India Archive

In a tragic turn of events in Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh, the community is mourning the loss of a dedicated young police officer, Constable Sachin Rathi. The incident, which has sent shockwaves throughout the region, occurred during a police operation aiming to capture a known criminal. Rathi, in the line of duty, sustained a grave gunshot wound that ultimately claimed his life.

The capital's civic landscape is poised for change, as the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) calls for public engagement regarding the future of a historic religious site. In a notice dated 24th December, the NDMC has opened the floor for public opinion on the proposed dismantling of the Sunehri Mosque, a decision that has not gone unnoticed by the city's residents. The Department of Architecture and Environment has put forward the call for suggestions and objections, inviting civic participation by the 1st of January 2024, as outlined under Clause 1.3(ii) of the bye-law.

Let's delve into a historical marvel intertwined with the captivating tale of the 'Ho Jamalo' song. We're talking about a bridge, not just any bridge, but a feat of engineering that has its roots deeply embedded in the pages of Sindhi folklore. This bridge is no ordinary structure; it's an iron giant known as the "Lansdowne Bridge." While the locals of Sukkur affectionately call it the “Ayub Bridge,” it stands majestically between the small cities of Sukkur and Rohri, with the mighty Indus River flowing gracefully underneath.

From Raipur: The current tussle between wrestling players and the Indian Wrestling Association has been capturing national attention. Amidst this, another incident related to sports in India has emerged, shedding light on a deeper systemic issue that hinders the country's success in international arenas like the Olympics.

The Indian Army has experienced a profound loss with the passing of Lieutenant Colonel Karanbir Singh Natt, a respected officer of 160 TA (JAKRIF) and a valiant recipient of the Sena Medal. This tragic event marks the end of a journey for a soldier who exemplified courage and dedication to his nation. Lieutenant Colonel Natt's passing is not just a loss to the military fraternity but to the nation he bravely served.

In a bold and ambitious declaration, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has made a statement that could potentially reshape the world's understanding of global timekeeping. CM Yadav, with a sense of national pride, asserted that India, about 300 years ago, was the originator of the global standard time. He pointed out that an instrument crucial for time determination, dating back to this era, still exists in the historical city of Ujjain.

In a recent development, Delhi's Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has called for a detailed investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into what appears to be a concerning issue involving the Delhi government-run hospitals. This request for a CBI probe stems from allegations of the use of counterfeit or substandard medicines in these hospitals.

In a chilling incident in Tamil Nadu, the police have arrested a 47-year-old man who portrayed himself as a practitioner of Siddha, a traditional form of medicine. Identified as T Kesavamoorthi, this individual is now at the center of a gruesome murder case involving two young men.

62 Villages in Western UP Ban Entry of Congress and TMC for Insulting Vice President, Decision Taken in Dhankhar Khap Panchayat

In a remarkable development that has stirred the political landscape, the Jat community in Western Uttar Pradesh has taken a bold stance. Specifically, the members of the Dhankhar gotra have collectively decided to prohibit the entry of Congress and Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders into a significant number of villages under their influence. This move encompasses an impressive total of 62 villages in the region.

62 villages in Western UP ban entry of Congress and TMC for insulting Vice President, decision taken in Dhankhar Khap Panchayat. pic.twitter.com/GXLNUYY18s

The catalyst for this decision was an incident involving the Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar. On the 19th of December, an event took place on the premises of the Parliament that the community members perceived as a mimicry and insult directed towards the Vice President. The incident, which resonated deeply with the Jat community, particularly those from the Dhankhar gotra, prompted a swift and decisive response.

In response to this incident, a panchayat, which is a traditional assembly of elders and community leaders, was convened. This meeting was not an ordinary gathering but a significant event held in Baghpat district on Friday, the 22nd of December. The panchayat, representing the collective will and sentiment of the community, deliberated on the appropriate response to the perceived disrespect shown to the Vice President.

The outcome of this panchayat was the unprecedented decision to ban the entry of leaders from both the Congress and the Trinamool Congress into the 62 villages. This move by the Dhankhar Khap Panchayat signifies a strong message of disapproval and stands as a testament to the community's commitment to respecting high-ranking officials. It highlights the importance the community places on decorum and respect, especially towards national figures like the Vice President.

In Faizpur Ninana village, located in the Baghpat district, a significant gathering took place on the 22nd of December. This was not just a routine community meeting but a specially convened panchayat, a traditional forum where matters of importance to the community are discussed and decided. This particular meeting was significant, as it involved community leaders and local residents coming together to address a recent incident that had caused widespread displeasure.

During the panchayat, a strong sentiment was evident among the attendees. The community members collectively expressed their deep dissatisfaction and disapproval of the behavior exhibited towards the Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar. This incident, perceived as an insult, had resonated strongly with the community, prompting a need for an immediate and fitting response.

The gravity of the situation was reflected in the decisions made during this panchayat. The community, speaking with one voice, resolved to take several measures in direct response to the disrespect shown to the Vice President. These measures were not just symbolic but had substantial implications.

The most notable decision made by the panchayat was the unanimous agreement to prohibit the entry of Congress and Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders into 62 villages in the western Uttar Pradesh region. This area is known for having a significant population belonging to the Dhankhar gotra, indicating that the decision would impact a considerable number of villages and potentially affect political activities in the region.

Furthermore, the community has put forth a demand directed specifically at Rahul Gandhi, a prominent figure in the Congress party. They have asked for an apology from him, as he was involved in recording the episode of mimicry that led to this entire situation. This demand for an apology underlines the community's desire for acknowledgment and rectification of what they perceive as a serious disrespect towards a high-ranking official of the country.

The panchayat went beyond merely banning the entry of certain political leaders into their villages. The community leaders and residents, deeply affected by the incident, decided to escalate their response if their demands were not met.

A key decision that emerged from the panchayat was the contemplation of staging protests. One of the more striking forms of protest they considered was the encirclement, or 'gherao', of the Parliament. This is a significant form of protest in India, symbolizing the collective dissent of a group by surrounding a place of power or authority. The idea of potentially encircling the Parliament demonstrates the depth of the community's displeasure and their willingness to take substantial action to make their voices heard.

Furthermore, the attendees reached a consensus to boycott and oppose not only those directly involved in the insulting act but also anyone who supported it. This shows the community's commitment to stand firmly against what they perceive as disrespect, extending their disapproval to a wider group of individuals and not just the primary offenders.

Harendra Singh, the former Pradhan (village head) of Faizpur Ninana, articulated the sentiments of the community with clarity. He stated, “This panchayat was organised in protest against the insult of Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji in Parliament. We will always oppose those who have done this. This decision has been taken in the panchayat. We will not support such a party or someone who insults our community. There is deep resentment in the society. The insult of the Dhankhar gotra, the entire OBC, and farmer brothers will not be tolerated.”

His words underscore the community's stance on the issue. The panchayat, and by extension, the community, views the incident not just as an insult to an individual but as a broader affront to their gotra (clan), the Other Backward Class (OBC) community, and the farming community at large. The decision to oppose those responsible and the consideration of staging protests reflect the deep-seated resentment and the community's determination to safeguard their dignity and respect.

Singh pointed out, “People of Dhankhar Gotra are in Haryana and Rajasthan as well. These people will not tolerate insult at any cost. A meeting was also held there three to four days ago. There was also a demonstration. If they do not apologise, we will protest.” This statement brings to light the collective identity and solidarity among the Dhankhar gotra, which spans multiple states in India, including Haryana and Rajasthan. The fact that meetings and demonstrations had already been held in these regions indicates a broader sense of unity and shared purpose among the community members.

#WATCH | Haryana | A Khap Panchayat meeting called in Jhajjar, over mimicry row.

The Khap says, "...Kalyan Banerjee mocked him (Vice President & Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar) and the farmers of the country. A leader of an old party was shooting the video...Until both… pic.twitter.com/atTOA487NS

#MimicryRow: #Jat community holds #KhapPanchayat meeting in support of VP #Dhankhar, demands #apology | https://t.co/rK059ibVT4 pic.twitter.com/KxgoOpiz5G

The resolve of the community to not tolerate any form of insult was clear. Singh’s words suggest a readiness to escalate their response, with protests being a likely course of action if their demands for an apology are not met. This reflects a strong communal stand against disrespect and highlights the seriousness with which the community is addressing this issue.

Additionally, Netrapal Singh, another local who attended the panchayat, reinforced the community's stance. He said, “The Vice President was insulted in Parliament. We will hold a panchayat and go to Parliament House. Rahul Gandhi should apologise. If he doesn’t apologise, we will stage a protest and gherao Parliament. Everyone is unhappy about this. The Jat community will also oppose those who remain on Congress-TMC’s side and do not oppose it.”

The incident that sparked the strong reaction from the Dhankhar Khap Panchayat and the wider Jat community in Western Uttar Pradesh took place during a particularly tumultuous period in the Indian Parliament. The winter session was marked by significant discord, leading to the suspension of 141 Members of Parliament (MPs) due to what was described as disruptive behavior. This context sets the stage for understanding the gravity of the situation that unfolded on the 19th of December.

On this day, amidst the ongoing tensions, opposition MPs organized protests outside the Parliament House. It was during these protests that an incident occurred which would later cause widespread controversy and condemnation. Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee was involved in an act of mimicry directed at the Rajya Sabha Chairman, Jagdeep Dhankhar. This act alone was enough to stir discontent, but what compounded the issue was the involvement of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. He was observed recording a video of Banerjee's demeaning act, a move that was perceived as not just endorsing but also documenting the disrespectful behavior.

The Vice President himself described the incident as "shameful", clearly indicating his personal feelings about the matter. He stated that it was "ridiculous and unacceptable" for one MP to mock him while another recorded it. This statement highlights the Vice President's perspective on the lack of decorum and respect in the situation, emphasizing how the actions of the MPs were not in line with the expected standards of conduct, especially within the realms of Parliament.

In a significant turn of events, Vishnu Dev Radhakrishnan, a Kerala-based engineer, has been released early from a Saudi Arabian jail where he was serving a sentence for alleged blasphemy against Islam. His early release and subsequent deportation to Bharat (India) marks the end of a challenging period that began in 2018. Notably, the fine of 1.5 lakhs SAR (Saudi Riyal) that was levied on Vishnu has also been waived off, providing relief to him and his family.

@MOS_MEA Vishnu Dev, a Hindu boy from Kerala, is languishing in a Saudi jail for more than two years now for the sin of committing blasphemy.

His father, Radhakrishnan Nair, and mother Rajalakshmi Nair have been running from pillar to post, pic.twitter.com/fHt6fTioyu

This development was conveyed to HinduPost by Vishnu’s father, Radhakrishnan Nair, a former Indian Air Force officer. He expressed his gratitude and relief at the news, sharing that Vishnu is expected to return to his home in Alappuzha, Kerala, today. This moment is not just a personal victory for the Radhakrishnan family but also a moment of closure after years of legal and emotional turmoil.

The background of Vishnu Dev's arrest is rooted in an incident that occurred in 2018. Vishnu Dev, while using Twitter, had befriended a Muslim girl who resided in London, United Kingdom. During their online interactions, a contentious exchange unfolded. The girl reportedly made objectionable remarks about Lord Shiva, a revered deity in Hinduism. This comment provoked Vishnu Dev, leading him to respond with tweets against Prophet Muhammad. He also questioned the bombings in Yemen, specifically asking why such actions were taken if Allah was merciful. This query was particularly sensitive given that the bombings were reportedly conducted at the behest of the Saudi regime.

The response of the Saudi government to Vishnu Dev's tweets was swift and severe. Considering the strict blasphemy laws in Saudi Arabia, his comments led to his arrest and subsequent conviction. This case highlights the complexities and risks involved in cross-cultural and inter-religious communications, especially on global platforms like Twitter where diverse viewpoints often intersect.

Vishnu Dev Radhakrishnan's father provided a detailed account of the events leading up to his son's arrest, shedding light on the circumstances that culminated in his incarceration. According to his father, the pivotal point in this saga was the transmission of Vishnu Dev’s tweets through the server of Aramco, a major Saudi Arabian oil company. Vishnu Dev speculated that officials at Aramco might have captured screenshots of his online conversation and handed them over to the police.

Sir @narendramodi & mam @SushmaSwaraj humbly rqst u to take up the tragic case of young Indian Vishnu Dev,who has been sentenced to 20yrs in Jail in SA with HRH Mohammad Bin Salman
he is a son of Radhakrishnan Nair V,former officer with Indian Air Force!
Pls ask for his release! pic.twitter.com/C0L6JzVLOI

About 15 days before his arrest, Vishnu Dev experienced the first sign of trouble when he was interrogated by security officials at Aramco. This interrogation was not a brief affair; it lasted two weeks, during which he was detained at the office. The company officials initially informed him that he would be deported back to India. However, rather than facilitating his departure or allowing him to contact the Indian embassy for assistance, Vishnu Dev was handed over to the police, a move that drastically changed the course of events.

On June 7, 2018, the situation escalated when Vishnu Dev was arrested by the police. The charges against him were severe: 'misusing social media' and hurting the religious and national sentiments of Saudi Arabia, specifically through his remarks on Prophet Muhammad. The gravity of these charges reflects the strict laws in Saudi Arabia regarding blasphemy and the use of social media.

Initially, on September 13 of the same year, Vishnu Dev was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment in Khobar jail, along with a substantial fine of 1,50,000 Riyal (approximately ₹29.12 lakhs). However, this was not the end of his legal challenges. On January 24, 2019, his sentence was increased to 10 years in prison, accompanied by an additional penalty. This escalation in sentencing underscored the seriousness with which the Saudi authorities viewed his actions.

Vishnu Dev's father harbors a belief that the origin of this legal ordeal was not just the tweets themselves but also the involvement of some Kerala Muslims working in Saudi Arabia. He suspects that they harbored resentment against Vishnu and Hindus in general and reported the screenshot of the exchange to the company authorities, thus setting off the chain of events that led to Vishnu Dev’s arrest and conviction.

Vishnudev Son of Ex Air Force Officer Radhakrishnan Nair in Saudi Jail, sentenced to 10 Years imprisonment for his remarks on Mohammad.
If Imran can negotiate release of 2100 Pak Prisoners in Saudi Jail why not we ? @PMOIndia @narendramodi_in @SushmaSwaraj @ANI #FreeVishnudev pic.twitter.com/6enuCgnfOt

Vishnu Dev Escaped Beheading Due to His Indian Nationality

In a harrowing account of Vishnu Dev Radhakrishnan's ordeal in Saudi Arabia, a Malayali social organization, Navayugam, revealed how Vishnu Dev narrowly escaped harsher punishments like beheading, a fate mitigated by his Indian nationality. The organization stressed the severity of his situation, noting, “Any posts against their religion is a big crime in Saudi Arabia.” This statement underscores the strict religious laws in Saudi Arabia and the dire consequences of violating them.

Navayugam detailed the legal proceedings that led to the extension of Vishnu Dev's sentence. Initially, he was given a five-year sentence by the lower court. However, the prosecution appealed for a harsher penalty, citing the leniency of the initial sentence. The higher court responded by increasing his sentence to 10 years, reflecting the Saudi legal system's stringent stance on blasphemy and social media misuse.

A member of Navayugam added a crucial point, highlighting the lack of support Vishnu Dev received from his company and the Indian Embassy. “His company did not take any responsibility for his actions. Also, the Indian Embassy ignored his case and did not give him any help,” he said. This lack of support magnified the gravity of Vishnu Dev's situation, leaving him to navigate the legal complexities in a foreign land largely on his own.

According to Saudi law, Vishnu Dev was required to complete his prison term, pay the fine, and then face deportation to India. This legal requirement presents a daunting challenge for anyone in a similar situation, emphasizing the critical importance of understanding and respecting local laws when living or working abroad.

Vishnu Dev’s father, a former Indian Air Force officer, expressed his deep regret and frustration over his inability to secure his son's return to India. Despite reaching out to the Indian embassy in Saudi Arabia, the late Sushma Swaraj (former Minister of External Affairs of India), and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, his efforts were in vain. The family's struggle, including Vishnu Dev’s parents and sister, highlights the emotional and logistical challenges faced by families when a loved one is imprisoned abroad. They tirelessly sought help and support, but their pleas were met with disappointment, particularly from the Indian Embassy and Consulate officials.

Vishnu Dev Radhakrishnan who was sentenced to 10 yrs in Saudi Arabia for a Twitter spat is finally coming home after an early release. Acc the Vishnu's father he was set-up by some Kerala Muslims working in Saudi who hated Vishnu and Hindus. https://t.co/tk4mK9HFH8

Vishnu Dev Radhakrishnan's father, Shri Radhakrishnan, shared a disheartening account of the lack of assistance they received from official channels. He recalled a particularly discouraging interaction with a consular officer. “They were of no help…one consular officer was acting funny. When I asked for help in at least waiving the fine, he told me to use my pension to pay the penalty and not to beg the Saudi government,” Shri Radhakrishna recounted. This response not only lacked empathy but also underscored the feeling of helplessness faced by the family in their efforts to mitigate Vishnu Dev's plight.

Despite reaching out to prominent figures like V Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs of India, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, their appeals for assistance were met with silence, leaving them without support in their time of need.

The turning point in Vishnu Dev's case came through an unexpected channel: social media. After Shri Radhakrishnan shared his son's story on Twitter, a Keralite man named Sandeep responded and connected him to a significant figure – Nouf Marwaai. Nouf, a Saudi citizen, is notable for her role as the founder of the Arab Yoga Foundation in Saudi Arabia and her instrumental contribution to the legalization and official recognition of Yoga in the country. Her efforts were recognized by India, which awarded her the fourth highest civilian award, the Padma Shri, in 2018.

Nouf Marwaai's involvement in Vishnu Dev's case marked a pivotal change. She appointed an advocate for Vishnu and actively appealed to the Saudi authorities for his early release. It was her persistent and dedicated efforts that eventually led to a positive outcome. Vishnu Dev's father credits Nouf for the success in securing his son's early release and the waiving off of the penalty imposed on him.

Shri Radhakrishnan, in his continued recounting of the efforts to secure his son's release, revealed the complexities and discouragements they faced, particularly from within their own community. He shared that many Malayali social activists had advised him against raising the issue, warning that it might lead to Saudi Arabia increasing Vishnu Dev's punishment. This advice, steeped in fear and caution, reflects the apprehension surrounding the Saudi legal system and its perceived strictness in blasphemy cases.

However, Nouf Marwaai, the Saudi citizen who played a pivotal role in Vishnu’s eventual release, believed otherwise. She indicated that had the appeal been submitted earlier, Vishnu Dev might have been pardoned sooner. Her perspective suggests that timely and proactive legal action could have altered the course of the case, offering a contrasting view to the cautious approach advised by the local activists.

Shri Radhakrishnan also pointed out the questionable behavior of two Kerala activists, one affiliated with the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the other with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPM]. He accused them of soliciting large sums of money under the guise of hiring an advocate for Vishnu, without actually contributing to the cause. “They were not doing anything to help me,” Shri Radhakrishnan lamented. This allegation suggests exploitation and opportunism under the guise of assistance, adding another layer of difficulty to an already challenging situation.

In a report from 2021, OpIndia highlighted yet another disturbing aspect of Vishnu Dev’s imprisonment. According to the report, some Malayali Muslims had pressured Vishnu to convert to Islam, suggesting that it could lead to a reduction in his sentence. However, Vishnu Dev firmly rejected this proposition, choosing to stand by his beliefs even in the face of adversity. This refusal to convert, despite the potential for a lighter sentence, speaks to Vishnu Dev's personal integrity and his steadfastness in his convictions.

When questioned about how Vishnu Dev was treated during his imprisonment, his father provided a reassuring response. “Vishnu did not face any issues in jail, and the jail governor told our advocate that he was a very well-behaved fellow.” 

Shri Radhakrishnan also shared some advice for Hindus considering employment opportunities in the Middle East, a region with a different set of cultural and legal norms compared to India. He cautioned, “Hindus working there should be careful, and not expect anything. If anyone is going to trap you in such cases, it will likely be an Indian (Islamist).” 

The conversation also touched upon a similar case involving another Indian, Harish Bangera from Karnataka. Like Vishnu, Harish was imprisoned in Saudi Arabia on 'blasphemy' charges. In his case, two Muslim brothers from Moodabidri, Abdul Huyez and Abdul Thuyez, were reported to have created a fake Facebook account in Harish's name. They then posted derogatory comments against the Saudi crown prince and Mecca, leading to Harish's arrest and imprisonment. This incident further illustrates the risks Indians face in the Middle East due to actions that may be construed as offensive or blasphemous.

Shri Radhakrishnan concluded the conversation on a hopeful note, expressing the family’s happiness and anticipation for Vishnu’s return. “We are all very happy and just waiting for Vishnu to arrive home. He is 33 years, and has his life ahead of him,” he said.