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DMK NRI Wing Shares Distorted Map Of India To Praise Dravidian Model, Deletes It After Severe Backlash

DMK NRI Wing Shares Distorted Map Of India To Praise Dravidian Model, gives J&K to Pakistan & China.

The ruling DMK, which previously showcased Chinese rockets to celebrate India’s space port, has stirred controversy again. This time, its NRI wing shared a post on the social media platform X that included a map of India inaccurately depicting parts of Jammu and Kashmir as belonging to Pakistan and China.

Following significant backlash, with many accusing the DMK of seditious conduct, the post was promptly removed, and a corrected map was uploaded again with the caption, “Tamil Nadu is growing economically like education under the Dravidian model regime!” featuring the correct map of India.

The situation escalated when SG Surya, the State Secretary of Tamil Nadu’s BJP, criticized the DMK in a pointed post on X. He noted that this isn’t the first instance of the party misrepresenting India’s map, recalling a similar incident in 2020 involving Udayanidhi Stalin, the son of Chief Minister MK Stalin.

SG Suryah via his official X account stated, “Not the first time #DMK does this. Previously in 2020 #UdhaynithiStalin made the same mistake in a video & after I filed a complaint with then Police Commissioner he deleted the video where Indian map was misrepresented. No wonder #DMK & DMKTards are fond of Pakistan.”

This isn’t the first time the DMK has faced controversy. In November 2022, Salem Dharanidharan, who claims to be a former World Democracy Forum and UN youth leader but is really a DMK spokesperson, posted a distorted map of India that excluded Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Aksai Chin.

He made an anti-North Indian statement by dividing the map into two sections: one representing a large part of South, Central, and Western India with 50% of the population, and a smaller section including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Northeast states, also with 50%. He claimed, “This is why it is very important to discuss delimitation,” suggesting that populous Northern states were depriving Southern states of benefits, fostering resentment. However, after facing backlash and potential legal repercussions, he deleted the tweet.

In 2020, Udhayanidhi Stalin, the deputy chief minister of Tamil Nadu, shared a video that featured a map of India omitting Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and Chinese-occupied Ladakh. This official DMK video was posted on Facebook on 11 November that year and garnered over 3,000 shares. BJP spokesperson Suryah SG highlighted the significant error on Twitter, questioning the DMK’s stance toward India.

(Image Credit: Organiser)

Suryah tweeted at DMK’s official handle, asking, “#DMK’s official video released yesterday doesn’t show PoK & CoK as part of #India. Is this the official stand of @arivalayam? DMK President @MKStalin and his heir @UdhayStalin should clarify if they have any private #Pakistan deal to take such a stand against India!” As the tweet gained traction, many users from Tamil Nadu and beyond expressed concern over DMK’s use of the incorrect map. One user even tagged the NIA, urging immediate investigation, while others called on the Government of India to take stringent action.

Following the backlash, the DMK removed the video from Facebook on November 14, but did not provide any explanation or apology. Udhayanidhi Stalin’s tweet was also deleted, and neither the party nor its leaders addressed the issue or offered any clarification.

It’s worth noting that the Central government is considering the “Geospatial Information Bill 2016,” which would make misrepresenting India’s map a criminal offense, potentially resulting in up to seven years in jail and fines up to ₹100 crore. This follows earlier actions, like the invocation of Section 505(2) of the Indian Penal Code against Twitter India in June 2021 for displaying a distorted map.

DMK’s Attitude Towards J&K

Since its inception, the DMK has shown a contentious attitude toward India’s claim over Jammu and Kashmir. In 2019, during a private TV debate, party spokesman A. Saravanan sparked controversy by allegedly stating that Kashmir “is not an integral part of India.” This remark led to a warning from the show’s host that the Election Commission might de-recognize the DMK unless its leadership distanced itself from the statement, which was seen as unconstitutional. Following the heated debate, in which Saravanan walked out claiming mistreatment, he later clarified that he meant Kashmir “was” not an integral part of India, arguing that the host, Arnab Goswami, had misrepresented his words.

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The Deshbhakt’s Akash Banerjee Labels Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi As “Hindu Don” – Would He Call Kasab A “Muslim Terrorist”?

Akash Banerjee Labels Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi As "Hindu Don"

In the video titled “How Lawrence Bishnoi Plans to Become No.1 Criminal of India & A ‘Hindu’ Don”, leftist YouTuber Akash Banerjee on his channel The Deshbhakt, delves into the rise of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, exploring his criminal empire, fan following, and the sociopolitical implications of his growing influence. The speaker paints a deeply concerning picture of how Bishnoi’s rise as aHindu Donrepresents a broader degradation in India’s social, political, and moral fabric, where he claims criminals are glorified, law enforcement is questioned, and national security is undermined.

The video begins by discussing the unprecedented media coverage and fan following that Lawrence Bishnoi has garnered. Banerjee highlights how Bishnoi, involved in high-profile crimes such as the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala, has become a figure of interest not only in India but also internationally. Banerjee contrasts Bishnoi’s newfound popularity with that of celebrities and politicians, emphasizing how the gangster’s name has eclipsed even mainstream figures in headlines and social media.

Banerjee explains that despite being imprisoned since 2014, Bishnoi’s criminal network has expanded significantly. The speaker draws a parallel between Bishnoi’s operations and those of infamous underworld kingpin Dawood Ibrahim, noting that Bishnoi controls over 700 shooters and runs a vast extortion and murder racket, both nationally and internationally. This growth, according to Banerjee, is emblematic of how ineffective the government has been in curbing Bishnoi’s activities, implying that either the state is complicit or incapable of stopping him.

Bishnoi’s personal ambitions are discussed in detail. Banerjee says Bishnoi considers himself the successor to Dawood Ibrahim and has fashioned himself as aHindu Don,targeting high-profile figures like Salman Khan, ostensibly to protect Hindu interests. He says, It is not a secret that Lawrence considers himself a successor of D Company. He considers himself a Hindu Don. Targeting Salman Khan is a time pass for Lawrence.”

In his X post, he writes, Sources in the NIA say that #LawrenceBishnoi identifies himself as a #HinduDon – a warrior for theHindu cause‘.

We wonder who or what these sources are who are whispering such information to – of all people, Akash Banerjee!

However, Banerjee argues that this façade of religious protection is merely a cover for Bishnoi’s true motives—clout, money, and power. He underscores that Bishnoi is exploiting communal sentiments and using violence to silence dissent, appealing to theGodse-worshiping fringewho see him as a protector of Hindus in an increasingly polarized India.

Banerjee repeatedly uses the term Hindu Don throughout the video when he speaks about Bishnoi.

Banerjee then questions how society has come to revere someone like Bishnoi, especially in Gandhi’s land, where values like non-violence and satyagraha were once celebrated. Meh!

He laments that modern India seems to have abandoned these ideals in favor of those who wield guns and instill fear. The glorification of such criminals, Banerjee argues, reflects a societal shift where hard-core criminals command more respect than intellectuals or professionals from prestigious institutions like IIT or IIM.

Bishnoi’s journey into crime, as narrated by Banerjee, is also telling of how deeply entrenched crime is in student politics and broader Indian society. Despite coming from a wealthy background, Bishnoi’s involvement in student politics at DAV College in Chandigarh marks his first steps toward becoming a criminal. His anger and desire for control led him to form the Student Organization of Punjab University (SOPU), but when his political ambitions were thwarted, Bishnoi turned to violence. This, Banerjee explains, is where his transformation into a gangster begins, culminating in the creation of a vast criminal empire.

One of the most troubling aspects of Bishnoi’s rise, according to Banerjee, is how he operates his network from within jail. Despite being incarcerated for a decade, Bishnoi has been allegedly able to orchestrate murders, extortion, and other criminal activities, raising serious concerns about the Indian prison system’s ability to contain high-profile criminals. Banerjee suggests that this failure is either a sign ofstate complicityor a reflection of how deeply infiltrated law enforcement agencies have become by corrupt elements.

Bishnoi’s ability to evade significant legal consequences further fuels suspicions of state involvement. Banerjee points to alleged instances where the Union Home Ministry reportedly blocked Bishnoi’s transfer from Sabarmati jail, and how the Mumbai police reportedly struggled to even question him. This protection, according to Banerjee, raises alarming questions about whether elements of the government are using criminals like Bishnoi to carry out covert operations, much like how intelligence agencies have historically employed gangsters for extrajudicial killings. – This is the Canadian PM’s stand on theextrajudicial killingsallegations that Trudeau has been making against India.

Banerjee repeatedly touches on the Hindu aspect of Bishnoi and seems to wantonly keep proving that Hindus approve of a criminal like him. Banerjee alleges that a significant part of Bishnoi’s strategy is his careful crafting of optics. Banerjee claims Bishnoi presents himself as a protector of Hindus, a defender against Khalistanis, and a vigilante hero in the eyes of many.

Akash Banerjee’s Hypocrisy

While painting Lawrence Bishnoi as a Hindu don all through the video, we must point out that Banerjee has never once mentioned Dawood Ibrahim or for that matter terrorists like Ajmal Kasab asMuslim donever. Is it because according to people like himterrorism has no religionbut it does when the person in question is a Hindu? This selective labeling is extremely problematic. It’s not just about calling out crime but about how crime is framed, and it speaks to a deeper, anti-Hindu bias that seems to be all too common today, especially among the likes of Banerjee. Associating Hinduism with criminality, while conveniently sidestepping the religious identity of other criminals, is a vicious double standard. It’s a calculated move, where Hindus are made the face of criminal activity while shielding others from similar scrutiny.

Akash Banerjee’s brand of selective outrage and sensationalism fosters this hypocrisy. By repeatedly pushing narratives that demonize Hindus while protecting others, he contributes to the rising wave of Hindu-bashing. This is plain agenda-driven targeting that subtly chips away at the image of Hindus while pretending to be neutral.

A Look At Who Akash Banerjee Is, What He Does, Who He Spends Time With

We all know YouTuber Akash Banerjee runs a channel on the platform titled The Deshbhakt. His only claim to fame is peddling false narratives and disseminating fake news to his followers.

On The Election Commission

In March 2024, he peddled half-truths about the Election Commission. We debunked his false narratives here.

He made allegations of bias among the recent Election Commissioners when historical figures such as TN Seshan and MS Gill, both former CECs, had political affiliations, joining Congress post-tenure. Navin Chawla, another CEC, was also associated with Congress, a fact supported by instances of alleged partiality. He also made allegations of unfair appointments of ECs and CECs wherein, historically, 20 out of 25 CECs were appointed by Congress Prime Ministers. The established process and criteria for appointing ECs and CECs are transparent and governed by constitutional provisions. The assertion overlooks that the President’s appointment of commissioners has always been based on government recommendations, with senior commissioners traditionally becoming CECs. He made allegations of interference in EC appointments by the government but forgot the fact that the present law involves the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and a Union Cabinet Minister, ensuring broader political representation. Previously, appointments did not involve opposition input, which has now been includedHe also alleged that the electoral bonds were a scam.

On Gyanvapi Temple

He also made elaborate videos to spread lies and further the leftist narrative surrounding the Gyanvapi temple in Kashi.

He first claimed that the history of Gyanvapi was complicated with differing views on what existed before the mosque when in reality, historical records and archaeological evidence strongly support that a Hindu temple, specifically the Kashi Vishwanath temple, existed at the site before the mosque was built during Aurangzeb’s rule.

He portrayed Hindu beliefs and historical facts about the Kashi Vishwanath temple as mere assumptions or popular beliefs when there was substantial historical documentation and scholarly consensus affirming the temple’s existence before its destruction by Aurangzeb. Banerjee claimed that the structure near the mosque could have been a Deen-e-Ilahi center, representing Akbar’s synthetic religion when there is no credible historical evidence to support this claim, which diverts from the established fact of the site’s significance to Hindu worship. He also went on to blame Hindu organizations for escalating tensions and altering worship practices at the site.

He even went on to assert that historical narratives, such as temples being built on Buddhist structures, are equivalent to the mosque-temple disputes.

Silent On Modi Govt Positives

Banerjee was among those who used the “Vishwaguru” jibe against PM Modi and India who went on mute when India used its power to ensure Navy veterans returned home safely from Qatar.

Banerjee posted a video in October 2023 where he said, “8 Indian Navy Veterans just got the death sentence in #Qatar. Govt KNEW about this case for the last one year & yet couldn’t get relief. How did our relations with a once friendly nation go SO BAD & our diplomatic might so ineffective beyond soundbytes?” He deleted this post and made the said video private!

He then came up with a follow-up video where if one reads between the lines, it is not necessarily that he praised the Modi government for the diplomatic victory. He blamed the Nupur Sharma episode and India’s relations with Israel for the strained relationship with Qatar! 

Engagement With US Embassy

He was invited by the U.S. Embassy in India who were promoting a programme called “Influence to Impact.” This event, aimed at social media influencers and content creators, offered an opportunity to learn “how to create impactful content that drives real change”. The event took place on 25 July 2024 at the American Center in New Delhi.

Peddling Fake News On Netaji SC Bose

He spread misleading narratives about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the Azad Hind Fauj and the national anthem. In a video, he inaccurately linked Netaji’s rejection of a temple event to his secular views against Hindutva. He also suggested that “Tipu Sultan’s rebellion” inspired the Fauj’s tiger emblem. The YouTuber also claimed that Bose introduced Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore‘s “Bharoto Bhagyo Bidhata” as the Azad Hind Fauj’s anthem. These distortions are part of a broader pattern of leftist narratives that aim to present Bose as a secular figure opposed to Hindutva. He went a step ahead to contort the reality of Zaman Kiyani, Netaji’s close aide who betrayed his ideals by aligning with Pakistan’s anti-India efforts after partition. Banerjee desperately promotes Kiyani’s value for Netaji, perhaps to whitewash the Hindu-hating realities of a man who orchestrated the 1948 Kashmir raid for Liaqat Ali Khan.

Calls Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina A Dictator (Tana Shah)

In a video titled “Bangladesh Student Protests | What Is ‘Dictator’ Sheikh Hasina Afraid Of?,” Akash Banerjee portrays Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as a dictator, repeatedly calling her “Tana Shah.” He criticizes Hasina for allegedly suppressing student protests through violence, internet blackouts, and curfews, accusing her of using a quota system to favor her loyalists and control government institutions. Banerjee’s narrative frames Hasina’s government as authoritarian, while comparing her rule to what he sees as dictatorship in India. His involvement in a U.S. Embassy event raises questions about foreign influence in shaping public opinion on Bangladesh.

Akash Banerjee peddles nothing but fake news, anti-Hindu propaganda on his YouTube channel. By portraying a criminal Lawrence Bishnoi as a Hindu first rather than as a criminal, he has accomplished what his paymasters have instructed him to do – show the Hindu as the villain, no matter what.

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DMK’s Unofficial Mouthpiece ‘YouTurn’ Pastes Dravidian Model Sticker On Modi Govt’s Work, Cites ‘Gingee’ Masthan To Claim DMK Govt Funded Rescue Of TN Cyber Slavery Victims Trapped In Cambodia

DMK Mouthpiece 'YouTurn' Pastes Dravidian Model Sticker On Modi Govt's Rescue Of TN Cyber slavery victims Abroad

The DMK and its media allies, including “YouTurn,” are falsely crediting Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin with the rescue of cyber scam victims abroad, a mission spearheaded by the Modi-led central government. This sycophancy reflects a lack of understanding of constitutional divisions, as foreign affairs fall under the Union’s jurisdiction.

Ignorance Among DMK Cadre

The ruling DMK and its cadres, who often claim to uphold and protect the constitution, seem to have little understanding of it. They appear to struggle even with the basic spelling of “constitution.” This shameless Dravidian faction envies the central government for its initiatives but has no shame in claiming credit for the positive initiatives it undertakes.

Recently, the Dravidian unofficial mouth piece media “YouTurn” has peddled a narrative that attempts to credit Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin for the efforts of the Narendra Modi-led BJP government at the center, completely overlooking the distinct powers held by both the central and state governments. This has drawn severe criticism for its lack of common sense and blatant buttressal.

A recent debate show on a private TV channel highlighted the issue of cyberslavery occurring worldwide, with many Indians falling victim to job scams. During the show, a person who had been trapped and forced to work as a data entry operator shared his experiences of long hours, low pay and modern slavery. The host expressed shock at the lack of media coverage on such critical issues. Another participant pointed out that it was the “Indian” government’s recent efforts that had successfully addressed this problem.

As the video gained traction and drew attention to the actions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP in Tamil Nadu, the Dravidian stocks and its leaders got hurt and started to react by claiming that these were the accomplishments of the DMK and its leader, MK Stalin, seemingly unaware of constitutional principles. According to Article 246 of the Constitution’s Seventh Schedule, the Union List includes matters related to foreign affairs, encompassing all issues establishing the Union’s relations with other countries.

YouTurn Boosts The Buttressing Drive

Even more surprising was that the media outlet “YouTurn,” which claims to be an independent fact-checker and is affiliated with Google, backed the Dravidian leaders’ assertions. They cited a video from Kalaignar News, a channel owned by the family of the late DMK chief and former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, as proof.

On 22 October 2024, YouTurn media via its official X account stated, “The Tamil Nadu government has also rescued those who were trapped abroad as cyber slaves. “Information about those trapped in Cambodia came to the attention of the Chief Minister through their families. We have taken departmental action and brought them at the full cost of the Tamil Nadu government,” said Senji Mastan after the rescue incident in 2022.”

How The MEA Quietly Rescued Cyber Slavery Victims

What is indeed true is that, in November 2022, the Ministry of External Affairs reported that over 370 Indians who fell victim to job rackets have been rescued from Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated that the Indian missions in Yangon, Bangkok, and the Consulate in Chiang Mai have been actively working to address the cases of Indians trapped in these fraudulent job schemes.

Bagchi mentioned that around 108 individuals from Cambodia have also been rescued. He explained that people from India and elsewhere were lured into these situations and became stranded in Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia.

We have successfully rescued more than 200 people from Myanmar, with 153 already repatriated to India. The remaining individuals, about 50, are in the process of being repatriated. They are currently in Thailand, and we are coordinating with Thai authorities to complete the legal formalities for their return to India,” he said.

“We have been issuing advisories, urging both Thai and Myanmar authorities to prioritize these cases and assist in the repatriation efforts,” he added.

It might be right for the Dravidian stocks to claim that Tamil Nadu closely collaborated with the Centre to bring back Tamils trapped abroad as laborers. However, the Tamil Nadu government cannot claim full credit for these rescues alone.

Suppose they assert that they did it independently. Why does Chief Minister MK Stalin write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding incidents like the killings of fishermen in Indian waters? Can the Tamil Nadu government handle these matters entirely on its own?

What Has The Indian Government Done So Far?

Recent data from the Bureau of Immigration reveals that out of 73,138 Indians who travelled to Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Vietnam on visitor visas between January 2022 and May 2024, a staggering 29,466 have not returned. This group predominantly consists of young adults, with more than half (17,115) aged between 20 and 39, and males making up the majority at 21,182. Notably, over one-third of these missing individuals come from Punjab (3,667), Maharashtra (3,233), and Tamil Nadu (3,124), with Thailand accounting for a significant 69% (20,450 cases).

State-wise data highlights that significant numbers of missing persons also come from Uttar Pradesh (2,946), Kerala (2,659), Delhi (2,140), and Gujarat (2,068). Furthermore, the majority of those who haven’t returned left Delhi airport (12,493), followed by Mumbai (4,699) and Kolkata (2,395).

The victims, often promised data entry jobs, report being coerced into fraudulent schemes and creating fake social media profiles to lure unsuspecting investors into cryptocurrency scams. Survivors recounted that their passports were confiscated upon arrival, and they were subjected to threats and violence to ensure compliance.

Additionally, a concerning 45% of cybercrimes targeting Indians are believed to originate from Southeast Asia, with around 100,000 cyber complaints recorded since January 2023. The Centre is now improving mechanisms to identify potential victims and prevent further exploitation.

In April 2024, 17 Indian workers were repatriated from Laos after being lured into unsafe and illegal jobs. They had fallen victim to human traffickers and were coerced into conducting online financial scams. The External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, acknowledged their safe return and emphasized the need for thorough background checks on potential employers.

In May 2024, a significant operation led to the rescue of 360 Indians from Cambodia, where they were also involved in online scams. The Indian government has since established a high-level inter-ministerial committee to combat the rising cybercrime contributing to these exploitative situations. The embassy confirmed that the rescued individuals would soon be repatriated to India.

In July 2024, eleven Indian victims trapped in a job scam in Shwe Ko Ko, Myawaddy, Myanmar, were successfully rescued with the assistance of local authorities. The Indian embassy in Myanmar announced their release, highlighting the city’s notorious reputation for scam jobs. Before this, thirteen other Indians had faced challenges in returning home due to their illegal entry into the country. Reports indicated that many individuals from Tamil Nadu had been ensnared in similar job scams across Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos.

Earlier in October 2024, 67 Indians trapped in job scams in Cambodia were recently rescued, with 39 already back in India and 28 more set to return soon. The Indian Embassy in Phnom Penh had been actively coordinating the rescue efforts, working closely with Cambodian authorities. The scam, which primarily operated in Southeast Asia, lures individuals with fake job offers—often for data entry roles—through deceptive agents and online advertisements. Once in Cambodia, victims are coerced into participating in illegal cyber activities, such as creating fake social media accounts and running fraudulent schemes.

The Indian Embassy, following specific leads, collaborated with Cambodian police to rescue the 67 victims from Poipet on 22 September 2024. The cyber scam, affecting about 5,000 Indians in Cambodia, has resulted in significant financial losses, with estimates suggesting over ₹500 crore lost to such schemes. The Embassy has been actively repatriating affected individuals since January 2022, having helped over 1,000 return, including nearly 770 in 2024 alone.

In recent months, at least 360 Indian citizens, primarily lured by fake job offers, were rescued from working as “cyber slaves” in Cambodia. These individuals were trapped in exploitative conditions, and forced to engage in online scams after having their passports confiscated upon arrival. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) reported that another 60 Indians are expected to return soon. The victims often reach Cambodia via Thailand, seeking better job opportunities, only to fall prey to human trafficking and organized crime.

Other Measures Taken By Modi Govt

The Indian government has formed a high-level inter-ministerial task force to tackle the growing cybercrime linked to Southeast Asia, with a focus on Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos. The task force is working to enhance mechanisms to identify potential victims before they travel, addressing vulnerabilities in India’s banking, immigration, and telecom systems. It has also directed all states and Union Territories to conduct ground-level verification of missing individuals as part of the investigation.

The country’s telecom ministry has implemented measures to combat cyber fraud, including disconnecting 21.7 million mobile connections and blocking approximately 226,000 devices. To tackle this issue, an inter-ministerial committee was established, comprising representatives from the Home Ministry, Immigration Bureau, Financial Intelligence Unit, Reserve Bank of India, Information Technology Ministry, and National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Telecom operators have been instructed to prevent incoming international “spoofed calls” that appear to originate from Indian mobile numbers, which constitute around 35% of all international incoming calls. Additionally, telecom companies are required to provide data on Indian numbers using roaming services in countries such as Hong Kong, Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines, and Myanmar.

According to a report by The Indian Express on September 30, there were around 600,000 Indian phones registered as roaming in Southeast Asia from April to June this year.

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Hezbollah Claims Attack On Netanyahu’s House, Rules Out Negotiations With Israel

Hezbollah Claims Attack On Netanyahu's House, Rules Out Negotiations With Israel

Hezbollah said it takes full responsibility for the recent drone attack on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s house in the Israeli town of Caesarea.

“The Islamic Resistance claims responsibility for targeting Netanyahu’s home,” Mohammad Afif, head of Hezbollah’s media office, said at a press conference in Dahieh, Beirut’s southern suburbs.

“If our hands did not reach you the previous time, then days, nights, and the battlefield remain between us,” Afif said, adding there will be no negotiations while fighting continues with Israel, Xinhua news agency reported.

Afif affirmed that the resistance capacity is still strong, pledging continuous bombing of northern Israel. He also accused the United States of being Israel’s partner in “aggression” against Lebanon by supplying Israeli forces with weapons.

For its part, Israel officially acknowledged on Tuesday that an explosive drone sent by Hezbollah struck and damaged Netanyahu’s home in Caesarea. According to information cleared for publication by the Israeli military censor, the drone struck a bedroom wall of Netanyahu’s residence in the coastal town, located between Haifa and Tel Aviv.

In addition, a photo, also cleared for publication, shows fire damage with burn marks on the exterior wall, damage to a window, and two scorched palm trees.

The military reported that the drone was launched from Lebanon, along with two others, all targeting the Prime Minister’s residence. Three combat helicopters attempted to intercept the drones but failed.

Two of them were eventually intercepted by the Iron Dome system, while the third hit the bedroom wall. Netanyahu and his wife were not present during the incident, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

At Tuesday’s press briefing, Afif also denounced as “unjustified” Israel’s bombing of Al Qard Al Hassan, which Israel identified as a financial institution affiliated with Hezbollah. Afif denied the Israeli assertions, saying it is “a purely civil institution licensed by law. Its services reach all Lebanese, with its branches established across Lebanon.”

By bombing the institution, Israel aims to “affect the mutual trust between Hezbollah and its community,” Afif said. “Al Qard Al Hassan has taken all its precautions, and will do everything necessary to fulfil its obligations to depositors and beneficiaries,” he added.

Israeli warplanes on Sunday evening bombed branches of Al Qard Al Hassan, with the Israeli military issuing a warning in advance on social media platform X to civilians, calling for staying “at least 500 metres” away from the institution’s locations.

–IANS

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Rare Fish Rediscovered In Cambodia After Disappearance For Nearly Two Decades

Rare Fish Rediscovered In Cambodia After Disappearance For Nearly Two Decades

The ‘Mekong ghost’ fish has resurfaced in Cambodia after nearly two decades without a trace.

According to the news release, the elusive giant salmon carp (Aaptosyax grypus) was spotted once again on Tuesday in Cambodian waters by a team of international scientists led by the Fisheries Administration under the Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

The unusual fish, a carp with a hooked jaw and salmon-shaped body, had not been documented since 2005. An international team of scientists has confirmed the existence of three giant salmon carp caught between 2020 and 2023, a significant finding for a fish previously feared extinct, reports Xinhua, quoting the news release.

“The rediscovery of the giant salmon carp is a reason for hope, not just for this species but for the entire Mekong ecosystem,” said Bunyeth Chan, lead researcher from Svay Rieng University in Cambodia.

“The Mekong ecosystem is the most productive river on Earth, producing over 2 million tonnes of fish per year worth over $10 billion,” he added.

As a result of the rediscovery, the Cambodian Fisheries Administration has added the giant salmon carp to its list of protected species.

–IANS

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ED Raids Properties Of AIADMK MLA R. Vaithilingam In ₹28 Crore Bribery Case

ED Raids Properties Of AIADMK MLA R. Vaithilingam In ₹28 Crore Bribery Case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched raids on the properties of R. Vaithilingam, an AIADMK Orathanad MLA and former minister in Tamil Nadu, in a ₹ 28-crore bribery case. A team of 11 ED officials began their searches early on 23 October 2024 at Vaithilingam’s home in Orathanadu, Thanjavur district, as well as at other locations linked to him in Chennai.

These raids are part of an ongoing investigation into allegations that he accumulated wealth through unlawful activities as a minister from 2011 to 2016. Vaithilingam served as the Housing and Urban Development Minister during the Jayalalitha’s regime and supported O. Panneerselvam. The anti-bribery department previously registered a case against him for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹28 crore, involving 11 individuals, including his two sons. ED alleged they received bribes to facilitate the construction of an apartment complex near Perungalathur in Chennai.

The controversy centres on a 2013 proposal from the Sriram Group to construct a 1,453-unit apartment complex, initially denied by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Corporation. However, in 2016, permission was unexpectedly granted, leading to allegations that Vaithilingam, the minister at the time, accepted bribes amounting to several crores. Reports indicate that these bribes were funnelled to a company where Vaithilingam’s sons serve as directors, masquerading as loans.

On 23 October 2024, enforcement officials raided Vaithilingam’s home in Orantharayankudikadu near Thanjavur, deploying a team of 11 officers. They also searched his residence in Chennai. Since Vaithilingam was not at the MLA’s hostel, his aide provided access to the house.

Simultaneously, officials raided his son’s house in T Nagar. However, no information has been released regarding whether any documents related to irregularities were seized during the raids. It’s important to note that the anti-corruption police have filed a case against 11 individuals, including former minister Vaithilingam.

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Khar Gymkhana Revokes Cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues’ Membership Over Father’s Alleged Religious Activities; Jemima’s Old ‘Possession’ Video Surfaces

In what comes across as a strong decision, Khar Gymkhana, one of Mumbai’s oldest clubs, has revoked the membership of Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues following allegations against her father, Ivan Rodrigues, of using club premises for religious activities. The club’s managing committee acted after members raised objections to Ivan’s organization of events linked to Brother Manuel Ministries, a Christian evangelical group.

Reports indicate that Ivan Rodrigues booked the club’s banquet hall multiple times from March 2023 to November 2024, reportedly holding around 35 events aimed at religious conversion. Members expressed concern that these gatherings were an attempt to proselytize and convertthe vulnerable.According to committee member Shiv Malhotra, the activities included elements typical of evangelical events, such as loud music and what appeared to be instances of possession. Malhotra described attending one such event wheretrance musicwas played, and a speaker claimed,He is coming to save us.He said,As far as her membership is concerned absolutely she is the pride of the country. We wish her well and wish she brings more accolades to the country. There is no issue about that. The membership was given to herThe privilege was misused by her father using her membership and booking the presidential hall. The booking was for 1.5 years, our members were not getting the spaceTo misuse that privilege is an issue...”

The decision to revoke Jemimah’s three-year honorary membership was made during an annual general meeting on 20 October 2024, with club officials asserting that Rule 4A of Khar Gymkhana’s constitution strictly prohibits any religious activities on its premises. This rule aims to maintain the club’s secular ethos amid growing concerns about communal politics in the region.

In a statement, Khar Gymkhana president Vivek Devnani suggested that the allegations against Ivan Rodrigues might be politically motivated, particularly with upcoming elections for the managing committee and trustees. He emphasized that no concrete evidence had been provided to support claims of wrongdoing and urged caution regarding themisrepresentations and falsehoodscirculating in the media.

Jemima’s Old Video Goes Viral

An old video featuring Jemimah Rodrigues, a member of the Indian women’s cricket team, has resurfaced online following the revocation of her membership at Khar Gymkhana due to her father’s alleged involvement in evangelical activities. The video, reportedly from 2015, shows a young Jemimah expressing gratitude to God while addressing an audience about her cricket performance, specifically scoring 25 runs off 37 balls. As the host approaches, she appears to act as if possessed and collapses to the ground.

The video gained attention after reports emerged that Jemimah’s father, Ivan Rodrigues, used her membership to book the gymkhana’s banquet hall forChristian conversion meetingsorganized by Brother Manuel Ministries, an evangelical organization. According to its YouTube page, the ministry conducts a Sunday one-day retreat at Khar Gymkhana twice a month.

Their Facebook page also shows an event from 2023 with the location mentioned as Khar Gymkhana. The pictures also feature Jemima.

 

Jemimah Rodrigues made history in March 2023 by becoming the first female cricketer to receive honorary membership at Khar Gymkhana. However, the recent controversy surrounding her father’s activities has overshadowed her achievements and led to the termination of her membership. Her recent withdrawal from the club follows her participation in the T20 World Cup, where India’s performance fell short of expectations.

(With inputs from India Today)

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Islamists In Jamia Millia Islamia Campus Disrupt Deepavali Celebrations

A scuffle erupted at Delhi’s Jamia Millia Islamia institute on Tuesday night as two group of students clashed over Deepavali celebrations inside the campus.

The altercation between two groups of students occurred during rangoli-making festivities. While police have been deployed outside the university, no formal complaints have been filed by the college administration or any student regarding the clash.

University authorities claimed that the situation has been brought under control, however, the administration has not disclosed the cause of the confrontation.

A video of the incident has also gone viral on social media, showing chaos inside the campus.  A group of people are purportedly seen chanting slogans, in what appears to be a video from the Diwali festivities inside the campus. Slogans like “Allahu Akbar”, “Palestine Zindabad” were raised.

The incident took place during the annual Deepavali celebrations, conducted by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Some reports claimed that the altercation broke out after a group of students ruined the rangolis, leading to disruption in celebrations. The ABVP has condemned the college administration over inaction on errant students and demanded strict action from Delhi police.

“On Tuesday evening, during the Deepotsav program at Jamia Millia Islamia, students were chanting ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’, and the program was going on peacefully. At around 8 p.m., outsiders, religious fanatics, and anti-social elements at the venue vandalised the lamps of Deepotsav, erased the rangoli, and began attacking the Jamia students participating in the festivities,” the ABVP said in a statement in Hindi.

The Student Federation of India (SFI) also issued a statement and claimed that it was an “attack on university students by outsiders invited by the administration.” The SFI claimed that the outsiders were brought in “to create communal tension on campus,” adding that ABVP members, along with their “gang of local goons,” shouted communal slogans.

“When some university students objected to their behaviour, the outsiders, led by their state leaders, unleashed violence. Police intervened with a lathi charge, which hurt and scared many students while the actual perpetrators were protected,” the SFI claimed.

This incident is not the first such altercation at Jamia Millia Islamia. Similar clashes occurred during Holi celebrations earlier this year, with students engaging in provocative sloganeering. In May, a separate incident saw two groups clash, resulting in three individuals, including two students, being injured.

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ED Raids 14 Locations In Bengal PDS Scam Case

ED Raids 14 Locations In Bengal PDS Scam Case

On Monday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted massive raids and search operations in at least 14 locations in West Bengal in connection with the multi-crore ration distribution case.

Sources said most of the places where the different teams of ED officials were conducting raids and search operations are concentrated in Kolkata and the adjacent district of Howrah.

Each team of ED officials was escorted by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel. The raid started with the two residences of a businessman, Mahendra Agarwal at Bangur Avenue in South Kolkata.

ED officials are also interrogating the businessman. The second place where the raid and search operations were conducted was the residence and warehouse of a public distribution system (PDS) dealer, Loknath Saha, at Panchla in Kolkata, adjacent to Howrah district.

Sources said the other places where the ED officials are conducting raids and search operations are mainly the residences and shops of different PDS dealers who have been under the ED’s scanner for quite some time in connection with the ration distribution case. To recall, in the last week of September, the ED submitted a supplementary charge sheet at a special court in Kolkata, which included eight new names.

Of the eight names included in the supplementary charge sheet, two were Trinamool Congress leaders from Deganga in North 24 Parganas district: Anisur Rahaman and his brother Alif Nur, a.k.a. Mukul Rahaman, a businessman.

The ED got definite clues about the Rahaman brothers’ close association with the former state Food and Supplies Minister Jyoti Priya Mallick and the Kolkata-based businessman Bakibur Rahaman. The Minister is currently in judicial custody for his alleged involvement in the scam.

The ED claimed to have identified a network of at least 60 small ration dealers directly involved in the modus operandi in the alleged scam. The modus operandi of the alleged scam, according to sources, was that — first, these ration dealers procured foodgrain from farmers bypassing the official procurement route at prices lower than the minimum support price (MSP) and, second, selling the same products at premium prices in the open market instead of selling them through PDS route.

–IANS

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BJP TN Leader Ashvathaman Exposes VCK Leader Vanni Arasu’s Criminal Record

BJP TN Leader Ashvathaman's Wife Files Complaint With NCW Against VCK Leader Vanni Arasu For Personal Attacks

In a heated exchange, Tamil Nadu BJP State Secretary Ashvathaman has responded strongly to personal attacks from VCK State Deputy General Secretary Vanni Arasu. In retaliation, Ashvathaman highlighted serious allegations against Arasu, including his involvement in a murder case, forgery, and attempted murder, by releasing a list of relevant crime facts.

In retaliation, Ashvathaman highlighted serious allegations against Arasu, including his involvement in a murder case, forgery, and attempted murder, by sharing details of court cases on his official X account on 22 October 2024. He stated, “VCK Vanni Arasu(@VanniKural) is a convicted murderer, who also got life imprisonment for murder. Two cases of attempted murder, one case of passport fraud, a total of five cases! Didn’t @thirumaofficial say there should be at least five heinous crime cases against cheetahs?! Vanniarasu is the true cadres who follows that!”

He furnished additional details of conviction and pending cases below:

Case Where Vanni Arasu Has Been Convicted

Serial Case No. 155/1998, heard by the Principal Sessions Court in Sriviliputhur, the applicable IPC sections were 148 and 302. The punishment imposed was life imprisonment, and the conviction date was 14 July 1999. An appeal was filed, with the details being Criminal Appeal (MD) No. 679/1999, dated 10 January 2008.

Cases Pending

  1. Serial FIR No. 1, registered as 1459/2008 at K.10, Koyambedu PS, Chennai, corresponds to Case No. sc 159/2019 VII, which was heard by the Additional Sessions Judge in Chennai. The applicable IPC sections for this case are 147, 148, 351, and sections r/w 3(1) of 324, 307 TNPPDL. Charges were framed on 25 March 2019, and no appeal has been filed.
  2. Serial FIR No. 2, registered as 1460/2008 at K.10, Koyambedu PS, Chennai, corresponds to Case No. sc 158/2019 VII, also heard by the Additional Sessions Judge in Chennai. The applicable IPC sections for this case are 147, 148, 149, 341, 324, 353, 332, 307, 506(ii), along with Section 120(b) of the Passport Act, r/w, 10(A) iv of the Unlawful Activities (Preventive) Act 1967. Charges were framed on 25 March 2019, and no appeal has been filed.
  3. Serial FIR No. 4, registered as 4/2007 at Chennai City Q Br, C.I.D Police, corresponds to Case No. cc 396/2012 23, heard by the Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Saidapet. The applicable IPC sections for this case are 143, 188, 448, and sections r/w 3 of TNPPDL, 341, 147, 436 Act. Charges were framed on 10 August 2016, and no appeal has been filed.
  4. Serial FIR No. 4, registered as 1128/2017 at Beerkan Karanai, Police Station Thomas Mount Chennai, corresponds to Case No. PRC 23/2018, heard by the J.M Court in Thambar. No charges were framed, and no appeal has been filed.

The dispute began when Vanni Arasu suggested that his party chief, Thirumavalavan, should be considered for the Chief Minister position. In response, Union Minister L. Murugan criticized Thirumavalavan, claiming he had no right to discuss social justice due to his previous legal actions against reservation benefits. Ashvathaman defended Murugan, questioning Thirumavalavan’s qualifications, which led to Arasu resorting to personal attacks.

In this regard, Durga Ashvathaman, the wife of Tamil Nadu BJP State Secretary A Ashvathaman, filed a complaint to the National Commission for Women, expressed her distress over the personal attacks, emphasizing the impact on her family’s reputation and calling for action against VCK’s Deputy General Secretary Vanni Arasu for spreading defamatory statements. She noted the challenges faced by her husband due to his political involvement and criticized VCK for resorting to personal attacks rather than engaging in ideological debates.

In her letter to the Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, Durga Ashvathaman requested action against Vanni Arasu, the State Deputy General Secretary of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Party (VCK), citing offenses such as personal attacks and the spreading of derogatory statements that undermine women’s dignity.

She stated, “l am a teacher. My husband Shri. A. Ashvathaman is an Advocate practising at Madras High Court and the State Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Tamil Nadu. He has many political enemies because of his active participation in politics. But no one makes a personal attack on him. There is a party in Tamil Nadu called the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) means Freedom Cheetahs Party. As the name of the party itself has a wild animal’s name, their activities are also like that. Since that party does not have an individual ideology, it resorts to ‘individual personal attacks’ on others.”

“Vanniarasu, who is the Deputy General Secretary of VCK, is deliberately spreading baseless and false allegations against me and my family. He says I have filed a Dowry Harassment Complaint against my husband and he says many other unprintable slanders. He continues to spread these disgusting false slanders on television and social media. He also posts our wedding photos on social media and posts defamatory comments on them. It is causing me great grief. These people, who do not dare to oppose my husband ideologically, are doing the dirty and despicable job of spreading slander about the family and the women in the house. My husband and I got married in 2014. We have two children. For the couples getting married in our circle, the elders would show me and my husband as an example and wish them to live like us. But, The above-mentioned person is spreading slander against us for his cheap political gains.” She added.

My husband is doing many good things for people. He has done various public works like the Cuddalore Pondicherry Railway track, Ulundurpet Railway Stoppage, he fought and got justice for the worker who was killed in Cuddalore Cashew Mill by DMK’s Ex-MP TRV Ramesh, So he continues to work despite various threats. He filed a complaint against VCK’s leader Thirumavalavan in the Manu Smriti issue and an FIR has been filed based on his complaint. Last month in Bhuvanagiri, near Chidambaram, an innocent family who had come from Karaikal for the treatment of their daughter’s stroke, was victimized by VCK’s goondas. My husband continued to raise his voice for them and he made Tamilnadu police to file an FIR against VCK goondas. The family came to meet my husband and thanked him. Now, unable to tolerate this matter, the above-mentioned Vanniarasu has again started spreading his slanders (https://x.com/Vannikural/status/1848401051449495958). | came to know that there are many cases against the above-mentioned person including murder attempt murder passport forgery. So, the above-mentioned person Vanniarasu is a habitual offender,” she added.

“If such despicable acts are allowed, it will become their routine to try to stop the people in public life, by those cheap tricks like ‘focusing on the women of their family and spreading slander’. Therefore, | request you to take appropriate action against that person, Vanniarasu, for spreading unnecessary and false derogatory defamations against me and my family,” she finally said.

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