On 16th September (local time), the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Hindu Temple), located in the hamlet of Melville in New York State, was vandalised by extremists. Visuals of the defaced temple board surfaced on social media. The sacred Hindu temple was desecrated with disturbing slogans such as ‘F*ck Modi’, ‘Modi is a Terrorist’, and ‘Hindustan Murdabad’.
ABC’s Eyewitness News reported the incident but with an unexpected twist. Instead of speaking to Hindu Temple administration, they decided to interview Hassan Ahmed from the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Anti-Bias Council and Afaf Nasher, Esq., Executive Director of CAIR-NY. Notably, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has been found to have links to the terrorist organisation Hamas. CAIR-NY is the New York chapter of this organisation.
Yet another Hindu temple has been vandalized in US with a video released by a coordinated bot network.
The temple is the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville NY
Sukhpal Singh was arrested for the last temple vandalization in NY state in Queens. pic.twitter.com/ionj3X8YzS
The report by Eyewitness News on began with the phrase, “The Muslim community and advocacy groups are speaking out after a Hindu temple on Long Island was vandalized.” Throughout the report, there was no mention or statement from the temple authorities, except at the end, where, without naming the priests or administration of the BAPS Temple, the media outlet noted that they expressed concern, stating such vandalism has become “a growing concern at places of worship not just on Long Island, but worldwide.”
Quoting CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher, Esq., the report stated, “We condemn this apparently bias-motivated vandalism and urge all community leaders to speak out against the rising bigotry that inevitably results in such attempts at religious intimidation.” She also “urged” all houses of worship (including Hindu temples) to refer to CAIR’s Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety guide, claiming that it contained security advice “applicable to institutions of all faiths.” In short, CAIR wants Hindu temples to follow the instructions provided in CAIR’s document.
Similarly, they quoted Hassan Ahmed, a member of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Anti-Bias Council, who called the Hindu Temple vandalism incident “disgusting.”
CAIR-NY also issued a press release on the same lines. The press note read, “Nasher said Washington, D.C., based CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.”
Nasher clearly mentioned that CAIR that is based out of Washington DC. The organisation has links to terrorist outfits including Hamas which is responsible for terrorist attack on Israel on 7th October 2023 that killed over 1,300 people and forced Israel to start a military operation against the terror outfits involved.
CAIR and its problematic connections to terror outfits
CAIR identifies itself as a Muslim civil rights organisation in the United States that claims to protect ‘civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims’, The fact, however, is that CAIR is an Islamist group that has spoken against India and Hindus on several occasions. The organisation has been vehemently pushing Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu propaganda in India.
In 2022, CAIR released a report titled “Still Suspect: The Impact of Structural Islamophobia”, in which it said that there has been a rise in discrimination against Muslims living in the United States.
In its report, CAIR claimed that it had received 6,720 complaints nationwide last year involving a range of issues, including immigration, travel discrimination, law enforcement, government overreach, hate and bias incidents, custody rights, school incidents, and free speech incidents.
The CAIR claimed that government discrimination and bias continue to have a disproportionate effect on American Muslims and further demonstrate that Islamic communities continue to be viewed with suspicion. The report also listed the impacts of severe structural and interpersonal Islamophobia in the United States.
Ironically, CAIR, which always complains about alleged Islamophobia in the United States, has been aggressively promoting Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu propaganda in India. We are aware of how CAIR had extended support for the extremely Hinduphobic ‘Dismantling Global Hindutva‘ conference.
Not only this, but in December last year, CAIR had reportedly taken offence at the display of the names of the LeT terrorists and scenes from the deadly 26/11 terror attack that were displayed on a mobile billboard truck in New Jersey. While calling the movement of the vehicle ‘deliberate and well co-ordinated’, CAIR criticised the broadcast of 26/11 footage as ‘messages of hate.’ This was despite the fact that the mobile billboard truck did not display anything contentious but the truth.
In January 2022, CAIR launched Hinduphobic propaganda based on a report by alleged journalist Rana Ayyub. In a press release, CAIR demanded the movie theatres not to release Sooryavanshi, a Hindi movie. In the press release, CAIR alleged the movie spreads “disgusting and dangerous” anti-Muslim propaganda inspired by the ‘fascist Hindutva movement.’
The organisation has also called for the release of 49-year-old Pakistani terrorist Aafia Siddiqui, who is currently serving 86 years in prison for attacking US Army and FBI personnel in Afghanistan.
It is noteworthy that CAIR has links with the Palestinian Islamist fundamentalist terror organisation Hamas. Hamas has a long history of violating human rights. Hamas is designated as a terrorist organisation by several countries, including The European Union, the United States, Canada, Israel, Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom etc.
Attacks on Hindu Mandirs in US
In January this year, the Vijay’s Sherawali Temple in Hayward city in California state of the United States was desecrated with pro-Khalistani slogans. The temple was spray-painted with slogans such as ‘Khalistan Zindabad’ and ‘Modi is terrorist.’
On 22nd December 2023, the Swaminarayan Mandir Vasana Sanstha in Newark city of California, was defaced with pro-Khalistan, anti-Modi and anti-India slogans. The outer wall of the temple was defaced with slogans such as “Khalistan”, “Shaheed [Martyr] Bhindrawale”, “F$%k Modi Jindabad” and “Modi Is Terrorist”.
Similar attacks have taken place in the past, both in the United States and its neighbouring Canada, wherein Hindu temples have been attacked, vandalised and defaced with derogatory graffiti.
India has already voiced alarm over the increasing activities of Khalistani terrorists and has asked countries to cracked down on groups and people attempting to incite separatism in India.
7th October terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel
On 7th October, Hamas terrorists launched an all-out attack on Israel from sea, land, and air. At least 5,000 rockets were launched into Israel from Gaza, and tunnels were used to breach the Israeli territory and butcher Israeli civilians, particularly in the border villages. A music festival hosting more than 200 people was turned into a slaughter ground with many women raped, mutilated and abducted to Gaza. At least 1,300 people, including some foreign nationals, babies, women and senior citizens, were killed in the attacks. More than 200 were abducted and taken to Gaza. Following the attack, Israel launched a counterattack to eliminate Hamas. The Israel-Hamas war is soon to complete a year.
Congress on Wednesday said that it is opposed to the proposal of ‘One Nation, One Election’ and elections need to be held as and when required for democracy to survive.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said that ‘One Nation, One Election’ cannot work in a democracy.
He was responding to queries on the decision of the Union Cabinet to accept recommendations of the high-level committee on ‘One Nation, One Election’.
#WATCH | On Mallikarjun Kharge's remark calling 'One Nation One Election' as "impractical", Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw says, "The opposition might start feeling internal pressure (about One Nation One Election) as more than 80% of respondents who responded during consultant… pic.twitter.com/1VPoq7f6aI
“We don’t stand with this. One Nation One Election cannot work in a democracy. Elections need to be held as and when required if we want our democracy to survive,” he said.
Congress leader KC Venugopal said that the proposal is not practical.
“It is not practical in this country. They want to divert attention from present issues,” he said.
Responding to a query on Kharge’s remarks, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. who briefed the media on decisions of the union cabinet, said the opposition might start feeling internal pressure.
“The opposition might start feeling internal pressure (about One Nation One Election) as more than 80 per cent of respondents who responded during the consultation process have given their positive support, especially the youth, they are very much in favour of this,” Vaishnaw said.
The High level Committee on Simultaneous Elections constituted under the Chairmanship of former President Ram Nath Kovind submitted its report to President Droupadi Murmu earlier this year.
The government said that the Report, comprising 18,626 pages, is an outcome of extensive consultations with stakeholders, experts and research work of 191 days, since its constitution on September 2, 2023.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
On Tuesday, 17th September, massive chaos erupted in Kheda, Gujarat after a Ganesha Visharan procession was almost attacked by a Muslim mob of around 150-200 Muslims. The Hindu participants of the procession were confronted with sticks and pipes as the procession passed by the mosque. As per the local reports, an argument initially erupted over the DJ music played in the procession. The Muslim mob happened to protest against the DJ sound before confronting the participants over the issue.
The Police arrived at the spot and immediately took control of the situation. 11 people have been arrested in the case and several others have been booked. Notably, all the accused persons are believed to be belonging to the Muslim community.
According to the information received, the Ganesh Visharan procession took place on Tuesday, September 17th in the villages of the Kheda district. The Hindu participants played a DJ system. A little further away, when a DJ arrived near the Jama Masjid in the bazaar, some fanatical Muslims became agitated and started clamouring for a DJ to be played near the mosque. After this, the accused Muslims launched an attack on the procession using pipes and sticks.
Vaso police and senior officials responded swiftly after the crime was reported. The district police head and DySP also hurried to the scene. Before the incident escalated into a fight, the cops intervened. However, a considerable crowd had assembled at the spot. MLA Kalpesh Parmar also hurried to the scene as soon as the incident was reported.
11 Muslim accused arrested
Regarding this incident, an officer at the Vaso police station told OpIndia that there was a dispute over the DJ playing near the mosque. However, the police took control of the situation before any fights or assaults took place. But there was some friction, as per the police. He further said that a case has been registered against the accused under various sections of BNS (Indian Judicial Code) and 11 accused have also been arrested. He also said that all these accused belong to the Muslim community and they rushed to the spot with smoking pipes. Police have said that further investigation is going on in this matter.
Kheda district police chief Rajesh Garhia also spoke to the media that there was a clash over a DJ playing near the mosque in Vaso. But the police presence was also there and more police teams had also arrived, so the matter was settled on both sides. He further said that a case has been registered against 10-12 accused by the organizer of Ganesh Mandal whose procession was attacked on Tuesday. Among them, 11 Muslim accused have been arrested.
A case of rape of a minor Hindu girl has come to light from Barabanki district of Uttar Pradesh. The Police have arrested an accused named Mohammad Aftab on charges of raping a 15-year-old Hindu girl. His accomplice Sagir is currently absconding. An investigation is currently underway and the Police have launched a search operation to nab the absconding accused.
The accused lured the minor victim going to a coaching class
The incident took place on Monday (16th September 2024) in the Fatehpur Kotwali area of Barabanki district. The minor victim is a 15-year-old Hindu girl who is currently studying in 11th class.
On the day of the incident, the victim left her home for coaching. When she was on her way to coaching class, accused Sftab approached her and somehow convinced her to go to the house of his friend Sagir. His house was in a secluded area where Aftab locked the house from outside and held the minor victim captive. Afterward, he raped her.
As per reports, the other accused Sagir was keeping a watch from outside.
Passersby rushed to her rescue hearing her screams
When the incident was unfolding, people who were passing the neighbourhood, heard screams from the house which was locked from outside. When they started inquiring from Sagir, he fled from there. Hearing the victim’s cry for help, they broke the lock, barged into the house, and rescued the minor girl. They also nabbed the accused Aftab and alerted the Police about the incident. When the Police reached the spot, they took Aftab into custody.
The Police investigated the crime scene and initiated actions based on the statement of the victim.
प्रकरण में थाना फतेहपुर पुलिस द्वारा अभियोग पंजीकृत कर अभियुक्त को गिरफ्तार किया जा चुका है। कठोर वैधानिक कार्यवाही की जा रही है।
Kotwali Inspector DK Singh said that on the complaint of the victim’s father, a case has been registered against the accused Aftab under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS).
Statement of the family and Actions taken by the Police
The victim’s father stated that his daughter was going to coaching as usual when the accused Aftab stopped her and took her to his friend’s house, and locked her up.
Police said that the victim has been sent for medical examination and her condition is stable. Additionally, Police is conducting raids to nab the absconding accused Sagir.
The case has triggered massive outrage in the area. Residents have expressed concerns about such incidents and have demanded swift Justice in this case.
The police have assured them that the absconding accused will be arrested soon and the case will be investigated swiftly.
A 3-year-old girl was reportedly sexually assaulted by Qasim Rehman, an IT expert, inside the school premises. The incident came to the fore after the victim’s mother found several injury marks on the minor girl’s private parts. The mother filed a complaint with the school administration after the discovery of injury marks.
The school principal, however, refuted any complaints made to the administration. In a conversation with Times Now, the principal said, “We had no information about the rape case. We came to know through the police that an FIR has been filed against one of our school workers Qasim Rehman, who looks IT department.”
The accused, Qasim Rehman, has been arrested, and the case has been filed under the POSCO Act.
School Education Minister Udai Pratap Singh condemned the incident, stating, “This is concerning, and there is an urgent need to launch a campaign to raise awareness against such incidents.”
“The law is taking strict action in this case, and firm measures will be taken,” he added. Singh emphasized that the department is taking the incident in a Bhopal school very seriously.
“As the Education Minister, I am fully aware of the situation,” he said. Bhopal Police Commissioner Hari Narayan Chari confirmed the incident involving a 3-year-old girl and an IT expert at the school.
The Kerala High Court has directed the administration of Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple to ban vloggers from recording videos in the temple premises including Nadapanthal (temple’s outer courtyard). The court, however, gave exceptions that videos can be recorded for marriage functions and other religious rites.
The division bench of Justices Anil K Narendran and PG Ajithkumar issued the directive while hearing a plea filed by the devotees of Lord Guruvayurappan. The devotees submitted a video of a Muslim vlogger, Jasna Salim, creating a ruckus and quarrelling with devotees waiting for darshan in the temple courtyard. According to the order, she was seen “celebrating her birthday by cutting a cake in the Nadapanthal”.
The devotees submitted that her act violated the Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship (Authorisation of Entry) Act and Rules of 1965. Consequently, they urged the court to ban the entry of non-Hindus in the Guruvayur temple and its premises.
Incidentally, there are already court precedences in this regard. In January 2024, Madras HC restricted the entry of non-Hindus into Temples to protect the sanctity of the place of worship and prevent them from turning it into tourist spots as the arguments involved the entry of burqa-clad visitors. The landmark judgment came in the matter related to the entry of non-Hindus into the Palani Murugan Temple. The ruling specifically stipulated that non-Hindus and those lacking Hindu beliefs are prohibited from proceeding beyond the temple’s ‘Kodimaram.’
Nonetheless, in the present case, the Kerala High Court has prohibited vloggers from doing videography in the temple premises stressing that the temple is a special security zone and “not a place for cutting cakes”. Furthermore, the bench has also issued a notice to Jasna Salim, the Muslim woman involved in the incident. It has listed the matter for further hearing on 18th October.
The court order and observations
The two-judge bench ruled that videography by vloggers, particularly while following celebrities, is not allowed in the nadapanthal or other interior areas of the temple. It noted that such activities could disturb devotees, including children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
The bench ordered, “We direct the Guruvayur Devaswom Managing Committee and the Administrator to ensure that videography, other than that related to marriage functions and religious ceremonies, is prohibited in the Nadapanthal of the Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple. The temple is a Special Security Zone under the Kerala Police Act.”
“The videography of the interior places of the temple, especially through the eastern ‘Deepastambham’ cannot be permitted, ” the bench added.
Additionally, the court has assured the temple’s administrator that they can seek police assistance if necessary to enforce the ban.
The court further stated, “No person can be permitted to pick quarrels with devotees in the nadapanthal, and the courtyard is certainly not a place for cutting birthday cakes.”
It emphasised that the temple’s managing committee must ensure proper conduct within the temple, as mandated by the Guruvayur Devaswom Act, 1978. It added that the managing committee is obligated to adhere to temple customs and provide facilities for the proper performance of worship.
On 17th September, a large number of pagers used by the Hezbollah terror group exploded across Lebanon. The exploding pagers killed at least eight Hezbollah members. At least 2,750 were reported injured in the incident, 200 of them are critical as per available updates.
The majority of the pagers exploded in regions where Hezbollah has a strong presence. Hezbollah, the Shiite terrorist organisation, which also has political presence, is backed by Iran. Several CCTV videos of the blasts were shared online, pointing towards a sophisticated and well-planned attack on the terrorist organisation, possibly by Israel.
It’s reported that possibly over a thousand Hezbollah terrorists were killed or injured when a cyberattack on their secure cellphones and pagers caused them to explode.
Notably, since the Hamas terror attack on Israel on 7th October 2023, tensions between Hezbollah and Israel have heightened. On the same day, Hezbollah also fired rockets at Israel. Israel has been actively neutralising Hezbollah terrorists and destroying its locations amid ongoing tensions.
According to reports, the incident took place in areas covering Lebanon and Syria. Though it is unclear which agency or group was behind the attack on Hezbollah, it is generally believed that the Israeli agency Mossad could have initiated the attack. There are several theories floating around about how the attack was orchestrated. Before diving into the theories, it is essential to understand the chain of events that happened on 17th September and its aftermath that shook the core of the terror outfit.
What happened on September 17?
As per reports, all the pagers that were targeted received a message shortly before the blast. There was a gap of a few seconds between the message and the blast, which can be seen in several CCTV footages circulating on social media.
In one of the footages, a man can be seen standing near a counter in the market. He receives a message, which he checks by removing the pager from the belt holder. He checks the message and places the pager on the counter. Within seconds, the blast occurs and the man falls to the floor. While this particular person had removed the pager and kept it slightly away from his body, not everyone else was that “lucky”. Another blast happened at a vegetable market.
? Breaking: Tens of Hezbollah communication devices are exploding during the past hour. Initial reports state that over one hundred Hezbollah terrorists already injured.
Several videos showed Hezbollah operatives on the floor with severe injuries around their waist and groin area, pointing to the fact that the pagers exploded in their pockets. It appears the idea behind the attack was that the receiver checks the message by pulling the pager close, causing the blast to cause critical physical damage. However, these are just theories.
According to news agency Reuters, locals said explosions were still taking place even 30 minutes after the initial blasts. These multiple explosions have triggered panic and chaos in Lebanon, especially throughout the southern suburbs of the capital Beirut, which is a Hezbollah stronghold.
The battery blast theory
Initially, there was a theory floating around the exploding pagers attack that the simultaneous blasts could have occurred due to explosions in the lithium-ion batteries. In the aftermath of the blasts, a few photographs were published on social media that showed crumbled back panels of the pagers. In some of these photographs, model number AR-9 with GOLD written on them was visible. It matches the back of the AR-924 pager model that is produced by Gold Apollo Co. These pagers use lithium batteries.
These batteries are smaller in size compared to AA batteries. Though they are comparatively safer, there is always a chance of them exploding and causing severe damage to the person or the objects in close proximity. Notably, fires caused by lithium batteries are hard to extinguish, making them a fire safety hazard if not handled or manufactured properly. They can explode if they get overheated to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit or come into contact with metal.
Speaking to media house Haaretz, an expert claimed that it was “purely a cyberattack”. He added that 50-gram of lithium battery has the potential to generate heat equivalent to the explosion of seven grams of TNT. “If you short-circuit a lithium battery, it heats up extremely fast, within seconds,” he claimed.
However, according to a Washington Post report, experts suggest that it is highly unlikely that the cause of the serial pager blasts were lithium batteries.
Principal expert with Meier Fire Investigation, Richard Meier, said that devices are generally designed to vent the heat produced by lithium batteries. If they fail to do so, the device would explode. In some cases, batteries rely on the device’s software to regulate their use and temperature. In theory, they can be hacked and triggered to heat to the point that they explode.
However, when lithium batteries overheat, they tend to catch fire first and then explode. In the videos available on social media, the devices instantaneously exploded, leading experts to believe that the batteries could not be the reason behind the blast.
Reacting to the exploding pagers attack, Gold Apollo issued a statement that it authorised its brand on the AR-924 pagers used by the terrorist outfit. However, the devices were produced and sold by a company named BAC.
CEO of Gold Apollo, Hsu Ching-Kuang denied manufacturing the explosive pager. When asked abt AR-924, he said “it is produced & sold by BAC…we only provide brand trademark authorisation & have no involvement in design or manufacturing of this product.” See my exchange w him. pic.twitter.com/eb6k65oyKl
Mossad, pagers and PETN: A highly sophisticated ambush
Another theory that has been floating around is that the Israeli agency Mossad is behind the attack. In February 2024, Hezbollah commanders ordered members of the terrorist organisation to stop using mobile phones, as they believed that Israel could be tracking them using GPS locations. The terror outfit decided to shift to a considerably low-tech device, namely pagers. The idea was to “blind” Israel’s surveillance.
According to a report in the New York Times, Hezbollah ordered over 3,000 pagers from Gold Apollo Company located in Taiwan. These pagers were tampered with before Hezbollah received them. Apart from the AR924 Gold model, three other models of pagers were also included in the shipment.
It has been theorised that the Israeli agency intercepted the devices somewhere in the supply chain, possibly in Europe. They implanted explosive material as little as a few grams next to the battery in each pager. A switch was also embedded to trigger the detonation remotely.
The report suggested that the devices were programmed to beep for several seconds before exploding. The beeping sound, according to a member of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was to force the owner of the pager to hold it close to eyes and face to read the message. The beeping sound continued for 10 seconds and then the pagers exploded.
Mikko Hypponen, a research specialist at WithSecure software company and a cybercrime advisor to Europol, said, “These pagers were likely modified in some way to cause these types of explosions — the size and strength of the explosion indicates it was not just the battery.”
Israeli cybersecurity analyst and researcher at Tel Aviv University, Keren Elazari, said that the exploding pagers attack hit Hezbollah where they were most vulnerable. She said, “This attack hit them in their Achilles’ heel because they took out a central means of communication. We have seen these types of devices, pagers, targeted before but not in an attack this sophisticated.”
PETN could have been used
The exploding pagers attack possibly utilised a highly explosive chemical known as pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), a nitrate ester of pentaerythritol. PETN is infamous for its explosive properties and is a key component of the plastic explosive Semtex, making it one of the most powerful explosives ever discovered. When combined with a plasticiser, PETN forms a plastic explosive capable of causing devastating damage. Interestingly, PETN is also approved by the FDA for medical use as a coronary vasodilator in treating heart conditions like angina, similar to glyceryl trinitrate but with a longer duration of action. However, in this context, its primary use is not medicinal but as a potent explosive weapon.
‘Throw the pagers away’ – Hezbollah commanders issued directive
Following the attack, a voice message was circulated to Hezbollah terrorists to throw away the new pager devices. Though Hezbollah has blamed Israel for the attack, Israeli agencies or the government issued no statement taking or denying responsibility for the attack.
The UN Security Management System has advised its personnel in Lebanon to switch off their VHF devices and remove all batteries until further notice. The agency’s radio network was temporarily suspended as well.
On Monday (16th September), the CID Special Branch led a significant drug bust leading to the seizure of narcotics worth more than Rs 6 crore from Myanmar nationals on the outskirts of Aizawl. The operation in Hualngohmun began at 10 pm when officers intercepted two vehicles. A search of the vehicles uncovered significant amounts of Methamphetamine concealed within the door panels.
In the first vehicle, a Renault Kwid with registration number MZ01N-3642, investigators discovered 32.013 kilogrammes of suspected methamphetamine worth Rs 4,14,16,900 and 249 grammes of suspected heroin worth Rs 7,47,000. The driver, Lalthansiama, 26, of Khawmawi, Myanmar, was detained.
Mega Breaking –
*Over 4 crores worth of Methamphetamine seized from Myanmar nationals on the outskirts of Aizawl*@PreetyAxomia reports @CNNnews18
A team of CID Special Branch launched a coordinated covert operation at the outskirts of Aizawl on Monday evening and intercepted… pic.twitter.com/ZDkUSLwbRu
In the second vehicle, a Datsun Redi Go with registration number MZ02A-9053, the authorities found 8.021 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine worth Rs 1,04,27,300 and 565 grams of suspected heroin valued at Rs 16,95,000. The police identified Zoremmawia of Khawmawi, Myanmar, who is currently residing in Muanna Veng, Aizawl as the driver of this vehicle and arrested him.
On Tuesday, the police intercepted a third vehicle, an i10 Magna with registration number MZ01G-5672 in Muanna Veng, Zuangtui. Inside, officers discovered 2.284 kilograms of suspected heroin worth Rs 68,52,000. The driver, identified as David from Zokhawthar, escaped the scene, but an underage passenger was detained.
This operation yielded the seizure of 40.034 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine worth Rs 5,20,44,200 and 3.098 kilograms of suspected heroin for Rs 92,94,000. The arrested accused as well as the seized drugs worth Rs 6,13,38,200, were turned over to the Special Narcotics Police Station. A criminal case has been filed under Special Narcotics PS Case No.36/2024 on September 17, 2024, under provisions 21(C)/29(1)/25 of the NDPS Act and 14A of the Foreigners Act. Further investigations are underway to trace the links of this drug trafficking network.
On Sunday, 15th September, a 23-year-old biker got killed after his motorcycle was hit by a car moving in the wrong direction on Golf Course Road near Belvedere Park, DLF Phase II in Gurgaon. The Police conducted an investigation on Monday and said that the man was on a motorcycle with a friend when the tragic crash occurred.
According to investigators, the event occurred at about 5.45 am on Sunday, when the deceased, Akshat Garg of Pochanpur in Dwarka, Delhi, was riding his motorcycle using all the safety precautions. He was wearing safety gear which included a helmet and gloves. His friend and coworker, Pradyuman Kumar, 22, was following him on another motorbike at a distance of about 100 feet away.
As per the report by Hindustan Times, the two men began their journey from different locations. Garg traveled from Dwarka and Kumar from New Palam Vihar and the duo intended to meet a group of riders in Ambience Mall after leaving DLF Downtown. According to authorities, after crossing the Sikanderpur-Cyberhub flyover, they neared a curve when a speeding Mahindra XUV 300 car emerged from the opposite direction. The automobile, which had a political party sticker on it, hit head-on with Garg’s bike, the police said.
Image- Hindustan Times
“Neither the car driver nor Garg had any chance to avoid the collision. The impact flung Garg above the car, and his motorcycle was mangled beyond recognition,” the police said.
After the incident, commuters passing by gathered swiftly and emergency services were notified. The ambulance was called and Garg was immediately shifted to the hospital, however, the doctors declared him dead.
Garg’s friend, Kumar, attempted to help him. “There were two men in their mid-20s and a dog inside the car. Commuters apprehended them and handed them over to the police. Unfortunately, my friend became unresponsive within seconds after I tried to open his helmet,” Kumar said.
Kumar noticed that the car was driving in the wrong direction in the lane designated only for fast vehicles. “My GoPro camera, attached to my helmet, captured the entire accident. But, despite watching the footage, the cops did not take a copy of it,” he said. “Later, I found out the car driver was released from the police station,” he added.
According to Sandeep Kumar, the Gurugram police’s public relations officer, the driver was apprehended on the spot. “He was later identified as Kuldeep Kumar Thakur, 25, from Madhubani, Bihar. He lived in Ghitorni, Delhi, and owned a company that handles social media campaigns for elections,” Kumar said.
“He told police that he was returning from Palwal and was driving as per Google Maps which prima facie doesn’t seem right. He was later granted bail from the police station,” he said. On friend Kumar’s complaint, an FIR under the section of the Motor Vehicles Act, including 106 (causing death by negligence), 281 (rash driving), 324(4) (mischief causing damage of over Rs 20,000), and 166 (compensation after a motor vehicle accident) has been filed.
Every year, as Hindus celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi and take out processions across the country, Jihadis follow their ritual of attacking these processions. This year, several attacks took place not only in India but in Bangladesh as well. Here is a list of 17 such attacks that took place during this year’s Ganpati celebrations.
On 6th September, Hindu youths carrying an idol of Bhagwan Ganesh were attacked by Islamists in the Mundra area of Kutch district, Gujarat. As per the complaint filed by the injured Hindu youth, Yuvraj Singh Jadeja, the incident occurred when he was returning home with two of his friends after buying a Bhagwan Ganesh idol to celebrate Ganesh Utsav.
Hamja-Farooq and three others attack Hindu youths carrying Ganesh idol over trivial issue; threaten them with sharp weapons (Image Source – OpIndia Gujarat)
He, along with his two friends, had come to Mundra on Friday morning to buy a Ganesh idol. After placing Lord Ganesh’s idol in a tempo, they were returning home from Mundra Umiyanagar College. When they reached the petrol pump near the post office, their tempo could not move ahead as its path was blocked by a bike parked in the middle of the road. Two or three persons were chatting there. When they asked the accused, Hamja, Garooq, and three others, to clear the road and park their bikes on the sidewalk, the accused verbally argued with them. The altercation escalated, and the accused brutally assaulted the Hindu youths.
The victim mentioned in the complaint that following the attack, one of the accused brought a sword from somewhere to attack them. The accused threatened the Hindu youths, saying that they would not let them go alive and that they would be finished. Some of the accused also had other sharp weapons. An FIR was filed at Mundra police station against five accused on the complaint of Yuvraj under Sections 115(2), 125(1), 189, 190, 191, 296(b), 351(2), and 351(b) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). Meanwhile, two accused have been arrested in this case.
Stones pelted on Bhagwan Ganesh idol in Madhya Pradesh
On 7th September, miscreants pelted stones at a Bhagwan Ganesh idol in Mochipura of Ratlam district in Madhya Pradesh. The attack led to massive protests, and around 500 people surrounded the Station Road police station, raising slogans against the stone pelters. An FIR was registered in the matter.
Protests in Ratlam (Image Source: ETV)
When the police initiated the investigation and reached the spot, someone again pelted stones, and one of them hit a police vehicle, breaking the glass. People present at the spot also pelted stones in retaliation. The police swung into action to prevent any further escalation and used mild force to disperse the crowd.
According to the FIR, on the night of 7th September at around 8:30 PM, members of the Puja committee were carrying the idol from Khetalpur to Mehndikui Balaji via Hathikhan Mochipura for the installation of Ganesh Ji. Women and children were also present in this procession. As soon as they reached Mochipura on Hathikhan Road, someone threw a stone at the idol.
Stones pelted at Ganeshotsav pandal in Surat
On the 7th and 8th of September, stones were pelted at a Ganeshotsav pandal in the Lal Gate area of Surat, Gujarat. As per reports, some Muslim minors pelted stones at the pandal, leading to hundreds of Hindus protesting and demanding strict action. The police swiftly swung into action and made some arrests. Security has been increased in the area.
Source: OpIndia Gujarat
According to OpIndia Gujarat’s report, the incident took place at the Ganesh pandal in the Variyali Bazar area of Lal Gate. Some minors, reportedly from the Muslim community, pelted stones at the pandal. After the stones were thrown, Hindus filed a police complaint. The news spread quickly around the city, and crowds swelled, demanding action.
Reportedly, stone-pelting incidents took place on 7th and 8th September, prompting Hindus to inform the police. Speaking to OpIndia, Yagnesh Patel, a Bajrang Dal activist from Surat, said that when police came to investigate the matter, stones were pelted at them from the Muslim area. Hindu organizations have alleged that stone-pelting also took place from nearby mosques.
Home Affairs Minister for Gujarat, Harsh Sanghvi, also took note of the incident and ordered strict action. In a post on X, Sanghvi said, “As I promised, we have caught the stone-pelters before sunrise! 6:30 am #Surat Update. Here are the details: 27 stone pelters arrested. CCTV, video visuals, drone visuals, and other technical surveillance work is still ongoing. Strict action will be taken against all accused. Our teams have worked the whole night to identify the stone pelters and bring them to justice. Jai Ganesh!!”
जैसा कि मैंने वादा किया था, सूरज उगने से पहले हमने पत्थरबाजों को पकड़ लिया है!
Stones pelted on a Ganesha mandap in Kutch, Gujarat
Stones were thrown at the Ganesha mandap in the Kutch village of Nakhatrana where Muslim children are reported to have been used to execute the conspiracy due to which the idol of Lord Ganesha was vandalised. An Islamic flag was also hoisted in a Hindu temple which was a short distance from the mandap. The incident has led to a tense situation in the area. The authorities, meanwhile, registered a case and arrested seven people. Maulana Ghulam Hussain Jafar, Asif Sumra Padhiyar, Sahil Ramzan and Hanif Jusan are among the arrested.
The matter pertained to Kotada Jadodar hamlet. A video of the incident was captured on 10th September and showed the defaced idol. A man in the footage can also be heard accusing the police of not taking any action in the name of “bhai-chara” (brotherhood) for two days.
સુરત બાદ હવે કચ્છના નખત્રાણામાં એ જ મોડસ ઓપરેન્ડીથી હિંદુ આસ્થા પર હુમલો
કોટડા જરોદાર ગામે પથ્થરમારો કરીને ગણેશજીની પ્રતિમા ખંડિત કરાઈ. મંડપથી થોડે જ દૂર એક મંદિર પર ફરકાવી દેવાયો લીલો ઝંડો.
In a shocking revelation, it emerged that a gang of minor Muslim youths were behind the stone pelting. The mastermind of this gang had planned to attack 10 Ganesh Pandals daily. The police investigation also revealed that the leader of the gang of Muslim minors had been receiving ‘madarsa training’ for the past three months.
In Lucknow, Muslim mob attack Ganesh Puja pandal amid “Allah Hu Akbar” slogans, pelt stones and threaten to kill Hindu family
On 10th September, Muslim extremists pelted stones at a Ganesh Puja pandal in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh and broke the urn (kalash) kept near the idol amid slogans of “Allah Hu Akbar.” Afterwards, Hindu organizations protested at the police station and demanded action. The authorities have registered a case and arrested two suspected minors. The case pertains to the Chinhat police station area of Lucknow.
Islamists attack on Ganpati Visarjan procession in Mandya, Karnataka
On 11th September, communal clashes erupted in the Mandya district of Karnataka after stones were pelted at the Ganesh idol near a dargah in Nagamangala town on Mysuru Road.
According to reports, some Hindu youths were taking out a procession for the immersion of the Ganesh idol in Badarikoppalu village. When the procession was about to cross a dargah on Mysuru Road, people from the Muslim community came and started a heated argument with the Hindu devotees. Following the altercation, members of the Muslim community allegedly pelted stones at the Ganesh idol and displayed lethal weapons. According to a News18 report, slippers were also thrown at the idol.
Stone pelting during Ganesh immersion procession in Nagamangala, Mandya by Muslims objecting that Ganesha procession shouldn’t go in a particular road.
Members of the Hindu community became angry at the attack and approached the police seeking justice. They kept the Ganesh idol in front of the police station and staged a massive protest. As more people learned about the incident, they reached the police station and joined the protest, demanding permission to take out a procession on Mysuru Road.
Following the incidents, some miscreants set shops owned by Hindus on fire. Several shops were ransacked. Bikes and other vehicles parked on the side of the roads were also damaged and burnt.
Communal clashes erupt after Muslims forcefully hoist Islamic flags atop Hindu houses during Ganeshotsav celebrationin Bharuch, Gujarat
Tensions mounted in Bharuch when Hindus and Muslims came face to face after members of the Muslim community forcefully installed Islamic flags and pylons atop Hindu houses during the Ganesh Chaturthi celebration.
The entire incident unfolded on the night of September 10 in the Gokulnagar area, which is home to both Hindu and Muslim communities. While the Hindu festival of Ganeshotsav is currently being celebrated, the Muslim festival of Eid is also approaching. During this time, some Muslims began to install their religious flags and pylons in anticipation of Eid.
Despite requests from Hindus to avoid installing Islamic flags and pylons atop their homes, their appeals were ignored, and the Muslims continued with the installation. This led to a confrontation, resulting in clashes between the two communities, with reports of stone pelting and violence emerging from the brawl.
Stones pelted on Ganesh immersion procession in Mahoba, Gujarat
On 14th September, stones were pelted at a Ganesh Visarjan procession in Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh. The incident led to communal clashes between two groups, and they assaulted each other, resulting in a law and order situation. Following the incident, Hindu organisations raised slogans outside the police station, demanding action against the attackers.
As per reports, two Ganesh idols were taken out for the Visarjan procession in Mahoba. When the procession reached Kasauratori area of Kotwali police station in Mahoba, a firecracker allegedly fell on a kutcha house. There was a piece of polythene on top of the house, which caught fire. The owner of the house put out the fire using water and then threw water on Hindus participating in the procession. When Hindus objected, it turned into a clash between the two sides.
During the argument, Hindus were attacked in the Muslim-majority area with a bucket and faced stone pelting. The police rushed to the spot to control the situation. Following the incident, members of Hindu organisations reached the police station and started sloganeering, demanding strict action against those who attacked them.
Hindu youth attacked for organising Ganesh festival
On Saturday, 14th September, Maharashtra Police in Pune’s Daund area booked one Yasin Ismail Sayyed for assaulting a man for organizing the Ganesh Festival program in the city. The accused used a sharp weapon to it the victim identified as Sitara Torve and threatened him with death for conducting programs amid the Hindu festival, Ganeshotsav.
Muslims attack Hindus for using gulal during Ganpati Visarjan in Jhansi, UP
On September 15, in Jhansi, a clash erupted between two communities during Ganesh Visarjan over the raising of slogans and throwing of gulal. The altercation, which lasted about 15 minutes, involved heavy kicking and punching. Women were also assaulted and thrown into the mud, leaving six people injured. The incident sparked outrage among Hindu organizations after a video of the fight went viral.
Chanting slogans of “Jai Shri Ram,” several Hindu organizations gathered at the police station and staged a protest, demanding the arrest of individuals from a particular community involved in the brawl. As tensions escalated, authorities intervened, calming the situation by addressing both sides. The altercation occurred in Madarganj Mohalla, a Muslim-majority area in Month Town.
The fight broke out after the group returned from the Ganesh immersion. According to Munnalal Raikwar from Madarganj Mohalla, a group of about 20 to 25 people had taken the Ganpati idol for immersion. Initially, a verbal exchange occurred with members of the other community over slogans and gulal, but it was resolved at the time. However, upon returning later in the evening, tensions reignited when members of the other community began hurling abuses. When they objected, a violent confrontation ensued, lasting around 15 minutes, resulting in multiple injuries.
Hindu devotees returning from Ganesh Visharjan attacked in Delhi’s Trilokpuri area
On September 16, Monday, Muslims attacked the Hindu devotees returning after Ganesh Visarjan in Delhi’s Trilokpuri area. Two youths were injured in the attack. An eyewitness said that the attackers were armed. They misbehaved with the women.
The Mayur Vihar police station registered a case under the relevant section and detained two suspects. The police claimed that there was no communal angle in the incident and that it is suspected that a clash broke out between the two groups of residents due to their old rivalry.
Similar incident occurs in Farrukkabad
On Monday, September 16, Hindu devotees in Farrukkabad, Uttar Pradesh were attacked when they were returning after Ganesh immersion. An eyewitness confirmed that the Muslims abused and pelted stones at the devotees when they passed through a Muslim area while returning after immersing the Ganesh idol. Slogans like, “Islam zindabad, Pakistan zindabad” were also raised. The incident was caught on CCTV.
People returning after Ganapati Visarjan attacked with sticks, stones pelted on in Farrukhabad, incident caught on CCTV.
The attackers alleged to be raising Islam & Pakistan Zindabad slogans during the attack. pic.twitter.com/tUGi9vZRfx
Stone pelted on Ganesh idol procession in Chhattisgarh
On September 17th, Muslims pelted stones at a Ganpati immersion procession in the Ara village in Balrampur, Chhattisgarh. A 15-year-old Hindu girl named Sheela Yadav was severely injured in this attack. Angry villagers reached the Bariyon police station and demanded strict action against the culprits.
Rajpur police in charge, Bhardwaj Singh said that after the incident, a case was registered against four people namely Hashib, Imam, Ittakhab and Islam.
Islamists pelt stones and break Ganesh idol when procession nears Hindustani mosque in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra
On Tuesday (September 17), stones were hurled at a Ganpati immersion procession in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra. The incident took place around midnight when a large Ganpati idol from Ghughat Nagar was being transported to the Nadinaka Kamwari River for immersion. As the procession passed near the Hindustani Mosque at Vanjarpatti Naka, some individuals threw stones at the idol, causing reported damage.
This act triggered a confrontation between the groups, leading to a physical altercation.
Similar stone pelting incident on Ganesh Visharjan procession takes place in Lagaon Jamod town and Buldhana, Maharashtra
Similar stone-pelting incidents occurred in several other parts of Maharashtra. In Lagaon Jamod town, stones were thrown at a Ganpati immersion procession at around 8 pm on Tuesday (September 17) in the Chubhara area. According to reports, the stone pelting lasted for around 30 minutes, leaving several injured.
A similar incident was also reported from the Buldhana region.
Muslim mob tries to attack Ganesh Visarjan Yatra in Vaso, Kheda for playing DJ while passing through a mosque
On Tuesday, 17th September, massive chaos erupted in Kheda, Gujarat after a Ganesha Visharan procession was almost attacked by a Muslim mob of around 150-200 Muslims. The Hindu participants of the procession were confronted with sticks and pipes as the procession passed by the mosque. As per the local reports, an argument initially erupted over the DJ music played in the procession. The Muslim mob happened to protest against the DJ sound before confronting the participants over the issue.
The Police arrived at the spot and immediately took control of the situation. 11 people have been arrested in the case and several others have been booked. Notably, all the accused persons are believed to be belonging to the Muslim community.
Ganesha idol procession attacked near masjid in Chittagong, Bangladesh
On 6th September, a procession of Hindu devotees carrying the idol of Lord Ganesha came under attack in the Kadam Mubarak area in Chittagong city of Bangladesh. The incident occurred a day before the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations were scheduled to be held in the city. As per reports, members of the ‘Batargalli Dhwapara Sarbajanin Puja Committee’ were bringing the idol of the Hindu deity in a van from the factory of artisan Uttam Pal.
Hindu procession attacked near Kadam Mubarak mosque, image via Kalbela/ Dainik Azadi / BNA News
At that time, hot water was thrown on the Lord Ganesha idol and the Hindu devotees from atop a high-rise building on Momin Road. It must be mentioned that the said building is close to the Kadam Mubarak mosque. The deliberate attack led to a heated argument between the devotees and residents of the building.
According to eyewitnesses, bricks were also hurled at the Hindu procession. A young Hindu man, who was hurt during the incident, informed that another Hindu devotee sustained serious injuries to his head.
