Indian Olympic Association chief PT Usha, currently in Paris, has responded to the recent disqualification. The former Indian track and field athlete expressed her shock at the event and confirmed that the IOA has filed an appeal with United World Wrestling (UWW), the global wrestling authority.
“Vinesh’s disqualification is very shocking. I met Vinesh at the Olympic Village Polyclinic a short while ago. I assured her of the full support of the Indian Olympic Association, the Government of India, and the entire country,” PT Usha stated in a video message.
“We cut her hair, shortened her clothes. Did everything possible.”
On Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification, detailed word from IOA President PT Usha & Vinesh’s nutritionist Dinshaw Pardiwala: pic.twitter.com/eDuXu3pkzR
“We are providing Vinesh with all necessary medical and emotional support. The Wrestling Federation of India has lodged an appeal with UWW regarding the disqualification and is pursuing it vigorously. I recognize the tireless efforts of Vinesh’s medical team throughout the night to help her meet the competition requirements.”
Dr. Dinshaw Paudiwala, the Indian Olympic team’s doctor, also stated while seated next to Usha. He revealed that the team resorted to cutting Vinesh’s hair on Tuesday night to help reduce her weight.
“Vinesh’s nutritionist indicated that her typical intake is 1.5 kg over the day, providing her enough energy for the matches. Sometimes, post-competition, there’s rebound weight gain. Vinesh had three bouts, and to avoid dehydration, some water was necessary. We noticed that her post-participation weight had increased more than usual,” Paudiwala said.
“The coach started the weight-cut process that has always worked with Vinesh. He was confident in its success. We proceeded with the weight-cut procedure.
“However, in the morning, we found that despite all our efforts, her weight was still 100 grams over the 50kg weight category, leading to her disqualification. We tried all possible drastic measures throughout the night, including cutting her hair and shortening her clothes.
“Despite all of this, we couldn’t achieve the 50kg weight category.”
Paudiwala added that Vinesh underwent a series of tests following the disqualification to ensure her vitals were normal.
“Following the disqualification, as a precaution, Vinesh was given intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration. We conducted blood tests to ensure everything was normal. This process is ongoing at the Olympic Hospital here. All of Vinesh’s parameters during the weight cut were normal.
“Vinesh spoke with IOA president PT Usha. She mentioned that although she feels physically and mentally normal, she is disappointed as this is her third Olympics, and she has been disqualified.”
In a major blow to India’s medal hopes, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the Paris Olympics. Notably, during the weigh-in for her gold medal bout against US wrestler Sarah Hildebrandt, she was found 100 grams over the allowed weight limit for wrestlers in the 50 kg freestyle category, resulting in her disqualification. Following her disqualification, the US wrestler will take away the gold medal while Phogat will be leaving the Paris Olympics without a medal.
Earlier in the day, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) updated the country about this shocking development and asked everyone to respect Vinesh’s privacy. In a statement, the IOA said, “It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares the news of Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Women’s Wrestling 50 kg class. Despite the team’s efforts through the night, she was a few grams over 50 kg this morning. No further comments will be made by the contingent at this time. The Indian team requests respect for Vinesh’s privacy and will focus on the ongoing competitions.”
? It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Women’s Wrestling 50kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning. No further comments will be made…
Following the development, PM Narendra Modi spoke to IOA President PT Usha and asked her to file a strong protest regarding her disqualification and find all options to help Vinesh’s case.
PM Narendra Modi spoke to IOA President PT Usha and sought first-hand information from her on the issue and the options India has in the wake of Vinesh's setback. He asked her to explore the full range of options to help Vinesh’s case. He also urged PT Usha to file a strong… pic.twitter.com/qlGivfAXqL
However, according to the rules of the United World Wrestling (UWW), “If an athlete does not attend or fails the weigh-in, he/she will be eliminated from the competition and ranked last without rank.”
According to media reports, Vinesh Phogat and the Indian contingent were aware of it and had made all the possible efforts to meet the weight criteria before the weigh-in for her gold medal bout. But Phogat, who was within the weight limit for her Tuesday’s bouts, failed to remain within the weight limit of her category on both days of the competition. Notably, all the bouts in her weight category were to be completed in two days. As per reports, she was around 2 Kgs above the weight limit on Tuesday night.
Consequently, Vinesh and the Indian contingent made several efforts to bring her weight down like strenuous exercising and she reportedly didn’t sleep throughout the night. This also included taking some extreme measures like cutting her hair, trimming her clothes, even trying to draw out blood. She attempted to lose weight through sweats by sitting in the sauna throughout the night.
However, despite all the strenuous and best efforts by Phogat, her coaches and Indian support staff, she could not bring her weight to the allowed limit. While the weight did come down by around 2 kg, it was still around 100 grams above the limit.
Vinesh Phogat didn't sleep all night, working tirelessly to shed 2 kg for the final, but missed the mark by just 100 grams. Now she’s hospitalized. This is perhaps the most cruel and heartbreaking incident in Indian sports history. ? #VineshPhogat#Olympics2024pic.twitter.com/4hOgziQ2J1
Furthermore, the Indian contingent had requested the officials to give some additional time in which she could have met the weight criteria but the officials denied India’s request.
According to media reports, minutes after the officials disqualified her, she fainted due to dehydration and had to be hospitalised. Currently, she is in the polyclinic of the Olympic Village and her health parameters are stable and is resting.
Stop this conspiracy theory. Gagan Narang, Dinshaw Pardiwala, her husband, physios , medical staff, IOA officials, people back in India, OGQ they worked through the night to cut her weight. Dr Pardiwala even said we cannot endanger her life. @WIONews
Vinesh Phogat had secured a place in 50 kg category for Olympic qualification tournament in a controversy-laced trials as she decided to compete in two weight categories against UWW rules
It is, however, pertinent to note that Phogat previously used to compete in the 53 kg weight category. But during the time she was off the mat for more than one-and-a-half years due to injuries and the protests against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Antim Panghal secured an Olympic quota for India in the 53kg category.
She then decided to switch to the lighter weight – 50 kg category – to ensure her place in the Olympics. But ever since then, she has been struggling to maintain her weight below the allowed limit for several months now. Her normal weight is 56 kg, and while she manages to bring it below 53 kg, reducing it by further 3 kg is a big challenge.
Incidentally, she faced similar issues during the Olympic qualifiers in the 50 kg weight division. Strikingly, dramatic scenes had unfolded during the wrestling trials after she delayed the selection trials in the women’s 50 kg and 53 kg categories. She didn’t let the trials to start and demanded that the ad-hoc committee of the IOC should give a written assurance that the final trials in the 53kg weight class will be held before the Olympics.
Apart from demanding written assurance from the authorities, she didn’t let the competition start as she also sought permission to compete in both 50kg and 53kg trials which is not permitted under the UWW rules. However, other wrestlers who were slated to compete in the 50 kg category protested and complained to the officials regarding the delay.
Incidentally, she had turned up at the SAI centre to compete in the 50 kg trials but decided to participate in two weight categories at the Olympic trials, which led to controversies as Article 7 of (UWW) clearly states that a contestant can be allowed to take part only in one weight category on a single day.
It rules, ”Each contestant deemed to be taking part of his/her own free will, and responsible for himself/herself, shall be allowed to compete in only one weight category: the one corresponding to his weight at the time of the official weigh-in.”
Conspicuously, the development unfolded even though the IOA ad-hoc panel had already announced that a final trial would be held for India’s representative in the 53 kg category at the Olympics. The best four wrestlers in the 53kg weight category were bound to compete in trials near the Games and the winner would then have competed with Antim Panghal. The winner of that bout was slated to represent India.
Back then, a coach present during the trials had said, ”Vinesh wants an assurance from the government. Probably she fears that if WFI gets back the control, the federation may change the selection policy. But how can the government give assurance on this? The government can’t interfere in selection matters.”
Nonetheless, when the ad-hoc committee for wrestling acceded to her demand, Vinesh defeated Shivani 11-6 in the 50 kg weight category and secured a place in the Paris Olympics Qualification tournament in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. However, she lost the 53kg bout to Anju by technical superiority 0-10.
Doctors and she herself admitted maintaining lighter weight would be tough for her
While after the bizarre delay and dramatic selection trials, she secured a place for herself in the 50 kg qualification tournament for the Olympics, Phogat had admitted earlier this year that it would be tough for her to maintain her weight as she has very high muscle mass. She noted that because she has high muscle mass, she gains weight easily. Additionally, as per reports, her usual weight is around 56 kg.
After winning the 50kg quota for India, she had said, “I will have to manage my weight a lot better. I have brought myself down to 50kg after so long so I will try and maintain this as much as I can. It’s not easy for me not to put on weight because my muscle mass is very high.”
She further added, “Because of that, I gain weight easily. It doesn’t matter how fit I am, I still gain weight because I have a lot of muscle mass. I just want to control my weight. I have four months left, and every day is very important.”
Last year, in August, she underwent a ligament tear surgery and during that time, her weight reportedly reached 59 kgs. However, for the Olympic quota of 50 kgs, she reduced her food and water intake considerably even after the doctors had advised her against it as sudden weight loss could lead to weakness and injuries. But she competed in the 50 kg category and had a spectacular outing at the Olympics till Tuesday night.
During this Olympic stint, she had reached the finals in this weight division, defeating four time world champion and reigning Olympic Gold medalist but on the last day of the event, she failed to bring her weight down below the allowed limit for one final time, ending up in her disqualification and a major setback for India.
Talking to BBC Hindi yesterday, her fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia had talked about the challenges Phogat is facing in maintaining weight. He said that losing weight for women is more difficult compared to men because men sweat easily. He said that she is taking limited food and water for the last few months in an attempt to keep her weight below 50kg.
After the violent protesters toppled the democratically elected government of PM Sheikh Hasina, supporters of Bangladesh Nationalist Party and radical Islamist groups including Jamaat-e-Islami have been unleashing terror against the leaders and cadre of Awami League and minority communities particularly, the Hindus. Several horrifying videos and images have surfaced from all major cities in Bangladesh, showing graphic attacks on countless Hindus, their houses and their temples.
OpIndia earlier reported how Pakistani social media handles had fueled this social unrest in Bangladesh and how it amplified fake news and anti-government propaganda shared by notorious Bangladeshi handles. Now, even though the protesters have achieved all their ‘stated and intended’ aims – the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government, the same usual suspects and handles are continuing fueling the protests and directing it against India and the Hindu community. The Pakistan-linked rumour mills have been spreading fake news targeting India and the Hindu community living in Bangladesh.
Several social media handles which have a shoddy timeline which apparently matches with bot accounts, are fueling anti-India and anti-Hindu propaganda. These anti-India posts have been alleging that Indians are making efforts to take over Bangladesh and for that it has deployed several Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) agents all across Bangladesh to provoke Islamists and radicalised supporters of opposition parties in Bangladesh to target Hindus. Needless to say that as for Islamists, Bangladeshi Hindus are more likely to be collaborators/affiliated with R&AW then Muslims and thus there is an attempt to dehumanise these Bangladeshi citizens.
Responding to Indian YouTuber Abhishek Malan’s post where he expressed concern for Bangladeshi Hindus, an X user named Sabbir Hossain dragged India’s intelligence agency, R&AW. Peddling anti-India propaganda, the user went on to allege and blame RAW (Pakistan’s reference for R&AW) for killing “Bangladeshi civilians and students”.
In his post, he also attached several dubious tweets, incidentally all of these handles are apparently working from Pakistani locations but have been claiming to give running commentary that is driving agenda in Bangladesh rather than Bangladeshi media which is already on ground and have reported nothing of such sorts.
In the dubious tweets, done from Pakistan-based handles, they alleged that around 30 R&AW personnel had been arrested while they were attempting to flee while another claimed that a senior official, the agency’s station chief was arrested. Strikingly, such fake news has been shared from handles like (@IntelPk_), Pakistan based.
Needless to say that these claims have been found to be false as the en-mass arrest of 30 officials is said to be Bangladeshi police personnel, representative of a government, who had hidden fearing for their lives from violent rioters.
2286 ANALYSIS: Fake
FACT: ISPR-funded propaganda accounts are circulating videos from Bangladesh unrest with the claim that 30 Indian Intelligence Agency RAW Officers Arrested in Bangladesh Army Uniform Attempting to Flee. The fact is that these claims are fake. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/HzwQMauSSZ
Ironically, the handle Sabbir Hossain itself mirrors the activities of a bot account dedicated to fanboying Munnawar Faruqui and fueling a few anti-India posts. The account created in Jan 2024 has a timeline dominated by promotional posts at highly irregular intervals.
Similarly, based out of London, Pakistani film director, anchor and YouTuber host of a program called “Khara Sach”, Mubasher Lucman also amplified this fake news to peddle anti-India narrative. He wrote, “Indian spy agency RAW’s station chief has been arrested by Bangladeshi army from Dhaka.”
A Facebook user also peddled a similar anti-India agenda.
While the fake news have already been busted, it is pertinent to highlight that the source of majority of such fake news have been Pakistani handles that are provoking Bangladeshi citizens with their anti-India and anti-Hindu agenda to turn create a strong wedge in the two countries diplomatic relations.
Major development so far in Bangladesh in last few days
The bloody protests that started in June as an anti-quota movement have been plaguing Bangladesh for almost two months. On 5th August things took a significant turn as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed resigned and departed the nation. She has since landed at the Hindon air base in India, where National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met her. The army is now in charge of the neighbouring country and has installed an “interim government” composed of judges, doctors and former military personnel as announced by Army Chief Waker-uz-Zaman.
Meanwhile, the United States has revoked the visa of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, according to reports. This development follows reports that Western countries, including the US, wanted her removed from power. Additionally, reports suggest that the United Kingdom has told her that there are ‘no provision’ for asylum.
British immigration rules do not permit individuals to travel to the country to seek asylum or temporary refuge, as per reports citing the UK Home Office. This statement comes amid ongoing speculation that ousted Bangladesh leader Sheikh Hasina, currently in Delhi, might fly to London to seek sanctuary.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday that within the next five years, India’s aviation industry will use 20 per cent of Bio-aviation fuel.
“Within five years our aviation industry will use 20 per cent of bio-aviation fuel, sustainable aviation fuel and that is to be starting it from parali (Stubble) and the farmer will get the rate of Rs 2500 per ton for it” said Gadkari during a reply in Rajya Sabha.
The minister also highlighted that now the highway ministry is using bio-bitumen in the construction of roads which is helping India in reducing the imports of the Bitumen. Bio-bitumen is a bio-based binder derived from renewable sources like crop stubble and is used to bind the surfaces of paved roads.
“We are the largest road network in the world, 90 per cent of roads we are using Bitumens layer and Bitumens consumption in 2023-24 was 88 lak ton, 2024-25 which is expected to be 100 lak tan. In total, we need to import 50 per cent of the Bitumen and the annual import cost is Rs 25,000 to 30,000 crore”
The minister highlighted that Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) New Delhi in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) Dehradun has developed Bio Bitumen from the stubble. The minister stated that by contributing to the energy sector the farmers have now become ‘Urja Daata’ also.
“Our farmers are now not only Anna Daata, they are Urja daata, not only Urja daata, they are Bitumen data and not only Bitumen daata, they are now Hawa Irdhan daata (Air Fuel)” the minister added.
The minister also informed that a test section has also been laid on the Shamli-Muzaffarnagar Section of NH-709AD in November 2022 for performance monitoring for a period of three years to assess the suitability of bio-bitumen in road construction.
NHAI has also contemplated a trial with bio-bitumen on the Jorabat-Shillong section of NH-40. Envisaged benefits of bio-bitumen are a reduction in bitumen import, reduced Green House Gas (GHG) emissions and opportunity for farmers/MSMEs to generate revenue and provide employment.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
As the news of Sheikh Hasina‘s resignation spread across Bangladesh, houses, places of worship, and business establishments belonging to the Hindus were attacked around the country. Hindu temples were targeted in Natore, Dhamrai in Dhaka, Kalapara in Patuakhali, Shariatpur, and Faridpur, as well as houses in Jessore, Noakhali, Meherpur, Chandpur, and Khulna. Dinajpur saw the vandalisation of 40 Hindu shops. In addition, one Ahmadiyya mosque in Taraganj, Rangpur, was attacked and vandalised.
In Jashore (also spelled Jessore) district, 10 Hindu houses in Dhopaidi Palpara village of Abhayanagar were burnt. 22 shops including the warehouse of Babul Saha vandalised and looted in Narikel Bariya of Bagharpara, and 8 minority homes were attacked in Keshabpur, Bechpara and Barmanpara. Raksha Kali Temple was looted and burnt in Sadar Upazila.
According to eyewitnesses and homeowners, over a hundred people attacked at least 25 shops in Narikelbaria market in Bagharpara upazila yesterday afternoon. Of these stores, 20 were owned by Hindus. The attackers stormed the shop and pillaged the goods.
Muslim mobs looted Hindu houses, stole cattle and jewellery, demanded money to spare their lives
On the evening of 6th August, the Narikelbaria Union Parishad (UP) Chairman Bablu Kumar Saha’s house in Bagharpara Upazila was attacked and vandalised by a Muslim mob. Then, at night, ten to twelve persons entered Liton Kundu’s residence in Narikelbaria village, armed with ramda (a sharp weapon) and countrymade weapons. They held the residents of the house captive at gunpoint and stole three bags of gold jewellery and 2700 Bangladeshi Taka. Similarly, one Shimul Saha’s house in the same village was targeted and vandalised this morning. At the time, they demanded one lakh rupees from the residents of the house. Later, they went to Narikelbaria market and vandalised at least three Hindu stores.
A group of 10 to 12 people attacked the Hindupara of Shalbrat village of the upazila where 65 Hindu families resided. The Muslim attackers were carrying sharp weapons and wrapped black cloth around their faces. They demanded money from the Hindus after storming into their houses. As an old man failed to pay them, the Muslim attackers assaulted him. They also took away cows and goats from Hindu houses. Similar incidents were reported in the Sekanderpur area.
From Tuesday evening to early morning, 20 to 25 Hindu homes in five villages of Dhalgram Union, Bagharpara Upazila, were attacked and plundered in four rounds.
A Muslim stormed and vandalised former Dhalgram UP chairman Subhash Debnath’s house in Manikdwa village. At this time, they took two cows from the cowshed. Later, a mob attacked Dipankar Biswas’ house in Andharkota village, vandalising it four times. Four cows, 25 ducks, 15 chickens, 40 duck eggs, two sacks of rice, and an electric motor were stolen from the residence. The attackers demanded Tk 1 lakh, however, upon not getting money they set the Hindu house ablaze by pouring petrol. The Hindu family saved their lives by giving Tk 50,000.
Similar attacks were unleashed on Hindu houses and shops in Sultannagar, Monirampur and Khatuadanga market. According to a World Hindu Federation (Bangladesh Chapter) press release, in Monirampur upazila of Jashore district 2 Kali temples and 1 Durga temple were burnt. 13 Hindu-owned shops and 17 Hindu houses were looted and vandalized.
On Tuesday afternoon, a Muslim mob invaded the home of Monishankar Roy of Barandi village, a member of Ward No. 6 of Payra UP in Abhaynagar Upazila, vandalising and stealing cash and gold ornaments. According to Monishankar Roy, the attackers entered the residence by using an axe to hack through the grill. In addition to vandalism, the attackers stole four lakh rupees in cash and seven pieces of gold jewellery.
In the evening, the attackers vandalised and set fire to the home of Payra UP former chairman Bishnupad Dutta in Barandi village. Later, they attacked and vandalised the residences of Robin Biswas, Yudhisthira Biswas, and Mohen Bairagi in Barandi village. The attackers stole gold jewellery and other goods from Hindu houses in Abhaynagar upazila.
In Noakhali’s Hatiya, three houses and four shops of the Hindus were attacked, vandalized and plundered. Among the houses attacked, one belonged to Upazila Hindu Parishad leader Sahdev Saha in Somadia. In addition, women were also asaulted. The Hindus informed the Hatiya Police Station, however, nobody came to their rescue. Similar attacks on Hindu houses in Sahapara were also reported. The BNP and Jamat-e-Islami members alongside other Muslim mobs were involved in the attacks.
In Dhaka’s Dhamrai, a mob comprising 100 to 150 people marched and attacked the house of local Meena Rani Das in the Barbaria area of Gangutia Union, Dhamrai, Dhaka. The mob vandalised the house and tried to attack a Durga Temple, however, they could not break the lock. In Patuakhali Kuakata Municipal Awami League Joint General Secretary Anant Mukherjee’s residence and a local Hindu temple were attacked. Amidst the attacks on Hindus, both the BNP and JeI as well as the Awami League are shifting blame on each other.
In Lalpur in Natore, around six houses including the house of the Puja Udyapan Parishad president and a temple were vandalised and plundered. As per a Prothom Alo report, the mob attacked the house of Upazila Puja Udyapan Parishad president and school teacher Dwipendranath Saha yesterday around 7:30 pm. Later, the mob attacked the houses of Saha’s brother Naresh Chandra Saha and neighbour Shimul Sarkar. From cash, jewellery, phones and laptops to rice sacks, the mob looted whatever they found.
The attackers also vandalised the Jotdaivaki Shiva and Kali temples and broke eight CCTV cameras. The houses of college teachers Dvigendranath Pal and Ranendranath Pal were attacked in Palpara of Madhavpur upazila. The attackers injured Pal’s hand with sharp weapons. In Bhatpara village, a retired Hindu school teacher Kartik Chandra was also assaulted.
Houses of Puja Udyapan Parishad President Dwipendranath Saha and his brother Naresh Chandra Saha were attacked, vandalized and looted at Lalpur in Natore (Source: Prothom Alo)
On Monday, 9 houses of Hindus were attacked in Meherpur, including the house of an Awami League leader. In Meherpur, ISKCON mandir was attacked, vandalized and looted. 1 Kali temple and 2 Durga temples were looted and vandalized. More than 10 Hindu houses and 8/9 Hindu-owned shops were looted and burnt. 2 Hindu girls were kidnapped.
As reported earlier, Meherpur ISKCON spokesperson Yudhisthir Govinda Das said, “As per the info I have received, one of our ISKCON centres (rented) in Meherpur was burnt including with the deities of Lord Jagannath, Baladev, and Subhadra Devi. Three devotees who lived in the centre somehow managed to escape & survived.”
On Tuesday, the house of Pallab Bhattacharya, a resident of the Hotel Bazar area of the city and District Awami League Legal Affairs Secretary, was set on fire. A mob attacked Pallava Bhattacharya’s house with sticks, rods and iron pipes.
House of District Awami League Legal Affairs Secretary Pallab Bhattacharya was set on fire in Hotel Bazar area of Meherpur (Source: Prothom Alo)
In Dinajpur, at least 40 Hindu-owned shops were vandalised and robbed in the Chowrangi market of the Isania Union of Bochaganj Upazila. On Monday afternoon, at least 100 people entered the market and staged an attack. Later, as they approached Sahaspur village near the market, the residents of the minority community stopped them. They later threatened to leave the residence and departed.
As per the World Hindu Federation’s estimates, in Dinajpur, the Fulthala cremation ground was forcefully occupied. Five temples including Kali Mandir in Parbatipur were vandalised. 7 minority community houses were attacked and looted in Setabganj Bochakganj and Dhalla village of Chirirbandar Thana area.
In Chandpur, the Muslim mob attacked the house of Puranbazar Degree College Principal Ratan Kumar Majumdar in the city’s Adalt Para and the house of Gallak Adarsh Degree College Principal Haripad Das in Faridganj was attacked, vandalized, looted and set ablaze.
In Shariatpur, a temple in Dhanuka Mansa house was attacked. The Muslim mob broke the idol of Lord Krishna and fled the spot after the army personnel arrived. Other than this, the house of journalist Dulal Saha in the Sadar upazila was attacked, vandalized, and looted. One Durga temple in the Sadar was vandalized. Other than this, 7 to 8 Hindu houses were attacked and looted.
Similarly, in Khulna 11 Hindu houses were attacked in different unions of Dakop Upazila in Khulna. “The houses of Shyamal Kumar Das and Swajan Kumar Das in Highgate village of Rupsa Thana area, 1 unidentified Hindu (approx. 50 years) was killed. The houses of Biman Bihari Amit, president of the Khulna District Unity Council and Animesh Sarkar Rinku, president of the Youth Unity Council in Tootpara of Khulna city, house of Jayanta Gain in Amtali Banisanta, Dacope, and houses of the minority community in Darpara, Koyra and other 7 houses were attacked, vandalised and looted. 2 Durga temples were vandalized and looted,” WHF reported.
“There was an attack on the house of Kamarkhola UP chairman Panchanan Kumar Mandal of Vitabhanga village. Former chairman of Tildanga UP, Ranjit Kumar Mandal of Kaminibasia village, general secretary of Tildanga Union Awami League Nitya Ranjan Kaviraj, resident of Botbunia village, Pankaj Kabiraj of Botbunia village, Ranjit Mandal, resident of Tildanga Madhyapara village, Suranjan Mandal of Tildanga Vadalbunia village were attacked and vandalised,” Prothom Alo reported.
On the evening of 6th August, Hindu houses and businesses were attacked and vandalised in Madhukhali and Sadarpur of Faridpur. In multiple attacks, several Hindu-owned medical stores and garment shops were looted by the assailants. In Rangpur and some other areas, the places of worship of the Ahmadiyyas were also attacked.
According to the World Hindu Federation, “in Thakurgaon, the house of Sahadev Roy in Sonadia, Hatiya, Noakhali, was attacked and looted. Other 8/9 Hindu houses in the Sadar upazila were attacked, vandalised, and looted. Additionally, in ward 2 of Pirganj, the cremation temple was attacked and burnt. 1 Durga temple and 1 Kali temple were burnt. Jhenaidah saw extensive violence with ongoing attacks, vandalism, and looting at the homes of 10 minority families in Chaklapara municipality. 6/7 minority shops in Kotchandpur were also attacked and lotted. Radha Gobinda temple were looted and vandalised.”
List attacks on Hindus in the ongoing anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh (Source: WHF Bangladesh Chapter)
In Pabna, 10/12 minority homes were attacked, vandalised, and looted in Hathuria and Bera Thana. 2 Kali temples were vandalized and looted. In Nilphamari, 5 minority homes in Bamunia Union, Domar Upazila, were attacked, vandalised, and looted. There was an attempted attack on several minority homes in the Barakali Bari area. 2 temples were vandalized and looted. In Bagerhat, 7/8 Hindu houses were vandalized and looted. In Paikpara village of Rakhalgachi union, the invaders attacked and killed Mrinal Kanti Chatterjee and other family members were seriously injured. 1 Kali temple and 1 Durga Temple were looted and burnt, the WHF said.
List attacks on Hindus in the ongoing anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh (Source: WHF Bangladesh Chapter)
If Bangladesh becomes “Hindu free”, India will suffer: Secretary General of World Hindu Federation [Bangladesh] tells OpIndia
Speaking to OpIndia, Dipan Mitra, the Secretary General of the World Hindu Federation (WHF) – Bangladesh Chapter said that the situation of Hindus is getting worse day by day. Giving a rough estimate, Mitra told us that more than 4 Hindu people Haradhan Roy, Kajal Roy, Mrinal Kanti Chatterjee and one unidentified have been killed, 51 Hindu temples vandalised and around 240 Hindu houses have been attacked.
When asked if the Bangladeshi Army and the police are doing anything to save Hindus, he said that although there are around 2.5 crore Hindus in Bangladesh, however, they are “unsecure and unsafe”.
“When Sheikh Hasina left the country the Army Chief said that he would take the power and keep up peace here. But, finally, no police or army is supporting Hindus. We Hindus are still being attacked but till now we have not received any support from the Army or police force,” the Bangladesh WHF Secretary General said.
Upon being asked if the Bangladeshi mainstream media is showing any anti-Hindu bias in covering the attacks on Hindus or if they are downplaying the incidents, Dipan Mitra said that except for a few media outlets most of them are not covering the issue in detail. He added that many houses are also afraid that if they report the attack on Hindus thoroughly, they will be attacked.
“At this moment, If the media groups show the exact numbers of attacks on Hindus and vandalism of Hindu properties and temples, they will be targeted,” Mitra said.
He further expressed concern that the dire situation of Hindus in Bangladesh is not going to return to normalcy anytime soon. Mitra told us that other than the Bangladeshi extremist groups, the Pakistani intelligence agency ISI is also involved in the prevalence of this unrest. Due to this, he said, “I think it is difficult to tell when the situation will return to normal.”
Dipan Mitra also told OpIndia that they are requesting the Indian government to intervene, however, the Bangladeshi Hindus have not received any direct help so far. “We always expect the Indian government to help, especially the Hindu minorities. We have appealed to them to take the initiative to save us,” he said while emphasising that the Indian government must intervene to save the Hindu minority community in Bangladesh.
Notably, in a statement on the 6th of August, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that the concern about violence and instability in the neighbouring country is shared across the political spectrum in India. He added that what is particularly worrying about the developments in Bangladesh is that minorities, their businesses and temples have come under attack at various locations in Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh WHF Secretary-General expressed apprehension that if Hindus were wiped out from Bangladesh, eventually it would be disastrous for India. He said that in Afghanistan, Hindus have already been wiped out, in Pakistan, only a few lakhs of Hindus are left, however, in Bangladesh, their population is comparatively much higher. He stressed that if India does not take any action Hindus will be wiped out of Bangladesh and then that will create a grave situation for India.
“Afghanistan is becoming totally Hindu free, in Pakistan only a few lakh Hindus are left, but in Bangladesh, still there are 2.5 crore Hindus. But if in this situation, India does not take any initiative, after a certain period, Bangladesh will be totally Hindu-free. And then, if Bangladesh becomes a Hindu-free and Islamic-extremist country, India will be the biggest sufferer and it will suffer more and more.
Speaking about Islamists and their left-liberal sympathisers downplaying the incidents of anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh, Mitra said that they are misguiding the people.
OpIndia asked if there were incidents of Muslims forming ‘human chains’ to protect Hindu temples as being claimed by several usual players like Alt News’s Mohammed Zubair here in India, Mitra simply said, “It is horrible”.
He said that it is horrible and unfortunate that left-liberals in India are downplaying the ongoing anti-Hindu violence and misguiding people with false claims like the Muslims forming human chains etc. Mitra emphasised that the leftists and Islamist sympathisers are not only downplaying the attacks on Hindus but also misleading the global opinion.
Questioning the hypocrisy of left-liberals, Mitra said that “when any such thing happens in far off parts of the world, the leftist parties and their supporters shout and cry but here in a neighbouring Bangladesh where Hindus are suffering a lot, these people are either silent or downplaying these incidents.
Emphasising that former West Bengal CM Jyoti Basu and current CM Mamata Banerjee alongside other Bengali leaders have had their roots in Bangladesh which they have “forgotten” now, Mitra asked why exactly they went to India. Stressing that many Hindu leftists fled Bangladesh fearing persecution at the hands of Islamists there, he asked what drove them out of Bangladesh. He said that Islamists have always attacked and lynched communists-leftists and yet these people always support them. “They never understand,” he said.
The WHF leader also pointed out that in any Islamic country, the left-liberal government or the concept is not allowed to exist. “If Bangladesh becomes a Muslim country, leftists and their ideology will not exist here,” he said.
Furthermore, he requested Indian media to cover the plight of Hindus saying that “for Palestine and Muslims everyone is there, everyone is shouting but for Hindus, no one is beside us”.
Lastly, the WHF leader thanked OpIndia for extensively covering the anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh.
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who was aiming to win a gold medal for India at the Paris Olympics, faced a shocking disqualification from her event just hours before the final. She was 100 grams over the weight limit for the 50-kg wrestling category. This news has devastated millions of Indians, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the Indian Olympic Association to explore all possible avenues to appeal the disqualification.
PM Modi personally contacted IOA President PT Usha to get firsthand information and discuss potential solutions. He instructed PT Usha to exhaust all options to support Ms. Phogat’s case, including filing a strong protest against the disqualification if necessary.
PM Narendra Modi spoke to IOA President PT Usha and sought first-hand information from her on the issue and the options India has in the wake of Vinesh's setback. He asked her to explore the full range of options to help Vinesh’s case. He also urged PT Usha to file a strong… pic.twitter.com/qlGivfAXqL
Vinesh Phogat, a celebrated wrestler and Olympic medal hopeful, was a strong contender in the 50-kg category. Her disqualification has caused widespread disappointment, but PM Modi’s swift intervention has renewed hopes for a possible reversal.
In a major setback to India’s wrestling medal prospects, Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the 50 kg women’s wrestling event earlier today.
PM Modi also tweeted to console the wrestler, praising her resilience and calling her a champion among champions.
“Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India’s pride and an inspiration for every Indian. Today’s setback hurts. I wish words could express the sense of despair that I am experiencing. At the same time, I know that you epitomize resilience. It has always been your nature to take challenges head-on. Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you,” the Prime Minister said.
Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India's pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian.
Today's setback hurts. I wish words could express the sense of despair that I am experiencing.
At the same time, I know that you epitomise resilience. It has always…
She was set to compete against the United States’ Sarah Ann Hildebrandt in the Gold Medal match. According to a statement from the Indian Olympic contingent, Ms. Phogat exceeded the 50 kg weight limit and was disqualified.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to overhaul the legislations governing the functioning of Waqf boards, is likely to be introduced in the Parliament today (7th August), as been widely reported in the media. The proposed bill renames the Waqf Act (1995) as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995. The draft wants to establish separate boards of Auqaf for Bohras and Aghakhanis. It also proposes broad-based representation for Shias, Sunnis, Bohras, Agakhanis and other backward classes among Muslim communities as well as including a few non-Muslims.
The govt says that demand has been coming for a long time from the Muslim community and that there were several instances where illegal land was occupied by the Waqf Board and the Muslims didn't have any option…: @mohitbhatt90… pic.twitter.com/rS8Y5I6RTn
Notably, as per reports, the government is slated to table two bills named the Waqf (Amendment) bill 2024 and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) bill 2024. The Waqf act 1995 was last amended in 2013. The draft legislation is slated to face opposition from the I.N.D.I. alliance parties and Muslim organisations.
IUML MPs Mr Basheer, Dr Samadani and Mr Kani have opposed the introduction of 2 BILLS 1. THE WAQF (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2024 2. THE MUSSALMAN WAKF (REPEAL) BILL, 2024
The MPs say the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 is in: 1.Violation of Article 25, 26, 27 and 28 freedom of religion…
The proposed legislation has reportedly omitted the controversial section 40 of the act which relates to the powers of the Waqf board to decide if a property is Waqf property.
Very well researched waqf amendment bill 2024 has been prepared the central govt. I thank the government for understanding the issue and bringing legislative changes to it. This bill will solve the issue and stop the illegal activities under the garb of waqf.
The draft legislation aims to overcome the shortcomings and enhance the efficiency of the administration and management of the waqf properties as it has been felt that the 1995 act didn’t prove effective in improving the administration of the auqaf.
It also wants to ensure that the establishment of waqf-alal-aulad does not deny inheritance rights to women. Other provisions in the proposed bill include transferring the functions of the Survey Commissioner to the Collector or any other officer who will not be below the rank of Deputy Collector duly nominated by the Collector for the survey of waqf properties. With this proposal, the bill will effectively curtail the power of the waqf board.
Additionally, it wants to streamline the registration of waqfs through a central portal and database as well as provide for a detailed procedure for mutation as per revenue laws and ensure that notice is duly given to all concerned parties before recording any property as Waqf property.
It also proposes reforms in the Tribunal structure and allows appeals against the Tribunal orders before the High Court within a specified period of ninety days.
It has also omitted several sections like 107, 108 and 108A. It wants to make the Limitation Act, 1963, applicable to any action under the Act and the latter omissions relate to special provisions as to evacuee waqf properties and Act to have an overriding effect.
As per the New Indian express, the major changes in the proposed amendment bill includes –
In the draft legislation, Clause 3 wants to amend section 3 relating to definitions to amend and substitute some definitions to provide new definitions like Aghakhani waqf, Bohra waqf, Collector, Government Organisation and Government property among others.
Clause 9 of the Bill will amend the section 9 of the act that relates to the establishment and constitution of the Central Waqf Council. This will provide a broad-based composition and make provisions for including two members from the non-Muslim community.
Clause 10 of the Bill proposes to amend section 13 which relates to incorporation. It wants to provide the establishment of a separate Board of Auqaf for Bohras and Agha Khanis, if deemed necessary.
Modi in Action Mode!
The Waqf Bill is very Comprehensive and will be a Big Jolt to Muslims!
— The Jaipur Dialogues (@JaipurDialogues) August 7, 2024
Excerpts from THE WAQF (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2024:
Section 3C: Wrongful declaration of waqf.
“Any Government property identified or declared as waqf property, before or after the commencement of this Act, shall not be deemed to be a waqf property.”
Similarly, Clause 11 will amend section 14 that relates to the composition of the Board. This will make the composition of the State Waqf Board broad-based as it would make provisions for two members from the non-Muslim community.
Clause 5 will substitute section 4 that was related to the preliminary survey of waqf and it would replace the Collector in place of the Survey Officers. This will confer powers upon the Collector to survey in accordance with the procedure in revenue laws of the State.
Clause 15 proposes to amend section 23 that relates to the appointment of Chief Executive Officer and his term of office and other conditions of service. After the amendment, the Chief Executive Officer will be not below the rank of Joint Secretary to the State Government and it will omit the requirement of him being a Muslim.
Clause 41 will omit sections like 107, 108 and 108A relating to Act 36 of 1963.
Clause 42 will insert new section 108B that will be related to the power of the central government to make rules.
Clause 43 will amend section 109 which relates to the power to make rules.
Clause 44 seeks to amend section 110 that relates to the powers of the board to make regulations.
Amid the ongoing violence in Bangladesh, a violent mob lynched actor Shanto Khan and his father producer-director Selim Khan on 5th August. The latter was also the Chairman of Lakshmipur Model Union Parishad of Chandpur Sadar Upazila. They attempted to escape the area by going to the Farrukhabad market in the Balia Union. They were ambushed by individuals there but were able to flee by using their pistols to fire shots and disperse the crowd. They later encountered another group in the Bagara market region and were brutally beaten after which the pair succumbed to their wounds.
“We have come to know about their death. We could not go there because of the safety of our lives,” according to officer-in-charge of Chandpur Sadar Model Police Station Md Sheikh Mohsin Alam. “In Chandpur, Selim Khan, chairman of Lakshmipur Union Parishad, and his son Shanto Khan, an actor, were beaten to death. As the news of Hasina’s resignation spread, Selim and his son fled his village and went to Farakkabad Bazar of Balia Union. When people tried to stop them, they managed to flee by opening fire. When they reached the nearby Bagarabazar area, an angry mob caught and killed them. Chandpur Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sheikh Mohsin Alam confirmed the matter,” reported Daily Star.
Selim Khan was the owner and director of Shapla Media, which has made several well-known movies, including “Shahenshah” and “Bidrohi,” that starred Dhallywood actor Shakib Khan, among others. He even directed the movie “Tungi Parar Miya Bhai,” which was inspired by many events, including the early years, adolescence and youth of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, founder of the nation and the father of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. His son Shanto Khan’s acting career began with the venture and he went on to appear in multiple projects produced by his father. Selim Khan had about ten films at various stages of production, featuring many well-known Tollywood actors.
Selim Khan was accused of corruption and collecting sand illegally from the Padma-Meghna river at the Chandpur maritime border. He was also imprisoned for the same. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) initiated legal proceedings against Shanto Khan in July of this year regarding acquisition of illegal wealth. This is the first known murder in the nation of an actor who portrayed Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on screen.
On that fatal afternoon, Selim Khan had even spoken with Arindam Das, the Tollywood executive producer with whom he had collaborated on his projects in Kolkata. “I had spoken to Selim bhai on Monday. Just a few hours later, Shamim Ahmed Rony, director of ‘Commando’ called me from the United States, inquiring if I had received any news. He said his hands were trembling after hearing a distressing news about Selim bhai. When I checked, what I discovered left me numb.”
Actor and Lok Sabha MP Deepak Adhikari, known by his stage name Dev, talked to the media in Delhi and expressed, “I had been to Bangladesh several times and floored by the hospitality of the people there. The news of deaths is upsetting. I hope this phase will end and Bangladesh will be back on tracks soon.” Actor-turned-politician Bonny Sengupta conveyed, “This is shocking. I had completed one of his Bangladeshi productions titled ‘Production No. 1’.” Shanto Khan’s passing had a profound impact on actor Kaushani Mukhopadhyay, who co-starred with him in the Bangladeshi movie Piya Re. “I can’t believe he is no more. Shanto was very respectful and had ambitions to make a significant impact in the industry,” she recalled.
The violence that has engulfed Bangladesh over the last two months in the name of anti-quota protests has only intensified recently due to which Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and departed from the nation. The country would now be run by an “interim government” imposed by the army.
On 4th August, a Nihang Sikh attacked an MNREGA worker at a Gurdwara in Butari Village, Amritsar, who went there to have tea at Langar. The injured worker has been identified as Nishan Singh, a resident of Butari village. The victim filed a complaint to the police based on which an FIR has been registered against the accused Happy Nihang and an investigation is underway.
Nishan Singh filed a complaint at Khilchiyan police station. He said that he is an MNREGA worker and went to have tea at Bhindar Gurdwara at around 11 AM on 4th August. When he asked Granthi Happy Singh if there was tea that he could take, Happy started arguing with him. During the argument, Happy Singh picked up his sword and attacked Nishan Singh.
The accused attacked Nishan Singh four times on his hands and feet. Nishan Singh’s nephew heard his screams and rushed to his aid. He somehow managed to free Nishan Singh and rushed him to Civil Hospital Baba Bakala where he is undergoing treatment. The condition of Singh is said to be critical.
The family members of the victim sought strict action against the accused and alleged that Happy Singh was an addict.
According to a TV9 Punjabi report, the victim’s family has accused police of taking the matter lightly as they saw Nihang Sikh Happy Singh roaming in the village freely despite an FIR against him. The report stated that the cops are refusing to talk to the media over the matter. A police officer said that the accused is absconding and a case has been registered.
OpIndia tried contacting the police but could not connect.
Nihang Sikhs attacks increased exponentially
On 31st July, it was reported that Nihang Sikhs killed businessman and injured his family members over monetary dispute. On 23rd July, a man near Harmandir Sahib was attacked by Nihang Sikhs claiming he was consuming tobacco. On 8th July, Nihang Sikhs halted the shooting of a TV series in Mohali claiming sacrilege. On 5th July, Nihang Sikhs attacked the chief of Shiv Sena in Punjab, Sandeep Thapar in broad daylight. On 15th January, Nihang Sikhs allegedly killed a youth at a Gurdwara in Phagwara claiming sacrilege. On 22nd November 2023, Nihang Sikhs opened fire at police officers in Sultanpur Lodhi of district Kapurthala. A list of such recent attacks can be checked here.
On Wednesday, 7th August, the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas named its Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar as its new commander following the death of his predecessor Ismail Haniyeh in a purported Israeli strike in Tehran. Sinwar is another high-profile name that Israel is watching. Sinwar is thought to be the mastermind of the October 7th strikes on Israel, and he has been hiding in Gaza since the conflict began, evading repeated Israeli attempts to eliminate him.
“The Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas announces the selection of Commander Yahya Sinwar as the head of the political bureau of the movement, succeeding the martyr Commander Ismail Haniyeh, may Allah have mercy on him,” the Islamic Resistance Movement stated in its official statement.
Yahya Sinwar telah ditetapkan sebagai Ketua Biro Politik Hamas, menggantikan Ismail Haniyah. Padahal, Sinwar ada di Gaza, di medan tempur. Artinya: tidak ada lagi negosiasi, semua keputusan ada di medan perang. pic.twitter.com/7Z2tU0oiPW
Soon after the new leader was named, terrorists in Gaza unleashed a barrage of missiles against Israeli troops in the conflict-torn area. Reports mention that Sinwar’s selection is particularly significant because he will represent the Hamas group at the peace talks, which have been ongoing for months to end the war and free 115 Israeli and foreign prisoners currently held in Gaza.
Sinwar is believed to be a hardcore extremist leader who sees Hamas as his everything. Sinwar, 61, was born in a refugee camp located near the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis and was appointed as Hamas’ leader in Gaza in 2017, after gathering an undesirable image among Palestinians as a ruthless enforcer and an unrelenting hater of Israel. He spent nearly half of his adulthood in Israeli prisons, including a 1988 conviction for murdering four Palestinians whom he claimed of cooperating with Israel.
This was even confirmed by his disowned son, Mosab Hassan Yousef. After Hamas attacked Israel, Yousef’s video went viral over the internet in which he could be heard saying that Sinwar had once mercilessly killed someone with a sink while he was in prison on the suspicion of collaborating with Israel. “This guy Sinwar, is hardcore. He beheaded someone in prison for suspicion of collaborating with Israel using the sink of the bathroom. Merciless. This is the guy who is in charge of Hamas in Gaza today,” Yousef had said. He also stated that Sinwar was under the ground under Al-Shifa hospital after Hamas had attacked Israel.
Mosab Hassan Yousef, Son of Senior Hamas Leader in the West Bank: Hamas Leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar Once Beheaded a Man Using a Bathroom Sink, Now He Hides Under Al-Shifa Hospital and Uses Patients as Human Shields #Hamas#Palestinians@MosabHasanYOSEFpic.twitter.com/dZ54rcsvUK
Notably, Sinwar’s household was among the few thousand Palestinian Arabs that were forced to leave during the conflicts that preceded Israel’s establishment, thus he carried strong feelings against Israel and joined Hamas as soon as it was founded in 1987. He was condemned to consecutive life sentences on charges of arranging the kidnapping and murder of two Israeli soldiers, as well as the murder of four Palestinians.
The newly appointed Hamas leader is also believed to have played a significant role in orchestrating the 7th October attack on Israel. After being released from Israeli jail in a prisoner swap in 2011, Sinwar believed that capturing Israeli troops was a tried-and-true strategy for freeing Palestinian prisoners in Israel. In December 2022, the terrorist commander warned a Gaza gathering that the Palestinian party Hamas would launch a storm of fighters and rockets against Israel, in a speech to supporters replete with crowd-pleasing exaggeration.
“We will come to you, God willing, in a roaring flood. We will come to you with endless rockets, we will come to you in a limitless flood of soldiers, we will come to you with millions of our people, like the repeating tide,” he was quoted as saying.
A few months later, hundreds of Hamas terrorists burst through Israeli security and penetrated the southern portion of the nation, killing 1,200 people, kidnapping 250 captives, and shattering Israel’s image as an unbeatable foe. Sinwar and then military leader Mohammed Deif had already devised covert plans for the October 7th attack, the worst day in Israel’s 75-year history.
Sinwar made no public appearances following the October 7th attacks, but he did direct military operations alongside Deif and another commander. He oversaw discussions for prisoner-hostage swaps, presumably from underground bunkers in Gaza. According to liberated hostages, some of the abducted Israelis saw Sinwar in the tunnels in the days following the bombings.
For Israel, this selection reaffirms Hamas as a foe determined to its demise and is likely to reinforce Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s stance that Israel must continue its war in Gaza to the end. The killing of Haniyeh marked a significant turning point in the ceasefire discussions, which had been stagnant for months. Now, the discussions do not seem to go well when Israel has to deal with one of its biggest foes, Sinwar.
