In a deeply disturbing case from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, a female Hindu employee at Lulu Mall has accused her manager, identified as Farhaz alias Faraz, of rape, blackmail, and coercing her to convert to Islam. The accused was subsequently arrested by police.
According to the woman’s complaint, the manager allegedly drugged her by lacing a cold drink before sexually assaulting her. He reportedly recorded the assault on video and later used the footage to blackmail her, demanding cash and jewellery. The victim also alleged that she was subjected to cigarette burns, physical abuse, and verbal assaults when she resisted his advances.
The FIR further states that Farhaz threatened to kill her and persistently pressured her to adopt Islam, warning that refusal could cost her job at the mall. He allegedly made repeated derogatory remarks about Hinduism and its deities, which left the woman emotionally and spiritually devastated.
Preliminary investigations suggest the accused might be connected to suspicious social media accounts and networks engaged in religious conversions. A cyber forensic investigation is underway to determine any wider involvement, and police are also questioning other mall staff in connection with the case.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) confirmed that a case has been registered under several serious charges, including rape, criminal intimidation, and attempted forced religious conversion. The accused has been produced in court and placed in custody for further interrogation.
So far, Lulu Mall’s management has not released any public statement on the matter
Tensions flared at a regional meeting of the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) held in Sathur, Tamil Nadu, on 9 July 2025, as party leader and DMK ally Vaiko lost his cool and lashed out at journalists, triggering an attack on members of the press by MDMK cadres.
According to reports, a journalist from a private news channel was injured after being manhandled by party workers during the event. The incident unfolded during Vaiko’s lengthy speech, which reportedly went on for more than an hour. As the address continued, a number of attendees exited the venue, leaving several seats unoccupied.
Video footage from the event shows Vaiko becoming visibly agitated upon noticing a cameraman capturing footage of the empty chairs. Enraged, he shouted at the journalists, accusing them of trying to project a negative image of the turnout.
“Which media outlet are you from? You’re showing empty chairs! Don’t you have any sense? Will you also show those standing outside? Take their cameras, remove the film rolls,” Vaiko is heard shouting from the stage, instructing party members to seize the journalists’ equipment.
The situation escalated as journalists began to leave the venue, only to be confronted and attacked by MDMK cadres. At least two reporters from local outlets were reportedly injured in the scuffle. One cameraman sustained a head injury during the chaos.
Despite the commotion, Sattur MLA A.R.R. Raghuraman attempted to calm the situation and reassure the journalists. The injured media person was later admitted to the Government Hospital in Sattur for treatment.
"காலி சேர்களை எதுக்கு படம் எடுக்குறீங்க.. அந்த கேமராவ புடிங்கி பிலிம் ரோலை உருவுங்க".. வைகோ பேசும் போது பாதியில் எழுந்து சென்றதை படம் பிடித்ததால் ஆத்திரம்.. செய்தியாளர்களை தாக்கி அட்டூழியத்தில் ஈடுபட்ட ம.தி.மு.கவினர்..!#Polimer | #Virudhunagar | #Vaiko | #MDMK | #Politics |… pic.twitter.com/HKH4mqP4i4
Recently, a video clipping of Kollywood director C Prem Kumar, went viral on social media. Prem Kumar, known for his film Meiyazhagan, was seen in an undated video of what looked like a discussion panel at Indian Screenwriters Conference.
He attributed the failure of Tamil films at the box office to the negative reviews by film reviewers. He said, “And Tamil cinema, what it’s facing is the negative reviews have become a big problem over there. It’s a huge problem. It is getting worse day by day, week after week. We used to have reviewers, we can call them reviewers. The breed what we have now, they’re not reviewers. It’s a different breed altogether and their target is different.”
He further said, “Because it is very uncivilized, I would say. The language what they use, the way they talk, what they target, it is very negative and they are targeting the first week. They have an agenda. So once when you target the 1st week revenue, naturally producers will come to you for their next movie. And you know the number of paid reviewers is more than 90% now. The genuine reviewers are like in fractions I would say. Even the honest reviewers I’d say, they don’t have the talent or capacity to properly review a film. It’s like hardly one or two they are able to give a good review. And they have a very niche audience who listen to them. The rest all go by the negative reviewers. It is having a big impact on the box office because they decide whether to go to the movie or not, I mean into cinema halls based on these reviews. So, that’s a huge problem we’re facing in Tamil Nadu, I don’t know about the other states. It is getting very worse and it has to be addressed. I hope the producers, either from within the state or all the states, they come together, get some regulation on this.”
"Tamil Cinema is facing a big problem with Negative reviews. Not everyone, but many reviewers are doing with an agenda to pull the film down & target the first week collection. Even honest reviewers don't have capacity to review a film" – Premkumar pic.twitter.com/zvegObMPVL
Meiyazhagan, the film that received a lot of acclaim from movie lovers, had an agenda in itself. The film had an unnecessary scene showing portraits of EV Ramasamy Naicker (hailed as ‘Periyar’ by his followers) and Hindu God Murugan in the same frame, indicating that Tamil people celebrate EVR as much as Murugan.
The film had nothing to do with EVR but he still inserted it into the film which irked film goers. Prem Kumar even justified the scene in an interview with acclaimed film critic Baradwaj Rangan. He said, “Tamil people are like that. As much as we go to a Murugan Temple, we celebrate Periyar too. He is literally like a clan deity for us. Because if he had not fought, I’m not sure if we would’ve got this much rights. A few were there before and after, but the impact that he gave is almost in our genes. Even to this generation, he’s relevant as youngsters proudly wear t-shirts that say ‘I’m Periyar’s grandson’. We should venerate him.”
The Meiyazhagan director then went on to expose the typical separatist undercurrent present in the mind of a Dravidianist, saying, “Because we’re so educated today, we’ve a fighting spirit in us, we boldly talk back. All over India, we’ve our own separate identity as Tamil Nadu. Other state people fear us. That fear comes from him.”
Kumar further went on to peddle half-truths about how EVR was not against any religion and how he is hailed as a ‘Vaikkom Veerar’.
It is to be noted that EVR had spoken derogatorily about Lord Murugan, and neither was EVR a “Vaikkom Veerar”.
Additionally, over the years, ever since the availability of internet and democratization of voices with platforms like YouTube, Instagram etc, normal cinema goers have become aware of the propaganda and real agenda behind the films doled out in Kollywood. Given that the first family of the state owns a production house, in order to survive in the industry, many if not all the members of the industry are seen pandering to the separatist and Hinduphobic agenda of the Dravidianist powers that be.
The Commune has also played a small role in exposing such agenda-driven films which has helped more and more people understand the truth. People aren’t avoiding well-made films, in fact, they actively support authentic content. But when someone like Prem Kumar resorts to blaming individuals, labeling them as uncivilized or agenda-driven, it ends up revealing more about him than about the audience.
Films like Kanguva, Thug Life, Retro, Indian 2, which bombed at the box office, bombed for a reason – pathetic film making.
So, if the likes of Prem Kumar want films to do well, they rather provide good content that people will enjoy and cherish and not dump trash on them.
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On 8 July 2025, during the second day of his campaign tour in Coimbatore, Leader of the Opposition and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) praised BJP South Coimbatore MLA Vanathi Srinivasan, asserting that the DMK government is incapable of answering her questions in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.
Sharing the stage with EPS as an NDA ally, Vanathi Srinivasan welcomed him warmly, calling him “the future Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.” She criticized the DMK regime as anti-people and anti-national, highlighting the hardships faced by Coimbatore’s industrialists. “When we question the use of central funds, they claim not to have received enough. The political climate in Tamil Nadu is turbulent, like a cyclone,” she remarked.
EPS, addressing a large public gathering in Puliyakulam, called Coimbatore a bastion of the AIADMK and claimed that BJP and AIADMK cadres are committed to serving the nation. He accused the DMK of failing to bring significant development projects to Coimbatore and criticized the slow progress of the Avinashi Bridge.
Edappadi K. Palaniswami said, “Here, the respected brother S.P. Velumani mentioned that this district will prove an AIADMK fort. He also stated that various schemes were implemented during the AIADMK rule. Similarly, the respected National President of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Women’s Wing spoke briefly here. I saw her in the assembly where she punctured the DMK. The DMK had no ability to answer the questions she asked in the assembly, they couldn’t respond. That’s how Sister Vanathi Srinivasan worked tirelessly for the people of this region.Whether it’s those belonging to the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam or those belonging to the Bharatiya Janata Party, they are people who dedicate themselves to the nation and work hard. They are not selfish like the DMK. We will choose and implement schemes that bring benefit to the people. The DMK is not like that. If they bring a scheme, they will only bring it after calculating what profit their own family will gain.”
He also raised concerns about worsening law and order, drug abuse, and the safety of women in the state. “Even after 50 months in power, the DMK government has failed to reduce Tamil Nadu’s mounting debt. Every newborn in the state inherits a share of this debt,” EPS said. He pointed out that over 4.6 lakh government job vacancies remain unfilled, and several government colleges still await the appointment of principals.
EPS further alleged that DMK ministers secure positions by paying monthly bribes, and accused the ruling party of trying to win elections using “looted money.” Referring to the DMK’s cash transfer scheme for women, he claimed the government expanded the scheme only due to electoral pressure from the AIADMK.
He also took aim at DMK Minister Senthil Balaji, saying he should repent before seeking public acceptance. EPS warned that those involved in the TASMAC scam would soon face jail time and labeled the DMK as the only political movement in India “founded on corruption.”
He concluded by claiming that streetlights are turned off during AIADMK rallies to obstruct their campaigns but even that won’t stop victory. “We will prove in 2026 that our alliance is a winning alliance. We will rise to save Tamil Nadu. Every alliance party must work to win under their own symbol,” he said.
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Following reports that Tamil Nadu Congress State President and Sriperumbudur MLA K. Selvaperunthagai was allegedly barred by temple authorities from taking part in the kumbhabhishekam ceremony at the Vallakottai Murugan Temple in Kancheepuram, senior BJP leader and former governor Tamilisai Soundararajan who was present at the event released a detailed statement clarifying what occurred.
In her nuanced explanation, Tamilisai emphasized that the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding and denied any suggestion of caste-based discrimination at the temple.
Previously speaking to the media, Selvaperunthagai remarked, “This issue has persisted for 2000 years; it can’t be resolved overnight. I pray that no harm comes to our Chief Minister, who tirelessly works 24 hours a day for good governance, nor to the Minister of the Hindu Religious & Endowments Department, who is doing an even better job than the devotional movements. As a devotee I stood other devotees, I couldn’t even see the deity, but everyone else managed to have a glimpse.”
On 9 July 2025, Tamilisai Soundararajan responded to the controversy surrounding the Vallakottai Murugan temple consecration, denying allegations of caste-based discrimination. She emphasized that the issue arose from security protocols and the entitled behavior of certain individuals (Selvaperunthagai), not social exclusion. Describing her own visit, she highlighted how she humbly joined the public without seeking special treatment (despite she was former governor), unlike others who, she implied, demanded privileged access due to their official positions. Tamilisai criticized the politicization of the event, stating that devotion should take precedence over power or status. She condemned those twisting the incident into a caste issue, asserting that Lord Murugan would bless genuine devotion not arrogance disguised as victimhood.
Tamilisai Soundararajan via her official X account stated, “My Appan Murugan, Thiruchendur Murugan’s consecration ceremony. I wished to have a darshan of my appan in Thiruchendur. I felt that the strictness of the ‘Sekars’ outweighed the arrangements made by the ‘Irai Sevagargal’ (divine servants). The Sekars’ self-promotion seemed to overshadow the devotion of the Sevagargal. I heard about a consecration ceremony at Valla Kottai and decided that wherever it was, it was still my lord. I concluded that my lord was calling me there. As a devotee, I stopped my car a kilometer before and reached the temple with the general public. I climbed the steps with devotion. I arrived two hours early and waited among the common people. No special seating was offered to me, nor did I ask for any, like the ‘Mutharasars’ grumble about. I stood and waited as a devotee of Murugan.
I asked if I could go up. They said, ‘If it’s just you, come.’ I left everyone who came with me and went up alone. Even after climbing, I stood there for half an hour as a devotee of Murugan. Some people arrived late, in a hurry, not as devotees, but carrying their positions on their shoulders. They said I couldn’t go up alone and that those who came with me should also go. ‘This is Murugan’s consecration stage, not a political stage,’ they said, ‘for security reasons, only he should go up.’ The one carrying his position insisted that everyone should go up asking do you know who we are? Disregarding the safety of others, two or three of them climbed up arrogantly.
The consecration ceremony proceeded well. After that, to witness the special darshan, I joined the crowd as a devotee among the general public and sat in front of Murugan. I waited with the public, and Murugan also waited. They were waiting for the esteemed official to arrive. Time kept passing, but the high-ranking official didn’t come. When asked why, they said he was waiting for the special gate to be opened. Murugan waited, the devotees waited, and the esteemed individual (Perunthaigayalar), with his retinue of assistants, waited for the special gate to open. Apparently, he got angry and left because the special gate was delayed in opening.
However, what transpired there was an expression of devotion, but it was wrongly proclaimed as an expression of caste. But some ‘Ravikumars‘ twisting this into an act of atrocity and arrogantly wounding the public darshan, as if to say, ‘Should I stand as one among ten?’ is strongly condemnable. The high-ranking official Perunthagai has apparently asked, ‘When women are allowed, why can’t I go?’ So, what happened there was not an atrocity but an injustice against a woman, but I did not vocalize this because I went there only for worship. I did not perceive gender discrimination there, as if they were allowing other women but not me. I only saw the expression of devotion.
They say that they went to ‘Sekars’ home to apologize after they have exaggerated a non-existent problem by creating a huge fuss over a perfectly executed consecration ceremony, causing distress to devotees, and then staging a drama as if they themselves were inconvenienced. The person who spoke arrogantly saying, ‘When people wait for many hours in Tirupati, can they not wait in a temple in Tamil Nadu?’ without apologizing for the inconvenience caused to the public, have now reportedly went to the ‘Sekars” homes to apologize for a non-existent issue.
My Appan Murugan is watching all these unfolding dramas. He is smiling at those who deceive. I reiterate, I went as a devotee and worshipped with devotion. I carried devotion, not position. Those who came carrying their positions have left carrying blame. He must understand what transpired there was nothing more than the security arrangements for Kandhan’s devotees climbing the scaffolding, not a katapanchayat. The Lord of the Six Abodes is watching all these unfolding dramas! My Appan will bless those who come bearing great devotion. But what if they come bearing power and arrogance?”
என் அப்பன் முருகன் திருச்செந்தூர் முருகன் குடமுழுக்கு விழா. … என் அப்பனை திருச்செந்தூரில் தரிசிக்க நினைத்தேன்.. இறை சேவகர்களின்.. ஏற்பாடுகளை விட… சேகர்களின்.. கெடுபிடி அதிகமாக இருந்ததாக உணர்ந்தேன்… சேவகர்களின் வழிபாட்டை விட சேகர்களின் விளம்பர வெளிப்பாடு அதிகமாக இருந்தது……
— Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan (@DrTamilisai4BJP) July 9, 2025
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Alleged fact-checker Mohammed Zubair, a rabid Islamist known for promoting selective narratives and omitting key details, has once again come under fire for spreading a misleading account targeting the central government and the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
On 8 July 2025, Zubair shared a post on X claiming that the Madhya Pradesh High Court had denied anticipatory bail to cartoonist Hemant Malviya for creating a caricature deemed “undignified” towards the RSS and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He wrote, “The Madhya Pradesh High Court denied anticipatory bail to cartoonist Hemant Malviya, who was booked for drawing an “undignified” caricature of RSS and PM Narendra Modi. MP Police had filed an FIR against Indore-based cartoonist Hemant Malviya in May following complaints from RSS worker & advocate Vijay Joshi.”
The Madhya Pradesh High Court denied anticipatory bail to cartoonist Hemant Malviya, who was booked for drawing an "undignified" caricature of RSS and PM Narendra Modi. MP Police had filed an FIR against Indore-based cartoonist Hemant Malviya in May following complaints from RSS… https://t.co/SLSX7CClgzpic.twitter.com/TYJMw1nbkV
As usual, Zubair conveniently left out significant context, including the court’s explicit observations regarding derogatory remarks involving Lord Shiva.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court, in its detailed observation, expressed that at first glance, cartoonist Hemant Malviya’s actions specifically his depiction of the RSS and the Prime Minister alongside an offensive comment invoking Lord Shiva constituted a clear abuse of the right to freedom of speech guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. The court emphasized that the cartoon became particularly objectionable due to the inclusion of derogatory remarks involving Lord Shiva, which Malviya not only endorsed but also encouraged others to imitate.
The bench remarked that such actions could not be seen as made in good faith or artistic expression. Instead, the court found them to be deliberate and offensive attempts likely to provoke religious sentiments and disturb societal harmony. It concluded that this conduct fell within the scope of criminal offence, as alleged by the complainant.
Citing this reasoning, the court determined that Sections 41(1)(b)(i) and (ii) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) applied in this case. The court further noted that the protections offered under Section 41-A of the CrPC and Section 35 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, were not applicable to Malviya. It also ruled that the guidelines laid out in the Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar (2014) decision could not be invoked in his favor.
Malviya’s argument comparing his work to that of legendary cartoonist R.K. Laxman was dismissed by the court, which noted that no similar work by Laxman or any other renowned cartoonist had been presented as precedent. The court stated that Malviya had failed to exercise proper discretion in his depiction, had crossed the constitutional boundaries of free expression, and demonstrated a lack of awareness of those limits.
As a result, the High Court held that custodial interrogation was warranted and denied his anticipatory bail application.
Zubair’s post made no mention of this critical aspect, thereby misrepresenting the court’s rationale and once again reinforcing criticism that his reporting is more about narrative-building than objective fact-checking.
Netizens were quick to call out his misleading narrative, pointing out the full context and correcting the facts. Despite being shown what actually transpired, he chose to ignore the clarifications and kept his post unchanged, sticking to his one-sided version of events.
Communist cartoonist Hemant Malviya was denied bail on insulting Shri Ram through derogatory cartoons!!#LKFC@zoo_bear is a habitual liar who post specific info suited as per his narrative!!
Excellent. More such so-called cartoonists need to be locked up. By the way, this jerk had mocked Lord Shiva in a cartoon. How did you drop that and bring in Modi and RSS. pic.twitter.com/UxL1XxHyJN
The Bharath Hindu Munnani has lodged a formal complaint with the Chennai Police, urging legal action against Dravidianist actor Sathyaraj for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Hinduism. Satish, a resident of Chennai and the district organizer for the Bharath Hindu Munnani, submitted the complaint at the office of the Chennai Police Commissioner on 8 July 2025.
According to the complaint, during an event held on the 24th of last month at Kalaivanar Arangam organized by the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Sathyaraj allegedly referred to Hindu deities as “imaginary and exaggerated illusions.”
The complaint also states that the actor made controversial remarks supporting the LTTE, a banned organization responsible for the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Sathyaraj reportedly expressed pride in unveiling a portrait of LTTE leader Prabhakaran at the event, crediting VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan for giving him the opportunity.
Satish further claimed that this is not the first time Sathyaraj has made disrespectful comments about Hindu gods, and he has urged authorities to take appropriate legal action in response to these repeated offenses.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested three individuals, including a prison psychiatrist and a City Armed Reserve policeman, in connection with the 2023 Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) prison radicalisation case. The arrests followed extensive searches across multiple locations in Karnataka.
Officials conducted raids at five premises in Bengaluru and Kolar districts, resulting in the arrest of Dr. Nagaraj, a psychiatrist at the Central Prison in Parappana Agrahara, Bengaluru; Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Chan Pasha; and Anees Fathima, mother of an absconding accused. Digital devices, cash, gold, and incriminating documents were recovered during the searches.
The case pertains to a broader LeT-linked conspiracy involving radicalisation and terror planning within Karnataka’s prison system. In 2023, arms, ammunition, explosives, and electronic devices — including two walkie-talkies — were recovered from a group of habitual offenders allegedly plotting terror strikes in Bengaluru.
According to the NIA, Dr. Nagaraj was allegedly involved in smuggling mobile phones into the prison for the use of key inmates, including Tadiyandaveed Naseer (also known as T. Naseer), a life-term convict in terror-related cases. He reportedly received assistance in these activities from an associate identified as Pavithra. Her residence was also among those searched.
The agency further stated that Anees Fathima, mother of absconding accused Junaid Ahmed, played a role in transmitting instructions from Naseer to her son. She is also suspected of helping raise funds that were then passed on to Naseer within the prison.
Assistant Sub-Inspector Chan Pasha has also come under scrutiny for his alleged role in 2022, wherein he is accused of leaking information about Naseer’s court escorts in exchange for financial gain.
The NIA has already filed a charge sheet against nine individuals, including the absconding Junaid Ahmed, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Arms Act, and Explosive Substances Act. Investigations are ongoing, with efforts underway to trace remaining suspects and disrupt further radicalisation efforts within the prison system.
NIA Arrests 3 Key Accused following Searches in Karnataka in LeT Prison Radicalisation Case pic.twitter.com/IHLuF501o4
The Dravidian ecosystem has begun targeting Naveen Kumar, the brother of unofficial custodial death victim Ajithkumar, by spreading misleading narratives after he publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the Tamil Nadu government’s so-called compensation package. He criticized the state’s offer, stating that the job and housing plot provided were grossly inadequate and failed to deliver true justice for his brother’s death.
Though the government had promised a proper government job, it only arranged a position through a subsidiary agency under Aavin located nearly 80 kilometers away. Naveen Kumar, who lives with his mother, found it difficult to commute such a long distance. Despite this, he expressed his willingness to accept any government job suited to his qualifications, provided it was within the Madurai region. As for the housing plot, the government appears to have allocated land in a remote and underdeveloped rural area, lacking basic infrastructure.
When questioned by the press on whether he had formally raised these issues with the authorities, Naveen confirmed he had. However, he emphasized that his foremost demand remains justice for his brother’s death something far more important to him than monetary or symbolic compensation.
Speaking to the press in Madurai, Naveen Kumar said, “The party has provided us with financial assistance and land. Additionally, they’ve offered government employment. Till day, I never lived expecting any of this. They simply did it as a gesture, and I’ve accepted it; that’s all. Otherwise, the land is of no use to me, and the job they’ve given me, which is 80 km away, isn’t particularly helpful either. They also gave 5 lakhs. I haven’t relied on anyone until now; it’s always been just my family – my brother and me managed everything. What I truly want is swift justice for the six individuals who attacked. Expediting the CBI transfer and other procedures within 30 days isn’t my primary concern; my priority is seeing them punished as quickly as possible.”
Regarding the government job, he said, “Regarding the (Aavin) job, it’s 80 km away and isn’t a direct government position; it’s under a government-affiliated agency. Therefore, I would prefer a direct government job in Madurai, ideally in a department relevant to my qualifications. While I’m not rejecting the current offer, the distance is a significant issue. I’ve requested a change, and they’ve indicated they will try to arrange it.”
When asked by the press about the three cents of land—specifically whether it was located in a water-scarce, forested area and considered low in value—Naveen Kumar clarified, “It’s not about the valuantion. It’s an undeveloped area. We live in Madapuram, and this land is in a less developed area nearby, closer to Theli.”
A reporter followed up, “So, you’re not satisfied?” To which Naveen responded, “No, I’m not satisfied with the land; it’s practically unusable.” When asked if he intended to appeal to the Chief Minister regarding both the poor quality of the land and the distant job offer, Naveen Kumar replied, “No, I don’t want any of that. I just want justice. My brother suffered immensely before he died, as you may have witnessed.”
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During a high-stakes four-day war-like situation with Pakistan in May 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is reported to have successfully deployed an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered towed decoy system, X-Guard, as part of its aerial operations under Operation Sindoor. The technology played a critical role in shielding IAF assets and reportedly misled Pakistani radar and missile systems into targeting decoys instead of actual fighter aircraft.
The X-Guard system, developed by Rafale Advanced Defense Systems, is a 30-kilogram AI-enabled electronic countermeasure that trails behind the Rafale aircraft on a 100-meter fiber-optic cable. It emits a powerful 500-watt, 360-degree jamming signal and mimics the radar cross-section, Doppler shift, and movement profile of an actual jet. This makes it appear indistinguishable from a real aircraft to enemy radars and missile seekers.
AI Decoy Credited With Neutralising Air Threats
According to a report by idrw.org, the system’s performance during Operation Sindoor was instrumental in neutralising the effectiveness of Pakistan’s Chinese-origin PL-15E beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles and the radar systems on J-10C fighter jets. The PL-15E is an export variant of the PL-15, and analysts suggest it lacks robust spoofing resistance — a vulnerability the X-Guard appears to have exploited.
Ryan Bodenheimer, a former US Air Force pilot with experience flying both F-15E and F-16 aircraft, described the system as “the best spoofing and deception we’ve ever seen,” adding that it may have redefined electronic warfare norms. He noted that some Pakistani claims of having shot down Indian Rafale jets may have instead involved hits on X-Guard decoys.
Open source defence analysis and satellite data have not conclusively verified aircraft losses on either side, though multiple Pakistani claims of successful engagements emerged in the days following the operation.
India reportedly launched standoff munitions including SCALP cruise missiles and BrahMos supersonic missiles during the operation, targeting strategic terrorist infrastructure across the Line of Control without crossing into Pakistani airspace. The Rafales and MiG-29s, supported by airborne early warning systems and ground-based air defences like the S-400, maintained air superiority while minimising exposure.
Compared to legacy decoy systems like the US AN/ALQ-50 or ADM-160 MALD, the X-Guard offers greater flexibility and speed. It can be deployed in under two seconds and retrieved if unused, unlike expendable systems. Its real-time fiber-optic connection to the aircraft allows pilots to monitor threats, assess missile locks, and redeploy as needed — even while under electronic jamming conditions.
This strategic use of deception, rather than direct confrontation, is being seen by defence analysts as a major evolution in air combat tactics. With modern warfare increasingly reliant on electronic signatures, the ability to spoof radar and missile systems effectively is becoming as important as kinetic firepower.
A New Standard in Aerial Combat
Operation Sindoor, though limited in scope and duration, has highlighted the growing role of AI and electronic warfare in shaping future combat. Experts suggest that the IAF’s use of the X-Guard may serve as a model for future engagements, where survivability and strategic deception outweigh raw firepower.
While official statements from the Indian Ministry of Defence have remained limited, independent defence experts and open-source intelligence have continued to analyse the operation’s outcomes.
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