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Mint’s callous mockery: Author Nisha Susan downplays Tirupati Laddu row calling it mere adulteration, dehumanises a devotee mother’s story by asking if “she’s dead”

Anurag
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Mint’s callous mockery: Author Nisha Susan downplays Tirupati Laddu row calling it mere adulteration, dehumanises a devotee mother’s story by asking if “she’s dead”

On 28th September, the Mint published an op-ed by author Nisha Susan, where she attempted to discuss the Tirupati Laddu controversy with a wit laced with condescension. The piece, however, turned out to be a mockery of journalistic standards. She also downplayed the presence of animal fat in ghee used to make Tirupati Laddus, calling it just a case of adulteration. The piece written by Susan began with a highly insensitive and controversial comment that resulted in an uproar on social media.

Susan began her op-ed with a post by author Saiswaroopa Iyer, where she recalled how her mother raised alarm about the quality of Tirupati Laddus. Susan was careful enough not to use Saiswaroopa’s name. However, things did not turn out the way she might have anticipated. Commenting on the post, Susan blatantly wished for the death of Saiswaroopa’s devotee mother and asked, “Was Amma dead?” She did not stop there and continued to compare the alarms raised by Saiswaroopa’s mother with similar incidents reported in the context of pet animals.

The post quoted by Susan was published on 19th September. In her post, Saiswaroopa wrote, “For 2-3 years, Amma would fall sick if she tasted Tirupati Laddu and would tell us not to eat too much of it. We dismissed it as her general paranoia, as she has a hundred complaints about hygiene everywhere. Now I feel a part of her sensed something terribly wrong with the Laddu.”

Quoting the post, Susan opined, “I found the post intriguing for its sad, wistful tone. Was Amma dead? Why else would the author write it in this way, the way one would talk about the misunderstood family pet, the horse that refused to cross the damaged bridge, or the dog that barked at the cobra under the woodpile and saved the family’s baby? Why not ask Amma, that unsung hero, why the laddus troubled her? I read the post so many times in admiration of its synthetic charm, the way it drew a portrait of a prophet not honoured at home.”

Notably, Saiswaroopa’s post was copied, or we should say, plagiarised, by many other social media users to gain traction. The original author did not object to it but faced backlash from left-liberals and so-called fact-checkers, who claimed she was part of the “toolkit” against the former government of Andhra Pradesh led by Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Saiswaroopa, however, took the plagiarism lightly at that time. In a post, she wrote, “Any half brain with a quarter neuron would see the time stamp and understand. But that’s too much to expect from Periperitards and their equally hare brained ilk from elsewhere. Muting and enjoying the free publicity you guys giving me incl 200+ new followers. Thank you.”

Taking another dig at Saiswaroopa, that too indirectly, Susan wrote, “As it turned out, I would have many more chances to read it because this highly specific story was tweeted by dozens of accounts, each pretending to be just another account offering their individual anecdote in the ‘adulterated’ Tirupati Laddu scandal. The wits of X immediately declared this phenomenon a ‘one nation, one Amma, one Laddu’ scheme.”

Criticism of Susan’s insensitive comments on Saiswaroopa’s mother

Speaking to OpIndia, Saiswaroopa said, “I did not expect the post to go viral and the last ten days has been very disturbing and now this article platformed by Mint was a cruel blow.” She also published a post on X criticising Susan for her comments. She wrote, “How cheap should you have to get to wish death upon a mother Nisha Susan? Shame on you Live Mint for publishing that cheap crap.”

Reacting to Susan’s op-ed several social media users expressed concerns over the objectionable language used by the author. Author Abhinav Agarwal wrote, “”Is she dead?” This passed editorial review at Live Mint? Seriously, what is wrong with you? For your agenda, is there any depth you won’t plumb? And as for the lady, Nisha Susan, the less said the better. With so much hate she is carrying against Hindus, may the Lord have mercy on her.”

Author Arun Krishnan wrote, “Shame on you Live Mint. Asking “Is she dead” about the mother of someone? That too a genuine person and an amazing writer like Saiswaroopa?”

X user Sameer wrote, “How does Live Mint allow such drivel to be published on its pages?How dare the writer of this trash ask “Is Amma dead?” for Saiswaroopa Ji’s Amma? Saiswaroopa ji must sue the publication & the writer Nisha Susan who also has no right to comment on #TirupatiLaddu as it doesn’t concern her faith.”

Editor-in-chief of OpIndia, Nupur J Sharma, wrote, “I am not very surprised that this drivel passed editorial review at Live Mint. A Hindu temple is desecrated under Christian Jagan and a Christian “Nisha Susan” tells us it’s no big deal. What’s more? She writes, “is she dead” for Saiswaroopa’s mother and compares her to a pet dog.”

Coming to the crux of the matter, Saiswaroopa’s original tweet was not an invitation for ridicule. It was a heartfelt expression of concern revolving around faith and familial bonds. Instincts of a mother are often trusted in families, and this instance was no different. However, for Susan, it was a perfect opportunity to mock the belief system, and it was a gross oversight on her part. Extending her scorn to the point of wishing harm upon someone’s mother because of her devoutness cannot be excused at any cost.

The issue of using ghee adulterated with animal fat came to the fore after the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Chandrababu Naidu, raised it during his address at an event. Later, laboratory tests confirmed the presence of beef fat, pig fat, fish oil and several kinds of vegetable oil in the ghee used for making the Laddu Prasadam of the Balaji temple.

However, according to Nisha Susan, the ghee was adulterated only with vegetable oils like soya bean oil, sunflower oil or palm oil. According to her, “it was the idea that the laddus had animal fat which spun it into a national controversy with wounded feelings”. But the fact is, it is not some imagination or idea that the ghee had animal fat, it is a fact established by laboratory tests. The tests done on the ghee samples by the National Dairy Development Board’s “Centre of Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food” (CALF) laboratory in Gujarat confirmed the presence of tallow (beef fat), lard (pig fat) and fish oil, apart from vegetable oils like Soya Bean, Sunflower, Olive, Rapseed, Linseed, Wheat germ, Maize germ, Cotton Seed, Coconut, Palm kernel fat, and Palm Oil.

TTD had sent ghee samples for samples after complaints of deteriorating quality and change in taste of the laddus. Saiswaroopa’s mother was not the only one to raise the issue, it was raised by enough people for the temple committee to decide to test the ghee.

This is not something swept under the rug to attack the former Jagan Mohan Reddy govt, because it was during his govt that the decision was taken to not use Nandini ghee from Karnataka to make the Tirupati Laddus. Due to the increase in the price of Nandini ghee by the Congress govt in Karnataka, the temple committee had selected other vendors based on lower bid prices, and these vendors chose to supply adulterated ghee to justify the low price quoted.

Therefore, the dairy product price increase in Karnataka, and the insistence of lowest bid prices in Andhra Pradesh, led to the use of ghee adulterated with animal fat like beef and pig fat in Tirupati laddus.

Tirupati Laddus are not just any food item; they hold deep spiritual significance for millions of devotees. It is not just a simple case of adulteration, as the Mint author is claiming. When concerns arise about their purity, it naturally sparks outrage. Contrary to being sensitive on the subject and engaging with this debate respectfully, Susan chose to deride not just the faith, but the very people who uphold it. Her comments revealed a troubling disdain for those who practice religious devotion.

It is not just a question of ethics but also an exposé of the alarming trend of dehumanising those who follow Hindu Dharma. In a time where public discourse is already frayed, do we need writers like Susan to fan the flames of division with such attacks? Faith is a deeply personal matter that one shares with family and is passed down through generations. By ridiculing a mother’s cautionary stance towards the Laddu, Susan has taken aim at the family system and faith in one go. Her comments speak volumes about her disconnect from the very real emotional and spiritual lives of millions of Indians.

If her comments still sound acceptable, think of it this way: you share concerns raised by your mother about something available in the market that could lead to health issues. Hearing your concerns, someone tries to downplay the issue by saying, “Haan to maa tumhari mar to nahi gayi na?” (Well, your mother hasn’t died, has she?). This is exactly what Susan has done in her op-ed.

Everyone has a right to have an opinion on a subject and the right to express it. However, as an author and a responsible human being, it is essential to be kind with words and not fall to the level to which Susan fell in her op-ed. To conclude, Susan’s op-ed is a glaring example of the dangers of weaponising words without considering their impact. Her mockery of Saiswaroopa’s social media post was not just a personal attack; it reflects a deeper contempt for the faith and values held dear by millions of Hindus when it comes to temple prasad. There is a vast difference between challenging beliefs and belittling them. Susan did the latter.

As writers, thinkers, and citizens, it is essential that we become better as individuals. Wishing death upon someone’s mother, no matter how indirectly, is not just bad writing, it is bad humanity.

Another road rage incident in Delhi: Police constable killed by a reckless driver, dragged on the road, accused flees

ANI
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Another road rage incident in Delhi: Police constable killed by a reckless driver, dragged on the road, accused flees

A Delhi police constable was allegedly killed in a road rage incident after being hit by a car while he was going to the police station on his bike on Saturday night in Delhi’s Nagaloi area, an official said.

The deceased had been identified as 30 years old Sandeep who was survived by his mother, wife and 5 year old son.

According to the police, the incident occurred when Sandeep spotted a car being driven recklessly on his way to Railway Road from Nangloi Police Station during duty hours and asked the driver to not drive harshly.

Following this, the car suddenly hit Constable Sandeep from behind and dragged him for about 10 metres before colliding with another car, said Delhi police.

At the time of the accident, the constable was reportedly dressed in civilian clothes in view of increased burglary in the area.
After the incident, Sandeep was immediately taken to Sonia Hospital and later shifted to Balaji Hospital in Paschim Vihar but declared dead.

As per CCTV footage, Sandeep took a left turn in a ‘gali’ in Nagaloi area and indicated the car to slow down. On this, the car suddenly accelerated and hit the bike and dragged Sandeep with bike for about 10 metres and hit another parked car. Sandeep got head injuries leading to death, said police.

The driver of the car abandoned the car and fled from the spot following the incident. Police have recovered the car. A case under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has been registered against the accused.

Further investigation is underway. 

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

‘Activist’ Harsh Mander, who incited Muslims to riot during anti-CAA protests, cries foul after Income Tax Dept cancels tax exemption status of his outfit

OpIndia Staff
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‘Activist’ Harsh Mander, who incited Muslims to riot during anti-CAA protests, cries foul after Income Tax Dept cancels tax exemption status of his outfit

On Thursday (26th September), controversial ‘activist’ Harsh Mander took to X (formerly Twitter) to inform that his organisation ‘Aman Biradari’ has been barred from accepting donations.

In a tweet, he lamented, “Aman Biradari can no longer get donations. After ED, CBI, EOW, & FCRA, IT cancelled our 12A, meaning no one can now donate to our work.”

For the unversed, 12A refers to the provision of the Income Tax Act (ITA) which grants tax exemption status to religious institutions, charitable trusts, welfare societies and NGOs.

Harsh Mander claimed that his work, which was allegedly supported by individual donors, would be affected after the Income Tax Department revoked the 12A exemption granted to his organisation.

“Our work with lynching & Delhi riot families was supported by many individual donations But we’re determined to continue our work for love & justice,” his tweet read.

In March 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs recommended a CBI inquiry into his alleged NGO for violating the Foreign Contributions (Regulation) Act.

‘Aman Biradari’ claims to be a ‘grassroots movement’ dedicated to creating a secular, peaceful, just, and compassionate world.

Its alleged goal includes establishing community-based organizations at the village and district levels, primarily consisting of young people and women from various backgrounds and faiths.

The outfit, run by Harsh Mander, claims to foster greater tolerance, fraternity, respect, and peaceful coexistence between individuals of different religions, castes, and linguistic groups.

Harsh Mander and his controversies

Harsh Mander had worked in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) for almost two decades and quit the services ‘in protest’ against the ‘state-sponsored riots’ in Gujarat in 2002.

Since he left the IAS, Harsh Mander has spent quite a colourful life in ‘civil society’ organizations. Among his many contributions, he has worked as the country director of ActionAid India.

However, he is most famous for his service in Sonia Gandhi’s National Advisory Council (NAC) which drafted the anti-Hindu Communal Violence Bill. Mander has a chequered history of bringing disrepute to the judiciary and inciting Muslim mobs against the Indian state.

In March 2020, he incited Muslim mobs against the Indian State and judiciary. Mander had said that decisions about matters of the state shall not be delivered by the Supreme Court or the Parliament but will be made in the streets.

Following the incident, the Delhi Police had filed an affidavit against Harsh Mander in the Supreme Court accusing him not only of inciting violence but also of bringing disrepute to the Judiciary and had sought contempt of court proceedings against him. 

Mander is also known for being an apologist of Ishrat Jahan, the female LeT terrorist who was killed in an encounter along with three others by Crime Branch Officials in Gujarat.

He was also one of the individuals who had signed mercy petitions for the terrorists Yakub Memon, Ajmal Kasab and Afzal Guru.

In 2019, Harsh Mander filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking the recusal of then Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi from hearing a case relating to the condition of detention camps and deportation of illegal immigrants from Assam.

Pakistani Muslim man, who lived in India for 22 years, dehumanised as kafir in his home country, wife says never faced hatred for being a Muslim in India

OpIndia Staff
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Pakistani Muslim man, who lived in India for 22 years, dehumanised as kafir in his home country, wife says never faced hatred for being a Muslim in India

A 38-year-old Pakistani man named Siraj Muhammad Khan, who had mistakenly travelled to India as a child and lived there for 22 years, recently reflected on the ill-treatment meted out to him in his home country.

In an exclusive conversation with Dawn, Siraj said he boarded the Delhi-bound Samjhauta Express erroneously in 1996.

A native of the Mansehra district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, Siraj wanted to travel to Karachi but took the wrong train and ended up in India.

Screengrab of the report by The Dawn

Between 1996 and 2018, he lived in various cities including Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Siraj stayed in the National Capital for a short period and spent roughly 3 years at a children’s home in Ahmedabad.

He lived the longest part of those 22 years in Mumbai, where he met his Indian wife Sajida. The couple has two twin sons and an elder daughter. Siraj eventually became an Indian citizen and was no longer an ‘undocumented migrant’.

However, the desire to go back to Pakistan to meet his extended family put Siraj in trouble. He spent time behind bars and was eventually deported in 2018 after Pakistan’s foreign ministry confirmed that Siraj was born in the Mansehra district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Dehumanised as ‘Kafir’, ‘Hindu’ and ‘Indian spy’

Contrary to India, life for Siraj was fraught with challenges in Pakistan. He was grilled by army and intelligence agencies for 3 days after landing in his home country.

After being allowed to travel to Mansehra, his family members and relatives began treating him with suspicion. This included his mother and siblings.

Siraj Muhammad Khan was dehumanised as a ‘kafir’, ‘Hindu’ and an ‘Indian spy’ by none other than his co-religionists. His brother accused him of returning to Pakistan to usurp ancestral property.

Never faced such hatred in India: Sajida

Siraj’s life became even more miserable than it was before. After his Indian wife and children were granted visas to travel to Pakistan, they were faced with far worse ostracism.

Sajida recalled how she was mocked for her skin tone and that Siraj’s family refused to share utensils with her. To make matters worse, they tried to brainwash Siraj into abandoning his Indian wife.

While speaking to Dawn, Sajida lamented, “His family wouldn’t even share their utensils with us and made snide remarks about my complexion.” She noted that she never faced such ill-treatment in India as a Muslim.

Children ostracised in Pakistani school for being Indian

“We keep hearing that it is difficult for Muslims in India, but I never faced such hatred there,” Sajida emphasised. Her children also faced discrimination in schools after others learnt that they hailed from India.

Siraj’s daughter Zara recounted, “We tried not to tell them we are from India…But they found out and mocked us over it…We confine ourselves to this room because it can be scary.”

Sajida and her children could not get visas for Pakistan between 2022 and 2024. When Siraj wrote to the Foreign Ministry of Pakistan, the officials sought bribes from him.

Officials seek bribe, Siraj continues to live in misery

“They want chai paani…I am a labourer who lives in a rented room. How do they expect me to have the money for bribes?” he told Dawn.

Siraj is currently living with Sajida and his three children in Pakistan. He has sought an extension of the visas for his family.

The Pakistani man hopes to be present at the wedding of his daughter in India. “It has been six years since I was deported,” he lamented.

Lucknow: Salman becomes Rakesh to trap a Hindu girl, forced her into Halala with a Maulvi, allowed his friend Asim to rape her

OpIndia Staff
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Lucknow: Salman becomes Rakesh to trap a Hindu girl, forced her into Halala with a Maulvi, allowed his friend Asim to rape her

Another case of love jihad has come to light from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, where the accused Salman, posing as Rakesh, trapped a Hindu woman in his love trap. The victim says that Salman first told his name as Rakesh and posed as a Hindu so that he could win the trust of the woman. After this deception, Salman married her and she came to know the truth of Salman only after they were already married.

According to media reports, this case is from Indira Nagar area of ​​​​Lucknow. The victim said that when she met Salman, he said his name is Rakesh and claimed to be a Hindu. They befriended each other and this friendship soon turned into love. Salman proposed marriage to the victim and also introduced her to his family. However, all this was part of a big deception, which was revealed when the victim came to know that Salman’s real name is not Rakesh, but Salman and he is a Muslim.

According to the victim, Salman made her abort three times and every time assured her that they would get married soon. Once she came to know about Salman’s real religion and identity, she was unable to separate herself from this relationship. Salman tortured the victim mentally and physically. He also divorced her after their Nikaah and got her Halala done by a Maulana.

The victim says that Salman not only played with her emotions but also forced her to have a relationship with his friend Asim Khan. Asim Khan works in the Vidhan Sabha and is posted as a review officer. Asim Khan also raped the woman and Salman supported him.

The victim is a resident of Khurram Nagar in Lucknow and is about 25 years old. Salman has been having an affair with her since she was a minor. She has three children now, but Salman has taken away the children and driven her out of the house. Salman does not allow her to meet the children and threatens that if she does not convert to Islam, he will sell the children in Nepal.

The victim has now lodged a complaint with the police in this matter. She has demanded strict action against Salman and his friend Asim Khan. The police have started investigation considering the seriousness of the matter and cases have been registered against Salman and Asim. Police officials are also investigating whether other people are also involved in this case, or whether more such cases can come to light.

Joint Commissioner Amit Verma said that the police is investigating the matter and legal action is being taken against Salman and Asim. According to police officials, this matter is very sensitive and action is being taken on it swiftly. Lucknow Police has taken steps to arrest the accused and further investigation is underway.

Bangladeshi cricket fan Tiger Robi, who made false claims of assault during Kanpur Test, deported from India; used medical visa to watch cricket matches

OpIndia Staff
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Bangladeshi cricket fan Tiger Robi, who made false claims of assault during Kanpur Test, deported from India; used medical visa to watch cricket matches

On Saturday, 28th September, Rabi-ul-Islam, popularly known as Tiger Robi, was deported to Bangladesh. The development came a day after Tiger Robi claimed to have been beaten up by Indian fans during the ongoing India-Bangladesh Test Match in Kanpur. The allegations were later found to be false. According to reports, he came to India on a medical visa, but instead of receiving treatment, Robi was enjoying cricket matches dressed in fancy costume to cheer for his home country’s Bangladesh Cricket Team.

Reportedly, even the medical visa of Tiger Robi had expired while he was watching the Test Match in Kanpur.

Speaking to the media, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Local Intelligence Unit, Rajesh Kumar Srivastava, said that Robi, who was suffering from metastatic cancer, came to India on a medical visa. He was sent back to Bangladesh at his request.

Interestingly, Robi was escorted by police personnel to Chakeri airport, and the police remained with him until his flight took off for Delhi on Saturday. From Delhi airport, he took a flight to Dhaka in the afternoon and was not allowed to leave the airport premises throughout, ADCP Srivastava said.

Speaking to PTI, Srivastava pointed out that Robi came to India on 18th September after obtaining a visa on medical grounds to receive treatment in Howrah. However, instead of visiting the hospital, he chose to visit Chennai to support the Bangladesh team during their first Test match against India. After that, Robi came to Kanpur to attend the second match, where he created controversy.

On 27th September, Tiger Robi reached Green Park Stadium. He walked to the C-Balcony enclosure and was seen waving flags during the match. Police officials said that the long walk and waving flags throughout the match could have resulted in exhaustion.

Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), Harish Chandra, spoke to PTI on the matter and said, “He was found gasping for breath when he met a constable. He became unconscious before we could speak to him.” He was rushed to Regency Hospital for treatment. He was discharged on the evening of 27th September.

During his conversation with the media, Robi claimed that he was punched in the abdomen during an altercation with Indian fans. It sparked controversy, and social media posts claimed he was beaten up by Indian fans because he was abusing Indian cricketers. However, CCTV footage and other evidence showed he was lying. When he regained consciousness in the hospital, Robi made a complete U-turn from his previous statement and said he had merely felt unwell and was assisted by the local police. He said, “I fell ill, and the police brought me to the hospital. Now I am feeling much better.”

Reportedly, Robi reached Kanpur on the night of 26th September. He spent the night on the street with labourers. On the 27th night, he was moved to a hotel to spend the night in Kanpur. The next day, he was taken to Chakeri airport and then deported to Bangladesh.

Speaking to the media, ACP (Kalyanpur) Abhishek Pandey said that immediate medical care was provided to Robi. He refuted the allegations that Robi was beaten up during the match. According to reports, it remains unclear how he managed to travel for the matches despite being on a medical visa.

Tiger Robi lied about getting assaulted

On 27th September, Bangladesh cricket team’s ‘super fan’ Tiger Robi sparked a controversy by claiming that he was beaten up by Indian fans. The incident came to light when he was taken to hospital after he had suddenly fallen ill during the second test match played between India and Bangladesh in Kanpur. He was subsequently taken to a nearby hospital by police. Robi is known for travelling to every venue where the Bangladesh cricket team plays its cricket matches. However, police officials clarified that he wasn’t assaulted at the ground and had only gotten ill.

Activist Snehamayi Krishna files complaint against Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah with ED in the MUDA scam

ANI
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Activist Snehamayi Krishna files complaint against Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah with ED in the MUDA scam

Activist Snehamayi Krishna, who is also a complainant in the MUDA scam case, has filed a complaint with the Enforcement Directorate against Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, alleging irregularities and corruption related to MUDA.

Earlier, a petition was filed in the Karnataka High Court, demanding a CBI probe against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the alleged MUDA scam with Snehamayi Krishna, a petitioner in the case, stating that the investigation must be handled by the central probe agency as Lokayukta works under the preview of the government and Chief Minister of Karnataka.

Earlier in the day, Lokayukta Police filed an FIR against Siddaramaiah and others in connection with the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment ‘scam’.The FIR has been filed by the Mysuru Lokayukta under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 351, 420, 340, 09, and 120B among others, they said.

The FIR mentions CM Siddaramaiah, his wife, brother-in-law and others as accused in the case, they added.

This comes after the Special Court in Bengaluru passed an order directing Karnataka Lokyukta to conduct an investigation against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on the allegation of illegalities in the allotment of 14 sites worth Rs 56 crore to his wife Parvathi by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA).

BJP has strongly demanded the resignation of the Karnataka CM.

“If he wants a fair and free inquiry and further investigation since Lokayukta and all the police officers are still being posted by the Home Ministry, all the IPS officers are being transferred by none other than the Chief Minister himself. To have a fair inquiry, with this background. Lokayukta should be given a free hand by the present government by him resigning from his CM post,” former Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai said.

It is allegd that MUDA illegally allotted 14 sites to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife in the prime location of Mysuru city.

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

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Deputy Commander overseeing Quds Force Operations in middle east killed along with Hezbollah chief in Israeli airstrike in Lebanon

OpIndia Staff
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Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Deputy Commander overseeing Quds Force Operations in middle east killed along with Hezbollah chief in Israeli airstrike in Lebanon

After Lebanon-based group Hezbollah confirmed that its leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut, Iranian media reported that a prominent general in its paramilitary Revolutionary Guard was also killed in the same airstrike. Notably, Nasrallah and several other top Hezbollah leaders were killed when Israeli forces bombed the group’s underground headquarters under residential buildings in Beirut on Friday.

Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency reported that Abbas Nilforushan (58), Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ deputy commander, was killed along with Hezbollah leaders in the Israeli operation. “Brigadier General Abbas Nilforoushan was martyred in Israel’s attack on Beirut along with Martyr Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah,” IRNA tweeted.

As per reports, Nilforoushan was overseeing the IRGC’s Operations Command, which is directly involved in various military and security operations. He was responsible various tasks like suppression of protests in Iran and military engagements abroad, particularly in Syria. He was the Acting Commander of Quds Force Operations in Syria and Lebanon.

Confirming the death, the Head of the Judicial Organization of the Armed Forces of Iran said, “We consider the pursuit of justice for this martyr to be the right of the Islamic Republic of Iran under international legal conventions.”

Abbas Nilforushan played a key role in arming various Islamist groups in the middle-east and maintaining coordination among them. He was sanctioned by the USA in 2022, saying that he led a group “directly in charge of protest suppression, which has played a critical role in arresting protest leaders during previous protests.”

In the operation titled “New Order,” Israeli Defence Forces used dozens of bunker buster bombs to hit the underground bunkers of Hezbollah in Beirut’s southern suburb of Dahiyeh on Friday. The group’s headquarters are located beneath residential buildings, and Israel knew that Hezbollah top leadership had assembled there.

IDF said that the airstrike was based on years of tracking Nasrallah along with “real time information”, in which the underground bunkers were hit with bunker-busting bombs fired from F-15 fighter planes. Six buildings were levelled in the attack, and Lebanese Health Ministry said that six people were killed and 91 injured in the strikes.

As per Israel, apart from Hezbollah chief Nasrallah, Ali Karki, the commander of Hezbollah’s Southern Front, and other top commanders were also killed. In a second round of strikes Israeli forces destroyed missiles stockpiled in Hezbollah in buildings in the area.

Israel kills Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah: Know about Hezbollah, the Iranian terror proxy based out of Lebanon

Anurag
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Israel kills Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah: Know about Hezbollah, the Iranian terror proxy based out of Lebanon

On 28th September, a day after Israel Defence Forces bombed Hezbollah’s main headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon, Israel officially confirmed that Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah died in the operation. Confirming the development, IDF tweeted, “Hassan Nasrallah will no longer be able to terrorise the world.”

As per Israeli sources, Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Hezbollah terrorist organisation and one of its founders, was eliminated yesterday in the bombing operation, together with Ali Karki, the commander of Hezbollah’s Southern Front, and additional Hezbollah commanders.

Earlier, 879 Hezbollah members were killed due to explosions of pagers and walkie-talkies. It was one of the largest and most sophisticated attacks by Israel on the terrorist outfit. The conflict between Israel and the terrorist organisation Hezbollah is not new. The terror outfit provided backing to the terrorist organisation Hamas following the latter’s terrorist attack on Israel on 7th October 2023, leading to direct conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.

Introduction to terrorist outfit Hezbollah

Hezbollah, also known as the “Party of God”, is a terrorist organisation with a political base in Lebanon. It was formed in 1982 amidst the Lebanese Civil War and the Israeli invasion. Hezbollah soon transformed from a small militia group into a significant regional force with backing from Iran. In today’s time, the terrorist organisation plays the role of a heavily armed militia and a political player. Its activities extend well beyond the borders of Lebanon.

While it is known as a militia group or a militant group in several circles, many Western countries have designated it as a terrorist organisation, including the United States and the United Kingdom. Hezbollah is particularly known for its links to Iran and it acts as an extension of Iranian influence in the Middle East.

Origins and historical development

Hezbollah came into existence in the aftermath of the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon. Following the military action by Israel, there was consistent tension between the Jewish nation and several militant groups operating out of southern Lebanon. Hezbollah was founded by Shia clerics of Lebanon with the backing of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. It was influenced by the Iranian Revolution of 1979. The goal of the terrorist organisation was outlined in its manifesto released in 1985, which included the establishment of an Islamic state in Lebanon, resistance to Israeli occupation, and opposition to the influence of the West in the Middle East.

Hezbollah emerged on the sidelines of the Shia awakening in Lebanon, which was marginalised by the Sunni-dominated Lebanese government. This sentiment was further fuelled by the disappearance of the prominent Shia leader Sayyid Musa al-Sadr in 1978. The wider revolutionary Shia wave post-Iranian Revolution also played a vital role in the establishment of Hezbollah.

Military and political influence

From its early years, Iran’s assistance played a vital role in defining the military prowess of Hezbollah. Iran provided financial support, training, and arms to Hezbollah, which increased its dominance in the region exponentially in a short span. Hezbollah developed a sophisticated military wing which quickly became a formidable force. It engaged in several attacks and wars with Israel. One of the most notable ones was the 2006 Lebanon War. According to information available, in 2021, Hezbollah’s military had over 150,000 rockets, which showcased their strength and dominance as a terrorist outfit in the region against Israel.

In the political arena, Hezbollah grew to become a dominant force in Lebanon’s government. In 1992, it entered Lebanese politics and established its members as political leaders in the parliament. Despite its military nature, its presence in the political landscape made it much easier for Hezbollah to propagate its ideology. When it got integrated into the political landscape, it was seen as a “Lebanonisation” process. However, the political activities of the terrorist outfit did not shift its fundamental commitment to Iranian-backed Shia revolutionary ideas.

Iran’s role in Hezbollah’s growth

Iran was involved in Hezbollah’s growth from the beginning. It was fundamental to Hezbollah’s operations and ideology. Iran provided notable financial and logistical support to the terrorist outfit since its inception. The aim was to use the group to export its Shia Islamic revolutionary propaganda to other parts of the Middle East. The IRGC’s Quds Force played a vital role in supplying arms and training to Hezbollah members. The terror outfit served as a proxy for the regional ambitions of Iran, specifically in the conflicts in Syria and Iraq, where Hezbollah’s terrorists were deployed.

Hezbollah is committed to Velayat-e faqih, the Iranian doctrine that grants political and religious authority to the Islamic jurist. It ties Hezbollah’s loyalty directly to the Supreme Commander of Iran. This ideological alignment strengthens Iran’s influence over the group, with Hezbollah acting as Iran’s long arm in regional conflicts.

The global network and terror activities

Hezbollah’s primary operations have been concentrated in Lebanon and the Middle East. However, the terrorist outfit also has a global network for fundraising and logistical support. It has been linked to terrorist activities in Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Some of the most infamous Hezbollah attacks include the 1992 bombing of the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and the 2012 bus bombing in Bulgaria that targeted Israeli tourists.

Apart from terror activities, Hezbollah also indulges in organised crime, money laundering, and drug trafficking worldwide. Its involvement in the drug trade, specifically in Latin America, drew the attention of the US and international law enforcement agencies.

Role in the Syrian Civil War

Hezbollah was involved in the Syrian Civil War, which became a major turning point in its regional activities. Hezbollah’s terrorists provided support to Bashar al-Assad, which aligned with Iran’s strategic interests in the region. Several thousand Hezbollah terrorists were deployed in Syria, specifically in key battles such as those in Daraa and Aleppo. Hezbollah’s intervention in Syria further solidified its role as a regional player with a pan-Shia focus. However, it also caused internal dissent and criticism from parts of the Lebanese population who opposed the group’s heavy military involvement outside Lebanon.

Financial sanctions

Hezbollah has faced financial pressure from the US sanctions on Iran, leading to fewer funds for the terror outfit. Notably, Hezbollah is a designated terrorist organisation by the US Treasury Department. The US has targeted individuals and entities that have ties to Hezbollah’s fundraising network. Despite the sanctions, Hezbollah continues to maintain significant influence in Lebanon and other parts of the region.

Hezbollah used to hold a high sentimental position among the Lebanese people. However, its domestic reputation took a hit when its name appeared in the 2020 Beirut port explosion. Despite the setbacks, the terrorist outfit did not lose its deeply embedded influence on Lebanon’s political system.

Conclusion

Hezbollah has evolved from a small militia into a significant political and military force, thanks to Iranian support and its ability to navigate Lebanon’s complex political landscape. While it is labelled as a terrorist organisation by many countries, Hezbollah continues to maintain substantial influence in Lebanon and the broader Middle East. However, growing financial pressures, domestic opposition, and its entanglement in Syria’s conflict have raised questions about the group’s future trajectory.

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