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India asks citizens to leave Syria at the earliest as rebel groups continue to seize more cities

OpIndia Staff
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India asks citizens to leave Syria at the earliest as rebel groups continue to seize more cities

On 6th December, the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, issued a travel advisory for Syria, asking Indian nationals to avoid all travel to the country until further notice. Furthermore, the ministry requested Indians there to remain in touch with the Indian Embassy in Damascus. The ministry also asked those who could leave the country to do so immediately. The advisory has been issued in view of the escalating violence following a major offensive by rebel forces.

The ministry said, “In view of the situation prevailing in Syria, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all travel to Syria, until further notification. Indians currently in Syria are requested to remain in touch with Indian Embassy in Damascus at their emergency helpline number +963 993385973 (also on WhatsApp) and email ID [email protected] for updates. Those who can, are advised to leave by the earliest available commercial flights and others are requested to observe utmost precaution about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum.”

ANI quoted MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal saying there are currently 90 Indian nationals in Syria, out of which 14 are working in various United Nations organisations. In a press briefing on 6th December, Jaiswal said, “We have taken note of the recent escalation in fighting in the north of Syria. We are closely following the situation… Our mission remains in close contact with our nationals for their safety and security.”

Violence escalated in Syria

In last few days, insurgents linked to the Jihadi group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched a major offensive in Syria and captured several key cities, including the largest city in the country, Aleppo. The civil war in Syria had been stagnant for over 14 years before this attack.

The insurgents reportedly aimed to push towards Homs, with their ultimate target being Damascus, from where President Bashar al-Assad’s government operates. The rebel group’s advance was followed by setbacks faced by Hezbollah and Iran against Israel, as they are major supporters of the Assad govt.

On 5th December, the insurgents reportedly advanced deeper into Syria and captured the central city of Hama, which is the fourth-largest city in the country. The next target of the insurgents appears to be Homs, which is a crucial crossroads city. If they manage to take control of Homs, it will affect Assad’s control over Syria.

Reportedly, on 7th December, insurgents managed to take control of Daraa, which is the birthplace of the 2011 uprising against Assad. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, local armed groups took over Daraa on Saturday.

Following the insurgents’ attack on key cities in Syria, Iran and Iraq issued a joint statement on 6th December, warning that the recent attacks would lead to regional instability. The statement was issued after a meeting between the foreign ministers of the three countries.

The ministers said, “There is no alternative to coordination, cooperation, and diplomatic consultation” if the “risks of escalation” are to be avoided. They further emphasised the “need for Arab, regional, and international action to bring about peaceful resolutions to the challenges facing Syria and the region.”

Notably, Iran has already pledged to provide Assad’s government with whatever support is required to tackle the insurgents. Iraq is keeping its security forces on high alert. Over the weekend, Syrian ministers are expected to meet their allies from Russia, Iran, and Türkiye.

Aleppo’s renewed conflict raises fears of wider instability

The renewed fighting in Aleppo highlights its importance as a key battleground in Syria’s long civil war. Once the country’s cultural and commercial hub, Aleppo has often been the focus of battles between rebel groups and government forces. The latest advance by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) is the most significant challenge to areas controlled by President Bashar al-Assad’s government in years. Many fear this offensive could lead to more destruction, similar to the devastating 2016 siege when Russian airstrikes heavily damaged the city and forced the rebels to surrender.

HTS’s attack on Aleppo is part of a larger plan to weaken government-held areas. After capturing parts of Idlib and Hama, the rebels are now eyeing Homs, a key city. If Homs falls, it could seriously impact Assad’s control over Syria.

The Assad government’s allies, including Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, have quickly responded by sending reinforcements and launching airstrikes to stop the rebels. This new wave of fighting has raised international concerns, as it comes during an already tense period in the region, with Israel involved in conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah. However, with Russia already involved in the war in Ukraine and Iran and Hezbollah busy defending themselves against Israel, their ability to support the Syrian govt is limited.

Experts warn that Aleppo’s return to intense conflict could cause wider instability. If major powers like Russia and Turkey get directly involved in the fighting, it could further complicate the fragile situation in the Middle East, making it harder to bring any hope of peace to the region.

“If you can’t take action, dissolve UN”: Spiritual leader Devkinandan urges UN to act on Bangladesh violence

ANI
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“If you can’t take action, dissolve UN”: Spiritual leader Devkinandan urges UN to act on Bangladesh violence

Spiritual leader Devkinandan Thakur on Thursday urged the United Nations to take immediate action against the recent violence in Bangladesh and said that if the international peacekeeping organisation fails to act, it should dissolve.

He said that he has also written a letter to the United Nations regarding the recent violence in Bangladesh.

Speaking to ANI, Devkinandan Thakur said, “I have written a letter to the United Nations…UN was founded because if some attack happens on humanity anywhere in the world, UN would stand up for them but unfortunately, UN is silent right now…in Bangladesh, Chinmoy Krishna Das’s two lawyers were beaten up very badly…because they didn’t want his (Chinmoy Krishna Das) to happen and then he would be in jail forever…we want UN to interfere in this…women and children are being attacked, houses being torched…if you can’t take action, dissolve UN.”

Violence against minority communities is on the rise in Bangladesh, with attacks intensifying after the arrest of priest Chinmoy Krishna Das. However, attacks on Hindus began soon after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August.

On Tuesday a Bangladesh court set January 2, 2025, as the next hearing date for Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy Das stating that he will remain in jail on alleged sedition charges until then.

The Daily Star Bangladesh reported that the Chattogram court deferred to January 2 the hearing on the bail petition of Chinmoy Krishna Das. Chattogram Metropolitan Session Judge Saiful Islam set the new date for the hearing as the defence lawyer was absent from the court.

Chittagong Metropolitan Police’s Additional Deputy Commissioner (Prosecution) Mofizur Rahman later confirmed this information to Bangladesh media.

Chinmoy Krishna Das who is associated with the Sammilita Sanatani Jagaran Jote, was arrested in Dhaka on November 25. The arrest followed a complaint filed on October 31 by a local politician that accused Chinmoy Das and others of disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag during a rally of the Hindu community.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly criticised Das’ arrest and the denial of his bail. The arrest has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for his immediate release.

ISKCON has claimed that Bangladesh authorities have arrested two monks, Adipurush Shyam Das and Ranganath Das Brahmachari, and the secretary of Chinmoy Krishna Das.

ISKCON Kolkata Vice President Radharaman has urged the Bangladesh government to provide security to the advocate of Chinmoy Krishna Das citing the recent attack on his previous advocate.

Earlier, in another concerning development, a petition was filed by a lawyer demanding a ban on ISKCON in Bangladesh, calling it a “radical organization” engaging in activities designed to provoke communal unrest, as reported by the local media.

The petition in Bangladesh has alleged that ISKCON has been promoting religious events with the intent of inciting sectarian violence, imposing its beliefs on traditional Hindu communities, and forcibly recruiting members from lower Hindu castes.

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

Walmart sells underwear and slippers featuring Lord Ganesha, takes down derogatory collection only after Hindus outrage

OpIndia Staff
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Walmart sells underwear and slippers featuring Lord Ganesha, takes down derogatory collection only after Hindus outrage

On Friday (6th December), Walmart courted controversy after it came to light that it had been selling footwear and underwear embossed with the image of Lord Ganesha.

A popular X (formerly Twitter) user ‘Tathvam-asi (@ssaratht)’ pointed out how the American multinational retal corporation was hurting the sentiments of the Hindu community. “This is unacceptable. You can’t demean our Hindu Gods,” he tweeted.

As evident from the images shared by the X user, Walmart had been selling tops, pants, shorts, bikinis, flip-flops and socks featuring the image of Lord Ganesha under its ‘Celestial Ganesh Blessings Collections.’

According to reports, Walmart is selling at least 70 variants of boxers, thongs, briefs and panties with the print of Lord Ganesha

The abhorrent use of the imagery of Hindu deities as footwear and underwear drew the ire of the Hindu community. Social media users lashed out at the corporation over the mockery of Hindu sentiments.

Hindu activist Rajam Zed had also reached out to the American retail corporation, seeking the removal of derogatory imagery of the Hindu deity. “Symbols of any faith, larger or smaller, should not be mishandled,” he had said.

Hindu advocacy outfit ‘Insight UK’ tweeted, “Hindu community is extremely concerned about this. This is blatant negligence and lack of complete respect towards Hindu Gods, Hindu sentiments and sensibilities.”

Hindu Jagruti organisation stated, “Depiction of Shri Ganesh, a highly revered Hindu deity, on underwear, boxers, socks, slippers etc. is deeply offensive & disrespectful to Hindus worldwide.” The Hindu outfit also sought a formal apology from Walmart.

US-based Hindu advocacy organisation HAF had written directly to the Walmart management against misusing of Hindu imagery on slippers and bathing suits

Following outrage by Hindu netizens and advocacy organisations, Walmart removed its ‘Celestial Ganesh Blessings Collections.’ However, swimsuits featuring images of the Hindu deity are still available.

Past instances of Hinduphobia by companies

This is however not the first time that a brand has resorted to an open display of Hinduphobia.

In April 2022, a clothing brand named ‘Sahara Ray Swim‘ stirred the hornet’s nest by printing images of Hindu deities on its swimwear collection. The brand is owned by Sahara Ray, a young surfer turned Only Fans model.

Earlier in May 2019, floor mats and toilet covers, bearing images of sacred Hindu Gods and Goddesses, were being sold on Amazon.

In October 2018, a Non-resident Indian named Ankita Mishra was forced to write to the ‘House of Yes’ nightclub in Bushwick in New York after discovering paintings of Hindu deities on the walls.

“The walls were papered with bejewelled images of Hindu gods like Ganesha, Saraswati, Kali and Shiva. This is the price of silence. The scales will always tip back to favour the status quo, the inherent whiteness of the spaces we enjoy,” she had remarked.

Two British Indian community leaders stripped of honours by King Charles; One had shown support for Bangladeshi Hindus, the other “accused” of supporting PM Modi

OpIndia Staff
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Two British Indian community leaders stripped of honours by King Charles; One had shown support for Bangladeshi Hindus, the other “accused” of supporting PM Modi

On 6th December (local time), two prominent British Indian figures, Lord Rami Ranger and Anil Bhanot, were stripped of their prestigious honours. Lord Ranger, a multi-millionaire businessman, lost his CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire). Bhanot, the managing trustee of the Hindu Council UK and a Leicester-based accountant, was stripped of his OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire).

Reportedly, Bhanot was accused of “Islamophobia”, and Ranger was accused of voicing support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue of the BBC documentary on the 2002 Gujarat riots, which was banned in India. Complaints against them were made by the UK-based pro-Islamic website 5 Pillars and the US-based Khalistani terrorist outfit Sikhs For Justice, respectively.

The decision was announced in the London Gazette. It was initiated by the honours forfeiture committee and approved by King Charles III on the recommendation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The forfeiture committee investigates cases where the recipients of honours might have brought the honours system into disrepute. Both Ranger and Bhanot are required to return their insignias to Buckingham Palace. As per the regulations, both of them can no longer use references to their former titles.

Allegations of ‘Islamophobia’ and free speech concerns

Anil Bhanot was awarded the OBE for his efforts in community cohesion. Following the decision, Bhanot expressed his dismay. While speaking to The Times of India, he said that in January this year, the committee had contacted him over complaints accusing him of Islamophobia. The complaints were made following his social media posts on X (then Twitter), where he expressed concerns over violence against Hindus in Bangladesh in 2021. Possibly in the heat of the moment, Bhanot had called Islam a “religion of violence”. The complaint against Bhanot was made by the dubious Islamic website 5 Pillars.

Though there was no uproar over his comments in 2021, but in February 2022, Bhanot came under 5 Pillar’s radar when he said that the term “Islamophobia” was being used to cull freedom of speech. 5 Pillar dug his old posts on social media and published a report claiming Bhanot was an “Islamophobe”. Bhanot, who was then director of Hindu Council UK, had to step down from his position. Interestingly, the social media accounts of 5 Pillars are withheld in India because of their anti-India and anti-Hindu content. Not to forget, the deputy director of 5PIllarsUK, tried to mobilise support from Pakistanis and Bangladeshi Muslims over the Karnataka Hijab controversy and had called for turning India “Islamic”.

Source: X

In his defence, Bhanot argued that those comments were made in empathy with Hindu victims during a period when temples were being destroyed and the minority Hindu community was being attacked. He added that the BBC failed to cover those events adequately. He said, “I was calling for dialogue and legislative measures. I did not do anything wrong, and I have not brought the honours system into disrepute.” He termed the stripping of the title a “decline in free speech” in England.

In a comment to 5 Pillar’s article, Bhanot had written, “I aplogise unreservedly. These replies to tweets from the subcontinent happened after the Bangladesh violence against Hindus last autumn and then on conversion, a Hindu student committed suicide under pressure from Christian conversion. I respect the spirituality in Islam as in all religions. I should not have got involved with the subcontinent’s issues as in UK we all do respect all religions. I am sorry. I also said 99% of Muslims are fine, meaning good, so this Shaitan is really a reference to some bad people in every religion. Of course it cannot be otherwise. I am not divisive or have any hate in my heart for anyone, I reacted to events in the subcontinent and erroneously. I am sorry.”

Source: 5 Pillars

He further added that the Institute of Chartered Accountants and the Charity Commission had cleared him of similar accusations on free speech grounds. “Because it’s an honour, it’s political,” he said. He further questioned whether his representations were ever seriously considered by the committee before making the decision.

Lord Ranger vows legal action

Lord Ranger had received his CBE in 2016 for his services to British business and community work. Echoing Bhanot’s sentiments, Ranger said that the decision made by the committee undermines free speech. Ranger was “accused” of defending Prime Minister Narendra Modi in response to the BBC documentary India: The Modi Question, which was later banned in India, and comments involving a Southall Gurdwara trustee. He was also accused of harassing a journalist Poonam Joshi and using derogatory language against Pakistanis and Sikh community. Several complaints were made against Ranger, including one from the US-based Khalistani terrorist organisation Sikhs For Justice, founded by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

Joshi reportedly filed a complaint with the House of Lords Standards Commissioner. Following the investigation, Ranger reportedly apologised to Joshi and agreed to take a behaviour coaching course as directed by the Commissioner. In a statement, Joshi said that she reciprocated with her own apology. Notably, in March 2023, Pannun had sued Ranger for suggesting that Sikhs For Justice is funded by the enemies of India. The allegations were made in an article in the Pakistan Daily in November 2021 in an interview with Ranger.

A spokesperson from Ranger’s office spoke to The Times of India and said, “It is a sad indictment that the honours system, which is meant to empower those who contribute significantly to the nation, is being used to suppress fundamental rights of free speech.” Speaking to media, a spokesperson added, “Lord Ranger has not committed any crime nor has he broken any law, where the majority of the people who have had their honour revoked in this way, have committed a crime or broken the law. Lord Ranger is devastated that the CBE awarded to him for his services to British business and for promoting community cohesion has been taken away.”

Ranger has announced that he intends to seek a judicial review in the matter and might escalate it to the European Court of Human Rights. Criticising the system for “rewarding the wrong people”, he said, “I don’t care about the CBE, but I feel freedom of speech has been undermined.”

The removal of honours from Lord Rami Ranger and Anil Bhanot has raised questions about free speech and the fairness of the honours system. Both have expressed concerns that the decisions were influenced by politics and that their cases were not properly reviewed. With legal challenges ahead, the issue highlights the need to examine how accusations and public opinion can affect the recognition of people who have made significant contributions.

Canada: Motion to label 1984 anti-Sikh riots as a genocide blocked by MP Chandra Arya, calls it Khalistani driven narrative

ANI
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Canada: Motion to label 1984 anti-Sikh riots as a genocide blocked by MP Chandra Arya, calls it Khalistani driven narrative

Chandra Arya, Member of Parliament of Canada, shared his strong stance against a motion attempting to label the 1984 anti-Sikh riots as genocide and said that he was the only MP present in the House of Commons to oppose the motion, blocking its passage.

The Canadian MP also highlighted the ongoing threats and pressure he faces for voicing concerns of the Hindu-Canadian community and warned that the “politically powerful Khalistani lobby” would likely attempt to push the motion again.

Sharing a post on X, Arya said, “Today, the Member of Parliament from Surrey-Newton attempted to have the Parliament declare the 1984 riots in India against Sikhs as a genocide. He sought unanimous consent from all Members in the House of Commons to pass his motion. I was the only Member present in the House to say NO, and my single objection was enough to prevent this motion from being approved.”

He added, “Immediately after this, I was threatened inside the parliament building for standing up and saying no. There have been several attempts, both within the parliament and outside, to stop me from freely and publicly voicing the concerns of Hindu-Canadians. While I am proud of having stopped this divisive agenda from succeeding today, we cannot afford to be complacent. Next time, we may not be as fortunate.”

He further said that Khalistan might try to bring the motion forward again. “The politically powerful Khalistani lobby will undoubtedly try again to push for Parliament to label the 1984 riots as genocide. There is no guarantee I will be in the House to block it the next time any other Member, from any political party, attempts to bring this motion forward,” Arya said.

He urged Hindu-Canadians to actively engage with their MPs to ensure the motion is blocked in the future. “I urge all Hindu-Canadians to act now. Reach out to your local Members of Parliament and secure their commitment to oppose this motion whenever it arises. The 1984 anti-Sikh riots in India, which followed the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards, were undeniably barbaric,” the Canadian MP said.

Arya further condemned the loss of lives in the riots but emphasised that terming the riots as genocide would be “misleading and unjustified.” He said, “Thousands of innocent Sikhs lost their lives in those horrific events, and we all condemn this brutality without reservation. However, labelling these tragic and dreadful riots as a genocide is misleading and unjustified.”

He added, “Such an assertion fuels the agenda of anti-Hindu forces and risks driving a wedge between the Hindu and Sikh communities in Canada. We must not let these divisive elements succeed in their efforts to destabilize harmony. The only way to prevent Canada’s Parliament from declaring the 1984 riots as genocide is by ensuring that every MP–or at least a significant number of MPs–stand up and say NO when unanimous consent is sought.”

Expressing his support for safeguarding the Hindu community, Arya said, “Once again, I call upon Hindu-Canadians to reach out to your MPs and firmly request their opposition to this Khalistani-driven narrative. Let us stand united against this anti-Hindu agenda and safeguard our communities.”

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

Union Cabinet approves 28 new Navodaya Vidyalayas and 85 new Kendriya Vidyalayas in the country, allocates ₹8,232 crore

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Union Cabinet approves 28 new Navodaya Vidyalayas and 85 new Kendriya Vidyalayas in the country, allocates ₹8,232 crore

The Union Cabinet on Friday approved the establishment of 28 new Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs) in districts that are currently not covered by the Navodaya Vidyalaya Scheme.

According to Government of India this initiative is with the aim,”to provide good quality modern education-including a strong component of culture, inculcation of values, awareness of the environment, adventure activities and physical education- to the talented children predominantly from the rural areas without regard to their family’s socio-economic condition.”

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw underlined the importance of this initiative in line with the New Education Policy. He stated, “To implement the New Education Policy, PM Shri was brought – all the Central Schools and Navodaya Vidyalayas were designated as PM Shri schools to make them a model for other schools to follow.”

In addition to the 28 new NVs, the Cabinet also approved the opening of 85 new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) and the expansion of one existing KV. This expansion will provide educational opportunities to a larger number of students across the country. These moves are expected to benefit around 82,560 students through the new KVs and 15,680 students through the new NVs.

According to available data, a total of Rs 8,232 crore has been allocated for the establishment of these schools, with Rs 5,872 crore for the new KVs and Rs 2,360 crore for the NVs. The opening of these schools will also create around 6,700 job opportunities, including 5,388 regular posts for KVs and 1,316 posts for NVs. This will contribute to employment while strengthening educational infrastructure across India.

Nearly all the new KVs and NVs have been designated as ‘PM Shri’ schools. These institutions will act as models for other schools, showcasing the government’s commitment to implementing the goals of the New Education Policy (NEP) and setting a high standard for the rest of the education system.

The new KVs and NVs will be distributed across several states. In the case of KVs, Andhra Pradesh will receive eight, Madhya Pradesh 11, and Uttar Pradesh five, among others. For NVs, Arunachal Pradesh will receive eight, Assam six, and Telangana seven, as part of this nationwide expansion effort.

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

Bangladesh’s Border Guards snuck into India to stop the renovation of a Hindu temple in Assam claiming it would “offend Bangladeshi Muslims”

OpIndia Staff
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Bangladesh’s Border Guards snuck into India to stop the renovation of a Hindu temple in Assam claiming it would “offend Bangladeshi Muslims”

Even as Hindu minorities in Bangladesh face the wrath of the Islamists, Hindus living in India also recently witnessed the Islamic supremacism currently gripping the neighbouring country. In a highly outrageous incident that violates international laws, a few personnel from Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) sneaked into India to stop the renovation of a Hindu temple, claiming that the sight of the temple would offend Bangladesh’s Muslims and touch off violence there.

The incident took place at a temple near the Kushiyara River along the India-Bangladesh border in Assam’s Sribhumi district on Thursday.

The Assam government had recently sanctioned Rs 3 lakhs for the renovation and restoration of the Manasa Temple located at the immersion ghat at Kushiyara in Sribhumi.

According to a report published in Swarajya, some personnel belonging to the Zakinganj border outpost of the BGB crossed the river in a speedboat and confronted the workers at the temple over the restoration work, demanding an immediate halt to the construction. They also reportedly threatened the workers and local Hindu residents who had gathered at the place due to commotion. The BGB personnel also threatened to open fire from across the border if they saw the work resuming, stating that the temple’s visibility from across the river was offensive to their country’s Muslims and seeing a temple after namaz or from a mosque is “haram” as per Islam.

The BSF had reportedly reached the place before the situation escalated and defused the tension between the villagers and the BGB team. The BSF team firmly told the BGB personnel that they had no authority to enter into the Indian territory and threaten Indian citizens for restoration work going on in the Indian territory. The BSF informed their BGB counterparts that the work over the temple would continue as per plan. Outnumbered and facing strong resistance from the BSF and locals, the BGB team retreated.

Nevertheless, this action violated international laws and established border protocols, which mandate that the BGB must notify and obtain permission from the Border Security Force (BSF) before entering Indian territory. Additionally, these protocols prohibit both the BGB and BSF from carrying weapons while crossing into each other’s territory.

Following their retreat, locals raised slogans against Bangladesh and warned against interloping in the Indian territories. The BSF extended protection to the workers undertaking restoration work of the temple, and additional police personnel were deployed in the area.

The BGB team’s intrusion in India not only underscores the grave violation of international laws but the reasoning offered by them—the sight of the temple would be offensive to Muslims in Bangladesh—demonstrates the extent of radicalisation that has crept into the border forces of the neighbouring country and the sense of entitlement they feel to snuck into India armed and threaten Indians with dire consequences for being involved in activities on their territory.

Kerala: ‘Jinn’ Shameema and her gang killed NRI businessman Gafoor for 4.768 kg gold during Ramazan, had lured him claiming to double the gold by black magic

OpIndia Staff
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Kerala: ‘Jinn’ Shameema and her gang killed NRI businessman Gafoor for 4.768 kg gold during Ramazan, had lured him claiming to double the gold by black magic

Over a year after an NRI businessman was killed in Kerala, the investigation revealed that an occult gang was behind the murder for 4,768 grams of gold. As per police, the gang led by a woman named Shameema, a self-proclaimed jinn, killed MC Gafoor in April 2023 in Kasargod, Kerala. Her gang used to cheat people in the name of black magic. The authorities eventually revealed the conspiracy after 20 months.

Police have now arrested 4 people including Shameema K H (38) also known as ‘Jinnumma’ along with her second husband Ubaise T M (38), Asneefa P M (34) and Ayesha A (40), all from Vidyanagar.

According to media reports, Gafoor, an NRI resident of Poochakkad in Kasaragod, died on 13th April last year at 5:30 am on a Friday during the Islamic holy month of Ramazan and his body was found inside the house the next day. His family members considered it a natural death and buried him. Gafoor owned 4 supermarkets in UAE.

His family did not doubt anything because the incident transpired during Ramazan. However, when the grieving family sat down after the funeral, they remembered that he had borrowed gold from all his family, including his daughters. They then searched for the gold but did not find it. They knew that he would not pledge the gold as he was not facing any financial trouble. Therefore, the family got suspicious and began to have reservations about Shameema, who lived in their village.

Shameema alias ‘Jinnumma’ had earlier visited the house to take care of Gafoor’s ailing wife. Initially, the family lodged a theft case against her, but later they lodged an FIR alleging murder. After the complaint, the police exhumed the body from the grave and conducted a post-mortem which confirmed that Gafoor was killed. His family members were completely convinced that Shameema was responsible but the police could not find any evidence.

Notably, some people had found the behaviour of the gang members after the death suspicious, like Ubaise’s presence during Gafoor’s last rites of washing even though he was not a relative or close neighbour, but they refrained from speaking out for fear of ‘Jinnumma’.

After it was found that Gafoor was killed, a police investigator began a thorough inquiry into the matter after a year and found out about Shameema and her gang. The probe found that Shameema asked Gafoor to bring his family gold so she could double it using her black magic. But when he asked for the gold back, she killed him.

Police came to know that Shameema and the gang were selling gold in different parts of Kasargod and also discovered WhatsApp chats between Shameema and Gafoor which unveiled that he had given Rs 10 lakh and gold to her. The police then investigated further and learned that she had lured Gafoor to double his gold and claimed that she could do it with black magic. He had collected gold from all his relatives and handed it over to her.

However, she decided to kill him when he demanded his gold back. She arrived at her his on he night of 13 April 2023 to perform the black magic on the gold. But during the ritual, Shameema’s husband Ubaise killed him by slamming his head on the wall. The couple along with Asneefa and Ayesha then destroyed all evidence of the murder and left the place with the dead body lying in the house.

Shameema even came back to the house in the morning after the body was discovered. The police have now arrested the four and registered a case of murder and destruction of evidence. She has also been caught in other crimes earlier including a sextortion case in 2013.

Police also found that she was using a Brezza car purchased by a man from Chattanchal in Udma on loan. The police suspect that person is also a victim of Shameema. However, the man had stopped paying EMIs for some time, but the outstanding amount of around ₹9 lakh was paid after the death of Gafoor.

Police also found that Shameema was selling an amulet made of paper with an Arabic inscription for ₹55,000 a piece. The people of her village are quite afraid of Shameema because of her claims of having black magic powers.

JNU scientist Anand Ranganathan and team make pathbreaking discovery for Covid-19 and Malaria treatment

OpIndia Staff
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JNU scientist Anand Ranganathan and team make pathbreaking discovery for Covid-19 and Malaria treatment

In a pathbreaking study, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) scientists Dr Anand Ranganathan, Professor Shailja Singh and their team including Russian researchers have found that human protein hsp70 can be crucial in the treatment of COVID-19 and Malaria.

The researchers developed a small molecule Hsp70 inhibitor that could be used to treat a multitude of infections. Notably, Hsp70 (Heat Shock Protein 70) is a molecular chaperone or a protein that aids in the proper folding of other proteins and blocks misfolding.

Published in the prestigious International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, the study, led by Dr Anand Ranganathan and Shailja Singh of JNU’s Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, reveals that targeting Hsp70 could help prevent drug resistance, which is becoming a major issue in infection treatment.

“Here, for the first time, we demonstrate that the SARS-CoV-2 exploits the host Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) chaperone for its entry and propagation, and blocking it can combat the infection. SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as febrile temperature enhanced Hsp70 expression in host Vero E6 cells. Furthermore, heat shock or viral infection elevates the host cell autophagic response which is a prerequisite for viral propagation,” the research paper titled Targeting host inducible-heat shock protein 70 with PES-Cl is a promising antiviral strategy against SARS-CoV-2 infection and pathogenesis states.

The researchers observed that Hsp70 interacts with the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and human ACE2 receptors, which the virus uses to enter cells.

“In addition, Hsp70 protein demonstrated strong interaction with host Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as well as the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, indicating that interaction of Hsp70 with ACE2 and Spike protein may serve to protect them during febrile conditions,” the study says.

In their research, Dr Ranganathan and the team hypothesised that fever raises Hsp70 levels, which helps stabilise this interaction and allows the virus to infect cells more easily. In lab testing, blocking Hsp70 successfully prevented viral replication. This host-targeting method has several advantages as contrary to traditional medications that target the virus, host-targeting antivirals are less likely to develop resistance since the virus cannot change the host protein. This approach may be especially successful against quickly developing viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and its derivatives.

The researchers concluded that the study not only provides a fundamental insight into the role of host Hsp70 in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, it “paves the way for the development of potent and irresistible anti-viral therapeutics.”

MoS Bhagirath Choudhary invites protesting farmers for talks, says government is open for dialogue

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MoS Bhagirath Choudhary invites protesting farmers for talks, says government is open for dialogue

Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Bhagirath Choudhary, on Friday invited protesting farmers for talks, stating that the government is open for holding dialogue with them.

“Doors are open for the farmers to come and have a dialogue regarding their issues. I am also their brother, and if they want to come, doors are open. If they want us to go there, we will go in between them to have a dialogue,” he said.

Earlier in the day, farmers marching towards Delhi under the ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest were stopped at the Shambhu border. The farmers had announced their march to the national capital, Delhi, to push for their various demands.

“They (police) will not let us go (to Delhi). Farmer leaders have got injured; we will hold a meeting to decide the future strategy,” farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said at the border.

Pandher had earlier said that they should be allowed to enter Delhi and hold talks with the Centre. He had also stressed that they should be given a place in the national capital to protest.

“We should be allowed to go towards Delhi peacefully or we should be talked to about our demands…The doors for talks are open from the farmers’ side. We have been saying that if the government wants to talk, then show us the letter of the central government or the CM office of Haryana or Punjab…We want the central government to accept our demands…They should give us a place to protest in Delhi…Internet services should be restored in Ambala,” he stated.

Earlier in the day, police officials stated that the farmers did not have permission to enter Haryana.

Drone footage showed police barricades where 101 farmers were stopped, and heavy police personnel were deployed. Police also used tear gas to disperse protesting farmers at the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu Border.

“The farmers do not have any permission to enter Haryana. The Ambala administration has imposed Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS),” a police officer at the border told ANI.

Meanwhile, in response to the protest, the Haryana government has ordered an internet shutdown in ten villages in Ambala from December 6 to 9 to curb misinformation.

The Bhartiya Kisan Parishad (BKP) and other farmer groups are demanding compensation and a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP). 

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

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