Just a few days ago, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’s deputy secretary of propaganda wing, Gudiyatham Kumaran put out allegations against senior DMK leader Duraimurugan and his son.
#BreakingNews – Estranged #DMK Leader Gudiyatham Kumaran accuses loot of ₹60,000 Crores just in sand mining in last 2.5 years by DMK Govt.
Former Finance Minister accused earlier a loot of ₹30,000 Crores by DMK First Family.
He alleged that Duraimurgan and his son Kathir Anandan had earned nearly ₹60,000 through sand mining. It is alleged that 2nd tier cadre ranks of the DMK are unable to make money and a conflict has broken out. This conflict came out in the form of the video shared by Gudiyatham Kumaran. He adds that it is not only the conflict that broke out, a scam in the making in Tamil Nadu has also raised its head.
What Is The Issue?
Gudiyatham Kumaran was suspended from his duties a few days ago because he badmouthed DMK Minister Duraimurugan and his son Kathir Anandan.
He accused the duo of earning ₹30,000-40,000 crores and not allowing the rest of the cadre to earn even ₹5 crores. Political commentator Maridhas in his video brings to light the scam in the sand mining sector by Duraimurugan and Kathir Anandan and that they have earned not just ₹30,000 crores but ₹60,000 crores.
Fact Check
Maridhas shares some information obtained by filing an RTI. This is about how much the government is earning through sand mining. Like how TASMAC is run by the government, all sand quarries in the state are run by the government. The sand is mined and sold – this is done by the TN government. This is wholly done by the government and the earnings also end up in the government coffers only.
The RTI query was about how much the state earned through sand mining from 1 April 2022 up to 1 May 2023. The response obtained was that the state earned ₹18.66 crores.
Going back to 2013, if we analyse the revenue generated by sand mining, the government earned ₹188 crores for the year 2012-2013. Maridhas says this figure is also wrong because it was estimated that a whopping ₹15,000 crore was supposed to be earned in place of a paltry ₹188 crores. There were allegations of a scam and that people involved were pocketing the money at that time.
It was estimated that sand was mined from rivers and was valued at ₹40 crores per day. So the calculation of ₹188 crores in a year is wrong.
Every day, it is estimated that the Tamil Nadu government sends around 5000-6000 truckloads of sand. But the needs of Tamil Nadu are around 55,000 truckloads. This was in 2013. Thus a question arises, how can the Tamil Nadu government send only 5000-6000 truckloads because there are so many buildings under construction and a lot of other development work going on in the state?
At such a time, who or what was the source of the sand for these activities? The news report from 2013 tells us that 55,000 truckloads of land were sent from TN and if the said 55,000 truckloads of land were sent, it would amount to a value of ₹15,000 crores.
This was the requirement for 2013. For Chennai alone, 9000-10000 truckloads of sand were required and a total of 55,000 truckloads were needed to meet the requirements of the entire TN. But today in 2023, Chennai alone requires 20,000 truckloads of sand and TN requires 75,000 truckloads. A truck can hold about 400 cft of sand. To build a 1000 sqft house, one would need 1200cft sand.
Since the rate of development and construction activities has gone up, the revenue per day should also go up to ₹80 crores.
But where is this sand coming from? All fingers point to the Tamil Nadu government only since no private individual or organisation is involved in the sales.
So if an estimated ₹80 crores is the revenue per day, an approximate earning of ₹29,200 crores can be an estimated revenue in a year. However, according to the RTI, a petty ₹18 crores is what is shown as revenue.
Now if we are wondering where and how Gudiyatham Kumaran came up with the figure of ₹60000 crores, all we need to do is multiply this figure ₹29200 crores into 2 since the TN government came to power about 2-2.5 years ago.
Now who are the people who are alleged of the scam:
Duraimurugan
His son Kathir Anandan and
Karigalan who controls the sand quarries in the state
Maridhas calls for the arrest of these 3 individuals immediately. He also adds that 2 important people have been involved in this sand-mining mafia for many years. One is Pudukottai Ramachandran and the other is Dindigul Rathinam who have looted nature’s resources irrespective of the government in power.
Maridhas challenges the Mission Director of the recently formed Fact Checking Unit with 5 questions. He asked Iyan Karthikeyan to fact-check all that Maridhas had alleged. The 5 questions are on: revenue generated from sand mining, the 2013 revenue figures, the truckload-related information, whether the scam is a ₹60,000 crore scam or a ₹29,200 crore scam as alleged by Maridhas and finally he alleges that the earnings from this scam are shared by the DMK first family, Duraimurugan and the sand mafia involving Karigalan, Pudukottai Ramachandran and Dindigul Rathinam in the ratio 50:30:20.
Maridhas alleges that nearly ₹10,000 crores would have gone to the DMK first family, ₹6000-8000 crores to Duraimurugan, and about ₹1000-2000 crores to the mafia.
The controversy relating to the crass comments made by Mansoor Ali Khan seems to be dying down when other perverted and misogynistic comments made by members of the Kollywood industry surface on social media.
If you think Mansoor Ali Khan’s comments can be ignored because he has a history of speaking about anything and everything with a truckload of perversion, think again. The film industry is filled with such people and they are not just supporting actors.
A supporter of the Dravidian ideology, Sathyaraj has time and again made it to the news, especially with his comments on Hindu Dharma. This time an old video of his resurfaced.
In a video that seems to be from 2014 of a programme conducted by Vijay TV, Sathyaraj is seen making similar perverted comments. He is seen on stage and the camera focuses on actors Nayanthara and Arya as he speaks. He said, “I am very happy to be the father of such a beautiful women. But no matter which director it is, I have a request for that director. There must be at least one scene where the beautiful heroine will hug me and cry. No, when the scene is about the heroine telling her difficulties to her, will it be ok to sit at a distance in the car? [referring to the scene featuring him and Nayanthara in the movie Raja Rani where Sathyaraj played her father]. How can you tell the dialogue, “Appa get me married to that boy”. The scene demands that she come running to me and hug me and say, I want this only Dad! But I apologise to Arya and Jai (the actors in the film), in this film, the chemistry between me and Nayanthara was superb.”
In a recent session before the Madras High Court, senior counsel G. Karthikeyan argued against the stance of Ministers Udhayanidhi Stalin, P.K. Sekarbabu, and DMK MP A. Raja, who contended that Sanatana Dharma perpetuates caste divisions based on birth. Karthikeyan emphasised that “No one is born a Brahmin, they only get initiated into the order through their deeds,”.
Presenting arguments before Justice Anita Sumanth, who is handling the writ of quo warranto petitions against the three DMK leaders, the senior counsel highlighted that Sanatana Dharma stands out as the most tolerant and inclusive religious principle globally. He clarified that, according to ancient scriptures, there is no mention of the various castes prevalent today, except for the reference to the four fundamental Varnas.
He also pointed out that revered figures like Lord Rama and Lord Krishna were not Brahmins by birth, and Vishwamitra, originally a Kshatriya, became a Brahmarishi through penance. The argument centered on the Bhagavad Gita’s assertion that individuals become what they aspire to be based on qualifications, not birth. He also added, “If it is by birth, there won’t be any Alwars and Nayanmars. One becomes what he wants to become by obtaining the qualifications. That is what the Bhagavad Gita says,”.
Citing the mantra Aham Brahmasami, he explained, “It means God is there in every soul. So, the misinformation that caste gets assigned by birth was propagated by those who had no elementary understanding of Sanatana Dharma. I really wonder if they even knew to read Sanskrit in which the ancient texts are written. Somebody wrongly translated something and all others are following it blindly.”
When Justice Sumanth inquired about the origins of the contemporary caste system in Hinduism, Karthikeyan attributed it to a lack of understanding of Sanatana Dharma and possibly flawed translations. When asked about the introduction of the present-day caste system in Hinduism, he expressed uncertainty but condemned untouchability as barbaric. He said, “I don’t know. That is a mystery. Untouchability is certainly a barbaric activity. There is no doubt about it. If there is a cataract in the eye, then it should be operated upon. The entire eye need not be plucked out. A Minister cannot say Sanatana Dharma itself should be eradicated.”
He refuted the accusation that Sanatana Dharma discriminates against women, emphasising that the naming of rivers after women across the country contradicts such a claim. Pointing to examples, he highlighted Saraswati as the Goddess of knowledge, Lakshmi as the Goddess of wealth, and Shakti as the Goddess of power, courage, and boldness, all depicting significant attributes through women. He further underscored the contribution of women to the Rig Veda’s creation.
In Tamil literature, he cited women poets like Avvaiyar, Karaikal Ammaiyar, and Aandal, along with the historical significance of brave queens such as Rani Mangammal and Velu Nachiyar who ruled the land in the past. Additionally, he referred to a Minister named Jabali in Dasaratha’s kingdom during the Ramayana period, highlighting that Sanatana Dharma encompasses atheism, asserting that an atheist can also be considered a Sanatani.
Senior counsel P. Wilson, who is representing Udhayanidhi Stalin, argued that the writ petitioner acknowledged the existence of the caste system and untouchability. Therefore, Wilson contended that issuing a writ of quo warranto against the Minister for advocating the eradication of these practices would be inappropriate.
He characterised the case against the Minister as frivolous and urged the court not to invest time in it. Additionally, he strongly objected to senior counsel T.V. Ramanujam’s assertion that the Minister delivered a “hate speech” by advocating for the eradication of Sanatana Dharma. “How can it be called hate speech? It is only an ideological clash that has been prevailing for many years… What is wrong if I hold an opinion that is acceptable to a majority of Hindus who have voted us to power?” he asked.
He also referred to news reports revealing that 33 out of 78 Union Ministers faced criminal charges, with 24 prosecuted for serious offences like murder, attempted murder, and robbery. He questioned why the writ petitioner, T. Manohar, a Hindu Munnani office-bearer, did not file writs of quo warranto challenging the authority of those Ministers to continue as legislators.
Senior counsels G. Rajagopalan, R. Viduthalai, and N. Jothi, representing one of the three writ petitioners, A Raja, and PK Sekarbabu, respectively, concluded their oral arguments before the judge granted them a week to submit their written statements.
The judge also considered brief arguments presented by advocate J. Sai Deepak, even though the intervening petition filed by the NGO he represented was not formally numbered or listed for a hearing.
In the complex landscape of global terrorism, understanding the financial mechanisms behind organisations like Hamas is crucial for effective counterterrorism efforts. This article delves into the multifaceted funding streams of Hamas, shedding light on overt and covert sources, cryptocurrency involvement, taxes, and humanitarian aid.
Context
Gaza, plagued by a 47% unemployment rate and 80% living in poverty, faces the paradox of being home to one of the wealthiest terrorist groups. Hamas’ annual military budget falls within the range of $100 million to $350 million. In 2014, Forbes dubbed Hamas as such, with an estimated annual turnover projected to reach $1 billion over the next decade.
How Is Hamas Funded?
Hamas obtains funding through various channels. These include:
Hundreds of millions in international aid to Palestine, possibly routed to terror
Overt and covert injections of cash from Iran and other ideological partners
Cryptocurrency, taxes, extortion and smuggling
Revenue through its assets, estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars, with companies operating in Iran, Sudan, Algeria, Türkiye, Kuwait, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, and other countries
Hedge fund, investment fund operatives working for Hamas
Let’s analyse each of these.
Cryptocurrency
Between August 2021 and June 2023, Hamas received $41 million in cryptocurrencies, as reported by Tel Aviv-based crypto analytics and software firm BitOK. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), whose militants collaborated with Hamas in an attack, also obtained $93 million in cryptocurrencies, according to findings of London-based crypto researcher Elliptic. An analysis by Elliptic revealed that the al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military wing, received millions of dollars in cryptocurrency transfers, including bitcoin, the stablecoin tether, and even Dogecoin. Authorities managed to seize 150 cryptocurrency accounts associated with the laundering of funds to and from Hamas, as stated in a DOJ news release. Apart from one-time transfer accounts for Hamas, almost all mass crypto accounts were brought to closure.
The flow of funds to Hamas in cryptocurrencies is the most visible and easiest to track, block, and seize. Because of the native qualities of public blockchains. (Thanks to chainanalysis). Cryptocurrency is far from being the primary source of funding. The United Nations estimates that cryptocurrencies account for 20% of terror financing in the world. However, it facilitates sourcing and recruiting people, which is far more dangerous.
Overt & Covert Sources
Iran openly allocates $100 million annually to the Hamas government, supporting both humanitarian efforts and defense projects. Additionally, Qatar is reported to have contributed over $150 million to Hamas in 2019, $100 million in 2020, and a substantial $360 million in 2021. Presently, Qatar is estimated to provide around $120 million each year, emphasizing its support for the Gaza government rather than endorsing terrorism.
The funds from Iran are believed to be funneled through financiers in Turkey and Lebanon, with a Lebanon-based financial operative serving as a middleman between Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Hamas. This operative collaborated with the Lebanese group Hezbollah to facilitate the transfer of funds.
Further, Iran utilized Russian companies to supply oil to Syria in exchange for financial support sent from Syria to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, subsequently reaching Hamas and Hezbollah. Between 1995 and 2001, the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development served as the primary U.S. fundraising arm for Hamas, channeling over $12 million during that period.
During a critical period in 2007 when Hamas faced instability and a lack of government funds after winning elections, Qatar emerged as a crucial source of financial aid. In an effort to prevent a humanitarian crisis, Qatari officials transported millions of dollars in cash through Israel’s Erez border crossing into Gaza from 2012 to 2021, with the permission of the Israeli government, contributing a total of $1.49 billion. In 2021, Israel and Qatar reached a new agreement that concluded the practice of physically delivering cash in suitcases.
Taxes
In December 2020, the reported tax revenue for the overall State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) amounted to $3.316 billion, according to CEIC data. This figure, however, appears disconnected from the region’s GDP, production, or exports, with the primary sources of tax being import and income.
Hamas, in addition to official taxes, imposes unofficial fees on smuggled goods and other activities, generating an estimated annual income of up to $450 million. The terror organisation also collects up to $15 million annually from taxes imposed on goods entering Gaza from Egypt.
The existing tax landscape includes a 16.5% additional tax on imports from the West Bank. As reported by the finance ministry of the Hamas movement, the total monthly collections from these taxes amounted to an additional $20-25 million USD.
Despite international aid to Gaza approved by the UN and Israel, particularly from Iran, Hamas’s handling of the funds is contentious. While the aid is intended for the public’s welfare, Hamas allegedly distributes the money to the public while simultaneously imposing hefty taxes on goods and services. The concern is that these funds may be diverted from public welfare to support terrorist activities rather than the well-being of the people.
Assets And Investments
Trend GYO Real Estate Investment Trust boasts a net worth of USD 542 million and generates an annual revenue of $87 million. Notably, Musa Muhammad Salim Dudin, a member of Hamas’s Political Bureau based in the West Bank, openly supports the organization. Following the designation of Trend GYO as a banned company by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in 2023, Dudin transferred ownership to other parties, disavowing any connection to Hamas. However, these funds were allegedly used to acquire weapons for Hamas, contributing to deadly terrorist attacks.
Al Rowad Real Estate Development, with an estimated net worth of $30-50 million USD, has connections to Abdelbasit Hamza Elhassan Mohamed Khair (Hamza), a Hamas financier based in Sudan. Hamza has facilitated funds for Hamas through a network of large companies in Sudan, Algeria, and Turkey, totaling $20 million. OFAC designated some of these Sudan-based entities in a May 24, 2022, sanctions action targeting Hamas’s investment portfolio. Hamza also has historical ties to terrorism financing, including connections to al-Qa’ida and companies linked to Usama bin Laden in Sudan.
Buy Cash, an entity lacking known website references or revenues has been identified by OFAC as a platform used to transfer funds for affiliates of terrorist groups, including Hamas, al-Qaeda, and the Islamic State (ISIS). Based in Gaza, Buy Cash facilitates cryptocurrency fundraising efforts for Hamas and serves as a point of exchange for various donations.
Operatives linked to Hamas own shares in several companies, primarily in the real estate and mining sectors across the Middle East and the Mediterranean region. The companies involved include:
ITQAN REAL ESTATE JSC
AL ROWAD REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT
AGROGATE HOLDING
SIDAR COMPANY
ANDA COMPANY and
TREND GYO
The valuation and number of shares held by these operatives suggest a potential worth in the billions of dollars.
The overall terror financing network of Hamas involves approximately 832 individuals and 373 organizations operating in 33 different countries, according to information provided by the National Counterterrorism Financing Team (NBCTF).
Humanitarian Aid
The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in Gaza oversees a broad range of humanitarian efforts, including support for food, education, and medical assistance, providing a $100 monthly aid per family. However, both civilians and individuals associated with terrorist groups receive this aid, and there is a lack of a clear program to discontinue support for targeted terror elements.
Since President Biden assumed office in 2021, the United States has allocated approximately $1 billion to UNRWA. With 38 percent of UNRWA’s budget directed towards Gaza, this equates to $380 million in taxpayer funds delivered to the region in less than three years, raising concerns about the funds potentially falling into the hands of Hamas.
Israel has issued over 18,000 work permits to Palestinians, resulting in an influx of approximately $2 million per day and providing additional forms of economic relief.
UNRWA requires $1.8 billion annually to sustain its operations, covering schools, hospitals, clean water, and food for the people. Funding primarily comes from Europe and the United States, with the U.S. contributing $380 million annually. The European Commission has announced an “urgent review” of the €681 million in development assistance allocated by the EU over the past three years to ensure that the funds have not inadvertently supported Hamas. Up until 2022-23, India has contributed $36 million to Palestine through UNRWA.
Counter-terror-financing efforts
In a targeted effort against Hamas, 150 cryptocurrency accounts have been blocked. The U.S. Treasury has blacklisted shell companies associated with Hamas, abruptly ceasing banking engagements with them. Furthermore, there is a call to enhance data collection on humanitarian aid, specifically focusing on how it is allocated and spent.
Established in 2017, the Terror Financing Targeted Council (TFTC) is headquartered in Riyadh and serves as a collaborative platform for government officials from its member countries. Comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States, the TFTC aims to collectively devise strategies to reduce the flow of funds to terrorist organizations and combat money laundering more broadly.
Last Word
In the contemporary landscape, warfare demands financial resources, and sophisticated avenues for securing funds from governments, like-minded cohorts, and crowd-sourced funding have emerged. Technology is a double-edged sword that serves both legitimate and opposing purposes. In our interconnected global economy, every nation aspires to access international trade, yet achieving transparency remains an elusive goal. The lack of global cooperation becomes a breeding ground for anti-social elements to exploit and source funds. While technology has significantly reduced the gap and provides swift insights into the flow of money, it alone cannot comprehensively address this issue.
Soundar is a geopolitical enthusiast, based out of Ireland. His areas of interest include cyber, technology and its role in geopolitics.
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With Parliamentary elections in sight in Dhaka, the violence that has erupted in Bangladesh from opposition BNP, supported by US embassy in Dhaka, would have consequences not only in India but across South-east Asia.
Recently, TIME magazine published the story of Sheikh Hasina and her political career since 2009 in the Bangladesh office. This was however not received well by the ruling Awami League party and those who hold Sheik Hasina in high regard.
During her tenure in Bangladesh as PM, Sheik Hasina faced a lot of challenges, especially the post-COVID economic recovery, the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war, and the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
Under Sheikh Hasina’s regime, Bangladesh has seen good developments economically and with regard to infrastructure in the country. Many forums previously have written about how Bangladesh has fared under the Hasina regime. Here’s one East Asian forum that has talked about Bangladesh’s progress under Hasina.
Here’s an Economic Times article on how Bangladesh has registered 5% Growth during the Pandemic and how India was contributing to a larger extent to its eastern neighbour.
Not only economic angle, security has also seen good improvements under Sheik Hasina where under her governance, strict actions have been taken against radical extremism.
Compared to the rise in militancy in Bangladesh from 2001 to 2006, after the Awami League returned to power with a majority, and especially post-2017, there has been a gradual reduction in terrorist activities, and from 2020, it has almost come down a lot. To support this, read the US State Department report on 2020 Bangladesh terrorism.
The last recorded terror incident in Bangladesh was in 2019. And look at the trend after 2016, the attacks in Bangladesh have come down a lot.
Despite showing a lot of progress in the economic field and security, none of these parts got highlighted. TIME magazine’s only focus has been the authoritarian Hasina regime and how Bangladesh is turning authoritarian under it. Here’s the link to what is covered in the TIME magazine.
Now who is behind this instability in Bangladesh? This is not to be taken lightly as an ordinary protest against a govt, but this has the potential to change the regional dynamics of the Indian Ocean itself with the growing influence of China in South Asia.
TIME MAGAZINE And CIA CONNECTION
When TIME magazine brings out such a piece just a few months before elections, and the West has been voicing concerns about fair and free elections in Bangladesh, one can note that there is a bigger role of the USA in this instability that is created in Bangladesh.
Peter D Haas, the current US Ambassador to Bangladesh, has been very active across the state ever since he landed in Dhaka. Ever since he arrived in Dhaka, there has been a flurry of curbs on Visas for Bangladesh by the US who they think are undermining the democratic election process. Look at this US-generated report.
It clearly appears that the CIA through its media outlets in the form of TIME magazine, the Ambassador to Dhaka, State Department imposing visa restrictions, is creating instability in Bangladesh.
Not only that, Peter D Haas has maintained deeper relations with Jammat-e-Islami and the extremist Bangladesh Nationalist Party. It is said that 22 staff in the US embassy in Dhaka are said to be directly involved with Jammat.
Since then, there have been several instances of violence in Bangladesh during the protests organized by the BNP party, and in response, the ruling government has taken action against the ones involved in violence by arresting them. Not only do we see a rise in violence, but BNP started to demand the toppling of the Hasina govt and planting a caretaker government till the next election. All these events have seen a sharp increase with Peter D Haas’s presence in Dhaka. References: Here and here.
October 28th BNP Rally protest saw one of the worst violent events in Bangladesh. There was even an internet connectivity disruption just a day before the BNP rally as well.
Opposition engaged in violence and the death of a policeman arrested.
Why Is Bangladesh’s Stability Necessary. What Are The Consequences Ahead for India & Indo-Pacific?
With these turn of events in Bangladesh, it is not at all good news not only for India but also for the entire South East Asia.
*Security Threat to India from terrorist groups across the border and rise of NE insurgency:
The entire northeast region of India will become vulnerable to not only illegal infiltration of migrants but also to arms and explosives from Myanmar to India. Several terrorist groups are operational across the border which can be a cause of concern for India’s security. Out of the various operational modules, the ARSA terrorist module looks to be a dangerous one that is active across the Bangladesh/Myanmar region.
This terrorist group was the mastermind in pushing illegal Rohingya immigrants into India and a well-oiled network in the Northeast was facilitating documents that would aid their entry into India.
It is also imperative to note that, there is joint India-Bangladesh co-operation in countering armed Kuki infiltration to Mizoram. Additionally, Bangladesh RAF has also acted timely based on intelligence tip-off on ARSA group key terrorist financiers and logistical suppliers.
With our India-Bangladesh-Myanmar region right now having the presence of various terrorist and insurgent groups, any change in Bangladesh’s ruling regime can have a greater impact on the region’s security.
It can not only expand radical extremists across the Bengal-Assam region but can also make the Siliguri corridor vulnerable to Indian security. This was the American plan for India during the Cold War when they directly aided East Pakistan to cut off the north-east from the mainland through brutal military force. Today, we have radical extremism which can pose a threat to this region.
*America Military base in St. Martin’s Island:
The talks on St. Martin’s Island existed during the time of East Pakistan when it was alleged that Ayub Khan had planned to convert St. Martin’s Island into a US military base to counter India in the region. During the time of East Pakistan, Paul Nixon and Henry Kissinger’s administrations were directly against India and therefore, wanted to take control of the East Pakistan region completely with a base in St. Martin’s Island. But the 1971 war foiled the American plot in the Indian Ocean.
The same talks emerged during the 1980s again to counter the regional influence of India, but they did not materialize. Once again, the same Island is now a mainstream topic that America is eyeing a base there, this time not directly aimed at India but as a countermeasure to China’s military bases expansion in the Indian Ocean.
While, the US State Department has officially denied that the US has any such plans, with the growing influence of China in the region, the threat of a US military base in St. Martin island cannot be ruled out if the opposition comes to power.
Americans made a similar move in Sri Lanka in February 2023 when the US Air Force landed in Sri Lanka. CIA chief William Burns also visited Sri Lanka during the same time. The US has a plot to establish a military base in northern Sri Lanka even though later they officially said that they have no plans to establish a base there. With India having an integrated military command centre in the Andaman Islands, and militarization of the Nicobar Islands, any foreign military bases in proximity close to India is definitely a sign of huge concern with India being the regional power across the Indian Ocean.
*Presence of Oil, Hydrocarbon, and Natural Gas in the Bay of Bengal:
The Indian Ocean has a large amount of unexplored rich Oil, Gas, and minerals which has been the target of foreign powers. Each big power always wanted to dominate the Indian Ocean. During the colonial period, one can understand how European East Indian companies took over key ports from the Middle East to the South China Sea and projected power from the Horn of Africa to the Straits of Malacca.
The Bay of Bengal is strategically crucial for India as several major ports of India from Kolkata to Chennai are along the BOB coastline.
Of late, China has recently tried to exert influence in this region through Myanmar, and in response, India along with its partner US and Japan have also conducted naval exercises in this region. With the rise of India in this region and expansion of China, and the bilateral interference of the US in India’s neighbourhood, the Bay of Bengal regional dynamics are on for a change. Here’s a good research article on Oil and Natural Gas reserves in the Bay of Bengal study material. Here’s one more relevant article.
This research article explains the Bay of Bengal Oil and Gas reserves which is even larger than Saudi or Iraq’s presence. Recently, ExxonMobil which is one largest Oil and Gas companies has expressed interest in exploring gas in all open deep water offshore blocks.
“The proposal comes when Bangladesh is about to finalise its model PSC, under which international oil companies will be offered larger output shares and increased gas prices.”
With the Russia-Ukraine war impacting the energy across world, and the current ongoing Israel-Hamas war, developing economies like India and states like Bangladesh cannot afford high prices for importing energy. Therefore, turning self-reliant on the energy front becomes critical. With Americans entering the scene, the rise of India, and the expansion of China, the political stability in this region therefore becomes paramount.
*Not only Bangladesh, America seeks to influence Indonesia’s February elections to have a strong sphere of influence in Indonesia/Bay of Bengal strait:
The National Endowment of Democracy, which is notoriously known as a CIA front org, is planning for coloured revolution in Indonesia seeking regime change in Feb 2024 elections as per various reports based on a leaked document.
The National Endowment of Democracy was founded in 1983 and its purpose in the literal sense is to engage in covert activities in other countries for CIA to have plausible deniability in any covert operations. This article explains how NED was set up after all the negative revelations on the CIA. A month ago Human rights activists accused Indonesia of supplying weapons to military Junta.
There are US sanctions on Myanmar when the military junta took over and they are aided by China weapons. The US has been monitoring nations that have been supplying weapons to Junta and in that it has been monitoring Indonesia in this aspect. Look at the below map to understand America’s strategy:
If America can get their puppet leader in Bangladesh, and Indonesia, with Thailand, now seeking greater relations with Western democracies, it can serve as a tangent to corner and encircle Myanmar and curb them from China’s influence.
However, the consequences of this would be major as that could potentially lead to a rise in extremism across India’s eastern regions into the South China Sea and can also have a major impact on India. To relate this, when America landed in Afghanistan during the war on terror and controlled the Hemland province of Afghan where Opium was being produced in tons (similar to the East Indian Company and British Empire rule time period in Afghan), it was financing all the major bomb blasts that struck India between 2005 & 2013.
Similarly, when America invests funding for its geopolitical objective, and supplies necessary explosives and weapons, there is a very high risk these could land to extremist elements on India’s eastern border which can then later penetrate mainland India to cause havoc.
Therefore, even before the May 2024 Indian general elections, Bangladesh elections in Jan 2024 and Indonesia elections in Feb 2024 are very critical to India’s security from the seafront and extremist elements.
(Intel User is a defence enthusiast)
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In a formal complaint addressed to the Municipal Commissioner of Anantapur Municipal Corporation and copied to key state officials, the Legal Rights Protection Forum has raised concerns about the installation of a statue of Tipu Sultan in Anantapuram, allegedly in violation of the Supreme Court’s orders.
The complaint highlights the reported efforts of certain groups attempting to erect the Tipu Sultan statue at a public location near Srinivasa Hospital, Subhash Road, Iron Bridge Circle, Anantapur town. It alleges that a pedestal was constructed clandestinely at the site, and on 23 November 2023, prayers were performed at the location by a group, including the Deputy Mayor of Anantapur city.
Here’s the video link documenting the prayers and the intended site for the Tipu Sultan statue.
The Legal Rights Protection Forum emphasizes the illegality of installing statues in public places and cites the Supreme Court’s explicit directive in its judgment. The Court’s order, as per Special Leave to Appeal (Civil) No:8519/2006, clearly prohibits state governments from granting permission for the installation of statues or structures in public roads, pavements, sidewalks, and other public utility places.
Furthermore, the complaint points out the additional order by the Transport, Roads & Buildings Department of the Government of Andhra Pradesh (G.O. Ms. No.18 dated 18-02-2013), which reinforces the Supreme Court’s directive and explicitly states that permission should not be granted for the installation of statues or construction of any structure in public utility places.
The Legal Rights Protection Forum contends that the proposed statue’s construction is a blatant violation of G.O. No. 18, amounting to contempt of the Supreme Court’s orders. The complaint urges the Municipal Commissioner to take swift and stringent action against the groups responsible for constructing the pedestal and to issue a clear notice to cease any further construction in violation of the Supreme Court’s orders.
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The Enforcement Directorate has called in actor Prakash Raj for interrogation in connection to a money laundering case linked to an alleged ₹100-crore ponzi and fraud case against a Tiruchirapalli-based Pranav Jewellers.
The inquiry focuses on Pranav Jewellers, a partnership firm in Tiruchirapalli, which was raided by the ED on 20 November 2023, resulting in the seizure of ₹23.70 lakh in cash and some gold jewellery.
It’s important to note that actor Prakash Raj was associated with Pranav Jewellers as its brand ambassador for a significant duration.
He has been summoned to appear before an investigation officer in Chennai in early December. The ED aims to gather information on purported payments made by the company to him and other financial transactions.
Pranav Jewellers, a well-known jewellery chain based in Tiruchy, Tamil Nadu, stands accused of orchestrating a massive financial scam, leaving thousands of investors in despair. The company, which had branches across several cities in the state, including Chennai, Erode, Nagercoil, Madurai, Kumbakonam, and Puducherry, had successfully collected a staggering sum of ₹100 crore from the public under the guise of a gold investment scheme.
Pranav Jewellers had enticed investors with the promise of high returns and special incentives for those who invested ₹5 lakh or more. Lured by these lucrative offers, numerous individuals entrusted their hard-earned money, with investment amounts ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹1 crore.
The alarm bells began to ring approximately two months ago when the jewelry chain failed to deliver on its promise to pay the interest due on the investments. Concerned investors, who had eagerly awaited their returns, approached the management in the hope of resolving the matter. At that time, the company management reportedly assured them that the outstanding amounts would be disbursed within a week.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn on 17 October 2023, when investors arrived at Pranav Jewellers’ stores, only to discover that the outlets in Tiruchy and other cities were inexplicably closed. To compound their distress, the owners of the establishment were nowhere to be found, and efforts to reach them by phone proved futile.
News of the sudden closure quickly spread like wildfire, prompting a surge of aggrieved investors who had placed their trust in the jewelry chain. Their collective frustration culminated in a protest. In response to the mounting turmoil, the Fort police swiftly intervened and engaged in discussions with the disgruntled investors.
Individual complaints were subsequently filed with the authorities, and a formal investigation has been launched to probe the intricate details of the case. The affected investors are now anxiously awaiting answers, hoping for a resolution to their financial woes.
In a cryptic X post, Prakash Raj tweeted “#KhelaHobe”, which is perceived by people as his response to the ED summons.
Prakash Raj was earlier in the news for alleged illegal construction of his bungalow in the hill station of Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu. Villagers near Kodaikanal have complained that Prakash Raj is illegally constructing luxury bungalows in violation of government norms and encroaching on government lands in villages around Kodaikanal. There is an allegation that Prakash Raj built a road for his private bungalow by encroaching on the common dirt road used by the villagers there. Villagers have complained that he encroached on forest department’s land and constructed his own road in the Pethuparai area.
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The Supreme Court of India has issued a stern warning to Patanjali Ayurveda, co-founded by Baba Ramdev, directing an immediate halt to “misleading advertisements” and cautioning against a ₹1 crore penalty for each product making false cure claims. Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Prashant Kumar Mishra, presiding over petitions from the Indian Medical Association (IMA), emphasized the gravity of false advertising during the hearing. Justice Amanullah asserted that all false and misleading advertisements of Patanjali Ayurveda must cease promptly, and the court may consider imposing costs of ₹1 crore on each product making false claims of curing specific diseases. The court is set to revisit the matter on February 5, 2024. The IMA’s petition not only accused Patanjali of spreading false rumors about COVID-19 vaccines but also highlighted allegations of Swami Ramdev mocking citizens during the second wave and making controversial statements linking cancer cases to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Subsequent to this, a physician whose profile was suspended from social media platform X in September 2023 after Himalaya Group filed a defamation suit on him for his posts raising doubts about certain products of the brand. He is none other than Dr Cyriac Abby Philips, a hepatologist and goes by the X handle “theliverdr”.
Bengaluru Court directs X Corp to temporarily suspend TheLiverDoc id on defamation suit by Himalaya Wellness
Subsequently Karnataka High Court ordered his account be restored in October 2023.
Court records in ORDER that Dr. Phillips (@TheLiverDr) undertakes to hide offending tweets so far as it relates to plaintiff (Himalaya Wellness) and its products.
During the Himalaya Group case, a Kerala-based lawyer concurrently filed a separate complaint against the doctor, asserting that he lacked registration as a hepatologist, casting doubt on his credentials as a specialist, and alleging that he practiced without the necessary training—all due to his absence from the Kerala State Medical Council (KSMC) registry. Subsequently, the Council initiated another investigation against him. It is worth noting, however, that the mandate for doctors to register with the KSMC in order to practice in Kerala has been a subject of controversy, with some physicians challenging the directive, contending that it contradicts the Indian Medical Council Act of 1956.
Following this, Dr. Abby provided the KSMC with documentation verifying his completion of the MD (general medicine) and DM (hepatology) training from institutes in Kolkata and New Delhi. Subsequently, he was granted the opportunity to register with the Council, and the registration process is currently in progress. Consequently, the charges against him were ultimately dismissed.
A critic of Ayurveda and indic systems, Dr. Abby Philips says he is a liver doctor and always makes posts denouncing the use of indic medicine systems as well as yoga. Targeting Baba Ramdev, he made an inflammatory post with regard to Ramdev’s claims of curing diseases. He wrote on his X handle, “Hello charlatan Yog Rishi Ramdev, I thought “gurus” are supposed to not lie through their teeth. Did you forget the time when you advertised “cow urine” Godhan Ark as a cure for “any” liver disease?
Did you forget the time when you advertised ancient stretchy Yoga, breathing exercise nonsense, and acupressure for cure from Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Cirrhosis? Do you even know that Hepatitis A, B, and C are different viruses requiring different types of treatment or do you think just because “you know your ABCs”, you can act like a doctor?
Did you forget the time you advertised your utterly rubbish multiherbal formulations without any scientific evidence for efficacy and safety for “regenerating pancreatic cells” in diabetes and “curing BP?”
Do you know that BP stands for blood pressure and blood pressure is not a disease? Do you even know what rubbish you have been feeding the public to sell your totally useless herbal junk based on studies done on zebrafish and cells inside a petri-dish? Pay the 1000 crores fine and go to jail and spare the public your ancient healthcare garbage. Or even better, stay-out-of-jail and stick to selling desi noodles, your Dant-Kanti cuttle-fish flavored toothpaste and Chinese sugar adultered Indian honey ok?”
In response to these allegations, netizens pulled out details of Dr Cyriac Abby Philips and his family background. The News Minute also ran an article on him when the Himalaya Group issue broke out and they referred to him as a “Kerala-based hepatologist and clinician scientist who is a popular voice known for his critical comments on alternative health remedies and efforts to call out pseudo-scientific practices.”
It is alleged that Philips works for a missionary-funded Rajagiri Hospital in Kochi. As per Wikipedia, this hospital is owned and managed by the Rajagiri (CMI) group of institutions. On checking who this CMI group belongs to, it becomes clear that CMI stands for Carmelites of Mary Immaculate.
This propaganda doctor always targets Ayurved and Yog because he belongs to the missionary cartel which uses the modern medical field as their conversion factory.
It is noteworthy that his father Dr Philip Augustine was in the news recently in connection with an organ trafficking case. In November 2009, Abin V J, the victim of a motorcycle accident suffered head injuries and was declared brain dead on 1 December 2009. His organs, including the liver, were subsequently extracted and transplanted into a foreign national, a Malaysian. This incident raised concerns about potential organ trafficking, as the process to harvest Abin’s organs reportedly began immediately upon his transfer from Mar Baselios Hospital to Lakeshore Hospital. The issuance of a Malaysian Embassy Certificate, listing the recipient’s wife as the donor, also added to the suspicion regarding the true origin of the liver.
During the organ harvesting procedure, abnormalities were discovered, including a mutilated heart when the thoracic chamber was opened. Medical experts pointed out additional lapses in Abin’s treatment, questioning the absence of significant brain injuries. It was argued that his death could have been prevented through hematoma evacuation, emphasising that the failure to remove the blood clot led to his demise.
A doctor from Kollam, the complainant, raised concerns about potential violations of existing laws and alleged misrepresentations of parental consent for organ retrieval. The complainant also emphasized procedural irregularities during the declaration of brain death, such as the absence of an essential apnea test and the failure to evacuate blood from the cranial cavity.
The court, recognizing the gravity of the allegations, has issued summons to all accused individuals – Lakeshore Hospital and Research Centre known as VPS Lakeshore Hospital, doctors with the hospital- Dr Philip Augustine, Dr S Mahesh, Dr George Jacob Eraly, Dr Sai Sudarsan, Dr Thomas Thachil, Dr Murali Krishna Menon, and Dr Sujith Vasudevan, and Dr Sajeev S of Mar Beselios Hospital.
However, Abby Philips claims that the organ donation in question, was conducted ethically with family consent, and had occurred decades ago when his father head the multispecialty hospital in Kochi. Calling one Dr. Ganapathy, a “propagandist”, Abby says that it was him who later revived this claim, which he claims has been rejected by regulatory bodies and law enforcement due to lack of evidence. He stated that the High Court of Kerala ordered the lower court to halt the summons against his father and that a writ petition to dismiss the allegation is in progress.
Demonising Indic Knowledge Systems In The Name Of Myth-Busting
Dr. Abby Philips has disparaged and demonised indic systems like Ayurveda and Yoga frequently in the name of “myth-busting”. He often shares pictures of his patients’ livers claiming they deteriorated and failed due to consumption of ayurvedic medicines.
Here are some instances of how Dr Abby Philips demonised indic knowledge systems. In this post, he claimed that his patient had taken herbal medicine and that led to total failure of the liver.
He also attacked those who said daily masturbation was bad for health and promoted retention of the semen.
I am terribly concerned that the "new gen" males think that masturbation leads a host of [mythical] health issues.
He regularly called Ayurveda and Yoga as pseudoscience.
Please do not drink your own urine (or of other humans, or other animals).
Urine therapy is a dangerous hoax and has no clinically relevant medical benefits. It does not prevent, reduce or treat any disease known to humankind.
In another post, he was seen promoting the use of painkillers such as paracetamol stating they are perfectly safe for consumption.
Paracetamol is the safest medicine to use for fever and pain management even in patients with chronic liver disease within the recommended dose range. It does not cause chronic liver injury and also has an antidote which works well to combat toxicity.
It is unclear whether any action will be taken against such people claiming to denounce/bust “myths” about our knowledge systems. With his questionable family background and his affiliation with missionary linked hospital, surely the “liver doctor” will have to weigh his words in public.
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A recurring trend under the DMK regime, fresh allegations of discrimination against Scheduled Caste individuals have come to light, with Tindivanam municipality’s Municipal Vice-Chairman, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi’s Rajalakshmi Vetrivel, making serious accusations against the Municipal Council President of the Tindivanam Municipality who belongs to the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
Rajalakshmi claimed that she was denied a seat next to the DMK Municipal Council President’s seat solely based on her Scheduled Caste background. In a formal complaint lodged with the district collector of Villupuram, she detailed the discriminatory treatment she has allegedly faced.
“As the Vice-President of the VCK Municipal Council in the 22nd ward, I am dedicated to working for the upliftment of neglected communities under the guidance of VCK chief Thirumavalavan. However, I have never been granted a seat near the DMK’s Municipal Council President, simply because of my Scheduled Caste identity,” Rajalakshmi asserted.
Rajalakshmi Vetrivel pointed out that, traditionally, vice chairman of municipal councils across Tamil Nadu are seated next to the Municipal Council President, irrespective of their background. She expressed concern that she was being singled out and subjected to mistreatment based on her caste, adversely impacting her ability to participate in municipal affairs.
Rajalakshmi claimed exclusion from critical duties, alleging that she is not invited to inspection duties in her ward and has been consistently sidelined from developmental discussions.
In her plea to the district collector, Rajalakshmi has urged immediate intervention to address the alleged discrimination.
திமுக ஆட்சியில் பட்டியல் மக்கள் அவமதிக்கப்படுவது தொடர் கதையாகிவிட்டது.
திண்டிவணம் நகராட்சி திமுக நகர்மன்ற தலைவர் இருக்கைக்கு அருகில் தான் ஒரு தாழ்த்தப்பட்ட சமூகத்தைச் சார்ந்த பெண் என்பதால் இருக்கை வழங்க மறுப்பதாக விசிக நகர்மன்ற துணைத்தலைவர் குற்றச்சாட்டு. pic.twitter.com/MjDzWtL0KH
Caste based atrocities are on the rise in Tamil Nadu after the DMK came to power. Such allegations of caste discriminations are also on the rise. In August 2023, a Dalit Panchayat Union President who belonged to the DMK itself alleged discrimination and even offered to quit her post.
The lament of a people’s representative from DMK exemplifies DMK’s phoney advocacy of social justice. From Smt. Sathyavani Muthu to Smt. Thenmozhi, nothing has changed in the functioning of DMK.
It is also noteworthy to remember Satyavani Muthu, a Dalit woman Minister in Karunanidhi’s government who resigned from the ministry and left the DMK due to constant humiliation. One must also remember how VCK chief Thirumavalavan was seated on a plastic chair with his hands folded when he met with DMK minister R.S. Rajakannappan who was seen sitting on a plush sofa in August 2021.
Gudiyatham Kumaran, the deputy secretary of policy propagation for the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and one of the party’s official spokespersons, has put out allegations against the family of senior DMK leader Duraimurugan.
Kumaran had faced suspension from the DMK in 2019 following the release of an audio clip purportedly capturing him criticising Duraimurugan. Despite his attempts to rejoin the party in the months that followed, it was the intervention of A Raja, known for the 2G scam, that eventually paved the way for Kumaran’s return. Hailing from Vellore district, Kumaran has been actively participating in DMK events since his student days. While initially aligning himself as a dedicated follower of Duraimurugan, he later underwent a shift in his perspective at a certain juncture.
Having been appointed as the deputy secretary of the party’s propaganda wing, Kumaran wasted no time in making bold claims against Duraimurugan’s family. In a statement, Duraimurugan, the General Secretary of the DMK, declared that Gudiyatham Kumaran, the Deputy Secretary of the party’s propaganda, had been suspended from all duties, including primary membership. The suspension is attributed to Kumaran’s actions, deemed as going beyond the party’s control and tarnishing its reputation.
#BreakingNews – Estranged #DMK Leader Gudiyatham Kumaran accuses loot of ₹60,000 Crores just in sand mining in last 2.5 years by DMK Govt.
Former Finance Minister accused earlier a loot of ₹30,000 Crores by DMK First Family.
The video released by Kumaran accuses Duraimurugan and his son of being involved in sand mining scam. He says, “Honourable Duraimurugan, when did you remove your loincloth that you had such a son Kathir Anandan? You survived because of the party. You are looting. Someone lied and said 30,000 crores. So far, Durai Murugan has earned 60,000 crores in sand mining. I will reveal all the evidence very soon. So party cadres, even if you beat me with slippers. See here my leader, Thalapathy, who is he, my elder brother Udhayanidhi Stalin. I have kept a bigger photo in the hall. I won’t go. I don’t want to die of poverty and hunger. I know we will have to face such a situation. We have been in the DMK for so many days, they helped us. Going forward, I can’t even call anyone on the phone. But I want to say something to Duraimurugan. Kathir Anandan told me, how can Udhayanidhi become CM. But I can say this firmly, for sure our young leader Udhayanidhi Stalin will sit on the CM’s chair and I will die after seeing that. So I am telling this to Kathir Anandan, you are looting, you are involved in the sand mining scam, both you and your father.”
It is notable that, Duraimurugan, the Minister of Water Resources has come under criticism for allegedly handing a sand quarry contract to sand baron Sekhar Reddy and his aides in exchange for a bribe of crores of rupees during 2021.
