe shortages due to prolonged road blockades, Dawn reported.

The region has seen ongoing clashes rooted in decades-old land disputes, leading to at least 130 deaths since November. These disputes, along with road blockages, have left Parachinar facing critical shortages of food and medicine, with roads remaining blocked for weeks, cutting off vital supplies.

Despite a peace agreement signed on January 1, restoring full access to the key route connecting Parachinar has proven difficult. A previous government convoy was ambushed near Bagan on January 4, injuring Kurram’s deputy commissioner and stranding the vehicles.
Efforts to stabilise the region have been ongoing. On Monday, Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif, Adviser to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, confirmed that steps outlined in the peace agreement, such as dismantling bunkers in Kurram, had begun.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed optimism on Tuesday, stating, “The situation in Kurram is returning to normal,” after a second convoy of 25 vehicles successfully reached the district with essential supplies.

However, Thursday’s attack underscored the region’s continuing volatility. Hangu Assistant Commissioner Saeed Mannan confirmed that a convoy of 35 vehicles, en route from Thall to Parachinar, came under fire. “The administration is working to bring the situation under control after the attack in Bagan,” he said. Sajid Turi, a former federal minister from Kurram, described the intensity of the assault, noting that both small and large weapons were used in the attack.

Despite the January 1 peace agreement, Parachinar remains isolated, with road access still blocked, worsening the region’s humanitarian crisis.

The ongoing blockade, now exceeding two months, has caused severe shortages of food, medicine, and other vital supplies, affecting around 500,000 residents.

Sajid Turi emphasised that the government must ensure the safe passage of convoys. “If the government fails to resolve the issue, it will only worsen,” he said.

Turi criticised the government for not consulting the jirga on decisions and claimed militants in Kurram have outside support. Meanwhile, local authorities continue to push for reopening access routes, with some frustration as vehicles have already returned to Peshawar due to the lack of progress.

Turi also cast doubt on the effectiveness of such convoys in addressing the long-term needs of the region, stating, “It is too little, and there is no guarantee when another convoy will be allowed to proceed.” Orakzai, a local jirga member, also called for the reconstruction of Bagan Bazaar, destroyed in a November attack, urging its rebuilding to match Miramshah Bazaar in North Waziristan.

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

Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu accuses Hamas of backtracking on ceasefire agreement, refuses cabinet vote on the deal

ANI
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Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu accuses Hamas of backtracking on ceasefire agreement, refuses cabinet vote on the deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hamas of backtracking on the ceasefire agreement and is refusing to convene the Cabinet to discuss it on Thursday morning.

“Hamas is backing out of the understandings and creating a last-minute crisis that prevents a settlement,” Netanyahu said in a statement. “Hamas is backing out of the explicit understandings agreed upon with the mediators and Israel in a last-minute blackmail attempt.”

He added, “Israel will not set a date for a cabinet and government meeting until the mediators announce that Hamas has approved all the details of the agreement.”

Subsequently, the government’s Directorate of Abductees, Returnees, and Missing Persons updated families of abductees that “in recent hours Hamas has added demands that contradict the agreement with the mediators.”

The directorate added, “Negotiations remain ongoing, and no official announcement has been made regarding their outcome or the scheduled cabinet meeting. Families are urged to rely solely on authorized sources for updates.”

The Cabinet was expected to meet in the morning. The delay was initially attributed to negotiators in Doha working to finalize the list of Palestinian terrorists to be released.

The agreement, which Qatari officials said would take effect on Sunday, outlines a series of prisoner and hostage exchanges. Of the 98 hostages, 33 women, children, elderly and sick captives would be released in the first stage in exchange for 110 Palestinian terrorists serving life sentences in Israeli prisons.

The deal prioritizes the release of hostages aged over 50 from the initial group of 33. The exchange ratios for this phase include one hostage to three prisoners serving life sentences and one hostage to 27 prisoners with lesser sentences.

The most contentious aspect of the agreement is that the fate of the remaining 65 hostages will be determined by negotiations to begin on the 16th day of the ceasefire. Critics say the phased approach condemns hostages not freed in the beginning to open-ended captivity and undermines Israel’s war gains.

The ceasefire would potentially lead to the release of some 1,000 Palestinian terrorists imprisoned in Israel. While many would be sent back to their homes in Judea, Samaria and Gaza, higher profile prisoners will be deported. After Israeli authorities publish a list of prisoners to be released, terror victims will have an opportunity to file legal petitions.

At least 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas’s attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 95 remaining hostages, more than 30 have been declared dead. Hamas has also been holding captive two Israeli civilians since 2014 and 2015, and the bodies of two soldiers killed in 2014.

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

Kerala: Tulsi plant desecrated by Abdul Hakeem in Guruvayur, VHP conducts purification ritual as police say he has ‘mental disorder’

OpIndia Staff
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Kerala: Tulsi plant desecrated by Abdul Hakeem in Guruvayur, VHP conducts purification ritual as police say he has ‘mental disorder’

After a video went viral on social media showing a person desecrating a Tulsi plant located near the Guruvayur temple in Kerala, some members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) performed purification puja of the Tulsi plant. The Tulsi plant which is considered sacred by Hindus was desecrated by a person identified as Abdul Hakeem. Following the incident, a purification ceremony was performed by VHP Joint Secretary Anoop, members of Hindu Aikya Vedi, members of the Temple Protection Committee and local devotees.

The incident came to light after a video went viral on social media. The video showed Abdul Hakeem plucking out his pubic hair and putting it on the Tulsi plant as he walked past it. As soon as the video surfaced, widespread social media outrage followed. People started reposting and sharing the video expressing anger over the act. Subsequently, a complaint was filed by Hindu Aikya Vedi, a Hindu nationalist organisation in Kerala which led to Hakeem’s arrest.

Responding to the matter in a Facebook post, the Thrissur City police claimed that Abdul Hakeem has allegedly been suffering from a mental illness for the past 25 years and is undergoing treatment. The police warned against sharing the video and said that legal action would be taken against defaulters. “A video of a young man in Guruvayur is seen circulating in social media in a way that creates communal rivalry. During the investigation, it was learned that the young man had a mental disorder and was under treatment for the past 25 years. Those who share the video and share posts related to it in a manner that creates communal rivalry will be subject to strict legal action”, read the post.

thecommunemag.com

According to reports, this is not the first time that Abdul Hakeem, owner of National Paradise Restaurant, faced allegations. In a raid conducted in his restaurant in 2017, Health authorities seized stale and spoiled food from his restaurant. He was also accused of installing hidden cameras in his hotel’s restrooms which resulted in complaints being filed against him at the Guruvayur police station. The matter was reportedly suppressed due to political intervention.

Twitter/@MahaRathii

Hakeem, as per reports, has also been accused of pelting stones at busses carrying Ayyappa devotees.

Gang-rape of Dalit athlete for 5 years by 64 accused in Kerala: Abuse began at the age of 13 by her friend who then invited others, 44 arrested after 30 FIRs

OpIndia Staff
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Gang-rape of Dalit athlete for 5 years by 64 accused in Kerala: Abuse began at the age of 13 by her friend who then invited others, 44 arrested after 30 FIRs

An 18-year-old Dalit athlete was reportedly abused by 62 individuals over the course of the last five years in Kerala. The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) filed a complaint after she disclosed the horrible events in a counselling session, prompting the Pathanamthitta police to start these proceedings. The matter came to light when a non-governmental organization (NGO) called Mahila Samakya paid a visit to her household as part of their routine work.

The NGO brought the issue to the attention of the Pathanamthitta district’s Child Welfare Committee after the girl described the ordeal she endured since 13 years of age. Thus far 44 people out of the 59 accused mentioned in the cases have been arrested by the Kerala police’s special investigation team (SIT) which is looking into the shocking matter. 30 FIRs have been filed, according to DIG S. Ajeetha Begum, who is in charge of the inquiry.

The cases have been filed in four police stations under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act.

“Two of the accused are absconding. They are abroad at present. We are considering issuing Look out Circulars for them. We are also planning to issue a Red Corner notice for them through Interpol. Besides them, 13 more have to be arrested. We are searching for their locations. They will be arrested soon. A foolproof and scientific investigation will be carried out by the SIT. We will not spare any of the accused. There will be no compromise. We will bring all of them before the law,” she informed.

The victim’s ordeal

Subin is accused of starting the abuse while the victim was only 13 years old, making him one of the first people to be arrested, reported The News Minute. Their houses were on different sides of a little hill, and they had been friends since they were young. She is perhaps six or seven years younger than him. He has been charged with sexually assaulting her, taking pictures and videos and then using them to pressure her into doing a sexual favour to a friend.

Law enforcement stated that this acquaintance brought in two more men who also exploited the teenager. Her photos and contact details were shared with different groups of men and young boys throughout the following years, and many of them contacted her through social media including Instagram and WhatsApp.

The individuals who have been detained consist of truck drivers, fishermen, and daily wage labourers. Some of them are also married. Among the perpetrators are at least five former classmates from her educational institutions. Two of the accused were underage at the time of the offence and four of the accused are minors. Furthermore, the victim reported that several incidents involved multiple perpetrators, leading to the filing of FIRs for gang rape.

One of the culprits hails from Thiruvananthapuram, located more than a hundred kilometres from Elavumthitta. DIG Begum has indicated that red corner notices will be issued for the other two accused currently residing abroad. Advocate N Rajeev, chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) in Pathanamthitta stated, “Word may have spread from one man to another, to their circle of friends or colleagues. Quite a lot of the accused are from her neighbourhood and daily wage labourers, but there are others too. We were shocked to hear her name so many men.”

He added, “However, it is still not clear if Subin demanded money from her or received payments from the other men.” Following an awareness campaign at her campus organized by Snehitha, the victim disclosed her experience in December, which led to the intervention of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). Snehitha is part of the Kudumbashree women’s empowerment program established by the state government. According to a neighbourhood source, the survivor initially approached a teacher at her school. The teacher then communicated the matter to a counsellor at Snehitha, resulting in the CWC being notified.

N Rajeev mentioned, “We asked the mother to accompany her, and the survivor spoke without persuasion. The mother was upset and reluctant at first to let her move into a centre for further counselling because she did not want the father to know.”

The accused reached out to the girl via her father’s phone, soliciting images of her and indicating the place where they were to meet. N Rajeev conveyed that the father owned a smartphone, but he was not particularly adept at utilizing its technological features. Moreover, he frequently consumed alcohol throughout the day and it contributed to his unawareness of his daughter accessing the device.

The girl’s parents are engaged in daily wage labor and she also has a brother. N Rajeev highlighted that the family thought their daughter’s commitment to sports was the reason for her extended time away from home. They were oblivious to the torment she suffered and assumed that her lengthy absences were due to competitive events. He also pointed out that when the Child Welfare Committee arranged for her counselling, her father did not initially suspect any problems, as he was familiar with her frequent departures for sporting events.

According to a ward member, she took part in Keralotsavam, a youth festival run by the Kerala government’s Youth Welfare Board. A neighbour also mentioned that she wanted to learn to drive and that the family had assigned Subin to be her instructor. The police reported that the individuals who reached out to the girl met her at various locations, including secluded spots within the General Hospital and on a bus at the private bus terminal in Pathanamthitta.

The bus stop is surrounded by shops and is commonly frequented by college and high school students. Security guard Shaji stated that he observed students lingering there as early as 7 am and again in the afternoon after their classes concluded. According to a bus stand official, the bus the girl identified might be the abandoned one at the back of a locked gas tank behind the bus stand. There are also quiet wooded areas surrounding the private bus stop where anyone can blend in without being spotted. The official stated that the current case is not the only instance that has occurred in these areas. He expressed that there had been previous cases of anti-social acts as well.

Furthermore, it has been reported that the girl experienced mistreatment within a General Hospital facility. The three-story edifice, referred to as the B and C block, is fifteen years old. This building, equipped with CCTV cameras, serves as the location for various medical procedures, including surgeries and outpatient care.

N Rajeev expressed, “We had told the police that the survivor, who is being counselled at the Nirbhaya Home, will take time to reveal all the names. In three to four days, she was able to give a list of 58 names, their ages, and details of what happened and where it happened. The police could identify about 40 of them from the phone numbers she had saved in her father’s phone. There were two gang rapes that she recounted, one that took place in a car and one in a bus in the private bus stand, both when she was a minor.”

She would testify before a magistrate in accordance with section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), according to a senior police official who added, “It will take some time for her to go back to her classes, we are arranging notes for her.” Moreover, the police are in contact with the counsellors who can liaise with her teachers and classmates to aid her in resuming her studies.

Who are accused

The Elavumthitta station has 16 of the 29 FIRs that have been filed next to Pathanamthitta with 11 and Malayalapuzha and Pandalam with one each. The accused have been identified as Amal (18), Adarsh (20), Shivakumar (21), Umesh (19), Sreeju (18), Aji (19), Ashwin (21), Sajin (23) Subin (24), CK Vineeth (30), K Ananthu (21), S Sandheep (30), S Sudhi also known as Sreeni (24), and Prajith Kumar (24) in Elavumthitta. P Deepu (22), Anandu Pradeep (24), Aravind (23), Vishnu (24), Binu Joseph (39), Abhilash Kumar (19), Abhijith (19), Joji Mathew (25), Ambadi (24), Aravind (20), Kannan (21), Akku Anand (20), a minor, Nandu (25), Shamnad (20), Afsal (21), Ashiq (20), Nidhin Prasad (21), Abhinav (18), Karthik (18), Sudheesh (Kannappan) (27), Nishad (Appu) (31), Achu Anand (21), Lijo (26), and Shinu George (23) in Pathanamthitta along with Akash (19) and Akash (22) in Pandalam.

Inquiry into the matter

The investigation disclosed that the girl met a number of the accused at a private bus station in Pathanamthitta after which she was driven to several locations where she endured the heinous violations. According to the investigation, a young man she met on Instagram took her to a rubber farm in Ranni last year when she was in the twelfth grade, where he and three other individuals assaulted her. Authorities pointed out that the probe found she was gang-raped at least five times, including in January 2024 at the Pathanamthitta General Hospital and inside a four-wheeler.

Other offenders include peers, rival athletes and sports coaches. More than 30 policemen, including women, make up the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is supervised by District Police Chief VG Vinod Kumar and headed by Deputy Superintendent of Police PS Nandakumar. Additional police would be added to the squad when the Sabarimala pilgrimage season ends, according to DIG Begum. Obtaining all relevant documentation, analyzing mobile devices, and gathering scientific evidence are the police’s top priorities in order to build a compelling case, per reports.

The National Commission for Women has demanded that everyone involved be arrested immediately and has asked for a thorough report on the measures taken in relation to the grave issue within three days. The panel stressed that in order to guarantee that justice is served, a fair and prompt investigation is required.

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